Initial Consultation 

July 13, 2023|

     Before I get into the update on my initial consultation with the Radiation Oncologist (RO), I’m forewarning all you ‘snake oil’ pushers and ‘done lost your mind’ 45 supporters that believe his cockamamie crap about hydroxychloroquine and cancer cure to take a hike. I’ve learned the blocking technique from someone way better than any of you will know. She’s the best at it. Thank you, but no neighbor, I am not interested in your homemade concoction. Yes, he actually asked and was upset when I rejected his offer.

     And to the phlebotomist that drew my blood today, and used tape that stuck like super glue, I hope this ‘vampire’ season your kids get empty candy wrappers for Halloween. That hurt like hell pulling off. 

     No, I did not stop in the Starbucks today. Didn’t have time. Maybe I would have, had it been a Tim Hortons. But after leaving oncology, headed straight to the lab for blood work. Test results are in, testosterone levels are normal while PSA numbers have increased, since testing earlier this year.

     My new radiation oncologist, or DR Z (not sure if I dubbed him after a zombie or a letter in his name), struck me as a bit young at first. As it turned out, he’s rather knowledgeable. A University of California grad that did his internship in, of all places, San Fransico. Yeah, I know someone from that area, the ‘social media’ blocking instructor. Can’t escape all the memories. 

     My sidenote for this article: I did order a few Christmas decorations already. Afterall, it is ‘Christmas in July,’ correct?

      Dr Z did his best explaining, most I understood. Other bits I’ll wait and see. He’s, also, an associate professor at one of our local universities and reminds me of a cross between Doggie Howser and Richie Cunningham. Yes, really! Doggie’s mind in Richie’s body. 

     He explained choices in the radiation treatment. Either five stronger doses or forty-eight smaller ones. The five increases longevity by five percent over the years to ninety-five vs ninety for the lower. I’m still relatively young, so going that route if acceptable.

     A CT was scheduled for the near future. While an MRI is up in the air. In the past, because of the ICD or defibrillator implant, I couldn’t have one done. But the University of Michigan has the capabilities, thus putting me in a we shall see mode as he’ll contact both my cardiologist and U of M to see if I qualify. 

     With two more doctors’ appointments scheduled for next week, I find myself in a really good mood. I’ve been focusing more on my mental state and what makes me happy, rather than frowning on the treatment itself. I make light of the situation and target a few in the process because that does make me happy. You can’t change destiny nor change people that believe in what they believe. Their truth isn’t always the real truth and I’ve always believed there’s only one truth. I’ll call out the fakes when I see them and the words they spew. 

     With that being said, ‘that’s the rest of the story,’ as the late great Paul Harvey would say. 

     Until next time, #IamMe – Rick

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