SRT 26 out of 39 - Monday

First treatment of week six, geez, what a back up at the clinic.  Standing room only, people having to share lockers to store your clothes.  Not the IMRT machine, but backup again on the other machines.  Had a new operator today, so boy it was slow for me, it was a 55 minute session, and that's not counting seeing the doctor when I was through.  Left me very sore both in the penis and at the SP cath exit again.

Talked to my radiation oncologist, she was thrilled that the uro didnt dialate me last week, she felt it would have been a big mistake.

She said I needed to get through the rest of this.  BTW, today completed the 2/3rd mark.

By the time the radiation ends, and allowing a few weeks for the swelling to  go down, I may need another corrective surgery on the bladder neck around the time that the SP cath is to be removed.  At this point, that  is the least of my worries.

David in SC

Sheldon, its like doing a thousand piece picture puzzle, so overwhelming at first, but now just a few puzzle pieces left.

Michael, that's a lifetime of being a bean counter and number's freak, can't help that part, it makes my doctor laugh everytime. She even jumps the question now and wants me to tell her by fraction or decimal point where I am at.

Thanks Bill, tonight is a big hurt night, my nerves are on edge, so much swollen pressure pains in my rectum and penis, I can honestly say, that ageeing to the SP cath (even though it has its own issues long term) was a big plus, I couldn't imagine what these pains would be like if I had a foley catheter running the length of my penis. It hurts bad enough on its own. Probably had 3-4 dozen strong bladder spasms today, some bad enough to bring a tear to the eye despite me trying to tough it out. I know the worse will be over soon, but not soon enuogh for me. Just raw and edgy feeling tonight. Hope it will pass.

David in SC

Hi David,

The countdown continues. Before you know it the abuse you are enduring will be in the past. Then you can reap the benefits of the zero club.

Oh, be prepared in case the doc asks you state your progress to 5 significant digits.

Thinking of you,
Bob

david another day closer to the end of rad. wish it would all be over for you. endure the pain. i know what your going through in respect of spasms. will be thinking of you again today. soon it will be over. your brother neil