Thursday, December 22, 2011

I'm in Isolation

That's right young lady!
A little sugar for Santa goes a long ways...

For those of you who have been around here for a while, you are well aware of my bout with thyroid cancer. For those of you who don't know... I had a couple of surgeries for it about three years ago and I'm hoping to get the all clear (as in cured) in about a week. 
  • I had a thyrogen injection on Monday that cost $1,238.00
  • I had a thyrogen injection on Tuesday that cost $1,238.00
  • I took a single horse pill of radioactive iodine Wednesday that cost $5,000.00
  • Wednesday, Thursday and part of Friday, I'm in isolation (cause I'm glowing)
Tomorrow, I spend about an hour under a gamma ray camera that looks for radioactive hot spots. This will be my third annual treatment and scan. If the scan doesn't unearth something (unearthly), I'll get my "cured of cancer" merit badge and be sent on my way.

The shots were easy, the pill was easy, the semi- isolation is easy. The hard part was the prep for it all.

For the last three weeks I've been on the strictest medical diet known to medicine and mankind (in my opinion anyway).  It ends today. I couldn't ingest any:
  • Anything from the ocean
  • Seaweed (it's in a high percentage of foods)
  • Soy of any type (Soy is in more things than seaweed)
  • Tofu (this one and the three before it kill me. My wife is Japanese)
  • Sea salt
  • Regular salt
  • Restaurant food
  • Fast food
  • Water (distilled is okay, blek!)
  • Soft drinks
  • Processed food of any type
  • Spices
  • Herbs (other than fresh from my own garden, that I don't have)
  • Bread (home baked only is okay. Yeah right!)
  • ANYTHING with preservatives in it
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Cured or corned meats
  • No snack foods like chips, etc.
  • Dried fruit
  • Chocolate
  • Crackers
  • Sweets
I can eat:
  • Canned peaches, pears and pineapple
  • Unsalted nuts
  • Clear soft drinks
  • Matzo crackers
  • Plain rice cakes
  • Redish vegtables
  • Small amounts of fresh chicken or turkey
  • Fruit
So between all this stuff, my new sister (yay!) and pre-Christmas stuff, I haven't posted in well over a week. As you know, that's a long time for me.  A couple of days after Christmas, my wife and I are taking off for our favorite mountain top for a couple of weeks. I'll let you know when the good news arrives.

Happy Holidays to everyone!


.

65 comments:

  1. hope you get out of jail soon and Happy Christmas :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Here's praying that you get that merit badge!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Here's hoping the Gamma Rays see nothing.

    Merry Christmas, Pat.

    ReplyDelete
  4. oh, pat! hoping and praying for you that the results will be ALL CLEAR!!! wow! the diet sounds very, very hard! i do hope all of this waiting and worry will be over for you!!!

    enjoy your holidays and your getaway!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Sounds like a lot of work! Glad you posted a list of what you can have, because I was beginning to wonder what was left. We love Oriental food, so that list would kill us as well.
    Praying for good news and a clean bill of health!

    ReplyDelete
  6. that diet sucks. I couldn't make it. Miso soup was right out, huh. I think that diet might have killed me.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I did so much praying with the nuns all of those years in that boarding school I am an ace at it...and I am really good at sending positive thoughts and vibes. You are in my toughs. I tell you one thing, that has to be the WORST diet I have ever heard of. It is GRIM. Know you will be thankful to eat normally again. Hang in there. I am thinking of you, my friend. Genie

    ReplyDelete
  8. We are purring and praying for purrfect results Pat!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hope you get your "Get Out of Jail Free" card. That diet sounds positively awful! Happy Holidays and be well.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Once they tell you you're all clear, it'll be worth it. That diet is harsh though, and this close to Christmas... That sucks. I'll be looking forward to reading your victory post.

    ReplyDelete
  11. You're definitely on the Best House's prayer list! As for the diet, I do the "good" stuff, including the distilled water; but I use Tofu every day and would miss that.

    How difficult this must be for you, though, and I do hope - and PRAY - that you get that "merit badge." You'll deserve it no matter what happens.

    That favorite mountain spot sounds to me like the best medicine of all!

    Take care, my friend!!
    Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror & Other Memoirs

    ReplyDelete
  12. Pat, I'm keeping fingers, toes and all appendages crossed that you will get the all clear and I feel very sure that it will be good news! Do let us know when you can...

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love the photo! :) Hope that everything turns out good and that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful vacation. You deserve it after all that! You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  14. that really is a sucky diet!

    enjoy your holiday, I can't wait to see the vacay pics

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am praying for you Pat.

    Hugs,
    Kay

    ReplyDelete
  16. The cured news will be the best Christmas gift ever! Did you drop a few pounds on that strange diet? I think it would be easier to just not eat! I wish you and your wife all the blessings of the season, including good health!

    ReplyDelete
  17. That is a very tough diet. I didn't know you were going through all of this, but I am glad you have been doing so well. It is cool you are going away for a couple of weeks afterwards. I'll be praying for you for sure. I'll bet you get that merit badge.

    My husband has a type of cancer called Carcinoid Syndrome. He does have a test once a year where he can't eat anything for four days, but your diet was much worse! Sorry the medical costs so much money.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I REALLY need to start doing some serious proof reading before I post. I've corrected them, but there were about 5 bad errors in there.

    mshatch - I think I get out of jail after my scan tomorrow. Merry Christmas to you as well.

    Phillip - Thanks Phillip! I appreciate it.

    M.D. Jackson - That's what I'm hoping also. Merry Christmas to you also! It's been a while since I've been over. I'll try to do that today!

    TexWisGirl - The diet is the worst part, that's for sure. I can't do anything about it, so I'm no worry here. Thanks so much!

    Alex - It's so much work, that I've pared the can eat list down even more. I eat chicken, canned peaches, apples, bananas and red vegtables. I want chocolate and doritos... Thanks Alex!

    Budd - It sure does! Oh yeah, no miso for sure. Christmas eve, I'm eating miso soup and sushi!

    Genie - Thanks for the good vibes! I appreciate it. It will be good to eat again. I'm going to try and keep my portions much smaller than before though. I'm about 5 more pounds away from a TON of clothes, that are just hanging in my cloest not being worn. Thanks again Genie!

    Brian - Thanks Brian! If you were here I'd radiate you with a scratch on the head.

    Lolamouse - Thanks Lola! Happy Holidays to you as well. I get sprung tomorrow morning after my scan and some blood work!

    Tim - Yep! Better to find out and get it taken care of, then to not know until it's too late. Thanks Tim! I'm looking forward to the results.

    ReplyDelete
  19. aw, hope you get out of jail really soon!

    that diet really sucks.


    have a merry Christmas, my friend!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Ann - Thanks so much! I appreciate the thought. Lot's of tofu here also. I'm sure the merit badge will be on my sash (if I had one) before the end of next week. Happy Holidays Ann!

    Nat - Be careful with those appendages! Thanks Nat! Happy Holidays...

    Marguerite - Pavolv's theory. I see your name, I get hungry. The photo is me doing a stint as "Santa Paws" a couple of years ago. I'm not THAT fond of kids, but pets okay... Thanks Marguerite! I appreciate it.

    baygirl - YES IT IS! You enjoy your holidays also. We go to this place so often, that I don't even look at it as a vacation anymore. Heck, we're retired, everyday is a vacation day.

    Kay - Thanks Kay! I appreciate it. Happy Holidays!

    #1 Nana - Yep! I'm getting a double big one this year. A brand new sister and this. It is easier to just not eat. I'm eating very little.

    Belle - Thanks Belle! I really do appreciate it. It's a tough diet, but it sure beats the alternative! I guess I should have posted a link to the original post from a couple of years ago. Mine is called Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (or something like that). Happy holidays Belle!

    Betty M - It does indeed suck, but I'll be free and free to eat in a couple of days! Thanks Betty! Merry Christmas to you also.

    ReplyDelete
  21. thoughts are with you that you get your badge Pat.

    ReplyDelete
  22. My Christmas wish for you Pat...May you enjoy any food you want....and SOON!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. holy shit, if i was on a diet like that i'd be a skeleton! i hope you get to enjoy a good christmas meal! rooting for the cancer-free badge!

    xo.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Holy crap, Pat!!

    All the best to you, and I'll see you in the new year.

    Pearl

    ReplyDelete
  25. Yep, been around to hear about your other opps. And my thoughts and prayers are definitely with you through this one. :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Pat...let's hope the next time you glow it will be from a cancer free diagnosis. Sending positive energies your way. I can't imagine that diet for that long. You're a trooper. Have a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh wow. Your diet sounds worse than the old one I had. I hope it's worth it and you get good news!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Ren - Thanks so much Ren!

    TheChieftess - Come Christmas Eve and I'm chowing down! Thanks so much!

    Sarah - Yep! I've lost about 12 pounds. I'll be eating soon and getting my badge! Thanks Sarah! I'll be over soon...

    Pearl - Oh yeah! Thanks so much and the same to you Pearl.

    Jesse - Thanks! You've been around for just about everything on my blog. I appreciate it.

    Bouncin' Barb - I'm looking forward to that glow! Thanks so much and you have a Merry Christmas and happy New Year also!

    Baby Sister - Well, by the time it's over, I'll probably be fitting into some clothes that are wasting away in my closet! thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Ditto. I was wondering what food was left! Yikes.... Happy thoughts for the Freedom card.

    ReplyDelete
  30. That's a mean way to lose a few pounds. The all clear for Christmas will make it one of your best ever I would say: new sis, beatin' back the Big C, and then 2 weeks on a mountain top...I say Merry Christmas and have fun at the top of the hill!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I will be saying prayers for you my blog friend. Have a Merry Christmas, Pat.. and a safe and happy mountain top trip.
    I'll be impatiently await your results.
    be well n happy.
    Blessings,
    Pam i am :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. I did not know all this Pat. I sure hope you get a good report and you will be cancer free. I like your sense of humor. Have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy the holidays.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I had no idea! I have no doubt your wonderful attitude will carry the day. The mountaintop is the perfect destination. Stay warm and pack plenty of tasty vittles ;-) Will stop back in for the good news and to see all the great pics you will be taking. Happy Holidays to you and your wife. And as always, Happy Trails!

    ReplyDelete
  34. The only good thing to say about all this is you've probably lost weight. Who wouldn't on that diet! OMG! The worst! I look forward to hearing your good news! Enjoy your getaway!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Talk about ending the the year with a BLAST! If the yang has to balance the yin, then nothing less than the news of having a sister would do! My heartfelt wishes for a peaceful week ahead and a new year of joy and wellness, Pat!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I wish you all the best! I can't imagine that diet but it would probably do me some good. I look forward to the good news and pictures from the mountains.

    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wishing you all the best and sending up prayers. Hoping you get a really good meal, soon. Man, that diet sounds torturous.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I knew nothing of your illness, but with your good humor and determination with which you face it sure that you overcome, you really admire. Best of luck.
    I wish you all the best during the holidays to you and those around you. Thank you very much for sharing the beauty of your photos and your words always with good humor.

    ReplyDelete
  39. OMG, that diet is DRACONIAN!! I'm keeping everything crossed for a clean bill of health, hon, and try to enjoy that isolation thingie, with Christmas just around the corner, you may well look back with a little pang of longing for it..!

    Merry Christmas Pat, I hope the coming festivities prove to be filled with joy and happiness for you and yours.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Sorry to hear about this...you will have got an all clear report by the time you read this. The diet sucks specially for a non vegetarian...
    merry Christmas and a better new year. :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Patrick -- (I am nearly speechless, which seldom happens to me)....

    That diet sounds... Lord there's nothing left on it to eat ... I'd think you might be too weak to hit the keyboard. However, the reasons are certainly worth it and I just KNOW it will be good news which I look forward to hearing.

    Take care of yourself -- I am glad you have good medical care and people with you who can help. I know how important that is.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Pat,

    I hope and wish for the greatest outcome with your result. As you said, the hard part is almost over.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

    Take care..

    ReplyDelete
  43. tapirgal - There isn't much left. thank! I just got back from the scan and bloodwork. Now I just have to wait until next week.

    Chuck - It sure is! As of this morning it's 13 pounds. I'd like to keep it off. It greatly broadens my shirt selection if I do. Thanks my friend! Merry Christmas to you as well.

    Pam - Thanks Pam! It's gonna be cold up there! I can't wait to hear the wolves howling at night and early morning. Enjoy your holidays also!

    Ginnymo - Thanks Ginny! I'm hoping the same. I'm just going to do what I do, either way. Here's to happy holidays for us both!

    Stickup Artist - I sure hope so! I was so nervous this morning (not), that I feel asleep during the 40 minute gamma ray scan. I'm sure I was snoring! Happy Holidays to you as well and thanks much!

    missing moments - I have lost some weight. As bad as the diet was, I'd like to lost about five more and hit the new year under 200. Maybe I should revise that to Jan seventh, or a little later. Thanks!

    Francisca - You are so right. I seem to be ending this year on a big note. Thanks so much for the nice thoughts and words. I really do appreciate it. Really!

    James - Thanks James! That's how I look at the diet. I'm really going to try and keep it to light eating this weekend. I know it's going to be cold up there, but I'm hoping to do some exploring. Maybe we'll head down into some of the little desert towns. that's always good for some odd sights. Merry Christmas to you also James.

    Ms. A - Thanks! Tomorrow night I'll eat. We're having some family over for Christmas Eve. Sushi!!!
    Then Christmas morning we're going over to Ashley's new place for breakfast. I hope I don't gain all the weight back this weekend!

    Leovi - I wish I knew nothing about it also! It will either be gone, or not! either way, we're still heading up to the mountains on Tuesday morning. All the best to you and your family also Leovi.
    Thanks so much!

    Shrinky - Maybe that's the name of it. "The Draconian Diet." Oh yes, I don't mind the isolation at all. I've very social, but I LOVE my alone time. Merry Christmas to you and your family also. Thanks so much!

    Rek - Hey Rek! I wish I had the results already. I think I have to wait until next week. I used to be a vegetarian, but that day is long gone... Thanks for the holiday wishes and same to you!

    ReplyDelete
  44. That's some expensive sugar!
    Good luck with the news...

    Happy Christmas to you Pat..

    ..hope you and your family have a relaxing time..

    =]

    ReplyDelete
  45. I didn't notice brewed or distilled on either list, but I assume it would be on the don't. However I will raise the glass of Stone Ruination Ale and drink to your health. Onward. Merry and Happy.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oh, Pat! I'm sorry you've had to go through all of this! I'm sending positive thoughts your way!

    Merry Christmas to you! You deserve that trip to the mountains. Enjoy!

    Big Hug!

    ReplyDelete
  47. sending you lots of good thought and postive vibes and I hope through all of this you still have a very merry christmas..hugs

    ReplyDelete
  48. Oh Pat, I was reading through that first list and it was looking okay until the third one from the end. If only you could've switched chocolate and matzo crackers. I can't believe all you've been through and I'm so glad you are coming to the tail end of this horrific bout. You're a resilient man, to say the least.

    Sending good thoughts.
    Enjoy your next venture and have a blessed Christmas.
    xoRobyn

    ReplyDelete
  49. trekking your amazing blog! keep blogging! happy holidays!

    cheers!
    ...TREK...

    ReplyDelete
  50. trekking your amazing blog! keep blogging! happy holidays!

    cheers!
    ...TREK...

    ReplyDelete
  51. Oh Pat .. what a year this has been..
    hope you don't have any after glow and get that CURED tag pronto.

    Wishing you all the best..

    hugs
    faye

    ReplyDelete
  52. Pat,

    Praying for the best and a clean bill of health. Hope you are home for the holidays.

    Glowing in the dark this time of year may PO Rudolph and get you in dutch with the big man in the red suit.

    Merry Christmas.

    Darryl and Ruth :)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Oh, My, Pat! So sorry to hear that (and what a long list of can't-eats). Hoping you can find some joy tomorrow at Christmas. God bless.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Here's hoping everything is cleared up and you are with us for many many years to come. Happy holidays my freind. Glad to see you are surrounded by so much love.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Bonnes Fêtes!
    Happy New Year!
    purrs and love
    Luna ( WE love Luna ) and mammy Léia - Bonjour Luxembourg

    ReplyDelete
  56. Sallie - That's funny! The diet is over, I ate, but not too much last night and this morning. Things will work out just fine! Thanks!

    Icy BC - Thanks so much! I hope you are having a great Christmas also!

    Anthony - VERY expensive! We're having a great weekend. Hope you are doing the same!

    pitchertaker - I actually could drink, but I didn't. I figured I drank, I'd eat the wrong things. I did however, have SEVERAL last night. Margaritas, mucho margaritas...

    Pam - Thanks so much! I can feel them! Merry Christmas to you also. We wish we could hit the road today, but not until wednesday. Thank Pam.

    becca - thanks so much becca! I did and I am! Hugs right back at you...

    Robyn - Thanks Robyn! You know, it could have been worse. Instead a final treatment and test to see that's it all gone, it could be just treatments! So I'm doing good!.
    Thanks so much! Hope your having great holidays in your new digs...

    icedgurl - Thanks for the spam, er, umh comment I mean... If I'm wrong I apologize...

    ReplyDelete
  57. faye - It sure has! nope, don't want to see any afterglow here! Thanks so much faye, I appreciate it.

    Darryl and Ruth - Thanks so much, I'm home and all is good. Other than this thing, I have exactly zero health issues! Merry Christmas to the both of you!

    Laura - I had some joy today when I had breakfast! Also, last night at dinner. Regular food is so good!
    Thanks Laura! Hope you're having a great day.

    Cal - Thanks so much Cal. I have plans to be around for exactly 32 more years. I hope your Christmas is a great one! Thanks again my friend.

    Luna - Thanks so much! Leia and Luna! Happy holidays to you as well...

    ReplyDelete
  58. Geesh, that diet sucks! Especially at this time of year with all the sugar plum fairies and all... but I guess it is worth it in the end. I am sending positive energy that way for an all clear! Happy Holidays and hoping that 2012 is full of new memories and adventures and cancer free!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Goodness Pat, after all that you deserve a couple of weeks in the mountains for R&R. Here's hoping the news is good!

    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  60. Harsh! But giving up seaweed would be pretty darn easy for me. I hope you have a cancer free and restaurant filled 2012! Take care Patrick.

    ReplyDelete
  61. OMG Pat! I will wait for the good news. You and your wife deserve a mountain retreat! That's a lot to go through and my thoughts are with you.

    ReplyDelete
  62. ¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨°Âº
    ¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨° ·.°ÂºÂº
    ¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨000000000
    ¨¨¨¨¨¨¨0000oo00o0
    ¨¨¨¨¨¨0o00o0o00o0
    ¨¨¨¨¨¨0o0o00o00o0
    ¨¨¨¨¨¨0o0o00o0o0
    ¨¨¨¨¨¨¨00000000
    ¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨000000.☆¸.¤Âª“˜¨
    ¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨00/¸.¤Âª“˜¨˜“¨
    ¨¨¨¨¨¨¨00¸.¤Âª“˜¨¨˜“¨
    ¨¨¨¨¨¨00¤Âª“˜¨¨Âª“˜¨
    ¨¨¨000000¸.•°`
    ¸.•°`♥✿⊱╮FELIZ 2012!!!

    ReplyDelete
  63. I give you the ALL CLEAR in advance. Anyone who can do that prep can kick cancer's butt!

    Love ya Brother!

    John

    ReplyDelete
  64. That has to be the worst avoidance diet ever! You get high marks for making it through.

    ReplyDelete

This blog is word verification free.
IS YOURS?
I love your comments and will do my best to respond to each and every one.