Thanks to Tyler and Kat's encouragement I am starting this blog so you can track my progress if you would like and also so we can keep all the facts and details in one place for reference. They both told me everyone wants to know what is going on, so you can just check this out...but please don't feel obligated to read. Unlike Travels With Zimbo - I am not shooting for entertainment value - just the facts - although some editorial is bound to intrude.
I have committed to Dana Faber and Dr. Anthony D'Amico to conduct my radiation treatment. see http://doctors.dana-farber.org/directory/profile.asp?pict_id=0000372
My reasoning in picking Dr. D'Amico:
According to U.S. News Dana Faber is #5 in the U.S in Cancer.
My urologist recommended him specifically.
Dr. D'Amico and his staff were both extremely professional and engaging.
The Team
Dr. Anthony D'Amico - Attending Physician - 617-394-2668 mobile
Marian Loffredo - Nurse - 617-732-8821
Joanne Arruda - Practice Manager - 617-732-8821
Radiation will start on Wednesday, August 27. Between now and then I will start physical therapy sessions with Rebecca Stephenson who was recommended by Dr. D'Amico's nurse Marian.
Went to Dana Faber yesterday with Tyler and Kat to go through what they call a "planning" session and get the basics of treatment from Dr. D'Amico.
With a CAT Scan machine they gave me three tattoos on my stomach to line up the radiation.
Dr. D'Amico and Marian Loffredo sat with the three of us and gave us the rundown.
Radiation will last for 38 sessions M-F at Brigham & Women's Hospital. First session is schedule for 2:30 PM on the 27th but then I will be given a regularly scheduled time. I have some limited choice depending up availability.
The session is scheduled for an hour but Marian assured us that it gets shorter as I get accustom to what is going on. I will be in the treatment room for only 10 -15 minutes and the actual radiation is on for less than a minute.
The actual procedure is done by technicians. I do meet with Dr. D'Amico and Marian every Tuesday during the 8 week process.
I was told the side effects are minimal. They include fatigue and urinary and bowel effects that are hardly necessary to detail. I was assured that the side effects should be minimal due to the concentrated area they are treating.
The bad news - the commute to Boston is rough. We finished at 4:00 PM and it was raining so the trip home was exhausting without any radiation. I have a handful of options - taking the ferry, driving myself, taking the train. Marian also mentioned an alternative, a place called Hope Lodge which is a free facility for patients traveling more than 40 miles for outpatient treatments and caregivers. My plan is to do trial runs on each alternatives and visit the Hope Lodge.
The good news is I have free access to a gym. BodyScapes.
There is an outside chance I will also need hormone therapy depending upon Dr. D'Amico's analysis of the pathology slides he has yet to receive from UT Southwestern. He should be getting those very shortly. If he determines I need that it will be a six month treatment which consist of a couple of shots and daily pills.
That's it for now. When the pathology slides are in I will do another post.
