The word “Atomic” inspired a less-traveled cycle route via Atomic Tattoo, Atomic Data, and Atomic Recycling. For now, I have to stay a bike’s-length from people while excess radioactivity works its way out of my system.
Category: Health
Treatment cycle 1
Walked over to the U for my first Pluvicto infusion, a radiopharmaceutical that selectively delivers radiation to cancer cells in my lymph nodes. The journey continues, with therapies that were not available ten years ago when we first became suspicious something was going on. I’m grateful for every day.
No more goopy stuff: 3D digital impression of my mouth
Pleasant surprise at the dentist this morning: digital impressions. Instead of the usual trays of goop for my crown prep, they used a special camera. I got to see a 3D/rotating digital model of my mouth with and without the crown, which was then sent to the lab. (Red reveals the bite surfaces.)
A fork in the road, the journey continues
All packed for a quick getaway tomorrow. Today I was taken off the clinical trial because it’s no longer working for me. My oncologist strongly encouraged me to go ahead with my trip: another scan and options await my return. I’ll be bearing Japanese Kit Kats from a cluttered Donki for the care team.
Filling time between scans
To fill time between body scans at the U, I peeked into “221B Baker Street” (the U has the world’s largest collection of Sherlock Holmes artifacts), explored an exhibit on Minnesota women architects, and enjoyed uplifting piano-playing at Coffman Union. Earlier, while waiting for my first scan, a pianist played funereal hymns, including “Abide with Me.”
Cancer drug for some, abandonment for others
Walked home from a clinical study check-in, grateful for an eyewateringly expensive study drug in my daypack. The study, funded by the Department of Defense, promises to save many millions of dollars in cancer care. The contrast with last week’s abrupt shutdown of USAID-funded research feels deeply unjust. Thousands have been left with experimental drugs and devices in their bodies, without access to monitoring or care.
Getting my shots
It was almost balmy weather for January in Minnesota (in the thirties) as I walked to the University for a consultation and medication top-ups (injections). With temperatures expected to drop below zero for the next few days, I’m anticipating a period of hibernation. This appointment was therefore well timed.
Monthly Routine
Every four weeks, I undergo testing for a clinical trial. Today’s lineup: lab tests and two full-body scans. The scans show my tumors aren’t growing or spreading, thanks to a promising new therapy. While there’s no cure, we’ve successfully managed this for eight years. I’m grateful.
A Matter of Dignity
It was my annual Medicare physical, a routine appointment that didn’t amount to much. Since a former president bragged about ‘acing’ the cognitive test, claiming it’s incredibly difficult, I’ve opted out. The test is actually quite simple, but the idea of potentially making a mistake on a test he passed with flying colors is unsettling.
Data-Driven Healthcare
Tomorrow, as I do every four weeks, I meet with my oncologist. Rather than speculating about lab results, I like to cycle over to the University the previous day for a blood draw. Results then trickle in to an app on my phone over the next two hours.