Scanning Trial

Yesterday I visited the hospital to be invited to participate in a trial.

This time there are no drugs involved in the trial rather it is the pioneering of a a new type of scanner.

Radiotherapy involves delivering X-Rays to the tumour.  The process must be accurate to target the tumour but a margin must be left to ensure that the targe is hit allowing for the fact that the tumour moves as the patient breathes.

The preparation process usually involves a CT Scan which provides a cross sectional image of the body; much like a sliced loaf of bread.

The new scanner gives a 4D image much like a video showing the movement.

I may benefit a little from the trial but, like all trials, the main beneficiaries will be those who a receive the treatment after the results of the trial are reviewed.

Today I  received both the standard scan and the 4D scan and I now have three pin-prick sized tattoos so that they know how to position me when I start radiotherapy treatment on the 28th.