One Down, Many To Go.... (Sometimes a string can be useful.)

[DDT (12)]

First full week of treatments…  

Last Friday I completed the first full week in a series of eight or so weeks (total process) of ‘targeted’ radiation treatments. There were two other treatments the week before, but that number was limited due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Then there were the prep sessions the week before that… There will also be interruptions due to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day holidays… No weekend sessions either, of course, so… a drawn-out process for sure. 

The sessions themselves are brief…Well, brief if I show up with a full bladder! I’m still perfecting the timing of that feat, however, so usually there is a delay of some length while I drink more water and wait. Dang! Initially my greatest fear was showing up in ‘distress’ and ‘falling down’ just before crossing the finish line… Of desperately and unavoidably ‘having to go’ right before they call me back! That would mean having to start all over again and a wait for the bladder to completely refill… A long, boring prospect, indeed, so… I have been tightening the window, though, so there is hope… Diarrhea has greatly complicated the fine-tuning of timing matters, but... that’s easing up now… Soon, I’m confident, the timing will be near perfect… I do hope... 

The treatments so far have been completely painless… even unnoticeable. In fact, other than having to lie perfectly still while ignoring the little itches and other similar minor irritations that seem to pop-up only at such times, everything goes off quite easily. No stinging or other sensations, and no smell of burning flesh or anything! Once through the few minutes of actual treatment time, I simply walkout and resume killing time between daily treatments.  

I have done a wee bit of snack staple shopping, made one other doctor visit, had a screw removed from a rear tire and plug installed, and I’ve confirmed yet again my already certain knowledge that the ‘basic’ TV plan offerings of motels everywhere are severely limited when it comes to anything worth watching! Yep, this adventure is already growing stale… There is always writing, but… That only comes through inspiration for this dabbler, so I’m unable to simply ‘turn-it-on’ at will…  

I find myself praying more… Funny how in uncertain times, especially those with extreme possibilities, we find ourselves seeking solace from that source more than usual. I suppose many of us simply tend to take things for granted during peaceful, more tranquil times, but when the chips may be down… It’s been said there are no atheists in heated combat! 

My smart phone lately has been getting more of a workout than usual… for calls and texts, that is, as nothing worthy of memorializing in photos has emerged so far. That probably won’t be changing anytime soon either. Several contacts from friends and family, local and distant, all feeling helpless but wanting to ease my plight somehow. There is also the calendar feature with the phone...  

I use that all the time. For instance, my primary care doc had referred me to a surgeon for gallbladder stones that unexpectedly showed-up in some of the recent scans for other possible ailments. I did meet with the new doctor this past week, but because there have been no symptoms thus far, he suggested we monitor for now and follow-up in a couple of months... Since I'm involved with daily radiation treatments for most of the next two months, even out-patient surgery would be a serious matter... No problem here with waiting! 

Nope, being so isolated from family and most friends by several hundred miles is a recipe for boredom even for a solitary guy, especially when limited to travel by cage only and tethered to a rather strict regimen of daily clinic visits with ‘table time’ under the zapper… not to mention bladder/bowel timing coordination challenges. Meals are limited to visits to local restaurants during non-peak times, fast food, and sandwiches in the room… and snacks, of course.  

I do have several local friends, and we have been in contact. I'm not much company right now, though, it isn’t wise to be going out for a meal at the local bar & grills where we normally go, and I'm not supposed to drink alcohol. I'm usually pretty boring myself anyway, so... I don’t consider I have much to offer. Maybe things will improve later on... 

A downer for sure, most especially without our girl handy to respond to the lure of the open road… Scraping-off miles always gets my spirits up and my thoughts on a more positive glide-path. Returning to that amazing and most therapeutic enterprise is the ‘carrot on the end of a string’ dangling in front of me that keeps my spirits up and hope alive and of continuing to place one foot in front of the other… This will surely test my patience, far more even than it already has… 

DDT  

[Serk]

I don’t consider I have much to offer. Maybe things will improve later on... 

I have to disagree with the first sentence in this statement, and totally hope and agree with the second part.....

Looking forward to you getting through this and back on the road so we can all live vicariously through your gypsy ramblings once again!

[Beardo]

Thank you for taking the time to post. Your faith, strong mind and desire for more adventures will power you through this.

[f6john]

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, I’ve always heard, and experienced myself. While of little comfort in the present, it makes the countdown to the day you’re free more exciting as the time grows shorter. I’m sure it’s tuffer for you than someone who hasn’t experienced the freedom that you enjoy on a regular basis. I’m confident you will come out the other side with even more stories to tell.

[scooperhsd]

Bruce - you and Ali will be back on the road soon enough, that thought should help some in getting through this boring but necessary phase. You know you have a whole bunch of friends and family wishing the best for you.

[Jess from VA]

The bladder full or empty issue reminds me of USAF drug testing (operation golden flow).

Of course, it's kept a secret until that morning, when you are told to report in an hour or two.

Just showing up might mean a wait of a long time, to work up your sample.  And working up a sample can become more difficult when it must be produced right in front of a live witness (who was always some poor medical guy who looked suspiciously like Peter Lorre).  And the sample had to have some yellow it, so if you cranked water beforehand and peed pure white, they made you wait some more and try again.

So the trick was to have only 2 coffees, but not pee.  And then hope you could hold it until it was time to produce.  After some practice (though I only had to do this a few times), I always had a fire hose ready.

That's enough was BS though, once going, I'm going to finish going (right in the lavatory sink).

One (of many) funny stories was the guy who brought his sisters (clean) pee (in a wine bota bag under his arm to keep it warm, with aquarium tubing to his zipper).  He was surprised to discover he was pregnant.  And even more surprised to find himself being referred to court martial.  

Hang in there Bruce.

[scooperhsd]

I've heard all kinds of stories about the things people would try to cheat the test - that was one of the funnier results I've heard

[Chrisj CMA]

Bruce. You are fighting the good fight. Keep it up. Something to ask your doctor. When they knew I had some kind of cancer but couldn’t nail down where it was they did a bladder cancer evaluation. This required a camera up into the bladder, YEAH!  This needed to be done with a full bladder so they just filled it up with water and did their thing. Easy peasy. Maybe that would make life easier for you.

[Wizzard]

Bruce, you have tons to offer and are an asset to society. You would be sorely missed and do not ever forget that.
That being said you will get through this as many are praying for you including me.
Best wishes to you my friend and see you on the road.

[DDT (12)]

I don’t consider I have much to offer. Maybe things will improve later on...

I have to disagree with the first sentence in this statement, and totally hope and agree with the second part.....

Looking forward to you getting through this and back on the road so we can all live vicariously through your gypsy ramblings once again!

Brian,

Thanks for those nice words... Yep, I'm very much looking forward to returning to doing what I love most... Until that time, however, I'm struggling to deal with boredom mostly with a twinge of frustration thrown it... Oh well, all part of the package deal of life, so...

DDT

Thank you for taking the time to post. Your faith, strong mind and desire for more adventures will power you through this.

Jason,

Thank you for another of your always positive and encouraging replies... they are appreciated very much! Thanks, too, for chiming in... Ain't heard anything out of you in some time... Hope all is well way up yonder...

DDT

Distance makes the heart grow fonder, I’ve always heard, and experienced myself. While of little comfort in the present, it makes the countdown to the day you’re free more exciting as the time grows shorter. I’m sure it’s tuffer for you than someone who hasn’t experienced the freedom that you enjoy on a regular basis. I’m confident you will come out the other side with even more stories to tell.

John,

I certainly agree with you! I expect once I 'make the turn', my outlook will undergo a dramatic shift... Until then, I'll continue to press-on doing the best I can... Thanks for your thoughtful comments...

DDT

Bruce - you and Ali will be back on the road soon enough, that thought should help some in getting through this boring but necessary phase. You know you have a whole bunch of friends and family wishing the best for you.

Scooper,

Thanks for the encouragement! Yes, I am very aware that I have many friends here... and that is reassuring beyond my ability to describe...

DDT


Jess,

You have once again graphically and humorously given us a different slant on things through you vivid analogies! Back in my day, VD was the major concern while I was in Korea 65-66, as drug abuse hadn't risen to later levels... Our big surprise was the 'short-arm inspection' in the middle of the night!

There I was, a groggy teenager awakened from a deep slumber after a 'big night out', being told to stand at the foot of my bunk and expose my 'short arm'... just like everybody else in the hut! A curious but unpleasant spectacle, I assure you!

"Stand at attention but don't salute...
Drop your drawers and grab your root..." Etc., etc.

DDT


Scooper,

Yeah, he can sure spin a yarn, can't he?!!! Imagine, too, finding out you're pregnant that way... lol

DDT


Jeff,

Good points! Thanks for sharing, and thanks also for the encouragement... Better days lie ahead... just a bit further down the road than I'd prefer!


Randy,

Thank you so much for the truly fine words! I'm not as 'down' as it may appear... Just a bit bored, mildly frustrated, and grossly impatient! Again, I appreciate your replies, my friend! Indeed, I look forward to seeing you, as well, down the road someplace!

DDT

[John Schmidt]

Oh yes....the full bladder! I remember that well and it caused a delay more than once. Once filled, I'd joke with the cute little techs that handled the session...."do NOT stand between me and yonder door" referring to the nearest bathroom. So just for giggles they would always come up with something needing attention....always joking but kept the mood of things rather light. My last day required driving through a heavy snowstorm with minimal roads plowed by my appt. time, yet I was determined to not miss that final day. When done, I rec'd. a certificate and all the little honeys I had worked with the last two months gave great hugs and kisses. The one guy, great kid with an even greater sense of humor, also gave a bro-hug but declined kissing me....which was quite ok with me. What I found interesting was a comment by the doctor as we walked out together; "John, I seldom see that staff react in that manner, you're a special guy to them." At a later follow-up appt. he explained they were all aware of the recent events that had taken place in my life. Made an old man feel kinda good. Funny thing, about six months later while grocery shopping I ran into one of the gals that worked the equipment. To my surprise I got the same attention as before....a hug and a kiss...along with a few stares from other shoppers. The way those gals kept the atmosphere light during each session made the time and reason for the event easier to handle. Like you, I had various bodily issues and didn't travel far or long for obvious reasons.

So Bruce, hang in there, it will be overwith in time. Then give all the "plumbing" time to recuperate before setting out on another CW(coddiwomple)! If I were closer I'd take a short trip down for a day or two, breaking the monotony of both our current lives. 

[Valkorado]

Iffin' ya gotta take a pit stop, this is probably the ideal winter to do it.  You'll be tuned up and good to go right around when America's highways, byways and roadside diners are wide open again.

Looking forward to riding with you again.  I'll even try to slow down a bit and smell the roses! 

[DDT (12)]

John,

All of the folks working with me have been great and most patient, too. I expect, however, they'll be more inclined to cheer my departure for other reasons... Oh well, this too shall pass... hopefully for good! Yeah, it would be great to see ya and pass some time... No time soon for either of us, unfortunately, but who knows... we may stumble across each other later in the year... looking forward to it!

DDT


Seth,

I agree! If this had to happen, then it probably couldn't have happened at a more opportune time, all things considered. Still... Oh, I do appreciate the offer to 'smell the roses' next time!

DDT

[bassman]

I had 28 sessions - Monday - Friday last year.  While they encouraged me to ensure there was fluid in my bladder they never insisted on a FULL bladder which would have been miserable for sure.  However, during one of my "sessions" I was informed I had an "air pocket" in my rectum (that I was unaware of) that needed to be taken care of before they could do the treatment as it was pushing against my prostate and they could not line up the machine properly.  They asked me to please "step outside", walk around and try to work it out.  All young, attractive female technicians.  I did as told and returned to smiling faces.  Almost expected a round of applause but that was not going to happen.  A tad embarrassing but ya gotta do what ya gotta do !!

Good luck with the remaining sessions.  My only side effects was/is a lot of fatigue from the treatment and hormone shots for two years.

[Willow]

...
Initially my greatest fear was showing up in ‘distress’ and ‘falling down’ just before crossing the finish line…
...

LOL!  You know a properly placed rubber band can deal with that for the male participant but one must be careful as improper placement or elapsed time can do permanent damage.      

[Serk]

...
Initially my greatest fear was showing up in ‘distress’ and ‘falling down’ just before crossing the finish line…
...

LOL!  You know a properly placed rubber band can deal with that for the male participant but one must be careful as improper placement or elapsed time can do permanent damage.      

Indeed, as any farm hand would tell you... 

[Jess from VA]

They put those rubber bands on lambs tails, and they fall off in short order. 

I'd much rather pee my pants.  Thanks anyway though. 

[t-man403]

Bruce - you and Ali will be back on the road soon enough, that thought should help some in getting through this boring but necessary phase. You know you have a whole bunch of friends and family wishing the best for you.

Including all us up North! 

[Bret SD]

"I find myself praying more…"

Bruce, I'm probably praying more now than ever for different reasons. Prayer will never steer you wrong, as has been said, now is probably the best time to go through the process. You'd be bumming hard if it were now the beginning of riding season..

My prediction:
Flowers and trees will bloom again after spring snow melts, the air will be filled with fragrant warmth, and a happy guy in Florida will fire up his Valkyrie and hit the road again with renewed vigor and an elation probably yet to be matched in his life thus far.   

God is with you

[The emperor has no clothes]

1 week down, 7 to go. You got this my friend. 

[DDT (12)]

WOW! So much encouragement, well wishes, prayers, and helpful suggestions... I am going to take a pass on the clip and rubber band suggestions, however, even though I appreciate the thought.    Just doing what I can to pass the time... here and in the waiting room! Dang, this full bladder timing thing is proving elusive and quite difficult!   

Each visit has required a delay of some length, and twice I've been rescheduled for later in the day, so... another turn at bat... preceded by another wait in the 'on-deck circle'... I'm wondering if this is just elusive or possibly downright evasive?!     Gave a stool sample yesterday, so maybe there is a clue in the diarrhea I've been struggling with also... It seems most of the liquid I'm forced to drink winds up in my bowels instead of my bladder.    I'm toying with the idea of maybe drinking a few beers before showing up... It's always worked without fail in a bar...    

Anyway, thanks again, folks... Your replies and comments are most sincerely appreciated!   

DDT

[The emperor has no clothes]

WOW! So much encouragement, well wishes, prayers, and helpful suggestions... I am going to take a pass on the clip and rubber band suggestions, however, even though I appreciate the thought.    Just doing what I can to pass the time... here and in the waiting room! Dang, this full bladder timing thing is proving elusive and quite difficult!   

Each visit has required a delay of some length, and twice I've been rescheduled for later in the day, so... another turn at bat... preceded by another wait in the 'on-deck circle'... I'm wondering if this is just elusive or possibly downright evasive?!     Gave a stool sample yesterday, so maybe there is a clue in the diarrhea I've been struggling with also... It seems most of the liquid I'm forced to drink winds up in my bowels instead of my bladder.    I'm toying with the idea of maybe drinking a few beers before showing up... It's always worked without fail in a bar...    

Anyway, thanks again, folks... Your replies and comments are most sincerely appreciated!   

DDT

I've been thinking about your full bladder timing dilemma. I'm afraid I would be screwed. We took my Inlaws up to St. George to visit with family a couple days ago. I peed 4 times on the way. My FIL never peed once. On the way back we were stopped and rerouted due to a sad accident killing a bunch of bicyclists. I was thankful I didn't try to make it to Searchlight. The sweet spot between a full bladder and a cleanup on aisle 9, is about 45 seconds. 

On a side note. I fought with my spell checker thingy for 2 minutes on the word "dilemna". I could swear it was spelt with an n. (I guess I'm not near the speller I thought I was)