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!!!
