September and October

Hosmer Lake at Dawn in early October. It was a toasty 29 degrees F. 

Woo Boy! Has September and October been a doozy!

An emotional roller coaster with a bit of whiplash tossed in.

I had a PET Scan in mid September. For a bit of background, PET scan see radioactive glucose that the cells suck up. You are given a glucose injection that is laced with a radioactive iodine. The active cells in your body suck up the glucose, cancer especially loves glucose as does your heart, bladder and brain. Cancer cells shine brightly when that radiation beam strikes the iodine that the cells absorbed. Alas, parts of my body that should not light up did. One vertebrae and lymph nodes near the heart. These were not anticipated. It means that my cancer has metastasized and is now found through out my body instead of the initial location.

Treatment:  I am going to Portland to start a clinical trial for a cancer drug. It is oral, meaning I can take it at home. I will have to travel to Portland once a month to check in and have labs done.

The messy part is the vertebrae that lit up. It has a tumor growing in it. Radiation is the answer here. I start this coming week. Treatment is quick, just a quick visit weekdays for two weeks.

Meanwhile, I have found that pool exercise is a huge relief to the back pain that the tumor is causing! And a great workout that doesn’t stress the joints. It’s easier to work on flexibility in the pool too. The great group of regulars is a huge plus! If you need more exercise yet hesitate because of joint issues or feeling out of shape, look for a water aerobics class. You go at your own pace without stressing your body.

My board was a bit icy when I got back to shore, but the paddle was heavenly! Calm waters, lots of ducks and fish.