Update 4-1 (almost by 3 hours)

This week, I felt like I was a full time professional patient.

Had 2 PT sessions for my frozen shoulder - still no improvement. Waiting for an MRI, doctor know feels surgery may be in order

Had regular Oncology PT, been there 6 years as of March.

Had PTSD session with VA.

Had Cardio Echo scan on Tuesday, no results yet.

Yesterday, had Nuclear Stress Test. What an ordeal. 3 1/2 hours. Since I can't use a treadmill, had my IV injected with what they called a 4-minute simulated heart attack. It was terrifying to be honest. Never felt so scared in my life. I couldn't breathe, and it felt like my heart was being squeezed. Lots of gamma scan photos before and after. What angers me, is doctor knew my radiation situation and failed to tell me how potent the isotope they used. I read up on it, it was equal to the radiation that I would receive in nature in 8 years. 8 years worth! From 1 single test. I am so, so far over any safe lifetime limit, plus all the damage I already suffer from.

Then I met my new oncologist for only the 2nd time. He's a real AH. Didn't like him in October, like him even less. May have to search a new cancer center.

He only now told me the results of my October scans and PSA. From July to October, PSA went from 27.00 to 39.00. Quite a jump in 3 months. I rarely posts PSA numbers, not much point after failed surgery and failed radiation. Waiting for new reading from yesterday's blood draw.

On this contrasted CAT scan from 6 months ago, both kidneys now have large visible cysts, and now my liver does. There's been a lump on one of my lungs for 20 years, always the same size, until that last scan.

Now the lump is 300% larger, and the doctor didn't seem overly concerned.

On my way home, the Nurse Pract. called me, and said she had a good talk with the doctor, and in 3 months they are going to do another CAT scan and look closer at all these areas. I have known her for years and she is very familiar with my particulars.

So all this took place this week. Sorry it was so long. Still hanging in there, not sure why at times, no end to any of this.

Just enduring the stuff adds stuff. Hang in there.

Purgatory,
Can I give you a thought? I dont have some of what you said here, but I was not happy with some of my docs here in Raleigh so I called Cancer Treatment Centers of American for another opinion. Had a nice talk with the guys there and they said let me check your insurance and get back with you. I got a call in a few days and they scheduled me into the Zion, Ill hospital their main facility. I got all the results within two hours, everyone was amazing, docs, techs all the employees. Just in case you might want to talk with them I can get you their number. Just a thought.

Good to hear from you David. I have to look for good moments versus good days. Take care.
Michael

4-3 Update

They have halted my PT on the frozen shoulder for now, after 12 treatments with zero improvement. After waiting 10 days, the scan clinic has me set up for a MRI on Wednesday at 1:30. I will then meet with the ortho doctor when the results are in. Still hoping it doesn't require surgery, but seems to be leaning that way.

On Thursday of this week, will be celebrating our 43rd wedding anniversary. My, where does time fly. Wife had just turned 18 when we married. Now I have a 15 year old granddaughter.

I can't disclose the name of the dr. there that I currently have, wouldn't be proper or polite.

I heard the same rumor of Dr. Curran. Was told he has left Anmed, and is starting a new private practice. I had him for 2 -3 years when he was in private practice before he went to Gibbs. He was never the same. Was told they overloaded him with patients.

If he opens, I plan to see if he will take me on again, even though it would be nearly a 100 mile round trip

thank you, dianeb

thanks jaybee

Despite the wicked storms here today in SC, had the MRI done on my right shoulder. It was the oldest looking machine I've seen in years. It was an old school narrow tube GE unit. Took 30 minutes in the tube just to do one shoulder. My dr. suppose to get results by first of next week. One more piece of the puzzle hopefully out of the way.

A nervous PCP mostly. Have had some issues of central chest pains and very shallow breathing, like I can't get enough air, same PCP for over 22 years - he knows my conditions very well

i'm glad to see that you are still putting up the fight.
Wish that you didn't have so many tough battles, though.
This is my annual day of checking in.
I'm still thankful for your help when I first joined HW,

Dan