He crawls out from under the rock, wondering if the storm is over. No, not Harvey.......the post chemo storm.
He begins to feel a little better, feels like eating a little food and actually has a few scintillas of energy.
Life is not perfect, but there is hope that there will be some life in the future.
I actually kept all my food and pills down and generally managed life, including doing a few errands.
The interesting thing for me is that anything associated with visits to chemo retain an negative vibe. I have to wear a sports shirt with buttons to allow access to my port. I used to like each of those shirts, but now, I don't like them.
I use a small gym bag to take things to chemo. I now hate that bag. I used it tonight, but didn't want to.
The big news of the day is that the research manager got an excited call from her brother describing a "bidet" that can be added to your toilet (well.....our toilet). I have never heard him so animated. We will check this out. I have always wanted something that will do my bideting!
A personal note. My father turns 90 this coming Wednesday. There is a big party for him tomorrow. A victim of chemo is that I cannot be there. Happy Birthday, Dad.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Friday, August 25, 2017
Control of the Television
Today was a little bit better than yesterday ended up.
I slept till about 10 and took it easy when I got up.
The research manager left to go play bridge and I ate a little of the chia pudding that she made last night. It was actually pretty good. The only thing that concerns me is that small green sprouts are appearing in the baldish spot on my head.
I slept/rested for most of the afternoon, but texted the research manager to bring home a chicken pot pie for dinner. It tasted good and I got all my pills down successfully for the second time today.
Tonight, we have a good example of how to deal with TV remote control battles. The research manager is usually tired after dinner and lays on the couch and falls asleep. That gives me the opening to switch to the baseball game.
However, when I determine that it is time to go to bed, I lay down and am asleep in three minutes (literally!). That allows the research manager to quickly switch to her choice of television, usually Investigation ID.
I worry about this. On Investigation ID, someone usually gets murdered by some unusual means and I am worried that the research manager is looking for ideas. So far, so good, however.
My one protection is that she likes Cash Cab as much as I do and therefore, if I fall asleep during Cash Cab, there is a chance that we stay on Cash Cab and Investigation ID will not be spouting out any evil ideas.
Oh.....she is asleep.....time to switch to the ball game!
I slept till about 10 and took it easy when I got up.
The research manager left to go play bridge and I ate a little of the chia pudding that she made last night. It was actually pretty good. The only thing that concerns me is that small green sprouts are appearing in the baldish spot on my head.
I slept/rested for most of the afternoon, but texted the research manager to bring home a chicken pot pie for dinner. It tasted good and I got all my pills down successfully for the second time today.
Tonight, we have a good example of how to deal with TV remote control battles. The research manager is usually tired after dinner and lays on the couch and falls asleep. That gives me the opening to switch to the baseball game.
However, when I determine that it is time to go to bed, I lay down and am asleep in three minutes (literally!). That allows the research manager to quickly switch to her choice of television, usually Investigation ID.
I worry about this. On Investigation ID, someone usually gets murdered by some unusual means and I am worried that the research manager is looking for ideas. So far, so good, however.
My one protection is that she likes Cash Cab as much as I do and therefore, if I fall asleep during Cash Cab, there is a chance that we stay on Cash Cab and Investigation ID will not be spouting out any evil ideas.
Oh.....she is asleep.....time to switch to the ball game!
Thursday, August 24, 2017
A New Experience
Today was not a red shirt day.
I felt very tired this morning despite a decent night and was not very hungry.
I managed to down a banana and some scrambled eggs and went back to bed. I got a call to say that the results of my blood work from Monday were ready and, other than the potassium deficiency looked good. I agreed that we would pick up a copy of the report when we went to drop off Bob.
The numbers did look good. However, my D is still a little low.
The interesting thing is that I was worried that my cancer markers might have increased with a 5 week holiday from chemo. However, the CEA marker was actually down from the 2.5 previous reading. While the test may not be entirely comparable given that it was done by an outside lab, I regard it as good news and evidence that things are under some control.
We stopped at a new (for us) store on the way home called Earth Fare. It is a great health food store on the site where we used to go for a Chinese food buffet. I had a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich for lunch and we picked up some needed items..
I got home and went to sleep for another 4 hours. When I awoke, I did not feel like eating anything, but ultimately settled on some apple sauce. An apparent mistake. When I then went to have a banana so that I could take my pills, I threw up for the first time since I started taking chemo. A new milestone!
So, I am going to take it easy, watch America's Got Talent and take a few anti-nausea candies.
This morning, the Research Manager told me about various diets. I recall one in which you eat meat alone. I guess your spouse has to leave the house when you eat meat.
I think the Research Manager would like to have left the house when I was throwing up.
But she is still here and I am glad.
I felt very tired this morning despite a decent night and was not very hungry.
I managed to down a banana and some scrambled eggs and went back to bed. I got a call to say that the results of my blood work from Monday were ready and, other than the potassium deficiency looked good. I agreed that we would pick up a copy of the report when we went to drop off Bob.
The numbers did look good. However, my D is still a little low.
The interesting thing is that I was worried that my cancer markers might have increased with a 5 week holiday from chemo. However, the CEA marker was actually down from the 2.5 previous reading. While the test may not be entirely comparable given that it was done by an outside lab, I regard it as good news and evidence that things are under some control.
We stopped at a new (for us) store on the way home called Earth Fare. It is a great health food store on the site where we used to go for a Chinese food buffet. I had a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich for lunch and we picked up some needed items..
I got home and went to sleep for another 4 hours. When I awoke, I did not feel like eating anything, but ultimately settled on some apple sauce. An apparent mistake. When I then went to have a banana so that I could take my pills, I threw up for the first time since I started taking chemo. A new milestone!
So, I am going to take it easy, watch America's Got Talent and take a few anti-nausea candies.
This morning, the Research Manager told me about various diets. I recall one in which you eat meat alone. I guess your spouse has to leave the house when you eat meat.
I think the Research Manager would like to have left the house when I was throwing up.
But she is still here and I am glad.
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Thank Goodness for Steroids
A decent day.
I had a good night, albeit with Bob, the pump. I was up only once.
Because of dealing with the pump and having a strong aversion to cold immediately after chemo, the research manager made a great breakfast.
She then left for what was either a "cut right hair cut" or a "cut rate hair cut". I wasn't sure what she said. Perhaps it was both, but it looked good and she was happy.
I got a fair bit of work done while she was away, I sent my car off to the car repair shop for a new battery and an oil change. I did some club work and prepared to mail a few cards.
When the newly shorn research manager returned, we headed off to the club.
It was an active day at the club. I was told that I looked good. This is one of the great things about chemo. They give you steroids and so you can wear a red shirt on the second day with confidence. We returned home and picked up my car on the way.
The research manager then headed off to play bridge in one of her marathon games and I was left at home.
I am told variously to keep active and to rest. Since I was active all day, I chose largely to rest and watch the baseball game.
And so, I am writing this note a little earlier than normal, hoping to get a good night's rest.
We'll see how things go tomorrow. It is the dreaded third day.
I had a good night, albeit with Bob, the pump. I was up only once.
Because of dealing with the pump and having a strong aversion to cold immediately after chemo, the research manager made a great breakfast.
She then left for what was either a "cut right hair cut" or a "cut rate hair cut". I wasn't sure what she said. Perhaps it was both, but it looked good and she was happy.
I got a fair bit of work done while she was away, I sent my car off to the car repair shop for a new battery and an oil change. I did some club work and prepared to mail a few cards.
When the newly shorn research manager returned, we headed off to the club.
It was an active day at the club. I was told that I looked good. This is one of the great things about chemo. They give you steroids and so you can wear a red shirt on the second day with confidence. We returned home and picked up my car on the way.
The research manager then headed off to play bridge in one of her marathon games and I was left at home.
I am told variously to keep active and to rest. Since I was active all day, I chose largely to rest and watch the baseball game.
And so, I am writing this note a little earlier than normal, hoping to get a good night's rest.
We'll see how things go tomorrow. It is the dreaded third day.
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Potassium Problems
Another interesting day.
In general, I felt pretty good as I went off for chemo
All of my numbers were good with the exception of my red blood cell count. It was slightly low and we will keep an eye on this between now and next week. After a tough start this morning, the research manager was happy with blood and urine results.
While getting chemo I got a call from my endocrinologist telling me that my potassium was really low. It was 2.5 down from 3.1 at the ER last Monday. 2.5 is dangerously low. Low potassium can be caused by diarrhea. As a result, I now have 2 horse pills to take every day. Yes....I know.....I am a Charlie horse.
Meanwhile, the eggs in a carton controversy is gaining momentum. I received a suggestion from England to keep the eggs in a bowl and number each one with an even number. That way, odd numbers would not be apparent.
Another seems to involve stacking the extra egg in the middle of the carton between two eggs, I briefly saw a picture, but did not absorb it. At this point, I like the idea of making a few muffins with the odd egg. But then, as may be obvious, I am an odd egg.
In general, I felt pretty good as I went off for chemo
All of my numbers were good with the exception of my red blood cell count. It was slightly low and we will keep an eye on this between now and next week. After a tough start this morning, the research manager was happy with blood and urine results.
While getting chemo I got a call from my endocrinologist telling me that my potassium was really low. It was 2.5 down from 3.1 at the ER last Monday. 2.5 is dangerously low. Low potassium can be caused by diarrhea. As a result, I now have 2 horse pills to take every day. Yes....I know.....I am a Charlie horse.
Meanwhile, the eggs in a carton controversy is gaining momentum. I received a suggestion from England to keep the eggs in a bowl and number each one with an even number. That way, odd numbers would not be apparent.
Another seems to involve stacking the extra egg in the middle of the carton between two eggs, I briefly saw a picture, but did not absorb it. At this point, I like the idea of making a few muffins with the odd egg. But then, as may be obvious, I am an odd egg.
Monday, August 21, 2017
Collapsing Veins
Today was a decent day. I got a straight 4 1/2 hours of sleep and then another 3 and then 2 more. I got out of bed at 9:30, just in time to shower and head off to my annual physical. Who would have thought of adding a physical to the mix of appointments that I have?
The doctor got caught up to my status and did his normal annual physical thing. It turns out that I am still alive and kicking.
He offered not to do the normal blood work since I have had so much blood work done, but his testing is the only one that tests for vitamin D deficiency. On my last physical, I was low in vitamin D, which should have been an indicator of problems such as cancer. The research manager also wanted to test for enzymes given my gut issues. so I said, "let's do the tests."
Well, that proved to be interesting. We tried my left arm, but that came up dry. Then we probed my right arm to no avail. I previously have had wiggly veins due to lack of hydration, but this time, it was collapsing veins because they have been poked so often. The technician said that she could feel scar tissue. Finally, we defaulted to my forearm and hit pay dirt. The blood came out slowly, but 4 vials were collected.
I went on my way, had a late lunch/breakfast since I had to fast for the blood work and did some errands.
After a short rest at home, we headed off to a board meeting and to play bridge.
I must confess that resting and being busy are both good, but it causes me to be not very well organized as it relates to diet. Sometimes it seems that I can do nothing right in that department. I know at least one person that agrees with that assessment.
Cash Cab awaits. Good Night.
The doctor got caught up to my status and did his normal annual physical thing. It turns out that I am still alive and kicking.
He offered not to do the normal blood work since I have had so much blood work done, but his testing is the only one that tests for vitamin D deficiency. On my last physical, I was low in vitamin D, which should have been an indicator of problems such as cancer. The research manager also wanted to test for enzymes given my gut issues. so I said, "let's do the tests."
Well, that proved to be interesting. We tried my left arm, but that came up dry. Then we probed my right arm to no avail. I previously have had wiggly veins due to lack of hydration, but this time, it was collapsing veins because they have been poked so often. The technician said that she could feel scar tissue. Finally, we defaulted to my forearm and hit pay dirt. The blood came out slowly, but 4 vials were collected.
I went on my way, had a late lunch/breakfast since I had to fast for the blood work and did some errands.
After a short rest at home, we headed off to a board meeting and to play bridge.
I must confess that resting and being busy are both good, but it causes me to be not very well organized as it relates to diet. Sometimes it seems that I can do nothing right in that department. I know at least one person that agrees with that assessment.
Cash Cab awaits. Good Night.
Sunday, August 20, 2017
No Sweat
Today was a decent day. I wore a red shirt.
I had not many problems after a two interruption sleep. I slept in till about 9 and then got rolling.
We made it to the afternoon bridge game and all went well.
The research manager is looking at diet issues trying to deal with the diarrhea. Sometimes, the diet thing makes my head spin. I have seen ventriloquist dummies whose heads can turn all the way around. Mine is not quite that bad.
I have discovered Essentia as a hydrating water. It tastes good and has no sugar.
However, I learned something about another hydrating item that causes me concern. Apparently, coconut water comes from immature coconuts. I have seen immature people do all kinds of crazy things. Just imagine what immature coconuts can do with their water. What might they possibly put in it as a joke?
Athletes use it after they sweat a lot. So, if I don't want to drink coconut water, I just won't sweat!
However, you try enquiries (inquisitions?) from the research manager about things like Brazil nuts and Kefir without sweating even a little bit. It is all for my good and it has been successful, but it is in my genes to give her a bit of a hard time.
I had not many problems after a two interruption sleep. I slept in till about 9 and then got rolling.
We made it to the afternoon bridge game and all went well.
The research manager is looking at diet issues trying to deal with the diarrhea. Sometimes, the diet thing makes my head spin. I have seen ventriloquist dummies whose heads can turn all the way around. Mine is not quite that bad.
I have discovered Essentia as a hydrating water. It tastes good and has no sugar.
However, I learned something about another hydrating item that causes me concern. Apparently, coconut water comes from immature coconuts. I have seen immature people do all kinds of crazy things. Just imagine what immature coconuts can do with their water. What might they possibly put in it as a joke?
Athletes use it after they sweat a lot. So, if I don't want to drink coconut water, I just won't sweat!
However, you try enquiries (inquisitions?) from the research manager about things like Brazil nuts and Kefir without sweating even a little bit. It is all for my good and it has been successful, but it is in my genes to give her a bit of a hard time.
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