Well the 5 days of Cisplatin, really whacked me good this go around. Finally feeling human again, and am hopeful that I never have to get Cisplatin again!
Lung function test on Monday was good, the results were better than the previous one, so that meant I got the Bleomycin yesterday.
My body really hates Bleo.. a hard night last night only got a couple hours sleep with the Chills so bad, Marnie was holding me tight, fever and my body resetting. Today has been blah with recovering from last night, feeling drained, tired, sore from everything.
So just taking it easy and resting. My plan is to get some time in the office tomorrow and Friday depending upon how I feel. Hope to be able to attend a Relay for Life event on Saturday.
Speaking of which.. if you haven't already seen, go to my Facebook page and look at the photo of what my High School Friends did for me out in Oceanside, CA. I'm truly at a loss for words.. still! And just in awe of all that everyone has done/is doing for me, Marnie and the girls.
Ya'll rock!!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Only a few more left
Well this week is almost over, just tomorrow's treatment and then one Tuesday and the following Tuesday, hopefully that is it!
As usual, this first week of the cycle has taken it's toll upon me, mentally and physically. My gut has been in turmoil, sleep compromised with battling gut and the medication they are giving me to make me pee a lot, but healthy kidneys are a good thing! Am looking forward to getting this out of my system this weekend and back to a 'normal' schedule. LOL.. but nothing has been normal for a while!
There was some concern on Tuesday as my lung function test came back and there was a slight decrease noted there. Dr. Heyer sent me for a chest X-ray first thing that morning and didn't see anything there, so he went out himself and recalculated the lung function test and thinks that when they did the calculations for the lung function they made a mistake. But heck, better to be safe than sorry. Really like how Dr. Heyer and Staff all around trying to whack the cancer, but not cause any other problems along the way and are being aggressive about keeping an eye on these other side effects.
So this means I get to have ANOTHER lung function test on Monday, last thing they want to do is have the Bleomycin damage my lungs. Otherwise been a mostly uneventful week thus far just working while getting Chemotherapy pumped into me.
On the upside only a few more treatments left, have a date for the follow-up CT scans to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. I will be having CT Chest, Abdomen & Pelvis on Monday May 18th. Given the Bleomycin, Dr. Heyer wants to have a good look at my chest/lungs to make sure things are good. I imagine that I'll be meeting with him later that week or early the following week to discuss the results and were we go from here, based on the CT scans.
Please keep the thoughts and prayers coming.. they are doing wonders. Can't wait to get started healing from the bashing my body has been taking from the Chemo!!
As usual, this first week of the cycle has taken it's toll upon me, mentally and physically. My gut has been in turmoil, sleep compromised with battling gut and the medication they are giving me to make me pee a lot, but healthy kidneys are a good thing! Am looking forward to getting this out of my system this weekend and back to a 'normal' schedule. LOL.. but nothing has been normal for a while!
There was some concern on Tuesday as my lung function test came back and there was a slight decrease noted there. Dr. Heyer sent me for a chest X-ray first thing that morning and didn't see anything there, so he went out himself and recalculated the lung function test and thinks that when they did the calculations for the lung function they made a mistake. But heck, better to be safe than sorry. Really like how Dr. Heyer and Staff all around trying to whack the cancer, but not cause any other problems along the way and are being aggressive about keeping an eye on these other side effects.
So this means I get to have ANOTHER lung function test on Monday, last thing they want to do is have the Bleomycin damage my lungs. Otherwise been a mostly uneventful week thus far just working while getting Chemotherapy pumped into me.
On the upside only a few more treatments left, have a date for the follow-up CT scans to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment. I will be having CT Chest, Abdomen & Pelvis on Monday May 18th. Given the Bleomycin, Dr. Heyer wants to have a good look at my chest/lungs to make sure things are good. I imagine that I'll be meeting with him later that week or early the following week to discuss the results and were we go from here, based on the CT scans.
Please keep the thoughts and prayers coming.. they are doing wonders. Can't wait to get started healing from the bashing my body has been taking from the Chemo!!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Once more into the breach..
Well it has been a busy time this past week, got a little excited at feeling mostly normal and pushed things a bit too far. But ah slept a LOT making up for that.
So the Bleomycin continues to be just nasty, when ever I get that drug, I pretty much have a fever of 100.3 and feel like doing nothing that evening. Then Wednesday morning is the tiredness from the fever. Finally about Wednesday afternoon start feeling normal again. This time around though it came with a splitting headache that kept me in bed were the room was nice and dark, until it finally passed.
Thursday was off for the PFT, huffing and puffing into the machine. Had the same tech as before and it was a shorter test than the initial one, so that was cool. Got into the office and spent some time catching up on stuff there. Very much needed and was good to be out and about.
Friday was another day in the office.. but can I just say I'm tired of being tired!! I mean all I did was carrying a couple dozen donuts from the car into work and I was exhausted! Collapsed into my chair and took me a bit to recover. That is the most frustrating thing and can never tell what is going to tire me out!
Well Saturday morning was feeling my oats.. so heck it was off to Opening Day Ceremonies for the girls softball league, jogging in from the field with the girls sure got my legs sore and elevated my heart rate though! LOL Came home, had a rest then rode the motorcycles out to the 2nd Annual Club Days at Loudoun Motorsports. Again our chapter had the most people show up, we won first prize and promptly donated the proceeds to charity, way cool! From here we zipped home, collect Mom and went to Ashley's first game of the season. Both Marnie and I forgot to apply the suntan lotion to ourselves (remembered the girls though!) and got some nice red arms from sitting at the game. But what a beautiful day out, with the girls playing ball.
Came home and between the activities and the sun was wiped out.. had some friends come by for dinner and for a while I wasn't much company as I was just feeling blah from everything all day long. Ate some dinner and was in bed by 8pm, dozed and then crashed around 11... slept a good 9 hours.
Sunday morning Marnie and Ashely were off to church and I got Shannon to go outside with Grandma and do some gardening/yard work with every intention of joining them.. really!! But instead laid down on the couch and slept for another 3 hours! Woke to find a couple friends over helping Marnie with stuff around the yard.. that still is so cool that everyone does come and do what ever! Puttered around the garage for a while, cleaned up a bit and did a little work on the bike. We decided a night out while I was feeling decent was in order, so we all went out to dinner at Applebee's.
After about 5 hours of good sleep and a couple hours of tossing and turning here I am writing and very much NOT looking forward to the next 5 days! But this is the last big push, I can do this and then just have a couple more Bleo days left.
Don't know how we could have made it this far with out help from my Mother who has been here since I started Chemotherapy. She has been invaluable helping out around the house, with the girls and keeping Marnie company when I have been in la la land from the Chemo! She is staying through Sunday to help with this last push and then heading back to California to get back to her life, horses and Dad! Thanks so much to the both of you for all that you have done for us during this challenging time!
Thanks also to everyone else out there who continues to support us in all ways, manners and fashions! Your efforts aren't unnoticed.. and they are very appreciated!
So the Bleomycin continues to be just nasty, when ever I get that drug, I pretty much have a fever of 100.3 and feel like doing nothing that evening. Then Wednesday morning is the tiredness from the fever. Finally about Wednesday afternoon start feeling normal again. This time around though it came with a splitting headache that kept me in bed were the room was nice and dark, until it finally passed.
Thursday was off for the PFT, huffing and puffing into the machine. Had the same tech as before and it was a shorter test than the initial one, so that was cool. Got into the office and spent some time catching up on stuff there. Very much needed and was good to be out and about.
Friday was another day in the office.. but can I just say I'm tired of being tired!! I mean all I did was carrying a couple dozen donuts from the car into work and I was exhausted! Collapsed into my chair and took me a bit to recover. That is the most frustrating thing and can never tell what is going to tire me out!
Well Saturday morning was feeling my oats.. so heck it was off to Opening Day Ceremonies for the girls softball league, jogging in from the field with the girls sure got my legs sore and elevated my heart rate though! LOL Came home, had a rest then rode the motorcycles out to the 2nd Annual Club Days at Loudoun Motorsports. Again our chapter had the most people show up, we won first prize and promptly donated the proceeds to charity, way cool! From here we zipped home, collect Mom and went to Ashley's first game of the season. Both Marnie and I forgot to apply the suntan lotion to ourselves (remembered the girls though!) and got some nice red arms from sitting at the game. But what a beautiful day out, with the girls playing ball.
Came home and between the activities and the sun was wiped out.. had some friends come by for dinner and for a while I wasn't much company as I was just feeling blah from everything all day long. Ate some dinner and was in bed by 8pm, dozed and then crashed around 11... slept a good 9 hours.
Sunday morning Marnie and Ashely were off to church and I got Shannon to go outside with Grandma and do some gardening/yard work with every intention of joining them.. really!! But instead laid down on the couch and slept for another 3 hours! Woke to find a couple friends over helping Marnie with stuff around the yard.. that still is so cool that everyone does come and do what ever! Puttered around the garage for a while, cleaned up a bit and did a little work on the bike. We decided a night out while I was feeling decent was in order, so we all went out to dinner at Applebee's.
After about 5 hours of good sleep and a couple hours of tossing and turning here I am writing and very much NOT looking forward to the next 5 days! But this is the last big push, I can do this and then just have a couple more Bleo days left.
Don't know how we could have made it this far with out help from my Mother who has been here since I started Chemotherapy. She has been invaluable helping out around the house, with the girls and keeping Marnie company when I have been in la la land from the Chemo! She is staying through Sunday to help with this last push and then heading back to California to get back to her life, horses and Dad! Thanks so much to the both of you for all that you have done for us during this challenging time!
Thanks also to everyone else out there who continues to support us in all ways, manners and fashions! Your efforts aren't unnoticed.. and they are very appreciated!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
2/3 of the way...
Well I realize that I have been absent from here for a while. The reaction to the compazine really threw me for a loop.
I have found that with the decreased amount of hemoglobin (the stuff in your blood that takes the oxygen from your lungs to your cells) I tire out all to easy. The mind is willing but the body is certainly letting me down these days. The neuprogen is working and keeping my white blood cells stimulated and elevated. The downside of that is that after about 3 days on neuprogen, I get a night of back spasms that is just not fun. It is a worth while trade off though.
Sure must have been a bummer of a vacation for my younger sister to come visit and me so lethargic. This had been planned before I was diagnosed, and was glad to she came even though I wasn't the life of the party. She got out with Marnie and the girls to do some things and was certainly great to have her here during this challenging time.
Have managed to get out for a few things, went to a Birthday party this past weekend and am hoping to make the girls opening softball games later this week. Will try to be better about writing here in these last few weeks.
The last big push starts next week, and while not looking forward to that, will be nice to have that done and behind me. They are already looking at dates for the scans at the end of treatments. I have another pulmonary function test on Thursday and thus far things are looking good with the lungs. Will have one more after I finish the third round as well as another CT of the abdomen and pelvis to determine how much the chemo has attacked the tumor. On the upside of all this is that I found out today that the levels of LDH (tumor marker) are back to normal. This bodes well for things!!
It has been tough going but I am doing the best I can, some days are just days by day, and others better. Been just blah at times and all I can do to log on and work. I am doing good, spirits are up and am going forward, fighting and not letting this crap get me down. Continue to appreciate all that everyone out there is doing from the food, to errands, to thoughts, prayers and helping out.
I have found that with the decreased amount of hemoglobin (the stuff in your blood that takes the oxygen from your lungs to your cells) I tire out all to easy. The mind is willing but the body is certainly letting me down these days. The neuprogen is working and keeping my white blood cells stimulated and elevated. The downside of that is that after about 3 days on neuprogen, I get a night of back spasms that is just not fun. It is a worth while trade off though.
Sure must have been a bummer of a vacation for my younger sister to come visit and me so lethargic. This had been planned before I was diagnosed, and was glad to she came even though I wasn't the life of the party. She got out with Marnie and the girls to do some things and was certainly great to have her here during this challenging time.
Have managed to get out for a few things, went to a Birthday party this past weekend and am hoping to make the girls opening softball games later this week. Will try to be better about writing here in these last few weeks.
The last big push starts next week, and while not looking forward to that, will be nice to have that done and behind me. They are already looking at dates for the scans at the end of treatments. I have another pulmonary function test on Thursday and thus far things are looking good with the lungs. Will have one more after I finish the third round as well as another CT of the abdomen and pelvis to determine how much the chemo has attacked the tumor. On the upside of all this is that I found out today that the levels of LDH (tumor marker) are back to normal. This bodes well for things!!
It has been tough going but I am doing the best I can, some days are just days by day, and others better. Been just blah at times and all I can do to log on and work. I am doing good, spirits are up and am going forward, fighting and not letting this crap get me down. Continue to appreciate all that everyone out there is doing from the food, to errands, to thoughts, prayers and helping out.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Sore and tired
Well hello there...
Been a while I know, but things continue to progress and I'm still fighting the fight!
So the first part of last week wasn't too bad, things moved along and by body was doing ok with the chemo. Then Thursday and Friday my GI tract really was giving me fits from the chemo. It was a miserable couple days as the nausea really hit me for the first time and that was just yucky. Never puked, but my mid section was in total rebellion.
Top that off with a drug reaction on Friday (apparently IV Compazine and I don't along!) and the last few days have been a few of the hardest so far. I really had a hard time Friday/Saturday after that and I think it took a lot out of me.
I am really tired, lethargic, and sore still today from the last few days. Yesterday was a bright spot in that folks from our motorcycle club came by and spread, mulch, did spring pruning, etc for us. It was good to see everyone and what they did was so appreciated.
I'm fading out already from focusing to write this, it's like after a bad bout with the flu when you just can't comfortable, are sore all over, and simply walking downstairs makes you tired. I'm so done with this!! Wish it were through already.
Only a few more weeks to go.. and only one more really challenging week, so now I'm resting and getting ready for that last push in a couple weeks.
Been a while I know, but things continue to progress and I'm still fighting the fight!
So the first part of last week wasn't too bad, things moved along and by body was doing ok with the chemo. Then Thursday and Friday my GI tract really was giving me fits from the chemo. It was a miserable couple days as the nausea really hit me for the first time and that was just yucky. Never puked, but my mid section was in total rebellion.
Top that off with a drug reaction on Friday (apparently IV Compazine and I don't along!) and the last few days have been a few of the hardest so far. I really had a hard time Friday/Saturday after that and I think it took a lot out of me.
I am really tired, lethargic, and sore still today from the last few days. Yesterday was a bright spot in that folks from our motorcycle club came by and spread, mulch, did spring pruning, etc for us. It was good to see everyone and what they did was so appreciated.
I'm fading out already from focusing to write this, it's like after a bad bout with the flu when you just can't comfortable, are sore all over, and simply walking downstairs makes you tired. I'm so done with this!! Wish it were through already.
Only a few more weeks to go.. and only one more really challenging week, so now I'm resting and getting ready for that last push in a couple weeks.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Start of Round 2 of Chemo Therapy
After getting home, was still battling the on going fever. It seems that it was a viral thing, as the antibiotics were in control of any bacterial issues. Spent most of Saturday just chilling, relaxing and napping; saving my strength for that evening. On Saturday evening, dressed up and escorted Shannon and Ashley to their annual Girl Scout Daddy/Daughter dance. It was good to get out of the house and the girls really were excited that Daddy was able to take them to the dance. We had a good time, had some nice dances with both of them, got some photos and those will up on Facebook shortly.
Sunday was again relaxing and then got out for a bit and then ran a couple softball errands during the day, again nice to be out the house. Feeling better and getting a bit tired of left overs we decided to head out for dinner. Headed over to Buffalo Wing Factory for some wings and watch a little NCAA and golf. Another nice respite and was starting to feel back to normal, but tired.
Sleeping has been a challenge, I sleep in about a 4 hour block and then it is on and off each hour, so that has been tiring me out. Not to mention fighting what ever has been bothering me and sweating like a stuck pig each night, would really enjoy a regular nights sleep.
Today Marnie woke feeling like crap, she had a fever and head cold that had her feeling pretty miserable. She ended up going back to sleep and I got the girls ready for school and then headed over to the infusion center to start Round 2 of Chemo. Had some good news when they did my blood work, my WBC's have gone from 1,400 cells/microliter on Friday up to 26,400 cells/microliter this morning and more specifically the neutrophils are up over 18,000 cells/microliter. Both of those numbers are way over normal, so right now my Immune system is in overdrive. This is the result of the Neuprogen doing it's job! So that was really encouraging. Talked with the Doctor for a bit and he was encourged as well and wanted me to keep working the Neuprogen in to things as possible (can't take Neuprogen 24 hours before or after chemo), so as able will be taking the Neuprogen in the coming weeks to prevent a repeat visit to the hospital!
Wasn't looking forward to another week like week 1, and had a head ache myself this morning. After they got things flowing this morning, some Tylenol helped with the head ache and then by this afternoon was feeling much better. Was actually feeling decent and ran a couple errands with my mother. As one of the oncology nurses put it, seems like my body is getting 'used' to the Chemo and it's not affecting me as adversely as it did the first time. Hoping this trend continues and I continue to do better than before.
Thank to everyone for the continued thoughts and prayers, they certainly seem to be working and are very appreciated from one and all!
Sunday was again relaxing and then got out for a bit and then ran a couple softball errands during the day, again nice to be out the house. Feeling better and getting a bit tired of left overs we decided to head out for dinner. Headed over to Buffalo Wing Factory for some wings and watch a little NCAA and golf. Another nice respite and was starting to feel back to normal, but tired.
Sleeping has been a challenge, I sleep in about a 4 hour block and then it is on and off each hour, so that has been tiring me out. Not to mention fighting what ever has been bothering me and sweating like a stuck pig each night, would really enjoy a regular nights sleep.
Today Marnie woke feeling like crap, she had a fever and head cold that had her feeling pretty miserable. She ended up going back to sleep and I got the girls ready for school and then headed over to the infusion center to start Round 2 of Chemo. Had some good news when they did my blood work, my WBC's have gone from 1,400 cells/microliter on Friday up to 26,400 cells/microliter this morning and more specifically the neutrophils are up over 18,000 cells/microliter. Both of those numbers are way over normal, so right now my Immune system is in overdrive. This is the result of the Neuprogen doing it's job! So that was really encouraging. Talked with the Doctor for a bit and he was encourged as well and wanted me to keep working the Neuprogen in to things as possible (can't take Neuprogen 24 hours before or after chemo), so as able will be taking the Neuprogen in the coming weeks to prevent a repeat visit to the hospital!
Wasn't looking forward to another week like week 1, and had a head ache myself this morning. After they got things flowing this morning, some Tylenol helped with the head ache and then by this afternoon was feeling much better. Was actually feeling decent and ran a couple errands with my mother. As one of the oncology nurses put it, seems like my body is getting 'used' to the Chemo and it's not affecting me as adversely as it did the first time. Hoping this trend continues and I continue to do better than before.
Thank to everyone for the continued thoughts and prayers, they certainly seem to be working and are very appreciated from one and all!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Back home.. finally!
Well back home, now..so let me close out this week and bring you up to speed.
Pretty much spent the last 3 days in the hospital bed with an on again, off again fever. At times I would feel pretty much normal, and then there were times when it would spike back up to 102.6 and I was fighting the chills, only to be dripping wet with sweat an hour later.
My Immune system was still crashed out on Wed with only 800 cell/microliter. And I got my first Neupogen injection on Wednesday. For those not aware, Neupogen is the commercial name for Filgrastim, which is a human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), produced by recombinant DNA technology. G-CSF is is a colony-stimulating factor hormone, naturally produced in the body. It is a glycoprotein, growth factor or cytokine produced by a number of different tissues to stimulate the bone marrow to produce granulocytes and stem cells. G-CSF then stimulates the bone marrow to release them into the blood. It also stimulates the survival, proliferation, differentiation, and function of neutrophil precursors and mature neutrophils.
So why is this important.. because neutrophils are a key component of your bodies first line of defense against any infection. They are very quick responders and non specific (ie they don't care what it is, they will fight and attack any foreign cell, bacteria, virus, etc.) Later your T & B cells (Lymphocytes) get involved and produced specific antibodies against specific infections, but the neutrophils are almost always the first responders and a key ingredient in how your Immune System functions and protects you. Ok.. schools out for this post now *wink*
Suffice to say that my neutrophils were non existent when I was admitted. By Thursday morning my WBC count was up to 1400 cells/microliter, but the neutrophils were woefully absent, and the fever was still present, so I won the trifecta and had a third night in the hospital! Thursday also brought my lung function test and trip by wheel chair downstairs to the respiratory unit. Got to breath into the machine for about 30 minutes while they assessed how my lungs are doing. This is because the Bleomycin can cause a decrease in lung function, so they are keeping a close eye on things. Was good to get out the room for a bit, although have to say, after laying around for a few days, all that heavy breathing for the test sure made my diaphragm and other chest muscles sore, guess I need more practice with the heavy breathing! LOL Actually had some visitors on Thursday and it was great to have people come by and break the monotony of the hospital. Marn & my Mom have been great about being there, bring the girls, so that could Daddy was all right and giving me some time alone. It was just the right mix and very much appreciate everyone who came by, brought food, helped out, etc.
Last night, was a miserable night, as I got hit by a common side effect of Neuprogen (muscle spasms up my back from butt to my head.) This was a very rhythmic and painful thing to endure. Luckily the nurses/Doctors were on top of this and gave me some pain killers and muscle relaxers, and I got about 5-6 hours of good sleep, Marnie came to the hospital and spent the night with me. Someone mentioned taking ibuprofen, I can't take any NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Ibuprofen or Aleve (naproxen) because in my body they depress my platelets which are already low. So for me it's Tylenol (acetaminophen) or stronger drugs for pain management.
This morning my fever was gone, my WBC's were still climbing and some granulocytes (neutrophils) present again in my cell counts. So the Doctor released me and I came home were I watched a couple movies, had a most relaxing/refreshing bath to get rid of 4 days of hospital sweat, grime and funk! LOL Further proof that the chemo is working on killing things, has been my facial hair growth has slowed to almost nil, and today in the bath, left lots of hair from below in the tub, so my hair is starting to fall out! That was strange to see, and Marnie and I had a good laugh about things! Then I had a great 3 hour nap and dinner that Dave brought by this evening.
So someone asked how I'm doing emotionally/mentally with all this.. as they said my blog was more what was happening and seemed to be lacking the emotions at times. Well being admitted to the hospital scared me for sure and last night was miserable with the pain and muscle cramps. But over all I'm doing ok, I am just going day by day and trying to find the positive in all the stuff that is going on. I have had my moments of despair, tears and I'm lucky that Marnie has been there to hold me. Some else asked why I was not angry about all this.. and my simple answer is, while I have at moments expressed my frustration/even anger, my overall reaction to most things in life, is that energy is better spent in a more positive manner, especially when my energy is low. This is one of those that, that I could just waste energy being angry about.. or accept that it is what it is and move along using that energy to fight and over come this disease.
And thus it's back into the breach we go! Have a couple days to rest up and then start Round 2 of Chemo Therapy on Monday. Am glad to be home and thank everyone for what they have/continue to do for me during this time.
Pretty much spent the last 3 days in the hospital bed with an on again, off again fever. At times I would feel pretty much normal, and then there were times when it would spike back up to 102.6 and I was fighting the chills, only to be dripping wet with sweat an hour later.
My Immune system was still crashed out on Wed with only 800 cell/microliter. And I got my first Neupogen injection on Wednesday. For those not aware, Neupogen is the commercial name for Filgrastim, which is a human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), produced by recombinant DNA technology. G-CSF is is a colony-stimulating factor hormone, naturally produced in the body. It is a glycoprotein, growth factor or cytokine produced by a number of different tissues to stimulate the bone marrow to produce granulocytes and stem cells. G-CSF then stimulates the bone marrow to release them into the blood. It also stimulates the survival, proliferation, differentiation, and function of neutrophil precursors and mature neutrophils.
So why is this important.. because neutrophils are a key component of your bodies first line of defense against any infection. They are very quick responders and non specific (ie they don't care what it is, they will fight and attack any foreign cell, bacteria, virus, etc.) Later your T & B cells (Lymphocytes) get involved and produced specific antibodies against specific infections, but the neutrophils are almost always the first responders and a key ingredient in how your Immune System functions and protects you. Ok.. schools out for this post now *wink*
Suffice to say that my neutrophils were non existent when I was admitted. By Thursday morning my WBC count was up to 1400 cells/microliter, but the neutrophils were woefully absent, and the fever was still present, so I won the trifecta and had a third night in the hospital! Thursday also brought my lung function test and trip by wheel chair downstairs to the respiratory unit. Got to breath into the machine for about 30 minutes while they assessed how my lungs are doing. This is because the Bleomycin can cause a decrease in lung function, so they are keeping a close eye on things. Was good to get out the room for a bit, although have to say, after laying around for a few days, all that heavy breathing for the test sure made my diaphragm and other chest muscles sore, guess I need more practice with the heavy breathing! LOL Actually had some visitors on Thursday and it was great to have people come by and break the monotony of the hospital. Marn & my Mom have been great about being there, bring the girls, so that could Daddy was all right and giving me some time alone. It was just the right mix and very much appreciate everyone who came by, brought food, helped out, etc.
Last night, was a miserable night, as I got hit by a common side effect of Neuprogen (muscle spasms up my back from butt to my head.) This was a very rhythmic and painful thing to endure. Luckily the nurses/Doctors were on top of this and gave me some pain killers and muscle relaxers, and I got about 5-6 hours of good sleep, Marnie came to the hospital and spent the night with me. Someone mentioned taking ibuprofen, I can't take any NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like Ibuprofen or Aleve (naproxen) because in my body they depress my platelets which are already low. So for me it's Tylenol (acetaminophen) or stronger drugs for pain management.
This morning my fever was gone, my WBC's were still climbing and some granulocytes (neutrophils) present again in my cell counts. So the Doctor released me and I came home were I watched a couple movies, had a most relaxing/refreshing bath to get rid of 4 days of hospital sweat, grime and funk! LOL Further proof that the chemo is working on killing things, has been my facial hair growth has slowed to almost nil, and today in the bath, left lots of hair from below in the tub, so my hair is starting to fall out! That was strange to see, and Marnie and I had a good laugh about things! Then I had a great 3 hour nap and dinner that Dave brought by this evening.
So someone asked how I'm doing emotionally/mentally with all this.. as they said my blog was more what was happening and seemed to be lacking the emotions at times. Well being admitted to the hospital scared me for sure and last night was miserable with the pain and muscle cramps. But over all I'm doing ok, I am just going day by day and trying to find the positive in all the stuff that is going on. I have had my moments of despair, tears and I'm lucky that Marnie has been there to hold me. Some else asked why I was not angry about all this.. and my simple answer is, while I have at moments expressed my frustration/even anger, my overall reaction to most things in life, is that energy is better spent in a more positive manner, especially when my energy is low. This is one of those that, that I could just waste energy being angry about.. or accept that it is what it is and move along using that energy to fight and over come this disease.
And thus it's back into the breach we go! Have a couple days to rest up and then start Round 2 of Chemo Therapy on Monday. Am glad to be home and thank everyone for what they have/continue to do for me during this time.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Crash and burn
Howdy intrepid readers, it is late on Tuesday evening and I write from a not so pleasant place, but more on that in a moment.
Monday started off with a stay at home morning and then took my sister to the airport for her flight home. It was really good to see her and have here for a bit. My younger sister was already planning on visiting us during Spring Break, so will see her in a couple weeks. Got into the office and work a good half day from there, was good to start getting back to normal. That afternoon was softball practice, and seems like I have a really good team this year and looking forward to working with them over the coming months and seeing them improve.
So I know this is hitting me because, even with two shirts and jacket I was cold by the time practice was over. Got home, at dinner and then went to bed early with a bit of the chills. Now looking back this was a precursor of what was to come. Slept like crap in couple hour bursts and not a very restful sleep.
Tuesday started off ok, my eyes were 'burning' a bit today and I thought this was due to just a bad nights sleep. Got off to the office and worked there until I headed over for my chemo treatment this afternoon. Actually ate well during the day and other things aside, felt much better this go around than last Tuesday when I got the Bleomycin. But I get ahead of myself here, when I arrived they took my blood to check my cell levels and tumor markers as they do every week. Well my White Blood Cell count went from 4,000 cells/microliter from last Tuesday (the bottom of the reference range) to 1,000 cells/microliter today. Also my temperature was a bit elevated (99.6) To be sure they did the cell counts twice from two different sites. Knew this might happen, but didn't expect it to crash out so fast and low. By the time I left my temp was down to 98.8 so they weren't as concerned about me.
So what does this mean... well it means that I get to start injecting myself with Neuprogen (this is a drug that boosts the immune system and causes your body to start making more WBC's. We were hoping to not need this, but always knew it was possibility if the counts got low. The problem is that I can't take Neuprogen 24 hours before or after a Chemo treatment. So have to try and squeeze in during the weekly treatments of weeks 2 & 3 of each cycle. Ok so that wasn't too bad, knew this was a possibility, and it just means a boost to the immune system and that I don't have to worry about getting an opportunistic infection while my immune systems is depressed. Also this tell me that the Chemo is WORKING!! It's killing those fast growing cells and means that it should also be doing a number on the tumor in me. So there's the silver lining in this cloud... a very tangible sign that the drugs are doing their job (besides making me feel ill!!) LOL!
Got home and actually wanted some food, my mom made me some rice and it was good, had some water and was feeling ok. As I said much better than last week when I got the Bleomyicn. Around 4:30 started getting cool again like I did last night, and went and laid by the fire. Took my temperature and it was 100.3, well this crossed the magic threshold and I was under instructions to call the Doctor if I ever hit triple digits. So a call into the Dr and the person on call was Dr. Felice (he was our friend Carol's primary doctor) and while talking with him after he consulted my chart and talked to Dr. Heyer and called me back, my temp got to 101.6. This concerned them because with the low WBC counts and a fever, I could be going neutropenic and the fever would shut down what remains of my immune system leaving me vulnerable to opportunistic infections or worse. Dr. Felice wanted me in the hospital so that they could hit me with IV antibiotics to combat the fever and be pro-active and aggressive, so that I didn't end up really crashing. So off Marnie and I went to Reston Hospital, and they quickly had me upstairs in a bed (gotta love it when the Doc calls ahead and gets you pre-admitted)
Within 1 hour and 45 minutes after talking to Dr. Felice on the phone, I was in a private room, had an IV flowing, all blood work taken and just waiting for the antibiotics to come up from the pharmacy. Talk about fast! Well the fever spike to about 102.6 during this time and I still had the chills and couldn't get warm for a while. Also my labs came back and WBC's had dropped to 800 cells/microliter. Finally got the IV antibiotics and within a couple hours the fever was back down to 100.6, so they were doing their job! Dr. Felice actually came by the hospital and talked with us for a good 30 minutes. He is another great Doctor and I would be just as comfortable with him caring for me, as Dr. Heyer, now I know what Bill (Carol's husband) was talking about when he said the entire practice is really good!
At this point, am sweating again, have had no problems with fluids and peeing just fine. So if the fever abates tomorrow Dr. Felice indicated they would release me, otherwise they want me to stay so that they can monitor me. Also they want to see my WBC count start climbing and tomorrow if I'm still here or at home, I start with the Neupogen shots to kick my Immune System into high gear.
Well I'm sure some of you are yelling at me for not being asleep by now (yes Mother!) but I did doze on and off a bit earlier, not really tired, but starting to get droopy eyed now. So will sign off, turn off the lights and try and get some sleep. Please keep Marnie, Shannon, Ashley and the rest of my family in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with this little road bump. As well I could use a few thoughts and prayers myself... thanks one and all!!
Monday started off with a stay at home morning and then took my sister to the airport for her flight home. It was really good to see her and have here for a bit. My younger sister was already planning on visiting us during Spring Break, so will see her in a couple weeks. Got into the office and work a good half day from there, was good to start getting back to normal. That afternoon was softball practice, and seems like I have a really good team this year and looking forward to working with them over the coming months and seeing them improve.
So I know this is hitting me because, even with two shirts and jacket I was cold by the time practice was over. Got home, at dinner and then went to bed early with a bit of the chills. Now looking back this was a precursor of what was to come. Slept like crap in couple hour bursts and not a very restful sleep.
Tuesday started off ok, my eyes were 'burning' a bit today and I thought this was due to just a bad nights sleep. Got off to the office and worked there until I headed over for my chemo treatment this afternoon. Actually ate well during the day and other things aside, felt much better this go around than last Tuesday when I got the Bleomycin. But I get ahead of myself here, when I arrived they took my blood to check my cell levels and tumor markers as they do every week. Well my White Blood Cell count went from 4,000 cells/microliter from last Tuesday (the bottom of the reference range) to 1,000 cells/microliter today. Also my temperature was a bit elevated (99.6) To be sure they did the cell counts twice from two different sites. Knew this might happen, but didn't expect it to crash out so fast and low. By the time I left my temp was down to 98.8 so they weren't as concerned about me.
So what does this mean... well it means that I get to start injecting myself with Neuprogen (this is a drug that boosts the immune system and causes your body to start making more WBC's. We were hoping to not need this, but always knew it was possibility if the counts got low. The problem is that I can't take Neuprogen 24 hours before or after a Chemo treatment. So have to try and squeeze in during the weekly treatments of weeks 2 & 3 of each cycle. Ok so that wasn't too bad, knew this was a possibility, and it just means a boost to the immune system and that I don't have to worry about getting an opportunistic infection while my immune systems is depressed. Also this tell me that the Chemo is WORKING!! It's killing those fast growing cells and means that it should also be doing a number on the tumor in me. So there's the silver lining in this cloud... a very tangible sign that the drugs are doing their job (besides making me feel ill!!) LOL!
Got home and actually wanted some food, my mom made me some rice and it was good, had some water and was feeling ok. As I said much better than last week when I got the Bleomyicn. Around 4:30 started getting cool again like I did last night, and went and laid by the fire. Took my temperature and it was 100.3, well this crossed the magic threshold and I was under instructions to call the Doctor if I ever hit triple digits. So a call into the Dr and the person on call was Dr. Felice (he was our friend Carol's primary doctor) and while talking with him after he consulted my chart and talked to Dr. Heyer and called me back, my temp got to 101.6. This concerned them because with the low WBC counts and a fever, I could be going neutropenic and the fever would shut down what remains of my immune system leaving me vulnerable to opportunistic infections or worse. Dr. Felice wanted me in the hospital so that they could hit me with IV antibiotics to combat the fever and be pro-active and aggressive, so that I didn't end up really crashing. So off Marnie and I went to Reston Hospital, and they quickly had me upstairs in a bed (gotta love it when the Doc calls ahead and gets you pre-admitted)
Within 1 hour and 45 minutes after talking to Dr. Felice on the phone, I was in a private room, had an IV flowing, all blood work taken and just waiting for the antibiotics to come up from the pharmacy. Talk about fast! Well the fever spike to about 102.6 during this time and I still had the chills and couldn't get warm for a while. Also my labs came back and WBC's had dropped to 800 cells/microliter. Finally got the IV antibiotics and within a couple hours the fever was back down to 100.6, so they were doing their job! Dr. Felice actually came by the hospital and talked with us for a good 30 minutes. He is another great Doctor and I would be just as comfortable with him caring for me, as Dr. Heyer, now I know what Bill (Carol's husband) was talking about when he said the entire practice is really good!
At this point, am sweating again, have had no problems with fluids and peeing just fine. So if the fever abates tomorrow Dr. Felice indicated they would release me, otherwise they want me to stay so that they can monitor me. Also they want to see my WBC count start climbing and tomorrow if I'm still here or at home, I start with the Neupogen shots to kick my Immune System into high gear.
Well I'm sure some of you are yelling at me for not being asleep by now (yes Mother!) but I did doze on and off a bit earlier, not really tired, but starting to get droopy eyed now. So will sign off, turn off the lights and try and get some sleep. Please keep Marnie, Shannon, Ashley and the rest of my family in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with this little road bump. As well I could use a few thoughts and prayers myself... thanks one and all!!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Lows and Highs
Well the last few days have been a real roller coaster ride, with some real lows and highs.
Friday was a good day, got into the office and was good to spend time at work, getting caught up on a few things, seeing people and just getting back into the flow. A pretty regular day, still find I lack the energy and that can be frustrating at times. But dealing with it and just listening to my body and taking time out for rest as needed, so that I can keep healing. Had a fitful nights sleep in blocks, most odd, but my mind was already thinking about Saturday.
Saturday was a very low day.. perhaps the lowest I have been in a long time. Our good friend and neighbor across the street lost her battle with Cancer earlier this week and Saturday morning was the service and funeral. Carol had lung cancer, was being seen at the same practice I go too, and had been battling this disease for over a year and half now. Carol was such an influence on how one can have dignity and be positive even in the face of this devastating disease. She leaves behind her loving husband of more than 40 years Bill, 4 children and 3 grandchildren. I really struggled to hold it together during the events that morning, I am still at a loss to explain how it has made me feel, how I still grieve for her and I try to deal with own battle.
The day took a much brighter note when my older sister flew in from Kansas. The last time I saw her was Christmas '07, so it has been great to sit, chat and spend time with her these last couple days. Our neighbors came over and we had a BBQ last night, and it just so down home, family and relaxing. Some much needed recovery/distraction after the emotionally charged events of this week, earlier in the day.
Still seem to be sleeping in about 4 hour blocks, and that held true last night. This morning we just had a late brunch, went out to the mall and did some shopping, but mainly just time out from the house! Had a nice lunch at Macaroni Grill, and came home. Marnie, Ashley and I then took the motorcycles out for a couple hours and enjoyed some much needed time in the saddle with the wind in my face! It was around 60 degrees, just right with the layers on, and was really comfortable and refreshing. My Mom made some great chili for dinner and it was again just a down home family meal. Having them around this weekend, has been so good for my spirits and I'm just thankful they were able to be here with us. My sister leaves tomorrow, but my Mom is staying through the start of my 3 round of Chemo to help around the house with the girls, things and me ;-) LOL!!
I'm pretty tired after being on the go most of the day with no nap even, so getting back to normal ( if you can ever call me normal! LOL) and hope that a good solid nights sleep is in the cards! Back to work this week as I finish Round 1 with my treatment this coming Tuesday, and then start Round 2 next week.
My thanks for all the continuing thoughts, prayers, offers and help that everyone has put forth and contributed. You continue to awe and inspire me, I am blessed by all that you do, I am in your debt.
Friday was a good day, got into the office and was good to spend time at work, getting caught up on a few things, seeing people and just getting back into the flow. A pretty regular day, still find I lack the energy and that can be frustrating at times. But dealing with it and just listening to my body and taking time out for rest as needed, so that I can keep healing. Had a fitful nights sleep in blocks, most odd, but my mind was already thinking about Saturday.
Saturday was a very low day.. perhaps the lowest I have been in a long time. Our good friend and neighbor across the street lost her battle with Cancer earlier this week and Saturday morning was the service and funeral. Carol had lung cancer, was being seen at the same practice I go too, and had been battling this disease for over a year and half now. Carol was such an influence on how one can have dignity and be positive even in the face of this devastating disease. She leaves behind her loving husband of more than 40 years Bill, 4 children and 3 grandchildren. I really struggled to hold it together during the events that morning, I am still at a loss to explain how it has made me feel, how I still grieve for her and I try to deal with own battle.
The day took a much brighter note when my older sister flew in from Kansas. The last time I saw her was Christmas '07, so it has been great to sit, chat and spend time with her these last couple days. Our neighbors came over and we had a BBQ last night, and it just so down home, family and relaxing. Some much needed recovery/distraction after the emotionally charged events of this week, earlier in the day.
Still seem to be sleeping in about 4 hour blocks, and that held true last night. This morning we just had a late brunch, went out to the mall and did some shopping, but mainly just time out from the house! Had a nice lunch at Macaroni Grill, and came home. Marnie, Ashley and I then took the motorcycles out for a couple hours and enjoyed some much needed time in the saddle with the wind in my face! It was around 60 degrees, just right with the layers on, and was really comfortable and refreshing. My Mom made some great chili for dinner and it was again just a down home family meal. Having them around this weekend, has been so good for my spirits and I'm just thankful they were able to be here with us. My sister leaves tomorrow, but my Mom is staying through the start of my 3 round of Chemo to help around the house with the girls, things and me ;-) LOL!!
I'm pretty tired after being on the go most of the day with no nap even, so getting back to normal ( if you can ever call me normal! LOL) and hope that a good solid nights sleep is in the cards! Back to work this week as I finish Round 1 with my treatment this coming Tuesday, and then start Round 2 next week.
My thanks for all the continuing thoughts, prayers, offers and help that everyone has put forth and contributed. You continue to awe and inspire me, I am blessed by all that you do, I am in your debt.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Getting the strength back.... slowly!
Was reminded by a couple of comments by people today, that I have been a bit remiss in keeping up here, so here we go!
Monday finished out well for the most part, and Tuesday morning was good, started feeling pretty normal and was really looking forward to later that evening. Yes as an Irish man this was going to be a hard St. Patrick's Day, cause I couldn't have a wee drop! But still was looking to getting out to the club social and enjoying time spent with friends. However, it didn't turn out as expected; because the Chemo treatment that afternoon (weekly Bleomycin dosage) really whacked me hard. I was pretty much reduced to sitting in a chair feeling lethargic and ended the evening with the chills and crashed out.
Woke up on Wednesday very tired as I didn't sleep well at all, but feeling better as my body had processed out most of the Bleo. Was pretty much reduced to laying around most of the day and recovering from Tuesday's chemo. Lots of fluids during the day helped, ate well and by that evening was feeling more up to speed. Worked out well, I was able to make it to our first Softball Practice (this is the 12U team that I coach) This was just a short informational practice, and one of my assistants worked the girls, while I chatted with the parents. Have several returning players who aged up, some new players from other teams and even a girl new to playing softball. Seems like a good mix and I look forward to evaluating the girls and find them positions and getting some skills developed. Turns out one of my new parents is 2 years out from Hodgkin's Lymphoma, it's a small world, had a nice chat with her.
Was tired when I got home, but in a good way for getting out of the house and being active. Had a fantastic dinner delivered by the Cooksey's (one of my softball parents), which really hit the spot! Slept pretty good last night too. This morning felt good after a decent nights sleep and then it was off to school to watch Ashley in her 3rd Grade Musical, it was a good performance and Ashley even had a speaking role! She was excited and was good to be able to be there for her. Afterwards, Marnie and headed over to longtime friend who just opened his own CPA firm after a couple decades of working for others. So he is going to be our new accountant and we are really happy to be helping him out as he starts his own business!
Each day now seems to be building on the previous, feeling a bit better and more normal, but still tire out more easily and faster than I anticipate. Was going to try and get to the office this afternoon, but this mornings activities pretty much wiped me out, had a bit of nap, and afternoon of rest with a roaring fire while working from home. So off to work tomorrow and then hopefully will be able to put in a good week there next week too!
Monday finished out well for the most part, and Tuesday morning was good, started feeling pretty normal and was really looking forward to later that evening. Yes as an Irish man this was going to be a hard St. Patrick's Day, cause I couldn't have a wee drop! But still was looking to getting out to the club social and enjoying time spent with friends. However, it didn't turn out as expected; because the Chemo treatment that afternoon (weekly Bleomycin dosage) really whacked me hard. I was pretty much reduced to sitting in a chair feeling lethargic and ended the evening with the chills and crashed out.
Woke up on Wednesday very tired as I didn't sleep well at all, but feeling better as my body had processed out most of the Bleo. Was pretty much reduced to laying around most of the day and recovering from Tuesday's chemo. Lots of fluids during the day helped, ate well and by that evening was feeling more up to speed. Worked out well, I was able to make it to our first Softball Practice (this is the 12U team that I coach) This was just a short informational practice, and one of my assistants worked the girls, while I chatted with the parents. Have several returning players who aged up, some new players from other teams and even a girl new to playing softball. Seems like a good mix and I look forward to evaluating the girls and find them positions and getting some skills developed. Turns out one of my new parents is 2 years out from Hodgkin's Lymphoma, it's a small world, had a nice chat with her.
Was tired when I got home, but in a good way for getting out of the house and being active. Had a fantastic dinner delivered by the Cooksey's (one of my softball parents), which really hit the spot! Slept pretty good last night too. This morning felt good after a decent nights sleep and then it was off to school to watch Ashley in her 3rd Grade Musical, it was a good performance and Ashley even had a speaking role! She was excited and was good to be able to be there for her. Afterwards, Marnie and headed over to longtime friend who just opened his own CPA firm after a couple decades of working for others. So he is going to be our new accountant and we are really happy to be helping him out as he starts his own business!
Each day now seems to be building on the previous, feeling a bit better and more normal, but still tire out more easily and faster than I anticipate. Was going to try and get to the office this afternoon, but this mornings activities pretty much wiped me out, had a bit of nap, and afternoon of rest with a roaring fire while working from home. So off to work tomorrow and then hopefully will be able to put in a good week there next week too!
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