Thursday, October 11, 2018

Cancer update 10/11/18


I know it’s been awhile since I updated everyone on my cancer battle, but that is because there was nothing new to pass along until today.

I had thought that I was going to begin my radiation treatment, but instead I got 3 tattoos!! No dragons or butterflies, but 3 black light visible ones to direct the technicians when I do start my treatment next week.

First, they put me on a table and put a Styrofoam block between my feet, then used a big rubber band to lock my feet in position on either side of the block. They placed what I can only describe as a large pillow under my legs. They then used a vacuum to evacuate whatever was inside of the pillow in order to mold it to my legs. They said they would use the pillow each time I went in for treatment to help me hold still while they apply the radiation. Next came my 3 tattoos; one on each hip and one on my abdomen. Then, they ran me through a scanner, not unlike the one I had my 2 CT scans in. They ran 1 scan, checked it and then ran another because they were not happy with the first. I probably was on the table a total of a half hour, but it wasn’t too bad.

After the doctor approved the scan we discussed how the treatments would go. First of all, I have to come in with a full bladder; I can’t go for 2 hours beforehand! That’s no easy assignment for us old guys, let me tell you!! The doctor said there were 2 options for the treatments. Either the normal 8 week course (40 total treatments) or an increased, more concentrated dose for just 5 weeks. He said that in the last 2 years studies have shown that the shorter course is equally effective as the 8 week one. We decided to start with the 5 week course and see how I tolerate it and how it affects me. If there are no problems, we’ll stick with it; otherwise we’ll have to switch to the lower dose and take longer.

Dr. Stavas asked how I’d been feeling, and I told him tired with a capital T!!! I sleep 8 hours or more but still have to take an hour to hour and a half nap every day. I am just constantly worn out!! He told me that is normal, and the longer that I am on this medication to kill the testosterone the worse it will get. It’s been bad enough that I’ve only been able to work at my part-time job 3 days out of the last 2 weeks, and that is so frustrating I can’t tell you!!!! As for side-effects of the treatments, he said the most likely is urination problems like frequency and urgency. Since I drink nothing but water all day long, with a total of around 200 ounces a day, that is going to be a biggie!!!!! But, if that’s the worst that happens, I can handle it. I just hope the toilet can!!!!!

My first treatment will be next Thursday and continue every week day. If I can stick with the 5 week plan I will be done 1 week before Thanksgiving. I’m hoping that I can tolerate it well enough to make that happen. Hold a good thought for me please that is how it goes.

I want to thank everyone for their concern, thoughts and prayers so far and ask that they continue. I’m not scared, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned. I’ll keep you all advised as soon as treatments start.

Thanks for stopping by!!!