9-10-09 Thursday

Day two of radiation: I went early so that I could have them schedule all the other things I have to get finished before I see Dr. Rushing on the 22nd. It seems they want more of my blood and I don't mind giving if I haven't already done so. They had to check with three place to see if I have given the right kind of sample and that it's not to long ago. Apparently when you get a CT Scan they give what they call contrast in an IV and your kidneys or something have to be able to handle it. I know I had a Scan before I saw Dr. Rushing the first time, but apparently that was too long ago to count. The next trick I just learned is to have the blood drawn at the Park View Hospitals. That way they don't have to look all over the place to get the information. This time I'm going to use my port because you have to keep it active at least one a month or so or it goes bad. The actually wash it out so to speak so it does not close up. The only place that can do that is the chemo lab that I went to when I was have my chemo. Fortunately it is in the same building that I get my radiation in.

The reason I bring all this up is that I asked the receptionist at the radiation department to help me get all of this accomplished. I went into the radiation at 4pm and when I got out at 4:25 she was still trying to get it accomplished. They are so nice, she didn't have to do this at all, but she said she was not busy because I'm the last appointment of the day and she was happy to help. This entire experience has been filed with people like that. They all must have a deep concern for people who are going through this kind of ordeal.

Now for the radiation treatment. The good news is they only took one set of x-rays this time so it only took twenty minutes or so. The bad news is that they will have to do the same thing they did the first day every fifth day. That means every Monday I can expect the 55 minute treatment. Even yesterday after only twenty minutes my are would not come out of the cast part without help. He said that it was normal not to be able to move your elbow after it was like that for so long. He said sometimes the people get used to it, but many times the older people never do. I asked him what he meant by older, he just look at me and said I qualified.

I've been very tired both yesterday and today. I was told that might happen. I'm usually up at like 5:30 or so but don't have to get out of bed so many time I get out of bed at about 7:15. Today and yesterday it was past 8am before I felt rested enough to get up. I'm still not full of energy and want to go work out. I'm going to do it as I did yesterday, it will just have to wait a while.

I have been very hungry however and it is difficult to stay on the diet I'm trying to maintain. My blood sugar is still screwed up, but I see Carol Burns tomorrow and hopefully she can give me some ideas to help the situation.

I keep you informed tomorrow.
Tom