Post-Operative Treatment #7

is today. My next, and final, one will be in 3 weeks - yeah :). At the same time they will also perform another cat scan - my 6 month screening which I hope (and expect) will go well.

Right now, I'm waiting now while they prepare the meds which will likely take a few more hours and then it'll take about half an hour to administer - not too bad, I should be home relatively early today.

I apologize for not having posted in the last 3 months but I guess I've been focusing on recovering and getting past this whole thing. Overall, I've continued to improve and the doctor says my recovery is going really well and all my vitals look really good. Eating has improved considerably - I still can't eat the way I used to but I can eat a smallish normal size meal w/o much problem and that makes life a lot easier. I still need a bit more sleep than what's standard for me and I tire more easily but that's all improving. I had a lot of numbness in my side after the operation where they had to cut through nerves but the feeling is coming back - I know it because, as the feeling comes back, I start feeling the pain - overall it has not been too bad and I've been going for acupuncture to deal with it.

Last weekend I went to the Whitney Museum w/Min and we saw an exhibit on the psychedelic art of the 1960's - it was really cool. At one point, I just stopped and gave her a hug for a long moment. When she asked me what that was about, I explained to her that the last time we were at the Whitney was during chemo & radiation days - that day, I was happy to be there but it was a real struggle for me and I remember how kind and patient she was with me - at the time, all I could think was that I'd just like to be here one day when I felt good and then I then realized that day had come - this is when I hugged her.

Well, that's about enough for today. Hopefully some of you will see this; if you do, please post a response - I really enjoy hearing from everyone and it's been a while. I will post again once I've gotten the results of the cat scan in 3 weeks or so. After that, I'm thinking of retiring this blog and replacing it with a mailing list - let me know if you have any thoughts about this.

regards.

--Dr. D

P.S. - Just got home from treatment, went fast today. Wanted to mention, I was up late last night reading. I ordered 'Our Cancer Year' a graphic novel by Harvey Pekar, author of the American Splendor comic books. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer in late 1990 and this chronicles his experiences with it - I started reading it and couldn't put it down. Anyone local is welcome to borrow it (and I'll bring it to FL next time I head down).