Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018
Back to the city for another injection, every three months. It appears that the injections are doing their work, keeping the PSA down. It's been 0.08 for 3 months, surgery was in 2014 so it should be zero.10:00 we departed
It's a heckuva drive (~90 km one way) and 90 minutes long, without heavy traffic.The weather didn't look good. We had to travel from the dark green (rain) to the pink (ice rain).
It was wet and foggy. Pretty miserable. A long drive through swamps, North Gower, Manotick, fog, and speed sensors. Nearer to home, it was 3˚, as we approached the city, it went down to 2, 1, then 0˚.
This speed monitor is a hoot! If you are in the green, it shows a happy face! It's on River Rd., near Manotick.
I wore my snappy boots, with the ice picks on the bottom. Our sidewalk, and the parking lot was still icy.
11:52 Our Meal was Ordered
The trick with going into the city, is planning meals around our trips. We schedule them early afternoon, driving in early for lunch, and straight home afterwards, avoiding any rush hour traffic.This is our Go To place. The guys with whom JB volunteers said they thought the city a great opportunity to visit different restaurants, but we go back to this one, as we know their menu, we know the speed of their service, and we can depend on them.
It being the day after Valentine's Day, the flowers were amazing!
Someone had a birthday. This was on the floor!
Ottawa Hospital Parking Lot 12:53 p.m.
It was packed! People were driving around in circles looking for parking. Finding parking can be tricky. There was an attendant (which was unusual), and he told me where to park. Right on the end, on top of no-parking lines!
Our appointment was for 1:10, and we were ushered into the room at 1:00 p.m.. Our Dr. popped in, we chatted, and talked about next steps.
The research is very interesting. JB falls into the middle of the two study groups. One research project compared those who received intermittent injections, have a course of therapy, then stopping, or having it continuously. There was no difference mortality rates between the two groups.
His symptoms are minimal, so we'll keep on with this treatment. The whole course of treatment should buy us 10 years. ENJOY EACH DAY!
Eventually, the cancer cells (in his lymph nodes, determined from imaging) will be able to resist the anti-androgens, and we'll deal with that. The next step is a bone density test, to determine a baseline. (Often, prostate cancer spreads to the bones.)
We won't repeat any other imaging until the PSA begins to rise again. (He's had: Bone Scans–4, MRIs–2, CT Scans–6, Ultrasounds–3.)
We are also participating in a research study on the efficacy of this treatment, including lifestyle and activities. A researcher came in with the questionnaire. He's working hard on his nutrition, and exercise.
The nurse poked him in the left hip. (They alternate sides.)
As we waited for paperwork, and another appointment, I took some photos of the grounds. We've seen this scene in all seasons, lo these several years (beginning in 2013). I even grabbed a photo of the building being built.
Despite the crowded parking lot...
There was a line-up to get into the hospital parking lot when we were leaving at 2 p.m. It appeared to be getting worse.
We stopped for more washer fluid.
We also stopped in Manotick, to see the birds on the river. I'd spotted them on the way in.
There are lots of snow machine trails, including stop signs at people's driveways. (I wonder if there have been collisions?!) I saw one guy out on his machine, even in this less than ideal weather!
Through Marlborough Forest.
You know you are familiar with the roads when you recognize a new stop sign! This one at Dwyer Hill Rd.
At home, it was up to 10˚ C. Hooper decided to talk a walk on the deck. They were happy we were home by 4 p.m. He was watching deer and turkeys.
