Well, today
was day 25 of 40 (that means that I’m 5/8’s of the way through my treatment schedule
for those of you who are mathematically inclined). There’s good news and also some
bad news.
First, the
good news. My doctor told me that as soon as I finish my treatments, he will
consider me to be in remission. Also, there will be no follow-up CT scans
unless the periodic PSA tests show something abnormal, which he has no reason
to expect will happen. I will have the PSA tests every few months.
He also
informed me that we have begun the second phase of my radiation treatment. The
first phase, which we just completed, was a broad treatment of the entire
pelvis. It was to ensure that any cancer which had spread to the lymph nodes
(which he didn’t think had happened) was taken care of first. Now, the second phase
is more focused on the prostate itself. We’ve gone from a shotgun to a sniper rifle,
as it were.
The not-so-good
news begins with the fact that I have begun to feel a bad effect from the
treatments. I have started to suffer bouts of the ‘Tijuana 2-Step’. When I
informed them of this, they said that was perfectly normal and to try Immodium.
They also said if that didn’t cure the problem that they can prescribe something
stronger. So far, it has worked so I’m hoping we don’t have to go to
prescription drugs.
Secondly, we
had an unexpected large expense this week. The 65 foot tall pin oak in front of
the house and beside the driveway had to be removed. We were experiencing large
branches and even limbs falling constantly any time that we had even a decently
strong wind. I called a tree service to come and trim up all 3 of the trees that
we have left (the fourth one was badly damaged in that October snow storm we
had several years ago and came crashing down into the back yard a few years
ago. Luckily it missed the house). They informed me that this tree needed to be
removed because it was dying. I hadn’t noticed it before, but the tree had begun
to lean and the upper parts were becoming sparse; very few healthy limbs and
branches and VERY few leaves. After lengthy deliberation I figured that the
tree was approximately70’ish years old, since our house was built in 1947. So,
Monday the tree service crew came out and cut it down and also trimmed the dead
and low-hanging branches and limbs from the other 2. They returned Tuesday and
ground out the stump, which I was surprised to see was probably 5 feet across.
Anyone need some mulch for free (our youngest son took the firewood)??? So, $3700 later we have a lot more sunlight
and don’t have to worry about limbs (or even the entire tree) falling on the
car or the house.
We did
experience a little good fortune this past week when my sister-in-law brought
over a nice big lasagna for us to enjoy last Wednesday. It was delicious!!! Those of you who
know my taste in food will not be surprised to hear that I added some red
pepper flakes to mine, as I tend to the spicy side of all meals whenever
possible.
The last part
of the bad news this week came shortly after our lasagna was delivered.
Unfortunately my wife suffered a severe set-back to one of her many health
problems and I had to take her to the ER. After some testing, they kept her.
She didn’t get out until Saturday after a LOT of tests. She’s home now and on
the mend, so that’s a great thing. She’s very worn out, but that is to be
expected.
Tomorrow is
Thanksgiving, and I’m thankful that she is home with me where she belongs.
Also, I am feeling fairly good, all things considered. We are planning on going
over to our oldest son’s house for Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow as long as she
is feeling up to it. Please keep all of those who aren't able to have Thanksgiving with their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
To all our
friends, we cannot thank you enough for your thoughts and prayers. We do ask
that you keep them coming, especially for my wife.
