He led with,“I’m gonna get right to the point, Vin.
Your blood work came back, and your PSA number is high.
you should probably see a Urologist right away…”
And, so my journey began.
My doctor called it"situational anxiety and depression.
“I began living onAtivan, edibles, CBD, THC, andHigh Nooners.
I must’ve thought I was hiding from the grim reaper, who knows?
I went through several tests to confirm my diagnosis.
Without testosterone, the cancer/tumor would shrink, making it an easier target for radiation therapy.
Had I unknowingly morphed into George Costanza?
On December 20th, seven months after my original diagnosis, I started radiation.
He said it’d probably been growing for ten years or longer…
The radiation was much more difficult than I imagined.
I was told it would be similar to having an x-ray, but there could be side effects.
I played it safe and chose 44.
Just what I needed.
To receive treatment, my colon had to be empty, and my bladder had to be full.
I had a standing appointment with"Wendy"every morning at 7:15.
Once I was positioned properly on the table, the radiation began.
It was done in under 10 minutes.
Towards the tail end, my doctor/PA both warned me the side effects could get worse.
“My bad!”
“And, I easily could’ve…
Then it happened.
I only had a single-digit number of appointments left.
Radiation was no exception.
On my last day, there was a bit of sadness.
It was the least I could do.
They were so good to me!
I entered into this fearful my radiation therapy treatment team would include the likes of one Nurse Ratched…
The"Ifinished radiation celebration"was brief.
I knew the most important part of the treatment was its effectiveness.
I had done everything they asked me to do, but how successful was it?
I had an appointment to see my Medical Oncologist at Dana-Farber in Boston on Tuesday, February 28th.
First, there was a blood draw at 8:45 and then an appointment with my doctor an hour later.
I was determined to make the appointment despite the forecasts of heavy snow.
I have a four-wheel drive truck, and I knew ifDana-Farberwas open, I could make it in…
When I was first diagnosed, my PSA was 12.8 (2.0-4.0 is considered normal).
A second test done a week later produced 11.1.
(as non-existent as it gets!)
It was an incredible moment.
He’s taken me offBicalutamideandLupron, and wants to see me again in three months.
I really want to donate $2,500, and I believe that’s a very reachable goal.
Fund research, develop new, less invasive tests and treatments, and ultimately, save lives.
In case you were wondering,“I’m alright, don’t nobody worry ‘bout me…”
