My New Fight; Prostate Cancer

[bushido_man96]

Sorry to hear that, Bob. I wonder why the sub wasn't punctual?

[sensei8]

Sorry to hear that, Bob. I wonder why the sub wasn't punctual?

Thank you, Brian!! I've wondered why the sub wasn't punctual myself all day. I've already lost faith in the sub because if I can be there for my Radiation Therapy, than the sub can be there too. You see, no doctor in the office means NO TREATMENTS unless a doctor is in-house!! I wasn't the only patient that was there for their Radiation Therapy too.

[Patrick]

July 1 it is then!

[sensei8]

This picture was taken by one of the Radiation Techs, Jamie, at the end of my very first session. As of today, I've had 10 out of 28 sessions.

That big round thing that's over my head is what delivers my Radiation Treatments. The treatments are aimed ONLY at my Prostate and not anywhere else, and surely not where that big round thing is aiming at in this picture. Again, that big round thing travels around my body twice but only after images are taken first.

[Patrick]

Thanks for sharing, Bob.

Patrick

[sensei8]

Of all the video's that I looked over, I found one that gives an example of what my Radiation Therapy is like for me each and every treatment.

Where I have my Radiation Treatment done, yes, my bladder needs to be full in order to protect myself. With my bladder full, it acts like sunscreen does to protect from sunrays. I do not use the daily enema as shown in the video, however, it's always a good idea to try to have a bowel movement so that the rectum is clear.

Fun stuff to read about, huh?

The other thing that's different from the video is that I don't have to don a hospital gown. I just wear loose clothes, like shorts and t-shirt. After I lie on the table, I pull my t-shirt up to expose my stomach, and I pull my shorts down below my buttocks, at which one of the Techs place a very discreet throw-away cloth over my groin.

Those 3 tattoo marks, one just below my bellybutton, and the two on either of my sides are markers that allow the Radiation Techs to align with that big round thing that delivers my treatments. Now, those tattoo marks are PERMINANTE.

I visit each Friday with Dr. Becker. Last visit he says that everything is looking good. He's no concerns whatsoever.

As of this posting, I've had 18 Sessions: only 10 more Sessions...two weeks.

[Patrick]

Should be one week down by the time I am writing! So maybe 5 more?

[sensei8]

Should be one week down by the time I am writing! So maybe 5 more?

YES!! Only 5 more sessions remain.

Dr. Becker told me that his plan for me after the conclusion of treatments, will be a follow-up in 6 weeks. At that time, Dr. Becker will decide if I'll still do an MRI to see if the T12 and L4 are still problematic. Which would be great news, of course, if I didn't have to do another short session. These sessions have be concentrated to my prostate, and not my spine.

[Patrick]

Awesome!

[sensei8]

I received this certificate of completion right after I completed my final 28th Radiation Therapy on July 1, 2022. It was quite a pleasant surprise to receive it from my Radiation Oncologist Team. Brought me some tears of relieve as well as much joy.

Right after I was handed my certificate, Jaime escorted my wife, Linda, towards where I receive my treatments. All if the Techs gave Linda a very quick, yet through tour. They showed her how the big monster worked...how it rotated around my body...how they align the machine up to the tattoo marks on my body with a green beam...how they secure my feet and hands...how the Techs are constantly making adjustments during treatments...how the Techs can manipulate the beam, whether it be to cut off an area on my body or how they pinpoint the beam...I then showed Linda how I lay down on the table and I tell her that whenever I lay down, I pull up my shirt and pull down my shorts just below my butt, where the Tech spare my dignity by covering up my groin area.

Then, Linda and I had our last consultation with Dr. Becker. He tells us that everything exceeded his expectations these past 5 weeks. My follow-up will be in 6 weeks, August 9, 2022. At that time, Dr. Becker will determine if I need a MRI in order to see if any cancer still exists in my T12 and L4. He's not sure if cancer still exists. Praise God!!

I tell Dr. Becker that I'm concerned with Secondary Cancer from Radiation Therapy. He assures my wife and I that the very latest studies show that the total percentage of secondary cancer is 2%, and that's 15 Years later after receiving Radiation Therapy. That sounds very good to us.

My next Eligard shot is August 3, 2022, and follow-up with Dr. Goodman is August 8, 2022.