Looks to me as though my writings are becoming rather sparse. There is probably a reason for that.
Tuesday was my 25th radiation treatment (of 40 scheduled) and the next 15 are with a better fitting mask (tighter) so that the radiation can be pinpointed more accurately. (I do not know if 'more deadly' is proper English.) Tuesday I have added another pain-pillar medication to 'Help Me Make It Through The Night'. Morphine via patch. I think that is were the term 'Who Cares' might have been termed.
Dennis took me Wednesday to the cancer center, 'ACE' Matelske (I have always wondered when those two words would finally fit together and have real meaning in my life - and now I know!) took me today. Carol is taking me tomorrow.
...and that will be the end of week 6.
I have found it too difficult to go alone anymore. So if anyone would like to chauffeur me one day - let Carol know and she will schedule it up. That way she isn't 'stuck' going everyday.
Last Chemo day is Monday. Bob F. will be host for the day. Nim us taking me on Wednesday and Dennis on Thursday.
Overall - I am hanging in fairly well. With the exceptions of I can't talk, eat, drink, have a extra large mucous buildup that I am having trouble pumping away. The drugs must be helping me - anyhow - I keep taking them.
The best thinks are, of course, your prayers, wishes, e-mails, cards and COMMENTS. Don't stop now - even if I may miss a day or two of 'blogging'.
It's all downhill now - I hope. Should be getting some kind of a prognostication soon.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Week 5 - Day 5
Congratulations! I made it through another week. Five more radiation treatments are behind me.
Some things have changed. Last week didn't go so well. I've been sick, tired and not able to talk. But today something has happened. I feel pretty good - and it's Friday afternoon. I think that a lot of this has to do that all of the different meds I am using are starting to kick in and control the various negative issues that the radiation and chemo are causing.
The hardest thing for me to handle lately was all of the excessive build up of flem in my mouth. It just kept building up and all I could do is hear it 'gurgle' in my mouth, throat and upper chest. Carol thought I might be getting pneumonia. Well, a combination of drugs to eliminate some of the mucus, a mouthwash that makes my mouth feel numb - like from the dentist office and a new pump that sucks this crap out of my mouth so I do not have to continually deal with it. I can get relief for 1-2 hours before I need to start combating again. Now this pump - it sucks that stuff right out of my mouth. I think that if they would have had one of these pumps on the 'Titanic', it would still be sailing the oceans yet today. Hmmm - I wonder if I could use it as a bilge pump in it's next life.
George Moberg and Don Clingersmith chaffered me to the hospital Monday afternoon. Hadn't seen these guys since the GMLSRC golf outings in June and July. They are all up to VanEpp's place for the Newberry Open. Save me a place for next year. I hope George is aware that there have been sightings of snow-cows as far south as 'Leota' this summer. Oh, he should be OK - I donated some extra quarters to pay for my shuttle service to the hospital.
Paul and Craig stayed with us on Monday and Tuesday. It was good for me - but I wasn't able to talk much. I'm not sure if that was good or bad for them. I really do like it when either one of them can spend time with us. You know - 'daddy-sitting'.
We finally were able to park both of our cars in the garage again. We had moved various furniture and stuff out to the garage to do some remodeling the early part of June and Friday the last of it has 'vanished'. Some to friends, family, friends of friends, normal trash removal, big ticket trash removal and Friday the rest of it was donated to VOA who came to pick it up. It's just like moving home from Kentucky.
Again - I enjoy reading all of your comments and thanks for all of the cards and notes. They really do cheer one up.
Some things have changed. Last week didn't go so well. I've been sick, tired and not able to talk. But today something has happened. I feel pretty good - and it's Friday afternoon. I think that a lot of this has to do that all of the different meds I am using are starting to kick in and control the various negative issues that the radiation and chemo are causing.
The hardest thing for me to handle lately was all of the excessive build up of flem in my mouth. It just kept building up and all I could do is hear it 'gurgle' in my mouth, throat and upper chest. Carol thought I might be getting pneumonia. Well, a combination of drugs to eliminate some of the mucus, a mouthwash that makes my mouth feel numb - like from the dentist office and a new pump that sucks this crap out of my mouth so I do not have to continually deal with it. I can get relief for 1-2 hours before I need to start combating again. Now this pump - it sucks that stuff right out of my mouth. I think that if they would have had one of these pumps on the 'Titanic', it would still be sailing the oceans yet today. Hmmm - I wonder if I could use it as a bilge pump in it's next life.
George Moberg and Don Clingersmith chaffered me to the hospital Monday afternoon. Hadn't seen these guys since the GMLSRC golf outings in June and July. They are all up to VanEpp's place for the Newberry Open. Save me a place for next year. I hope George is aware that there have been sightings of snow-cows as far south as 'Leota' this summer. Oh, he should be OK - I donated some extra quarters to pay for my shuttle service to the hospital.
Paul and Craig stayed with us on Monday and Tuesday. It was good for me - but I wasn't able to talk much. I'm not sure if that was good or bad for them. I really do like it when either one of them can spend time with us. You know - 'daddy-sitting'.
We finally were able to park both of our cars in the garage again. We had moved various furniture and stuff out to the garage to do some remodeling the early part of June and Friday the last of it has 'vanished'. Some to friends, family, friends of friends, normal trash removal, big ticket trash removal and Friday the rest of it was donated to VOA who came to pick it up. It's just like moving home from Kentucky.
Again - I enjoy reading all of your comments and thanks for all of the cards and notes. They really do cheer one up.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Week 5 - Day 1
I am officially declaring Monday as the hardest day I have had to this point of my treatment.
Enough said!
Enough said!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Week 4 - Days 2 & 3
I should have update this on Day 2 as after radiation I met again with Dr. Herman. He was very encouraging and after examining my cancerous area said that we were doing really good. The tumor has been shrinking - enough that he recorded new and smaller measurements for the size. Unfortunately I am unable to forward that data as I was unable to write it down at the time.
THE GOOD NEWS AGAIN IS THE TUMOR IS SHRINKING!
Day 3 and I didn't have a lot of energy. I assume this is the result of the chemo kicking in. So, after radiation, which went smoothly, I returned home and napped for a good portion of the rest of the day.
I see that Pat and her father, Stan, took some cake up to the radiation visitor area. It was almost gone when I got there at 1:30. Seven years - CONGRATULATIONS!
I guess I better start baking cakes!
THE GOOD NEWS AGAIN IS THE TUMOR IS SHRINKING!
Day 3 and I didn't have a lot of energy. I assume this is the result of the chemo kicking in. So, after radiation, which went smoothly, I returned home and napped for a good portion of the rest of the day.
I see that Pat and her father, Stan, took some cake up to the radiation visitor area. It was almost gone when I got there at 1:30. Seven years - CONGRATULATIONS!
I guess I better start baking cakes!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Week 4 - Day 1
Going pretty fast. It's hard to believe I am saying 'Week 4'.
I had a good weekend. Spartans won!. My brother Dan, and wife Sue, came down from their home in Harrison - used to be mom and dad's cottage - for a nice Sunday visit. The four of us don't get together as often as we should so it was a nice day of 'keeping in touch'. I enjoyed.
My mouth was sore and it was hard to talk and swallow. I am going to try and work harder on improving both of these. I do not think I have cured myself yet of the yeast infection in my mouth.
_________
I must say that I wasn't looking forward to my full day of treatments. Dr. Herman might have something to do with this as during my visit on Thursday he commented that I was going to be having a tough week next week.
__________
Denny and Ron were here to pick me up for my day at the cancer center smartly at 8:00am. After a 15 minute social hour we headed for Sparrow. These guys should become greeters as they are as suave as Darrel (Phil) and Daryl (me) are in East Tawas. (The Lyct Brothers - you figure it out.)
Anyhow - it sure changed my day having the Fox brothers at my side. Well - if you could get a word in edgewise with Ron in perpetual talk mode. That was good for me as I was still not in full talk mode. (I wonder if his parents ever found a way to interrupt him so they could just 'chew his ass out' for something he might have done wrong.)
These guys took charge of me when I am doing chemo. Denny got me set up and fed me my 'formula' which we brought from home. He gave me two separate feedings. Ron took excellent notes whenever anyone came in and asked questions and gave instructions as far as my condition and care. Both of my 'brothers' were very cool and interested and concerned with my care by the staff. We were a good team. During my chemo time - Dr. Hamdan - came in for my update. He asked a lot of questions which I tried to answer or counter with a question and we spent about 15 minutes in consultation. When he concluded I asked him exactly if he could tell how I was doing as far as treating this tumor? His answer was that he thought it was still early to tell.
So chemo was an easy time. Denny and Ron had been in this area with Alice (their mom) when she was going through her treatments - but not in the infusion room we were in. This room was small and comfortable with a reclining chair for the star and a couple of 'visitor' chairs. A TV - which was never turned on. But a good social atmosphere.
All the time many different liquids, drugs, and other substances were 'ported' into my body via my new orifice which had been installed in my upper chest. I do not feel any of these. And with all of the different medications, hydrations both before and after my 'cisplatin' bottle and am feeling know side effects from off of this treatment.
AS A MATTER OF FACT - I AM FEELING PRETTY GOOD!!!!
Chemo session ended about 1:20pm. Just waiting to get my shot and then head over to the radiation side.
As soon as we got to the radiation area - they came out to see if I was ready to get fitted for a new mask. Sure. I asked if my brothers could watch. Yup come on back. Well - this was a hoot. Me in handcuffs and Ron and Denny giving the staff in the simulation area a hard time about everything. I think this was the happiest these place had been in a long time.
It would be nice if Ron or Denny could leave a comment about this for all of you to read. We did have a good time and they were really interested as they never got to see what their mother went through when she was having her fitting. I know they were surprised and glad that I had them invited back for this process.
Then off to my radiation. The usual. Not meeting with the doctor today - so we are out of here and heading home.
I am so thankful that Ron and Denny spent this day as my 'special' caregivers. I think they had as good a time as I did. WHAT A GOOD DAY! Love you guys!
I'm still feeling pretty good and my second of three chemo treatment's are complete. I'm losing hair everywhere.
If anyone would like to go with me to a radiation treatment at Sparrow - just let me know. Every week day - 1 to 3pm. You can meet me there or take me there. Call on Carol's phone and we can make arrangements. (I'm still having trouble talking) Call on my phone if you don't have her number.
PS - I wonder if all of this verboseness came from hanging out with Ron yesterday. Ya-da-da-da-da-da!!!!!
See everyone tomorrow.
I had a good weekend. Spartans won!. My brother Dan, and wife Sue, came down from their home in Harrison - used to be mom and dad's cottage - for a nice Sunday visit. The four of us don't get together as often as we should so it was a nice day of 'keeping in touch'. I enjoyed.
My mouth was sore and it was hard to talk and swallow. I am going to try and work harder on improving both of these. I do not think I have cured myself yet of the yeast infection in my mouth.
I must say that I wasn't looking forward to my full day of treatments. Dr. Herman might have something to do with this as during my visit on Thursday he commented that I was going to be having a tough week next week.
__________
Denny and Ron were here to pick me up for my day at the cancer center smartly at 8:00am. After a 15 minute social hour we headed for Sparrow. These guys should become greeters as they are as suave as Darrel (Phil) and Daryl (me) are in East Tawas. (The Lyct Brothers - you figure it out.)
Anyhow - it sure changed my day having the Fox brothers at my side. Well - if you could get a word in edgewise with Ron in perpetual talk mode. That was good for me as I was still not in full talk mode. (I wonder if his parents ever found a way to interrupt him so they could just 'chew his ass out' for something he might have done wrong.)
These guys took charge of me when I am doing chemo. Denny got me set up and fed me my 'formula' which we brought from home. He gave me two separate feedings. Ron took excellent notes whenever anyone came in and asked questions and gave instructions as far as my condition and care. Both of my 'brothers' were very cool and interested and concerned with my care by the staff. We were a good team. During my chemo time - Dr. Hamdan - came in for my update. He asked a lot of questions which I tried to answer or counter with a question and we spent about 15 minutes in consultation. When he concluded I asked him exactly if he could tell how I was doing as far as treating this tumor? His answer was that he thought it was still early to tell.
So chemo was an easy time. Denny and Ron had been in this area with Alice (their mom) when she was going through her treatments - but not in the infusion room we were in. This room was small and comfortable with a reclining chair for the star and a couple of 'visitor' chairs. A TV - which was never turned on. But a good social atmosphere.
All the time many different liquids, drugs, and other substances were 'ported' into my body via my new orifice which had been installed in my upper chest. I do not feel any of these. And with all of the different medications, hydrations both before and after my 'cisplatin' bottle and am feeling know side effects from off of this treatment.
AS A MATTER OF FACT - I AM FEELING PRETTY GOOD!!!!
Chemo session ended about 1:20pm. Just waiting to get my shot and then head over to the radiation side.
As soon as we got to the radiation area - they came out to see if I was ready to get fitted for a new mask. Sure. I asked if my brothers could watch. Yup come on back. Well - this was a hoot. Me in handcuffs and Ron and Denny giving the staff in the simulation area a hard time about everything. I think this was the happiest these place had been in a long time.
It would be nice if Ron or Denny could leave a comment about this for all of you to read. We did have a good time and they were really interested as they never got to see what their mother went through when she was having her fitting. I know they were surprised and glad that I had them invited back for this process.
Then off to my radiation. The usual. Not meeting with the doctor today - so we are out of here and heading home.
I am so thankful that Ron and Denny spent this day as my 'special' caregivers. I think they had as good a time as I did. WHAT A GOOD DAY! Love you guys!
I'm still feeling pretty good and my second of three chemo treatment's are complete. I'm losing hair everywhere.
If anyone would like to go with me to a radiation treatment at Sparrow - just let me know. Every week day - 1 to 3pm. You can meet me there or take me there. Call on Carol's phone and we can make arrangements. (I'm still having trouble talking) Call on my phone if you don't have her number.
PS - I wonder if all of this verboseness came from hanging out with Ron yesterday. Ya-da-da-da-da-da!!!!!
See everyone tomorrow.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Week 3 - Day 4
Made it through another week. Friday I didn't receive any radiation as the machine was not functioning properly. I still got the pre-radiation shot as always because I didn't know until later that I wasn't going to proceed with the radiation.
It seems almost that I felt just as bad. Must be that shot is giving me more 'grief' than I thought.
So today - Saturday was rainy and gloomy. I spent most of the day feeding myself and watching football. Carol did some shopping.
My brother and his wife are coming down from Harrison tomorrow to spend some time with us.
Dennis and Ron will be spending the day with me Monday. I have my second long day at the hospital. Second chemo treatment begins at 9:00am and then the radiation at 2:00pm. Also meet with my medical and radiation oncologists. And...I have been told I need to have a new 'mask' created as I have lost enough weight that I am not restrained as snuggly as is needed. It's a good thing that I will have good company.
The following week, Craig and Paul are planning and spending some time with dad. Craig and Kristin will be heading back home to Auckland before the end of the month.
I hope I haven't made my experience to 'gross' sounding, but I am trying to let folks know what I am going through and what I feel. Most of my bad is the sore throat, nauseous feeling, sore mouth and no desire for food or liquid of any kind. But, I am getting plenty of nourishment through my PEG tube, although this keeps me pretty busy getting in all my drugs, formula and water dosages that are required and the preparation and cleanup that is associated with these 'feedings'. I am getting good sleep at night and I am still driving and going to my appointments everyday - usually by myself.
I wonder how Michael Douglas is doing?
It seems almost that I felt just as bad. Must be that shot is giving me more 'grief' than I thought.
So today - Saturday was rainy and gloomy. I spent most of the day feeding myself and watching football. Carol did some shopping.
My brother and his wife are coming down from Harrison tomorrow to spend some time with us.
Dennis and Ron will be spending the day with me Monday. I have my second long day at the hospital. Second chemo treatment begins at 9:00am and then the radiation at 2:00pm. Also meet with my medical and radiation oncologists. And...I have been told I need to have a new 'mask' created as I have lost enough weight that I am not restrained as snuggly as is needed. It's a good thing that I will have good company.
The following week, Craig and Paul are planning and spending some time with dad. Craig and Kristin will be heading back home to Auckland before the end of the month.
I hope I haven't made my experience to 'gross' sounding, but I am trying to let folks know what I am going through and what I feel. Most of my bad is the sore throat, nauseous feeling, sore mouth and no desire for food or liquid of any kind. But, I am getting plenty of nourishment through my PEG tube, although this keeps me pretty busy getting in all my drugs, formula and water dosages that are required and the preparation and cleanup that is associated with these 'feedings'. I am getting good sleep at night and I am still driving and going to my appointments everyday - usually by myself.
I wonder how Michael Douglas is doing?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Week 3 - Day 2
Pretty much the same routine now. Give myself two of my five daily feedings of 'formula' and I now crush my pills and take them through the tube. Then I head out for the cancer treatment center, get my shot - which seems to be making me sick - and then head to my personal tanning bed for some special radiation. This makes me tired. Go home - give myself another feeding - and fall asleep in the recliner.
Sounds just like the life of Riley.
The doctor told me my tumor is shrinking. That's good.
Sounds just like the life of Riley.
The doctor told me my tumor is shrinking. That's good.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Week 3 Begins
Continuing with my radiation after 3 days off.
I'm still losing weight - nearly 25 pounds. I am having trouble talking and swallowing and I just gave up and am nourishing myself 100% through my new 'pie-hole'. Keeps me busy all day with all the filling, dripping, cleaning and then starting over five times a day.
I got another prescription today to help with my mouth and throat soreness. This numbs up my mouth pretty quick and makes it feel like I just left the dentist. Still doesn't help me swallow. I nice cold glass of water sounds so good...but it just won't go down.
I was sick yesterday when I got back from my treatment. This was the first time that I have been sick.
Not much good news here - but that's kinda of how I feel.
I'm still losing weight - nearly 25 pounds. I am having trouble talking and swallowing and I just gave up and am nourishing myself 100% through my new 'pie-hole'. Keeps me busy all day with all the filling, dripping, cleaning and then starting over five times a day.
I got another prescription today to help with my mouth and throat soreness. This numbs up my mouth pretty quick and makes it feel like I just left the dentist. Still doesn't help me swallow. I nice cold glass of water sounds so good...but it just won't go down.
I was sick yesterday when I got back from my treatment. This was the first time that I have been sick.
Not much good news here - but that's kinda of how I feel.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labor Day - Some Updating in the Past
I have input a page today for July 22 - 'Getting Results from MSU'.
You can scroll down to this date to read or use the Blog Archive on the bottom right to go directly to these pages.
You can scroll down to this date to read or use the Blog Archive on the bottom right to go directly to these pages.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Week 2 - Day 5
Thursday night my appetite went away completely. This was caused by a severe ugly taste in my mouth and a new sore throat making it very hard to swallow. I discussed all of this with my nurse after radiation Friday and they found that I have developed a yeast infection in my mouth. So - now - additional drugs and more powerful pain relief. And I'm still taking my happy pill! These new drugs are liquid so I can take them either orally or by my gastronomical tube.
I have been taught all about using my feeding tube and I know have formula and I will be sustaining myself with that method until I can swallow more easily and the crappy taste in my mouth goes away. It's not too bad - but would be better enjoyed in private versus during dinner at the Olive Garden.
I have completed one-quarter of my scheduled radiation and I am still kicking. Hope to get re-charged this weekend as I have three days straight without any radiation.
I still need to get the descriptions written describing how my cancer was discovered and all the things that were required to prepare for my cancer treatment. Hopefully some of that will come this weekend. I will let you know when I do this and how to reference it in my blog. Be patient with me.
I would like to 'THANK' everyone for all of their comments, messages, calls, cards, prayers and acts of kindness. It's just so humbling. Thank you!!!
Hope everyone has a great Labor Day Holiday weekend. GO GREEN! GO WHITE!! GO SPARTANS!!!
I have been taught all about using my feeding tube and I know have formula and I will be sustaining myself with that method until I can swallow more easily and the crappy taste in my mouth goes away. It's not too bad - but would be better enjoyed in private versus during dinner at the Olive Garden.
 |
| Looks like smooth sailing now... |
I still need to get the descriptions written describing how my cancer was discovered and all the things that were required to prepare for my cancer treatment. Hopefully some of that will come this weekend. I will let you know when I do this and how to reference it in my blog. Be patient with me.
I would like to 'THANK' everyone for all of their comments, messages, calls, cards, prayers and acts of kindness. It's just so humbling. Thank you!!!
Hope everyone has a great Labor Day Holiday weekend. GO GREEN! GO WHITE!! GO SPARTANS!!!
Friday, September 3, 2010
Week 2 - Day 4
Auuugh! Not feeling so hot after radiation. Kind of nauseous feeling the rest of the day and night. I really get tired now and food has zero appeal to me. I'm forcing in liquids and energy drinks without trying to become sick. I can also start to feel my throat 'close up'. Making it harder to swallow. I was told about all of this, but certainly had no way to know what to expect. I am told that these kinds of symptoms are about normal for the number of treatments I have received so far.
Bottom line - this is not good for me. I'm losing weight at an unacceptable pace - nearly 20 pounds. This means that I will becoming more and more dependent on my feeding tube. It probably will not be to long until home health care starts delivering my meals. That doesn't sound to exciting but it sure should be a lot easier to cook.
My brother and his wife - Tom & Pattie - our driving up from their 'Old Kentucky Home' this weekend to spend some time together. I am really looking forward to seeing them again. And they are now new, first-time grandparents.
Bottom line - this is not good for me. I'm losing weight at an unacceptable pace - nearly 20 pounds. This means that I will becoming more and more dependent on my feeding tube. It probably will not be to long until home health care starts delivering my meals. That doesn't sound to exciting but it sure should be a lot easier to cook.
My brother and his wife - Tom & Pattie - our driving up from their 'Old Kentucky Home' this weekend to spend some time together. I am really looking forward to seeing them again. And they are now new, first-time grandparents.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Week 2 - Days 2 & 3
Two more days have been completed in my personal tanning bed. The radiation goes rather efficiently now. After attaching me to the bed/platform I am run through the machine for an alignment check and so far they have just needed to make a few small adjustments and then I am passed through a second time for the radiation. Then I am released.
This process is not at all painful and I do not feel anything when I am being radiated.
But - I can notice the difference in myself when the cumulative treatments affect my mouth area. This regime seems to be causing a lack of energy. My mouth is getting dryer every day and the ugly taste is indescribable. I haven't gotten a sore throat as of yet but I can tell that one is coming. Food is not appealing in much of any form.
There has been some 'extra' reporting on throat cancer since Michael Douglas appeared on the David Letterman show Tuesday and talked about his cancer. It's amazing how similar his experience is with mine. He has throat cancer, I have tonsular cancer. About the size of a walnut, discovered a little over three weeks ago, 7-8 weeks of radiation and chemo therapy. His prognosis that he is telling is 80% - my doctors told me 50-60% chance of being cancer free in five years. Well as Michael says - I sure in hell hope that they discovered this in time so that our treatments are successful.
This process is not at all painful and I do not feel anything when I am being radiated.
But - I can notice the difference in myself when the cumulative treatments affect my mouth area. This regime seems to be causing a lack of energy. My mouth is getting dryer every day and the ugly taste is indescribable. I haven't gotten a sore throat as of yet but I can tell that one is coming. Food is not appealing in much of any form.
There has been some 'extra' reporting on throat cancer since Michael Douglas appeared on the David Letterman show Tuesday and talked about his cancer. It's amazing how similar his experience is with mine. He has throat cancer, I have tonsular cancer. About the size of a walnut, discovered a little over three weeks ago, 7-8 weeks of radiation and chemo therapy. His prognosis that he is telling is 80% - my doctors told me 50-60% chance of being cancer free in five years. Well as Michael says - I sure in hell hope that they discovered this in time so that our treatments are successful.
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