How to describe this past week?
It was one of the tougher ones The major issue has been mouth sores and dry mouth.
Oh yes, I also developed a rash on my left leg.
Oh, and I had a tooth infection.
Well, I also had to have two shots on Friday and Saturday to boost my white blood cell count.
If you listen to the research manager, I also have trouble speaking properly. However, I caught her miss-hearing things said on the television this past week. Therefore, I am somewhat skeptical of her observation. If it weren't for the fact that many others have trouble hearing me, I would discount her perspective entirely.
However, a prescription for an antibiotic and one for steroids for the rash and one for the dry mouth seem to be improving things and I am just these last few days beginning to feel human.
This past week has also brought some stress building events. First, the research manager getting a call at 3am advising her that one of her guardian ad litem children had run away. A few days later we, well she, ended up dealing with an emergency dental issue at midnight. I could not get my car to start because the ignition had locked and had to wait two days to get it fixed.
But, I want you to know that with all that stress, my blood pressure was the lowest ever (117/76) yesterday. Further, the shots have boosted my white blood cell count to a slightly more acceptable level. If we relax, things will work out as they should.
One final piece of advice. Never, and I mean never, let the research manager ride in your car. You will hear everything that is wrong with it and your car's feelings will be hurt.
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Looking good or good looking
Well, here we are the day after chemo. Bob and I are putting up with each other. I am tired, but doing not too badly yet.
I had another good meeting with Dr. Haider at Moffitt on Monday. She is so sensitive to allowing me to maintain my lifestyle that it is refreshing. She suggested a slight modification to my treatments that may help with the mouth sores. In addition, the cancer center prescribed something called Magic Mouth Wash, a mixture of Benadryl, Lidocaine and Maalox to help with the mouth sores. I am to swish this four times a day. Oh yes, I also got an antibiotic for a tooth infection.
What really excited me is that Doctor Haider, a young attractive doctor, told me that I look good. Is that the same as good looking?
On Tuesday, I learned that my white blood count is very low. Just high enough to get my treatment, but still low. As a result, I will be getting shots to boost my immune system on both Friday and Saturday.
I continue to forget things. Last Saturday, the research manager gave me a recipe that had come in the mail for a chicken dish. I faithfully went to the store, bought all the ingredients and came home without the recipe. Boy, was I in trouble. I screwed up my courage and called Denise Hobbs, a realtor who had sent the recipe, asking if I could get a second copy. She emailed it to me and asked me to tell her if it was good. Meanwhile, the research manager had come up with a variation, that was very good. I sent a note back to Denise, thanking her for the recipe and telling her that I really enjoyed dinner. Don't tell her what happened though.
One of the recent internet phenomenons is the Yanni-Laurel conundrum. The research manager found a site that explained why some people hear Yanni and some Laurel and how different ranges can change what you hear. All I ever heard was Yanni. The research manager is mostly Laurel. I guess opposites attract.
I have to get back to the second period of the hockey game. It is a good distraction.
We have taped the Survivor finale to watch it over the weekend. There are benefits to being sick: you get your television choice!
I had another good meeting with Dr. Haider at Moffitt on Monday. She is so sensitive to allowing me to maintain my lifestyle that it is refreshing. She suggested a slight modification to my treatments that may help with the mouth sores. In addition, the cancer center prescribed something called Magic Mouth Wash, a mixture of Benadryl, Lidocaine and Maalox to help with the mouth sores. I am to swish this four times a day. Oh yes, I also got an antibiotic for a tooth infection.
What really excited me is that Doctor Haider, a young attractive doctor, told me that I look good. Is that the same as good looking?
On Tuesday, I learned that my white blood count is very low. Just high enough to get my treatment, but still low. As a result, I will be getting shots to boost my immune system on both Friday and Saturday.
I continue to forget things. Last Saturday, the research manager gave me a recipe that had come in the mail for a chicken dish. I faithfully went to the store, bought all the ingredients and came home without the recipe. Boy, was I in trouble. I screwed up my courage and called Denise Hobbs, a realtor who had sent the recipe, asking if I could get a second copy. She emailed it to me and asked me to tell her if it was good. Meanwhile, the research manager had come up with a variation, that was very good. I sent a note back to Denise, thanking her for the recipe and telling her that I really enjoyed dinner. Don't tell her what happened though.
One of the recent internet phenomenons is the Yanni-Laurel conundrum. The research manager found a site that explained why some people hear Yanni and some Laurel and how different ranges can change what you hear. All I ever heard was Yanni. The research manager is mostly Laurel. I guess opposites attract.
I have to get back to the second period of the hockey game. It is a good distraction.
We have taped the Survivor finale to watch it over the weekend. There are benefits to being sick: you get your television choice!
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
The Beat Goes On.
Well, folks, we have the results of the petscan from yesterday.
There has been slight improvement from 2 months ago and the results are about equal to where they were back in July 2017, which was also after 4 months of chemo.
It, therefore, appears the Dr. Patel's additional 4 sessions of chemo is appropriate. Hopefully, these final 4 sessions will have the same beneficial effect that the final 4 did last fall.
Having said that, we will still b talking to Moffitt for their thoughts and we are also keeping an eye on alternate therapies which may be useful going forward. Obviously, supplements and diet are a constant as we go forward.
Keep smiling. There is a lot of work to be done here.
I am saddened to report that my dear cancer email correspondent passed away on Sunday. I picture Mary Jo joining some others who have passed previously in rooting for my recovery. I had the privilege of meeting MJ's daughters and husband today. The great news is that they said that they will be praying for me. I am fortunate to have so many prayer warriors in my corner.
This past chemo was tough. I felt fatigued, not very hungry and had significant mouth sores, particularly at night. The research manager has perfected the way to get blood off my pillow cases.
Tennis continues to be part of my routine. However, we had an interesting incident last week. The driver made, what I thought was a questionable call on one of my shots. When I commented on it after the game, she said that she learned it from me. Naturally, I was offended and said so. She responded in kind and, it was only by the grace of God that one of the other players was a therapist and was able to talk us down to peaceful coexistence.
We are now eating or taking out food from Nori Thai in St. Pete Beach. They know me well by now. When I went in tonight, my favorite waitress said, "Pick up, Charlie?" I said that I had gone to many bars looking for a pick up with not much success.
Oh well, I haven't had a put down either!
Time prevents further comments here. I have a couple of left of center comments if you ask.
Keep smiling. Chemo resumes next week and before you know it, it will be over. Ah, the good life.
There has been slight improvement from 2 months ago and the results are about equal to where they were back in July 2017, which was also after 4 months of chemo.
It, therefore, appears the Dr. Patel's additional 4 sessions of chemo is appropriate. Hopefully, these final 4 sessions will have the same beneficial effect that the final 4 did last fall.
Having said that, we will still b talking to Moffitt for their thoughts and we are also keeping an eye on alternate therapies which may be useful going forward. Obviously, supplements and diet are a constant as we go forward.
Keep smiling. There is a lot of work to be done here.
I am saddened to report that my dear cancer email correspondent passed away on Sunday. I picture Mary Jo joining some others who have passed previously in rooting for my recovery. I had the privilege of meeting MJ's daughters and husband today. The great news is that they said that they will be praying for me. I am fortunate to have so many prayer warriors in my corner.
This past chemo was tough. I felt fatigued, not very hungry and had significant mouth sores, particularly at night. The research manager has perfected the way to get blood off my pillow cases.
Tennis continues to be part of my routine. However, we had an interesting incident last week. The driver made, what I thought was a questionable call on one of my shots. When I commented on it after the game, she said that she learned it from me. Naturally, I was offended and said so. She responded in kind and, it was only by the grace of God that one of the other players was a therapist and was able to talk us down to peaceful coexistence.
We are now eating or taking out food from Nori Thai in St. Pete Beach. They know me well by now. When I went in tonight, my favorite waitress said, "Pick up, Charlie?" I said that I had gone to many bars looking for a pick up with not much success.
Oh well, I haven't had a put down either!
Time prevents further comments here. I have a couple of left of center comments if you ask.
Keep smiling. Chemo resumes next week and before you know it, it will be over. Ah, the good life.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Tough News
Some tough news this week.
As we approached chemo yesterday, I was feeling pretty good. Dry mouth was the only thing of note bothering me.
My numbers were okay before I met with Dr. Patel. But my White Blood Cells and Red Blood Cells were low and my platelet count was very low at 88. When I ask about the numbers, I am told that they are okay for someone on chemo. I am not sure that reassures me.
Then I met with Dr. Patel who advised me that no matter how good my petscan was next week, he was recommending another 4 rounds of chemo. He indicated that the full 6 months of chemo followed by maintenance was the most effective treatment. I, obviously am not delighted by this, but, it is what it is.
The research manager said that she thought that Dr. Patel wanted to do four more sessions because I am a good responder. Do you think that allows me to join events that recognize first responders? Or to get free things offered for first responders?
Some interesting observations from the week.
I went to buy a few shirts and picked up a neat red and black shirt (size L) that went well with my tennis shorts. When I put on the shirt, it looked more like a muscle shirt and I decided to return it. When I looked at the labels, I realized that I had purchased a kids large! Talk about chemo brain.
We had a great Kentucky Derby party this past Saturday. I won first prize for the best men's costume as I dressed up as a bookie. The interesting thing is that I forgot how to tie a tie. I finally figured it out, but it is indicative of what life in Florida does for you.
The cleaning lady comes every other Monday. I have always wondered what she thinks of the rubber duckies. Monday evening, I found that they were all moved from the places that I had left them Sunday night. Now I don't know how to interpret their locations since they have been interfered with.
Finally, I have found myself migrating to black shirts and dark gray shirts. I wear them when I know that I will not be seeing anyone that knows about red shirts. Imagine my surprise when I dropped into Halong Bay in a dark gray shirt and one of the waitresses asked why I was not wearing a red shirt!
So, folks, I want you to know that a black or dark gray shirt is now also a good sign. Green and Blue is still away down the list. Yellow is in the middle.
That's about it for tonight. Last night, I slept for 11 hours and I am hoping to do the same tonight. Rest is good.
One final note. My friend from Tampa who has pancreatic cancer has had a very tough time. She needs all the support and prayers that we can offer.
As we approached chemo yesterday, I was feeling pretty good. Dry mouth was the only thing of note bothering me.
My numbers were okay before I met with Dr. Patel. But my White Blood Cells and Red Blood Cells were low and my platelet count was very low at 88. When I ask about the numbers, I am told that they are okay for someone on chemo. I am not sure that reassures me.
Then I met with Dr. Patel who advised me that no matter how good my petscan was next week, he was recommending another 4 rounds of chemo. He indicated that the full 6 months of chemo followed by maintenance was the most effective treatment. I, obviously am not delighted by this, but, it is what it is.
The research manager said that she thought that Dr. Patel wanted to do four more sessions because I am a good responder. Do you think that allows me to join events that recognize first responders? Or to get free things offered for first responders?
Some interesting observations from the week.
I went to buy a few shirts and picked up a neat red and black shirt (size L) that went well with my tennis shorts. When I put on the shirt, it looked more like a muscle shirt and I decided to return it. When I looked at the labels, I realized that I had purchased a kids large! Talk about chemo brain.
We had a great Kentucky Derby party this past Saturday. I won first prize for the best men's costume as I dressed up as a bookie. The interesting thing is that I forgot how to tie a tie. I finally figured it out, but it is indicative of what life in Florida does for you.
The cleaning lady comes every other Monday. I have always wondered what she thinks of the rubber duckies. Monday evening, I found that they were all moved from the places that I had left them Sunday night. Now I don't know how to interpret their locations since they have been interfered with.
Finally, I have found myself migrating to black shirts and dark gray shirts. I wear them when I know that I will not be seeing anyone that knows about red shirts. Imagine my surprise when I dropped into Halong Bay in a dark gray shirt and one of the waitresses asked why I was not wearing a red shirt!
So, folks, I want you to know that a black or dark gray shirt is now also a good sign. Green and Blue is still away down the list. Yellow is in the middle.
That's about it for tonight. Last night, I slept for 11 hours and I am hoping to do the same tonight. Rest is good.
One final note. My friend from Tampa who has pancreatic cancer has had a very tough time. She needs all the support and prayers that we can offer.
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Uncle O.G.
What a difference a few days make.
It seems like just yesterday that I did not want to eat, had dry mouth, mouth sores and a lot of fatigue.
And then last night, my favorite bridge group threw an early birthday party for me with lots, and I mean LOTS, of good food. I did not feel like eating this morning, but that was only because I ate so much last night.
Today, I played three sets of tennis (don't tell the research manager), went to the club, came home and have been doing work since I got home, with no rest. Now that is how it should be.
I had blood tests yesterday and the results were okay. However, my white blood cells were low (1.8) and my ANC also. (1.1). These put me on the edge of needing shots to boost my immune system. Hopefully it will improve sufficiently to allow the 8th session of chemo next Tuesday. I was given a free bottle of Mugard, which is very effective for mouth sores. Since the retail price approaches $800 per bottle, it ought to be effective!
I don't want to discourage people from offering to do anything I wanted, but I am finding many empty promises. I usually ask for a new car, but the offer quickly disappears when I ask that. If I had a nickel for every time that happens, I could probably buy a new car myself!
When I go out of the house, the research manager has taken to doing a checklist to make sure I have everything that I need. However, when I come home she is not there to do a similar checklist. As a result, with my chemo brain, I have often left my keys in the car. So now, I try to do my own checklist and keys is at the top of the list.
Last week, I asked for help with names to use when signing in at the cancer center. I actually got many suggestions. Here are just a few:
Mack A Roni
Willie Doit
Betty Wont
Jim Boree
Dan D Lyon
Frank O Fone
Uncle O.G.
Think about that last one!
Time for a soak. Here's to a great weekend.
It seems like just yesterday that I did not want to eat, had dry mouth, mouth sores and a lot of fatigue.
And then last night, my favorite bridge group threw an early birthday party for me with lots, and I mean LOTS, of good food. I did not feel like eating this morning, but that was only because I ate so much last night.
Today, I played three sets of tennis (don't tell the research manager), went to the club, came home and have been doing work since I got home, with no rest. Now that is how it should be.
I had blood tests yesterday and the results were okay. However, my white blood cells were low (1.8) and my ANC also. (1.1). These put me on the edge of needing shots to boost my immune system. Hopefully it will improve sufficiently to allow the 8th session of chemo next Tuesday. I was given a free bottle of Mugard, which is very effective for mouth sores. Since the retail price approaches $800 per bottle, it ought to be effective!
I don't want to discourage people from offering to do anything I wanted, but I am finding many empty promises. I usually ask for a new car, but the offer quickly disappears when I ask that. If I had a nickel for every time that happens, I could probably buy a new car myself!
When I go out of the house, the research manager has taken to doing a checklist to make sure I have everything that I need. However, when I come home she is not there to do a similar checklist. As a result, with my chemo brain, I have often left my keys in the car. So now, I try to do my own checklist and keys is at the top of the list.
Last week, I asked for help with names to use when signing in at the cancer center. I actually got many suggestions. Here are just a few:
Mack A Roni
Willie Doit
Betty Wont
Jim Boree
Dan D Lyon
Frank O Fone
Uncle O.G.
Think about that last one!
Time for a soak. Here's to a great weekend.
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