We're so glad to have accomplished this milestone! Six weeks in Jacksonville away from the rest of the family was tough, but we made it through! Just wanted to share some pictures of the actual Proton radiation therapy Taylor went through six days a week for 6 weeks.
Proton Therapy has been used as a form of Radiation since 1954. Since then more that 60,000 patients worldwide have received proton therapy. It is a form of radiation that uses protons which are easier to control instead of X-rays. The UF Institute is one of the busiest in the world. They have treated over 250 children within the past 3 years.
Taylor would lye in a customized body mold for each treatment. Lasers would align the beam so that proton therapy is delivered precisely to the tumor site each time. His daily treatment would take 45 minutes. Most of this time is spent replicating and verifying the correct body position for treatment. The average time to actually deliver proton therapy is only one to three minutes. During this Taylor did not feel or see the proton beam.
Congratulations Taylor!!! I know you will be happy to be getting back home with your friends and family.
ReplyDeleteAmie