Category: Uncategorized

What to say, another week done and dusted. I can’t believe the time has flown by in this manner. I truly thought it would drag on and on; the chemo and radiation. I am on this home stretch. I have stayed positive through it all. It helps keep a good mindset and healing vibe.

Today the tech asked my plans for the weekend. Not much Saturday. It is race week (race week) so quali Saturday, race Sunday. Other than that, meal prep. She asked what I meal prep. I told her breakfast egg bites. She asked for my recipe. That will be on my list this weekend also. 6-minute radiation cycles are awesome. I am so glad I also take oral chemo. I am glad I don’t have infusion chemo; that would keep me there 4-6 hours a day rather than 10 seconds for popping two chemo pills.

I’m hungry, I’m gonna go have lunch now,

Thank you for stopping by!
~Bruce

I messaged my care team about what happens after my radiation ends. Do I still take chemo? What next? She messaged back, and I can stop my chemo pills on my last day of radiation. That’s exciting for me. I’ll have 4 weeks off, then go for an MRI and a doctor’s appointment with my Medical Oncologist. I still will have weekly blood work.

So what does all this mean to me? Side effects have been minimal. I did notice some hair loss on my left leg. That’s weird. Maybe it was always like that? Maybe it’s from the radiation/chemo. Not sure. My skin is as dry as can be. I lotion up when I can remember.

I will still get up early and take my other meds. I still have to take a few prescriptions. I’ll have more time at home each day. It’s an hour or so. The routine has become second nature to me. I’m hoping the wobbles and vertigo subside after this is done. Though I do feel it’s more from the biopsy.

Yesterday and last night, I had my own little Star Trek marathon. I watched a few TNG season 5 episodes. My favorite episode, “Inner Light,” was on. I also enjoy “I, Borg.” That’s a great episode as well.

So some exciting news from my care team. I’m happy about that.

Thank you for stopping by!
~Bruce

I saw two patients today ring the bell. It was nice. They finished their treatment at the Radiation Center. Such happy faces on them. Everyone in the lobby clapped and cheered. The staff rallied around them during their momentous occasion. There were going to be 6 total today.

I can’t wait til I can ring the bell I never knew I would need to. Only 8 more now! I saw my senior friend today at treatment. I asked how he was and how many more treatments he had left. He has 25 to go. I have 8. I told him it would fly by. They took him back and the couple was gone when I was done. Then it was my turn. I go back. You know the routine. Get snapped in. Shut my eyes and off to zapping land. It as quick. I heard the buzz and knew I only had about 90 seconds left. All done. Then I met with my Radiation Oncologist. I asked about how the chemo would continue after radiation was done and he said it was more of a question for my medical oncologist, other Dr P.

My nurses were so happy with my progress and said small wins are big wins. Vision is back, they loved that. No real side effects other than fatigue. She loved it. Big win, small win. WIN WIN! We talked about my cats and the doc then came in.

All in all it has been a good day. I treated myself to a toasted Asiago Bagel today with some honey pecan cheam creems. That is so funny to me, cheam creems. I love nobodycaresanthony.

Thank you for stopping by!
~Bruce

“Dear Tumor, the eviction notice was taped to your door weeks ago. You’re squatting now. But I’ve got 9 more blasts of cosmic justice coming for you.”I’ve got nine radiation sessions left. Single digits. Like a countdown to… what exactly? Not the end. Not a cure. Just the end of one chapter where a giant machine points invisible death rays at my skull and everyone pretends that’s totally normal.

By now, I know the drill. The table. The mask. The whirring sound like a microwave making popcorn in hell. Twenty-one zaps down, and somehow I still have enough brain cells left to write this post. Or at least I think I do—if I start repeating myself or talking about raccoons, assume that was the frontal lobe short-circuiting.

People say radiation is cumulative. That’s true. Not just the fatigue or the skin stuff or the weird taste in my mouth that screams “chewed battery,” but emotionally too. Each session is like a tick mark on the wall. Survival math.

And now? Nine zaps to go.

It should feel like progress. And it does—mostly. But there’s something else too. A weird grief? A fear of the routine ending? Radiation sucks, but it’s also been something. A rhythm. A purpose. An enemy you can name and schedule around. When it’s done, what fills that space?

Nine zaps. Then I ring a bell I never asked to ring. Then I keep going.

Because that’s what this is. Not the end. Just the next unknown.

Let’s go, Zap 22. I’m ready.

Thank you for stopping by!
~Bruce

I can’t believe I only have ten sessions left of my radiation therapy! It’s been a journey for sure. The staff at the treatment center have been so nice. I can’t wait to ring the bell on my last treatment day. I’m hopeful Rudy is shrinking and stabilizing. I don’t know what I will do after the sessions are complete. I know I will have some free time on my hands. I mean it’s only about an hour a day. I’m sure my chemo will continue. But the radiation sessions will cease. July 8th, my last session. I’m ecstatic. I’m hopeful. I’m happy. Two weeks tomorrow and it’s finished!

We arrived early today. The valet sees us pull up and grabs the chair. We roll in and check in. I get my armband ID and wait for the tech to bring me back. They bring me to a holding area while I wait my turn. One of the medical assistants had a birthday and there were balloons. It was a pleasant sight to see. A tech brings me back and snaps me in. The mask is a familiar feeling now. I’m used to the radiation setting. They give me a behind the knee pillow and a round foam handle. I’m snapped in with the mask. It’s tight but a comfortable tight. I close my eyes and listen for the buzz. It’s over. I hear the techs come in and unsnap me. Back home we go.

I think I’m on the homestretch now. I hope the next couple of weeks are easy to manage. It’s not been too bad so far. Just the wobbly wobbly and the double vision. Now that my vision is back it’s been much better to get around.

Thank you for stopping by!
~Bruce

Sunday is usually our meal prep day for breakfasts. I had a bagel today. It was yummy: an Asiago bagel with some honey pecan cream cheese. We made a lot of egg bites last weekend, so we didn’t have to today. Instead, I got up and followed my normal morning routine. Then we watched a documentary on the Long Island Serial Killer. I want to ask my brother-in-law about this as he lives in Long Island. Search for Gilgo Beach on Peacock; it was fantastic.

I placed a grocery order and meal-prepped some ground beef for the week. Tonight we will have taco boats and rice with salad. The other half I will use for a tortellini bake like a couple of weeks ago; last time I used rotisserie chicken for it, and my wife said it would be good with beef. So this week we will try it with beef.

I’ve been a little dizzy today. I sat at the stove to cook tonight. Walmart is crazy cheap on beef. I got 2 pounds of it and cooked it. I saved some in a bag for tomorrow and mixed up some Spanish rice and taco seasoning for tonight. It’s nice not having to go to radiation on the weekends. It’s a nice break. Back at it tomorrow, though. I’d like to go out for a sundae later, but I’m not sure if this rain will hold off.

My right leg usually twitches like a focal seizure. It hasn’t been doing that today. I’m thankful that it hasn’t twitched. I hate when it does. A nurse on my care team said to get a video of it to show them. How can you video something so random? I don’t know when it’s going to twitch. It’s not like I can film it or ask my leg to rewind. My mom has said she notices it when I nap. Am I supposed to just sit here with my phone ready? That’s ridiculous.

Not much to report today. Just some hydration, cooking, and streaming. It was a good, quiet Sunday with my wife. We didn’t have much to do today. We rested and watched the documentary. Chip was extra needy today. He required a lot of pets and rubs. He snuggled a bit, and I loved every minute. Usually, these Bengal Brats are very independent and won’t snuggle. He snuggled way more as a baby when I would take him with me to work. I’m loving his neediness today.

I am in such need of a haircut. I’ve been holding off to see if I lose hair from the chemo and radiation. I’m in a weird spot with it because I dont want to waste the money on a cut if it falls out but at the same time, it hasn’t happened yet. It’s been 3 months since my last haircut. I don’t mind the longer hair but I hate it growing over my ears. My sideburns are thick and bushy. I can’t stand it. Do I want to shave my head? Not a chance. But I also feel like it would be better in the long run to shave it down to buy some time between cuts.

Random thoughts come in and out. These are just a few today.
Thank you for stopping by!

~Bruce

Today is Saturday; it’s my first day with some nerve pain. My knee is killing me. I didn’t do anything to it; it just hurts today. I can only think it is from nerve pain, maybe a slight side effect.

Chip let us sleep in until almost 7 am today. Thank you, bud. We watched Jaws last night for the 50th anniversary of the film. Personally, I like Jaws 2 better. These films are what keep me from swimming in natural bodies of water. Ever since I was a kid, I have been afraid of the water. It probably stems from when my dad “taught” me to swim by tossing me into a lake in Mississippi when I was about 3 years old. Very traumatizing. He said one day, “let’s learn to swim, son,” then I was tossed in. When I got back with my mom, she took us to the YMCA for swim lessons. Needless to say, I was terrified. I cried and cried at the edge of the pool. Even blowing bubbles made me cry. I was holding on to the edge of the pool, kicking in place. So terrifying. I can swim now. I don’t have the fear I had when I was a child. But I certainly won’t go in any ocean, beach, or lake. Not happening.

I’m excited to try a new flavor pack of Nectar Hydration. It was delivered this morning, early. I took my chemo meds today and drank plenty of water. Chip is going to the vet for his monthly injection. He has a luxating patella; his knee pops out of the socket when he walks. My baby is only 4 and has had this issue since he was 1. Poor thing. It doesn’t affect him; he still runs like a maniac throughout the house and on his cat wheel. He loves his wheel.

I tried some new cereal today: Apple Jack flavored donut holes. Pretty good. I had some egg bites also this morning.

I’m saddened by the passing of celebrity chef Anne Burrell. I hate hearing the early reports from TMZ. I wish I could tune it out. Let her family process their loss. Why do they always have to push stories out for clicks? What’s the point in being first to report tragedy? We are all going through our own issues. Let them have time to process. My circumstance is different, but I couldn’t imagine myself in others’ shoes.

It’s going to be a good day today. It’s forecasted to be extra hot near 100 degrees. Afternoon showers may bring the temps down. Until then I’m watching Food Network. I like Pioneer Woman and Girl Meets Farm. The Kitchen is a favorite also. My Saturday morning is full. I wish I could go with my wife to Chip’s appointment but I’d just sit in the car as I am too wobbly to go in to the vet office. Maybe we will go for an ice cream sundae later or tomorrow. It’s nice to venture out to combat the cabin fever.

Thank you for stopping by!
~Bruce

It’s Friday then! Saturday, Sunday what!
Rainy and muggy this afternoon. I had my radiation appointment this morning. This was 19 out of 30! 11 to go. I am excited to be at this point. Not much to report today. I had breakfast, meds, radiation, and home again. For lunch this afternoon, I had a juicy peach and a plum. Yummy snacks.

I placed a Walmart order and the driver took forever. It was supposed to be delivered at 1 pm and did not show up until nearly 3 pm. I tracked and watched as he sat in the Taco Bell lot for like 20+ minutes. I would not have minded, but I had some ice cream and perishables in the order. The whole time I’m thinking you better love those tacos, guy. He also gave us two bags we didn’t order: some bagels and bread, along with 3 bundt cakes and 2 cake pop containers. I guess we keep them; I’ve never had this happen before. I’ve had missing items but not extra.

It’s pouring rain here this afternoon. Afternoon showers in Florida aren’t new, but this is a lot of rain for us. Mostly it’s been raining overnight here. Today is a typical FL day. Sunny morning and dark afternoon. I’m glad it’s soaking here though; we’ve needed the rain for a while. The lakes and ponds are so low.

I’m happy to report my vision is restored. Not seeing double anymore is such a blessing. I still have the wobbliness and unsteadiness on my feet. It takes me a moment to get up and start walking. Once I am though, I can go at a snail’s pace to get around the house or treatment center. This morning was a bit of a challenge walking to the bathroom. It took me a few extra moments to get my bearings. I stumbled a bit, but was okay. Walking out to my Jeep was a bit of a struggle today. Just weak and wobbly. I take my time and go one step at a time.

The time tech was there today. She must’ve seen that we have been early all week. Not one mention of us being on time or anything. Thanks. I hope you realize we try our best to get there, and it is difficult to do on certain days. But guess what time tech, you won’t ever see us “late” again.

One day at a time. Faith, Family, and Love.

Thank you for stopping by!
~Bruce

We arrived early to radiation. It was sunny and hot. 8 AM and it’s this hot out. It’s going to be a brutal summer. Just keep the rain away while I’m out, please. Traffic was a breeze. Riding in Rooster was awesome. I got a couple of Jeep Waves on the way. I love the community of driving and owning a Jeep. We get ducked also. I’ve not been a witness to the ducking, but I see the results on my dash.

We arrive, and the valet lady is there. When she sees our Jeep, she automatically checks us in and gets me a wheelchair. We then head in. They were using an alternate check-in desk after the fire. Today was back to normal. They call my wife a feisty redhead. The receptionists love her. While waiting for the tech to bring us back, you see your waiting room friends—people who are also there for treatment and their caregivers. This older lady saw me and waved. Her husband is there for treatment. She said to him, “There’s our friend.” I wave and smile. This man is nice. He asked me what I was in for, what type of cancer I have, etc. He called me “son.” He said I was too young to be going through this. I said cancer knows no age. We are here.

The tech comes out and takes a few people before me as they’re scheduled. One patient’s appointment was moved without his knowledge. They pushed him to 7:30 AM. It was 8:25 at this point. Poor guy. He was older and probably couldn’t navigate his patient portal. They were giving him the business because he was late. I wanted to stick up for him, but I held station.

Finally, it was my turn. The tech brings me back, loads me up on the table, and snaps me in with the mask. They pull me up, down, left, and right. I say “A, B, A, B, Start,” and my tech laughs. Old Nintendo cheat code reference. Zapping commences and is quick. Once I hear the buzzing of the machine, I know I have about 90 seconds left of the treatment.

Today I’m feeling nostalgic, so I am going to have a TNG day. I started with a favorite episode of mine called “Sins of the Father.” Worf is brought back to the homeworld Kronos to defend his father’s actions at Khitomer. Being accused of treason, Mogh supposedly gave the Romulans defense access codes. This was not so.

Thank you for stopping by!
~Bruce

Today marks my halfway point with radiation therapy. I have 15 left to go. My nurse today said the fatigue could increase being this far along. I hope not. I am already so tired each day. I couldn’t imagine being any more tired.

The doctor’s appointment today was a breeze. I asked about taking supplements and the doctor said to wait until at least 4 weeks after the last treatment. He was in and out. Quick visit with him. The nurse visit was longer.

Kind of uneventful today. The egg bite updated recipe was delicious. Very cheesy, and I could taste the hot sauce.

Thank you for stopping by!
~Bruce