Well, I
finally finished my radiation treatments for my prostate cancer! Yesterday was
my 44th and final one.
I have to be
honest here and say that when I first found out that I had stage 3 prostate
cancer I was scared! I was scared for myself of course, but I think that I was
more scared for Linda. We’ve always been there for each other; through thick
and thin, in sickness and in health, in the good times and the bad times. Just
like the marriage vows say, we were there. All of a sudden, the thought crept
into my mind that I might not be there when she needed me.
Also, I was
afraid that I might not be able to see my granddaughters grow up. It was
possible that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to spend time with my 2 sons and
my daughter-in-laws from time to time.
Hell; I didn’t
know what I was scared of, but I WAS scared.
My final
visit with the oncologist was heartening, thankfully. He said that he
considered me in remission and that all I would have to do is keep getting the
shots to kill my testosterone every 3 months and get my PSA checked at the same
time just so that they could be sure that the cancer didn’t come back.
My final
visit was a relief, but at the same time kind of sad. I grew to know all the
technicians, the woman who checked me in and several of the other patients. Now
I wouldn’t be seeing them anymore. I gave the technicians a card to pass around
to everyone there; thanking them for everything they did for me. And, in return
they gave me a diploma that they all signed with well wishes. So, all in all, it
was a great but sad day,
Also, this
week, we got another 4-figure bill for treatments. I do believe that we will be
able to meet our insurance deductible!! The bad part is that it’s a week and a
half from year end. Oh well; such is life.
I am hoping
against hope that now that the treatments are over that I can get back to
whatever passes as normal for this old man. I’m struggling to stay awake as I
write this in fact. I still am feeling rather weak also. Another bout of the runs
the past few days hasn’t helped my attitude either.
I just want
to be able to start making some money to help pay the bills!!! I have every
hope that at least by the end of the year, or the beginning of next year that
can happen.
As always, I
thank all of you who are reading this for your well wishes and for keeping both
Linda and I in your thoughts and prayers!!
