Wow. I just found out you can't beat the chemo. I went in feeling good - and 2 weeks later as I get ready for another round I still am struggling. I was determined to beat the side effects this last time. Guess what? The chemo won.
Of course I worked harder this last 2 weeks. The remodeling and addition are worse than building a new house. We are making good progress but there are always the little things that slow you down.
I went in to Newton to check out my new digs for getting the chemo. Its a change and I'll have to get used to it. But they don't have internet so I'll not be able to blog while I am there. I'll have to complain about that - there must be patient rights or something to guarantee wireless in this new century.
Speaking of wireless do you realize there are still areas of this country that not only do not have internet service, cable TV and cell phone coverage? The local internet service provider in Elbing just got bought out by a bigger company and in a month or so our service should be approximately twice as fast. Hooray!
I see the Dr. Monday and have chemo Monday afternoon. Its a new schedule at Newton - Monday chemo and Wed pump off. But I am going to see if the Dr. can lighten the dose or something - I am growing weary of the side effects.
See you next time,
Gary
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
7 1/2 months and I feel FIESTY!
I can't believe it. I am sitting in the Wellkington hospital waiting for my chemo musing about my health. I almost bounced in this morning - after working hard yesterday. We were in Elbing and had numerous trips up and down the stairs, loaded the pickup a couple of times, even helped my son load a grill in the back of the truck. On top of that I met with 2 contractors and made a couple of trips to Newton (isn't it great to have both breakfast and lunch out!).
I have been watching my energy this last week and it is best yet this last week. The stamina is getting better (what is the difference between stamina and endurance?). I am using muscles that have been dormant - pulling nails out of trim yesterday was a measure of physical work I haven't seen for quite a while. Now if I could just get rid of the numbness in my hands and feet....
I am determined to power my way through the chemo this week. We'll see who wins -the poison or me....
We had lots of visits from friends last week - what a treasure to reconnect! And naturally the conversation turns to food - great places to eat out and enjoy fellowship.
We'll - all for now. This is my last treatment in Wellington. Next time I'll be up in Newton. We should be moving in the next month. Thankfully we are making good progress on the remodel and addition at the Elbing place. By the way - the fescue is greening up and we will be mowing before long!
I have been watching my energy this last week and it is best yet this last week. The stamina is getting better (what is the difference between stamina and endurance?). I am using muscles that have been dormant - pulling nails out of trim yesterday was a measure of physical work I haven't seen for quite a while. Now if I could just get rid of the numbness in my hands and feet....
I am determined to power my way through the chemo this week. We'll see who wins -the poison or me....
We had lots of visits from friends last week - what a treasure to reconnect! And naturally the conversation turns to food - great places to eat out and enjoy fellowship.
We'll - all for now. This is my last treatment in Wellington. Next time I'll be up in Newton. We should be moving in the next month. Thankfully we are making good progress on the remodel and addition at the Elbing place. By the way - the fescue is greening up and we will be mowing before long!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Great news from the Dr.
You all remember we started the cancer count around 460 in July when I was in real bad shape. Then it dropped off to 35 or so around December and in January it dropped to 8.1. Now that its February the count is down to 7.6. That is great news. The Dr. wants to see a downward trend or level.
So for now we will maintain the every 2 week chemo treatments. As the Dr. says I have a "lot" going on with my particular cancer and there is no reason to not keep up the treatments.
I am only on 2 chemicals now - the standard 5FU chemo and a new chemical called "Avaston" that starves the blood vesssels that feed the cancer cells. The good news is I am responding well to the treatments and there is no need to change the protocol. But if and when we do have to switch the Dr. mentioned that there is a "new" protocol now so we'll just keep our heads up with hope for a good future!
The neuropathy is better and the Dr. says the farther away (longer) I am off the Oxal (got off in December) the better the foot drop and eventually the hands will get better. I can't wait - with renewed energy and a better foot I can motivate faster - almost like old times.
Of course the 3 days of chemo still take there toll with side effects - the old "flu" like symptoms for 5 days or so.
But all in all things are much better and I look forward to continued improvement. I know Sandy appreciates this as well since I can start helping her a little. I am really spoiled now because she is such a good nurse. Did I mention I actually put on 5 lbs? And the cancer is count is down at the same time? That's great!
So for now we will maintain the every 2 week chemo treatments. As the Dr. says I have a "lot" going on with my particular cancer and there is no reason to not keep up the treatments.
I am only on 2 chemicals now - the standard 5FU chemo and a new chemical called "Avaston" that starves the blood vesssels that feed the cancer cells. The good news is I am responding well to the treatments and there is no need to change the protocol. But if and when we do have to switch the Dr. mentioned that there is a "new" protocol now so we'll just keep our heads up with hope for a good future!
The neuropathy is better and the Dr. says the farther away (longer) I am off the Oxal (got off in December) the better the foot drop and eventually the hands will get better. I can't wait - with renewed energy and a better foot I can motivate faster - almost like old times.
Of course the 3 days of chemo still take there toll with side effects - the old "flu" like symptoms for 5 days or so.
But all in all things are much better and I look forward to continued improvement. I know Sandy appreciates this as well since I can start helping her a little. I am really spoiled now because she is such a good nurse. Did I mention I actually put on 5 lbs? And the cancer is count is down at the same time? That's great!
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