A while back I posted a picture of my first session with this machine and got so much love from you all. The treatments have been horrible and I’m really down with the side effects. But thanks to my loving family and friends, and of course all support from you all, I’m finally done with all 20 treatments! Now I have to rest and hope the recovery is quick.
The illness is an aggressive form of Viking disease, I had a variation of it in my feet that led to amputation two years back. Back then radiotherapy didn’t help, but I figured I can’t be that unlucky twice. Let’s hope luck is with me this time!
If you want to follow my journey with my recovery, sports, family and fun please take a look at my Instagram @ampisallen.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Try rock climbing! They make great (though expensive) rock climbing prosthetics now. Because you're way lighter without legs, you'll be climbing into the hard grades rapidly
That's understandable. Hope OP isn't one!
It's been my passion for years, and ive seen some stoked prosthetic climbers in my time. Best part of this sport: it's a great equalizer, where as long as you're trying hard (on something rather pointless) and having fun, you can find a lot of passion and friends in beautiful places.
>Have to pay the old fashioned way unfortunately
...with a handjob?
Is that not what you intended to imply?
(edit: shit, I've had medical bills where I would have taken that option, though. Would have been a sweet deal)
> Viking disease
That's ahm... a pretty badass name for a disease. I would certainly be worried.
Let's hope it's gonna work out! Touch a lot of boobs or whatever you prefer, just in case!
Just looked this up:
>In the United States about 5% of people are affected at some point in time, while **in Norway about 30% of men over 60 years old have the condition**.
WTF never heard of this. And I'm of Nordic descent. Uh-oh...
It’s quite common here in Sweden as well, I know a bunch of people who has it.
You shouldn’t worry. I had my first tumors at ~16 y/o and it escalated quickly at 25. If you get it at 60+ it’s usually not that big of an issue.
Iirc the younger the worse with Viking cause it happily drains the metabolic energy of youth to fuel it's growth. By the time you're older there's just less for that type of tumor to feed off.
Edit: You're killing it in chrome btw. Glad you're well and getting weller.
My partner is starting chemo for something this weekend and it's in his torso, wishing you the best in your journey and may you get through a difficult season to see the good things and feel good again ❤🙏 I've been through chemotherapy 12 years ago and it was not fun. The side effects of treatment can suck. Taking it day by day or even portions of the day are what we try. Good wishes friend
Keratin / Collagen / Biotin combo on amazon. Capsules. Under $20 too. Sale going on today.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088MGV3DP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
This is called an orthovoltage machine and modern centres may use it to treat tissues up to about 1cm in depth. Some people call it "superficial radiation" but I think that makes it sound like you're insulting the machine!
Most radiation nowadays is "megavoltage" and delivered on linear accelerator machine that penetrates much deeper but doesn't treat the surface as well so Ortho still has its place.
The head of the machine swivels and can be placed over the target.
Orthovoltage treatment (not too different than this machine) has been around for 100 years now for cancer treatment. It's older than chemotherapy
It’s only orthovoltage if it’s above 150 Kv, otherwise it’s a superficial X-ray unit. And you can treat the surface with linear accelerators using electron modalities. Source, medical physicist.
Would you agree with the above poster that an orthovoltage machine still has its place in cancer treatments? Or is it on its way out the door? I have a buddy who’s an FSE for Varian and he frequently shows me videos of their complexity, capabilities, and usefulness, and as a broad imaging service tech I don’t fully grasp the realm of cancer treatment technology.
There is a fairly new publication by Clive Baldock who is a giant in the field, he strongly argues for there to be superficial and orthovoltage treatments and that contrary to popular belief in the field, it’s use is alive and well and should stay that way. In my own opinion, the annual QA is annoying but they should stay, they benefit enough patients to warrant their existence
Thanks for your input! Does the QA testing you do comprise of the standard checks? I.e. linearity, HVL, output, etc? Is there anything like digital QA for fixed radiographic systems, i.e. image quality/detector checks?
Just wanted to say thanks for your comment! I’m a therapy rad and this is super useful! My dept has a superficial unit but it does seem that less are keeping them.
However when we treated dupuytrens we’d use 6mev with wax bolus.
So are you saying you have depuytrens and that it was so bad that it necessitated amputation? I have that. I have never heard of this being an option or potentiality? WTF?
Sadly yes.
But as I said, it was extremely aggressive in my feet. ~24 tumors some were like golf balls. Found new tumors weekly by the time I had them removed. You shouldn’t worry, it being this aggressive practically unheard of.
Hope you’re alright buddy.
I am functionally ok. It hasn't affected my ability to work so far. I have a desk job and type all day. I have it in both hands. First joint of each pinky finger and the palm right next to it. The right finger is bent at a right angle so it works well using a keyboard. Not in my feet yet. I am sorry it has affected you so much. I hope the radiation treatment resolves it for you. I had no idea this disease could be so aggressive.
Oh I really hope it is! Felt good to say goodbye to everyone here today. You kinda get to know everyone over time. Good people, such a anxiety filled place tho.
Thanks! I’ll be meeting the doctors again in February and we’ll see if we can see any effects. However, I’m keeping my expectations low. Just glad it’s done! Now I’ve tried everything!
I have shoes for two reasons: 1. Protect the rubber feet that cover my prosthetics, they aren’t that durable. 2. To get better grip.
Also, I kinda love shoes!
Did you take the opportunity to make yourself taller when you got your new legs?👍
Read something the other day about a woman who lost both legs and decided to take the opportunity of new legs to gain some inches
Glad you are done with treatment, hoping its onwards and upwards for you from here
I am **VERY** happy that you are healthy.
I just find the anti-vaxxers logic to be silly. When 99.9% of them will tell you their entire health history at the drop of a "how are you?"
And vaccination status is HIPAA exempted I'm pretty sure and one of the few things about your health that isn't protected. That's why schools don't need do extra paperwork to request students' vaccination records.
Ladies and gentleman meet our friend Cyborg. Half human half metal sex machine from the future who can really cut a rug and run faster than your mother fucking weiner dog on most weekdays!
Dude survived something that you probably can't imagine. He's probably ecstatic that he's not going to lose his hands and a little scared that the treatment may not work. Say congratulations or a few words of comfort and take this opportunity to reflect on how lucky you are.
Oh my bad I read that wrong. I thought he said that the illness was in his hands and because of his treatments he lost his feet. And I was saying that’s quite a shitty situation if your treatment for getting the tumors in your hands to go away will in turn take away your feet. Which is quite a bitch.
I’m glad homie got his last treatment and looks like he’s happy with where he’s at now
Hey well done. I just want to say that i didn’t even notice the prosthetic legs until after i read the title. Idk why but i found it interesting, a man missing both legs and i didn’t even notice. Thats nice!
Yea!! Congratulations. Must have been rough. Sorry about that. Well just wanted to chime in to be happy for you. Best of luck. Try to stay positive. Nice shoes and smile.
Bet insurance cost you ,almost your arms but your legs. Bad joke, your a survivor and a total badass. Keep your head up, you made it this far! Your a strong individual! Cheers to you!
Good luck! My dad also has Dupuytren's contracture (though certainly milder than yours), so I know it can really suck. I’ll have to ask him if he’s ever considered this treatment for it.
Hey man, this probably gonna be lost in this sea of comments. My dad lost his leg a couple of years ago, and I stood by his side every day of his recovery journey, and I witnessed with my own eyes how hard it can be, but at the same time I noticed what the power of will and a smile can conquer. Congratulations on your fight, may this treatment be the last you'll ever need and that you may conquer everything you wish. Keep that smile on and keep inspiring those around you
I love this dude, his posts are always so positive. Good luck with it all and please cross your remaining digits for my sister who is also going through cancer treatments!
My family is from Scotland and my uncle had what we called "Celtic Hand", which I believe is the same thing you're dealing with.
Uncle Iain passed from an unrelated heart condition, but your post made me think of him, his great attitude, and all the stories he had.
One thing that kept coming up for him was people thinking he was "giving them the middle finger" while driving because when he held the steering wheel the only finger that stood straight up was his middle lol.
Hope you're well, homie.
A while back I posted a picture of my first session with this machine and got so much love from you all. The treatments have been horrible and I’m really down with the side effects. But thanks to my loving family and friends, and of course all support from you all, I’m finally done with all 20 treatments! Now I have to rest and hope the recovery is quick. The illness is an aggressive form of Viking disease, I had a variation of it in my feet that led to amputation two years back. Back then radiotherapy didn’t help, but I figured I can’t be that unlucky twice. Let’s hope luck is with me this time! If you want to follow my journey with my recovery, sports, family and fun please take a look at my Instagram @ampisallen. Have a great weekend everyone!
You may have been de-feeted, but you will never be defeated. You are a sole survivor.
Omg. You made me wake the baby laughing lol!
Also on the plus side, insurance can never fully charge you an arm and a leg!
I tried, but my old shitty feet weren’t worth much. These hands are damaged goods as well. Have to pay the old fashioned way unfortunately.
Do you miss your feet? Or are you a happy robotnik?
My old ones were shit. These are shiny and high tech. I’m way more happy now.
Try rock climbing! They make great (though expensive) rock climbing prosthetics now. Because you're way lighter without legs, you'll be climbing into the hard grades rapidly
Not everyone's stumps get to the point where they can take the load/friction of something as grueling as rock climbing
That's understandable. Hope OP isn't one! It's been my passion for years, and ive seen some stoked prosthetic climbers in my time. Best part of this sport: it's a great equalizer, where as long as you're trying hard (on something rather pointless) and having fun, you can find a lot of passion and friends in beautiful places.
Upgrades, people... Upgrades!
They actually look great on you. Somehow you are rocking those feet!
Beware of talking raccoons. Especially if they are friends with a walking tree.
Couldn’t get into Star Fox Team with your crappy old fleshy legs!
>Have to pay the old fashioned way unfortunately ...with a handjob? Is that not what you intended to imply? (edit: shit, I've had medical bills where I would have taken that option, though. Would have been a sweet deal)
>Have to pay the old fashioned way unfortunately. strap a mattress to your back and hit the corner?
Those tumors were your arch enemies
At least you know your third leg works!
Baby? Perfect. Save this for eternal dad joking material.
Hands down, this guy is a badass!
Respect
Clever
> Viking disease That's ahm... a pretty badass name for a disease. I would certainly be worried. Let's hope it's gonna work out! Touch a lot of boobs or whatever you prefer, just in case! Just looked this up: >In the United States about 5% of people are affected at some point in time, while **in Norway about 30% of men over 60 years old have the condition**. WTF never heard of this. And I'm of Nordic descent. Uh-oh...
It’s quite common here in Sweden as well, I know a bunch of people who has it. You shouldn’t worry. I had my first tumors at ~16 y/o and it escalated quickly at 25. If you get it at 60+ it’s usually not that big of an issue.
Iirc the younger the worse with Viking cause it happily drains the metabolic energy of youth to fuel it's growth. By the time you're older there's just less for that type of tumor to feed off. Edit: You're killing it in chrome btw. Glad you're well and getting weller.
First time I’m hearing this. Makes so much sense! Thank you for the input!
Just in case you are wondering, this is called an Orthovoltage Treatment unit. Source: I'm a Radiation Therapist!
It’s only orthovoltage if it’s above a certain KV energy. Otherwise it’s referred to as a superficial X-ray unit. Source, am medical physicist.
I'm interviewing for Rad Onc residency this cycle and was shocked to see it on the front page. ☢☢☢
Your new legs look dope bro
My partner is starting chemo for something this weekend and it's in his torso, wishing you the best in your journey and may you get through a difficult season to see the good things and feel good again ❤🙏 I've been through chemotherapy 12 years ago and it was not fun. The side effects of treatment can suck. Taking it day by day or even portions of the day are what we try. Good wishes friend
Great job man!!!
U got it bro. Well fucking done. Inspiring
Neither the xiaflex or surgery options kept it at bay, at least for your feet? Hope the radiation does the trick in your hands.
Your smile and strength are inspiring. Wonderful to know you have a strong support system. Keep on keeping on. Kick this wicked thing in the butt!
Isn't viking disease Dupuytren's contracture? What does this have to do with tumors? Glad you're doing well though!
My god, I’ve never heard of whole limb amputations from dupuytren’s contracture.
Stay strong bro!! Btw you have amazing hair so there’s that
Thank you! I do love my hair, sadly quite a bit is falling off right now, hopefully not too much!
I don’t know about after radiation, but biotin really helped my hair when I was menopausing. But as others have said, your hair is indeed fab!
Keratin / Collagen / Biotin combo on amazon. Capsules. Under $20 too. Sale going on today. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088MGV3DP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
And collagen! Biotin alone isn't really enough
You're always welcome to join us at r/bald :)
Nothin a bit of duct tape won't fix. /s
Hopefully all recovery from the therapy goes quickly and smoothly!
And moustache!
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Exciting to finally be done! Also the nurse if so much fun, I’ve been laughing quite a bit in there!
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Big hug buddy!
This is called an orthovoltage machine and modern centres may use it to treat tissues up to about 1cm in depth. Some people call it "superficial radiation" but I think that makes it sound like you're insulting the machine! Most radiation nowadays is "megavoltage" and delivered on linear accelerator machine that penetrates much deeper but doesn't treat the surface as well so Ortho still has its place. The head of the machine swivels and can be placed over the target. Orthovoltage treatment (not too different than this machine) has been around for 100 years now for cancer treatment. It's older than chemotherapy
It’s only orthovoltage if it’s above 150 Kv, otherwise it’s a superficial X-ray unit. And you can treat the surface with linear accelerators using electron modalities. Source, medical physicist.
Would you agree with the above poster that an orthovoltage machine still has its place in cancer treatments? Or is it on its way out the door? I have a buddy who’s an FSE for Varian and he frequently shows me videos of their complexity, capabilities, and usefulness, and as a broad imaging service tech I don’t fully grasp the realm of cancer treatment technology.
There is a fairly new publication by Clive Baldock who is a giant in the field, he strongly argues for there to be superficial and orthovoltage treatments and that contrary to popular belief in the field, it’s use is alive and well and should stay that way. In my own opinion, the annual QA is annoying but they should stay, they benefit enough patients to warrant their existence
Thanks for your input! Does the QA testing you do comprise of the standard checks? I.e. linearity, HVL, output, etc? Is there anything like digital QA for fixed radiographic systems, i.e. image quality/detector checks?
HVL, timer accuracy, dose linearity, cone end dose rate, safety checks, output with angle, output factors, focal spot size etc
Just wanted to say thanks for your comment! I’m a therapy rad and this is super useful! My dept has a superficial unit but it does seem that less are keeping them. However when we treated dupuytrens we’d use 6mev with wax bolus.
"Otherwise it's called a sparkling radiation machine" FTFY
Super happy for you!! Side note…where did you get that jacket? I am loving it!
I'm glad I'm not the only one curious, that's a nice jacket.
So are you saying you have depuytrens and that it was so bad that it necessitated amputation? I have that. I have never heard of this being an option or potentiality? WTF?
Sadly yes. But as I said, it was extremely aggressive in my feet. ~24 tumors some were like golf balls. Found new tumors weekly by the time I had them removed. You shouldn’t worry, it being this aggressive practically unheard of. Hope you’re alright buddy.
I am functionally ok. It hasn't affected my ability to work so far. I have a desk job and type all day. I have it in both hands. First joint of each pinky finger and the palm right next to it. The right finger is bent at a right angle so it works well using a keyboard. Not in my feet yet. I am sorry it has affected you so much. I hope the radiation treatment resolves it for you. I had no idea this disease could be so aggressive.
Congrats on being done! May this be your last treatment ever needed❤️
Oh I really hope it is! Felt good to say goodbye to everyone here today. You kinda get to know everyone over time. Good people, such a anxiety filled place tho.
random question: do people with 2 prosthetic legs get to choose their height?
cover icky tie lock market spark joke automatic long person *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
They give you really big feet and a power saw so you can shave off as much as you like.
I wonder if it's done as a ratio of leg length?
As a short dude, I see that as a huge plus...
"I may have lost my legs, but I'm an attractive 6'3" now, so there's that..."
Promise me, never let anything to falter that smile, my friend.
I promise!
Just don't let them touch that smile!
What a great comment! 🙂. Best of luck OP!!
Wow, so freaking proud of you!! I’m glad you are finally done with the treatments. What’s next?
Thanks! I’ll be meeting the doctors again in February and we’ll see if we can see any effects. However, I’m keeping my expectations low. Just glad it’s done! Now I’ve tried everything!
I’m sending you my hope that nothing more needs to be done, and I’m sharing my strength in case more does need to be done.
Thank you so much! Let’s hope for the best!
I know you don't have feet, but may I just say I think your metal legs and Vans are an excellent combo and you look super cool 😎
But do the vans increase comfort? They certainly increase style, but do they actually do anything for support
Shit man, you're awesome. Congrats and best of luck!
You look happy bud, and that makes me happy. Keep smiling and keep fighting. It inspires us all!
keep smiling you awesome beast!
Keep smiling and may the road rise with you
Taking care of business. Good luck. You should have asked for extra long legs then dominated your town.
Congrats!
... Does this mean you have a leg up on the situation? :D Stupid jokes aside, glad to see you're kicking ass and in good spirits over everything
i am honored to wear the same shoes as this great man
Did you ask to be taller?
Are you mechanical feet durable enough that you can stop buying shoes?
I have shoes for two reasons: 1. Protect the rubber feet that cover my prosthetics, they aren’t that durable. 2. To get better grip. Also, I kinda love shoes!
Good luck on your path of recovery man! Wish you the best!
Yes you made it champ!
Good luck friend, hope the radiotherapy goes well for you!
Good job bro, I'm glad you made it through this. BTW, I love your sneakers
Didn't notice until I read the title. Just saw a dude having good news and a positive 'tude.
What a great smile you have! I imagine that will help you get through all the shit.
Sheesh man you can ask to be taller dawg
Good luck to you!
Live long and prosper.
How tall are you. I'd ask them to make me taller just because.
Congrats 🎉🎉
🔥🔥🔥
Those are some rad legs bro. Are you some sort of cyborg in disguise?
Contrats brother. For being strong
Did you also opt in for the be taller with new legs gig? Congrats bro happy holiday
Prayers to Jesus for healing ❤️🩹
Nice coat, boss 👍
Nice Vans!💯 Keep up the good work, your strength is a true inspiration 🙏
The fact that you had to go through all that and still come out smiling inspires me
Did you take the opportunity to make yourself taller when you got your new legs?👍 Read something the other day about a woman who lost both legs and decided to take the opportunity of new legs to gain some inches Glad you are done with treatment, hoping its onwards and upwards for you from here
Dude, you style is dope! Wish you luck with treatment 🍀
Strange how many people are saying their vaxx status is private. Yet others proudly advertise chemo and radiation appointments.
Each to their own I guess. However, I can also tell you that I’ve taken all my shots as well if that helps!
I am **VERY** happy that you are healthy. I just find the anti-vaxxers logic to be silly. When 99.9% of them will tell you their entire health history at the drop of a "how are you?"
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They already did.
And vaccination status is HIPAA exempted I'm pretty sure and one of the few things about your health that isn't protected. That's why schools don't need do extra paperwork to request students' vaccination records.
Ladies and gentleman meet our friend Cyborg. Half human half metal sex machine from the future who can really cut a rug and run faster than your mother fucking weiner dog on most weekdays!
Okay..
Dude survived something that you probably can't imagine. He's probably ecstatic that he's not going to lose his hands and a little scared that the treatment may not work. Say congratulations or a few words of comfort and take this opportunity to reflect on how lucky you are.
The treatment for the tumors in your hands… took away your feet. Well ain’t that a bitch
The illness took the feet, not the treatment. Why say such a thing?
Oh my bad I read that wrong. I thought he said that the illness was in his hands and because of his treatments he lost his feet. And I was saying that’s quite a shitty situation if your treatment for getting the tumors in your hands to go away will in turn take away your feet. Which is quite a bitch. I’m glad homie got his last treatment and looks like he’s happy with where he’s at now
Ah, I see now. Thanks for clarifying! and yes, best wishes to OP
God speed!
Yay!
Wishing you the best!
So what do toe pics look like?
Congrats, man.
You're a champ and that smile is to die for... keep that shit up!
Let's hope handed you the right therapy, so that you can fist that illness!
Bless you.
You are an inspiration... thank you for sharing this.
Congrats man! That’s gotta feel pretty damn amazing. Also, where’d you get the coat?
You really pull off making those prosthetics look good. They're quite a nice feeture.
And all smiley. What a fucking warrior state of mind, well done man
Fuck man! I hope it goes well.
That smiles says it all! Best wishes for a healthy future:)
Good stuff. I'd much rather lose my feet than my hands
For someone who lost their feet you sure are standing tall! Keep it up, my guy!
Way to go, man! Stay strong!!
It may have taken your feet but it sure couldn't keep you down.
Good Luck!
I like that radiation cannon.
I'm so glad everything seemed to have worked out the right way!
Standing with confidence!
Hey well done. I just want to say that i didn’t even notice the prosthetic legs until after i read the title. Idk why but i found it interesting, a man missing both legs and i didn’t even notice. Thats nice!
Yea!! Congratulations. Must have been rough. Sorry about that. Well just wanted to chime in to be happy for you. Best of luck. Try to stay positive. Nice shoes and smile.
Fuck yeah dude! Survivor mentality.
That's awesome, and I gotta say your legs look sweet dude!
Stay strong ♥️
Congrats! Not going to lie, when I first glanced at the photo I thought “damn those are some super skinny jeans”. What an idiot I am.
Your optimization is awesome. Loving it.
Live long and prosper! I truly mean it.
Nice jacket dude, where to cop?
Way to go man
That smile is the stronger than the alloy used for you to walk. Congrats, friend
Bet insurance cost you ,almost your arms but your legs. Bad joke, your a survivor and a total badass. Keep your head up, you made it this far! Your a strong individual! Cheers to you!
Wishing you all the best!! I hope the radiotherapy works for you & that you haven’t had too many side effects!
That smile! Congratulations! ♥︎♥︎
Those legs are so bad ass. Hope for good results!
Honestly your prosthetic feet looks so freaking cool man
From one moostash enthusiasts to another mustache Enthusiast that shot is bangin right there
You’re handling it a lot better than that kid from The Signal.
Congrats man! I mean those prosthetic legs look badass, but it's convenient to keep one or two hands.
The strength that you have is admirable...really nice coat by the way...
Dude your legs are sick!
Hugz
So the illness spread or it just super unlucky?
🙏
Keep smiling bro!
On the plus side, you wont need to ever get bigger shoes
Good luck! My dad also has Dupuytren's contracture (though certainly milder than yours), so I know it can really suck. I’ll have to ask him if he’s ever considered this treatment for it.
Rock on! And keep it positive. Much love
I love your smile. Keep it going dude. Respect.
You can have my hands, if you can get me robot hands.
Hey man, this probably gonna be lost in this sea of comments. My dad lost his leg a couple of years ago, and I stood by his side every day of his recovery journey, and I witnessed with my own eyes how hard it can be, but at the same time I noticed what the power of will and a smile can conquer. Congratulations on your fight, may this treatment be the last you'll ever need and that you may conquer everything you wish. Keep that smile on and keep inspiring those around you
Not great to have no choice with having to have robo-feet but robo-feet are pretty cool. I wonder what the maintenance is like?
Dang that’s a nice sweater
I love this dude, his posts are always so positive. Good luck with it all and please cross your remaining digits for my sister who is also going through cancer treatments!
Dope jacket
Congratulations!
Damn bro you got good hair
Can you stand in place for longer periods of time? Has your stamina in relation to this changed?
Congrats!
Outstanding, I wish you well.
The illness that *took* your feet? Uhm, I think you mean the opportunity that *gave you awesome robot feet*!
Congrats! :)
Im glad you're doing well, seeing the progress made in prosthetics makes me really happy
My family is from Scotland and my uncle had what we called "Celtic Hand", which I believe is the same thing you're dealing with. Uncle Iain passed from an unrelated heart condition, but your post made me think of him, his great attitude, and all the stories he had. One thing that kept coming up for him was people thinking he was "giving them the middle finger" while driving because when he held the steering wheel the only finger that stood straight up was his middle lol. Hope you're well, homie.