I have some exciting news to share with you.
It could be that my numbers were better this week in almost every category. All the pills and diet regimens that the research manager espouses seem to work.
It could be that my alkalinity level is as good as it has been and holding steady. Higher alkalinity is good for your health and bad for cancer. All that alkaline water (Essentia) that I drink seems to be having effect.
It could be that I was able to play tennis with three women (Chuck and the chicks!) the other day and that I played decently. They were younger and far more energetic than I but I survived and it energized me.
It could be that I learned that I have inherited my mumbling from my father who, I am told, is mumbling just like I do. I think I am better at it though!
It is all those things and, then this. The creation of my book is underway.
I have been told that my blog is helpful to others and that I should make it a book. I am finding that it is an expensive process. The artwork, the editing, the book design, the production of the book and the publicity all add up.
To help with the costs and to get the book into the hands of those that will benefit, I have begun a Kickstarter campaign. I invite you to visit the site, either out of curiosity or to make a donation and receive a copy of the book when it is finally published (I am hoping for early May) or to support the cause at a level that is comfortable.
It appears that the simplest way to access the kickstarter site is to go to www.kickstarter.com and to do a search for "Red Shirts and Rubber Duckies," the title of the book.
It may also be possible to go to the link below, but some have had trouble with it.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redshirts/red-shirts-and-rubber-duckies-smiling-through-chem?ref=project_build
Thank you for your interest. I hope that you share my excitement.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
No shoes.
I had no shoes and complained until I met a man who had no feet.
That was my reaction to my blood tests yesterday. The numbers were generally pretty good. White blood cell count, red blood cell count and hemoglobin were all better than last week. But my platelets were down from 91 to 81. They should be about 120 or more. I could have told them that my number was low, having been hit in the hand by a speeding tennis ball that left my partner's racquet about two feet from my hand. It created a rather full circle of a bruise about the shape of a tennis ball. The research manager has been so busy that she has not noticed it yet. So don't say anything.
While I was absorbing the numbers during my Avastin infusion, a lady arrived at the chair beside me. It turned out that she could not receive treatment because her platelets were measured at 41.
Then a gentleman arrived in a wheelchair and when the nurses saw his numbers, they ordered him to the emergency ward immediately because he had severe renal failure. Whatever measure they were looking at, it was 80 when it should have been 10.
So, 81 as a measure of my platelets is not so bad.
While I think that I have always been pretty good at this, I am becoming even more accepting of things as they are. For example, I no longer get upset about an odd number of eggs in the carton. I have learned to construct scenarios by which the eggs will ultimately come out even.
But be warned! I still cannot accept toilet paper rolls being put on the dispenser the wrong way.
I am wondering about one thing though. I was recently told that I was exceptional. I looked up the definition in the dictionary and found that the first definition is "unusual." Now tell me.....how should I take that?
All in all a good week. Tennis every day and sometimes three sets. None of the scores ended with love!
But I do feel the love of all of you. Thanks.
That was my reaction to my blood tests yesterday. The numbers were generally pretty good. White blood cell count, red blood cell count and hemoglobin were all better than last week. But my platelets were down from 91 to 81. They should be about 120 or more. I could have told them that my number was low, having been hit in the hand by a speeding tennis ball that left my partner's racquet about two feet from my hand. It created a rather full circle of a bruise about the shape of a tennis ball. The research manager has been so busy that she has not noticed it yet. So don't say anything.
While I was absorbing the numbers during my Avastin infusion, a lady arrived at the chair beside me. It turned out that she could not receive treatment because her platelets were measured at 41.
Then a gentleman arrived in a wheelchair and when the nurses saw his numbers, they ordered him to the emergency ward immediately because he had severe renal failure. Whatever measure they were looking at, it was 80 when it should have been 10.
So, 81 as a measure of my platelets is not so bad.
While I think that I have always been pretty good at this, I am becoming even more accepting of things as they are. For example, I no longer get upset about an odd number of eggs in the carton. I have learned to construct scenarios by which the eggs will ultimately come out even.
But be warned! I still cannot accept toilet paper rolls being put on the dispenser the wrong way.
I am wondering about one thing though. I was recently told that I was exceptional. I looked up the definition in the dictionary and found that the first definition is "unusual." Now tell me.....how should I take that?
All in all a good week. Tennis every day and sometimes three sets. None of the scores ended with love!
But I do feel the love of all of you. Thanks.
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
2.000.000
2,000,000! That, my friends, is the number of red blood cells that a normal body makes every second. Obviously, my body has gotten tired of all that work. The normal red blood cell count is 4.3(x10^6/UL) to 6.3 and while my count has been lower than 4.3 almost as long as I have been getting treatment, it hit a new low today at 2.9. We are going to continue to work on this. Spinach and Kale, anyone? How about Vitamins B6, B12, A and E? Folic Acid (aka Carrot Juice)?
While this number is not disastrous, we would like it to be higher.
I wonder if it has something to do with Snoopy? I was given a red Snoopy shirt to wear for my blood tests (to go with the bandaids) and I wore if for the first time today. While none of the technicians would pose with me, I did get a picture. Copies are available upon request.
Other maladies?
My father used to say that going to church and talking to older people was going to an organ recital, listening to what was wrong with them. I guess that I am getting old.
My hand/foot syndrome continues to affect me. I think that the hands are slowly catching up to the feet in this department. There is a sensitivity and the tips of my fingers are smooth and rather red.
The other big news crept into my conscious back in September when the doctor at Moffitt observed a "reducible" hernia. I had forgotten all about this until I began to feel something that was affecting my abdomen. I surmised that it was the hernia. I inquired about how to treat this. Looking at the internet, the research manager came up with a site that dealt with how to treat a hernia (with pictures). I was wondering what kind of pictures could help and then I remembered Nina Agdal from Sports Illustrated. But apparently that is not what they meant when they said "with pictures.' Fortunately, one of my tennis friends knew two people who also have reducible hernias and she told me that you just have to push it back in. That seems to have worked. However, the research manager will not let me lift anything heavier that a forkful of kale!
Oh well, back to working on the next 2,000,000 red blood cells I'll keep you posted.
While this number is not disastrous, we would like it to be higher.
I wonder if it has something to do with Snoopy? I was given a red Snoopy shirt to wear for my blood tests (to go with the bandaids) and I wore if for the first time today. While none of the technicians would pose with me, I did get a picture. Copies are available upon request.
Other maladies?
My father used to say that going to church and talking to older people was going to an organ recital, listening to what was wrong with them. I guess that I am getting old.
My hand/foot syndrome continues to affect me. I think that the hands are slowly catching up to the feet in this department. There is a sensitivity and the tips of my fingers are smooth and rather red.
The other big news crept into my conscious back in September when the doctor at Moffitt observed a "reducible" hernia. I had forgotten all about this until I began to feel something that was affecting my abdomen. I surmised that it was the hernia. I inquired about how to treat this. Looking at the internet, the research manager came up with a site that dealt with how to treat a hernia (with pictures). I was wondering what kind of pictures could help and then I remembered Nina Agdal from Sports Illustrated. But apparently that is not what they meant when they said "with pictures.' Fortunately, one of my tennis friends knew two people who also have reducible hernias and she told me that you just have to push it back in. That seems to have worked. However, the research manager will not let me lift anything heavier that a forkful of kale!
Oh well, back to working on the next 2,000,000 red blood cells I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Things are Good!
What can I say about this past week?
Not much, but a few things.
First, many have commented on the good news of the petscan and say that it is a great thing to celebrate during this holiday season. Heck, I will celebrate it any time of the year and all year if things go according to plan.
Hand/Foot Syndrome continues to be the most pervasive side effect of the Xeloda pills. It is certainly bearable and far better than dealing with chemo infusions, but it does take some care to deal with. Thank goodness for Udderly Smooth cream. We buy it in bulk. I also have neuropathy symptoms and I find some things harder to do. Sorting cards is a little more challenging and this morning, I dropped a glass bottle of pills that shattered and spread all over the floor.
This week I also did something interesting. I was cooking some meat and set the oven for a certain temperature and waited for the oven to come to temperature. Once it was at the proper temperature, I set the timer for one hour and went off to do a little work while the meat cooked. I returned an hour later to take the meat out of the oven to baste it, only to discover that I had neglected to put the meat in the oven. As a result, we ate an hour later than planned and I am now on Alzheimer watch. I am glad that forgetting things is part of chemo and I will use that as my defense if the men in white coats come knocking at the door.
I mentioned earlier that we are sleeping in the guest room which has no television. I create a tv program vignette each night to make up for the lack. Christmas Eve, we had an amateur Christmas Song program. Believe it or not, we spent a full hour singing Christmas songs and reminiscing about Christmas's past. Anyone walking by would have thought we were crazy. But being crazy can be good.
All in all, all things are good. I am grateful for so much - the research manager, supplements, Xeloda, your support and prayers. Thank you to all involved.
Not much, but a few things.
First, many have commented on the good news of the petscan and say that it is a great thing to celebrate during this holiday season. Heck, I will celebrate it any time of the year and all year if things go according to plan.
Hand/Foot Syndrome continues to be the most pervasive side effect of the Xeloda pills. It is certainly bearable and far better than dealing with chemo infusions, but it does take some care to deal with. Thank goodness for Udderly Smooth cream. We buy it in bulk. I also have neuropathy symptoms and I find some things harder to do. Sorting cards is a little more challenging and this morning, I dropped a glass bottle of pills that shattered and spread all over the floor.
This week I also did something interesting. I was cooking some meat and set the oven for a certain temperature and waited for the oven to come to temperature. Once it was at the proper temperature, I set the timer for one hour and went off to do a little work while the meat cooked. I returned an hour later to take the meat out of the oven to baste it, only to discover that I had neglected to put the meat in the oven. As a result, we ate an hour later than planned and I am now on Alzheimer watch. I am glad that forgetting things is part of chemo and I will use that as my defense if the men in white coats come knocking at the door.
I mentioned earlier that we are sleeping in the guest room which has no television. I create a tv program vignette each night to make up for the lack. Christmas Eve, we had an amateur Christmas Song program. Believe it or not, we spent a full hour singing Christmas songs and reminiscing about Christmas's past. Anyone walking by would have thought we were crazy. But being crazy can be good.
All in all, all things are good. I am grateful for so much - the research manager, supplements, Xeloda, your support and prayers. Thank you to all involved.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Christmas Letters
We all get Christmas letters from relatives and friends. I am no exception. Some times they are a little hard to take.
Today, I would like to feature two such letters from two of my nephews who are polar opposites.
In summary, Harry writes that his children are wonderful, the family went on two exciting vacation trips. Harry is working as a missionary in the Yukon and his wife Matilda was elected chairwoman of the Home and School Association for Yellowknife..
He then discussed relatives and amazingly included me. He indicated that I had stage 4 colon cancer, but that my current treatment was working better than my doctor expected. He noted that my hand/foot syndrome was continuing to be an issue and perhaps having a little more effect on my tennis hand.
Sammy, his brother, is conducting research in Antartica (I told you they were polar opposites,) He is single but indicates that he enjoys his work and boasts of travelling extensively. He is quite the researcher and had recommended Turkey Tail Mushroom capsules when he learned of my diagnosis, He wrote in hand at the bottom of his letter that he was upset that I did not mention Turkey Tail in my blog last week when I listed the many supplements that were helping in my cancer fight.
As I get more letters, I will share them if they are interesting. Maybe even on a night other than Wednesday.
Meanwhile, my dry mouth is getting slightly better and a bridge friend, whose daughter is a dentist has arranged to get me several samples of items that will help dry mouth.
I had one very proud moment this week. When the nurse at the cancer center injected the needle into my port for the infusion of Avastin yesterday, she was quite excited that I had "Good Blood Return." I have never been told this before and am so excited to have achieved this lofty goal.
It has made my Christmas. May you also have a Happy Christmas/Holiday. And a big THANK YOU for your support.
Today, I would like to feature two such letters from two of my nephews who are polar opposites.
In summary, Harry writes that his children are wonderful, the family went on two exciting vacation trips. Harry is working as a missionary in the Yukon and his wife Matilda was elected chairwoman of the Home and School Association for Yellowknife..
He then discussed relatives and amazingly included me. He indicated that I had stage 4 colon cancer, but that my current treatment was working better than my doctor expected. He noted that my hand/foot syndrome was continuing to be an issue and perhaps having a little more effect on my tennis hand.
Sammy, his brother, is conducting research in Antartica (I told you they were polar opposites,) He is single but indicates that he enjoys his work and boasts of travelling extensively. He is quite the researcher and had recommended Turkey Tail Mushroom capsules when he learned of my diagnosis, He wrote in hand at the bottom of his letter that he was upset that I did not mention Turkey Tail in my blog last week when I listed the many supplements that were helping in my cancer fight.
As I get more letters, I will share them if they are interesting. Maybe even on a night other than Wednesday.
Meanwhile, my dry mouth is getting slightly better and a bridge friend, whose daughter is a dentist has arranged to get me several samples of items that will help dry mouth.
I had one very proud moment this week. When the nurse at the cancer center injected the needle into my port for the infusion of Avastin yesterday, she was quite excited that I had "Good Blood Return." I have never been told this before and am so excited to have achieved this lofty goal.
It has made my Christmas. May you also have a Happy Christmas/Holiday. And a big THANK YOU for your support.
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Good News.......er Great News
I am excited to tell you that the results from my petscan last Friday were better than I could have hoped for. My liver was very close to background, which is great. Anything in my lymph nodes is getting smaller.
So, the big question is why?
It could be any, part or all of the following:
The Xeloda
Curcumin
AHCC
Essiac Tea
Beta Glucan
Chaga Mushroom Tea
Far Infrared Saunas
Epsom Salt Soaks
My positive attitude
Exercise
The prayers and support of many.
I don't care which of these are effective. I will keep taking all these things. I am so happy that something(s) is(are) working as well as it(they) appear(s) to be.
Sure, I have hand/foot syndrome. Yes, I still have dry mouth. Yes, it took Jillian, a new tech at the petscan center three pokes to get blood out of me. But these things are worth it.
Meanwhile, people continue to tell me that I look younger. I was beginning to think about my roots. Would you believe that 23 and Me identified that I come from Ork!?
Thanks to the research manager for helping to get me to this point. Thanks to you all for your prayers and support. Don't take me off your or your church's prayer list yet. I need all the help that I can get.
So, the big question is why?
It could be any, part or all of the following:
The Xeloda
Curcumin
AHCC
Essiac Tea
Beta Glucan
Chaga Mushroom Tea
Far Infrared Saunas
Epsom Salt Soaks
My positive attitude
Exercise
The prayers and support of many.
I don't care which of these are effective. I will keep taking all these things. I am so happy that something(s) is(are) working as well as it(they) appear(s) to be.
Sure, I have hand/foot syndrome. Yes, I still have dry mouth. Yes, it took Jillian, a new tech at the petscan center three pokes to get blood out of me. But these things are worth it.
Meanwhile, people continue to tell me that I look younger. I was beginning to think about my roots. Would you believe that 23 and Me identified that I come from Ork!?
Thanks to the research manager for helping to get me to this point. Thanks to you all for your prayers and support. Don't take me off your or your church's prayer list yet. I need all the help that I can get.
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Professional, Petscan and Publishing
Here we are,,,,,,another week and only a little change.
In terms of my health, the hand/foot syndrome is slightly worse, I think. You might think that this is not good news. However, there is an element of good news to this. I am going to wear two pairs of socks when I play tennis. Why is this good news? I have learned that most professional tennis players wear two pairs of socks when they play. So, I am being elevated to the professional ranks. I will effectively be the first 1.0 professional tennis player!
My mouth dryness persists, but the Biotene Gel is fairly effective.
This coming Friday, I will have my next Petscan, I am anxious to see the results, but also a touch anxious about the results.
Everyone knows that french fries are not great for my diet, but some days, I weaken and we get an order of fish and chips to share. The other day, I took about 9/16 of the fries and left the rest for the research manager. She alleges that she took 5/16 of the total number of fries and left 1/8 in the box. When I took my plate into the kitchen, there were no fries in the box.
Now, the research manager alleges that I took the 1/8 portion and that my guilt about it has repressed my memory.
I know that she must have taken the 1/8 portion and am sure that her guilt has repressed her memory of it,
If anyone has a video of our kitchen activities this past Monday, I would appreciate being able to prove the research manager wrong.
Speaking of wrong, based on last week's reveal about my recreating television shows, given that there is no television in the guest bedroom, I thought that I might recreate a "Days of Our Lives" scene (verbally!), As I began "John's" words, the research manager yelled "NO!" several times. Apparently, she does not enjoy that show.
Oh well, I will have a video of my Petscan on Friday and I hope that it will be a show that we can both enjoy.
On other fronts, I have submitted my book to a publisher and they are beginning an editing process. I will keep you informed.
In terms of my health, the hand/foot syndrome is slightly worse, I think. You might think that this is not good news. However, there is an element of good news to this. I am going to wear two pairs of socks when I play tennis. Why is this good news? I have learned that most professional tennis players wear two pairs of socks when they play. So, I am being elevated to the professional ranks. I will effectively be the first 1.0 professional tennis player!
My mouth dryness persists, but the Biotene Gel is fairly effective.
This coming Friday, I will have my next Petscan, I am anxious to see the results, but also a touch anxious about the results.
Everyone knows that french fries are not great for my diet, but some days, I weaken and we get an order of fish and chips to share. The other day, I took about 9/16 of the fries and left the rest for the research manager. She alleges that she took 5/16 of the total number of fries and left 1/8 in the box. When I took my plate into the kitchen, there were no fries in the box.
Now, the research manager alleges that I took the 1/8 portion and that my guilt about it has repressed my memory.
I know that she must have taken the 1/8 portion and am sure that her guilt has repressed her memory of it,
If anyone has a video of our kitchen activities this past Monday, I would appreciate being able to prove the research manager wrong.
Speaking of wrong, based on last week's reveal about my recreating television shows, given that there is no television in the guest bedroom, I thought that I might recreate a "Days of Our Lives" scene (verbally!), As I began "John's" words, the research manager yelled "NO!" several times. Apparently, she does not enjoy that show.
Oh well, I will have a video of my Petscan on Friday and I hope that it will be a show that we can both enjoy.
On other fronts, I have submitted my book to a publisher and they are beginning an editing process. I will keep you informed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)