A walk in the woods
- Burt Rosen
- Sep 13
- 2 min read
Welcome to this week's hodge podge of a post. I don't really have a topic or a theme, but I needed to write so here I go.
First, a health update.
My first PRRT session (#1 of 4, it's targeted radiation for NETs) was on 8/1. "It's mild", "most people don't really feel much", "you will be back to normal in no time", etc. Guess what? It wasn't, I did, and I wasn't! I am making it sound worse than it was, but it had it's moments.
It's infusion based radiation. For 3 days, you have to act like an outcast. No touching, keeping distance, can't touch things other's touch, separate laundry, separate bathroom (complete with sitting down to pee and flushing twice every time) for 3-4 days post infusion.
The first couple of days were pretty mild, than the fleet of Mack Trucks hit. I was more or less successful staying away from people for the first few days. I had treatment on Friday and had meetings in person on Tuesday. From what everyone said, I expected that to work. It didn't. I got to my meetings, realized in 20 minutes that It was a bad idea, went home and was knocked on my ass for the next three days. I got better, but still not back to pre-radiation levels of feeling good.
Next radiation session is 9/26. I am hoping it goes better. Other than that (which is a biggie) things are ok. Same symptoms as usual but a little worse since radiation. Fatigue is still my worst. Headaches, nausea and stomach stuff too.
Today, I was feeling better and took a great, 4.5 mile walk in Forest Park, one of my happy places. Being in nature makes everything better. This was a tough week in the world (we don't need to go deep into that) and I needed to get away to a place that I could just appreciate.
I ended up catching up with a close friend and listening to music. I have mentioned this before, but music really brings out the emotion in me. I cried a lot on my hike. For myself, for good friends I've lost, and even for the world a little bit.
Just to share again, my play list was below, but today I listened to a lot of the Greatest Showman, a movie that speaks to me very deeply.
Thanks for reading! And for those who want an email when I have a new post, I am working on it. It seems to have broken.
It's so good to see you, Burt! I'll be sending good vibes, wishes, prayers, for your next PRRT (email me if you need to vent or anything--I've been there). The best? Nature! Like you, I'm still plugging away and UNPLUGGING by trying to get in nature. The Greatest Showman is PERFECT music! Take care! Karla 🦓🥾
Music and nature! A salve for sure. Crying, too. Glad you can feel beauty in the midst of all your sadness and those totally sucky treatments. It's a bitch to have your body betray you, but it's your spirit that stays in tact and counts. And you have tons of that, Burt.
I 100% agree that walking in nature is the best free mood shifter. I hope your next round is much easier. You’re a superhero, Burt. Also, outstanding music selections!!
YIKES
that was all I needed to hear ... Eesh
I too wondered why Greatest Showman wasn't more of a hit. The song "Never Again" (or whatever it's called) just blew me out of my seat!
Much to cry for these, bro. We were born into a glorious springtime and are experiencing the start of a nasty winter maybe. Our spirits must speak.
Thanks for sharing what's been going on, Burt! Loved hearing about your happy place walking in Forest Park! Nature is so healing, especially now with everything going on in the world, it's more needed than ever. I enjoyed listening to your playlist. It made me feel good hearing music that keeps you going! It's not an easy road you're walking and I admire how open, real and honest you are what you're going through. Nice to have you back, I've missed your blog updates. XOXOX Carolyn