Yesterday was a bit exhausting, with three doctor appointments. Nearly overwhelming for my limited brain power. Anyway, PET scan has been scheduled for May 7th. Results from that will determine next steps. I really like my oncology team and the clinic in general. They listen, explain and are totally positive energy. It’s a tough aspect of healthcare, to work with patients who have serious issues and concerns.
All good 👍🏻.
On my walk a few minutes ago. A cloudless sky in Seattle- who would’ve thought?
Note: health update coming next week. I’ve seen one of three doctors, after my last CT on the 8th. Two more still need to weigh in. Based on what the first oncologist said, I have a sense of where things are going. It’s a mixed blessing/bag. All good.
This journey started in 2018, with the first CT scan. It’s just the nature of ‘c’.
Blessings 🙏🏻
I’m a week away from my follow up CT scan. This scan will validate ( or not) that the Targeted Radiation I did in Dec/Jan was successful.
Last Friday I had a dermatology appointment to address some skin issue I’ve had for a few years-actually started right after my first encounter with NSCLC, in 2019. It was a new dermatologist for me, so he wanted to do a full body exam. Everything looked pretty typical until he got to the back of my left, upper thigh. There/was a patch of red skin in a place I would have never noticed. He took a biopsy, but is 99% certain it is basal cell carcinoma. When the biopsy is finished he’ll call me with results and next steps. I’ve been so focused on my lung tumor …well, this event took me by surprise. So, now tracking two cancers in my body. 🤷🏼♂️🤔.
Wishing everyone a belated Easter. Warmer weather is on the horizon for us here in the Pacific Northwest 🤞🏻.
Blessings to all 🙏🏻.
www.instagram.com/reel/C28fQ6IP-1VfOjPk5fTNtIowtDdMxINiqBtK1s0/
Something did for an Instagram post today.
Yesterday I finished the targeted radiation treatments. Now I wait till my next CT scan, in April, to see if the treatments worked. Hoping, but if not, I’m sure there is a Plan B. In the meantime, my PCP has referred me to another oncologist, one who specializes in blood issues. My labs have been consistently off for the past year and for most of that time we thought it was anemia caused by CKD. My kidney labs don’t support that theory anymore, so…. I won’t be straying too far from the cancer clinic. This oncologist will hopefully fit this piece of the puzzle with the rest of the stuff I have gone through since 2019 and my first go around with cancer.
In the meantime, still dealing with post surgery issues on my lower back. Hoping some PT this Spring will help that situation and maybe I’ll recharge the batteries on a couple of cameras and get back out shooting 🤞🏻.
My best to all!!
❤️
Week one of four weeks of Targeted Radiation started. Today went well. I can’t say enough good things about the clinic staff; they’re so supportive and really listen to my concerns and explain the process, as it relates to me, extremely well. I can expect fatigue and skin irritation. They gave me a cream for the irritation, which I apply twice a day.
The anxiety I had as well as everyone who has come in contact with my case is the tumors close proximity to the coronary artery that feeds the left side of my heart and to the main nerve that runs down my left arm. It was explained to me today that they can adjust the beam to within 1mm of where it needs to be. Additionally, if I were to slightly shift my body, for whatever reason, the SBRT machine automatically shuts off, so the beam cannot damage any tissue it’s not supposed to.
So, all good today 👍🏻. Thinking all positive thoughts!!
🙏🏻❤️
PS: Diseases like cancer can rob you of your identity. I haven’t used any of my cameras in months and it seems the real ‘me’ is slipping away from me. The mental battle is to not let cancer/disease to take away what is ‘me’. Never give in!!!💪🏻👊🏻
I had my last CT scan this Tuesday. Today I got a call from the Radiation Oncology Clinic, apparently the doctor saw something in my scan and he has decided I need 15 SBRT treatments rather than the 5 that was initially scheduled. Big change. I still start on Dec. 19th, but now the treatments go until January 10th, including my birthday on January 5th. Now we’ll have a quiet Christmas, New Year and birthday!🎉
The CT also discovered that I have a fractured T12 vertebrae. That problem will have to be put off till end of January. When it rains it pours, I guess..
I miss being out with my camera 📷.
Will post after my first treatment.
🙏🏻
Today we did CT Mapping of the tumor and surrounding areas, getting those locations entered into the SBRT system/machine. I have 3 ‘tattoos’ on my upper body to help the machine locate the area that needs attention.
Afterwards, they set up my treatment schedule. SBRT is high dosage radiation. I have five sessions scheduled. I do get Christmas Day off, but go back on the 26th, for what is planned to be the last session. 🤞🏻.
Looks like it’s going to be a quiet Christmas in our house this year, but getting the family together a few days later for dinner at a local restaurant.
Best Holiday Wishes to all!
I’ll be back in a week or so.
❤️
Today I met the radiation Oncologist and his staff. They were all wonderful. I’m in really good hands. Next week I go in for CT Mapping of the tumor. Once mapped, the coordinates of the tumor are entered into the SBRT machine and will be ready for treatment. I have one more CT scan with contrast to do so the doctor has the latest image of the tumor. Doctors at two hospitals have been tracking this tumor for the last 9 or so months, so there is a plethora of imaging and data to work with.
A month ago I had lower back surgery. Simultaneously, I was also dealing with a different hospital /doctor group for my cancer. I have an inoperable tumor in my upper left lobe/lung. Juggling two critical health issues at the same time was more than enough for me to deal with. I haven’t posted as I have rarely left the house, hence, no new photos to post. I actually have a few from before surgery, but it’s tough to get past the circumstances of surgery, etc.
This morning I got a call from the doctor working on my cancer case. The two biopsies they took 10 days ago were NEGATIVE. This was the best news. Now things are in motion to treat the inoperable tumor with Targeted Radiation. Next week the the Radiation Oncology doctor from another clinic will be contacting me to schedule an intake exam and treatment schedule.
I’ve left out a couple of health related issues that have occurred in the past month; I’ve lost 35 pounds, kidney function dropped, etc.
Targeted Radiation has its own set of side effects. I feel good about handling just one treatment course. Had one or more of the biopsies been positive I would be facing chemo in addition to radiation.
I was so relieved to get the good news this morning; nearly in tears. My family and more have been so supportive these past few months;prayers, hugs, chicken soup….
My goal has been to stay alive and relevant for as long as is possible. Today’s news gives me hope that I still have work to do and things to photograph in this crazy world we live in.
Blessings to all,
Fred,
The wandering photographer
📷🎞️
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