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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 7/16/2016 3:52 PM (GMT 0)
I decided to start this thread for folks who just want to talk about the experience of going through treatment, regardless of which one(s) you have chosen. I was sitting in the waiting chair with my johnny shirt on the other day, and found myself asking "Does this suc, or is it just more life experience?" and what I found myself thinking was...hey this ain't so bad. the RT's are nice if you are nice, and quite playful if you have the sense to crack a joke or 2.

I also took the time to look up and down the hallway to see other folks sitting there waiting their turn, and staring at the blank flat-smoker's-white paint on the walls.

2 days ago, I decided to try and chat up the guy sitting next to me. He was there for colon cancer, and knew nothing about his treatment. He just said thay whatever the doc told him to do he would do. No idea what his radiation dosage was...per session, or overall. he figured he was in for 5x6 weeks.

Then, after he went in, a lady first timer sat next to me. They told her 20 minutes. She wasn't happy at all. "How insensitive is that?" she bitterly quipped. So, I asked her...."Did you have to drink a lot of water to inflate your bladder?". "NO" she said. "Oh" I said. That's the worst part for me when they are late cause I always have to pee so bad."  She just thought it was insensitive to make her wait. I told her that I was late 8 out of 9 days, and that it's no big deal. At least this way, everyone get's treatment. I told her if she didn't like waiting, maybe she could re-schedule her treatments for later in the year when it wouldn't be so busy... tongue

Anyway...i told her, it is what it is, so just relax and take the time to get to know her RT's, since they are very nice people.

I hope she takes my advice... turn

Anyway, so far, all I can say is that this is an excellent life experience, getting to meet all these great people. (And of course you all toooooo) yeah

Posted 7/16/2016 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I think it's like waits at airports. The first flight of the day is almost always on time. Then, as delays accumulate throughout the day, the flights take off later and later. The later your appointment, the more chance there were difficulties in set-ups of previous patients. I did morning appointments right after the gym because I wanted my tissues to be well oxygenated. I was never in there long enough to chat with RTs - I saw the one who did the laser alignment for less than a minute, and I was on the bench for about 5 minutes while they were in another room.
Posted 7/16/2016 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
Like you say the Doctors and nurses can sometimes be a delight on these multiple trips to the Hospital. I went in last week to have my markers put in what a humiliating / vulnerable position I told them they could at least take me out for a nice steak dinner first. The doctor said welcome to what a women goes through during their gynecology exam and I got no love from my wife and sister about the hot flashes they just laugh when I start sweating for no reason at all. (Due to the hormone shots). But all in all a little compassion and levity is part of the whole process. The doctors and nurses treat me as family. they tell me we will get through it together. Yes it is a team effort.
Posted 7/17/2016 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
Until a year ago, whenever my pcp gave me my annual physical and DRE, he's always say the same thing as he pulled the glove on...."I hope you enjoy this more than I do". And I replied "Me too".

Yea, I get your point, Newton. We might as well make the most of it.
Posted 7/17/2016 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
There is much to learn and enjoy by engaging each other...in a way... that they sense...you are in fact and in truth engaging them and only them at that precious moment {for you both}...it can't be faked...it either happens...or washes away in another dreary and pointless "stop and chat"... OK nuff wisdom...get your own and share it with someone...turn unto wisdom and lo...it is there... Blah...Blah...Blah...
google Lenny Bruces Blah Blah bit some times...
Posted 7/17/2016 2:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Newton! "You could always come back later in the year when it won't be so busy." Lol funny one!

People know. (Says Bololidat). You know. Care. Engage. Meaningful. With meaning. It's truth is everywhere and it's cool. :-) It's true everywhere. Even and maybe esp. I don't know but I suspect (never having had much of a real job before) that working esp. In health care can sometimes if not alot of the time...be stressful. One can feel irritation, stress, absence, or realness from others...In the air... if one pays attention. ..and asks myself, "How is this person doing right now? What is this person feeling right now? Where is this person's thoughts right now?" And...meeting them. There. Where ever that is. Cancer...This stricture (not hurting)...just not hurting...has given me so much space. I need it filled. By other human beings. In reality. With what's real.

Smile. I was just thinking today, looking out at that water where my boat and I used to be...and i thought how nice it is not to be worrying about whether that engine's gonna come apart or what part is gonna break. That thing brought pleasure...with anxiety. ..and nlways with anxiety. But (and, this is my point)...it doesn't matter where I am. I'm not on a boat. But...I've got an empty bladder. That's pretty dag-on important! My stone is moved. It's not hurting today. I also learned I don't like loud music where everyone is dancing. ..drinking. I'd rather be in the mountains....over looking another mountain. Peace. Tranquility. Nature. Even talking with the night desk clerk. Talking to my waitress tonight. She's had a nervous breakdown in her past. Robert owns the deli I have frequented for years. Katie works at the front desk. (She's cute btw). She's got alot of life. My step dad. He's burdened. But...lol...I'm learning. Even the people here. You all. I make so many mis-steps. All my life. Life long misteps. I don't wanna be there...not that way...not any more.

:-) but...I'm still scared. So?

:-)
Posted 7/17/2016 6:07 AM (GMT 0)
I understood every word except esp....short for especially or extra sensory perception...it makes sense either way...You do know you are not any different than anyone else...except you know it and they don't or they distract themselves from that knowledge[let's face it it is easier that way}..and therein lies the rub...btw...my definition of "they"...the backside of "us"...generically...not specifically... IT just role with punches en joy when its there...don't beat yourself up with your " perceived shortcomings " ups and downs on a heart monitor means your alive...no ups ... no downs...flatline...
Posted 7/17/2016 10:27 AM (GMT 0)
IT, I'll be at my happy peaceful place this afternoon for 2 weeks. A "Camp" in Maine, built by my grandfather (mostly, some by me and my dad). Loons on the lake, maybe I'll put the sunfish in this year. Currently in a motel in Cohoes, NY (next to Albany), today's drive: NY 7 into VT, VT 9 across the hogback, NH 9 then US 202 to the ME state line, then a few miles across country.

This evening, before mosquito time, on the dock in a folding chair with an adult beverage, talking to the ducks as they paddle by. Maybe even drown a nightcrawler or two.
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