Wow - its Friday November 20. Thanksgiving is next week and we aren't completely ready yet - but we'll keep trying. I just got done with treatment #10 - can you believe it? I felt stronger going into this treatment than any before so something must be working. So far so good - just the usual side effects.
The good news is if I have it all figured out correctly is there are only 2 more treatments left - then I can go on a maintenance program and we shall see what the cancer does then. I am REALLY looking forward to being done with the 12 chemo treatments I am on now. Every 2 weeks is draining.
We've had good sunny days lately - and that helps a lot with attitude. I am not a fan of gray, rainy days and need my dose of sun to help with the cheery outlook. We have been working on putting some Christmas lights up - and that is cheerful as well.
Next week we have lots of family coming and that will be special. Then after they are all gone I go back to the oncologist to get the latest update before the next 2 treatments start. We trust all will be more good news.
Sandy and I are reading a new book called "Anti-Cancer". Its really moving and addresses emotional and nutritional type information and is written by a doctor that had brain cancer. Its really quite eye opening to read and understand how many people are affected by all this.
All for now - I just wanted to get a quick update out. We are doing ok and actually a little better so praise the Lord for that!
Gary
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Nov 3 and back on line - with oncologist update
Well, I don't know what to share first: the computer melt down I caused or the oncologist report. Hmmm,,,,,,ok, first we go with the oncologist.
The oncologist had all GOOD NEWS. The uptick in the CEA count last month to 48 is now back down to 33. That's good and we don't have to have an unscheduled scan. A second good indicator is I gained a little weight. Now most of you don't think of that as a good thing but for a cancer patient that is good news. It indicates I can eat and complete the rest of the tasks associated with fueling your body. And I admit, last month we ate out in restaurants a lot more as I felt better and visited with friends so that probably contributed to the cause. Also - the doctor poked around on my stomach and said it was soft as a baby. Hmmm,,,,what - no hardbody? Oh well - for this case its good news not to have any thing feeling out of the ordinary in the stomach region.
So we stay on the plan - I had chemo today. But maintenance is is the discussion now for next year. The good thing about that is I will be able to drop the oxaliplatin. That is the nasty stuff that causes the worst side effects - super sensitivity to cold (today it was 62 degrees and I had to wear gloves and needed a scarf while I was out doing some yard work after getting out of the hospital). And of course the fatigue and lack of stamina continues to be a constant companion.
Ok - now for the computer. Yup - I did it. And I consider myself somewhat a technical person. I downloaded some optimizing software that destroyed the computers ability to function completely. Thankfully the real techies were able to back up and restore all my files while reloading the operating system (XP) and reloading all the OEM quicksets (Dell). So now I am back online and recovering from email withdrawal.
What else is new? Lots of great visits from friends - let's keep that up please because it is a real source of inspiration. And lots of emails from friends that can't visit - that's cool.
Stay tuned - Gary
The oncologist had all GOOD NEWS. The uptick in the CEA count last month to 48 is now back down to 33. That's good and we don't have to have an unscheduled scan. A second good indicator is I gained a little weight. Now most of you don't think of that as a good thing but for a cancer patient that is good news. It indicates I can eat and complete the rest of the tasks associated with fueling your body. And I admit, last month we ate out in restaurants a lot more as I felt better and visited with friends so that probably contributed to the cause. Also - the doctor poked around on my stomach and said it was soft as a baby. Hmmm,,,,what - no hardbody? Oh well - for this case its good news not to have any thing feeling out of the ordinary in the stomach region.
So we stay on the plan - I had chemo today. But maintenance is is the discussion now for next year. The good thing about that is I will be able to drop the oxaliplatin. That is the nasty stuff that causes the worst side effects - super sensitivity to cold (today it was 62 degrees and I had to wear gloves and needed a scarf while I was out doing some yard work after getting out of the hospital). And of course the fatigue and lack of stamina continues to be a constant companion.
Ok - now for the computer. Yup - I did it. And I consider myself somewhat a technical person. I downloaded some optimizing software that destroyed the computers ability to function completely. Thankfully the real techies were able to back up and restore all my files while reloading the operating system (XP) and reloading all the OEM quicksets (Dell). So now I am back online and recovering from email withdrawal.
What else is new? Lots of great visits from friends - let's keep that up please because it is a real source of inspiration. And lots of emails from friends that can't visit - that's cool.
Stay tuned - Gary
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