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!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
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!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wow! Feeling better is a reality!
I can't believe it. This week has been the best ever. I am 2 months past the last "Oxal" chemo treatment and my body is starting to recover. The energy level is up and fatigue down. And - get this - my foot is starting to work a little better. Cool magoo! I am not ready to jog yet but I can walk at a more spirited pace. And I think I am detecting the ability to raise my toes just a little - that may not seem like a big deal to you but to me that is just awesome!
Now if I can just get the "frozen" fingers to work better....I am impatient. But do you know what all this really means? I am getting better, there is renewed hope for the future, and quality of life is improving. WOW!
We see the doctor this coming Monday so I'll be glad to update him on how good he is doing....
Stay tuned....
Now if I can just get the "frozen" fingers to work better....I am impatient. But do you know what all this really means? I am getting better, there is renewed hope for the future, and quality of life is improving. WOW!
We see the doctor this coming Monday so I'll be glad to update him on how good he is doing....
Stay tuned....
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
How many chapters are in your life book?
I am sitting in the chemo ward getting my bi-weekly chemo infusion. This morning as I was laying in bed contemplating the twists and turns of my life I began to see the past in terms of chapters. Can you remember some of your grade school antics? I can. What about high school? Sure. How many different jobs have you had? I remember clearly my first job in a bicycle shop and how I worked to earn money for my first 5-speed. I was to impatient to save money for a 10-speed. The chapters tend to blur during the 4 decades of work, raising a family and the routines of life - until all of a sudden a new chapter took an unexpected turn in the book. A twist of fate? Judgement for past sins? Consequences that I could have avoided? How does one sort it all out?
But the key is writing the remaining chapters. As the day comes closer for closing on our house and moving from Wellington back to Elbing I ask myself how do I want this chapter written? Of course, I can only impact some of the direction of the book -after all - what's an adventure without surprises?
So as I contemplate what the priorities are certain things remain as constants. You can probably figure it out before you even read it -its all about relationships. With God, wife, children, grandchildren, friends and ascquaintances. What a wonderful time to enjoy people!
What does your list look like? How do you want your book to be written?
Stay tuned - Lord willing and the creek don't rise I'll be back with another update.
Gary
But the key is writing the remaining chapters. As the day comes closer for closing on our house and moving from Wellington back to Elbing I ask myself how do I want this chapter written? Of course, I can only impact some of the direction of the book -after all - what's an adventure without surprises?
So as I contemplate what the priorities are certain things remain as constants. You can probably figure it out before you even read it -its all about relationships. With God, wife, children, grandchildren, friends and ascquaintances. What a wonderful time to enjoy people!
What does your list look like? How do you want your book to be written?
Stay tuned - Lord willing and the creek don't rise I'll be back with another update.
Gary
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Whew! I'm glad 2009 is over!
How was your 2009? As I look back at mine - moved into a new house, lost a job, got cancer, became a chemo addict, sold the new house - plus all the associated emotional swings caused by all the drama (fears) I am just glad its over.
I haven't had chemo for a month now and the last week has finally resulted in better energy and mind clarity. In case I haven't told you before along with the other side effects of chemo is a "brain fog" which is debilitating when you don't have a lot of brain cells to start with!
The doctor visit this week sets up the new year for us. While the spots on the liver continue to be reduced there is no escaping the reality of a maintenance program from now on. In actuality, my maintenance will be what my 11th treatment was - both avaston (blood vessel starvation of cancer cells and not an actual chemo drug) and 5FU (chemo) will be administered every 2 weeks. The oxal (the really nasty chemo) is over but it has done its damage. I can hardly type due to no feeling in my fingers. The numbness in hands and feet will continue to get worse for awhile then I can expect a gradual improvement. The oxal results in the condition known as neropathy which has caused my foot drop (basically its all nerve damage).
I'll still have the pump on for 2 days after the infusion so every 2 weeks I'll have 3 days where I have to deal with a 6 hour infusion in the hospital and a couple more days of infusion by external pump that I will wear. We'll - so be it. What's the alternative? To me - the goal is to continue to get stronger and have better endurance - that will improve quality of life. Remember - this cancer cannot be cured - only controlled (for a period of time).
What will 2010 bring? For us it means closing on this house, moving back to Elbing, rennovating, remodeling and getting re-instated into the community. All in all its a "praise the Lord" scenario because we'll be able to do this - and there was a period of time in 2009 when I wasn't sure this would ever be a reality due to sickness and no buyer for our house.
I'm not big on New Year's resolutions - but here is what I have learned in 2009 - nothing is more important than relationships (with our Lord and Saviour, wife and family, friends and acquaintances). Thanks to all who have helped us through 2009 with your comments, encouragement and visits. We are blessed with such a strong support (includes prayer) community.
Love to all and a Happy New Year!
Gary & Sandy
I haven't had chemo for a month now and the last week has finally resulted in better energy and mind clarity. In case I haven't told you before along with the other side effects of chemo is a "brain fog" which is debilitating when you don't have a lot of brain cells to start with!
The doctor visit this week sets up the new year for us. While the spots on the liver continue to be reduced there is no escaping the reality of a maintenance program from now on. In actuality, my maintenance will be what my 11th treatment was - both avaston (blood vessel starvation of cancer cells and not an actual chemo drug) and 5FU (chemo) will be administered every 2 weeks. The oxal (the really nasty chemo) is over but it has done its damage. I can hardly type due to no feeling in my fingers. The numbness in hands and feet will continue to get worse for awhile then I can expect a gradual improvement. The oxal results in the condition known as neropathy which has caused my foot drop (basically its all nerve damage).
I'll still have the pump on for 2 days after the infusion so every 2 weeks I'll have 3 days where I have to deal with a 6 hour infusion in the hospital and a couple more days of infusion by external pump that I will wear. We'll - so be it. What's the alternative? To me - the goal is to continue to get stronger and have better endurance - that will improve quality of life. Remember - this cancer cannot be cured - only controlled (for a period of time).
What will 2010 bring? For us it means closing on this house, moving back to Elbing, rennovating, remodeling and getting re-instated into the community. All in all its a "praise the Lord" scenario because we'll be able to do this - and there was a period of time in 2009 when I wasn't sure this would ever be a reality due to sickness and no buyer for our house.
I'm not big on New Year's resolutions - but here is what I have learned in 2009 - nothing is more important than relationships (with our Lord and Saviour, wife and family, friends and acquaintances). Thanks to all who have helped us through 2009 with your comments, encouragement and visits. We are blessed with such a strong support (includes prayer) community.
Love to all and a Happy New Year!
Gary & Sandy
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Dec 1 - anniversary and lots of good news!
Today is our 31st anniversary and we are celebrating not only the goodness of marriage but good news from the doctor and news of a buyer for our house!
Yesterday we visited with the oncologist and the CEA count is down to 13. Yes, that's correct - 13. That is a long way from where we started. The doctor grinned and said I was a poster child for getting well on this treatment! Great! I complained (just a little) about the side effects and how they are getting worse so he decided to drop the particular chemical that is causing the major side effects (sensitivity to cold, numbness in hands & feet, nausea, fatigue). I have taken 10 of the maximum 12 doses of this and it sure doesn't hurt my feelings to drop it. So I am hoping I just breeze through this treatment (and the next).
I am feeling much stronger as I start this treatment. So after 2 more of these we do the cat scan routine then go on a maintenance program. That's when things will get interesting - there is no prescribed protocol for maintenance on folks like myself that are dealing with metastasized colon cancer. So when we get to that point the doctor will prescribe what he thinks best and we shall see how I respond.
So praise the Lord for the good report! And - can you believe it? We have a buyer for the house. That is another praise item for all of you who have been praying. We have set a closing date of March 1 to give me time to make necessary arrangements for moving back home - to Elbing.
We had the best Thanksgiving ever and we hope you all did also. The weather was just great and our houseful of company was able to enjoy the outdoors as well as the indoors. So the blessings just continue (although we think we are going to get a dose of winter yet this week.
Stay tuned!
Gary
Yesterday we visited with the oncologist and the CEA count is down to 13. Yes, that's correct - 13. That is a long way from where we started. The doctor grinned and said I was a poster child for getting well on this treatment! Great! I complained (just a little) about the side effects and how they are getting worse so he decided to drop the particular chemical that is causing the major side effects (sensitivity to cold, numbness in hands & feet, nausea, fatigue). I have taken 10 of the maximum 12 doses of this and it sure doesn't hurt my feelings to drop it. So I am hoping I just breeze through this treatment (and the next).
I am feeling much stronger as I start this treatment. So after 2 more of these we do the cat scan routine then go on a maintenance program. That's when things will get interesting - there is no prescribed protocol for maintenance on folks like myself that are dealing with metastasized colon cancer. So when we get to that point the doctor will prescribe what he thinks best and we shall see how I respond.
So praise the Lord for the good report! And - can you believe it? We have a buyer for the house. That is another praise item for all of you who have been praying. We have set a closing date of March 1 to give me time to make necessary arrangements for moving back home - to Elbing.
We had the best Thanksgiving ever and we hope you all did also. The weather was just great and our houseful of company was able to enjoy the outdoors as well as the indoors. So the blessings just continue (although we think we are going to get a dose of winter yet this week.
Stay tuned!
Gary
Friday, November 20, 2009
Nov 20 - where has the time gone?
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
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
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