I have actually worked the three afternoons at my job and really enjoyed it. I was finally some place where I have some semblance of control of what’s happening. I am feeling better than I have for the last six – eight months. One thing I have to say is about one of the guys I work with. This last weekend I wasn’t feeling the best and Jim, who is the nices guys, canceled his vacation and worked for me. He gave a bunch of flimsy excuses, like the weather, the moon wasn’t aligned right, whatever. I know that he did it just for me. You know you are blessed when you have friends like that. Of course they are kidding me about the Yul Brynner from the King and I look at work and the family kids me about looking like Uncle Fester from the Addams Family. I am taking it that they were both outstanding sex symbols of their time.
I still have a few side effects, but you learn to live with those. The nausea is an everyday thing, bad taste in my mouth all the time, is another. I still have some insomnia, I am writing this at 4 AM Thursday morning. One weird one is my finger tips. They are very sensitive and seem to be shriveling & cracking. But everything is manageable.
I am really looking forward to the next few days. It will be the first time in a long time that I am off work, feeling good, and have a day or two of good weather to work in the yard.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
Better Days.
The last three days have been better than I expected and I am really happy about that. It was such an improvement over Easter weekend and that chemo treatment. I wanted to celebrate. Not that I didn’t have some problems this time, but no real pain. Thursday night the nausea wasn’t bad and Friday morning it back down to what has been normal for everyday living. So Friday I worked out in the barn for a while since I was feeling better. I should explain what working out in my barn is like, for those who have never seen my barn. I have had people ask to live in my barn. It has a ¾ bath, a fully functional kitchen with stove, refrigerator, and microwave, and 32” TV with a couch. So working in there is almost a good as some of the operators at the plant have it, except they have a larger TV. So I work by sitting in chair and sort boxes. We still have boxes of collectibles / stuff that we packed 10 years. It is like Christmas with each container. I was tired in the mid of the afternoon and when I sat down in the chair, I took a little nap. I in my opinion my BP is still a little lower than normal, but it is slowly climbing back up.
Saturday I was little tired, I am not sleeping. My daughter-in-law told me insomnia might happen and it may have. Last few nights haven’t been good. So Saturday we had some errands to do, so I let Debi take me out to late breakfast. Then while she did her thing, I walked around Home Depot pushing a cart to steady myself. The bad thing was, I did not want to buy any thing. So SAD for me. We had to go to the pharmacy, then while we were at a late lunch, about 2:30PM when my daughter called and asked if we wanted to go to supper with her family. So I stopped by the book store and found a big old chair to read books. Debi went out to pick up a couple more items and then joined me back at the store. We met them about 6:30 and split bowl soup and an appetizer for supper. But I really enjoy seeing them. Then it was home and to bed, but not much sleep.
Sunday was the same as Friday, worked outside for a while and doing better. I stopped taking my Blood Pressure pill for a few days and my BP is getting closer to normal. So I will talk to the doctor about that one next time I see him.
And now it is Monday, and I have to go back to work. But it is going to have to be another tragic day with a great personal lost. My moustache is getting so botchy with the hair falling out that I am going to have to shave it off. But now let’s talk about the good things that go along with Chemo. I haven’t shaved in ten days and my beard looks it only a 24 hour growth. Heck if I only have to shave once a week, I will be happy with that. Because if you haven’t guessed by now, I hate to shave.
Saturday I was little tired, I am not sleeping. My daughter-in-law told me insomnia might happen and it may have. Last few nights haven’t been good. So Saturday we had some errands to do, so I let Debi take me out to late breakfast. Then while she did her thing, I walked around Home Depot pushing a cart to steady myself. The bad thing was, I did not want to buy any thing. So SAD for me. We had to go to the pharmacy, then while we were at a late lunch, about 2:30PM when my daughter called and asked if we wanted to go to supper with her family. So I stopped by the book store and found a big old chair to read books. Debi went out to pick up a couple more items and then joined me back at the store. We met them about 6:30 and split bowl soup and an appetizer for supper. But I really enjoy seeing them. Then it was home and to bed, but not much sleep.
Sunday was the same as Friday, worked outside for a while and doing better. I stopped taking my Blood Pressure pill for a few days and my BP is getting closer to normal. So I will talk to the doctor about that one next time I see him.
And now it is Monday, and I have to go back to work. But it is going to have to be another tragic day with a great personal lost. My moustache is getting so botchy with the hair falling out that I am going to have to shave it off. But now let’s talk about the good things that go along with Chemo. I haven’t shaved in ten days and my beard looks it only a 24 hour growth. Heck if I only have to shave once a week, I will be happy with that. Because if you haven’t guessed by now, I hate to shave.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Learn Something New Every Day.
Well I finished Chemo Wednesday afternoon with no problem at about 2:00PM and I didn’t start feeling bad until about 5:00PM. I took my first nausea pill then and didn’t feel too bad afterwards. Then about three hours later, I started getting dizzy and a headache. On the first Chemo treatment I blamed this on the nausea pills, but this time I had taken it those three hours earlier. My next thought was my diabetes, but my sugar was 204, a little high, but OK. Then it finally dawned on me, Blood Pressure. I took it several times over the next couple hours; it was a little low at 78/50. I hydrated myself and by morning it was up little. I had to go to the doctor’s office to get a routine shot to make my bone marrow produce more bloods. The bad thing abut this shot is it makes your joints hurt, which mean more pills. When they took my BP it was up to 90/60 and I just took it this evening and it was 105/55 and I am feeling better. One good thing is that the nausea was only about 3-4 on my 0-10 scale Wednesday night where the first time it was about 5-6. I didn’t get much sleep between nausea and the excess gas it caused. While I didn’t figure out about BP at least I know now. I am still learning about this thing.
Today was a fair day afar as feeling good; the nausea was only about 1-2 which was better than last time. I am monitoring my BP and I counted my pills that I take just in the morning. It was 18, not counting the nausea, gas pills or the three different pain pills (small, medium, & large), that I only take as needed. Evening pills are about the same. My Mother told me a long time ago that I am over medicated, I over pay, and I am under informed, she might have been right.
Today was a fair day afar as feeling good; the nausea was only about 1-2 which was better than last time. I am monitoring my BP and I counted my pills that I take just in the morning. It was 18, not counting the nausea, gas pills or the three different pain pills (small, medium, & large), that I only take as needed. Evening pills are about the same. My Mother told me a long time ago that I am over medicated, I over pay, and I am under informed, she might have been right.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Back to feeling fine for a few days
Sunday 4/18 was very good day, no problems. Debi, Zoey, and I went out to lunch after meeting with Tally and her family at their church in Collinsville. Taught Zoey a new trick, how to reach up a pull a chunk of my hair out, which she was doing at Bandana’s during lunch. Debi freaked out, she said I will pay for in five or six months when my hair grows back. Still have little nausea, but whatever. Worked outside a little, then we all went over to my sister and had supper.
Monday I was still feeling very good, worked out in the barn for a while. Then came inside for lunch, afterwards called my sister to get my rid of what was left of my hair. This is the first time since I was in fifth grade that I have had my hair buzzed off. Zane my grandson watched very closely as she was cutting it off. But afterwards, I think he thought he was looking into a mirror, except for the glasses and moustache. Had another busy night at work, Rick was there to carry me.
Tuesday was also good, felt fine all day. Worked a extra shift that night, shouldn’t have. It was really busy night and I was by myself so I actually had to work. Then we a pretty good size spill of kerosene, which really kept me busy for a while, but there were a lot of good people out, so it wasn’t bad. But I did fall behind on doing some of my job, so it did take me a while to catch back up. I was really tired by the end of the evening.
Now it Wednesday morning and I am sitting in the oncology office’s treatment room getting my drugs. It takes about four to five hours to get all them in. I also just saw the doctor. Everything looking just fine, I not getting as sick as some people. So guess that makes me feel better. I wouldn’t want to see it any worst. The nurse says it depends on the individual, but as I process with the treatments, the side effects could change and get a little worst. We will see.
Monday I was still feeling very good, worked out in the barn for a while. Then came inside for lunch, afterwards called my sister to get my rid of what was left of my hair. This is the first time since I was in fifth grade that I have had my hair buzzed off. Zane my grandson watched very closely as she was cutting it off. But afterwards, I think he thought he was looking into a mirror, except for the glasses and moustache. Had another busy night at work, Rick was there to carry me.
Tuesday was also good, felt fine all day. Worked a extra shift that night, shouldn’t have. It was really busy night and I was by myself so I actually had to work. Then we a pretty good size spill of kerosene, which really kept me busy for a while, but there were a lot of good people out, so it wasn’t bad. But I did fall behind on doing some of my job, so it did take me a while to catch back up. I was really tired by the end of the evening.
Now it Wednesday morning and I am sitting in the oncology office’s treatment room getting my drugs. It takes about four to five hours to get all them in. I also just saw the doctor. Everything looking just fine, I not getting as sick as some people. So guess that makes me feel better. I wouldn’t want to see it any worst. The nurse says it depends on the individual, but as I process with the treatments, the side effects could change and get a little worst. We will see.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
One Good Day, (But Traumatic Evening), One Better Day and Really Good Day.
Thursday 4/15 was another good day health wise, no problems what so ever. Felt good all day, worked outside. A little nausea, but I seem to have that everyday and I am learning to live with it. Then evening came and I came inside and showered. Then the depression set in, a feeling of remorse came over me, but what will be, will be and what has to be, has to be done.Why me? So I with a trembling hand, I went ahead and shaved off my beard.
Friday 4/16 was another good day as far feeling better than I have in long time. Rick, a friend of mine from work, and his wife were driving by and stopped by for a few minutes in the morning to talk. Then in the afternoon we got a beautiful creation sent by my work, an edible plant. The lady responsible for sending this plant is just one of the really great set of people I work with and for. I went to work that afternoon for the first time in about three weeks. Rick and I had a fairly busy evening, Rick carried most of the load for the evening, but I felt good at least being back to work, even if it will only be for a few days before I have to do chemo again. I did have a lot fun at work. My hair is starting to fall now, so every time some one would start talking about my cancer, I would reach up and pull a big lock of hair. Some people would laugh, some people thought I was trying to pull a joke, and some would freak out. It was entertaining.
Saturday 4/17 was another good day physically and even better emotionally. My brother helped me change the mower over on my tractor to a roto tiller. Then we loaded it on to our trailer. Debi, our granddaughter Zoey, and took the tiller up to my daughter Tally’s house. They just brought this place this last winter. She likes to garden, I tilled up a plot for her and the family. But the best part was watching my granddaughters play with goats that daughter owns. There is one goat, named Alice, who thinks she is dog and the queen of the farm. That goat herded Zoey all over the place and acted if she owned the joint. The only thing that would have make it better would be to have the two boys in Texas here playing with the goats. When we got home that evening I went over to my daughter Brandy’s house to pick up some stuff and my year old grandson was best buddy. He kept bringing me toys, wanting to climb on my lap, and talking to me in a language only he can understand. My daughter has decided officially now that we have him saying Grandpa and Sponge Bob. So I am with some good company at the top of the list. Now that was a prefect.
The only bad thing that happens was the drive up to Greenville to Tally's house. Debi and I both have been sick lately and some of it seems to be lingering on in the form of lots and lots of gas. I say it is the Chemo Drugs and she say it is sympathy gas. Mine come out as burps, hers come out the other end. Well on the drive to Greenville, I was hanging my head out the truck window, like a dog, with tears in my eyes. Poor Zoey was strapped in the back seat with no where to escape. It was like being put in a gas chamber. She says is trying to cure me. I say the cure is worst than the disease. Where was she at back when this first started and I tried to convince her that SEX was a cure?
This morning we are planning to go to my daughter Tally’s church with her family. My sister, who was a beautician, and the two young grandkids are going met us over at my mother’s house. Last night when I took a shower I plugged off the drain with my hair, so we are going to buzz what’s left of it.
Friday 4/16 was another good day as far feeling better than I have in long time. Rick, a friend of mine from work, and his wife were driving by and stopped by for a few minutes in the morning to talk. Then in the afternoon we got a beautiful creation sent by my work, an edible plant. The lady responsible for sending this plant is just one of the really great set of people I work with and for. I went to work that afternoon for the first time in about three weeks. Rick and I had a fairly busy evening, Rick carried most of the load for the evening, but I felt good at least being back to work, even if it will only be for a few days before I have to do chemo again. I did have a lot fun at work. My hair is starting to fall now, so every time some one would start talking about my cancer, I would reach up and pull a big lock of hair. Some people would laugh, some people thought I was trying to pull a joke, and some would freak out. It was entertaining.
Saturday 4/17 was another good day physically and even better emotionally. My brother helped me change the mower over on my tractor to a roto tiller. Then we loaded it on to our trailer. Debi, our granddaughter Zoey, and took the tiller up to my daughter Tally’s house. They just brought this place this last winter. She likes to garden, I tilled up a plot for her and the family. But the best part was watching my granddaughters play with goats that daughter owns. There is one goat, named Alice, who thinks she is dog and the queen of the farm. That goat herded Zoey all over the place and acted if she owned the joint. The only thing that would have make it better would be to have the two boys in Texas here playing with the goats. When we got home that evening I went over to my daughter Brandy’s house to pick up some stuff and my year old grandson was best buddy. He kept bringing me toys, wanting to climb on my lap, and talking to me in a language only he can understand. My daughter has decided officially now that we have him saying Grandpa and Sponge Bob. So I am with some good company at the top of the list. Now that was a prefect.
The only bad thing that happens was the drive up to Greenville to Tally's house. Debi and I both have been sick lately and some of it seems to be lingering on in the form of lots and lots of gas. I say it is the Chemo Drugs and she say it is sympathy gas. Mine come out as burps, hers come out the other end. Well on the drive to Greenville, I was hanging my head out the truck window, like a dog, with tears in my eyes. Poor Zoey was strapped in the back seat with no where to escape. It was like being put in a gas chamber. She says is trying to cure me. I say the cure is worst than the disease. Where was she at back when this first started and I tried to convince her that SEX was a cure?
This morning we are planning to go to my daughter Tally’s church with her family. My sister, who was a beautician, and the two young grandkids are going met us over at my mother’s house. Last night when I took a shower I plugged off the drain with my hair, so we are going to buzz what’s left of it.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
One good day, One Bad.
Monday 4/12 was a good day, no problems what so ever. Felt good all day, worked outside, went and visited my brother and Mother. The grandkids were back and we got to play. My grandson found out that grandpa’s toys were better than Grandma. He set with me and rode around and around the yard on the tractor and didn’t want to get off. Notice the good looking kid with the guy with a good looking beard and that still has his hair. The only problem I have with the beard is that the Chemo drugs must have affected the color someway. There is a lot more grey hair in my beard than there was in 1983. The doctor told me last week that I would be bald next week, I guess I can’t wait any longer to lose it, I am going to have shave, because I go back to work on Friday. I remember in 1983 my middle daughter cried when I shaved my beard. She said she didn't like daddy without a beard and I said I didn't like daddy without a beard. Now this time I will be the one crying.
Tuesday 4/13 ended up being a bad day with even a worst night. The grandson apparently had the flu the last few days of their trip to Texas and they thought he was getting over it. But Typhoid Zane wasn’t over it. Debi got sick Monday during the night with nausea and vomiting, the same as he had. Then Tuesday morning, she was so sick that I let her sleep in a couple extra hours and took care of the kids and got Zoey on the bus for school. Debi got up and said she was feeling better, so I left and went outside. Then she called me back inside about 1:00 PM, apparently her and the boy had projectile vomiting. So she went back to bed and I had both kids. My granddaughter Zoey was excellent, played by herself most of the afternoon, which she usually doesn’t do. The grandson, Zane played about 20 minutes, and then the stuff hit the fan. He found out that Grandma wasn’t in the room, which is a major crisis. He cried himself asleep on my chest on and off for about two hours. By this time I started to feel nauseated and going down hill fast. Well I tried to keep the kids as quiet as could until grandma woke to save the world. But she didn’t get up until about 5:15PM and as soon as my daughter about 5:35PM, all we could say was TAKE THEM AWAY NOW.
Luckily I have nausea medication for small, medium and large discomfort. We both took some of the medium. I had a cup of soup for dinner and Debi had a ½ cup. Then we were both ready for bed before 7:00PM. After we went to bed, Debi threw up several more times during the night and still had the nausea pretty bad. I on the other hand, had it coming out the other end and I bet I was up every 30 to 45 minutes the entire night going to the bathroom.
We both felt better when we got up about 7:30AM, still a little nausea, but OK. I had to go the doctor’s office @ 8:30 AM to have a blood test. They said my counts were good and I am all set to get another Chemo treatment next Wednesday. Worked outside once I got home from the doctor and just came in for a light lunch. So I thought I would finish this and sent it out.
Tuesday 4/13 ended up being a bad day with even a worst night. The grandson apparently had the flu the last few days of their trip to Texas and they thought he was getting over it. But Typhoid Zane wasn’t over it. Debi got sick Monday during the night with nausea and vomiting, the same as he had. Then Tuesday morning, she was so sick that I let her sleep in a couple extra hours and took care of the kids and got Zoey on the bus for school. Debi got up and said she was feeling better, so I left and went outside. Then she called me back inside about 1:00 PM, apparently her and the boy had projectile vomiting. So she went back to bed and I had both kids. My granddaughter Zoey was excellent, played by herself most of the afternoon, which she usually doesn’t do. The grandson, Zane played about 20 minutes, and then the stuff hit the fan. He found out that Grandma wasn’t in the room, which is a major crisis. He cried himself asleep on my chest on and off for about two hours. By this time I started to feel nauseated and going down hill fast. Well I tried to keep the kids as quiet as could until grandma woke to save the world. But she didn’t get up until about 5:15PM and as soon as my daughter about 5:35PM, all we could say was TAKE THEM AWAY NOW.
Luckily I have nausea medication for small, medium and large discomfort. We both took some of the medium. I had a cup of soup for dinner and Debi had a ½ cup. Then we were both ready for bed before 7:00PM. After we went to bed, Debi threw up several more times during the night and still had the nausea pretty bad. I on the other hand, had it coming out the other end and I bet I was up every 30 to 45 minutes the entire night going to the bathroom.
We both felt better when we got up about 7:30AM, still a little nausea, but OK. I had to go the doctor’s office @ 8:30 AM to have a blood test. They said my counts were good and I am all set to get another Chemo treatment next Wednesday. Worked outside once I got home from the doctor and just came in for a light lunch. So I thought I would finish this and sent it out.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday was another good day.
I need to start off with the fact that I have to write these blogs more often, instead of waiting so long. Too much can happen too fast. The last blog must have been a little long. Debi asked if my fingers hurt after seeing what I wrote. I told her that I could have written more, but was trying to keep it short, because there was so much I wanted to say.
Sunday 4/11, I had really good day today. Work out in the barn for six or seven hours, while Debi mowed the yard. Only problem I had was that when I came in for lunch and sat in the recliner for a minute. It turned in to 30 minutes when I woke up. My daughter Brandy and her family got back from Houston yesterday and brought the grandkids over. We played outside for awhile and all & all good.
This morning I must have been really tired and slept in. When I did get up, felt good and ready to go. Walked out to the living room and found Debi sitting in the recliner holding my 1 year grandson, who was sleeping on her chest. Not that she spoils him or the five year, but they have been gone for about ten days and she is getting them back into the grandma mode. I made her & me a big breakfast and serve it her while she was sitting in the chair. I was trying to make up a little for all her waiting on me hand and foot all the time.
Heading outside to do some work in the barn. Hope everyone is having as good of day today as I am.
Sunday 4/11, I had really good day today. Work out in the barn for six or seven hours, while Debi mowed the yard. Only problem I had was that when I came in for lunch and sat in the recliner for a minute. It turned in to 30 minutes when I woke up. My daughter Brandy and her family got back from Houston yesterday and brought the grandkids over. We played outside for awhile and all & all good.
This morning I must have been really tired and slept in. When I did get up, felt good and ready to go. Walked out to the living room and found Debi sitting in the recliner holding my 1 year grandson, who was sleeping on her chest. Not that she spoils him or the five year, but they have been gone for about ten days and she is getting them back into the grandma mode. I made her & me a big breakfast and serve it her while she was sitting in the chair. I was trying to make up a little for all her waiting on me hand and foot all the time.
Heading outside to do some work in the barn. Hope everyone is having as good of day today as I am.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
And I thought I knew who was in charge.
Thursday started off great, feeling really good. Worked out in the barn for four or five hours, then met my lovely personal, home physician wife out for early dinner & little shopping, and then later that night ended up in the hospital for about fours hours.
Well I guess I did skipped over some of the details for that day. After coming home from shopping, I started to have some discomfort in the center of my chest. It kept hurting, but I didn’t think much of it. But when I went to bed, I laid there and it kept hurting more. Being an old EMT (and thinking I know everything), I kept telling myself that it wasn’t my heart, but something else. But it hurts in my center of my chest and it was getting worst. Now my chest is hurting and so is my lower back area. But it doesn’t meet all the criteria of a heart attack, so I don’t want to worry about it. But it still hurts in the center of my chest and it was still getting worst. I was running through all the symptoms of a heart attack and I wasn’t meeting them. But it was hurting in the center of my chest and it was getting worst. Until finally I thought of one of the first thing I learned during my vast medical training. If in doubt when dealing with something medical, CALL 911. They are generally smarter, have more and better equipment, and they can get you to someone who is a lot smarter with heck of a lot more better equipment.
So after about two hours of laying there hurting and the pain getting worst, I woke up Debi. Her first thought was that I woke her up because she was snoring. She immediately called my nephew John, who is member of the Roxana Fire Department and was a paramedic. He called the fire department and had them roll out the truck quietly. John then came to the house and we went over what was happening. The EMT from fire department came and we went over the same stuff and then I finally agreed that they could call an ambulance. They gave me three baby aspirin and a shot of Nitro. Sure enough, I think my chest pain reached it's peak during the ambulance ride. Once I was at the hospital, with pain in my chest going away and the pain staying in my lower back, I was checked out, and they found nothing. The ER doctor couldn’t explain why I had the pain in my chest area or lower back, but at least it wasn’t my heart. So we left with just my lower back area hurting and getting home about 5:00 AM.
So we got about four hours sleep and got up with the pain still going on in my lower back area. Debi called our doctor’s office and kinda intimidated the lady taking the call into getting me in to see the doctor that afternoon. We talked with the doctor for good long time and our doctor couldn’t really say why, but her explanation or thoughts was that the reason I was hurting in lower back because of my kidneys being over worked. The chemo is killing off the cancer cells and a lot of other cells and the kidney are working harder to filter out all this stuff. I may have been a little dehydrated and had to drink more. I said that I drink at least a gallon a day, she said drink more. One more good thing came out of the office visit, she wanted to give me some pain medication and started naming off a bunch of drugs who names I recognized that are some of the good stuff and are sellable on the street.
My lower back area hurt the rest of Friday night, but on Saturday morning I got up pretty well pain free. But I promised the home physician wife that I would stay quiet all day no matter how good I felt. My daughter Tally and her two girls came down Friday and stayed the night. We had breakfast and Debi took them out to get our oldest grand daughter a dress for her eight grade graduation. My mother and all of us when out to dinner and so I had a really good day both physically and with my family. The roughest part of all day was having to sit inside, feeling good, and not getting to go out and play.
So in summary, when I think I got a handle on this and start feeling good. The Chemo drugs raise their ugly heads and slap me back down. Reminding me never to think I truly know what’s happening and they are still controlling the show.
Well I guess I did skipped over some of the details for that day. After coming home from shopping, I started to have some discomfort in the center of my chest. It kept hurting, but I didn’t think much of it. But when I went to bed, I laid there and it kept hurting more. Being an old EMT (and thinking I know everything), I kept telling myself that it wasn’t my heart, but something else. But it hurts in my center of my chest and it was getting worst. Now my chest is hurting and so is my lower back area. But it doesn’t meet all the criteria of a heart attack, so I don’t want to worry about it. But it still hurts in the center of my chest and it was still getting worst. I was running through all the symptoms of a heart attack and I wasn’t meeting them. But it was hurting in the center of my chest and it was getting worst. Until finally I thought of one of the first thing I learned during my vast medical training. If in doubt when dealing with something medical, CALL 911. They are generally smarter, have more and better equipment, and they can get you to someone who is a lot smarter with heck of a lot more better equipment.
So after about two hours of laying there hurting and the pain getting worst, I woke up Debi. Her first thought was that I woke her up because she was snoring. She immediately called my nephew John, who is member of the Roxana Fire Department and was a paramedic. He called the fire department and had them roll out the truck quietly. John then came to the house and we went over what was happening. The EMT from fire department came and we went over the same stuff and then I finally agreed that they could call an ambulance. They gave me three baby aspirin and a shot of Nitro. Sure enough, I think my chest pain reached it's peak during the ambulance ride. Once I was at the hospital, with pain in my chest going away and the pain staying in my lower back, I was checked out, and they found nothing. The ER doctor couldn’t explain why I had the pain in my chest area or lower back, but at least it wasn’t my heart. So we left with just my lower back area hurting and getting home about 5:00 AM.
So we got about four hours sleep and got up with the pain still going on in my lower back area. Debi called our doctor’s office and kinda intimidated the lady taking the call into getting me in to see the doctor that afternoon. We talked with the doctor for good long time and our doctor couldn’t really say why, but her explanation or thoughts was that the reason I was hurting in lower back because of my kidneys being over worked. The chemo is killing off the cancer cells and a lot of other cells and the kidney are working harder to filter out all this stuff. I may have been a little dehydrated and had to drink more. I said that I drink at least a gallon a day, she said drink more. One more good thing came out of the office visit, she wanted to give me some pain medication and started naming off a bunch of drugs who names I recognized that are some of the good stuff and are sellable on the street.
My lower back area hurt the rest of Friday night, but on Saturday morning I got up pretty well pain free. But I promised the home physician wife that I would stay quiet all day no matter how good I felt. My daughter Tally and her two girls came down Friday and stayed the night. We had breakfast and Debi took them out to get our oldest grand daughter a dress for her eight grade graduation. My mother and all of us when out to dinner and so I had a really good day both physically and with my family. The roughest part of all day was having to sit inside, feeling good, and not getting to go out and play.
So in summary, when I think I got a handle on this and start feeling good. The Chemo drugs raise their ugly heads and slap me back down. Reminding me never to think I truly know what’s happening and they are still controlling the show.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday 4/6 First Official Day of Vacation
Well I took three sick days off for Chemo, and then I had five of my normal days off that I was sick and so now Tuesday was my first day of vacation. So I am willed myself to feel better and I did. Felt pretty good all day with very little nausea. I did have some hot flashes and sweats, but my sister-in-law says I am just going through menopause and welcome to her world. I was a little stir crazy, so went visiting. Stopped by the greenhouse and talked with my brother and sister-in-law while they were planting. Then I went to my mother and we had a little soup for lunch. I tried to keep it light with the nausea. Felt good the rest of the day.
Wednesday, got up feeling better than Tuesday and went to see the chemo doctor. Told him how I did and what happen the last week. He says we can change a few things and with some more drugs (BETTER LIVING THROUGH MORDERN CHEMISTRY). I should do better next time. But we agreed that I really didn’t have that bad of time (his words, not mine) and it could have been worst. The doctor did say that the next time I see him (April 21st) that I would be bald. The bad thing about that is, I have this great looking beard going on right now. I haven’t had one this good since April 15th, 1983, when the oil industry made us shave for safety reasons (Government Conspiracy). It’s a real bummer. I go back to get more blood work next Wednesday and I am scheduled for another five hour round of chemo on Wednesday April 21st.
Felt so good after the doctor that we went for lunch and a movie. We got some hot theater popcorn which will cure just about any thing. Then we went looking for some ginger, per the doctor it is a good remedy for nausea. I still have some nausea, but only enough to know it there. Plan on working outside tomorrow and make sure I don’t get tired, too fast.
Wednesday, got up feeling better than Tuesday and went to see the chemo doctor. Told him how I did and what happen the last week. He says we can change a few things and with some more drugs (BETTER LIVING THROUGH MORDERN CHEMISTRY). I should do better next time. But we agreed that I really didn’t have that bad of time (his words, not mine) and it could have been worst. The doctor did say that the next time I see him (April 21st) that I would be bald. The bad thing about that is, I have this great looking beard going on right now. I haven’t had one this good since April 15th, 1983, when the oil industry made us shave for safety reasons (Government Conspiracy). It’s a real bummer. I go back to get more blood work next Wednesday and I am scheduled for another five hour round of chemo on Wednesday April 21st.
Felt so good after the doctor that we went for lunch and a movie. We got some hot theater popcorn which will cure just about any thing. Then we went looking for some ginger, per the doctor it is a good remedy for nausea. I still have some nausea, but only enough to know it there. Plan on working outside tomorrow and make sure I don’t get tired, too fast.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Unhappy Easter
Well Peter Cottontail didn’t hop down the bunny trail, I think it was Fatal Attraction and Glenn Close boiled him in a pot. Starting Saturday late evening, I had abdominal pains that didn't quit. All Saturday night, all Sunday, and into Monday, I wasn't in very good condition. I couldn't rest or sleep until I became totally exhausted. Debi was great, she was trying to comfort me, but it didn't work. Finally Monday morning, the pain started to slow down. Me and my in home doctor (I have to call here that, because she is usually right) think it because I am full of it. Literally and Physically. Another side effect of Vincristine Chemo is constipation and I have been there for four or five days. Monday we started to treat the condition modern medicine and hopefully it will help. Don't know if that it or not, but it could be another side effect of the Vincristine Chemo which is actually abdominal cramps. Oh well we will see.
Monday, April 5, 2010
FORGOT Third Day of CHEMO, Worst Day So Far that week.
Well that goes to show how bad I am at this blogging. I forgot an entire day and what a day. It was the worst day I had last weekend.
The third day of Chemo was long. First I saw the doctor and we talked over how I was doing. Told him about the nausea, he said I was doing good, but I haven’t seen nothing yet. Got hooked up to the IV from 10:50AM to 3:30PM, got hooked upon the computer about 10:45AM. The nurses first gave me my Tylenol, then the bag of Benadryl, and 125mg pill of EMEND and three pills of Prednisone. Then a bag of Rituxun and then a different nausea medicine by bag. Then they started a bag of saline solution for an IV push (needle) of Adraimycin and IV push of Vincristine. The Adraimycin has to be done with the needle in the IV so the nurse can keep checking the flow. If the flow stops or there is any leakage it can cause extensive tissue damage. Then finally got a bag of Cytoxan. Got a couple hot flashes while getting the last IV bag. I put some web links in for these meds and some of the side effects. Most I can live with like loss of appetite, hair loss, nausea, and the loss of being able to conceive a child. But everyone else is going to have to live with the mood swings and irritability. You really need to see some of the possible side effects. I do want to say my Sister, Brother, and Mother have been great about basically dropping whatever they were doing and running me to the doctor or hospital. I couldn’t have done it without them.
Got home about 4:15 PM, my stomach started to hurt slightly and steadily got worst. Took Zofransetron, nausea pill the doctor prescribed, about 5:30. Got a headache, then dizzy about 6:00 with the nausea getting worst. The nausea was steady all evening and took another pill about 10:00 PM. Got dizzy again and felt like throwing up (Nausea Scale 4 -5), but I didn’t. Debi was optimistic thou, when I came home; she had all ready set up in the bedroom and TV Room several one gallon buckets, a two gallon waste bucket and a twenty gallon waste can. Nausea was bad enough to keep me awake most of the night, took another pill about 4:30 AM, and then tried to go to sleep about 5:00 AM. Slept on and off until about 7:15 AM, still had some nausea, but not as bad (1-2).
The third day of Chemo was long. First I saw the doctor and we talked over how I was doing. Told him about the nausea, he said I was doing good, but I haven’t seen nothing yet. Got hooked up to the IV from 10:50AM to 3:30PM, got hooked upon the computer about 10:45AM. The nurses first gave me my Tylenol, then the bag of Benadryl, and 125mg pill of EMEND and three pills of Prednisone. Then a bag of Rituxun and then a different nausea medicine by bag. Then they started a bag of saline solution for an IV push (needle) of Adraimycin and IV push of Vincristine. The Adraimycin has to be done with the needle in the IV so the nurse can keep checking the flow. If the flow stops or there is any leakage it can cause extensive tissue damage. Then finally got a bag of Cytoxan. Got a couple hot flashes while getting the last IV bag. I put some web links in for these meds and some of the side effects. Most I can live with like loss of appetite, hair loss, nausea, and the loss of being able to conceive a child. But everyone else is going to have to live with the mood swings and irritability. You really need to see some of the possible side effects. I do want to say my Sister, Brother, and Mother have been great about basically dropping whatever they were doing and running me to the doctor or hospital. I couldn’t have done it without them.
Got home about 4:15 PM, my stomach started to hurt slightly and steadily got worst. Took Zofransetron, nausea pill the doctor prescribed, about 5:30. Got a headache, then dizzy about 6:00 with the nausea getting worst. The nausea was steady all evening and took another pill about 10:00 PM. Got dizzy again and felt like throwing up (Nausea Scale 4 -5), but I didn’t. Debi was optimistic thou, when I came home; she had all ready set up in the bedroom and TV Room several one gallon buckets, a two gallon waste bucket and a twenty gallon waste can. Nausea was bad enough to keep me awake most of the night, took another pill about 4:30 AM, and then tried to go to sleep about 5:00 AM. Slept on and off until about 7:15 AM, still had some nausea, but not as bad (1-2).
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Fourth, fifth & sixth Days, Better Days are coming.
Thursday, I took the second EMEND pill and three more Prednisone about 7:15 AM and then slept until 9:00 AM. Debi and I are now on vacation, so she went with me to the doctor’s office about 11:00 for a shot that is supposed to make my bone marrow produce more red blood cells. Felt good most of the day with a little nausea (1-2 on the scale). It seemed to cycle all day and evening. Started eating smaller meals more often at Debi suggest, seemed to help. Couldn’t go to sleep until 2:00 (this is another side effect), but the nausea was down to about 1 on the old scale.
Friday, I took the third and last EMEND pill and three more Prednisone about 7:25 AM. Felt good, ran some errors with Debi and had lunch. The nausea was cycling, but not very bad all day. Still couldn’t get to sleep, but whatever.
Saturday, I took the last three Prednisone pills about 7:15 AM. Felt good, ran to the grocery shop with Debi and had lunch. The nausea was cycling (0 – 2), but getting better all day. Worked in the garage and barn for a couple hours, tired but feeling pretty good. Still have a little nausea (0 -1) at 8:00 PM, something I might have to live with for a long while. Then I asked Debi, she was out at a benefit for a police officer who was hurt that we know through our granddaughter, to bring me home some ice cream. That raised the nausea back up for awhile.
Friday, I took the third and last EMEND pill and three more Prednisone about 7:25 AM. Felt good, ran some errors with Debi and had lunch. The nausea was cycling, but not very bad all day. Still couldn’t get to sleep, but whatever.
Saturday, I took the last three Prednisone pills about 7:15 AM. Felt good, ran to the grocery shop with Debi and had lunch. The nausea was cycling (0 – 2), but getting better all day. Worked in the garage and barn for a couple hours, tired but feeling pretty good. Still have a little nausea (0 -1) at 8:00 PM, something I might have to live with for a long while. Then I asked Debi, she was out at a benefit for a police officer who was hurt that we know through our granddaughter, to bring me home some ice cream. That raised the nausea back up for awhile.
Second Day of CHEMO, But a good day on the Computer.
The second day of Chemo was short like the first, but no blood work. Got hooked up to the IV from 9:20 - 10:50AM. The nurses first gave me a Tylenol, then the bag of Benadryl, and finally the bag of Rituxun. They told me I could bring in my computer, so I am able to get on the Alton Marina WiFi system and played on the internet and watch a movie. Felt fine most of the day, but then started to feel the nausea (about 2 on 0-10 scale). Ate supper felt a little better, but the nausea stayed with me all night.
First Day of CHEMO 3/29/2010
The first day of Chemo was short, blood work, and then hooked up to the IV from 9:20 - 11:20AM. The nurses first gave a Tylenol for fever from a possible reaction. Then a bag of Benadryl for Nausea, that comes from the next bag of Rituxun. Something about how it interacts with the lymphoma.
Got home and within 45 minutes got the chills real bad. Debi put me into a sweat shirt and I got in bed with the heating pad on and five or six blankets. Sleep intermittently due to the Benadryl. Then after a couple hours I warmed up. Then got too warm, stripped off all the blankets, the sweat shirt and laid there another hour with the sweats. Felt fine by about 3:30PM, ate some crackers, and felt fine the rest of the rest of the evening after a light supper. But during the night I had the sweats again, but not real bad.
Got home and within 45 minutes got the chills real bad. Debi put me into a sweat shirt and I got in bed with the heating pad on and five or six blankets. Sleep intermittently due to the Benadryl. Then after a couple hours I warmed up. Then got too warm, stripped off all the blankets, the sweat shirt and laid there another hour with the sweats. Felt fine by about 3:30PM, ate some crackers, and felt fine the rest of the rest of the evening after a light supper. But during the night I had the sweats again, but not real bad.
Bad Birthday Wednesday 3/17/2010
Debi and I along, with our responsible adult Brandy, went to the oncologist. They found a small Large Cell B non-Hodgkin's lymphoma tumor in the upper part of my colon. I will most likely start Chemo Monday 3/29. All the doctors were very positive that with this type of cancer they can treated this way without surgery. Since the start of that day, I have seen my doctor, my oncologist, spent four hours one day (my birthday) in the hospital getting blood drawn several times and X-Rays, spent another eight hours getting my butt drilled into for a bone marrow sample, getting two units of packed red blood cells (O+ incase you need some later). a MUGA Scan, more blood drawn, and a CAT Scan. Then Debi and I showed up a 6:00AM Tuesday for surgery to put a port in my chest for the Chemo and the doctor was a no show. So we when to breakfast and we came home and she got a nap. Then we had to go back up to the Hospital that afternoon, so I could get a PET scan. Well, then I at least had Wednesday off. Thursday morning I went and got my port installed. The nurses at the hospital were great. Surgery was suppose be at 10:00AM, but was delay an hour, and then the surgery took an hour. I had a 12:45 appointment with the oncologist. My sister had to take me because of Debi having the grandkids and because Brandy & Tally requirement about a responsible adult along. He said the scans showed three more large lymphoids. But the treat will take care of those too. Went to work that weekend, a little tired, but enjoyed getting away the cancer thing.
The Process Starts
It all started late in the fall of 2009, I was getting exhausted, lethargic, working a few extra shifts at work and didn’t think much of it. Then on my January 26th, 2010 at my regular 4 month physical my doctor was palpating on my stomach on the right side and asked if this hurt. I said yes when she pushed on, but otherwise no. I had some discomfort, but heck I am old and fat. Well she said I was portably just full of crap and but sent me to get an Ultra-sound on Jan 28 any how. Went to see my liver specialist on Feb 3rd, but didn’t have any results yet. He felt on and didn’t find and thing. Then got the results, she didn’t say any thing, but I knew I wasn't pregnant. So then it is off to get a CAT scan on February 8th. Didn’t have a good reaction to the dye, but made it through with a little pain and irritability. The doctors saw something, but didn’t tell us what. So then they sent me to get a colonoscopy on Mar 2nd & 3rd. That doctor then they told us that I had a tumor in the upper portion of my colon and they wanted to do surgery. That's when I told everyone about the cancer. Now this upset my female off springs for not telling them sooner and they came up with rule that we couldn’t go to the doctor without a responsible person along. Because I won’t tell them anything and Debi will some times forgets to tell them some things.
Then two days later, doctors change their minds and said we were going to treat it first with chemo. After we had all ready set up the surgery and I had dreams of growing great beard, since I was going to be off for five to six weeks,
Then two days later, doctors change their minds and said we were going to treat it first with chemo. After we had all ready set up the surgery and I had dreams of growing great beard, since I was going to be off for five to six weeks,
History of why I started this Blog
With what is going on in our life recently and right now, Debi suggested that I write every thing down. And I thought that was a good idea. Well I starting in a note book, but decided that I didn’t like to write stuff down by hand. Hate to try and spell, and cut and paste seem simpler. So I though I would do it on the computer. Then I was reading my Daughter-In-Laws blog about her sister trivia night and thought that was a good way to start keeping a record of what’s going and to communicate maybe a little better with my family and friends. Now Debi says she has created a monster.
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