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!