I remember someone telling me that the second, third, etc. days would be a real bear. As good as I felt on the day of and the day after I really didn't think so. WRONG!
Lose of appetite, lethargic, weak, and just about any other word you can think of to describe feeling lousy. That was pretty much me.
Getting some of my appetite back now. Still drinking water and juice. Going easy on the solids but have had some.
Good part of the weekend is that my youngest daughter came for a visit! It's always good to see her. She can kinda open up my aspects of things sometimes.
Looking forward to a good day today.
More later.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
POST-CHEMO - Day 1
Today was a bit unusual, to say the least.
Was pretty hyper during the night and did
not get a great deal of sleep. Was tired
most of the day but still pumped up with
the steroid from yesterday.
HUNGRY!! I could have eaten any and every
thing is sight. (I'm glad I didn't find the
can of sardines in the pantry).
Became pretty "flushed" according to the
Bride. She called the MO's Nurse to see what
we could do. They wanted to call in a script
for XANAX (anti-depressant). Me who is hyper
as hades needs and anti-depressant??? Plus
it affects some of the other drugs I take.
Flush went away of it's own accord at it's
own pace.
Bride got to inject me in the thigh this
morning. I think she got a kick outta that.
A nurse who get a charge outta giving a shot!!!
That's hot.
Bride used my hyperactivity by assimilating
same and mowing the lawn and doing the laundry.
She also made a trip to the grocery for a few
items that we needed/wanted. I wanted ICE CREAM!
I also got PRUNE JUICE. Not too bad if it is
really cold.
Took all of my meds and actually had a decent
day. I did receive a couple of pages from work
and several emails. I have not checked my phone
at the office.
I'm going to attempt a few hours of work Wednesday.
Nothing drastic, just some paperwork and phone
work. Meet with a few people and check on my "people."
Today I leave you with this thought:
Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking together in the same direction.
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
But I do reserve the right to come back later today and add more.
Chow
Was pretty hyper during the night and did
not get a great deal of sleep. Was tired
most of the day but still pumped up with
the steroid from yesterday.
HUNGRY!! I could have eaten any and every
thing is sight. (I'm glad I didn't find the
can of sardines in the pantry).
Became pretty "flushed" according to the
Bride. She called the MO's Nurse to see what
we could do. They wanted to call in a script
for XANAX (anti-depressant). Me who is hyper
as hades needs and anti-depressant??? Plus
it affects some of the other drugs I take.
Flush went away of it's own accord at it's
own pace.
Bride got to inject me in the thigh this
morning. I think she got a kick outta that.
A nurse who get a charge outta giving a shot!!!
That's hot.
Bride used my hyperactivity by assimilating
same and mowing the lawn and doing the laundry.
She also made a trip to the grocery for a few
items that we needed/wanted. I wanted ICE CREAM!
I also got PRUNE JUICE. Not too bad if it is
really cold.
Took all of my meds and actually had a decent
day. I did receive a couple of pages from work
and several emails. I have not checked my phone
at the office.
I'm going to attempt a few hours of work Wednesday.
Nothing drastic, just some paperwork and phone
work. Meet with a few people and check on my "people."
Today I leave you with this thought:
Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking together in the same direction.
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
But I do reserve the right to come back later today and add more.
Chow
Monday, August 25, 2008
Chemo - Day 1
Today went well, so far. Just got home from CHEMO.
Had three chemo drugs; Carboplatin, Avastin and Alimta.
Also anti-nausea drug, vitamin B-12, and a steroid.
Was told get some CLARITIN for possible bone pain
(highly recommended by UNC Hospitals); they don't know
why or how it works, but it does. A prescription for
another anti-nausea drug, and a drug (Nuelasta) to
stimulate bone marrow growth (Bride get's to give me
this one).
Everyone in the place acted very nice and seemed to
be sincere in the attitude they have toward the patients.
HURRAY for GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!! Ya can't find it
in retail establishments except on very, rare occasions,
but it's alive and well in my MO's office.
Bride has gone to the pharmacy (NOT WALLY WORLD) to get
the anti-nausea prescription and relieve her tension by
going shopping at a nearby retail establishment of her
choosing (GRIN).
I'm having a happy day.....I'm actually on vacation from
work for the whole week. I've had two pages, two emails
and, luckily, no phone calls today. Truth be known, I'll
probably go back on Wednesday if, IF, I am feeling OK.
Have a Great! Week.
Had three chemo drugs; Carboplatin, Avastin and Alimta.
Also anti-nausea drug, vitamin B-12, and a steroid.
Was told get some CLARITIN for possible bone pain
(highly recommended by UNC Hospitals); they don't know
why or how it works, but it does. A prescription for
another anti-nausea drug, and a drug (Nuelasta) to
stimulate bone marrow growth (Bride get's to give me
this one).
Everyone in the place acted very nice and seemed to
be sincere in the attitude they have toward the patients.
HURRAY for GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!! Ya can't find it
in retail establishments except on very, rare occasions,
but it's alive and well in my MO's office.
Bride has gone to the pharmacy (NOT WALLY WORLD) to get
the anti-nausea prescription and relieve her tension by
going shopping at a nearby retail establishment of her
choosing (GRIN).
I'm having a happy day.....I'm actually on vacation from
work for the whole week. I've had two pages, two emails
and, luckily, no phone calls today. Truth be known, I'll
probably go back on Wednesday if, IF, I am feeling OK.
Have a Great! Week.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Another anomaly
Bride and I went to Applebee's Restaurant for dinner last evening.
It's amazing how teenage and young adult females paste a dead grin
upon their faces when the headphone communication set is put into
place.
This thing seems to numb their brain. They appear to be awaiting a cue
or direct instructions from the mothership on seating directions. It's
really a sight to see.
We were directed to the far (shady) side of the restaurant for seating
at a table. I indicated that we would prefer a booth. Even though there
were open booths available adjacent to the spot we were standing, she
spoke into her microphone and suddenly we were being escorted to the
other side of the restaurant (sunny side, with blinds open).
We never did understand this seating fiasco.
The food was really good, which is unusual for a chain restaurant (in
my opinion, at least). The actual waitress (can I really call her that?)
gave pretty good service. Kudos. Of course when I ordered the RIBLETS she
was not certain which rib dish I really wanted. Had to open the menu and
point it out to her. After that things went pretty good. Refills were
numerous and timely.
Maybe I'm getting too critical in my old age, but Bride said that I should
mention Applebee's in the blog......this is the mention.
I would be remiss if there weren't a mention of BEST BUY...don't know where
they get them - associates, that is - . Went in there today with the intention
of spending several hundred of my hard earned dollars on a brand new computer.
While browsing around in another area I asked a female clerk where the GPS
units were. She pointed to a rack nearby. I looked but didn't see the
"accessories" for this modern day wonders. I asked, "Where are the accessories?"
Her reply was "Ice cream and cookies?" Ok, I know I'm a bit slow at times, but
did I miss something here??? When did BEST BUY start selling ice cream and cookies in the GPS section (or anywhere else in the store for that matter)?
I looked at this woman (not a teen or college age person, a fully "growed" adult)
like I had been hit. Told the Bride it was time to leave. I marched right out of
this place and, honestly, wish I go through the rest of my life without having to
set foot in there again.
(I think sales people have this "thing" about giving even decent service)
It's amazing how teenage and young adult females paste a dead grin
upon their faces when the headphone communication set is put into
place.
This thing seems to numb their brain. They appear to be awaiting a cue
or direct instructions from the mothership on seating directions. It's
really a sight to see.
We were directed to the far (shady) side of the restaurant for seating
at a table. I indicated that we would prefer a booth. Even though there
were open booths available adjacent to the spot we were standing, she
spoke into her microphone and suddenly we were being escorted to the
other side of the restaurant (sunny side, with blinds open).
We never did understand this seating fiasco.
The food was really good, which is unusual for a chain restaurant (in
my opinion, at least). The actual waitress (can I really call her that?)
gave pretty good service. Kudos. Of course when I ordered the RIBLETS she
was not certain which rib dish I really wanted. Had to open the menu and
point it out to her. After that things went pretty good. Refills were
numerous and timely.
Maybe I'm getting too critical in my old age, but Bride said that I should
mention Applebee's in the blog......this is the mention.
I would be remiss if there weren't a mention of BEST BUY...don't know where
they get them - associates, that is - . Went in there today with the intention
of spending several hundred of my hard earned dollars on a brand new computer.
While browsing around in another area I asked a female clerk where the GPS
units were. She pointed to a rack nearby. I looked but didn't see the
"accessories" for this modern day wonders. I asked, "Where are the accessories?"
Her reply was "Ice cream and cookies?" Ok, I know I'm a bit slow at times, but
did I miss something here??? When did BEST BUY start selling ice cream and cookies in the GPS section (or anywhere else in the store for that matter)?
I looked at this woman (not a teen or college age person, a fully "growed" adult)
like I had been hit. Told the Bride it was time to leave. I marched right out of
this place and, honestly, wish I go through the rest of my life without having to
set foot in there again.
(I think sales people have this "thing" about giving even decent service)
Pharmacies, Drug Stores, Apothocaries, etc........
These places are a requirement of most of us. A place to buy toothpaste, tampons, film, candy, milk, bread, and, yes, medicines.
At times this can be a pleasant experience and at times it is the experience from hell.
Yesterday my MO's office called in a script for me to pick up. Asked her to tell them that I would pick it up late that afternoon.
Went to my local "wally world" pharmacy to get said meds, arriving at 4:40PM. Clerk (they are called ASSOCIATES in this place) asked for name & DOB, which I graciously provided.
She; "We don't have anything for you"
Me; "Are you sure? It was called in early today"
She; "NO!"
Me; "Could you check in pile of scripts to be filled and let me know if mine is waiting to be filled?"
She; "NO!"
Me; "Well, thanks!" all the while mumbling un-nice things under my breath.
Me; dialing the number to the MO's Nurse.
MO's Nurse; "This is MO's nurse, may I help you?"
Me; "This is me, you called in a script to the Leland Walmart Pharmacy for me earlier today and they are telling me they don't have a record of it.
MO's Nurse; "This is the SECOND TIME this has happened to a patient of our's today! If you can hold for just a minute I will check with the pharmacy."
Me; holding, holding, holding, holding, DISCONNECTED!!
Me; hit "REDIAL"
MO's Office Phone Maze Answers again.....Push the correct buttons to speak with MO's Nurse and get the GastroInterology Section. GI Nurse tells me that she will transfer the call to the correct extension. MO's receptionist answers and tells me wait just a moment and she will connect me with MO's Nurse.
MO's Nurse; "We were cut-off".
Me, to myself (DUH)
MO's Nurse; "I just spoke with the Pharmacy and your script is ready. I have no idea what the problem was. I had to call earlier on another one and it was the same story: They couldn't find it for the patient but it was right there when I called to check."
Me; "Thank you so very much for your help. Rest assured that this will be the final time I use the wallyworld pharmacy services."
Me: Back into the store and the pharmacy counter.
Clerk; "Name and date of birth?" (More of a demand than a request)
Me; "yada yada yada"
Clerk; "We don't have anything for you."
Me (getting pretty ticked); "I just spoke with my Dr's office and you assured the nurse that my script is ready."
Clerk; "I didn't tell anybody anything about your script."
Me, backtracking; "I used "you" to mean the entire pharmacy staff, not you in particular"
Clerk; "I don't have anything for you. You will need to step over to the Drop-off if you have any other questions."
Me; "Thank you, I will" (I said that????)
Me, at Drop-off window; "Drop-off Window clerk, I have a problem."
DOWC; " Just a moment, I'm assisting another customer."
Me: WAITING AGAIN.....Pharmacy Manager comes up to assist DOWC and another customer.
PM; "You can come to this window and she will assist you."
Me; "No, I need to speak with you."
PM; "Me?"
Me; "Yes, you"
PM; "What can I do for you?"
Me telling my story to the PM; "yada, yada, yada"
PM; "Well, this just came off of the voice mail at 4:20....and ..... oh, it's on my desk for approval now. It will be just a minute."
Me; "If I was in here at 4:40 and you got it off of the voice mail at 4:20 why did everyone that I asked tell me that I didn't have a script here?"
PM, ignoring my question; "Give me just a couple of minutes more and I'll have it checked for you."
Clerk; "Name and Date of Birth." (Demanding, not asking)
Me, gave same for about the second or third time in 45 minutes.
Clerk; "That will be $9.33, do you want cash back?"
Me; "No thanks."
Me, leaving this wonderful, modern, marvel of the retail trade asking myself 'How do they survive with the lousy customer service that abounds throughout the company?' Examples:
1. Can you help me with this? No, it's not my department.
2. Can you tell me where I can find fidoboxes? No, it's not my department.
3. Where is the Manager? She's out to lunch.
4. How long is the wait to have a script filled? One hour. (no other customers in sight)
5. How long is the wait for an oil change? It will be an hour (one other vehicle in sight)
6. What is this horrible smell in the grocery area? Something must be rotten somewhere.
Yes, the American Retail Trade is in good hands.
Sam Walton must be spinning over and over in his grave.
Of course Sears, JC Penny and the other BIG retailers are not much better.
The days of real customer service are long, long gone. Heck, most of these
"clerks" and "cashiers" can't even make change without relying on the computerized cash registers in use today. Most don't have a clue about MANNERS!!!! It seems that a great deal of them think of the customer as a distraction from their gossip sessions.
My little saga of today comes to an end on a high note.....
I picked my Bride up from the hair place and we went to dinner. I ate too much (have to keep my weight up per the MO and RO).
Hair....reminds me of another story. A friend (I do have a few) told me she would loan me her wig when my hair falls out. Told her thanks but no thanks, she doesn't have a blonde wig and I have always wanted to be a blonde.
I'm on call this weekend so I have to carry two pagers and a cellphone everywhere I go. Hope they all don't go off at once while we're at the picnic. (Hope the weather holds, we might ride the motorcycles).
Until next time.......Smile and make people wonder what you've been up to.
At times this can be a pleasant experience and at times it is the experience from hell.
Yesterday my MO's office called in a script for me to pick up. Asked her to tell them that I would pick it up late that afternoon.
Went to my local "wally world" pharmacy to get said meds, arriving at 4:40PM. Clerk (they are called ASSOCIATES in this place) asked for name & DOB, which I graciously provided.
She; "We don't have anything for you"
Me; "Are you sure? It was called in early today"
She; "NO!"
Me; "Could you check in pile of scripts to be filled and let me know if mine is waiting to be filled?"
She; "NO!"
Me; "Well, thanks!" all the while mumbling un-nice things under my breath.
Me; dialing the number to the MO's Nurse.
MO's Nurse; "This is MO's nurse, may I help you?"
Me; "This is me, you called in a script to the Leland Walmart Pharmacy for me earlier today and they are telling me they don't have a record of it.
MO's Nurse; "This is the SECOND TIME this has happened to a patient of our's today! If you can hold for just a minute I will check with the pharmacy."
Me; holding, holding, holding, holding, DISCONNECTED!!
Me; hit "REDIAL"
MO's Office Phone Maze Answers again.....Push the correct buttons to speak with MO's Nurse and get the GastroInterology Section. GI Nurse tells me that she will transfer the call to the correct extension. MO's receptionist answers and tells me wait just a moment and she will connect me with MO's Nurse.
MO's Nurse; "We were cut-off".
Me, to myself (DUH)
MO's Nurse; "I just spoke with the Pharmacy and your script is ready. I have no idea what the problem was. I had to call earlier on another one and it was the same story: They couldn't find it for the patient but it was right there when I called to check."
Me; "Thank you so very much for your help. Rest assured that this will be the final time I use the wallyworld pharmacy services."
Me: Back into the store and the pharmacy counter.
Clerk; "Name and date of birth?" (More of a demand than a request)
Me; "yada yada yada"
Clerk; "We don't have anything for you."
Me (getting pretty ticked); "I just spoke with my Dr's office and you assured the nurse that my script is ready."
Clerk; "I didn't tell anybody anything about your script."
Me, backtracking; "I used "you" to mean the entire pharmacy staff, not you in particular"
Clerk; "I don't have anything for you. You will need to step over to the Drop-off if you have any other questions."
Me; "Thank you, I will" (I said that????)
Me, at Drop-off window; "Drop-off Window clerk, I have a problem."
DOWC; " Just a moment, I'm assisting another customer."
Me: WAITING AGAIN.....Pharmacy Manager comes up to assist DOWC and another customer.
PM; "You can come to this window and she will assist you."
Me; "No, I need to speak with you."
PM; "Me?"
Me; "Yes, you"
PM; "What can I do for you?"
Me telling my story to the PM; "yada, yada, yada"
PM; "Well, this just came off of the voice mail at 4:20....and ..... oh, it's on my desk for approval now. It will be just a minute."
Me; "If I was in here at 4:40 and you got it off of the voice mail at 4:20 why did everyone that I asked tell me that I didn't have a script here?"
PM, ignoring my question; "Give me just a couple of minutes more and I'll have it checked for you."
Clerk; "Name and Date of Birth." (Demanding, not asking)
Me, gave same for about the second or third time in 45 minutes.
Clerk; "That will be $9.33, do you want cash back?"
Me; "No thanks."
Me, leaving this wonderful, modern, marvel of the retail trade asking myself 'How do they survive with the lousy customer service that abounds throughout the company?' Examples:
1. Can you help me with this? No, it's not my department.
2. Can you tell me where I can find fidoboxes? No, it's not my department.
3. Where is the Manager? She's out to lunch.
4. How long is the wait to have a script filled? One hour. (no other customers in sight)
5. How long is the wait for an oil change? It will be an hour (one other vehicle in sight)
6. What is this horrible smell in the grocery area? Something must be rotten somewhere.
Yes, the American Retail Trade is in good hands.
Sam Walton must be spinning over and over in his grave.
Of course Sears, JC Penny and the other BIG retailers are not much better.
The days of real customer service are long, long gone. Heck, most of these
"clerks" and "cashiers" can't even make change without relying on the computerized cash registers in use today. Most don't have a clue about MANNERS!!!! It seems that a great deal of them think of the customer as a distraction from their gossip sessions.
My little saga of today comes to an end on a high note.....
I picked my Bride up from the hair place and we went to dinner. I ate too much (have to keep my weight up per the MO and RO).
Hair....reminds me of another story. A friend (I do have a few) told me she would loan me her wig when my hair falls out. Told her thanks but no thanks, she doesn't have a blonde wig and I have always wanted to be a blonde.
I'm on call this weekend so I have to carry two pagers and a cellphone everywhere I go. Hope they all don't go off at once while we're at the picnic. (Hope the weather holds, we might ride the motorcycles).
Until next time.......Smile and make people wonder what you've been up to.
It's Saturday !!
No work, at least not for me. We (my Bride and I) are going to a "Picnic" just before Noon. It will be at a local park. Hope the weather holds out. This is put on by a group that we belong to. Was fun last year and should be even better this year. Bride loves these things, but honestly, I will miss my air conditioned living room and sofa!
A friend from my not too distant past sent me a "Thought for Today" a few weeks back. It's receipt actually coincided with my diagnosis. It was a quote from Professor Randy Pausch. You really should look him up on Google or click on the link here. Here's what it says.
We can't change the cards we're dealt, just how we play the hand.
- Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture
This quote made me think about the situation I find myself in. I had seen and listened to Randy's "Last Lecture" via You Tube or something similar. The whole concept was intriguing and enlightening. I followed Randy's story until his death. I think that I draw some of my strength from this remarkable man and the 'life attitude' that he displayed.
There are more Randyisms out there and some are really good!.
Melancholy sets in.
I guess, above all, I just want those that I love to always remember that one little word, above all else, when they think of me.
A friend from my not too distant past sent me a "Thought for Today" a few weeks back. It's receipt actually coincided with my diagnosis. It was a quote from Professor Randy Pausch. You really should look him up on Google or click on the link here. Here's what it says.
We can't change the cards we're dealt, just how we play the hand.
- Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture
This quote made me think about the situation I find myself in. I had seen and listened to Randy's "Last Lecture" via You Tube or something similar. The whole concept was intriguing and enlightening. I followed Randy's story until his death. I think that I draw some of my strength from this remarkable man and the 'life attitude' that he displayed.
There are more Randyisms out there and some are really good!.
Melancholy sets in.
I guess, above all, I just want those that I love to always remember that one little word, above all else, when they think of me.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Another Day
Today I spoke with the medical oncologist (MO) again. We are on go for Monday morning. We're gonna try a three drug cocktail. The Radiation Guy (RG) wants to shrink this thing before he tries to cook away the rest of it. Hey, that's fine by me. The MO thinks this will work just fine. Chemo, three weeks later, Chemo and another MRI. If all looks well the RG will get his shot.
For those of you have never had something like this....some people just don't know how to handle the whole thing. Sometimes it's kinda comical, sometimes it kinda sad. Some times they whisper (why, I can still hear?), touch you when they speak (body-to-body transmission?). I know that each and everyone of them are sincere in their concern, it's just the way I see things (is my sense of humor distorted?).
This is MY relief mechanism so pardon me if it offends. I woke up on the "green side" this morning and I'm celebrating!
Love and laughter to everyone!
For those of you have never had something like this....some people just don't know how to handle the whole thing. Sometimes it's kinda comical, sometimes it kinda sad. Some times they whisper (why, I can still hear?), touch you when they speak (body-to-body transmission?). I know that each and everyone of them are sincere in their concern, it's just the way I see things (is my sense of humor distorted?).
This is MY relief mechanism so pardon me if it offends. I woke up on the "green side" this morning and I'm celebrating!
Love and laughter to everyone!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Downer Day
Today I got a call from the Radiation guy.....leaves me a message to call Joe Blow (substitute name). I don't know Joe Blow from cow dung. Anyway I called and he told me who it was.
Bad news. We're (read that he is) going to delay the Radiation until the Chemo is finished. Seems the angle is not exactly right and he would blow away more of my lung that he wanted to. After the Chemo the spot should be smaller and easier to handle.
Oh, that's life. We have to play the cards we're delt. Right?
Have a call in for the Medical Oncologist so we can a better idea of what's going to happen now. Increase in chemo drug dosages? Longer chemo schedule? Wait and see.
Bad news. We're (read that he is) going to delay the Radiation until the Chemo is finished. Seems the angle is not exactly right and he would blow away more of my lung that he wanted to. After the Chemo the spot should be smaller and easier to handle.
Oh, that's life. We have to play the cards we're delt. Right?
Have a call in for the Medical Oncologist so we can a better idea of what's going to happen now. Increase in chemo drug dosages? Longer chemo schedule? Wait and see.
The Oncologists
First one was the Medical Oncologist. This is the dude that gives the poison shots....
just kidding.....these drugs are really powerful!! Had my blood drawn (by needle not by pen and paper) and they checked to see if I was a "blue blood", I guess. I wasn't.
That all appeared to be OK. He's a good guy, graduate of "THE USC" (for those of you who are not edumacated that is THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA. He sent me to the Radiation Oncologist.
This guy is pretty bright.....he's got a PHD in something or other (medical I would guess). There's more questions and answers. He tells me to come back in a couple of days and we'll get fitted for the ZAP of radiation.
In the mean time I had a PORT-A-CATH installed in my upper left arm. Not too bad, they managed to numb the area they were gonna cut into. This was on a Friday morning before 8:30 and I still had to work that day.
Saturday morning, before 7AM they had me in the radiology department at the local hospital for an MRI of the brain (could have saved all of us some time and me some money if they had listen when I told them the skull was empty).
Back to the Medical guy for a CHEMO-CLASS. That's where they tell ya what to expect after the chemo treatments begin. Doesn't sound like a lot of fun. Bunches of could's and maybe's and if's and and's. We'll just have to see.
Next trip was to the Radiation Doc. They took some x-rays and some measurements. Then the little lady said "I'm gonna tattoo you in three places." Wham-bam, thank ya ma'am. Hurt like hell, let me tell ya. Much more than having the Port-A-Cath put in.
I almost came up off of the x-ray table and probably would have except for the big old x-ray machine over my face.
Left there and went to the hospital again, this time for another CT. Seems they couldn't use the one I just had a couple of week previous.
Medical Doc starts scheduling everything.....begin Chemo on Monday mornnin, early, followed by radiation. Chemo once a week and Radiation 5 times.
just kidding.....these drugs are really powerful!! Had my blood drawn (by needle not by pen and paper) and they checked to see if I was a "blue blood", I guess. I wasn't.
That all appeared to be OK. He's a good guy, graduate of "THE USC" (for those of you who are not edumacated that is THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA. He sent me to the Radiation Oncologist.
This guy is pretty bright.....he's got a PHD in something or other (medical I would guess). There's more questions and answers. He tells me to come back in a couple of days and we'll get fitted for the ZAP of radiation.
In the mean time I had a PORT-A-CATH installed in my upper left arm. Not too bad, they managed to numb the area they were gonna cut into. This was on a Friday morning before 8:30 and I still had to work that day.
Saturday morning, before 7AM they had me in the radiology department at the local hospital for an MRI of the brain (could have saved all of us some time and me some money if they had listen when I told them the skull was empty).
Back to the Medical guy for a CHEMO-CLASS. That's where they tell ya what to expect after the chemo treatments begin. Doesn't sound like a lot of fun. Bunches of could's and maybe's and if's and and's. We'll just have to see.
Next trip was to the Radiation Doc. They took some x-rays and some measurements. Then the little lady said "I'm gonna tattoo you in three places." Wham-bam, thank ya ma'am. Hurt like hell, let me tell ya. Much more than having the Port-A-Cath put in.
I almost came up off of the x-ray table and probably would have except for the big old x-ray machine over my face.
Left there and went to the hospital again, this time for another CT. Seems they couldn't use the one I just had a couple of week previous.
Medical Doc starts scheduling everything.....begin Chemo on Monday mornnin, early, followed by radiation. Chemo once a week and Radiation 5 times.
Visit with Surgeon
This guy is GREAT!! Takes time to talk, answer questions, etc. He whispers the word "cancer" though. I guess he must think that by doing that it's going to lessen the impact on the patient (me). NOT !
He then scheduled a PET scan to see if this stuff has spread anywhere else. This was done one day (during work) and I really expected to light the thing up like a Christmas Tree. Turned out to be a lot less than I thought, but still very serious.
Next comes the visit to the Medical Oncologist and the Radiation Oncologist.....the fun's just beginning.
Stay tuned for the next episode.
He then scheduled a PET scan to see if this stuff has spread anywhere else. This was done one day (during work) and I really expected to light the thing up like a Christmas Tree. Turned out to be a lot less than I thought, but still very serious.
Next comes the visit to the Medical Oncologist and the Radiation Oncologist.....the fun's just beginning.
Stay tuned for the next episode.
The CT Scan
Went to the hospital for the CT scan (not crazy about these things either). This is an exercise in frustration. Hurry up and wait. Did you ever notice that nobody in a hospital or doctor's office reads your information. Each and every one of them ask the same questions again!! Do you really think my answers from 5 minutes ago have changed since I've been in this cold room, 1/2 naked, laying on a table?
CT scan goes well and they give me a CD to take to my doctor.
Head home a bit nonplussed about the whole situation.
Bride has high friends in low places.....makes phone call....in surgeon's office the next day!!!!
The saga continues.........
CT scan goes well and they give me a CD to take to my doctor.
Head home a bit nonplussed about the whole situation.
Bride has high friends in low places.....makes phone call....in surgeon's office the next day!!!!
The saga continues.........
The Doctor Visit
After several months of procrastination I finally let my bride make an appointment for me with a PULMONOLOGIST. This is the specialty that deals with diseases of the lungs and the respiratory system. Seems I had been having increased shortness of breath.
Things are going pretty normal in the examination and then he calls for a chest x-ray. I hate x-rays......
Oops, there is a small spot (1 inch or so), but it's near an artery so it probably isn't much, a shadow, perhaps. We need to get a CT scan just to be sure. (I love how Doctor's say "we" and the fact that they are always "practicing" medicine).
Things are going pretty normal in the examination and then he calls for a chest x-ray. I hate x-rays......
Oops, there is a small spot (1 inch or so), but it's near an artery so it probably isn't much, a shadow, perhaps. We need to get a CT scan just to be sure. (I love how Doctor's say "we" and the fact that they are always "practicing" medicine).
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