March 22, 2010

I am strong, I am invincible

I'm just over three days into my new treatment and I already have a new appreciation for pastels, high heels and was contemplating shaving my legs this morning. Yes, the estrogen must be working!

Seriously though, here is a brief re-cap of the previous few days:
On Thursday I had an appointment with a radiology oncologist. The purpose of this meeting was to receive a single radiation treatment in each breast in preparation for a new treatment. After arriving at his office, it quickly became apparent why we liked this doctor when we originally visited with him in the fall of 2005. He's a great communicator, listener and even wrote me a prescription for my excessively dry eyes. The radiation treatment lasted about 5 minutes and the best way to describe it was similar to a dental x-ray, but the machine runs for 90 seconds. The only potential side effects were the potential for redness and hair loss. The former did not happen and I lost all the hair on my chest about a year after starting Androgen Deprivation Therapy.

Later on Thursday my supply of DES (woman's Estrogen) arrived in the mail. I also stopped and picked up a prescription for Coumadin, a blood thinner I now have to take to prevent clotting.
I'm not sure if DES works this quick but by Saturday morning I was feeling many fewer aches and pains, enough so that I played disc golf in the snow!

For the most part, no other changes, except for my looks? Here's a photo from yesterday.

Oh, yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can face anything
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

LOL!

David, you are a genius. Seriously, here's to a record-breaking successful long run with the DES.

Anonymous said...

David ,
It sounds like it is working ,I think it is fast to work and I am praying You get a very long and sustained response.
My Oncologist thinks having some hormones even if it is female hormones is very good for a Man on ADT .
I have been on estrogen for over 2 years , Those that know Me best say I am the same person I always was .
If You want to go shopping some time let Me know.
Dan J

Anonymous said...

David... You are such a comic.. I love it. And yes Dr. S. is a great guy.

Keep up the brighter attitude.. It is very becoming. :)

Tom T.