hollywood, tattoos, and the next step


Well, I officially went to Hollywood last Friday and got tattoos. Never in my life did I think I would utter those words, but that’s what happened. Now, relax. My arm doesn’t say “I Love Dana.” The tattoos were simply dots to help the radiation therapists line me up on the radiation table each day. The location sounds glamorous, but if you’ve ever been to Hollywood you know otherwise—it’s a pit, but it happens to be the location of Kaiser’s primary cancer hospital. No, I’m not launching an acting career, no matter how much I look like Uncle Fester.

Radiation starts tomorrow. Friday’s appointment was educational. They lined me up on the machine, marked me, and then gave me five tattoo dots. There’s also an interesting mask I have to wear during treatment to keep my head stationary. (Fortunately treatments are only a few minutes, otherwise that could make someone insane.) We then met with a doctor who explained to us the radiation field. It was much larger than I expected. Essentially I’m receiving radiation from shoulder to shoulder, and from my neck down to my mid-chest (where the top half of my heart would be.) The doctor we met with was very helpful. He also showed me some angles of my CT scan that I hadn’t seen before. I’ll post those pics later.
Side effects of radiation should be minimal—some fatigue, sore throat, skin irritation… but nothing like chemo. And so, tomorrow we officially begin the next step of this journey. Thanks for praying! We’ll keep you posted.

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4 Responses to hollywood, tattoos, and the next step

  1. The Broadwater Family says:

    Your testimony through this trial has been such an encouragement to our family. We hope you know that you and your family have been on the top of our prayer list from the start. We pray the Lord will continue to guide you through this time in your life.
    May God Bless you all!

  2. Theresa Bradford says:

    Cary: I am praying for you this morning and throughout the radiation treatments. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. You know I only started reading your blog since the beginning of your diagnosis. Your Mom told me that I could find you here. As you have been walking through this time of unknowns and leaning on God I have been walking beside you. I have been praying, no doubt. Just like God, the more I prayed the more I have found myself being taught and encouraged by you. You have glorified God and I am so thankful to have witnessed it through these pages of your blog. Thanks for taking us along. We are not done yet. Not until the beast (cancer) is gone once and for all. For you and others. I am very eager to get “Off Script” in my hands for myself and for a few others that would benefit from it at this time in their life. Thanks Cary, for opening the door wide enough for all of us to walk through with you. I give thanks for your healing and your ministry. God Bless you and your sweet, beautiful family.

    • Pastor Kenneth Carswell says:

      I just want to let you know that I am praying for every day. I understand a little of what you are experiencing. This September I will cancer free for five years. I look forward to seeing you at Spiritual Leadership Conference.

  3. alan & cherie young says:

    Br. Carey, We were on the Alaskan cruise with you and now have read your sight. You and your beautiful family are in our prayers. I was at a family reunion yesterday and alot of unsaved, esp. a cousins son fighting cancer I believe your sight will bless them in a very special way. Thank you for your testimony and courage, I know our Lord walks with you and you He. It was wonderful to be with you all, Thankyou….
    Forever in Prayer
    Alan & cherie young
    Ps. 147:11

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