{"id":14271,"date":"2026-04-23T16:20:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-23T20:20:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/?p=14271"},"modified":"2026-04-26T08:57:47","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T12:57:47","slug":"medical-oncology-cancer-journey-not-routine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rickollie.com\/es\/2026\/04\/23\/medical-oncology-cancer-journey-not-routine\/","title":{"rendered":"Me, Maya, and Medical Oncology: Why Nothing About Cancer is Routine"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oh, and Michael too<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m twenty-four hours away from my return visit to my medical oncologist<\/a><\/strong>. And for once, I actually feel good about it. No anxiety. No worry. Maybe even a little too at ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pressure has eased, knowing he\u2019s in my corner. But I\u2019ve learned to live by one rule, always beware. Because with cancer, nothing is ever routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe I let that word routine<\/em> stay in my vocabulary longer than it should have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re new here, it\u2019s something a one-time friend said while adding me to a group chat\u2014right in the middle of me getting a body mold done for radiation therapy. She knew I was at the hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some reason, nearly three years later, it still irks me that she called any of it \u201croutine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maya<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tonight I’ll have some fun. A while back I was given two passes to MJR Theatres for an early screening of Michael<\/a><\/strong>. A biopic of the legendary singer, songwriter that explores his journey from The Jackson 5 to his early solo days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maya<\/a><\/strong> will be accompanying me tonight. Don’t fret, I’ll be adding a photo of us before this blog is over. But I’ll be saddened when she returns home to Boston at the end of the week. I have an open invitation from her, and plan to use it because I like her a lot. And do love Boston<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And just to be clear, because it matters to me to say this, my interest in the movie is in the artistry. Nothing more. Nothing Less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The impact his talent had and continues to have across generations is magical. That\u2019s what I respect and what I\u2019m showing up for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michael<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Scene<\/a>
A powerful performance moment from the Michael film, capturing the energy of \u201cBillie Jean.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although we had a good time and the acting, stage presence, dancing, and singing were all solid neither Maya nor I was overly ‘Thriller<\/strong>‘-ed. The making of that particular song in the movie was my favorite part of the film. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note, Michael opens in theaters Friday, April 24th.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But honestly, wait till it comes out on streaming and save your money for The Mandalorian and Grogu<\/strong> on May 22nd. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Maya<\/a>
Maya and I at an early screening of Michael\u2014good company, good seats, and a night that blended music with everything else life has been throwing at me.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Medication and What’s Next<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thursday, April, 23, 8 AM<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finished the first month’s supply of Xtandi<\/strong> last night before bed. It’s a testosterone suppressant. Along with the Lupron<\/strong> injections every three months that began last November, erections have become a thing of the past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So far, I’ve have battled all these side effects associated with the Xtandi. Even a few bouts of ‘brain fog.’ <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • tiredness or weakness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • muscle pain, back pain, or joint pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • hot flashes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • constipation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • diarrhea<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • decreased appetite<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    I imagine today’s appointment will focus on additional lab work to see how much the drug has helped drop my PSA level’s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    More internal tests begin again in June with my radiation oncologist as he’s scheduled a PET and bone scan in back-to-back days. They’ll be done a week before his appointment along with some blood work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While in May I’m scheduled to have my third Lupron injection with the same doctor I’m seeing today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not Used to This<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Maya wanted to come but I asked her not to. I explained I have difficulties letting others in close. outside of my writing, to doctors’ appointments. She understood and is behind my decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Caroline<\/strong>, my meditation coach, texted yesterday. Swear the universe has us connected. She was just checking up on me. She’s happy for my newfound relationship and the trips I continue to attend with the seniors. All the while probing my mental state over this cancer. Remember, she’s a former psychiatrist too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What was once a numb, indifferent feeling to it all, these last few weeks I’ve learned to live again. And I realized something from our chat when Caroline said, “That’s lovely that you are dating.<\/em>” I thought a second before replying, ‘OMG. I am dating, aren’t I?<\/strong>‘ <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Telling Maya, the story of Caroline’s texts she started to laugh. And I suppose I looked puzzled for a moment before she added, “Oh, we\u2019re past \u2018just hanging out\u2019\u2014don\u2019t get it twisted.<\/strong>” Ok then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Why I Include My Personal Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Because both heart disease and cancer are real. So real they can take your life at any moment. Nothing can get realer than that. I do this so those that are suffering similar fates can learn to appreciate life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Knowing you can enjoy life, lead it fully and not give a damn about stereotypes is your superpower. People expect the \u2018woe is me\u2019 version of us. I say go for it. Life is too short as it is to be held back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    On My Way<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    On the drive in, ‘Human Nature’ <\/strong>played. Soft, familiar, reminding me to just let things b<\/strong>e what they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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