As of today, I have only seven radiation treatment sessions remaining. Yesterday, I had an appointment at the Urology Oncology clinic, which turned out to be not particularly informative. However, they did let me know what to expect after the treatments are completed. First of all, they explained that immediately after the course of treatment is finished, we will not know whether it has been effective on the cancer. Second, my PSA may not come down for several months or even as long as a year. Furthermore, this part of the process will be followed in RTU by the Radiation Oncologist who will eventually release me back to the Urology Oncology clinic for long term monitoring. That clinic will look for any sign that the cancer has returned.
Personally, I have full confidence that I shall completely recover and become a cancer survivor. I have survived so many other things in my lifetime already. There is no reason that I should not survive this as well. I have even bought a T-shirt at a thrift shop already that says “I am a cancer survivor.” I fully expect to be just that.
In coming weeks, I look forward to recovering from the radiation therapy side effects. As soon as I am over the fatigue that has plagued me I plan to take two bikes and make my own recumbent bicycle out of them. I already have the plans for how to do it. Then I shall start riding it to get some exercise. That, together with using fat free protein shakes as substitutes for some meals, can be the start of my personal weight loss program. My primary care physician has agreed that it is a good plan. The reason for the recumbent bicycle is that I won't be ready to straddle a regular one for some time after the cancer and the radiation treatments, if ever.
Furthermore, I have so much work that needs to be done around my house and in my yard. Inside the house I need to make preparations for having a kitten. That is something for which I am looking forward with great expectation. After the death of my cat I have felt such loneliness in my home, but I know that having a kitten rather than an adult cat will require certain changes in the house.
In addition to that, there are so many things that need to be done to the yard. The weeds have thrived and the shrubs have gotten shaggy and the Turk's caps have grown so very tall. Those as well as other things require some attention, but I haven't had the energy to even avail myself of the help that friends have offered for this. When my energy comes back, I shall again work on such things even if they require help from younger folks.
The other things that I've missed because of fatigue are the activities at the Dharma Center. I really look forward to that, especially the upcoming teachings in February. I've missed seeing my vajra brothers and sisters. Furthermore, there have been teachings offered nearby with other groups that I haven't been able to attend. However, I look forward with great expectation to celebrating Vietnamese New Year at their temple and Kaleisia Tea Lounge this weekend.
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