Category: Thoughts

Started Week One of SBRT

On By Fred KingIn 2023, cancer, Personal History, themes, Thoughts, wandering photographer3 Comments

Week one of four weeks of Targeted Radiation started. Today went well. I can’t say enough good things about the clinic staff; they’re so supportive and really listen to my concerns and explain the process, as it relates to me, extremely well. I can expect fatigue and skin irritation. They gave me a cream for the irritation, which I apply twice a day.

The anxiety I had as well as everyone who has come in contact with my case is the tumors close proximity to the coronary artery that feeds the left side of my heart and to the main nerve that runs down my left arm. It was explained to me today that they can adjust the beam to within 1mm of where it needs to be. Additionally, if I were to slightly shift my body, for whatever reason, the SBRT machine automatically shuts off, so the beam cannot damage any tissue it’s not supposed to.

So, all good today 👍🏻. Thinking all positive thoughts!!

🙏🏻❤️

PS: Diseases like cancer can rob you of your identity. I haven’t used any of my cameras in months and it seems the real ‘me’ is slipping away from me. The mental battle is to not let cancer/disease to take away what is ‘me’. Never give in!!!💪🏻👊🏻

Health Update

On By Fred KingIn 2023, backyard, cancer, Environment, Human, iPhone12, reflection, Seattle, Thoughts, wandering photographer, West SeattleLeave a comment

Today I met the radiation Oncologist and his staff. They were all wonderful. I’m in really good hands. Next week I go in for CT Mapping of the tumor. Once mapped, the coordinates of the tumor are entered into the SBRT machine and will be ready for treatment. I have one more CT scan with contrast to do so the doctor has the latest image of the tumor. Doctors at two hospitals have been tracking this tumor for the last 9 or so months, so there is a plethora of imaging and data to work with.

Pre-Sunrise

Health Update

On By Fred KingIn family, iPhone12, Personal History, portrait, Thoughts, wandering photographer2 Comments

A month ago I had lower back surgery. Simultaneously, I was also dealing with a different hospital /doctor group for my cancer. I have an inoperable tumor in my upper left lobe/lung. Juggling two critical health issues at the same time was more than enough for me to deal with. I haven’t posted as I have rarely left the house, hence, no new photos to post. I actually have a few from before surgery, but it’s tough to get past the circumstances of surgery, etc.

This morning I got a call from the doctor working on my cancer case. The two biopsies they took 10 days ago were NEGATIVE. This was the best news. Now things are in motion to treat the inoperable tumor with Targeted Radiation. Next week the the Radiation Oncology doctor from another clinic will be contacting me to schedule an intake exam and treatment schedule.

I’ve left out a couple of health related issues that have occurred in the past month; I’ve lost 35 pounds, kidney function dropped, etc.

Targeted Radiation has its own set of side effects. I feel good about handling just one treatment course. Had one or more of the biopsies been positive I would be facing chemo in addition to radiation.

I was so relieved to get the good news this morning; nearly in tears. My family and more have been so supportive these past few months;prayers, hugs, chicken soup….

My goal has been to stay alive and relevant for as long as is possible. Today’s news gives me hope that I still have work to do and things to photograph in this crazy world we live in.

Blessings to all,

Fred,

The wandering photographer

📷🎞️