25 down

14 to go. Usual once-a-week images and meeting with nurse and doctor/PA. Side effects have not worsened in last week.

another side effect

No big surprise, this one.

I didn't write about it yesterday because I was hoping it wasn't real, but for 2 days now I've had some urinary urgency.

Entirely expected, no big deal at this point.

21 down.

Over halfway done

Today was treatment #20 out of 39.

Starting to plan for a celebration afterwards--just like the commercial says: "We're going to Disneyland!"

not a side effect

Diarrhea is completely gone; I'm now convinced it was not radiation-related. So I'm not having side effects of any kind at this point, nearly halfway done.

so far, so good

Just over a third of the way done. Met with the nurse, a physician's assistant, and the radiation oncologist today. Talked to them about the bowel stuff--which has actually gotten better. They still doubt it was caused by radiation, since it started earlier than the doctor would have expected to see it. And I'm doubting it, since it's getting better, not worse. Last dose of Imodium was a half dose, over two days ago.
They spent quite a bit of time with me, discussing all my concerns in detail, unusual in these days of managed care and 5 minute doctor visits.
Thank God "Lost" starts up again tonight! That will be a major distraction.

money

Got a loan from my bank to cover my part of the treatment costs (probably $2,000). Took some Imodium on Friday and had no problems until this morning, and had to take another dose. I'm not so worried about the symptoms themselves so much as what damage is occurring.

I don't sleep well without assistance. but like a log with 50mg Trazadone.

The end of treatment seems a long way off.

good news

The pre-treatment bone scan and CT came back clean. I knew they probably would, but it was good to get confirmation.

Still having bowel issues. Haven't had to take Immodium since the other day, but still things aren't the way they should be. I'm guessing it's partially the radiation, partially a little gut bug I picked up some where. No urinary side effects yet.

12 down, 27 to go.