Cancer Update #5

Appointment #1 today:

Today was much easier then my last trip in. Between the Oxy & Valium I took before hand as well as the Nurse actually listening to me this time the process went smooth.

They used some type of glucose + solution to ease the activity in my bowels. The oxy has the same effect slowing down the digestive tract which could lead to constipation over extended use. Instead of using 3 syringes this time it was 2 with the 3rd contrast being applied through my IV.

My trip to the bathroom was not eventful like last weeks misfire. The contrast gel was much easier to clean up as well.

I’m sitting in their lounge area waiting for my MRI disc. I was intimidated by the do-over but I’m glad it’s done. I’ll never look at the Contrast button on a television set the same again.

Appointment #2 today:

These scans were easier to see. PET & CT scan but no scans for dogs . And that led me to wonder who let the dogs out? Now there are two cancers showing. I guess the first one got lonely. Just remember Body of mine… 2’s company but 3’s a crowd.

These tumors are growing fast. Usain Bolt fast. My radiation and Chemotherapy treatments are due to start this upcoming Monday but that may not be quick enough to avoid the emergency surgery that happens when there is a 100% blockage. After looking at the images from todays scans instead of a clear passage for stool to pass through it looks more like a sponge that drains only when being squeezed.

I went into today with oxy and Valium prescriptions to make the MRI possible after failing the first one. They injected something else while I was there as well. I’ve lived my life drug free and I’m not too pleased about this but it did lead to the longest straight period of sleep I’ve had in several months. A record breaking 5 hours!

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. You see me staring this disease in the eye and taking it on. You see my jokes and positive attitude. You see my strength and my desire to always win.

What you don’t see are the moments where the pressure build up is so debilitating that I can barely move. Or the times were the cramping pains rival contractions. The lack of focus from sleep deprivation. And the mental effects of cancer in general have their own consequences.

It’s your comments, likes, and messages that have given me the additional drive to push through this and I want to thank you all for that. It’s knowing I’m not going through this alone that keeps me driven. Even simple tasks such as driving to the corner store are a challenge but you all have given me the power to overcome the lethargy.

Wait a minute. Drive and power?

It's about drive, it's about power

We stay hungry, we devour

Put in the work, put in the hours and take what's ours. Ahoo!