One down, 39 to go

My 7 a.m. wakeup call was early for someone who is used to working an evening shift. But my body is beginning to adapt to a more "normal" sleep schedule. ...
First thing this morning was a brain scan. It was routine and uneventful expect for the IV. I hate needles! ...
This afternoon, my first radiation treatment went well. In fact, it was over before I really realized it had begun. Quick and painless. There was good news. The radiation will barely touch the edge of my esophagus, so throat soreness should be kept to a minimum and I shouldn't have as much trouble swallowing as a lot of people who go through this treatment. I'm taking this as more than a small victory.
I'm scheduled to have 40 radiation treatments, one a day Monday-Friday. The routine is simple. I swipe my ID card at the front desk then head to the changing room. I trade in my shirt for a smock and then have a seat in the waiting room. From there, it's to the treatment room. As I'm lying there looking up at this machine that's going to zap me with radiation, I keeping thinking what would happen if it fell on me. That would surely kill this monster in my chest. Of course it would probably do me in too. Before I know what's going on, I'm told: "You've just had your first radiation treatment."
Because it's my first session, a nurse asks me a ton of questions. She is concerned about my cough of last night and wants the doctor to prescribe some medicine for me. As it turns out, the doctor doesn't see a need for cough syrup. The nurse is not happy with him. I'll let her know if I have another coughing fit. ...
All in all, not a bad day. Mine was certainly better than the day the coal-mining families in West Virginia had. To be told your loved ones are alive just to be told later they are dead ... well, my heart goes out to them.
I received a couple of cards and e-mails from co-workers. That's always a pick-me-up. I got an invitation for beer and wings. I doubt it's to go to Hooters, though, because the invitation was from a man of the cloth. My daughter called and I spoke with my Mother. I talked to my sister last night. I have a great support system, starting with my wife. ...
I'm hoping tomorrow will be a lazy day. I'm a bit tired tonight. I have radiation tomorrow, and that's all that is on my agenda. You're reading this, so please say a prayer for me.