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| Snow covered Ortiz Mountains where I live. |
I was contacted by my oncologist’s office and was informed that they had been able to remove all of the cancerous cells during the biopsy. That, along with the chemo they filled my bladder with should take care of the situation.
Called my doctor’s office first thing this morning and talked to them. They said that my report wasn’t in their file, but they’re going to look for it and have the doctor get back to me as soon as possible. The report was posted late Friday and my doctor was not in the office on Friday.
Had some snowfall last night here a couple pictures from up by my house. From the reports that I’m receiving, it is still snowing up there. Where I’m staying we have had a bit of snow mostly rain and the snow is not sticking.
I awoke early on Tuesday, as I had much to do to prepare for the next 5 to 7 days.
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| Tuesday sunrise with moon iPhone14pro |
I loaded the car with my laundry, mine is leaking water, and the items I would need. I did all the chores, locked the house and headed to my sister’s house where I would be staying. She is out of town at the moment.
I dropped all of my items off at her house and headed to town. First I voted, I didn’t know if I would get another chance. I then went to the grocery store to stock up on meat, my sister is a vegetarian, so I had to buy some real food. I was about to head back to her house, when I was contacted by Subaru that my vehicle would be ready today, a week earlier then expected. I rushed back to her house to drop off the groceries and grab a quick lunch before going to get my vehicle.
If you read my earlier post I had met a nice lady at the car rental, I had sent her a message about a show I had told her about, but had not heard back from her. I thought she had “ghosted” me and was a bit leary about seeing her. She greeted me with a big smile, I told her that I thought she had ghosted me, she said “no, not her new friend”. It turned out she had not received the message. We are going to dinner and the show next week.
I then picked up my car and went back to my sister’s to do the laundry, which I had planned to do all afternoon. I didn’t arrive until after four, I was up until midnight doing washing, otherwise, I would not have had anything to wear the next day. I needed clean underwear.
Wednesday, I was picked up by a friend and taken to the hospital for a biopsy. I was put under, the doctor did his thing and I was sent home with a catheter and loads of narcotics. That is the reason I had to get my vote in, as I can’t drive until I am off them, hopefully, by Monday at the latest. This is also the reason I am staying at my sister’s, as I live on two miles of pretty rough dirt road, I didn’t want to ride on that with a catheter, nor, have my friends travel twice a far to transport me to the hospital and back. They, also, took me to the doctor the next day to have the catheter removed. I am waiting for the pathology results, which hopefully will come back benign.
I have been up since 4am, the sun is just starting to rise, The latest pain medication is taking effect, so I am going to sit back and enjoy it. I will post an update once I have the results.
Hope you all had a great Halloween. 🎃
I started my day by visiting the lab and having my blood drawn, I believe I only have to do this one more time.
Since I didn’t get breakfast I went to one of my favorite places “The Sunrise Family Restaurant”. I had a breakfast burrito smothered in red chili, a great way to start the day.
Next Friday, I leave for Alaska. I have packed my gear and then repacked it, I will probably do it a few more times before I am satisfied.
Visited with my oncologist on Tuesday, weight dropped 20lbs(more to go), PSA dropped lower, BP down, overall doing well. Received my hormone shot, butt hurts like hell. I then went and got a Covid booster, both shots on my right side. I don’t know if that was a good idea or not.
A few photos from the last week or so.
Friday, the 5th of May I went to the lab for my PSA test. Today, Monday the 8th, I met with the doctor to discuss the results and future treatment.
My Radiologist, told me he hoped to see me below 10, at our final consultation in February. I was as high as 31.7 pre-treatment. Today I was informed by my Oncologist the my PSA was .02, he stated it is basically undetectable. I am Cancer Free!!!. I then received my hormone shot, number 3 of 8, they will continue every three months until I am done.
I sit here now as the pain of the shot slowly increases, I will be cursing the, nurse, her family, etc for the next few hours until the pain subsides. I joked about it with her, as the last two people who gave me this shot were cursed in the same way. All of the people who I have had the opportunity to work with have been great.
The community that I live in is small and we take care of each other. during the year we have various events that fund community projects. One of these is a Medical Fund. I was fortunate to have this available, as they, contributed funds to help offset the co-payments that I have been making.
Last weekend was the second annual, Turquoise Trail Pack Burro Race, I photographed the first one last year and was contacted to do it again this year. We had double the entries this year, going from 23 to 50 racers. I was a perfect day for the race.
 This is the start of the race in the Village of Cerrillos |
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| Coming out of the Cerrillos Hills State Park |
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| The Top 3 finishers |
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| My house in the Ortiz Mountains March Sunset |
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| My friends flying over my house. |
This is the end, the last day of treatment. No more driving into town five days a week.
I brought the Chocolate Tart to the staff as a thank you.
I brought "J" a vegan/GF chocolate mint, Oreo, brownie from the Revolution Bakery. I gave it to her a I was entering the treatment room, when I came out 10 minutes later, she said it was wonderful, she ate the whole brownie while giving me my treatment. I told her where the bakery was, she didn't know about it.
Wednesday, weekly meeting with the doctor day.
But First, It snowed again last night.
Had to go out and get the snow off of my solar panels and my car.
This is my driveway as I was leaving this morning.
Single digits, snow with a strong winds blowing, delightful. Left a few minutes early, I knew it was pretty clear on HWY14, but I25 and St. Francis were reported to be in bad shape, they were right. Though it really wasn't too bad.
Gave a box of chocolate to the receptionist, and went into the radiation waiting room.
"J" came to get me, a bit late, I gave her the chocolate. I told her I was still looking for something vegan/GF for her.
After the "code" I entered the radiation room. I got lined up, was in and out.
I left there went to the Albertson, next door, to get the final ingredients for the tarts.
Tomorrow I will met with the doctor, I'll find out what comes next.
Only three more treatments.
Monday and it is time to drive into town for my appointment.
It was actually in the 40's when I left the house. That will not last for long, as the temp is supposed to drop into single digits with snow.
I arrived and was taken right in, they asked for the "code", my birth date, then onto the table. Lined up easily, radiated and done. "J" handed me a bundle of flowers, I love these people.
Bitter cold this morning. Downed a couple of blueberry muffins for breakfast, fed the birds and off to my appointment.
Started a few minutes later than usual, the roads were clear and traffic was light so I made good time.
At the reception desk there were only a couple of mints, I commented "no chocolate today". We laughed, I went around the corner headed to the radiation room. The "outgoing" receptionist stopped me and gave me two chocolate kisses. Have I told you how much I love the people and the care that I am getting here.
Went in and waited, as there were a few people ahead of me. I was called, treated and then left.
I went to get birdseed and gas at Sam's Club.
I texted my UPS driver to meet with him. He told me my package was delayed due to Ice Storms in Texass. They won't be coming until Monday. I ordered some special chocolate to make a treat for my care team. I am going to give it to them on my last day, next Friday.
Yesterday, as I was unloading my car, I slipped on some ice, I didn't think anything of it at the time. I slipped off the top of three steps, I didn't fall, but landed hard on my right foot. It seem I strained my thigh as it started to ache later in the evening. By morning I was having difficulty walking and it seems to be getting worse. I will see what tomorrow brings.
It is Friday no trips into town for a couple of days.
The sun was out, though, the weather report called for snow starting a 11am. I should get to my appointment and back before the snow.
Looking out the window my resident coyote was wandering across the yard. grabbed my camera and took a few pictures.
Should have checked the weather in Santa Fe, halfway through my journey whiteout, snow blowing across the road. Heavy traffic on I25 moving about 10 miles below the speed limit. Getting into town was even worse. Made it with no problem and was taken in as soon as I got there, early again. My morning chocolate at the reception counter.
It was snowing harder when I left. Stopped by to check on my sister's house and then continued home.
The higher in the mountain I climbed the heavier the snow. The storm had arrived in the Ortiz Mountains before 11am.
Light snow most of the day, very dry melting as soon as it hit.
Some nice clouds to photograph today.
Friday coming up, last trip into town for the week, then only one week to go.
More snow last night went out and brushed off the car and solar panels. Fed the birds and packed a lunch.
Off to my appointment, down the mountain, through the snow. I was very early, but they took me right in, I was ready.
After weight and BP, it was down.
Met with the doctor, he said everything looks good and right on schedule. We will see another week to go. At some point there will be another PSA test to see if it has gone down to where it is suppose to be.
I left there and set off for the gallery. We have some new artists and the art has been moved around. It is looking really good.
Ate the lunch I brought.
Had a few sales though it was pretty slow. Had some good conversations with the people who came in.
Hump Day, the weekend and no driving to town are coming up. For a couple of days at least, then the final week.
Monday, I went to my Monday appointment, really disliking this drive.
They were a bit behind, so it started to get a bit uncomfortable. I attempt to time my bladder to be full a bit before my time. The majority of the time they have called me in early. The few times they have been late, I make a beeline for the bathroom after.
I went by Trader Joe's for some salad and other groceries. Weight gain, especially, belly fat is very common with the hormone shots and I have gained some. I am now on a diet to lose the 15lbs, plus more. Hence, the switch to more weight loss friendly foods, fruits and vegetables. Less red meat, more fish, less chocolate.
Chocolate, more arrived on Monday. I received a late Christmas present from friends in Rhode Island. Including a large box of chocolate from, Jennifer's Chocolate in Narragansett, my favorite east coast chocolate store. Which means in the past two week I have received about 6lbs of chocolate. Not great for weight loss.
Awoke to snow on Tuesday, left early in order to make my appointment on time. Once I got off the dirt road, it was clear sailing into town. Stopped by the gallery on the way home, thought I might have entered the wrong day on my calendar. I didn't.
Tomorrow is check in with the doctor day and then off to the Gallery.
I am combining two days, as Wednesday night the pain from the shot started, as the night progressed it continued to increase. By morning I was in full excruciating pain.
I managed to bump down two miles of rocky, rutted dirt road to the paved road. Arrived at my appointment and proceeded to lie on the table. I felt like I had an overinflated butt cheek and was listing to one side.
I then went home and attempted to loosen up my butt by walking and moving around.
Felt somewhat better on Friday, bumped down the road and back again. I, again, returned home and did housework.
Pretty uneventful couple of days.
The 2nd of 8 dreaded days has come.
But first: I got up and fed the birds had a light breakfast and headed out for my appointments.
They took my blood pressure, weighed me, then I went in for my radiation treatment.
I came out and was told to wait in the waiting room for the doctor. After a few minutes I was called into his office. We talked about my BP, which was high, I told him about the hormone injection due today. He then asked how the treatment was going, I said; I should be asking you that. He then told me, I was one of the best patients he had, they lined me up easily each time and that my CT scans very clearly showed everything they needed to direct the treatment. He feels at this point they should be able to eradicate it. Good News!!!!
I then went to Sam's Club to get a few items, filled up my gas tank while there.
Considering I had time to kill before getting lunch, I went to Kitchenality, a shop that features gently used kitchen items and supports the Food Depot. Didn't find anything there, so off to lunch.
I had heard about Anthony's Grill, which does Asia Style Food, I have been wanting to try it. You order the proteins you want, vegetables, sauce and choice of noodles or rice. They cook to order and you can watch them as the space is open to the kitchen. I sat at table, Anthony, came over and asked about my photography. He hooked me up to his internet and I showed him my website. We chatted for awhile, he is going to call and meet me at the gallery, he would like some posters for his restaurant.
I then went to Smith's to get a few staples, apples, potatoes, etc. As I passed the fish counter, there sat a huge, Dungeness Crab, I figured a treat was called for after my injection. Being from the Bay Area I have to have at least one per year, would be more, wow, are they expensive. (skipping ahead, it was delicious).
It is TIME, for the dreaded appointment. I head to the office and go to the reception desk. As I am being check in, I am approached by one of the staff about my camera, I show them my work and they asked for my card.
They moved to a new office and a different affiliation, which means refilling out the paperwork. When that is completed, I am taken in and weighed, BP, again. Though they did explain that the weight and height are important for determining the dosage. The doctor came in and we chatted about the effects since the first injection. He then takes me to the area where they give the injections.......I think they forgot about me. the receptionist goes back to tell them I am still waiting. They came and got me, put me in another room and said they were preparing the injection.......They finally came with my injection. "J" who gave me the injection was very nice and very good. I didn't feel a thing. Much better than the last time. I told her I was going to make sure my next appointment would be on a day she is working. Turns out she moved here from the Bay Area 3 1/2 years ago.
I had half the crab for dinner, as I said before, Delicious!!
This evening, just a bit of soreness at the injection site, nothing like the last time which felt like I got kicked by multiple mules for 3 days after the injection.
Tonight I will see if I can get any pictures of the comet.
Usual day, get up do chores have breakfast, then off to my appointment. No surprises, everything went smoothly. They reminded me that I meet with the doctor tomorrow.
Stopped by my sister's house to check the mail and start her car. She was out of propane, since there is no phone reception at her house. I called her when I got home.
She then called the propane company for an emergency fill. Then she called me to tell me they would be calling, which they did while I was on the phone with her. They were at her gate, I am 23 minutes away, I did it in 18. Got that all squared away.
Drove home a bit more sanely.
Checked the batteries on one of my solar systems, topped up the water.
Tomorrow is the dreaded hormone shot.
49ers lost.😢
Monday, the start of a new week of treatments and driving into town for the next five days.
I arrived on time, they were on time and I was in and out very quickly. I was telling them about my friend who is an EMT helicopter pilot and he had flown over my house on Sunday. I didn't know he was going to, though I knew he was flying somewhere. So I posted a few pictures of his helicopter. Today he and his wife told me they would fly over today and would give me advance notice so I could get some pictures.
On my way home I was going up Goldmine Road, I came to the old windmill and saw a hawk sitting on one of the vanes. I pulled over to get a few pictures.
I received a call from the hormone doctor's office confirming my appointment for Wednesday. It turns out they moved their office, I would have gone to the wrong place. Not that I want to go to the right place. It is time for my second injection, I am not looking forward to it.
The last place I worked, I walked out of, not on the best of terms. I was tired of the BS. That was over 7 years ago, I have not heard from the owner since. He just liked my hawk pictures on Facebook, weird.
Friday, last day I have to drive in this week.
A little warmer today, 1 or 2 degrees, I'll take it. Filled the bird feeders, then headed to my appointment.
Arrived 15 minutes before my appointed time, I have to have a full bladder, which I had. Maybe, too full, as I waited beyond my appointed time. At a quarter after they called me, I was very uncomfortable then, though I held on.
I was told they were taking pictures of the radiation room, the people had a scheduled time and were late. That threw everyone off, it happens. Then "E" said they should have had me take the pictures, I love my techs. I was in and quickly, as usual. We talked about our respective plans for the weekend, we both are defrosting our refrigerators. I will be watching football on Sunday, GO 49ERS.
I then went to the store for suet for the birds and headed for home. On the way my sister called to officially cancel her need for me to housesit in Homer Alaska, this April.
I was watching for the UPS truck, as I knew I had a delivery coming. I turned onto the dirt road leading to my property and spotted the UPS truck up ahead. I followed him flashing my lights, he pulled over. As he came over he said he had just texted me, saved him a trip over 2 miles of rough dirt road.
My friends know me well, last weekend, Sakara, brought me a box of Harry and David's milk chocolate truffles. Today's package was a box of Lindt milk chocolate truffles from my friend, Pam, in California.
I messaged, Pam to thank her. I told her they will cure me of cancer, though, I will probably acquire diabetes.
I get the weekend off from treatment, yeah. I will be watching the Warriors play tonight and eating chocolate.
