...of testing my serenity

During our conversation, the Endocrinologist prepared me for the next three weeks. In order to begin the I-131 treatment, my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone level, (TSH), needed to be 50. It was currently at 28.307. He instructed me to return to the lab for another TSH check, (which has to be done by collecting blood), after talking with him. Then I was to report to the Nuclear Medicine & Health Physics wing where they would give me detailed information concerning the radiation process. Dr. “Endo” also suggested that my sponsor, (Anton), apply for the Exceptional Family Member Program, (EFMP). The doctor’s reasoning for our applying had been based on the following information:

*6-12 months after first Whole Body Scan, (WBS), a second one repeated
*12-24 months later, another WBS will be done again
*With each scan, a small dose of I-131 is administered
*None of this could be done in Misawa or at any other bases in Japan, which would warrant traveling back to Hawaii.
*Lastly, I now needed the constant care of an Endocrinologist, which Misawa’s clinic lacked. However, for the time being, the Internal Medicine Physician at Misawa Air Base would be able to offer some limited care

Dr. “Endo” first made certain that I understood and then he offered to answer questions. When we were done, he gave me an appointment card to return back to him 1330 for the results of my second TSH. Off I went to the laboratory and then to Nuclear Medicine & Health Physics. Here, I found out that I’d actually be admitted as a patient on the morning I receive the
Radiation therapy. They also told me not to eat after 0800, have blood drawn at 0800, go see Endocrinologist at 0830 and then return to the 6th floor where I would be taken to my room and given I-131. Next the Nuclear Med folk told me that they would be ready to administer the radiation to me at approximately 0900. They could not tell me if it were going to be in pill or liquid form because it had to be shipped in from the mainland and it usually didn’t arrive until the day it is needed!

I thought to myself, “So basically, I’m still at a place without full capabilities!” but audibly, I grunted, shook my head as I lowered it and laughed...

“A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.” Proverbs 12:16 NIV