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
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Gary & Sandy ~~ So glad to hear the good news. Sorry to say, I haven't been checking in too often. Have been so busy w/church work I hardly have time for anything else, but I guess that's a good thing. Who better could I work for than the Lord? Pop some times complains of my many hours on church work & functions. Does he feel slighted? Probably, but he certainly isn't abused -- believe me, he's not. He's such a funny guy in his own way!! Had a very nice big Cattlemen's Day Parade and activities Saturday. Pop drove his '37 Pontiac in the parade. I worked a bake sale -- you guessed it for the church ladies fellowship. We made over $200 and had such fun and saw lots of people I hadn't seen in ages. We had a guest pasor yesterday from Wichita. Our pastor was diagnosed with H1N1 a week ago so did not come into the office all week,nor attempt to lead worship yesterday. Think she will be back in the office tomorrow. Our chuch Thanksgiving Dinner is the 22nd & that is always a big event and we all look forward to it. Well, my dear ones, keep up the good work. I'll be checking back in!! Love to you both -- Aunt Carolyn
ReplyDeleteGary-
ReplyDeleteIt is great to hear the good news. Bob W. usually keeps me up to date on your progress, but I have not seen Bob in a couple of weeks, so I dug the URL out of my email archives. We will keep you and Sandy in our prayers.
Tony