Radiation ... Here I come ...

"A" and I went to the NS Cancer Clinic on Tuesday afternoon and we were convinced that I should proceed with radiation therapy. The Oncologist (Dr. H.) indicated there are 4 factors that would suggest I would benefit from radiation therapy:

1. The monster was identified as a high grade version (Gleason Score of 8 (5+3)) and this means the monster has the potential to spread quickly;
2. The monster “just” got out of the prostate capsule;
3. Current medical studies indicate that there are proven benefits when radiation is supplemented to a prostatectomy (surgery) and
4. I am “young” and healthy so I could have long term benefits of radiation. I am not so sure about the young anymore!

At a previous meeting I had with Dr. H., he indicated that he would have given me a 70% probability that the monster has been completely removed as a result of the surgery. He then suggested, that with the radiation treatments, the survival probability would incrementally increase by another 15% (and maybe 20%). Therefore, a minimum, my odds are at 85% right now; I am grateful for this.

One of the comforting pieces of information I received at this meeting was that the radiation dosage would be approximately 2/3 of of the dose that would be applied if the prostate gland was still in place. He indicated this small dose will significantly reduce the side effects such as burning the rectum and bladder walls. This was the clinching detail for me.

All this being said, I was tattooed with 3 small dots that will be targets for my upcoming radiation. A small legacy of my battle with the monster. I now have to wait for a phone call to get into the queue which I was told will be 2-4 weeks; most likely end of August.

There will be 35 sessions, one per day and 5 days per week. This means 7 weeks. If the documentation I have read is correct, radiation will have some side effects especially at the end of the treatment. These indicated tiredness and problems with the all the plumbing. Dr. H. indicated he was going to do a “wide swath” radiation beam so he can treat my entire pelvic area, so he will be monitoring the side effects. He also stressed that getting increasing stamina would have benefits; more salad and less meat and more walking!

I guess Max eats the steaks and I get the green stuff.