Treatment
With just four radiation treatments left, my PSA level is headed in the right direction.
My appointment with my oncologist isn’t until tomorrow, but I received an e-mail from him yesterday telling me that my PSA was imperceptible. Now that’s the kind of news I like to hear. It appears that our efforts to stay ahead of this cancer are working. When I arrived at the radiation center yesterday afternoon, I shared my news and told them they are doing great work!
There is still a lot of ahead of me with my ongoing hormone treatment and quarterly blood draws. I also understand completely that there are potential set backs ahead of me. But, for now, I am celebrating this little victory. This morning’s drive to work was a beautiful one. LA looked crystal clear clear at sunrise. A little bit of good news can put a big shine on one’s day.
As I approach the end of my course of radiation therapy, I have several observations about the experience.
The cons:
1. Fatigue. They were right about this one. It’s cumulative and it can be overpowering at times. This week, I find myself longing for a good snooze by noon of each day.If only my office had a recliner and shades. However, I am told that the side effects will subside within a few weeks following completion of treatment.
2. Nausea: I find this to be the most unpleasant of the side effects. However, equipped with a prescription to mitigate the sensation, I haven’t tossed a single cookie.
3. The physical pains in my lower abdomen and myriad changes to my bodily functions have not always been easy. Thank goodness we live in a country where public restrooms are plentiful. I also look forward to getting back to a night where I don’t have to get up five times a night to use the bathroom.
The pros:
1. It’s working.
2. I have met wonderful professionals and patients in the process.
3. I have one of the world’s best employers and team of colleagues who have provided much needed support and encouragement along the way.
4. I am blessed with loving family and friends. Their caring deeds and love have been a great help in the process.
Surprises:
1. Although the treatments have been five days each week, it has been easier to work these into my daily routine than I imagined at the start.
For anyone faced with the prospect of radiation therapy, it can be a daunting time of their life. However, advanced technologies deliver greater accuracy and fewer, more manageable side effects, improving the overall experience for patients. Going into it, one needs to keep their focus on the end goal and to celebrate each passing treatment as a small but very important victory.
My appointment with my oncologist isn’t until tomorrow, but I received an e-mail from him yesterday telling me that my PSA was imperceptible. Now that’s the kind of news I like to hear. It appears that our efforts to stay ahead of this cancer are working. When I arrived at the radiation center yesterday afternoon, I shared my news and told them they are doing great work!
There is still a lot of ahead of me with my ongoing hormone treatment and quarterly blood draws. I also understand completely that there are potential set backs ahead of me. But, for now, I am celebrating this little victory. This morning’s drive to work was a beautiful one. LA looked crystal clear clear at sunrise. A little bit of good news can put a big shine on one’s day.
As I approach the end of my course of radiation therapy, I have several observations about the experience.
The cons:
1. Fatigue. They were right about this one. It’s cumulative and it can be overpowering at times. This week, I find myself longing for a good snooze by noon of each day.If only my office had a recliner and shades. However, I am told that the side effects will subside within a few weeks following completion of treatment.
2. Nausea: I find this to be the most unpleasant of the side effects. However, equipped with a prescription to mitigate the sensation, I haven’t tossed a single cookie.
3. The physical pains in my lower abdomen and myriad changes to my bodily functions have not always been easy. Thank goodness we live in a country where public restrooms are plentiful. I also look forward to getting back to a night where I don’t have to get up five times a night to use the bathroom.
The pros:
1. It’s working.
2. I have met wonderful professionals and patients in the process.
3. I have one of the world’s best employers and team of colleagues who have provided much needed support and encouragement along the way.
4. I am blessed with loving family and friends. Their caring deeds and love have been a great help in the process.
Surprises:
1. Although the treatments have been five days each week, it has been easier to work these into my daily routine than I imagined at the start.
For anyone faced with the prospect of radiation therapy, it can be a daunting time of their life. However, advanced technologies deliver greater accuracy and fewer, more manageable side effects, improving the overall experience for patients. Going into it, one needs to keep their focus on the end goal and to celebrate each passing treatment as a small but very important victory.