An interesting week.
This was my first week using Xeloda and it went fairly well. There are been no major side effects. I have lost about 1/2 of the weight that I gained during my respite week. And my blood numbers have improved in virtually every category. Except my "Immature Gran" numbers are unchanged. So I am still as immature as before.
I am protecting my hands and feet, wearing a glove for tennis, new tennis shoes, thicker socks et cetera. So far no major issues with either, except perhaps a slight increase in neuropathy and my nails are growing irregularly and are chipping. I thought about using nail polish to cover my nails, but I could not find a color that I liked.
I am thinking about getting a pediatrician, er, a podiatrist to deal with the nails on my feet. Do you know the difference between the two? One deals with your feet and and other deals with those that can get under your feet.
I visited my GI doctor, yes the one who discovered my tumor that started my journey. He wants to do another colonoscopy just to check out what is happening down there. I will be doing that in a few weeks. I want to avoid a week in which I am taking Xeloda given the prep that is necessary.
After the exam, he asked me to close my eyes and forget that I ever had a colonoscopy, petscan or chemotherapy and then to tell him whether I felt like I had cancer. My honest answer was "no." He said that was good.
I was also buoyed by a study that indicated that tennis is one of the best forms of exercise to prolong your life (well, in this case, my life!) A significant part of the benefit is the socialization that you have with tennis.
So, all things considered, I am grateful for each and everyone of you that in different ways help me along this journey.
Above all, I continue to be astounded by the research and support that I receive from the research manager. "Thanks" is an inadequate word to express my appreciation.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Changes
This has been a week of change.
The first change is that I gained too many pounds during my week away. The interesting thing is that many have told me that I look great (better than before.) So the best way to look good is to gain weight? It seems like only a few months ago people were saying that I looked good because I had lost weight. Who knows.
The next change or should I say changes result from leaving the research manager at home alone with her computer for a week. We have added several items to the repertoire. Black seed oil, K2, sublingual B12 and, of course, Xeloda.
The challenge is to know how to take them. I got a double whammy from the research manager this morning. I was to take the sublingual B12 before breakfast, which I did, holding it under my tongue for 30 seconds and then, emptying the kitchen sink of soapy water so that I could spit it out. Wrong. I was then supposed to swallow it. Later, after breakfast, the research manager asked why on earth I had let the water out of the sink as she was going to clean the frying pans from breakfast.She then realized and I had to admit it was to spit out the B12 that I was not supposed to spit out. So.......whammy one and whammy two!
My first visit yesterday was at the cancer center where I got my first infusion of Avastin in the new protocol. We then sped over to Moffitt Cancer Center for my second opinion meeting with Dr. Levine. He is an interesting guy, quite traditional with a friendly style. While I am hoping this connection will lead to future trials, in the meantime, there is total agreement that Xeloda is the right course for now. Dr. Levine indicated that there is a lot of ammo that we can use and my plan is to keep using traditional ammo until some new things are proven. He is ordering some tests on the tumor that was removed to help determine my suitability for such things as genetic manipulation.
I took my first 4 Xeloda pills last night and have done eight more today. This has brought more change. As an aside, I learned that my recent vitamin D reading was actually 81.9 and not 28. Apparently the doctor was looking at the wrong report. So, no more speedo and no nude bathing. That is a good thing for more than one reason. The real reason is that with Xeloda, I should avoid sunlight as Xeloda can affect the skin's reaction to too much sun. So, I now have a hat for tennis and am applying sunscreen.
The next change is that I am now wearing a glove to play tennis. A good percentage of people get hand and foot syndrome with Xeloda. This manifests itself as blisters on the hands and feet. So protection against trauma to the hands and feet is important. One of my doctors even suggested that I should not play tennis. Fat chance of that happening. I also have to apply a special cream to my hands and feet.
I read recently that depression can be a problem. I don't intend to let that happen, but just imagine, if you are getting treatment, got depressed and lived further south, you might cause a hurricane. Why? It would be a "tropical depression."
I wasn't going to include that last paragraph to spare you the groaner, but I changed my mind!
The first change is that I gained too many pounds during my week away. The interesting thing is that many have told me that I look great (better than before.) So the best way to look good is to gain weight? It seems like only a few months ago people were saying that I looked good because I had lost weight. Who knows.
The next change or should I say changes result from leaving the research manager at home alone with her computer for a week. We have added several items to the repertoire. Black seed oil, K2, sublingual B12 and, of course, Xeloda.
The challenge is to know how to take them. I got a double whammy from the research manager this morning. I was to take the sublingual B12 before breakfast, which I did, holding it under my tongue for 30 seconds and then, emptying the kitchen sink of soapy water so that I could spit it out. Wrong. I was then supposed to swallow it. Later, after breakfast, the research manager asked why on earth I had let the water out of the sink as she was going to clean the frying pans from breakfast.She then realized and I had to admit it was to spit out the B12 that I was not supposed to spit out. So.......whammy one and whammy two!
My first visit yesterday was at the cancer center where I got my first infusion of Avastin in the new protocol. We then sped over to Moffitt Cancer Center for my second opinion meeting with Dr. Levine. He is an interesting guy, quite traditional with a friendly style. While I am hoping this connection will lead to future trials, in the meantime, there is total agreement that Xeloda is the right course for now. Dr. Levine indicated that there is a lot of ammo that we can use and my plan is to keep using traditional ammo until some new things are proven. He is ordering some tests on the tumor that was removed to help determine my suitability for such things as genetic manipulation.
I took my first 4 Xeloda pills last night and have done eight more today. This has brought more change. As an aside, I learned that my recent vitamin D reading was actually 81.9 and not 28. Apparently the doctor was looking at the wrong report. So, no more speedo and no nude bathing. That is a good thing for more than one reason. The real reason is that with Xeloda, I should avoid sunlight as Xeloda can affect the skin's reaction to too much sun. So, I now have a hat for tennis and am applying sunscreen.
The next change is that I am now wearing a glove to play tennis. A good percentage of people get hand and foot syndrome with Xeloda. This manifests itself as blisters on the hands and feet. So protection against trauma to the hands and feet is important. One of my doctors even suggested that I should not play tennis. Fat chance of that happening. I also have to apply a special cream to my hands and feet.
I read recently that depression can be a problem. I don't intend to let that happen, but just imagine, if you are getting treatment, got depressed and lived further south, you might cause a hurricane. Why? It would be a "tropical depression."
I wasn't going to include that last paragraph to spare you the groaner, but I changed my mind!
Wednesday, August 29, 2018
Preparation, peering, plates and prayers
You might say that this week is a sabbatical, a calm before the storm, a respite from the rest of the world, some time to build up my white blood cells and get ready for the next phase.
This coming Tuesday will be a big day as I mentioned last week. The pills are on the way and I will see the doctor at the cancer center to find out where my blood stands, get an infusion of Avastin and learn how to take the pills. Now, I have lots of experience in taking pills, but I guess there is more to learn.
After that, I will go to Moffitt Cancer Center to meet my new doctor there and learn of his thoughts. There seem to be a number of trials that might fit me either now or down the road and it will be interesting to see what comes out of that meeting.
What has happened recently? Well, a statuesque woman walked into the tennis court area a few courts from where I was sitting. She stopped and stared at me. I wondered why but one of the other tennis players explained that she was trying to see if I was wearing my speedo. I was not and she has not stopped to stare since
I am thinking of starting a new business. I looked at my plate the other day after I had finished eating and the remains on the plate looked rather artistic. I could spray the plate with some substance to hold the food in place and sell the plate as art. If this takes off, I could pay for my restaurant meals by giving the restaurant the rights to my remnants plate in the same way that Picasso paid for his meals by giving the restaurant one of his drawings. There is great potential here.
Finally, I ran into one of my bridge friends the other day and learned that I was still on her church's prayer list. That set me to wondering. I was at a wedding two weeks ago and realized that I was not on their prayer list. Hmmm......I may have to start a campaign to get on more lists. But then, "The effective prayer of a righteous man avails much," so how many prayer lists do you have to be on?
This coming Tuesday will be a big day as I mentioned last week. The pills are on the way and I will see the doctor at the cancer center to find out where my blood stands, get an infusion of Avastin and learn how to take the pills. Now, I have lots of experience in taking pills, but I guess there is more to learn.
After that, I will go to Moffitt Cancer Center to meet my new doctor there and learn of his thoughts. There seem to be a number of trials that might fit me either now or down the road and it will be interesting to see what comes out of that meeting.
What has happened recently? Well, a statuesque woman walked into the tennis court area a few courts from where I was sitting. She stopped and stared at me. I wondered why but one of the other tennis players explained that she was trying to see if I was wearing my speedo. I was not and she has not stopped to stare since
I am thinking of starting a new business. I looked at my plate the other day after I had finished eating and the remains on the plate looked rather artistic. I could spray the plate with some substance to hold the food in place and sell the plate as art. If this takes off, I could pay for my restaurant meals by giving the restaurant the rights to my remnants plate in the same way that Picasso paid for his meals by giving the restaurant one of his drawings. There is great potential here.
Finally, I ran into one of my bridge friends the other day and learned that I was still on her church's prayer list. That set me to wondering. I was at a wedding two weeks ago and realized that I was not on their prayer list. Hmmm......I may have to start a campaign to get on more lists. But then, "The effective prayer of a righteous man avails much," so how many prayer lists do you have to be on?
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
: Cancer
It is a little later than normal to be doing this blog, but here I am.
I met with the doctor yesterday. His opinion is that things are stable and has set me up for the Xeloda pills starting Tuesday September 4. I think that this is the right course for now. We will be doing a few extra things, but some of that will be settled after September 4, when I also see Moffitt Cancer Center for their second opinion. The do have some studies going on that I may qualify for. In general, the oncology approach is to go the traditional route and only look at things like immunology and other such things until you get to the point at which the traditional therapies are not working.
I have had blood tests that show a few interesting things. The first is that my potassium is modestly low. I am now taking potassium pills which rival horse pills in size.
The second is more serious. My Vitamin D count is disturbingly low. The average person should be at 30. Mine is 28, but I should be at 40 to 60 to properly battle cancer. I will be taking even more D capsules, but the research manager says that I need more sun exposure than just my arms and shins, which is all that is exposed when I play tennis. I appear to have two options.
1. Play tennis in a Speedo bathing suit. or
2. Petition the board of the condominium association to allow nude sunbathing.
I am sure that you find neither option to be attractive.
The blood test now reflects a new measure "Immature Gran." Mine is 0. Does that mean I am really immature or that I am very mature? What do you think the empirical evidence shows?
Finally,, I spent part of Monday cleaning out my closet and am about to donate approximately 50 tee and polo shirts to a thrift store. However, I am prepared to sell any of them to anyone interested for $10. If you want the shirt autographed, that can be arranged for $25. A special package is also available which includes the shirt, the autograph and a photo of me wearing the shirt for only $50. Act now before they are all gone............................................................. to the thrift store.
I was asked the other day if my blog address included "colon" spelled out or was it the ":". I would think that if a ":" had cancer, it would look like a semi-colon, accounting for the tumor!
Gotta run. Thanks for your interest and support.
I met with the doctor yesterday. His opinion is that things are stable and has set me up for the Xeloda pills starting Tuesday September 4. I think that this is the right course for now. We will be doing a few extra things, but some of that will be settled after September 4, when I also see Moffitt Cancer Center for their second opinion. The do have some studies going on that I may qualify for. In general, the oncology approach is to go the traditional route and only look at things like immunology and other such things until you get to the point at which the traditional therapies are not working.
I have had blood tests that show a few interesting things. The first is that my potassium is modestly low. I am now taking potassium pills which rival horse pills in size.
The second is more serious. My Vitamin D count is disturbingly low. The average person should be at 30. Mine is 28, but I should be at 40 to 60 to properly battle cancer. I will be taking even more D capsules, but the research manager says that I need more sun exposure than just my arms and shins, which is all that is exposed when I play tennis. I appear to have two options.
1. Play tennis in a Speedo bathing suit. or
2. Petition the board of the condominium association to allow nude sunbathing.
I am sure that you find neither option to be attractive.
The blood test now reflects a new measure "Immature Gran." Mine is 0. Does that mean I am really immature or that I am very mature? What do you think the empirical evidence shows?
Finally,, I spent part of Monday cleaning out my closet and am about to donate approximately 50 tee and polo shirts to a thrift store. However, I am prepared to sell any of them to anyone interested for $10. If you want the shirt autographed, that can be arranged for $25. A special package is also available which includes the shirt, the autograph and a photo of me wearing the shirt for only $50. Act now before they are all gone............................................................. to the thrift store.
I was asked the other day if my blog address included "colon" spelled out or was it the ":". I would think that if a ":" had cancer, it would look like a semi-colon, accounting for the tumor!
Gotta run. Thanks for your interest and support.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
There is a lot to report tonight.
First and foremost are the results from my petscan. The scan showed slight improvement and basically indicated that things were steady. We are regarding this as good news. I feel good and strong and expect to go to Xeloda when I meet with the doctor next week. It may not start till after Labor Day. That assumes that we go with the Xeloda option.
We have done six seminars on alternative cancer therapies and have some things to add to our routine. Far Infrared Suana, infusion of Vitamin C, Ozone infusion and a few other options have presented themselves. Much of the presentation dealt with digestive issues. (see below)
I also have a list of clinical tests that are being conducted assuming no use of Xaloda and can get another list assuming I do Xeloda.
There will be much study and thought during the next few weeks.
On the household front, we had a plumbing disaster in the kitchen. Fortunately, there was no major overflow from the sink. However it caused excitement for a few days as obviously the drain was clogged.
Later, Carol was talking about 20 years of sludge being built up. I though she was talking about my digestive system, but thankfully, she was talking about the garbage disposal that fed the drain. Apparently carrot shavings are good for my digestion, but not so good for drains.
I had occasion to take a short flight this week and was impressed by the airline. While I didn't take it, I was offered a complementary head set. I thought later that I should have taken it as I like it when people tell me that I am looking good or offer any kind of compliment.
Secondly, I was just behind the emergency exit rows. The stewardess said that if anyone in those wanted to be moved, they could be. No one wanted to be moved, but I wondered what kind of story the stewardess would tell them to move them, likely to tears.
It is getting late and so I will go off to bed, dreaming of Amy, the new attendant at the clinic where I get my petscan. She is attractive, greets all patients with a smile and went out of her way to get me my report the same afternoon of the test. Another woman in my life! Don't tell the research manager.
First and foremost are the results from my petscan. The scan showed slight improvement and basically indicated that things were steady. We are regarding this as good news. I feel good and strong and expect to go to Xeloda when I meet with the doctor next week. It may not start till after Labor Day. That assumes that we go with the Xeloda option.
We have done six seminars on alternative cancer therapies and have some things to add to our routine. Far Infrared Suana, infusion of Vitamin C, Ozone infusion and a few other options have presented themselves. Much of the presentation dealt with digestive issues. (see below)
I also have a list of clinical tests that are being conducted assuming no use of Xaloda and can get another list assuming I do Xeloda.
There will be much study and thought during the next few weeks.
On the household front, we had a plumbing disaster in the kitchen. Fortunately, there was no major overflow from the sink. However it caused excitement for a few days as obviously the drain was clogged.
Later, Carol was talking about 20 years of sludge being built up. I though she was talking about my digestive system, but thankfully, she was talking about the garbage disposal that fed the drain. Apparently carrot shavings are good for my digestion, but not so good for drains.
I had occasion to take a short flight this week and was impressed by the airline. While I didn't take it, I was offered a complementary head set. I thought later that I should have taken it as I like it when people tell me that I am looking good or offer any kind of compliment.
Secondly, I was just behind the emergency exit rows. The stewardess said that if anyone in those wanted to be moved, they could be. No one wanted to be moved, but I wondered what kind of story the stewardess would tell them to move them, likely to tears.
It is getting late and so I will go off to bed, dreaming of Amy, the new attendant at the clinic where I get my petscan. She is attractive, greets all patients with a smile and went out of her way to get me my report the same afternoon of the test. Another woman in my life! Don't tell the research manager.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Butterflies, Eagles and Ostriches
How am I doing? Well, I feel very good. It is amazing what a few weeks away from chemo will do for you, well for me, anyway.
I do have dry mouth. I do have a little neuropathy. However a few people have told me that I look better than I did last time they saw me.
With my dry mouth, a topic of conversation in the morning is about sleep. The research manager always asks, "How did you sleep." I always answer "lying down!"
I have taken to watching a few minutes of Jimmy Fallon before I fall asleep. The other night, he played a tape of The Bachelorette. In it, one of the suitors said that while most people feel butterflies in her presence, he felt eagles!
My tennis is slowly improving. In fact, I received New Balance clothing in the mail. I assumed that is because they wanted to sponsor me. I also received Nike socks and I have Champion shorts and shirt also. Then I remembered that I had purchased these items and so, I guess, I have no sponsor.
Apparently, the key is to wear Adidas clothing. I had a tennis lesson this morning and the coach had Adidas clothing on and he hit the ball fairly well. I will have to order Adidas next.
I do appreciate your support. It gives me ostriches in my stomach when I think of your support of me and my journey!
I do have dry mouth. I do have a little neuropathy. However a few people have told me that I look better than I did last time they saw me.
With my dry mouth, a topic of conversation in the morning is about sleep. The research manager always asks, "How did you sleep." I always answer "lying down!"
I have taken to watching a few minutes of Jimmy Fallon before I fall asleep. The other night, he played a tape of The Bachelorette. In it, one of the suitors said that while most people feel butterflies in her presence, he felt eagles!
My tennis is slowly improving. In fact, I received New Balance clothing in the mail. I assumed that is because they wanted to sponsor me. I also received Nike socks and I have Champion shorts and shirt also. Then I remembered that I had purchased these items and so, I guess, I have no sponsor.
Apparently, the key is to wear Adidas clothing. I had a tennis lesson this morning and the coach had Adidas clothing on and he hit the ball fairly well. I will have to order Adidas next.
I do appreciate your support. It gives me ostriches in my stomach when I think of your support of me and my journey!
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Annoyances
You would be surprised at how long the effects of chemotherapy last. Here it is two weeks since my last chemo and there are definite effects still present. The primary one is that my white blood cell count is still very low, slightly improved after my shots last week, but not nearly what the shots have done previously. There are also slight annoyances which I will discuss shortly.
Meanwhile I have another 20 days before I meet with Dr. Patel and 12 days till my petscan. A nice holiday!
I am heartbroken that Dr. Haider, one of the many women in my life has left Moffitt for Tampa Bay General. I will see another doctor in early September, but it will not be Dr. Haider.
Over the past week, I have accumulated the top ten annoyances currently in my life:
10. I previously talked about my problem with odd numbers of eggs in the carton. While I have made some progress, it now bothers me when the number of eggs left in the carton is not divisible by three since that is the number of eggs that we eat each morning.
9. I cannot stand the little horse in the Dr. Pepper commercials. If you have not seen one of these adds, celebrate your good fortune. They are as annoying as political ads.
8. I still have neuropathy in both fingers and toes. Apparently it takes at least 6 months to improve.
7. It annoys me when my tennis opponents call one of my shots out when it is clear to me that the shots are in. It is equally annoying when I call a shot out and they believe it was in.
6. My nails are brittle and split easily.
5. People often do not understand what I am saying. I can't believe that almost everyone in my life needs hearing aids!
4. There are people who put the toilet paper on the roll so that the next sheet is at the back of the roll rather than coming over the top and down the front. Apparently, it may take a rocket scientist to change the toilet paper roll.
3. Dr. Haider has left the building. At least the one that I used to meet her in.
2. I still get tired easily. I think this is largely related to the white blood cell count. Hopefully it will improve.
1. Oh, darn. I can't remember number one. But that is common, with chemo brain, I often forget things.
I know that each day we should count our blessings. That is easy. It is having all of you in my life.
Meanwhile I have another 20 days before I meet with Dr. Patel and 12 days till my petscan. A nice holiday!
I am heartbroken that Dr. Haider, one of the many women in my life has left Moffitt for Tampa Bay General. I will see another doctor in early September, but it will not be Dr. Haider.
Over the past week, I have accumulated the top ten annoyances currently in my life:
10. I previously talked about my problem with odd numbers of eggs in the carton. While I have made some progress, it now bothers me when the number of eggs left in the carton is not divisible by three since that is the number of eggs that we eat each morning.
9. I cannot stand the little horse in the Dr. Pepper commercials. If you have not seen one of these adds, celebrate your good fortune. They are as annoying as political ads.
8. I still have neuropathy in both fingers and toes. Apparently it takes at least 6 months to improve.
7. It annoys me when my tennis opponents call one of my shots out when it is clear to me that the shots are in. It is equally annoying when I call a shot out and they believe it was in.
6. My nails are brittle and split easily.
5. People often do not understand what I am saying. I can't believe that almost everyone in my life needs hearing aids!
4. There are people who put the toilet paper on the roll so that the next sheet is at the back of the roll rather than coming over the top and down the front. Apparently, it may take a rocket scientist to change the toilet paper roll.
3. Dr. Haider has left the building. At least the one that I used to meet her in.
2. I still get tired easily. I think this is largely related to the white blood cell count. Hopefully it will improve.
1. Oh, darn. I can't remember number one. But that is common, with chemo brain, I often forget things.
I know that each day we should count our blessings. That is easy. It is having all of you in my life.
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