Cancer Chronicles 

September 15, 2023

     So, you’re wondering what is Selena Gomez doing in my ‘Cancer Chronicles?’ Actually, it’s the song that’s here ‘Hit the Lights,’ she happens to sing it and it’s like the disease as it brings back memories.

     Every one of the songs opening lyrics has memories aimed at me. First one is here, has been for years, but I won’t call you out. Second one is gone by ghosting. Third was on the Boston subway and I suppose turning and walking away can be considered ‘freaking out.’ Trust me I did, even after staring at one another for quite some time during the ride. Boston has been my Vegas, but Amtrak is still cheaper, and I don’t have the thoughts of that ICD going off in the mid-flight by taking it. Which leaves the city of love, but I’m too damn scared to fly. That’s a use to be. I won’t lose love for a fear of flight. Just won’t! There’s the two-word sentence for the blog.

     It’s the cancer causing all these memories, I know it. As my mind is still the biggest opponent I have. Thinking the “If ifs and Buts Were Candy and Nuts,” can actually change anything is ludicrous. But it happens all too often, not the change, the thinking and the absurdity of it all.  It, also, makes me remember how short life can be and what I still want to accomplish along with see and do. No, I’m not dying, and I know that. Of old age, many years from now, yes. Just not any time soon. I’ve accepted the later with my first implant and am not afraid.

Bone Density Scan 9/14/23:

     After a meeting with the DR Z, radiation oncologist, he couldn’t be sure what exactly he was viewing on the MRI results, from a couple weeks prior. Rather than start a treatment plan not knowing everything available, he ordered a ‘bone density’ scan along with a ‘PET’ scan. Plus, he wanted to coordinate with my urologist and the department that reads the results.

     That’s why I am here today, for the bone scan. Totally painless. 

     After waiting about 15 minutes, I was taken in a patient room, where I was questioned about current medications and told what was going to go down. I was then injected with some type of tracing dye and told to basically go have fun for the next three hours and return. 

     I went outside for a bit and sat at the picnic table area, with a cup of Starbucks and horsed around on the internet. Yes, there’s a Starbucks inside the hospital among other shops. 

     Later went back in and walked around to pass more time. Even had thought of getting ‘Grogu’ a brother or sister. But he’s happy being the only nonliving ‘Alien’ or pet in the household.

     Say ‘Hello,’ Grogu.

     Then it was off to the cafeteria for lunch. The hospital has always had great food. And I should know. Been here more times than not and had my partial colectomy at the facility in 2021, along with other medical procedures throughout the years.

     Honestly, it was the best pizza I’ve had in quite some time and relatively inexpensive. 

     After eating, I was headed back down to the basement, as I pushed the ‘B’ button on the elevator panel. I take it, every hospital keeps their radioactive stuff, or nuclear waste as I like to call it, down under and not Australia. Another 15 minutes and I was headed to this contraption for the scans.

     Forty minutes, or so, of lying on my back with the machine, and Lina the tech, doing their thing, I was walking out the door while catching these ‘butterfly’ sculptures along the way. 

     In a couple weeks, barring an insurance denial, I’ll be back for the PET scan, followed by another visit to my radiation oncologist. 

     As I type this, the test results have been posted. I’m no doctor, but from the best of my understanding from the synopsis, within them, there is nothing already unknow. That’s good news for now.

     Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and thank you for being a part of my journey. And to those of you that have come by unseen, stop in and say hello. Grogu has!  

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