Good News All Around

Eye Care Update 

As a follow up with Dr Song, the additional eye drops successfully lowered the pressure in my eyes to a 'great' reading.  Prior to taking Latanoprost, my pressure reading was 31/37.  After a few months of the new prescription (with existing script of timolol), my readings were 9/10. The doctor was ecstatic.  (as well as I).

Cystoscopy

Having completed my three rounds of BCG, today was the 'test' to see if the treatment continues to keep my bladder cancer in remission.  I've been anxious about the results.  After three years of treatments, I was looking forward to having regular intervals of a cystoscopy only. 

Having been concerned about the weather for today, it ended up being a beautiful sunny day.  There were no issues getting to and from my appointment.  Check in was a breeze.  My appointment was at 11:30 and I left the parking lot at noon (with a smile on my face).

Dr Previte performed the cystoscopy (I call it a look see).  "Everything looks great."  He added, "You are a success story."  Also added that my PSA results were 2.62 (anything less than 4 is great). After reviewing his notes, he said he would see me in 6 months for my next cystoscopy.  But, he also wanted a CAT scan since my last one will be two years old.

So, I graduated to the next level.  I await more information on my next appointment at the end of the summer and when my CAT scan will be.

More to come! 

Round Three Of Three

I had been watching the weather hoping the snow would not interfere with my getting to my last treatment of BCG.  It began snowing yesterday and snowed lightly all night long before turning to rain/sleet.  My appointment was earlier today (9AM) so I set the alarm earlier to allow myself time to clear the driveway.  All night long I could hear the plows/sanders/salters zooming.  Safer roads are the goal, but really: truck after truck spreading salt? I guess those drivers want to rake in that cash so they have to get those miles. I digress.

We got a little more than an inch, but it was very heavy and sticky.  I started my car and cleared the driveway and the sun came out.  Very picturesque.  Very much the New England Christmas post card scenery.  I welcomed the sun and the beauty that nature can be. Got in my car and trekked to my appointment.  Traffic understandably, was light.

When I arrived at Northeast Urologic, there was only one patient in the waiting room and he was chatting with one attendant.  The other open window was manned, but I guess I had to wait until I was worthy enough to be called: next.

I first gave some seasonal tidings to break the ice, then provided my name and reason for my visit.  Donna looked at her screen and said, "Yes, you are here to see Torri". She asked me to verify my information then collected my co-pay.  She provided a specimen jar and dismissed me.

I provided the sample and returned to the waiting room.  I was the only one sitting there.  After a few minutes a medical professional with folder in hand,yelled out,'Robert".  I looked around and no one was there.  She called the name again then left.  Strange.

A few minutes later, Donna looked at me and said, "You were called.  Didn't you hear it?"  I said I heard Robert.  The same professional returned and this time called out Richard.   I mentioned that she had just called Robert.  She said, "I did?" as in disbelief.

Well I was grilled for my information and was bought to yet another examination room I hadn't graced with my presence.  She went through her spiel and indicated that Torri would be with me shortly.

Not long after Torri arrived and after my saying Merry Christmas, she extended her hand (palm up), I thought she wanted a shake and a flattened high five, so I awkwardly slapped her palm.  She said, jokingly, "No gift.  Just a hand shake?"  Not that I had anything to give her, but I felt kind of dumb.

Torri did her thing and within minutes I was done.  She really is good.  I told her that she needed a raise.  She said, "Tell them out there".  I did say I will mention her to the Doctor the next time I see him.

Drove home and started my marination.  Didn't quite make the two hours.  I just couldn't stand the discomfort anymore so, I got up and voided. 

You seem to forget until it all comes back.  Then reality becomes crystal clear.

I immediately took two pyridium, but it wasn't long before I was making very frequent trips to the toilet.  Like other third rounds, the side effects pulled no punches.  Every visit, I feel all my lymph nodes scream as if they were on fire.  This has always been the most unpleasant part.  I'm hoping the pyridium kicks in because it does help.  But going every 5-10 minutes with very little output and great pain just ain't fun.

At this point, I'm foggy and feeling very blah.  I can't even doze off without needing to go.

This was expected, and this too will pass.  Just not a favorite way to celebrate Christmas.  But it sure beats the alternative.

More to come! 

 

Round Two of Three

I Can See The Light At The End Of The Tunnel

...I hope it's not a train.

Well in true New England form, we broke from the grips of the polar vortex in time for me to get my second round of BCG.  

The office at Northeast Urologic Surgery was hopping.  However, my check in was quick and I didn't even get a chance to have seat after providing my specimen.  I had the same medical professional call me in and follow her to a familiar examination room.  She went through her spiel and before leaving, she said, "You know the drill.  Torri will be with you shortly".

Not long afterward, Torri arrived and did her 'thing'.  She was quick and it was relatively painless (mostly just uncomfortable).  I was in and out in no time.  I made it home by 11:15 AM.  I had everything set up to do my two hour marination and did the full two hours.

I voided and immediately took pyridium and drank lots of fluids.  I thought it might be too late for coffee, so I decided on the hot cocoa to warm the bones and take the chill off.

I've been doing basically nothing.  I watch some videos then joined a zoom session, but I did not play. The music medicine was enjoyable and calming.

Having been through this, I was prepared to feel blah with no desire to anything but sit and watch the hours slip by. Mission accomplished.

Hoping tomorrow will show improvement as I await my last round on Christmas Eve day.

More to come! 

First Round Of Three

Well it is December and this is New England.   But, the weather cooperated this morning for my commute to Northeast Urological in N. Andover. Traffic was also cooperative.  I made it to the office parking lot a half hour early.

Check in was uneventful.  I provided a urine specimen and returned to the waiting room expecting to wait for my appointment, seeing I was more than a half hour early. I had just sat down when I heard my name called. After my grilling to verify my identity, I was walked down to yet another examination room I haven't been in.  After three years worth of appointments, I thought I had seen all the real estate.  This place is cavernous.

After doing the regular check to see if anything had changed and signing off on the consent form, I was directed to prepare myself for my BCG instillation.

Not too long transpired and Nurse Practitioner, Torri arrived.  She went through her spiel and made some small talk while she performed an effective instillation with minimal discomfort.  I've had her before.  She is really good at this. Upon completion, she gave me the follow up spiel and bid me a good day.  "I'll see you next week", I exclaimed as she left the room.

Returning to my car, I noticed it wasn't even 11 AM, yet.  The drive home was uneventful and I made it home by 11:15 AM.  I had prepared for my marination and listened to some locally grown music for two hours. At the sound of the last timer bell, I voided and immediately took some generic pyridium and made some hot cocoa.  

At this writing, I just feel blah (expected).  I'm trying to drink plenty of fluids to flush my body.  So it's going to be a do nothing-type day.

More to come! 

And It Starts Again

I was waiting for some correspondence regarding my next round of BCG.  I have a  cystoscopy already scheduled for the end of February.  In the past, I needed time to 'heal' between treatments and the cystoscopy. So, I contacted the office today.

Well, now it's on the books.  My first round of three will be December 10th.  Subsequent rounds will follow for the next two weeks.  The last one will be Christmas Eve Day,  Well I know now to prepare.

As in the past, I have to drop off a urine sample today.  They close for lunch between 12 and 1, so I'll be visiting right after 1PM. 

So the fun begins again.  

More to come! 

The Eyes Have It

Had my annual check up with Dr Song from Mass Eye And Ear in Lexington.  Traffic was light and I arrived at my 1PM appointment with time to spare.  After checking in I didn't wait too long before being called.

As usual, I have a variety of tests performed with the results ready for Dr. Song.  After the first one which didn't take too long I was asked to go into the 'special' waiting room to wait and be called.

 A reasonable amount of time transpired and I was called by Patrick.  He instructed me to go into the bowels of the building and once arrived, I was told to sit in the big chair. He accessed my case file and reviewed some things to ensure everything was up to date.  He then gave me a card with various sized printing and ask me to read the smallest print I could see.  I looked at the smallest font and rattled off what I saw.  He exclaimed, "Correct". he then turned on the screen that had more letters to read using one eye at a time.  My right eye did great.  He said, "20/20'.  My left eye (which has a reading lens implant) had a tough time.  I recall last time I had the same issues.  He gave me a 'strainer' to try and I did much better.  I thought I heard him say, "10/150".  Sounded ominous.

Finally he swung over the big eye machine and began flipping things and asking which looked clearer. He did both eyes and repeated my reading the letters.  My left eye did better, but that one is for reading, not distance.  I surmised that if I was having trouble seeing/reading, I could get a prescription.  But I don't have problems reading the newspaper, or the smallest print on my prescription bottles.

Patrick then initialed another test for eye pressure.  When he did my left eye he was hemming and hawing and tried a few more tests.  Apparently the pressure in my left eye was elevated.  He excused himself to consult with Dr Song before dilating my eyes. He returned and said the doctor wanted them dilated.  So the drops, the wait and it seemed quite a bit before Dr Song arrived.

Dr Song exchanged pleasantries and reviewed my various test results.  He said the retina and ocular nerve looked good.  He used some machines that were very bright and said things look good.  He returned to the computer file and said, "The pressure in the left eye had gone up.  Since my last visit we had it under control". Although I'm taking Timolol daily in both eyes, he wanted to prescribe Latanoprost for nightly instillation in both eyes.  He did say that there might be side effects, but the most common with prolonged use is a change in eye color (darker) and skin darkness around the eyes.  He said a way to combat this it to make sure any residual is wiped up after instillation.

So he said he would order the new prescription (which he did and I picked up).  He wants to see me in 2 months. So I'll be back at the end of January.

Given the time of the day, traffic was quite heavy coming home.  Situation normal. 

Later that day I got a notice that my medical file had been updated.  I read the visit summary and it said "routine".  So I guess the workings of the eye etc, were all routine but the pressure was elevated.  It's always something.

More to come! 

End Of July "Look-See"

The heat wave we've experienced these last few days had a 'real feel' heat index of 100 to110 degrees, and extremely humid.  We've also had drought conditions since early June so today's forecast of heavy rain and lower temps was most welcomed.

This morning I was scheduled for my in-office cystoscopy. As I left my house this morning it was overcast, but no rain.  However, as I got onto the highway, The skies open up, albeit briefly.  Entering the parking lot at Northeast Urologic, it seemed that every space was taken.  I drove further to the end and snagged a spot.  Walking to the office, the skies decided to open up again. I didn't get soaked, but I felt damp.

The office was really packed.  It didn't take long to check in and provide my 'sample'.  I waited for my name to be called and did some people watching.  Finally, my name was called. 

The nurse grilled me on my vitals and upon acing the verbal, I was directed to an all too familiar examination room.  Having damp clothing and a chilling AC blow on my, I felt cold.  (Must complain about something, but it does cause 'shrinkage'.)

I signed some paperwork and readied myself.  Wearing summer garb, I had no jacket to use to hold my wallet, keys, etc.  So I left everything in my pockets of my shorts.  

Doctor Previte arrived and provided a recitation of all my procedures and results finally getting to today's task.  He mentioned that my 'three years' of treatment will conclude at the end of October and I'll have another in-office cystoscopy in February.  That is if all goes well today.  After February, he'll see me every 6 months.  So that's the plan.  Now let's see if everything looks good.

The insertion of the apparatus doesn't hurt, but it is uncomfortable. I heard him instruct the nurse to release saline and we all looked at the monitor.  His first utterance was, "Look how clean that is".  I was elated to hear this.  He said, "There's the diverticulum.  Let's see how that is doing." Again he said this looks really clean.  "More saline", he said.  He pointed out some anatomical features (urator) and was pleased to see clear urine being emitted. "Let's look around again since I won't be seeing this for another 6 months", he said.  Finally, he proclaimed, "Everything is clean!"

He mentioned that the office will contact me for my next round of BCG.  He bid me a good day and shook my hand.

I readied myself to leave and made a visit to the facilities to rid some of this saline.  I was there where I discovered my keys were missing.   I walked back to the exam room and was met by the nurse who had the keys.  Phew!

More to come!