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CyberKnife session #1 is complete!

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Posted 11/15/2016 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
I thought I would post this as a "marker" that today I completed the first treatment session of my 5 scheduled CyberKnife sessions. By next Wednesday I will have finished all of them.

I told my wife that today's session was like relaxing for an hour on a narrow bed, listening to classical music and watching a robot sniff around me like a happy puppy. From the technical viewpoint, very interesting, almost fascinating. From the patient experience side, a total "non-issue." I hope that things remain this uneventful through treatment, possible side effects and disease control. I truly believe they will.

The real message of today is that I am now into the active treatment mode, after months of research, consultations and discernment. I have chosen my care team (which, in my case, includes uro, RO, physicist, CK tech, internist, cardiologist, electrophysiologist and spouse) and trust them completely. Now I feel like I am actually doing something about my PCa.

Thanks, all of you, for all of your help and support.
Posted 11/15/2016 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
Great to hear Paxton. Hoping nothing but great results for you.

Felt the same way as they rolled me off to surgery.
Posted 11/15/2016 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
Paxton,
All the best to you!
Posted 11/15/2016 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Congrats on one down. While I had IMRT instead of SBRT, it strikes me as how much of a leap of faith the whole radiation process is. You go into this machine and get hit with all of this invisible stuff. Sometimes I wondered if it was like the story of the Emperor's New Clothes and they were just pulling my leg.

And yes, it does feel good to be actually doing something about your PC, doesn't it?
Posted 11/15/2016 7:01 PM (GMT 0)
Paxton,
Congratulations, here's hoping for your new normal to be <.00x- something (undetectable).
You have been through the mill on your PC and other serious health related issues, yet seem to have bounced back and still just keep on "keeping on" each time. You have a strong disposition and fortitude.

I am so glad you are on this forum, so some of that will rub off on some of us! Thanks for you sharing the continuing story of your journey, and for the many responses to posts and words of encouragement to others. You are golden, man!

Keep the Faith Brother,
Wings aka Dan in 80 So Cal scool
Posted 11/15/2016 7:05 PM (GMT 0)
I found my RT to be boring. I thought there would be something interesting or exciting that would happen.

The most exciting thing that happened to me was when my car battery died in the parking lot of the treatment center.

and you won't start glowing in the dark. sigh, another hope dashed...

Andrew
Posted 11/15/2016 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
Paxton, that sounds great. You did a terrific job of due diligence and made an educated decision. The next "C" word for you is cure...

Jim
Posted 11/15/2016 8:31 PM (GMT 0)
Paxton:

By "cyberknife", I assume you mean SBRT??

Just curious, were you actually on the table getting radiated for an hour?

Also, was it noisy?

I remember the Varian Rapid Arc was quick (about 90 seconds for eack tx -- 37 or so such treaments), but noisy. I HATED the noise.

Mel
Posted 11/15/2016 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Mel -

Oh yeah, the noise of the LINAC power supply is memorable.... align, jiggle, align, pause... BZZZZZZZZZZ says the LINAC. Clunk, whirr, click, click, pause... pause... BZZZZZZZZZZ says the LINAC.

"All done, see you tomorrow!". Repeat, repeat, repeat, 44 times....

The SBRT 5 treatment plan sounds pretty attractive!
Posted 11/15/2016 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah - I do mean SBRT, and it is not quiet, but I could still hear the piped-in classical music. They have a decent sound system, too - good frequency response and channel separation, and even some realistic bass (at least for the classical selections).

My treatment plan is for 36.25 Gy, in 5 fractions of 7.25 each.

My actual "table-time" today was just about 60 minutes. It would have been closer to 45 minutes, but I must be an old gas-bag today. We had to stop twice to "redistribute" the intestinal gas bubbles the system found in the way. So, I'm told that my standard treatment time will be about 45 minutes. I don't know just how much of that time the beam is actually on, versus re-positioning time, though. The robot is very similar to the ones you see in the auto commercials on TV. It sort of looks like an alien being that is looking you over with exaggerated curiosity. He only has one eye, too.
Posted 11/15/2016 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
They've learned, these days, to do a really good job making the "customer experience" as convenient and tolerable--while striving for pleasant--as possible.

Are you seeing other guys there also sporting the Movember stubble, or are you the only one?
Posted 11/16/2016 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
So glad to hear things went well for you. Wow, only 4 more treatments to go! My best to you Paxton.
Posted 11/16/2016 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Great news Paxton,

Glad to see your first treatment went well and that you are finally actually doing it.That alone is a relief!

Keep up the good work!

The Artistic One - Mark
Posted 11/16/2016 1:30 PM (GMT 0)
JNF - Only one other 'stache, and he isn't talking about "why" so I doubt that he is celebrating Movember.
Posted 11/16/2016 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
well...I'm not so sure that I would call it a "celebration," but I get your point.

It's really a service. It's a gift that you are giving to others, by taking a bold step so that others may benefit. Changing the face of men's health. Good for you, Mo Bro, and I hope your treatment experience continues to go well.
Posted 11/16/2016 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Paxton.
Excellent description of the first CK session; brings back memories.
My Rad Oncologist told me that I might get fatigued after the third, or so, session.
Posted 11/16/2016 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Paxton:

I am still looking into doing SBRT to my one positive iliac node. Anyway, I wonder how long each such session would last?

(Another question for the RO, I guess)

Also, I got a question that I'd like to take to email. Your email link is not active. If you get a chance, can you email me?

Mel
Posted 11/17/2016 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Pax ! Great news !! Wish mine was over so quickly.....22 down 23 to go....3 1/2 minutes in the Tomotherapy tube......Good Luck on the coming sessions !!! David
Posted 11/17/2016 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
Good for you Paxton today you are doing #2. You will breeze thru. Best of Luck.SemperFi,John
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