Week One: September 20th-September 26th
What an eventful week. It started with us heading south from Vancouver, WA, Sunday September 20th. The unknown at the time revolved around the timing of our daughter’s delivery of little Clara. Initially our September 20th departure date gave us an extra week cushion from her original due date which was September 12th. Needless to say it was unsettling leaving without meeting our new granddaughter. She arrived safely the next day, Monday, September 21st at 8:51 PM. Thanks to “Video Skype” we were able to share in the experience.
Tuesday marked the day for my consultation with the radiation oncologist. With the new blood work and physical performed at this appointment and in conjunction with my medical history, a course of action was presented. The good news at this time was seeing my cholesterol level drop 33 points from my last blood work in April. I moved out of the “Borderline” category into the “Desirable” camp. Diet changes do have an impact and I am still enjoying what I eat. My PSA level was up slightly from April. My first proton treatment in “Gantry 3” is scheduled for next Wednesday, September 30th at 10:00 AM.
Wednesday found me back at the treatment center for my planning phase. This is the stage where I was fitted for my pod and scanned for the designing of my treatment fields. The purpose of the pod is to ensure I am in the same position of each treatment. The CT scan is used to build the templates that will shape the proton beam to hit the target. For those of you interested in understanding proton beam technology you can follow this link. Each Wednesday evening there is a very upbeat and well attended support group meeting for all of the proton patients and their spouses. Many have said this was a highlight of their time at LLUMC.
Diane flew back to Vancouver that afternoon to connect with our new little granddaughter Clara Julianna. I joined them Sunday afternoon. We both will fly back to Loma Linda Tuesday evening. With our Southwest Airlines Rewards the round trip tickets for both of us set us back a mere $12.50.
Each Tuesday & Thursday at 9:30 AM there is a new patient orientation. I was not quite sure what this was all about but I figured I fit the target audience. After all I was new and I am a patient. This was a time of getting familiar with the total experience offered here at Loma Linda. I am impressed with how “complete” the offerings are here. The emphasis is in treating the whole person.
From there it was off to Seal Beach to be with family and join in the festivities surrounding my nephew’s wedding, which was on Saturday.
