Another Graduation (of sorts)

There was frost on the windshield this morning.  I guess it's time to take the snow brush and ice scraper from the cellar and place in the car.  I guess snow shovels will be next, but left's not rush things.

I had an early appointment at the urologist today to get my final dose of BCG.  According to Dr Previte, this should be my last round.  I'll be having an in-office cystoscopy in about a month.  If my bladder is clear (and free of cancer), I'll be relegated to an annual check up.

I had an earlier appointment today.  Not knowing what the traffic situation would be like, I gave myself 40 minutes for a normal 10-15 minute drive.  The office opens at 8AM, so being one of the first patients has its advantages: plenty of parking. 

I arrived at 7:45 and was worried that I might have to wait until they officially opened, but thankfully the door was unlocked and my check in was immediate.  After providing the obligatory urine sample, it wasn't too long before I was called. Upon hearing my name, I responded, "Here", and approached the medical professional.  After exchanging pleasantries, she grilled me for my personal info as we walked to an all too familiar examination room, I dubbed the meat locker.  Luckily today, it wasn't cold.

Getting prepared for the instillation, I was all set waiting for Morgan to arrive.  It didn't seem too long when she did arrive.  Looking at my folder/notes, she said, "This is your last one".  Gleefully, I responded, "Yes".  Morgan asked if I already had my in office cystoscopy scheduled, to which I said, 'Yes".

Morgan struck up a conversation (as a distraction) and shared that she and her husband are looking to buy a house.  She has a two year old now and they no longer want to rent.  We chatted about paying down the principle to reduce the time-frame of the loan.  And before you knew it, she was done. She is getting to be quite the pro.  We wished each other Happy Holidays.  And I jokingly said, "I hope I don't have to see you again..at least not under these circumstances". 

I arrived home in about 10 minutes and began my marination.  Those last 10 minutes are the toughest.  I tried, but I couldn't stand the discomfort and was shy of my 2 hour marination.

Since the side effects of BCG are cumulative, today's recovery was rough.  It seemed that I needed to 'go' every 5 minutes with very little output.  I was hoping the pyridium would kick in (which it did by 5PM).   I felt blah, most of the day and needed to constantly visit the facilities.  I'm glad I had some depends to use, otherwise I'd be changing my clothes a number of times. I didn't plan on leaving the house so I decided to change my guitar strings.  With each string I replaced, I needed to rush to the toilet.  Even though I had an extra layer of protection, the urge was so strong and the burning so intense, the little I produced was not satisfying.  But I've been through this.  It's just a commitment. 

It's 6:30 now, and although I had many calls to nature, they seem to be less frequent and my output has increased.  I'm sure I will be having disrupted sleep tonight.

So, the healing begins and the next 'look see' will be December 19th.  Hoping for good results.

More to come!

Eye Doctor and Round Two

Mass Eye And Ear

Had an early morning appointment with Dr Song at Mass Eye And Ear.  Previously in Waltham, this is my second time at their new facility in Lexington.  Although it's closer (exit wise), the new building is really out in the sticks (end of Hartwell Rd).

Luckily, Monday was a holiday and traffic was manageable.  I made decent time. I arrived about a half hour early and checked in.  I didn't wait too long before being called to another waiting room. I guess moving around makes one forget about how long you actually wait.

I had my first test of the day, which took just a few minutes.  After completing those, I was asked to follow the medical professional to another examination room on the opposite side of the building.  Once seated I was given the Snelling Card test then asked to look through the machine so they could flip filters/lenses until I could see perfectly.  I'm assuming that this is used to determine if I need an eye glass prescription.  The result indicated that I might benefit from some corrective lenses or use 'cheaters' reading (the kind you get retail), but I have no problems reading.  I have mono vision (two implanted lenses: one for distance and one for reading).  The only time I notice that things are not clear is when I take a sip of coffee while reading and the cup covers my line of sight (on my reading eye). Barring that, I don't need glasses.

I was finally given the dilation drops and was asked to wait until the drops kicked in. I seemed to take about 20 minutes before the doctor arrived.

Upon arrival and after pleasantries, Dr Song stated that my test results were good.  He then took out his bag of tricks and began examining my eyes at all angles.  I'm generally keen to picking up utterances, but either there was nothing to grunt about ,or he's a good poker player. Luckily for me, he was pleased with everything and told me to return in a year.  YAY!

Round Two BCG

Today, I had an early appointment for my second dose of BCG.  Traffic was heavy, but it moved and I arrived right on time.  After checking in and providing my specimen sample, I didn't have to wait too long to be called.

I was quizzed on my vitals as we walked to a familiar examination room. I had just removed my coat when Morgan arrived.  Jokingly I said, "I'm not ready yet". She said, "I can come back".  I indicated that I'd be quick and I was.

Morgan set up her implements and quickly went to work.  Very little discomfort and before I knew it I was done.  She said, "See you next week".  I returned my paperwork to the front desk and went home to marinate. 

I was able to do the full two hours.  So I voided, then had some coffee and took my pyridium (Azo). I then waited.

I recall from my previous rodeos that each subsequent dose was cumulative for the side effects. Today was no different.  For the next six hours, I stayed near the bathroom and made visits with very little output.  The burning seemed to go through my whole body.  I could feel/hear my lymph nodes screaming.  Eventually, the Azo kicked in and it was less uncomfortable to go.  Like other times, I did see some blood and passed a few clots (normal and expected).  This cleared up as the day progressed.  I felt BLAH and just chilled out.  No chores or walk today.

I expect to be back at it tomorrow and healing up for my next (and hopefully last) round.

More to come!

The Fun Starts Again

Well I had my blood work and CT scan completed.  I got notification that my urine sample was routine (meaning normal- no blood).  I heard nothing about the CT Scan nor my blood test, so I'm hoping that is a good sign.

Today was extremely warm for November.  Traffic was bordering on horrific.  My appointment was 8:20, so I'm assuming it was regular commuting traffic.  However, there was some construction going on at my exit.  Of course getting off the highway at the exit I was greeted with signs that said the exit was closed.  Would have like to have know this prior to my taking the exit.  I meandered through and took some back roads and got back on track.  I made it there with one minute to spare.  I lucked out and got a parking spot near the entrance.

Upon entering the medical office, it was like a ghost town.  So it was a quick check in.  The ride was stressful thus I had a good supply for the urine sample.  I returned to the waiting room and was quickly called.

After answering my personal information questions, I was brought to a familiar examination room.  The medical professional took some vitals and asked me to prepare for the BCG instillation.  I dropped trow and covered with their extra large napkin.  Not long after, Morgan arrived and reviewed a few things.  She had me sign a document indicating what I was getting and the risks involved.  (Every new round requires this).

Morgan is a pro.  She made short work of the procedure with very little discomfort.  After completing, she said, "See you next week."

I got home and did my marination and was only 5 minutes shy of the two hours.

Today was a do nothing day.  Given current events, I listened to classical music and watched some you tube videos I subscribe to.  I had a pretty typical reaction to the BCG.  I had some Azo to help with the burning, discomfort and frequency. When I checked the mail today, my supply of Azo arrived from my eBay purchase.  Good timing.

More to come!

Preparing For The Next Round

It's November already?  Wow, tempus fugit (time flies)!

Getting ready for (hopefully) my last round of BCG.  I ended October with some required tests to ensure that I'm able to get my next round.  On Wednesday, I had a visit with the urologist's office to provide a urine sample.  That afternoon, I received a call informing me that I had an appointment scheduled for a CT (Cat Scan) on Halloween at Holy Family in Haverhill.  I never received any communication prior, but I'm glad the office decided to call and verify. I was also informed that I needed a blood test.  Luckily I could do this at the same location prior to my CT appointment.

Halloween was quite warm (summer-like).  I arrived at the hospital early and checked in.  It wasn't too long before I was called in for my lab work.  The phlebotomist is wonderful.  One jab and instant results.  Unlike other visits elsewhere when I felt like a pin cushion. I then meandered to the Radiation department and checked in.

After completing a standard questionnaire, I was directed to the CT room and told to have a seat.  I waited about 10 minutes before being called in by the tech.  I was given a quick overview of what was going to happen (although this was not my first rodeo, I listened and concurred).  I was told to lie on the slab and lower my pants to my knees.  I was also asked which arm to use for the IV/contrast.  Given my recent puncture, I selected my other arm with a proviso that I haven't been lucky in the past and the IV was given on my hand.  Of course, this information was dismissed and the nurse proceeded to jab me (repeatedly) before resorting to my hand. (No one listens.)

The rest of the procedure was pretty routine.  The contrast experience was a bit concerning; the warm feeling and metallic taste, but this too passed. So I was finally free to leave.  Hope the test results are favorable and I'm allowed to have my first round of BCG next Wednesday.

More to come!

No News Is Good News

I had a follow-up appointment today with my oncologist, Dr Mehta.  I was scheduled to have a Blood Draw prior to meeting with Dr Mehta, so I arrived as instructed and after a quick check in I was called.

After being grilled for my credentials,  I had my weight and height checked.  Apparently gravity is still winning and I'm a half inch shorter than my last visit.  My weight was about the same as my last visit.  Upon completion, I was brought over to the lab portion.  I was once again grilled for my identification.

After providing the correct information, I was asked which arm I wanted to use.  Generally the phlebotomist has difficulty getting blood from both my arms and ends up drawing the blood from my hand.  I guess that information fell on deaf ears because neither arm produced blood.  The medical professional called for another to try.  Same result.  Once again I felt like I was a pin cushion.  Finally, they got some blood from my hand.  Deja vu!

After my needling, I was brought to the exam room and was told Dr Mehta would be right in.  He did come within a few minutes.

After pleasantries, he asked me about the the progress of my bladder cancer treatments and current results of the BCG.  He appeared to be happy that my treatments are working.  He did say that if that changes, there are other options.  Let's hope I don't need to consider those.

Dr Mehta then asked me to lift my shirt and he began to feel for lumps, anomalies and swollen lymph nodes. I heard him say, "Good".

He then asked about my next mammogram, to which I said I already had one scheduled for December.  (I found out when I got home that the appointment is in March).  So he said he wanted to see me following my next mammogram. So he said, "See you in January".

Upon check out, I was booked for January 15, 2025.

Once I got home, I checked my calendar and noticed the mammogram was scheduled for March 17, 2025.  So I went to my patient portal and left a message indicating that information and requested another follow-up visit after the mammogram. While in the portal, I noticed the results of my blood test. All results fell within normal limits.  However there were two test that fell just over/under the normal limits.  One showed my red blood cell count was slightly lower that the normal range and my glycerine level was slightly elevated, neither had red flags.

So I await my new appointment.  Happy that I have no new news to report, which is good news.

More to come!

Post Script: I received a call from Dr Mehta's office and I have my appointment rescheduled to March 25, 2025.

September Morn

Love New England, especially in early September.  Generally the days are sunny and warm and the evenings, although a bit darker, are cool and great for sleeping. Last night I got some much needed sleep.  I had four booster shots on Sunday (Covid; RSV; Pneumonia: and Flu).  I don't usually get multiples, but I decided it was wise to get it done.  The worst part was the sore arms (both).  Being a side sleeper, Sunday was basically sleepless in Haverhill.  Although the arm pains have dissipated (pretty much), last night was good, sleep-wise.

Today I had my in-office cystoscopy with Dr Previte in North Andover.  I had completed my three rounds of BCG in July and today was 'look-see', to see if the treatments are keeping the bladder cancer away.

I arrived for my appointment on this gorgeous day.  Parking lot was packed so I ended up finding a place on the far end of the building.  Beautiful day for a walk.  Of course there was basically no one in the lobby.  I waited to check in and was charged a co-pay and 'paid up' my outstanding debt.  I still can't figure it out, but I'm paid.  Now I'll have to see if I get a check from Medicare again.

I gave my sample and waited to be called.  After a bit, my name was called and while walking to yet another examination room, I was quizzed on my personal information.  At least this room was not like the meat locker.  If anything, it could have used more air exchange, but it is what it is. I prepared myself and awaited the arrival of Dr Previte. 

The doctor arrived and reviewed my chart and verified a few things then got to work.  I was not able to see the monitor screen this time, but I was attuned to his utterances. He didn't seem to make any 'bad' sounds.  He did say that I had two diverticulars.  (First I heard of it).  He exclaimed that all the tissue was clean.  He spent extra time looking in the diverticulums and said they look good.  He removed his instruments.

Upon updating my file, he said that I had one more round of BCG and another cystoscopy to go.  He did say that he wants another cat-scan.  He mentioned that sometimes cancer is in the kidney, but wanted to rule that out.  This was troubling, but his due diligence is appreciated.  He said I would receive a call for the BCG dates and scheduling of the cat-scan.

When I got home, I had a voice message indicating that the next round will begin in November and a cystoscopy for December 19th.  I still have the cat-scan to be scheduled before 12/19.

More to come!

Third Round Completed

Today I had my third dose of BCG.  

Another early appointment.  The drive was uneventful and there was no problem finding parking since my appointment would be one of the first today.  I figured I'd be in and out, but they were short staffed. It was just Carmen working the counter.  Although she was the whole show today, she remained in good spirits and announced that she was all alone and she will do the best she could.  Well that's all we can ask for.

I stood in line and waited for a spell when she called me to the counter.  I gave her my name and the reason for my visit.  She looked in her computer and  turned to find my folder.  Like other times she verified my vitals and checked to see if there were any changes. Luckily everything was the same.  She gave me a specimen jar and asked that I provide a sample and have a seat.  Easy enough.  Done.

I returned to the waiting room and had a long wait.  I brought the daily paper with me and I read the whole thing and I still hadn't been called.  I arrived at 7:45 and it was now 8:30.  I almost approached her and asked if I had been forgotten, but my plans were halted when my name was called.

The medical professional requested that I follow her.  On the way to the examination room, I was grilled for my identification vitals.  We finally reached my destination.  So many examination rooms; I had not been to this one before.  I was told to prepare myself and wait for Morgan (Physician's Assistant).  I dropped my pants and covered up with the large napkin I was provided and waited.

Morgan arrived and indicated that the examination seat/table was wonky and might not work.  Apparently a replacement is in back order.  Luckily, she was able to position it so she could give me my treatment.  Although the device had seen better days it was actually pretty comfortable (like a padded couch).

Morgan is very good at this.  She inserted the catheter and instilled the BCG with very little discomfort.  She was very quick and efficient.  She said, "We're done".

She had confirmed that this was my third dose and asked if I had my cystoscopy scheduled already.  I said, "It hasn't been".  She instructed me to schedule the appointment before leaving.

I returned to the waiting room and there were quite a few people waiting to be checked in.  I took my place in line and waited my turn.  Mind you, I'm usually on my way home to begin the 2 hour marination, but I had to wait in line.  Upon reaching her, she told me to go to the scheduling window.  There was another line.  The attendant needed to call another office to find out the availability.  She asked if I could go to the Salem, NH office, but corrected herself by saying I needed to return to this office.  Looking at the calendar she said the doctor is booking September.  I said fine.  So she gave me September 19th at 3:30PM.  On the way out Carmen got my attention and indicated that I owed a co-pay.  Whatever.  I whipped out my card and she collected $15.00.  [I still don't understand how that works.  I had been charged $50.00 in the past then received a refund form Medicare.]

So I wasted about a half hour that I could have been marinating.  Once home I started.

The first hour and a half was pretty much normal, but the last half hour was excruciating.  I was uncertain if I was having a similar issue as last week, but I tried my best to hold out.  I had 15 minutes to go, but I was in agony.  I gingerly got up and slowly walked to the bathroom hoping not to have an "accident".  I emptied my bladder, but once I was done, I had the urge to go (like last week).  Actually I had two deposits.  (I know - TMI).  Well that explains my discomfort.  I hope that my not doing the last 15 minutes won't change anything.  Although I had an extra half hour of standing marination in the office.  (I'm sure it's not the same).

For most of the day, I was running back and forth to the toilet.  My bladder felt full, but the output was low.  The burning was really bad. I took the pills, but they hadn't gone through my system yet.  So I surrendered to the fact that I would be tethered to the toilet.

I made coffee.  I hoped that would help flush my system out.  I had some bleeding (expected).  By 6PM I was making fewer visits.  But I did not take my walk today because I didn't think it was wise, considering.

So I'm glad this round of 3 is completed.  I trust that things will begin to return to normal over the next few days.  I do have concerns about not making the whole two hours.  Recalling my very first treatment, I had a few times when I couldn't make the whole two hours.  Not sure if that was the reason why it wasn't successful the first time. So I'll worry about that until September 19th.

More to come!