Sorry if I freaked a few of you out, got caught up with getting ready for Rolling Thunder and didn't get to posting here! Well after recovering from a weekend of riding the motorcycle and spending time with a couple hundred of our close SCRC friends, back to business.
Saw Dr. Heyer on Thursday and he confirmed what I saw on the CT scans, the chemotherapy shrunk the tumor over 60%! And he was overall happy with the results and my tumor markers in my blood are all back to a normal level.
What they can't tell at this point is if the remaining tissue is just 'scar tissue' or it is still metabolically active (ie still a viable tumor and growing) Based on previous studies less than 25% of the time is the tumor still alive. So to determine if this is the case, I'm going to have a PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography) at the end of June. With the help of a tagged sugar, this scan determines if the area is still highly active (indicative of cancer)
If the PET scan comes back as normal, then we are into the watch mode following treatment that can go on for 3-4 years. If the PET scan comes back with the tumor as still alive/active, then I have surgery to remove the residual mass (now possible due to being post chemo and the size of the remaining mass)
So right now just getting back on with life, softball is winding down, school ends in a couple weeks and Shannon will be graduating to Middle School! Working at least half time in the office, and slowly increasing that over the coming weeks. But taking it slow as I regain my strength and stamina.
Not the ideal outcome from the Doctor's visit, would have loved to hear that the tumor was all gone! But better than it's still the same and chemo had no effect on the tumor.. YIKES... that would have sucked! So we are just trying to put this on the back burner and keep busy with life, family, friends, work, etc. We'll see what happens come the end of June. Will keep writing here every week or so, keeping ya'll up to date.
Your thoughts, prayers, and everything else has certainly been invaluable and I can't express enough what it has meant to not only myself but Marnie. We are still in awe of all the support that we have received from all corners of our lives, you guys ROCK!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Catching back up
Wow been almost 2 weeks since I last blogged here, sorry for falling off the wagon. Let me update you on the happenings since I last posted.
So had the last chemo on Tuesday May 5th, and found out that I was pretty anemic. That would explain why I had mentally felt good the week before, but was so physically exhausted. I was unable to do a lot and was resting with morning and afternoon naps because my body wasn't getting enough oxygen.
Dr. Heyer said we could do nothing and it would take me 6 to 8 weeks to recover, or I could have an infusion of 2 units of blood and that put some pep in my step. Well that was pretty much a no brainer! So spent 6 hours on Wed May 6th getting infused with 2 units of whole blood. Took a couple days and then I was raring to go. Some folks who saw me before and then a couple days after the infusion said it was like two different people! The bags were gone from under my eyes, my skin tone went from Chemo Grey to normal and I looked all around more healthy.
Since then I have been trying to get out of the house, now that I don't get exhausted so easily. Been working half days in the office last week and this week, and jumped back into coaching softball. Keeping busy and trying to keep my mind busy and feeling good to be out and about again! Had a nice long walk yesterday with Shannon (riding her scooter!) and after this weekend will start some light weight lifting again.
Went for my CT scans on Monday May 18th (Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis) it was a quick in and out for the scans, which was nice, although I felt the contrast throughout my body the rest of the day. It has been hard with waiting for the results, all sorts of thoughts going through my mind and I have been trying to keep my mind busy with other things, yet it seems to swing back around to here again and again. Been hard to communicate and that is a primary reason why I haven't blogged in so long.
See Dr. Heyer again on the afternoon of Thursday May 21st and will get the results of the CT scans then as well as the next course of action. This being in limbo is driving me batty!
Will post here tomorrow evening and let you all know what happens...
So had the last chemo on Tuesday May 5th, and found out that I was pretty anemic. That would explain why I had mentally felt good the week before, but was so physically exhausted. I was unable to do a lot and was resting with morning and afternoon naps because my body wasn't getting enough oxygen.
Dr. Heyer said we could do nothing and it would take me 6 to 8 weeks to recover, or I could have an infusion of 2 units of blood and that put some pep in my step. Well that was pretty much a no brainer! So spent 6 hours on Wed May 6th getting infused with 2 units of whole blood. Took a couple days and then I was raring to go. Some folks who saw me before and then a couple days after the infusion said it was like two different people! The bags were gone from under my eyes, my skin tone went from Chemo Grey to normal and I looked all around more healthy.
Since then I have been trying to get out of the house, now that I don't get exhausted so easily. Been working half days in the office last week and this week, and jumped back into coaching softball. Keeping busy and trying to keep my mind busy and feeling good to be out and about again! Had a nice long walk yesterday with Shannon (riding her scooter!) and after this weekend will start some light weight lifting again.
Went for my CT scans on Monday May 18th (Chest, Abdomen, and Pelvis) it was a quick in and out for the scans, which was nice, although I felt the contrast throughout my body the rest of the day. It has been hard with waiting for the results, all sorts of thoughts going through my mind and I have been trying to keep my mind busy with other things, yet it seems to swing back around to here again and again. Been hard to communicate and that is a primary reason why I haven't blogged in so long.
See Dr. Heyer again on the afternoon of Thursday May 21st and will get the results of the CT scans then as well as the next course of action. This being in limbo is driving me batty!
Will post here tomorrow evening and let you all know what happens...
Sunday, May 3, 2009
I'm going to Relay for Life
Well as the Chemo is winding down, I'm starting to feel normal, just get tired out way to easily! Got out to work for a bit on Friday and it was good to be out of the house, doing some things. It was great to see faces and not the four walls of the house! Here's a photo that was taken by a co-worker while I was at the office.
Saturday, I got out to Shannon's softball game and sat on the bench (well mostly! LOL) and helped coach for the first time this season. The girls were excited to see me out there and I was really enjoying being there, watching them play ball and improve. I miss this and look forward to getting back to coaching soon! However, it certainly takes a lot out of me, had a two hour nap that afternoon.. LOL Then went over to a friends for a nice relaxing evening of poker.
So, Thursday afternoon I was down at the girl's school and found out that Shannon's teacher from last year (Whitney Cook) is also a Cancer Survivor, along with several other faculty and staff from Clearview Elementary. They invited me to join their team and walk with them in the Relay for Life. I was honored and agreed to participate.
I'm wanted to let you know about this decision I have made and ask you to again support me in my continued fight against this insidious disease. It would be great to make a big contribution and hope that you will consider assisting me in this endeavor! You can help out by visiting the link below:
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/rogmon
If you would like to come out in person and be a part of the actual Relay for Life activities, here are the details:
Where: Herndon High School
When: Saturday, June 13, 2009
Time: 1:30 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning (Luminary lighting 9:00 p.m.)
Location: 700 Bennett St
Herndon, VA 20170
I'm still in awe of all that so many have done and continue to do as I battle the Cancer that invaded my body. We talk about friends and being there for one another, well if there were ever any doubts in my mind, they were eradicated as I have watched and received so much support, thoughts, prayers and help from people near and afar! I am honored, shocked, humbled and truly appreciate what you all have done to support not only me, but Marnie and girls during this challenging time in our lives.
Saturday, I got out to Shannon's softball game and sat on the bench (well mostly! LOL) and helped coach for the first time this season. The girls were excited to see me out there and I was really enjoying being there, watching them play ball and improve. I miss this and look forward to getting back to coaching soon! However, it certainly takes a lot out of me, had a two hour nap that afternoon.. LOL Then went over to a friends for a nice relaxing evening of poker.
So, Thursday afternoon I was down at the girl's school and found out that Shannon's teacher from last year (Whitney Cook) is also a Cancer Survivor, along with several other faculty and staff from Clearview Elementary. They invited me to join their team and walk with them in the Relay for Life. I was honored and agreed to participate.
I'm wanted to let you know about this decision I have made and ask you to again support me in my continued fight against this insidious disease. It would be great to make a big contribution and hope that you will consider assisting me in this endeavor! You can help out by visiting the link below:
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/rogmon
If you would like to come out in person and be a part of the actual Relay for Life activities, here are the details:
Where: Herndon High School
When: Saturday, June 13, 2009
Time: 1:30 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning (Luminary lighting 9:00 p.m.)
Location: 700 Bennett St
Herndon, VA 20170
I'm still in awe of all that so many have done and continue to do as I battle the Cancer that invaded my body. We talk about friends and being there for one another, well if there were ever any doubts in my mind, they were eradicated as I have watched and received so much support, thoughts, prayers and help from people near and afar! I am honored, shocked, humbled and truly appreciate what you all have done to support not only me, but Marnie and girls during this challenging time in our lives.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
And then there was one
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!!
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!!
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.
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