Arrangements, and: Radiation Therapy and You

Arrangements

This dance to stay anchored, to stay still enough to claim weight, to form

      this is my hand, lacquered, lotioned, lingering
                        under the illusion of grasp and hold

How does the cell decide when to ascend,
                        to give in to the tug of electrons?

      start over
      try a different shade - coffee bean, cucumber
      use soft strokes to fill in the outline

Does "excited" mean "in love"?
                        anticipate the valance
                                    my cation against your anion

      a blend of red beneath cheekbones, Velcro rollers & Aqua Net

The primal urge for covalence

      a half-empty bottle of cream-rinse
                        a dot over every i

Radiation Therapy and You

(Title and lines are taken from the National Cancer Institute's pamphlet "Radiation Therapy and You: a guide to self-help during treatment.")

you may not want to read this
you will be watched on a television screen
your doctor will not advise you
your doctor decides
which machine is best for you

keep in mind that you can be seen and heard at all times
you will not see or hear the radiation
you may hear the term Remote Brachytherapy
knowing the meaning of words can help you

most likely you won't feel anything
lumps, bumps, or swelling
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
unusual rashes, bruises, or bleeding
the benefits are greater than the risks
it will be many years before scientists know the possible risks

fortunately, most side effects will go away in time
side effects are usually gone within a few weeks
side effects may take months or years to develop
and usually are permanent
some side effects can last longer
you may have no side effects
your doctor will tell you if you should

coping with short-term problems may be easier than you expect
your hairpiece is a tax-deductible expense
use soft lighting, quiet music, brightly colored table settings
whatever helps you feel good
your doctor will help you choose
turn on the radio or television
get the most from each glassful
ask your dentist about artificial saliva

after treatment for cancer, you're likely to be more aware of yourbody
do not use any soaps, lotions, deodorants, medicines,
perfumes, cosmetics, talcum powder or other substances
do not rub or scrub
do not use adhesive tape
do not apply heat or cold
do not feel that you have to do the things you normally do
just breathe
the treatment itself is not a direct cause of mental distress

radiation is a special kind of energy