My Look See

Today was my scheduled in-office cystoscopy.  Like previous procedures, the doctor wanted various labs completed prior to my cystoscopy. I had my CT Scan completed on 8/4 and my PSA (blood work) done on 8/5.  Dr Previte also wanted some other blood work done prior to the CT Scan so that was completed on 8/3.  So I assumed everything was done in time for him to review the results.  

I did get two notices from the labs. One; for the PSA results (numbers down to 1.75.  Normal is anything less than 4). Second; indicated slightly elevated BUN reading.  I went down the rabbit hole finding information about that and I wasn't too worried about what I found, but waited to hear from the doctor if there was a concern.

A beautiful day today.  Ride to the office in N Andover was uneventful.  The wait in the office was reasonable.  I provided a specimen (which the doctor later said was fine).

After being called in by the nurse, I was grilled for my identification verification and brought to an all too familiar examination room. I was instructed to drop trow and was prepared for the procedure. I waited for the doctor.

Dr Previte arrived and after pleasantries, he began to review my files.  He did note that the hospital still had not forwarded the CT Scan results to him, but did confirm the receipt of various labs.  Nothing was mentioned about the elevated BUN levels.

The doctor inserted the scope (not pleasant).  Given my height and the position of the examination table, I was not able to see the monitor, but I could tell by the 'encouraging' utterances that things were looking good.  He loudly said, 'Clean as a whistle'. Good enough for me to hear.

He mentioned that he'd see me again in 6 months then bid adieu.

My next in-office cystoscopy is scheduled for March 4, 2027.  In speaking with the nurse, she indicated that once received and reviewed, the doctor will provide an update on the CT Scan.

More to come! 

Happy HOT August

During these dog days of summer, it's difficult to recall those cold days of February when I had my in office cystoscopy.  Those results were encouraging and relegated my seeing Dr Previte every six months. He did mention that he wanted new blood work and PSA's done again.  Looking at his chart he indicated that my last CT Scan was done two years ago, so he wanted that done again too.  He indicated I would hear something from his office.

A few days later I received an authorization form for my PSA test to be done two weeks prior to the in office procedure.  That was February.  Time went on.

Planning ahead I reviewed my calendar and noticed I had not heard back from his office.  I had wanted to book an appointment for my PSA with Quest Diagnostics two weeks prior, but I didn't have the date of the cystoscopy. I contacted his office via my portal and got no response so I called the office directly.  I was connected to their  answering service and provided my information and request for update.  I never heard back.  So after a few days I called the office and spoke with someone who said they were waiting for a date from the hospital for the CT Scan so they could book the cystoscopy.  I waited a few days and after not hearing anything I called the hospital directly.  The agent said they would reach out to the doctor's office.

The next day, I received a call back from the hospital providing me with a date/time for the CT Scan (August 5th).  I then received an email from the doctor's office confirming the date/time and a booking for my cystoscopy (August 20th). So I booked my PSA for the afternoon of the 5th. The following day, I received a call from the hospital indicating that lab work needed to be done.  So I managed to get that appointment for 8/3.

Today (August 5th), I had an early rehearsal and had to function without any coffee or sustenance due to my required fast.  I arrived at Merrimack Health (former Holy Family Hospital in Methuen).  Having preregistered when I had my labs done I was able to walk in to the radiation department.  Fortunately for me all my required paperwork was waiting for me, so my time in the waiting room was brief.

Carolyn (nurse technician for the CT Scan) called me in and after verifying my identity began to provide an overview of what was coming.  Having been through this before, I was half listening, but was attentive.  She had me lay down on the slab, bring my pants down to my knees and offer an arm for the IV.

Since she was to my right, I offered my right arm.  I did advise her of past experiences with the wandering and/or non productive veins.  Like most she ignored my advice and  turned me into a pin cushion.  To me, it felt almost like she missed the vein and kept pushing into the muscle looking for blood.  After profusely apologizing she stabbed me three times until she exclaimed that she might be better off using a smaller gauge needle.  She did have luck.  So everything was taped down and I was asked to raise my hands over my head so I could enter the tunnel of love.  She said the first pass would be without contrast.  Everything was fine.

Announcing that the contrast would now be allowed to enter my blood stream, she said I may feel a warm sensation.  I did recall the feeling of a hot flash previously. so I was prepared.

However, what I wasn't prepared for was everything running down my arm.  I loudly reported that I'm leaking and she quickly stopped the drip,and called for help.  Another person (out of my line of view) assisted and assessed that the machine's pressure was too much for the smaller gauge needle.  So whatever couldn't get pushed into the vein was pushed out and dribbled down my arm. I did, however, feel 'warm' and she said that meant the contract was working.  So she wrapped a towel around my arm and placed it above my head.  I had another ride in the tunnel and she said, "It looks good, we are done."

She taped me up and wiped me dry and once again apologized. 

I originally had my PSA test scheduled for this afternoon, but not knowing if the contrast or saline would interfere with those results, I scheduled it for tomorrow.  (Earlier in the day so being without coffee would be brief.) 

I did get the results of my lab work from Monday.  My BUN numbers were slightly elevated.  My online research didn't raise any red flags, but it is the internet.  It's a dependable and trusted source, right?

So, now I wait for the CT Scan results, PSA and finally the Cystoscopy.

 More to come! 

Let's Keep This Momentum Going

I had a number of doctor visits/follow-ups and so far it's all been good/routine. 

A follow-up visit with Dr Reese was routine.  He did want me to go for an ultra sound for my carotid artery since he failed to detect a pulse. I had my last ultra-sound in 2022 which did not indicate anything concerning.  I scheduled an appointment for 4.15.26 at MGB downtown Haverhill.

Dr Reese's  office was having trouble with their blood and lipid tester so I was referred to Quest Diagnostics in the same building.  Par for the course, their check-in machine was down so they weren't taking walk-ins, just those that scheduled an appointment online.  More than one way to skin a  cat, I booked an appointment and waited 40 mins.  By then, their machine was working, so at the appointed time I was able to check in, normally.   

I received a notification the following day indicating that everything was 'normal'.  My cholesterol numbers were basically unchanged.  A few days later I received a call from the doctor's office indicating that everything was normal. 

I had my regularly scheduled appointment with Dr Greenblot to have my toe nails trimmed and thickening skin shaved.  Due to my neuropathy, I can no longer cut my own toe nails without bleeding everywhere. 

I had my annual mammogram and got a clear reading.   Had a follow-up (annual) appointment with Dr. Mehta my oncologist and was given the green light.  I have an appointment for both next year.

Today, I had my annual dermatology skin cancer check up.  A few areas that I noticed were examined.  Two areas of concern were determined to be non cancerous 'barnacles' and two were treated (frozen) since they were due to 'old' sun damage.  Other than that, he said he'd see me next year. 

Let's hope the carotid ultra-sound is a good one.

More to come! 

Has It Been A year Already?

I had my annual Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) endo-vascualr repair (EVR) check up at UMass Medical in Worcester with Dr Schanzer.  Being in Worcester and the morning commute, I set the alarm for 6AM (it's still dark outside).  I had been fasting since last night, so there was little to do before I started my trip at 6:30AM.

Traffic was heavy, but moving.  I arrived at the parking garage and managed to check in at their suggested time of 7:45AM.  I waited to be called for my ultra-sound.  Around 8:05AM, Cindy called my name.  She grilled me for my vitals and showed me to the examination room.  I was instructed to lay on my back and loosen my pants and raise my shirt.

Once situated, Cindy squirted some heated (thank you) jelly onto my stomach.  She began the task of pressing, moving the metal stylus over my abdomen.  She used her 'free hand' to tap her screen and enter information.  Compared to other visits, this seemed to be talking longer.  I didn't want to ask, but I had the feeling something was amiss.  After many minutes, she asked that I lay on my side.  This was a first for me and only solidified my feeling of something not right. She asked me to go back to lying flat on my back then later back to my side.  All I could do was comply and hope for the best.  Finally she was done.  No words were exchanged as to the reason for the elongated session and I didn't ask. She accompanied me to the waiting room and said I would be called to see the Nurse Practitioner.

Not too long after I was called in my a medical professional where she bought me to an exam room. She took and recorded my vital signs and entered the information into her computer program.  Once she was completed, she instructed me to remove my pants and socks and put on a hospital 'johnnie'.  Upon her departure, she indicated that Shauneen would be with me shortly.

It was only a few minutes when the Nurse Practitioner, Shauneen  arrived.  After exchanging pleasantries and checking some 'housekeeping items' she mentioned that the technician thought that one of my stent attachments became unattached, but Dr Schanzer reviewed the test results and said things looked normal.  

The visit summary said:

ASSESSMENT: Dr. Schanzer reviewed the Duplex imaging and felt that there was adequate apposition of the right limb. Satisfactory progress 9 years following endovascular repair of a an infra renal aneurysm

 

PLAN: We will plan to see him back in 1 year with a repeat EVAR duplex. He should continue on his aspirin and statin indefinitely.

 

So there ya go.  Until, next year.   

 

The ride home was uneventful.  I did stop to re-fuel.  OMG the price of gas!

 

More to come.  

 

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!