Well, I had my first and only internal radiation for prostate cancer.

[John Schmidt]

Glad it's going to be the only one cuz it was an ordeal. The radiation/onconlogist dr. is a young guy that appears to be quite up on the latest requirements as it applies to various cases. Mine is very aggressive as I've stated but at my tender young age they wouldn't operate so radiation is the next best thing. He started with a procedure called brachytherapy, if you don't know what it is...Google is your friend for a more in depth explanation with pictures. It involves inserting hollow needles into the perineum directly into the prostate, and of course done under some form of sedation. My dr. used 23 needles  and with a CAT scan was able readjust the position of some so as to effect complete coverage. His thoughts were simply hate me now and love me later since this should be the only procedure needed. Once situated, he and the physicist determine the best sequence and power of the radiation to be applied. In my case, they gave me an epidural along with I believe was a Propofol(sp?) IV drip. When it came time to remove those needles, the epidural had worn off and I was asked if I wanted another. Told him to go for it w/o so he did. I think my fingerprints are permanently embedded in the rails and framework of the gurney I was on. That was this past Wednesday, the cath was removed Thursday and I was measured and marked for the upcoming external beam radiation of which he wants 25 daily sessions starting next Monday, the 7th. During this there is no bike/motorcycle riding, no heavy lifting, certain foods and fluids are not to be used. If all goes well I should be done by Nov. 5 unless they take a holiday along the way.

Those of you that have gone through this daily thing, does it eventually cause problems of any nature. I'd like to know what to expect. Although I hesitated to move up here near my daughter Toni, I'm glad she insisted I do so. She has gone to every appt. with the oncologist so she can stay up on what's being done and expected. My recovery from the procedure above has been a bit uncomfortable to say the least, but now on Sunday evening I'm almost back to normal and can remove the cot from the bathroom. Didn't have one there but was tempted. She was a lifesaver in one respect, she got me some OTC Pyridium which I'd heard of before but didn't think of it. Everything comes out bright orange but it has an analgesic effect and it reduces the pain when you relieve yourself. The ladies know what I'm talking about....it works.

Now that I'm situated in my new home in DePere, south side of Green Bay, things are more settled in my life. My old neighbors stay in touch and keep me informed of any happenings with my former home. My former wife lives 3 miles away just around the corner from Toni. We spend time together once in a while, nothing going on, just two old 81 yr. folks that are now comfortable in each other's company. With her health issues, I'm not in the market for another caregiver position, the last one about did me in. So goes the doings in the "Schmidt House" and will update as things move along. Still hoping and planning for a run to InZane next year to meet old friends and make new ones. 

[Patrick]

I don't think I can be any help. Our radiation was far enough apart [throat],  and from what you said , they seem quite different.

The long term affects may be quite different too. 

Good luck.

[Michvalk]

My wife had radiation on her middle spine for cancer. She had, I think, 10 treatments. Knocked out the cancer, with no real noticeable side effects. Did have some itchy skin over the site, but nothing that some decent lotion didn't take care of. I know this isn't anything like you treatments, but that was our experience

[DDT (12)]

John,

No experience here at all! WOW! I can only shake my head at all that has come your way the last couple of years… I sure hope things take a turn for the better now... Best of luck to ya!!!

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

Although I hesitated to move up here near my daughter Toni, I'm glad she insisted I do so.

I’m glad too John. I think it was a wise move on many fronts. Best wishes on putting this medical stuff behind you. Look forward to meeting you in the Serkle. 

[TJ]

     

[old2soon]

          Guy I ride with down here-nudder Nam Vet-is going thru something quite similar on the radiation therapy. He's told me a few times he wasn't that wore out rucked up and on foot in the Nam. I've noticed when we are at the restaurant and his other friends and I are scarfin eggs meat taters and buttered toast he be downin plain oatmeal. Told him when he can i buy his steak and eggs and buttered toast!  Oh and also noticed he don't be drinkin caffeine. No coffee something to do with the radiation?  Hope yer saw bones is correctamundo on the treatment he is prescribing fer ya. Hope things keep on progressing in a good direction for you John. Sounds like your Daughter be a GOOD un!  Far as the docs lookin young-THEY ARE!  Far as the Nurses lookin young-Ain't Nuttin WRONG with dat atall!    Keep on keepin on there John!    RIDE SAFE.

[signart]

God bless that little girl of yours, reminds me of one of mine. There when I really need her, fusses at me when I need that too.  Even though she's grown with two of her own, she'll always be my little girl.
Sounds like you are getting some good doctor'n. One day at a time, just keep going.

[Willow]

It's good to hear from you, John.  I'm sorry you're having to endure what you're going through but glad that we live in a time when it's available.

I have never met Toni face to face but she is a special one.  You are in good hands.  I'm glad for where you are.

[Charlie McCready]

Yes, hate you're having to deal with all this but hoping you're gonna be all well soon.  Thinking about you and lookin forward to seeing you the next time buddy.

[bassman]

John,

Check your PM.

My side effects to date have been minimal and very manageable.  Did you opt for or against the SpaceOAR?

I had 17 needles and was told the "norm" is in the 12-15 range BUT not to be concerned as every course of treatment is highly individualized and specific to a particular person - no two cases are exactly alike.

The radiation treatment will be nothing like the HDR Bracy and an individuals side effects will vary dependent on the person and possibly by the type of machine used for treatment.

PM me if you have any questions that may not be appropriate on a public forum.

bassman

[TTG53#1717]

A friend of mine had this type of radiation as well as chemical castration.

Six years later he’s doing extraordinary and due to other lifestyle changes to arrest his diabetes he is, at 66, in better health than in his 30s.

Six months of severe fatigue and depression were the immediate symptoms following the simultaneous treatment regimens. He acknowledges that some of this was of his own attitude and self pity. The hormonal changes pretty much took a full year to adjust to but his willingness to share/communicate with his long time girlfriend and friends helped keep him optimistic. Complete trust in his Physician was also a major factor.

Wishing you the best.

[Serk]

Glad to hear you're doing the things that need to be done, as unpleasant as it may be...

If ya' wanna hear about a stupid - before me my wife had a friend that was kinda out there (They were really friends, nothing more.) He got it in his head he wanted an exotic piercing. She volunteered to be there while they did it, with no anesthesia, and hold his hand.

They took video. I never watched it, but I heard it from the next room.

He got his prostate pierced, up through the perineum, through the prostate with a hook then back out the perineum.

And this guy paid to have this done for fun!

Anyway... just a little bit of stupidity I thought I'd share.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Glad to hear you're doing the things that need to be done, as unpleasant as it may be...

If ya' wanna hear about a stupid - before me my wife had a friend that was kinda out there (They were really friends, nothing more.) He got it in his head he wanted an exotic piercing. She volunteered to be there while they did it, with no anesthesia, and hold his hand.

They took video. I never watched it, but I heard it from the next room.

He got his prostate pierced, up through the perineum, through the prostate with a hook then back out the perineum.

And this guy paid to have this done for fun!

Anyway... just a little bit of stupidity I thought I'd share.

uh.....understatement of the year. Just a little bit of stupidity ? 

[NewValker]

Stay strong John, hoping this works out for the best.
Craig

[Hook#3287]

John, you of all people deserve to have a helping hand.

Glad your daughter has stood up.

All the best to you.

[Farside]

  Wonderful daughter you have there John. I'm glad your now in the recovery mode and look forward to seeing you at 2020 InZane. Prayers for your continued recovery

[John Schmidt]

A little tale behind Toni's back which took place at our first appt. with the radiation-oncologist. He's a young guy, probably mid-late 30's at best, easy going guy and hit it off with Toni....who doesn't seem to know a stranger anyway. First a little history; back when I was in my late 20's and early 30's shortly after moving to Orlando, I worked as a field rep/tech for an office equipment company similar to Xerox...which I also worked for in Chicago for a few years right after USAF discharge. Often, if my calls put me close to home I'd simply pop in and grab and sandwich rather than buy lunch. Although my wife worked, it was the night shift at the local hospital so she was up and busying herself in the kitchen when I arrived. You all know how it happens on the spur of the moment....I went back to work hungry. Toni is the result and I consider it one of the best spent lunch hours I ever had. 

Now back to the dr. appt., remember...he's rather young. He was chatting with Toni while winding things up and asked her where she came from, wondering if she was from DePere originally or elsewhere. She popped right up and said "I'm a Florida gal, born and raised in the Orlando area thanks to dad and his lunch break." The dr. looked at her with a question on his face so she promptly explained: "dad stopped by the house for lunch one day since he was in the area, mom was home, things got hopping and dad decided he wanted a piece of ass more than a sandwich." I sunk down in my chair, the dr. turned flaming red and started to laugh rather nervously. That was a couple weeks ago, this past Wed. after the procedure he spoke to both of us and before parting added...."this has been the most enjoyable dr/patient relationship I've had in many years and don't think it will ever be topped." Then gave Toni a little hug and we left. Darn kids anyway! 

[Pappy!]

Give Toni a hug from all of us in the Florida group! She deserves it.
Fingers crossed, John! Keep us all in the loop.
Grumpy is going through his ordeal now as well by the way.

[John Schmidt]

Give Toni a hug from all of us in the Florida group! She deserves it.
Fingers crossed, John! Keep us all in the loop.
Grumpy is going through his ordeal now as well by the way.

How's he doing Casey? Hope he's able to beat this setback, too good a man to be taken from all of us. Hope to see you and your honey in Asheville. 

[ridingron]

 
Now back to the dr. appt., remember...he's rather young. He was chatting with Toni while winding things up and asked her where she came from, wondering if she was from DePere originally or elsewhere. She popped right up and said "I'm a Florida gal, born and raised in the Orlando area thanks to dad and his lunch break." The dr. looked at her with a question on his face so she promptly explained: "dad stopped by the house for lunch one day since he was in the area, mom was home, things got hopping and dad decided he wanted a piece of ass more than a sandwich." I sunk down in my chair, the dr. turned flaming red and started to laugh rather nervously. That was a couple weeks ago, this past Wed. after the procedure he spoke to both of us and before parting added...."this has been the most enjoyable dr/patient relationship I've had in many years and don't think it will ever be topped." Then gave Toni a little hug and we left. Darn kids anyway!  2funny 2funny

"Kids say the darndest things."