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.

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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.

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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.