Radiation: Days 3 & 4

Day 3

Had a weird dinner out. I made reservations for myself. I sat down next to grandparents with their son and daughter-in-law and young grandkid (probably around 3/4). Because this grandmother is loud, I am overhearing their conversation on how the son should save money. (“Stop going out to eat!”) And then overhear the father threaten the kid. I remember those days where the kid wouldn’t listen to anything…but it was still slightly disturbing. Made me want to leave right away.

Treatment was at 8:45 p.m., but I reported early for a ”therapy verification” appointment. Only that happened after.

Parked in the normal parking ramp for treatment. Went down to the subway level only to discover it fucking closed due to construction. Good thing I left early. Took me a while to figure out I had to go up to go down again. An unexpected change.

The kids tried to call me right when I got into the building. We weren’t able to chat very long. Bad connection. It hurt my heart. I miss those kids like crazy.

Then I’m waiting for my first appointment of the night and get to overhear a guy and his son talking about the mom while she’s in radio. On speaker. About her horrible fatigue. And other radiation symptoms. Fucking annoying as shit.

Then I realize I’m the only one here by myself.

I’m sure I’m not the only one. I can’t be. But it’s lonely all the same.

And I’m only three days in.

---

I got called into the ”sub-waiting” room. They don’t even escort you into the sub-waiting room. You know now where to go when they call your name over a loudspeaker.

Then you have a little dressing room where you wait until they call you.

Back into the proton room. This one ended quickly…I’ve been on a roll! The tech were once again amazing.

The ”therapy verification” was actually a CAT scan, which I got right after proton therapy. This is apparently to see if things are aimed at the right spots…I may have those once a week, or I may not have anymore for the rest of treatment. Just depends.

Upon coming home, I discover all the parking spots are taken and I have to park a block away on a side street where I might get towed. I was not happy. Cue the crying in the car.

Day 4

It ended up being fine. I got up early and moved the car. Treatment was at 8:30 on Thursday morning. Got better sleep but I think part of the problem is that it’s so damn hot in this room.

Grabbed some coffee and checked in early for treatment. Another short treatment time with awesome techs.

Worked a bit before going to VISIT MY MOM. Who just so happens to be down the street from me.

My mom just recently started being treated my Mayo. After her whole ordeal, they got smart and got a second opinion at Mayo. I can’t recall what update I posted last. The big issue she’s currently treating is scar tissue in her airway. She’s been on a trach but can’t get off of it because air is not passing through the airway. Because the docs at HCMC (a local ER) kept taking Mom off and on the vent, it ended up creating a ton of scar tissue in her airway to the point where she could not breathe without the trach.

Doctors locally were unsure if they could do anything. But at Mayo, they figured it out.

By the time I was able to head over, my mom was in surgery. We waited a while and randomly, my dad met someone he used to work with when he worked at IBM down here in Rochester.

After some waiting, we were able to meet with mom’s surgeon. She came prepared with a printout of mom’s airway. The doc said most of the surgery was spent FINDING her airway. That’s how blocked it was. There’s a picture of a totally closed airway. Somehow, the doc was able to clear that area around her vocal cords (she hasn’t been able to talk), and then acutally clear out her airway! The after photo shows an open airway. Amazing.

The doctor told us we’d have a while before she woke up, so my dad and I went for lunch across the street. They ended up calling my dad at the end of our lunch – mom had woken up and was worried dad wasn’t there! She didn’t realize I had come over. So I was able to surprise her!!!! It was the best.

The doc had told us she’d be able to speak and SHE CAN! It’s quiet but she can do it. Mom was impressed with how much they were able to open! A great result. She was in really great spirits and was already bossing everyone around. 😉 Mayo is really a wonderful place.

I spent the evening at the restaurant I ate at on Monday. I like the food and the place has a good vibe. The bartenders know me (because of course we chatted last time). But like so many places, it’s a small world. Folks know other folks around here.

I keep feeling sorry for myself because I’m alone. But then I got a few messages today from friends – some who are just thinking about me and some others who are local. A woman whom I used to work with – her family owns a winery in Southern Minnesota (it’s actually really awesome!) and invited me over for dinner next week. A couple of my attorneys are planning to drive down here and meet me for dinner. I am SO excited for both of those! I am so thankful people are willing. I like to keep busy – I have a busy life, normally. But I also have cancer and no kids and no dogs…I don’t know what to do with my time!

Tomorrow is moving day. Again.

I’ll be up early to start packing up and getting shit to the car. Treatment is the evening, so I’ll do radiation on Friday night and head home on Saturday morning. I can’t wait to hug those kiddos. <3