William Posted May 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2022 Man, that mask fitting was weird....they lay the mesh across your face and head while it's hot, all the while 2 people are pressing and forming it against your features. They have like only a matter of minutes to do this because it hardens rather quickly. The freaky part was the hardening of the mesh material against my face. Even though I don't use my nose or mouth anymore too breathe with, I still felt like I was suffocating...it's quite tight when totally dry and hardened. On top of that, it gets snapped into place in 2 places on each side of your head, making the fit even tighter. My best counter was close my eyes and focus on breathing (while trying to remember that I don't need my nose or mouth because they are totally covered!), while they slid me into the chamber for the first test run/set up. Luckily, this all actually took longer than the actual treatment sessions will. Treatments will be about 15-20 minutes a day. This fitting, set up and test run appointment took over an hour, with most of that time spent held down by my head! At least now I get a true break from Lacrosse and Gundersen Hospital as I don't go back until the 1st of June for a follow up with the surgical team. That will be for any additional preparation prior to my treatments, see how things are healing, etc. I have been fortunate to not experience any pain per say post surgery. But I guess we will see how things feel once I am about half way through these treatments. Hopefully the side effects are few or none. Another painful thing is going to be the hit on the wallet with gas prices. There too Lacrosse and back home is almost 2 hours driving time. That's going to be daily for almost 5 weeks except for weekends. Not too mention Friday's are going to be double treatment days with a 6 hour gap in between treatments. It will be either find something to do in Lacrosse for 6 hours or come home and go back again. What's gas prices where you are at? Here in my town in Southeast Minnesota it's $4.34 a gallon (what's crazy is the next town, 7 MILES AWAY, is $4.14!!!).... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad G. Posted May 25, 2022 Report Share Posted May 25, 2022 Wow !! I hope the prices take a dive for you (& all of us) Prices around here go from $4.99 @ the cheapest to $5.79 @ the highest. The "graboid" mask thing would've drove me up the wall, gotta give it to ya man ya got grit !! Hang in there William, were all pullin for ya 🙏 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Posted May 25, 2022 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2022 30 minutes ago, Chad G. said: Wow !! I hope the prices take a dive for you (& all of us) Prices around here go from $4.99 @ the cheapest to $5.79 @ the highest. The "graboid" mask thing would've drove me up the wall, gotta give it to ya man ya got grit !! Hang in there William, were all pullin for ya 🙏 Figured you were higher out there on the west coast, considering California's prices (Beverly Hills was around $7.58 not too many days ago)...my little sister told me 2 days ago their prices in her neck of the woods in northeast Florida were around $4.80 or so.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marbleized Posted May 26, 2022 Report Share Posted May 26, 2022 Maybe they will start selling gas here by the liter again. William, you are an inspiration to all of us, I'm sure--the way you take things in stride and look at the positives. Glad to hear that things went well, inspite of all the weird things that you had to endure when making your mask. Take care! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Posted May 31, 2022 Author Report Share Posted May 31, 2022 Well, there's always something to do inside and outside when one has nothing but time on his hands (actually looking forward to hopefully getting back to work late fall maybe?). Decided to switch up the cabinet with a fun mix of manufacturers and color. Most of these at some point have been ID'd during my year+ here at MarbleConnection, and the ones that haven't been seen I think I have them figured out. Anyway, with the exception of the lower level (marbles on the way!), having a blast 😊 3 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gladys Posted June 6, 2022 Report Share Posted June 6, 2022 On 5/31/2022 at 9:17 AM, William said: Well, there's always something to do inside and outside when one has nothing but time on his hands (actually looking forward to hopefully getting back to work late fall maybe?). Decided to switch up the cabinet with a fun mix of manufacturers and color. Most of these at some point have been ID'd during my year+ here at MarbleConnection, and the ones that haven't been seen I think I have them figured out. Anyway, with the exception of the lower level (marbles on the way!), having a blast 😊 That is fantastic! lov your designs with the marbles!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Posted June 6, 2022 Author Report Share Posted June 6, 2022 First day of radiation under my belt! They do 3 passes at 3 different angles, takes about 10 minutes. Worst part about it is the damn tight mask, but I "sort of" got used to it about half way through. I know that potentially the worst of this is yet to come. Hopefully very few side effects will happen. Stopped at Dollar Tree and Walmart, which wasn't bad. But decided to stop at Burger King on the way out of Lacrosse. Guess what. They can't break a $100 unless you buy almost that whole amount in food! That's all I had on me was that. Ran down the road to Kwik Trip. They couldn't break it! Went back towards Burger King and stopped at a Bank/Credit Union. Wouldn't break it unless I had an account! All I want is food people!!!! Screw it, went to Culver's who, after checking with them first, made change with a $23 purchase. Finally. I was told last Wednesday too start working towards a normal diet and I wanted my first fast food! After all this, leaving town was horrible. Back to back, 2 different drivers suddenly stop in front of me to make a left hand turn. After that, I'm approaching an intersection with a red light. Making a left hand turn in my direction is a taxi cab, but he's on my side of the road!!! Already on my last nerve, Patty's yelling because the guy isn't getting over onto his side of the road and I'm honking like crazy and baring my "2 best fingers". Finally he swerves over! Last but not least, bridge construction, which we didn't know about until turning onto the bridge, had too make a last second cut too my right before I ran out of road. Cut this poor lady off but hey, my last 30 minutes was worse than her 2 seconds! Hopefully the next 29 trips aren't as eventful!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad G. Posted June 7, 2022 Report Share Posted June 7, 2022 The way things are goin soon it'll take the $100.oo buy a burger & fries. I went to Walmart yesterday grocery shopping since it's only across the street. What used to run me around $190.00 a year ago now is nearly $300.oo, being on disability has certain perks, I guess ? if you want to call em that ?? Grocery time certainly isn't one of them, @ over $5.oo a gallon for gas I'm lucky to be within walking distance of the store. Certainly an eventful trip for ya William, congrats on holding your composure (that graboid on your face must be a nightmare ??) I've always been a bit claustrophobic, not so much of confined spaces but having something on my face !! Kudos to ya for biting the bullet man. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Posted June 9, 2022 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2022 My first 3 days of radiation are behind, with today being my first double treatment day. This will be the case every week, first treatment shortly after 9am then the second one around 3:30pm. It's either find things to do in Lacrosse for almost 6 hours or drive 35-40 minutes back home just to go back again. The double treatment is due to them not conducting treatments on weekends. Double "graboid facehugger" Day! 😬 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph Posted June 9, 2022 Report Share Posted June 9, 2022 So far to have to travel for treatments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Posted June 9, 2022 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2022 4 hours ago, Steph said: So far to have to travel for treatments. Actually got a little extra help today through my insurance. Going forward, my insurance is going to pay for a driver to shuttle me too and from Lacrosse for 3 out of the 5 weekday appointments. That's huge, especially with gas prices and the looming spectre that is side effects. Plus, the hospital sent my information too Kwik Trip Inc. and they granted me a few hundred bucks in gas cards! It's one of their many programs they are involved with. That was awesome news! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph Posted June 9, 2022 Report Share Posted June 9, 2022 Yes, very good news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Posted June 11, 2022 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2022 Cool Beans, first week of radiation done! It's actually nice to be sitting here in my chair vs. Running out the door! So far, I feel pretty good. The only thing that doesn't feel good is the gas prices (As we all know). The National Average has officially hit $5 a gallon for the first time in history (this info is collected surveying 130,000 stations nationwide). 21 states are now at $5 or more a gallon. And indications are pointing to a National Average of $6 before or by Labor Day? Studies have shown that traveling has crept down a little but with Summer fast approaching, I can't see many people just sitting at home. Hopefully, I can get through this schedule before it hits $6!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad G. Posted June 11, 2022 Report Share Posted June 11, 2022 4 hours ago, William said: Cool Beans, first week of radiation done! It's actually nice to be sitting here in my chair vs. Running out the door! So far, I feel pretty good. The only thing that doesn't feel good is the gas prices (As we all know). The National Average has officially hit $5 a gallon for the first time in history (this info is collected surveying 130,000 stations nationwide). 21 states are now at $5 or more a gallon. And indications are pointing to a National Average of $6 before or by Labor Day? Studies have shown that traveling has crept down a little but with Summer fast approaching, I can't see many people just sitting at home. Hopefully, I can get through this schedule before it hits $6!! I heard they had to reset all the gas pumps from a max of $9.99 to an unbelievable $99.99, might just be hearsay ?? I'll ask the station owner across the street and see if I can't find out what's up ?? I am Blessed & grateful to have the grocery store within a block 🙏 my truck only gets 10 mi. to the gallon, 460 FORD gas pig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Posted June 11, 2022 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2022 14 minutes ago, Chad G. said: I heard they had to reset all the gas pumps from a max of $9.99 to an unbelievable $99.99, might just be hearsay ?? I'll ask the station owner across the street and see if I can't find out what's up ?? I am Blessed & grateful to have the grocery store right across the street 🙏 my truck only gets 10 mi. to the gallon, 460 FORD gas pig I heard that a week or so ago myself, on the morning news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad G. Posted June 11, 2022 Report Share Posted June 11, 2022 Just now, William said: I heard that a week or so ago myself, on the morning news. Good grief .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Posted June 11, 2022 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2022 Looked it up real quick and the gas station chain 76 in Washington state is reprogramming their pumps too accommodate $10 per gallon gasoline prices! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad G. Posted June 11, 2022 Report Share Posted June 11, 2022 Just now, William said: Looked it up real quick and the gas station chain 76 in Washington state is reprogramming their pumps too accommodate $10 per gallon gasoline prices! Yes, sounds just like the "gas shortage" we had in the 70's (not) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Posted June 11, 2022 Author Report Share Posted June 11, 2022 2 minutes ago, William said: Looked it up real quick and the gas station chain 76 in Washington state is reprogramming their pumps too accommodate $10 per gallon gasoline prices! This news hit back in May so it's obviously already been done. Some "experts" don't anticipate it getting that high but records are being broken so ya never know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Posted June 17, 2022 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2022 Yay, Happy Friday! Not counting today, I have 18 more treatments left. So far, the only side effects that I have noticed is a rash across my shoulders and at the top of my armpits. I told them in theory that I think the mask is behind this (it actually covers my shoulders also,imagine the villain Juggernaut's helmet if it were a few inches longer). After I examined it more closely on Wednesday, I think it is made from a liquid resin similar to what we use in the molding process while making softball bats. We injected the liquid resin, hot, with a gun by screwing the guns tip into the press the bats were in. This coated the composite material and kevlar. In liquid and solid form, some people had allergic reactions to this resin. These mesh sheets are premade for Gundersen Hospital. At the hospital, they get them really hot to soften them up so they can "mold" it by hand against your face, head, and shoulder areas. If I'm correct, I hope I gave the assist in treating or approaching others before or during their treatments 😊 I'll see if I can snap a picture of mine today after I'm done 👍 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Posted June 17, 2022 Author Report Share Posted June 17, 2022 My "companion" for my treatments... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph Posted June 17, 2022 Report Share Posted June 17, 2022 That's impressive ... even if it does look like a medieval torture device. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
William Posted June 18, 2022 Author Report Share Posted June 18, 2022 2 hours ago, Steph said: That's impressive ... even if it does look like a medieval torture device. Sometimes it wants to feel like a medieval torture device when lock those grey clamps down. There isn't any pain per say, but it's pretty damn tight! There isn't any getting out of it until they let you out. It messed with me psychologically the first couple days. After that, you pretty much make yourself focus on the music they play of your choice and try not to swallow. They start off by taking a fresh xray, about a 3 minute cycle. After that, it's the radiation. Each cycle (I get 3), lasts about a minute and a half, and there's about 2 minutes in between each one. I'm going to bed. Pooped. I decided to mow the front and middle yards after I got home, plus did some planting with Patty. Sleepy time 😴 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph Posted June 18, 2022 Report Share Posted June 18, 2022 'nite ... I too am pooped. Planning on a relaxing weekend. I hope you have the same. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marbleized Posted June 18, 2022 Report Share Posted June 18, 2022 On 6/9/2022 at 2:14 PM, William said: Actually got a little extra help today through my insurance. Going forward, my insurance is going to pay for a driver to shuttle me too and from Lacrosse for 3 out of the 5 weekday appointments. That's huge, especially with gas prices and the looming spectre that is side effects. Plus, the hospital sent my information too Kwik Trip Inc. and they granted me a few hundred bucks in gas cards! It's one of their many programs they are involved with. That was awesome news! Hey William, I haven't had much time to spend on the marbles, but I saw your post and just had to say how happy I am for you that everything is manageable! That is awesome that you now don't have to worry about the driving and the cost of gas now that you got some help. That must be some weight off the shoulders. You are such a fighter and Patty must be pretty awesome too! Take care! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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