Good For Three More Years

After a hellish night of colonoscopy prep, I had crappy (not literal) sleep.  Just having to get up just as I was falling into deep sleep was torturous, but not having to 'let go' in the bed was worth my getting up every 15 minutes until around 3AM.  I did set the alarm for 9AM, but woke up at eight with that feeling, so I decided it was time to get up.  I was still fasting so I couldn't have anything, so I figured a shower would wake me up.  It helped, but not as much as a cup of coffee would have.

My appointment was at 10 and I had my sister who kindly agreed to pick me up at 9:40.  The hospital is on the other side of town.  Well at 9:15, the phone rang.  Figuring it was a robocaller, I let it go to my answering machine.  It was the nurse, Julie from the hospital asking if I was coming.  Strange, I thought since I confirmed my appointment through the portal.  But, I said yes, I'll be there for 10.  She said we like to have you come in sooner so you are ready for the 10:00 procedure.  I told her that my ride wouldn't be here until 9:40 and I'll be there as soon as I can.  She said, "Ok as long as you are still coming".  Very strange.

My sister Leslie arrived right on time and we zipped over to the hospital and I arrived at check in at 9:50.  I was directed to walk down a long corridor to endoscopy.  I arrived and there was a note on the door to ring the bell and have a seat. I waited for about 20 minutes.  A nurse had come out and was talking to another patient who was there for a 2:30 appointment.  I guess she was there early hoping for a cancellation so they could squeeze her in.  Not wanting to be aggressive and interrupt saying I was here for a 10 appointment and it's now past 10.  So I just waited.  She finally turned to me and asked why I was there.  Of course I said I had a 10AM colonoscopy.  She said the nurse will be right with me.  Interestingly enough, the other person was taken in before me.

Finally, the nurse called my name and I entered the prep room.  Julie was very personable and professional in gathering all the needed information and providing me with my required garb.  I donned the johnnie and stretch socks and jumped into bed.  She had provided a blanket that was warm to the touch.  Nice!

A few more nurses stopped by.  One gave me an IV the other questioned me about my history of anesthesia. From what I heard in various goings on, there's one room for procedures and one big room of 6 bays for procedural prep. The though crossed my mind about their slipping in a patient.  I looked at the clock and it was 10:10AM.

I lie waiting for my turn, I saw one patient return, who was still out of it, then they wheeled away the other squeeze-in.  I needed to get up a few times cause I had the urge, but while in the lavatory it was mostly water coming out of me.  The nurse did say that they do have a vacuum to do any clean-up that is necessary.  But, I don't want to ignore nature's calls.

I noticed at 11:10, the squeeze-in had returned.  The doctor had come out to discuss his findings with that first patient who had come out of his slumbers.  I guess that guy had a big polyp and a number of others that took longer than expected.  He has to come back in 3 months.  Poor guy!  The doctor went over to the squeeze-in and they seemed to be discussing something a bit more serious.  I did hear the word cancer.  But, it wasn't my conversation since I was eaves dropping.  Of course, I thought of the rule of three.  What will be my news?

I finally got into the procedural room and was introduced to the whole team (2 doctors and 3 nurses).  Each had their specific tasks and by 11:20AM I drifted into darkness.

I came to at 1:10.  Very foggy.  The nurse stopped by and told me that I did well.  The doctor removed 2 polyps (very small) and sent them to pathology.  The doctor stopped by and repeated what the nurse said and added that he'll see me in 3 years.

I don't anticipate any bad news from pathology and I'm glad this is behind me (no pun intended)

More to come!

Follow-Up With Dr Song And Other Stuff

Had my follow up with Mass Eye And Ear today in Waltham.  It was right at the end of the morning commute so the highways were busy, but moving right along.  Although I give myself an hour, (in off time it's a 35 minute ride), today it seemed that I might be there in the time frame until I got to route 128 S.  For some reason traffic was at a crawl.  I only had to be on 128 for about 6 miles and it took me just as long to do that stretch as it took me to get to 128 from home. So I'm glad I gave myself a buffer.

I arrived close to my check in time and because I did an e-check-in, I was allowed to take a seat and wait to be called.  Not too much time elapsed before an eye technician called my name and brought me to an examination room.  She gave me eye drops and performed some tests.  I took the eye test and she said that my eyesight had improved (in my left eye).  I now have 20/15 vision.  Sweet! She did perform the eye pressure test and I had 20 in my left and 15 in my right.  Much better than the previous readings of  33 and 17 respectively (and a second test of 25 and 17).  She finished up entering data and asked me to return to the waiting room.

Once again it seemed like no time at all when I was called to go to another examination room were Dr Song would see me.  There are four examination rooms in this section of the building.  The doctor goes from room to room, I guess all day.  It's an efficient process.

Dr Song arrived and after exchanging pleasantries, he went right to work.  He made some audible approving sounds and said, "Things are looking good". He then tested my eye pressure and said, " The pressure has gone down, but I think we'll have to continue the eye drops in each eye". I mentioned that my prescription was initially for one eye and I was sensing that I was at the end of the bottle. It's up for renewal in a week, so I requested that he send an updated refill.  He did, right then.  [Got home and had an email from the pharmacy indicating that they are working on filling it].

Dr Song asked that I come back in November.  Apparently they are moving 4 miles down the road to Lexington, so next time will be at that location.

Other Stuff

Tomorrow I'm having my colonoscopy.  I did get a call form the doctor's office to ensure that I had my instruction for the prep.  Claudine, indicated that the prep these days is much more effective, but stopped short and said, "Oh you have Medicare.  So you will be having the over the counter prep.  Medicare doesn't cover the two pill prep".  Of course not!  So I'll be taking 4 laxative pills at 4PM and drinking the vile concoction of 64 oz (8 oz every 15 minutes until it's gone) and spending the evening on the toilet.  I'm also fasting.

I received a message in my portal indicating that my images and technician's report was available.  The CT Scan images are amazing.  I wish I had someone who knows what I'm looking at guide me through.  But some are 3D and in color.  I can clearly see the stint.  One set of images shows only the heart and aorta and you can manipulate the image to rotate and zoom in. Fascinating and kind of creepy at the same time.  The notes indicated that most things were normal or 'unremarkable'.  I knew I have a hiatus hernia and the report said it wasn't too bad.  There were some comments about divertuculum in the intestines that I didn't understand, but they didn't seem to be too concerning, more reporting of what is seen.

I'm hopeful for good results for the colonoscopy.  Then focus on the bladder cancer and results of my second round of BCG.

More to come!

Equinox

Spring has sprung, although it started out quite chilly, the strong March sun quickly brought the temperature up to the low 50's.  Seems hard to believe, that last week we had a Nor'Easter that dumped a heavy wet blanket of snow.  These parts saw about 5 inches +, but you didn't have to travel far to find 'feet' of snow.  But as of today, there is little left, just some mounds of dirty snow.

I had my annual AAA check up with Dr Schanzer at UMass Medical in Worcester. More than a year ago I had an MRI and the technicians indicated that I had an enlarged aorta above the heart.  Dr Schanzer ordered a CT Scan to be performed today.

The scan takes place in the main building.  Having been there before, I knew the location.  They had electronic self serve check-in (so for me it was a breeze).  There were many struggling with the technology, but there were roving helpers assisting those having difficulty. 

I arrived at radiology and had another quick check-in, but since I had already e-checked in last evening from home, the attendant said that I was all set and have a seat.

It didn't take long until the radiology tech called my name and had me follow him to the machine.  He was quite personable.  (I didn't catch his name). He had me lay on the slab, covered me with a blanket and instructed me to pull down my pants to my knees.  He started un-buttoning my sleeve and I stated that many don't have luck with my veins.  But he seemed adamant in using my left arm since it was close to the IV (for contrast).  He was awesome.  No pain and hit the payload in one try.  I told him he got a gold star.  Amazing how some know what they are doing and others know how to torture.

He then told me that we would start and when the recording would tell me to take and hold my breath, just take normal breaths.  I can handle that.  We took a few rounds of pictures without contrast then said I would feel oddly warm and flushed when the contrast is induced.  He was right.  Reminded me of the hot flashes I had during my Tamoxifen travels.  Before you knew it, I was done.  He told me to get dressed and have a great day and pointed to the exit.

I had a few minutes, but the line at the Dunkins was quite long.  So I meandered across the street to Ambulatory Care for my follow up.  They had a Starbucks there, but they also had quite a long line, so I took the elevator to 3 and walked to vascular surgery.

Check in was easy because I did the e-check in from home.  The attendant was pleased.  I sat and waited to be called.  Just a few minutes passed when I heard my name.  The medical professional mentioned her name, but with the mask, I didn't catch it.  She did have a bit of an accent.  I followed her and she pointed out the exam room I'd be using.  Weighed me and took my vitals.  She said the doctor will be with you shortly.

Not long after, the Nurse Practitioner, Devon arrived.  I recall seeing her last year and she mentioned she remembered me.  She also mentioned that Dr Schanzer was reviewing the scan and would be right in, but also said she saw the scan results and the graft hadn't moved and the aorta (above the heart) was normal.  She also said the the endo-sac continues to shrink.  All good news to me.  She instructed me to don the johnnie and wait for the doctor.

Dr Schanzer arrived and after exchanging pleasantries, he reiterated what the NP told me.  Yes.  Good news for a change.  He said he'd see me next year, but since the false aorta enlargement is no longer a factor, I'd be having an ultrasound (as I normally would have).

Next On The List

On Wednesday, I have a follow up with Dr Song to determine if the eye drops are working to reduce the pressure in my right eye.  If so, he mentioned that he'd take me off timolol (for that eye) and have me come back for a follow-up.

On Thursday, I'm having a colonoscopy.  I was supposed to have one in March of 2020, but they suspended all routine exams due to the pandemic.  I hope my good luck continues.  However, in the past I had received information about the dreaded colonoscopy prep.  I had sent a message through my portal and got a response that instructions were in my surgical procedure instructions.  Well, that did not exist.  I called the number listed and spoke with Carla who determined I was correct, but didn't know why.  She was able to access the instructions, but indicated that I wouldn't get it in time if mailed, also she couldn't send to me via e-mail (HIPAA laws), but she said she could print out and I could pick them up.  Having just driven nearly 250 miles, I wasn't thrilled to go out again.  I figured it would take me a few minutes to go to Holy Family, Haverhill.....but no....she was in Methuen.  OY VEY!

I drove to Holy Family Methuen and picked up the instructions.  I read them in the lobby, in case I had any questions.  On the way home I bought $33 dollars worth of stuff that makes you wanna go #2...a lot.  So all that fun starts Wednesday when I have a day of fasting, then begin using the concoction starting at 4PM.  Yes the colonoscopy itself is nothing, but the prep is hell.

More to come!

Litlle Of This And That

Since my last post, I've had a number of tests.  

I received the results of my CT Scan/Urogram through my patient portal. I'm no doctor, even though I play one on TV, but the notes I received indicated that things looked pretty normal, meaning that the cancer has not spread.  

There were two items in the notes that I questioned.  One being presence of blood.  I haven't seen any bleeding, but it might be microscopic and the notes indicated that it could be related to an infection (UTI), although I have no symptoms.  I have had urine tests performed after this and there was no mention of a UTI or presence of blood.  The other note mentioned that the left wall of my bladder had a thickening.  I recall Dr Previte telling me that tumors were found on the left wall. So I'm not sure if this means scar tissue or new growth.  I do have  a biopsy/cystoscopy scheduled in April and a follow-up with Dr Previte the week before to discuss the urogram.  

I also have a tele-health follow-up with Dr Mosannen later in April to also discuss the urogram and the next steps. I am hopefully optimistic that the BCG worked this time, but am prepared that it might not have.  I know of others who have had multiple rounds of BCG before the cancer was relegated to monitoring status.  One of the early discussions with Dr Previte also mentioned this possibility.

I had my annual mammogram last week and I received notification that no cancer or growths were found.  

Follow-up With Dr Mehta

 

Today, I had a follow-up with Dr. Mehta. Prior to my appointment he requested that I have blood work done.  After my arrival and quickly after check-in I was called for my stabbing ritual.  Although I stated that phlebotomists don't have much luck with the veins in my arm and most of the time resort to my writs.  Well who am I?  Of course the first pin prick yielded nothing.  The next arm wasn't much better.  I could sense that the attendant was adamant in proving me wrong and proceeded to torture me with more jabbing.  Still nothing.  I guess she relented and headed for my wrist.  I don't like to watch, but I could hear her make a noise of approval (successful) and a quick sigh of disbelief when the needle came out and fell on the floor. She called for help and another came in and tried my vein on my right arm.  I knew she would not be successful. She wasn't.  So she went to my other wrist.  Finally, she yielded some blood, but apparently not as much as they wished, so they kibitzed a bit and decided that what they got they could use. When I got home and removed all my bandages, my arms where all black and blue. No gloating from me because I was right, but glad it's not short sleeve weather. I was dismissed and told to wait to be called to see Dr. Mehta.

 

In the waiting room I completed making corrections to my file print-out and was called.  I followed the nurse to an examination room and waited for the doctor to arrive.  It seemed like 20 minutes or so when he finally arrived. We discussed the results of the genetic cancer panel I had done at the end of last year.  He said he was pleased to see that I didn't have the Braca 1, 2 gene.  I know I was tested for that in 2016, but internal systems upgraded at Dana Farber caused those results to 'get lost'.  I did have a copy on paper, 'somewhere' but I could find it, so this is a good confirmation.

 

The doctor checked both breasts for lumps an anomalies.  He said, "Normal".  [A good word].  We discussed the upcoming procedures and requested that I see him in two months. I bid him good day and proceeded to check out and made the appointment.

More to come

That Last Minute Call (s)

It was almost 5PM (3/1) and my urologist's scheduler called to ask if I could go in for a cystoscopy TOMORROW at 10AM!  I was slack-jawed.  I mentioned that the last one was done in the hospital.  She said this would be an in office procedure and probably will take about a half hour.

So I'm off to the urologist tomorrow.  But I have to wonder why the urgency.  I had the CT Scan/Urogram done on Friday.  Did he see something?  Kind of disconcerting.  I probably won't be getting a good night's sleep.

More Calls 

I was already to get up and get ready for my appointment when I received another call from the doctor's office indicating that my appointment for today was cancelled.  Apparently, the attendant told me, the doctor wanted this done in the hospital.  She apologized for the confusion and indicated that the scheduler would be calling me with information on the hospital procedure. I decided to roll over and get some sleep.

Not 20 minutes had passed and the phone rang.  I screen my calls and heard a voice identifying themselves as calling on behalf of Dr Previte's office.  I picked up ans spoke with the scheduler, Sandy.

She had asked if I could go to Lawrence General on 3/10 to have the procedure.  Of course, I'm at the mercy of scheduling gods, so I said yes. She then went into her spiel about my needing to fast and have someone bring me there and pick me up.  I asked what time, she said the hospital will be calling me ahead of time for pre-registration, pre-screening and time of the procedure.  OK, I said.  But, thankfully I was lucid (and pre-caffeinated) enough to question why I'm having this scheduled when I already have this procedure scheduled for 4/13?  There was silence.  Then she said, "We'll keep that one.  I book so many appointments." She did request that I provide a urine sample sometime before 3PM today.

So, the sense of urgency seems to have been mitigated...until the next call.....LOL

More to come!

I'm Ready For My Close-Up, Mr. Demille

I had a call on Tuesday requesting that I have some blood work done in anticipation of my CT Scan/Urogram scheduled for Thursday.  While discussing the timing, I had mentioned that we were supposed to have a 'weather event' that day.  The medical staffer suggested that I move the scan and blood work to Friday, the 24th. Works for me.  Hind sight, I'm so glad that this was rescheduled since Thursday was quite stormy, icy and treacherous.

I got up early today to ensure that I could arrive at the Hospital for my two appointments.  Although I had cleared my driveway the previous day, over night we had freezing rain so there was a coating of ice on everything.  The sun was out and had started to melt the ice, but anything not in direct sunlight was still encrusted.

I bundled up and crossed my fingers that I would be able to open the car door and start the engine to begin the defrost.  I was pleased that I was able to open the door, start the engine and turn on the defroster.  I started chipping away at the ice that had started to melt from the sun.  By the time I was able to clear the partially melted ice, the defroster had begun to work, so I finished off the rest of the car.  By this time it was time to leave.

I arrived at the hospital at 8:45.  The front doors were wide open (frozen open).  I entered through the secondary set of doors and was greeted by the screener who had just set up shop.  She asked my name and began thumbing through some printed sheets.  I guess my name wasn't there.  She powered up her laptop and asked for more identification info, still I wasn't there.  I mentioned that I was originally scheduled for the 23rd, but because of the storm, I was rescheduled to today.  She still couldn't find me.  She had me sit while she looked for someone to help. Not long after, she returned and said that she couldn't find me because I was supposed to be there yesterday.  [Insert ground hog day reference here].

I was referred to a registration clerk and she quickly printed out paperwork.  I was told to wait for the lab to open.  My name was called.  The phlebotomist greeted me and asked for my paper work. I was instructed to sit and roll up my sleeve.  I had mentioned that most have a hard time getting blood and they resort to my hand.  She frowned and said, "They aren't me."  Well she was successful at hitting the mother lode in one try.  I thanked her for not torturing me.  She chuckled.

I walked down to the imaging department and checked in.  I waited for about 15 minutes when someone came and asked who I was and what I was there for.  [So much for the paper work.]  I was then instructed to proceed to the CT Scan waiting area.  I waited there for about 10 minutes and was called in.

After removing my coat and dropping my pants, I lay on the slab.  The attendant said that I was going to have an IV with contrast, but she was going to take some pictures before and after. I had the first round of pictures.  Seemed quick.  She returned and turned the spigot to let in the contrast. She said, "You'll feel a warm sensation.  I'll give you half a dose, then wait 10 minutes and give the rest.  Then we'll take more pictures." It was exactly the way she described it.  And the whole thing was done. 

I got home in time to receive a call scheduling my biopsy for April 13th at Holy Family Methuen.  I would have to drop off a urine sample on April 4th. Many balls in the air for this juggling act.

More to come!

If It Isn't One Thing It's Two

Today, for my post-op follow-up with Dr Song,  I had an eight o'clock appointment in Waltham.  

For joy, I got to join the ranks of people rushing for work on the busiest of highways; 495 S, 3 S, and 128 S.  Because you never know what to expect for traffic or an accident, you need to allow for more time.   Without traffic the ride is about 35 mins.  So I gave myself an hour and 15 minutes.

I had set the alarm for 6 AM, but of course I woke up at 5:30.  I lay in bed trying to get back to sleep and of course I did just as the alarm went off.  Par for the course.  It's still dark out at 6AM.  I stumbled into the kitchen and turned on my dimmest lamp, which seemed to be too bright. Started coffee, answered a call to nature and then took my meds. Caffeine eventually kicked in and I got ready to leave.  It's still on the dark side at 6:45, but getting lighter.

Highway traffic seemed to be on the light side.  I figured it was early, a Friday and this coming Monday is a holiday.  So maybe folks were working from home or taking a long weekend off.  No complaints from me.

Made it to Route 3 and around Chelmsford, it began getting a bit congested, but that cleared up and I was soon on 128.  Not too bad.  You cannot plan these things but I arrived in Waltham at 7:30.  I parked the car and was on my way.  At the office, there were only two people in the waiting room and I checked in and was told to wait.  Not 5 minutes went by and Kelly called my name and asked that I follow her.

I had a few eye tests, then was told to follow her to an examination room.  I had more extensive eye tests then eventually had my left eye dilated.  I recall her saying that my left eye (the one that was just operated on) had a high pressure level.  But she thought it might be because I just got off a regimen of prednisone.  She then asked me to follow her to another examination room where Dr Song would see me.

It wasn't long before Dr Song came in and upon reviewing the various test results, he said that I had 20/15 vision now.  He asked if I had experienced any vision issues since the surgery.  I mentioned that I'm still in the 'break in period'.  [Since I have mono vision: two types of in ocular lenses- one, distance, the other for reading, The brain needs to adjust.]  So I mentioned that from time to time I had some blurriness, but it passed and didn't interfere with my reading or looking at TV.  He agreed that the breaking in period is pretty normal.  He used some machines to look at my eyes and took my pressure.  He indicated that my left eye had a pressure of 25 and my left 17.  I currently take timolol for my right eye, so he told me to start taking it for my left also. He also indicated that next refill will prescribe that it's for both eyes.  He asked to see me again in four weeks. 

So, I get to have drops in both eyes now.  I have a follow up booked for 3/22.

More to come!