Today, for your reading pleasure, I will share the side effects that I am currently experiencing.
You have heard for weeks now about hand/foot syndrome. It seems that it gets worse during the weeks that I am taking Xeloda. That was this past week and my hands, in particular, turned about as read as Rudolph's nose and as sore as a jilted lover.
My mouth has a few sores and dry mouth lurks during most nights. I have magic mouth wash, a supplement recommended by the dentist and Biotene gel to deal with this. And the research manager has added Hydrogen Peroxide to the mix.
I now have some digestion problems, another possible side effect. The research manager has been pushing more fiber, particularly more veggies.
I am dealing with all of this and still playing tennis. I even make the odd good shot and win from time to time.
My blood numbers? Oh yes....they were good, better across the board. That should allow me to have the tooth extraction which I need. I am just waiting for the oncologist and the dentist to communicate with each other to clear me for the oral surgery. But let's see if the post Xeloda decline kicks in again this week.
I am a few hundred short of my Kickstarter goal and have 24 hours left. Thanks to those who have gotten us this far. If you are interested, you still have time. Go to www.kickstarter.com and search for Red Shirts and Rubber Duckies.You will have the dual benefit of my eternal gratitude and a copy of the book when it comes out.
Thanks all. You inspire me with your prayers and supportive comments.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
The toilet paper test
What a difference a week makes.
A week ago, I had improved blood numbers. This week, many of them are lower. Heather, the Nurse Practitioner says that it is normal for numbers to get worse after you have finished a week's worth of Xeloda. We will see. I am back on Xeloda now and if Heather is right my numbers will improve.
What does a visit to the cancer center entail. Well, it may be slightly different for me, but this is what happens. I enter the center to a waiting room and a receptionist. I sign in under a fake name. (This week, it was Mack N. Cheese). This week, I also got told that the sign-in slips are sent to corporate and that I should use my real name. This, after months of using fake names.
After a wait, the blood technician comes and gets you, takes your weight, blood pressure and then takes blood (this week it was from my arm for multiple tests.) I learned that the Snoopy I had given them the week before was now sporting a bandage wrapped around his arm, just like me.
I then visit with the doctor or nurse practitioner prior to getting an infusion of Avastin to discuss how things are. We discussed my hand/foot syndrome, my dry mouth and my mouth sores. And then my possible tooth extraction. There has to be coordination between the oncologist and the dentist when you have cancer treatments. It looks like things will be okay to do the extraction.
The extraction and not extractions? Yes.....I met with the second opinion dentist on Friday and we agreed on only extracting only one tooth for now. I think that is a safer route. I am glad that I got a second opinion because the dentist (Rachel Caldwell) reminds me of the Doctor that I fell in love with at Moffitt Cancer Center. She is smart, attractive and has a wonderful sensitivity to her patients' needs.
Today I was at the extraction specialist for a consult and I know things will be okay. They put the toilet paper on the roll the right way! I was given three prescriptions preparatory to the surgery. An antibiotic, a powerful painkiller and something to help heal my mouth after the surgery. The only issue is that I will not be able to play tennis for a few days afterward. I presume that is because I will not be able to yell (What?) every time the opponents call my shots out.
We have a six hour drive on Friday to Tallahassee on Friday. Since the research manager insists on driving, I will use the time to review the second and, hopefully final edit of the book. I promise that this is the last time I will mention the Kickstarter campaign (go to www.kickstarter.com and search for Red Shirts and Rubber Duckies.) We still have a way to go to reach the goal and there is only a week left. Thanks to those who have indicated interest already.
Time for a soak and the nighttime routines. I finished the House of Spies last night and so I will have tell the research manager about Deep Freeze tonight.
A week ago, I had improved blood numbers. This week, many of them are lower. Heather, the Nurse Practitioner says that it is normal for numbers to get worse after you have finished a week's worth of Xeloda. We will see. I am back on Xeloda now and if Heather is right my numbers will improve.
What does a visit to the cancer center entail. Well, it may be slightly different for me, but this is what happens. I enter the center to a waiting room and a receptionist. I sign in under a fake name. (This week, it was Mack N. Cheese). This week, I also got told that the sign-in slips are sent to corporate and that I should use my real name. This, after months of using fake names.
After a wait, the blood technician comes and gets you, takes your weight, blood pressure and then takes blood (this week it was from my arm for multiple tests.) I learned that the Snoopy I had given them the week before was now sporting a bandage wrapped around his arm, just like me.
I then visit with the doctor or nurse practitioner prior to getting an infusion of Avastin to discuss how things are. We discussed my hand/foot syndrome, my dry mouth and my mouth sores. And then my possible tooth extraction. There has to be coordination between the oncologist and the dentist when you have cancer treatments. It looks like things will be okay to do the extraction.
The extraction and not extractions? Yes.....I met with the second opinion dentist on Friday and we agreed on only extracting only one tooth for now. I think that is a safer route. I am glad that I got a second opinion because the dentist (Rachel Caldwell) reminds me of the Doctor that I fell in love with at Moffitt Cancer Center. She is smart, attractive and has a wonderful sensitivity to her patients' needs.
Today I was at the extraction specialist for a consult and I know things will be okay. They put the toilet paper on the roll the right way! I was given three prescriptions preparatory to the surgery. An antibiotic, a powerful painkiller and something to help heal my mouth after the surgery. The only issue is that I will not be able to play tennis for a few days afterward. I presume that is because I will not be able to yell (What?) every time the opponents call my shots out.
We have a six hour drive on Friday to Tallahassee on Friday. Since the research manager insists on driving, I will use the time to review the second and, hopefully final edit of the book. I promise that this is the last time I will mention the Kickstarter campaign (go to www.kickstarter.com and search for Red Shirts and Rubber Duckies.) We still have a way to go to reach the goal and there is only a week left. Thanks to those who have indicated interest already.
Time for a soak and the nighttime routines. I finished the House of Spies last night and so I will have tell the research manager about Deep Freeze tonight.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
With Xeloda, watch your mouth.
There is a lot to report this week. I hardly know where to start.
Let's start with the blood tests from yesterday. They showed good improvement everywhere. The only note which will affect the next item in this blog is that my platelets improved to 101 up from 91, but well short of the desired level of 140.
The next stop is at the status of side effects. My hand/foot syndrome is holding steady. My feet can withstand two or three sets of tennis, but I feel it later in the day. My hands hurt when handling anything that has an edge to it, but this is bearable.
The other side effect is my mouth. No good news here. I have a sore on my lips that persists in bleeding most evenings, creating interesting red blotches on my pillow. My mouth is dry every night and does not respond to anything I take before bed time. Thankfully, it is okay during the day.
However, I have developed a sensitive tooth and this is causing pain up to my ear. I went to the doctor when I felt the pain, but not the tooth sensitivity and got 10 days of Augmentin, which does not seem to be doing much. The cancer center has ordered my "magic" mouth wash and that will likely arrive tomorrow. I can't wait.
They also said that I should go to the dentist. I went that afternoon to a dentist who recommended extraction of 4 teeth. All dental procedures, and particularly extractions require careful coordination with the oncologist. The platelet level is an issue and often chemotherapy, (even of the oral kind) may have to be suspended for some dental procedures. I am not sure about the validity of 4 extractions. The fact that the toilet paper in the dentist's washroom was put on the roll the wrong way was the first thing that gave me pause. In any event, I am going to seek a second opinion tomorrow. I will keep you posted.
A few other interesting things occurred this past week.
The week prior, I had gained a fair bit of weight and the research manager was not impressed. So I decided to do something about it. The first thing I did was cut my toe nails. Yes, I cut back on a few other things also. The result? I lost 10.8 pounds in one week. I told one of the volunteers at the cancer center about this and she commented on the 10 pound toe nails. I think that is or certainly could be the name of a rock group.
I should tell you that my visit to the cancer center two days before Valentines Day had an appropriate theme to it. I signed in as Olive Yu. And I brought the blood technicians a small Valentines Snoopy given that they know my preference for Snoopy bandaids.
This past week my favorite purveyor of wheat grass told me that he was cautious about making claims as to the effectiveness of any cancer "cure" because his father died when he was seven. Imagine having a child when you are only 6 or 7. He obviously matured early.
Thanks to those who have visited Kickstarter. It is effectively a way of preordering the book. I am now on the second edit review of Red Shirts and Rubber Duckies. I still hope to be public with this in May.
That's enough for tonight. I am going to have a soak and get to bed early tonight.
Let's start with the blood tests from yesterday. They showed good improvement everywhere. The only note which will affect the next item in this blog is that my platelets improved to 101 up from 91, but well short of the desired level of 140.
The next stop is at the status of side effects. My hand/foot syndrome is holding steady. My feet can withstand two or three sets of tennis, but I feel it later in the day. My hands hurt when handling anything that has an edge to it, but this is bearable.
The other side effect is my mouth. No good news here. I have a sore on my lips that persists in bleeding most evenings, creating interesting red blotches on my pillow. My mouth is dry every night and does not respond to anything I take before bed time. Thankfully, it is okay during the day.
However, I have developed a sensitive tooth and this is causing pain up to my ear. I went to the doctor when I felt the pain, but not the tooth sensitivity and got 10 days of Augmentin, which does not seem to be doing much. The cancer center has ordered my "magic" mouth wash and that will likely arrive tomorrow. I can't wait.
They also said that I should go to the dentist. I went that afternoon to a dentist who recommended extraction of 4 teeth. All dental procedures, and particularly extractions require careful coordination with the oncologist. The platelet level is an issue and often chemotherapy, (even of the oral kind) may have to be suspended for some dental procedures. I am not sure about the validity of 4 extractions. The fact that the toilet paper in the dentist's washroom was put on the roll the wrong way was the first thing that gave me pause. In any event, I am going to seek a second opinion tomorrow. I will keep you posted.
A few other interesting things occurred this past week.
The week prior, I had gained a fair bit of weight and the research manager was not impressed. So I decided to do something about it. The first thing I did was cut my toe nails. Yes, I cut back on a few other things also. The result? I lost 10.8 pounds in one week. I told one of the volunteers at the cancer center about this and she commented on the 10 pound toe nails. I think that is or certainly could be the name of a rock group.
I should tell you that my visit to the cancer center two days before Valentines Day had an appropriate theme to it. I signed in as Olive Yu. And I brought the blood technicians a small Valentines Snoopy given that they know my preference for Snoopy bandaids.
This past week my favorite purveyor of wheat grass told me that he was cautious about making claims as to the effectiveness of any cancer "cure" because his father died when he was seven. Imagine having a child when you are only 6 or 7. He obviously matured early.
Thanks to those who have visited Kickstarter. It is effectively a way of preordering the book. I am now on the second edit review of Red Shirts and Rubber Duckies. I still hope to be public with this in May.
That's enough for tonight. I am going to have a soak and get to bed early tonight.
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Ready for a rest
My blood tests this week were a little down in key categories such ans White Blood Cells and Red Blood Cells and Hemoglobin. My platelets improved just slightly.
Ironically, I have developed a mouth sore to go with my dry mouth. We have to work on getting those platelets up as well as the red blood cells particularly. I also have developed a "Unilateral Ear Infection." You would think that there might be a more bipartisan approach to such things.
I am glad to get to this evening as it is the end of a very busy period for me. Particularly, I have had very full days for six days straight and I have been at the club every day since January 12. I will be glad to get a few good nights of sleep.
I had an interesting thing happen this past week. To frame it, I will tell you that I used to drive by a shoe store on my way to work. They regularly advertised a Giant Shoe Sale. My friend Mike expressed surprise that there were that many giants looking for shoes.
Well, we saw a sign that said "Manatee Viewing Area." Someone expressed surprise that there was an area in Manatee County that had a view. I pointed out that it was likely an area to view Manatees, but what do I know.
I continue to do a chapter synopsis of the book I am reading for the research manager each evening. One evening, I simply said "period." I was hoping that the research manager would think that I had read nothing, but she called me on it and I still had to give a report. A few times, I make up a chapter to see if the research manager is listening, but she usually is.
That's it for tonight.
Thanks for your interest and support. The kickstarter.com thing is growing gradually. Red Shirts and Rubber Duckies may yet see the light of day.
Ironically, I have developed a mouth sore to go with my dry mouth. We have to work on getting those platelets up as well as the red blood cells particularly. I also have developed a "Unilateral Ear Infection." You would think that there might be a more bipartisan approach to such things.
I am glad to get to this evening as it is the end of a very busy period for me. Particularly, I have had very full days for six days straight and I have been at the club every day since January 12. I will be glad to get a few good nights of sleep.
I had an interesting thing happen this past week. To frame it, I will tell you that I used to drive by a shoe store on my way to work. They regularly advertised a Giant Shoe Sale. My friend Mike expressed surprise that there were that many giants looking for shoes.
Well, we saw a sign that said "Manatee Viewing Area." Someone expressed surprise that there was an area in Manatee County that had a view. I pointed out that it was likely an area to view Manatees, but what do I know.
I continue to do a chapter synopsis of the book I am reading for the research manager each evening. One evening, I simply said "period." I was hoping that the research manager would think that I had read nothing, but she called me on it and I still had to give a report. A few times, I make up a chapter to see if the research manager is listening, but she usually is.
That's it for tonight.
Thanks for your interest and support. The kickstarter.com thing is growing gradually. Red Shirts and Rubber Duckies may yet see the light of day.
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Good news and not so good news
I had my weekly blood test Tuesday and got all the numbers. In general they are just slightly improved from last week. I told the nurse practitioner that I would like the numbers to be better, she said they she thought they were great numbers, given the treatments that I have been getting. My platelets are still low and I bruise if I look at my skin, but it is liveable.
The not so good news is that my hand/foot syndrome is getting more pronounced both on my feet and my hands. There are some things that I find difficult to do ,such as buttoning and unbuttoning shirts and sorting papers or cards for that matter. If it gets worse, they may have reduce the dosage of Xeloda that I take. I want to max the results and so I would like to keep the dosage up.
Given that they may have to reduce the dosage, they did a CEA (cancer marker) test yesterday and it is slightly improved. I presume this means that it is more likely that they can reduce the dosage if necessary. All the supplements that I take have to be helping the process and that is good.
Speaking of supplements, I realized that I am taking three types of mushroom supplement. I may turn into a mushroom.....who knows. I am not in the dark and having (expletive deleted) dumped on me yet though.
Speaking of supplements, I am convinced that the wheatgrass that I take each day (2 oz plus a little) are helping me big time.
Wheat grass has the following benefits:
Increases alkalinity
Reduces cholesterol
Helps kill cancer cells
Helps control blood sugar
Alleviates Inflammation
Promotes weight loss
I have wheatgrass pills for when I cannot get the juice.
The research manager recently noted that married couples begin to look alike after a while. Since people say that I am looking good, that is good for her. Given that it is me she would begin to look like, I feel sorry for her.
On the book front, we have crossed that 50% threshold on the kickstarter campaign. Thanks to those who have expressed and demonstrated interest. Some are still asking how to check it out. (Go to www.kickstarter.com and search for Red Shirts and Rubber Duckies). I am working through the editing process line by line. Talk about tedious!
More people have expressed a desire to pray for me and I am most grateful.
Life is really pretty good.
The not so good news is that my hand/foot syndrome is getting more pronounced both on my feet and my hands. There are some things that I find difficult to do ,such as buttoning and unbuttoning shirts and sorting papers or cards for that matter. If it gets worse, they may have reduce the dosage of Xeloda that I take. I want to max the results and so I would like to keep the dosage up.
Given that they may have to reduce the dosage, they did a CEA (cancer marker) test yesterday and it is slightly improved. I presume this means that it is more likely that they can reduce the dosage if necessary. All the supplements that I take have to be helping the process and that is good.
Speaking of supplements, I realized that I am taking three types of mushroom supplement. I may turn into a mushroom.....who knows. I am not in the dark and having (expletive deleted) dumped on me yet though.
Speaking of supplements, I am convinced that the wheatgrass that I take each day (2 oz plus a little) are helping me big time.
Wheat grass has the following benefits:
Increases alkalinity
Reduces cholesterol
Helps kill cancer cells
Helps control blood sugar
Alleviates Inflammation
Promotes weight loss
I have wheatgrass pills for when I cannot get the juice.
The research manager recently noted that married couples begin to look alike after a while. Since people say that I am looking good, that is good for her. Given that it is me she would begin to look like, I feel sorry for her.
On the book front, we have crossed that 50% threshold on the kickstarter campaign. Thanks to those who have expressed and demonstrated interest. Some are still asking how to check it out. (Go to www.kickstarter.com and search for Red Shirts and Rubber Duckies). I am working through the editing process line by line. Talk about tedious!
More people have expressed a desire to pray for me and I am most grateful.
Life is really pretty good.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
The Wrinkled Retina
Well, folks, the numbers game continues. What would I do or write about without my Tuesday blood tests? The numbers were pretty stable this week. My white blood cells were down a little, but otherwise things were stable. My blood pressure is up somewhat. I have been busy and a little stressed over the past week and that may be the cause. We'll see what happens next week.
I have two developments to report.
First, one of our small measuring cups dropped on the floor and broke. That left only one small measuring cup. You might say, "So what?" But it is a significant thing. The other small measuring cup has some left over spaghetti sauce in it (the healthier kind!) The problem is that it is the only thing that I can use to water the African Violet that sits on the corner of my desk (the one from Mary Jo Yates.) So, now I have to improvise to get it watered.
Secondly, I was at my opthalmologist a few days ago. The good news is that my macular edema is still under control thanks to the Avastin that I get as part of my cancer treatment. Avastin was the first drug used to treat macular edema. The interesting news is that the doc told me that I have a wrinkled retina. Hmmm...what do I do about that? I looked up the top 10 wrinkle creams, but none mention retinas! The doctor says that it is nothing to worry about. Hey....maybe worrying about it was the cause of my blood pressure.
Sadly, I have to report that last Wednesday was National Rubber Duckie Day and I forgot to mention it last week. Given the history of my blog and the title of my book, you would think that I would have remembered this.
But, that gives me a chance to tell you that the fundraising on Kickstarter is well under way. Thanks to those who have expressed interest.
For those that want to know how to get to the project, go to www.kickstarter.com and search for Red Shirts and Rubber Duckies.
Life continues to be good. It is time for my nightly epsom salt soak. I will read a few chapters of House of Spies so that I can report on it in our nightly non-tv show.
I have two developments to report.
First, one of our small measuring cups dropped on the floor and broke. That left only one small measuring cup. You might say, "So what?" But it is a significant thing. The other small measuring cup has some left over spaghetti sauce in it (the healthier kind!) The problem is that it is the only thing that I can use to water the African Violet that sits on the corner of my desk (the one from Mary Jo Yates.) So, now I have to improvise to get it watered.
Secondly, I was at my opthalmologist a few days ago. The good news is that my macular edema is still under control thanks to the Avastin that I get as part of my cancer treatment. Avastin was the first drug used to treat macular edema. The interesting news is that the doc told me that I have a wrinkled retina. Hmmm...what do I do about that? I looked up the top 10 wrinkle creams, but none mention retinas! The doctor says that it is nothing to worry about. Hey....maybe worrying about it was the cause of my blood pressure.
Sadly, I have to report that last Wednesday was National Rubber Duckie Day and I forgot to mention it last week. Given the history of my blog and the title of my book, you would think that I would have remembered this.
But, that gives me a chance to tell you that the fundraising on Kickstarter is well under way. Thanks to those who have expressed interest.
For those that want to know how to get to the project, go to www.kickstarter.com and search for Red Shirts and Rubber Duckies.
Life continues to be good. It is time for my nightly epsom salt soak. I will read a few chapters of House of Spies so that I can report on it in our nightly non-tv show.
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Exciting News
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.
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.
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