First PSA Test After Treatment

 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.

Racing through the Arroyo

This is the start of the race in the Village of Cerrillos

Coming out of the Cerrillos Hills State Park

The Top 3 finishers

My house in the Ortiz Mountains
 March Sunset

My friends flying over my house.

I have planned a trip back to Alaska, I will be traveling up there in the middle of August and returning at the end of September. 

The He/She Bang performance will be performed over two weekends in November. We will have 5 shows, I will post the dates when they are finalized.

Treatment Day 28 of 28

 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.

After my treatment all of the staff presented me with my Diploma, and gave me hugs.

Then off to the Gallery in Madrid for the day. Many people came through, not much buying. I did sell a few items including an expensive bracelet, so that made the day.

Tomorrow, I will make another tart for a Mardi Gras Pajama Party some friends are throwing on Sunday. Since, I sleep naked, the costume will be easy.

Treatment Day 27 of 28

Almost done, one more day to go. YEAH!!

-6 degrees at 6am, it got up to about 24 by the time I left. Beautiful, clear, sunny day, just bitter cold.

Snow on the dirt road as I left, none on the paved roads. Easy fast drive into town. Arrived early and chatted with a few of the others in the waiting room. 

I was called in and "J" took some pictures of me "setup" to receive my treatment. She had talked about it the other day and then we both forgot about it. Here I am ready to get zapped.

I checked on my sister's house on the way home. Everything is ok.

After arriving home I started making the chocolate tart. It is now in the refrigerator setting up. I will take a photo tomorrow.

I made lunch and prepared some food for tomorrow, I will be at the gallery after my, LAST, session. YEAH.

No more driving into town, at least, not every day.
 

Treatment Day 26 of 28 Meet with the Doctor day

 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.

Slow drive into town, at least people weren't driving crazy.

The doctor came and got me as I was waiting, in the, waiting room. He said might as well start with me while waiting for my treatment.

We went into his office and had a nice chat. He did everything was progressing well and Friday would be my last treatment. I thanked him for his care, he thanked me for being a positive and involved patient.

For follow up he wants me to get a PSA test when I get my next hormone injection, May 1st. He believes that I should be below 10 at that point and it will continue to go down to 2 or 1, maybe even 0. I will have to watch it once it levels out, if it ever goes up 2 points beyond the lowest level, then we will have a problem.

I found a treat for "J" on my last day, she being Gluten-Free and Vegan she can't eat the chocolate tart I will be bringing.

I continues to snow throughout the day, bits of sun shining every so often.

Sangre de Cristo Mountains this afternoon

Treatment Day 25 of 28 Happy Valentine's Day

 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.

Treatment Day 24 of 28

 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.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day I have two boxes of chocolate for them, one for the receptionists and the other for the nurses/techs.

Met with my UPS driver to get my package, that was delayed from Friday. It has the chocolate I ordered for the "Chocolate Tart" I making them for my last day. I was also invited to a "Pajama Party", this Sunday, so I will be making two tarts.

Here are a few photos from last week. Prints are available at: https://steven-natanson.pixels.com/

Treatment Day 23 of 28

 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.

Treatment Day 22 of 28

 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.

Treatment Day 21 of 28

 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.

Treatment Day 19 and 20 of 28

 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.

Treatment Day 17 and 18 of 28

 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.

Treatment Day 16 of 28 Dreaded Hormone Shot

 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.

Treatment Day 15 of 28

 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.

Treatment Day 14 of 28

 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. 

Treatment Day 13 of 28

 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.

Treatment Day 12 of 28

Another day of driving into town for a 15 minute radiation treatment. the drive and having to interact with people is draining me.

I had my treatment, no problems. 

I then decide to decompress a bit and drove into the Cerrillos Hills State Park. I drove up as far I as I could go. The day was beautiful, but very cold. I hung out for awhile seeking some birds and animals to photograph, gave up and went home.

I don't know what I ate, whatever it was I had horrible stomach cramps, took quite awhile to get rid of them. Which is why this post is late.

Tomorrow is Friday, so I will have two days of not having to drive into town.

Treatment Day 11 of 28

 It was cold again this morning, a very light snow, during the night, dusted the ground.

I am working at the gallery today, so I had to pack a lunch, retrieve my water bottles from the refrigerator and gather everything I would need for the day.

I then left for my appointment. Today is, Wednesday, which is meet with the doctor day. I was called and they took my BP, much lower, though still high. Then check my weight, maybe a bit lower than last week.

I then met with the doctor. I showed him the BP reading, I had been taking, we decided to wait and see what happens after the treatment is finished. Hopefully, it will drop back to normal.

I was taken back to my usual room with my original techs. They were quick and efficient as always.

I left and headed to Madrid and the gallery. I opened at about 11:15am, took a tour, to see what had changed during my two week absence. We lost a potter, I found out later we are getting back one of former artists. The owner is also going to move a few of the artist's location in the gallery. It won't affect the placement of my work.

Very slow day, nobody was out on this chilly day, it may have hit 32°. We had some light snow in the afternoon. I did sell a picture by one of the artists, as well as, one of my books.

I closed up at five and send the sales figures to the owner. Her response was "at least it wasn't zero, we get a lot of those in January".

Now, I am home, had my dinner and am watching the Warriors play. Curry just hit 21,000 career points.

Treatment Day 10 of 28

 Light dusting of snow last night, nothing to deter me from getting to my 10am appointment on time. Made it with time to spare. Had to dodge tumbleweed and the wind was blowing pretty good along the route.

They put me back in the first treatment room, with different technicians. They had me lined up perfectly, first attempt. Was in and out very quickly. The receptionist had refilled her candy bowl.

I, again, went to Albertsons', I needed to buy more lettuce and grabbed a few other items. Then I headed home dodging tumbleweed all the way.

Emptied out the car, fed the birds and emptied the traps. Ravens got a meal of a packrat and two mice.

I then fed myself the Green Chile, chicken pot pie, it was good but not as hot as I anticipated.

Time to do all the bills that are due in the next 30 days. So far the medical bills have been minimal.

Tomorrow I meet with the doctor, I have some BP readings for him, not great. I still believe most of it is the stress of the situation and it will fall after the treatments are over.

I will be at the gallery for the first time since the first week of the month. Hopefully, they have sold a few of my works.

Just received a snow is imminent warning, we are supposed to get a little tonight. Tomorrow the high is forecast to be 32°, there are two small space heater in this old adobe gallery, it will be cold.

Treatment Day 9 of 28

 Had a nice weekend. 49ers WON!!!!

My friend came over on Saturday, with her daughter, who was not feeling well. She had been at a friend's house for a sleepover. While, Mom, and I chatted she sat texting, seems she has a new "Love" interest, teenagers, young and in love.

My friend and I went to our yoga and sound class. It was interesting and very relaxing. Excised a few memories.

We then went out for dinner and to see a musician, who recently friended me on Facebook.

We got some take out for her daughter and headed home. We chatted and crashed.

Sunday, made breakfast and hung out until about 1, then they left. I watched football the rest of the day, YEAH, 49ers.

10 am appointment today. HS it is freezing out this morning, the wind is like ice. Drive into town, the wind is blowing the car and tumbleweed all over the road. Made it there and they were running about 10 minutes behind. Went to Sam's Club to get a few items and headed home, more wind and tumbleweed.

Froze while unloading the car, snow coming tonight. tomorrow's drive should be even more fun.

So here I sit texting my sister on my phone, a friend on my iPad, typing this on my laptop, developing pictures on my iMac, while watching TV. Time for bed.

Treatment Day 8 of 28

 10am appointment. I check-in, she can't find me. Everyday it is either they spell my name wrong while searching, or they can't find me. It has become a running joke between us. I usually make-up for it by taken a piece of chocolate in the cup she has out. There his been no chocolate for the past two days, I let her know I was not pleased, we laughed.

I was 20 minutes early and took a seat. They called me right at 10 and I gave her the code word, so I could enter. They lined me up and said" already" and started to leave the room. I asked where my donut was, she came to give it to me and asked "glazed or chocolate", anyone who knows me, knows I will take chocolate.

Of course, it was not that type of donut. It is a rubber coated, foam, oval that you hold with your hands over your chest. This keeps you from moving your hands and arms during the treatment.

After, "E" and I, talked about the yoga programs that we are both trying out this weekend. We plan to compare notes on Monday.

I left and headed home, having no errands to run. They were also talking about snow and I wanted to be home before then.

Before leaving this morning, I had pumped up my tires as they were a bit low. I believe it is do to the drop in air temperature.

That did not leave me time for checking on the rodent traps or to fill the bird feeders. With the snow coming I decided to do it. The birds were happy, including the Ravens that received six mice. Living up on a mountain, critters are both fun and a nuisance. 

It is Friday, no more treatments, even better no driving into town, until Monday.

Go 49ERS!!!!!