I wasn’t sure what to think or ultimately expect, despite the radiation oncologist and other medical professionals explaining the process to me.

My first radiation appointment two weeks ago at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, included meeting with the doctor and reviewing the goals of treatment and its side effects.

The doctor then escorted me into the radiation room.

As with most rooms reserved for running tests and conducting treatments on patients, this room was sterile, bright and cold.

I was asked to lie on a hard, flat radiation table and remain still while staff made a mask for my face, to help keep my head in a stable position during treatments.

Less than a week later, the first treatment session began at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Muhlenberg Campus, Bethlehem.

The mask was too tight and did not fit on my face.

The radiation therapists had to position my head in the precise location so the radiation beams could target and hit the skin cancer and tumor.

Treatments since that appointment have taken no more than 15 minutes.

Was I scared, and am I still fearful for what the future holds? Sure.

Fear is a natural response to confronting a life crisis. Even the strongest, physically and mentally, find fear can take one by complete surprise and lead to a paralysis in action and thought.

What helped me during my first radiation appointment was the arrival of Charlene Piskula of Coplay, and her Therapy Dog, Sirius.

Both Sirius, a gentle golden retriever, and Charlene provided me with a sense of comfort and helped me relax during the appointment.

I also experienced firsthand the positive and therapeutic impact Sirius has on those battling cancer.

The eyes of one elderly woman awaiting treatment lighted up and she smiled brightly as Sirius sat next to her.

As she gently pet Sirius, I could sense the woman feeling more at ease with where she was.

Sirius and Charlene continue to make a difference in the lives of many at the hospital confronting and dealing with cancer.

Both have traveled the halls of Lehigh Valley Hospital with the mission to help and comfort cancer patients making personal journeys through the scary corridors of cancer.

Battling and managing cancer are beyond comprehension for me, and I can only imagine for countless others fighting the disease.

It’s reassuring to know there is a person, like Charlene, and her Therapy Dog, Sirius, who are there for those needing the support and comfort of a caring woman and her loving dog.

The cliché, “a dog is a man’s (woman’s) best friend” holds true.

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Editor’s note: Mark Reccek is a freelance writer for Lehigh Valley Press weekly newspapers.