To get started with the radiation of the spine for pain management, they first have to do a “simulation” to model a mask/helmet to protect his head and neck from radiation. They also pinpoint the locations that will be zapped and put small tattoos on his body. This requires him to lie flat and is similar to what happens during the actual treatment. Due to the problems with his spine, he hasn’t been able to lie flat without extreme pain for months. In this case we had to stop and go back home while waiting for a new plan of pain control plus placement on the table.