KARDAS - Accbar Pita

* Chapter 4 *

13 February 1997

13 February 1997

Well, here I am again,

Today I went to see the radiation oncologist again -- this time Dr. Machtay was not there, but the head of the department was. They did a "walk through" (I suppose that is what you might call it) of the radiation therapy -- I lay under the machine, there was a red, laser-like line that split me in 2 parts (our bilateral symmetry!), then they put an individually made die (I suppose it must be of lead, since that does not allow radiation through) under the radiation head/source -- which I assume directs the beam to where it should go and not everywhere. It still is a largish parallelogram shaped space. They then took a couple of X-rays, I assume to see if the orientation was what it would be. Incidentally, when I first "got laid" on the apparatus table, I asked whether I should take my shoes off (I only was naked from the waist down) and they said no -- which sort of started me wondering why. The reason is: they use a bungie thingy to keep my feet together, fastening it at the shoes! Well, tie me up, tie me down!! -- it was a good movie! It keeps me lined up with the position I have to stay in during the radiation session.

The whole thing lasted about 10 minutes.

Since tomorrow is St.Valentines Day, they had a table of cookies, cupcakes, candy, soda, etc. set out for the taking -- so, needless to say, I stuffed myself. When I come in I get a cup of decaf coffee to keep me busy.

After that I asked to have a couple questions answered that were sort of up-in-the-air:

1. What happened to the results of the CEA blood test that was taken on Thursday 30 January. They called the lab across the street at HMO to see what happened, but nobody seemed to know anything about it. THEN, when I got home, about a half hour later, I got a call from the lab saying that my blood sample exploded and was not able to be tested!! WOW, if that was not only an excuse for messing up the sample or whatever, the radiation on my explosive blood might have some interesting results!!

2. Exactly what and how many cysts did they find in my liver with the ultrasound? Apparently 5, and they are not supposed to be life threatening. They are supposed to be sort of common. One less worry.

3. What stage is my cancer, according to the tests they did? It is in T3N1 (the N1 is theoretical because it comes from the catscan). It corresponds to a Stage III, BUT on my travels on the Internet I found that there are 2 Stage III's -- I neglected to remember this detail when I was talking to the M.D..

Enough about my 3 questions.

So, since next Monday, 17 February 1997 is a holiday, and the oncology unit is closed (sic!), I enter as an inpatient on Tuesday at 8:30am at Mercer Medical Center, they said the 3rd floor, from which I get moved to radiation-oncology, which is another, much nicer building a couple of buildings away, for my radiation. This continues for 4 days, so I guess I shall be in the hospital until Friday. Then I come home and have to go in for radiation for about 28 more days, Monday through Friday -- IF they are not closed for some holiday or whatever!

How do I feel? Sort of disoriented, fearful of the effects of the chemo and radiation on the "healthy" parts of my exposed system. I really have no idea what "side effects" I will be having, but I guess it depends on how the rest of me responds to it all. Otherwise, I guess it is the best route to take, and hope that the problem is resolved after it is finished.

Just fed myself, and the dogs-- stuffed clams, cooked carrots and kasha, plus the usual red wine. Took my usual antioxidants -- but guess I can not take them during therapy.

Guess the next update will be after I return from the hospital on or about 21 or 22 February -- if I have enough energy!

Kamiel, the male Sphynx cat is running over the keyboard as usual -- sits under the halogen lamp, then crosses again onto my lap, then back to the lamp. What fun. The 4 kittens appear well -- have to move them to the other room tomorrow (they are 5 weeks old already) so they can begin eating and using the litter box.

Until the next update,

Sigmund

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