Radiation Oncology Consult 
I didn’t have my actual consult today because of some scheduling issues, but I did get to meet with Dr. Langer briefly.  He was a very nice guy and went over the procedure with me.  He explained all the risks of doing total body radiation, but like everyone else he recognizes the alternative to not doing it would be death, so we both decided to move forward.  I signed the consent and he sent me off to radiation simulation.  I’ll have my actual consult on 9/16 to hear more about the process and ask questions.

Simulation Terminated
Today was radiation simulation day.  Basically this was a prep session to make sure everything is in place for my radiation therapy.  As part of the SCT, I will receive radiation twice a day for 4 days.  In the morning they’ll fry my front side.  They then send me back to my room to let the glow die down.  After a few hours in my room, the send me back in the afternoon to fry my backside.  This goes on for for days until I can cook eggs by simply holding them in my hands.  My science may be a little off there, but I’m sure getting shot with a bunch of radiation has some cool side effects they haven’t told me about yet.  For now, Simulation makes me think of this scene from Monster’s Inc.  Hopefully they don’t keep any jacks on the floor in the therapy room.

Continue reading Radiation Simulation

My LP
I really wish this part was about me cutting an album.  Unfortunately in this case “LP” stands for Lumbar Puncture.  They may literally stick a needle in your back, but it’s figuratively a pain in the tuchus.  I’ve had 7 lumbar punctures in my lifetime.  All occurred in 2013 when they’d take out some spinal fluid to test for cancer and then put back some chemo “just in case.”  It was especially fun when they needed to train one of the residents so the guy sticking that needle in your back might try a time or two before they didn’t nick a nerve or hit bone.

Thankfully the spinal fluid was always clear.  This time was no different.  Unfortunately I usually had side effects from the LP.  This time was no different.  Now on the plus side, this time wasn’t as bad as my worst LP.  That was when I couldn’t stand for a week without headaches and nausea.  This time around I can at least stand and move around a bit.  Riding in cars is difficult and I get a headache if I stand up too fast, but both are manageable.  Usually the side effects will pass once the fluid balances back out.  Hopefully that is sooner rather than later.

Continue reading Curveball

Happy Anniversary!
Nine years ago today, Lindsey and I said “I do.”  While I was kinda hoping things would go more on the health and wealth side of the vows, we’ve managed to get through the sickness portion pretty well.  I can’t imagine going through this without my Lindsey Bear and I look forward to Anniversary #10 being somewhere other than a hospital.

Hotel Simon
Now all things considered, I did pick a rather expensive place to celebrate our anniversary.  I mean, we’ve never stayed in accommodations that cost $1,500/night and has someone available at the push of a button.  Here you don’t have to walk anywhere.  They will come to you with a wheelchair or a bed and whisk you off to CT, PFT and other places.  You don’t even have to tip the driver!

Check in at Hotel Simon went smoothly.  I went to clinic to get labs and the Katie (Dr. Cripe’s Inpatient Nurse) took me to radiology for an x-ray to confirm the PICC was still in an appropriate place.  From there we went to my room in C-pod (poor view, but it’s only for 2 days) and settled in.

Since I’ll be here for 2 days and don’t have much going on, we are going to get a lot (or maybe all) of my transplant testing out of the way.  The afternoon turned into a whirlwind of people and tests.  Here’s the latest…

Continue reading Back In The Blinatumomab Saddle