RT JOURNEY | Leon Axel

“When I was diagnosed with throat cancer and started radiation therapy to treat it, I was frightened about both the possible side effects of the treatment and the ultimate outcome. As a part of a journalI kept during the treatment and my subsequent recovery, I incorporated some watercolor and ink drawings I made (based on cell phone snapshots), particularly of some of the people who were key parts of my treatment team. This human side of my radiation therapy journey was an important part of the experience; I would like to share a few of these images.”

Dr. Persky

My surgical oncologist made the initial diagnosis and managed my overall treatment.

Dr. Hu and Cathy

My radiation oncologist and his assistant directed my treatment and helped guide me through it.

Radiation Therapy System

The massive RT system was intimidating at first, but the treatments became routine.

Patrick

The RT technicians setting up my treatments became familiar figures.

Kathy

The nurses provided both medical and emotional support.

Recovering

It was welcome to feel myself starting to recover from a dark and difficult journey.

Leon Axel is a diagnostic radiologist at New York University Grossman School of Medicine. Although his technical and clinical background helped him understand what was going on while undergoing radiation therapy, he experienced it very much as just a patient.

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