Finished with Radiation

Well, now I've completed the radiation treatment schedule. Actually finished
last Wednesday.
Still having pain in the esophagus but I've been assured that will diminish
and go away in time. Still, it's tough to eat solid food. BOOST, ENSURE, etc.
are the worst tasting things I can think of, right now.
Have a follow-up radiation oncologist appointment on Wednesday and a follow-up medical oncologist appointment next week.
Thanksgiving weekend did me in. I "caught" a respiratory infection of some sort and had to go on a "Z-PACK" treatment for a few days.
Took two weeks vacation and finally went back to work today. Not as bad as I thought it would be. Still, I'm a bit tired. All in all, it was a good day.
Have fun, get the Christmas gift shopping done early and then relax.

TEN More Treatments Scheduled

As of yesterday, I had just TEN radiation treatments left on the schedule.
My Daughter and the Grandkids are sending me "countdown" photos
each day. These photos have the kids posed with "today's" number.
It's so cute! Although they don't have a total grasp of what's
going on, "MR. J" does realize that Grandpa is sick and has to
take medicine everyday and the numbers represent how many more
time I have to take it. Both of the grandkids look great in this
photo and I look forward to receiving a new one each day.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

Ok, it's starting to be uncomfortable

This is the 2nd week of radiation treatments and it's beginning to be a bit uncomfortable. Swallowing feels kind of like there's a small restriction. Not really painful, just uncomfortable. Heartburn is increasing also. Taking an OTC pill for that and it seems to be working. The doctor said what he would prescribe is the same thing and it would just cost more.
Trying to decide which liquid meal to have tonight.....even though liquids go down just like solids. Same feeling. The one thing that I remember from the doc is that I have eat, even if I don't want to. Hmmmmmm, Slim-Fast or some other meal in a can.....kinda like me and water, at first. Didn't like water but I have acquired a liking to that clear liquid.

CT Time

Got a call from the Radiation Oncology office this morning.....can you get a CT scan this afternoon??? Well, let's see what I can rearrange on short notice. Yes, I can do that, after 3:00 PM. Gee, you can't make it any earlier? No, after 3:00. Ok, that will work, just go right in and they will do you shortly after you arrive.
That's the way to schedule stuff (but I do prefer more notice). In, out, gone.
This one has contrast (IV stuff), they never do tell me what it is, they just want to know what I'm allergic to. Besides work???
Not a bad experience this time. These people are dealing with oncology patients everyday so they know what needs to be done. The Zimmer Cancer Center has really good people.
Looking forward to a fairly quiet weekend. I do have to get the oil changed in the buggy. Weather is going to be too wet to ride the motorcycles. Always seems to do that when I'm in the mood to ride. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to wait for a sunny day.
Have a great weekend!!!

Radiation Treatments or how to glow in the dark without really trying

Radiation visit today. Just an office visit. Met a real looser of a nurse, will not be seeing her again.
Friday afternoon will have another "planning" session. Shortly thereafter will have another CT scan laying in a mold that they will make for me (of me??). Then the oncologist will figure out where his target(s) are and how he's gonna attack them.
I know that there will be pain and discomfort involved, just keep your fingers crossed that I can handle it.
Until next time; Smile, it makes everyone wonder what you're up to.

GOOD NEWS !!

Went to the oncologist today for the results of the CT that I had on 10/01.
Lesion in the lung has SHRUNK!! One of the nodes in the mediastinum has almost cleared up.
Go tomorrow morning to the radiation oncologist to schedule the radiation treatments. When that is done a call to the oncologist to set up the remaining chemo treatments.
To us, that is good news......

FOOD is GOOD (why don't these two words rhyme?)

My wonderful Bride and I met a friend at lunchtime today. We haven't seen her in about 3.5 years. Great to see her and catch up on her life.
We met at Red Robin (where I've never been) and ate. I don't believe I ate the whole thing!!! I think I made a piggy out of myself. Food hasn't been on my priority list of late, just didn't have any flavor. Today was definitely different!!
My other half is under the weather now and we are trying not to share the ills. She in the bed, me on the sofa, both watching "First Wives' Club" on the tube. She went to the Saturday Clinic @ her doctor's office and got some meds this morning. Like a good patient she took as directed. She's been kinda loopy since.
Me, I'm still kinda satisfied from lunch but have that nagging little bit of hunger trying to convince me that I still need something to eat. Well, maybe I'll give in to the temptation if I can find something sweet. Yeah, something sweet! That's exactly what is needed to finish of the day (no matter that I had a vanilla milkshake at lunch).
Enough for today, I am going to check on my ailing Bride. I just don't like to see her not feeling well.
Hope your weekend is a good one!

Another Thought from my friend

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.

-Elmer Davis

Another thought

Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.

- Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

This young man, husband and father is one one of the people that I have
most admired.
Little did I know that shortly after his death that I would be diagnosed.
If you get the chance, and I urge you make the chance, search "YOUTUBE"
or elsewhere on the web and find "The Last Lecture". Watch it, listen to what he says.
Or you can follow this web address:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5700431505846055184


It's long, interesting, and thought provoking.

PS: For those of you wondering about the labels I use for these posts.....
Blue Side Up = The sky is above my head.
Green Side Down = The grass is under my feet.

POST-CHEMO - Day 1

Today was a bit unusual, to say the least.
Was pretty hyper during the night and did
not get a great deal of sleep. Was tired
most of the day but still pumped up with
the steroid from yesterday.
HUNGRY!! I could have eaten any and every
thing is sight. (I'm glad I didn't find the
can of sardines in the pantry).
Became pretty "flushed" according to the
Bride. She called the MO's Nurse to see what
we could do. They wanted to call in a script
for XANAX (anti-depressant). Me who is hyper
as hades needs and anti-depressant??? Plus
it affects some of the other drugs I take.
Flush went away of it's own accord at it's
own pace.
Bride got to inject me in the thigh this
morning. I think she got a kick outta that.
A nurse who get a charge outta giving a shot!!!
That's hot.
Bride used my hyperactivity by assimilating
same and mowing the lawn and doing the laundry.
She also made a trip to the grocery for a few
items that we needed/wanted. I wanted ICE CREAM!
I also got PRUNE JUICE. Not too bad if it is
really cold.
Took all of my meds and actually had a decent
day. I did receive a couple of pages from work
and several emails. I have not checked my phone
at the office.
I'm going to attempt a few hours of work Wednesday.
Nothing drastic, just some paperwork and phone
work. Meet with a few people and check on my "people."
Today I leave you with this thought:

Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking together in the same direction.

- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

But I do reserve the right to come back later today and add more.

Chow

Chemo - Day 1

Today went well, so far. Just got home from CHEMO.
Had three chemo drugs; Carboplatin, Avastin and Alimta.
Also anti-nausea drug, vitamin B-12, and a steroid.
Was told get some CLARITIN for possible bone pain
(highly recommended by UNC Hospitals); they don't know
why or how it works, but it does. A prescription for
another anti-nausea drug, and a drug (Nuelasta) to
stimulate bone marrow growth (Bride get's to give me
this one).
Everyone in the place acted very nice and seemed to
be sincere in the attitude they have toward the patients.
HURRAY for GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!! Ya can't find it
in retail establishments except on very, rare occasions,
but it's alive and well in my MO's office.
Bride has gone to the pharmacy (NOT WALLY WORLD) to get
the anti-nausea prescription and relieve her tension by
going shopping at a nearby retail establishment of her
choosing (GRIN).
I'm having a happy day.....I'm actually on vacation from
work for the whole week. I've had two pages, two emails
and, luckily, no phone calls today. Truth be known, I'll
probably go back on Wednesday if, IF, I am feeling OK.
Have a Great! Week.

Pharmacies, Drug Stores, Apothocaries, etc........

These places are a requirement of most of us. A place to buy toothpaste, tampons, film, candy, milk, bread, and, yes, medicines.
At times this can be a pleasant experience and at times it is the experience from hell.
Yesterday my MO's office called in a script for me to pick up. Asked her to tell them that I would pick it up late that afternoon.
Went to my local "wally world" pharmacy to get said meds, arriving at 4:40PM. Clerk (they are called ASSOCIATES in this place) asked for name & DOB, which I graciously provided.
She; "We don't have anything for you"
Me; "Are you sure? It was called in early today"
She; "NO!"
Me; "Could you check in pile of scripts to be filled and let me know if mine is waiting to be filled?"
She; "NO!"
Me; "Well, thanks!" all the while mumbling un-nice things under my breath.
Me; dialing the number to the MO's Nurse.
MO's Nurse; "This is MO's nurse, may I help you?"
Me; "This is me, you called in a script to the Leland Walmart Pharmacy for me earlier today and they are telling me they don't have a record of it.
MO's Nurse; "This is the SECOND TIME this has happened to a patient of our's today! If you can hold for just a minute I will check with the pharmacy."
Me; holding, holding, holding, holding, DISCONNECTED!!
Me; hit "REDIAL"
MO's Office Phone Maze Answers again.....Push the correct buttons to speak with MO's Nurse and get the GastroInterology Section. GI Nurse tells me that she will transfer the call to the correct extension. MO's receptionist answers and tells me wait just a moment and she will connect me with MO's Nurse.
MO's Nurse; "We were cut-off".
Me, to myself (DUH)
MO's Nurse; "I just spoke with the Pharmacy and your script is ready. I have no idea what the problem was. I had to call earlier on another one and it was the same story: They couldn't find it for the patient but it was right there when I called to check."
Me; "Thank you so very much for your help. Rest assured that this will be the final time I use the wallyworld pharmacy services."
Me: Back into the store and the pharmacy counter.
Clerk; "Name and date of birth?" (More of a demand than a request)
Me; "yada yada yada"
Clerk; "We don't have anything for you."
Me (getting pretty ticked); "I just spoke with my Dr's office and you assured the nurse that my script is ready."
Clerk; "I didn't tell anybody anything about your script."
Me, backtracking; "I used "you" to mean the entire pharmacy staff, not you in particular"
Clerk; "I don't have anything for you. You will need to step over to the Drop-off if you have any other questions."
Me; "Thank you, I will" (I said that????)
Me, at Drop-off window; "Drop-off Window clerk, I have a problem."
DOWC; " Just a moment, I'm assisting another customer."
Me: WAITING AGAIN.....Pharmacy Manager comes up to assist DOWC and another customer.
PM; "You can come to this window and she will assist you."
Me; "No, I need to speak with you."
PM; "Me?"
Me; "Yes, you"
PM; "What can I do for you?"
Me telling my story to the PM; "yada, yada, yada"
PM; "Well, this just came off of the voice mail at 4:20....and ..... oh, it's on my desk for approval now. It will be just a minute."
Me; "If I was in here at 4:40 and you got it off of the voice mail at 4:20 why did everyone that I asked tell me that I didn't have a script here?"
PM, ignoring my question; "Give me just a couple of minutes more and I'll have it checked for you."
Clerk; "Name and Date of Birth." (Demanding, not asking)
Me, gave same for about the second or third time in 45 minutes.
Clerk; "That will be $9.33, do you want cash back?"
Me; "No thanks."

Me, leaving this wonderful, modern, marvel of the retail trade asking myself 'How do they survive with the lousy customer service that abounds throughout the company?' Examples:
1. Can you help me with this? No, it's not my department.
2. Can you tell me where I can find fidoboxes? No, it's not my department.
3. Where is the Manager? She's out to lunch.
4. How long is the wait to have a script filled? One hour. (no other customers in sight)
5. How long is the wait for an oil change? It will be an hour (one other vehicle in sight)
6. What is this horrible smell in the grocery area? Something must be rotten somewhere.

Yes, the American Retail Trade is in good hands.
Sam Walton must be spinning over and over in his grave.
Of course Sears, JC Penny and the other BIG retailers are not much better.
The days of real customer service are long, long gone. Heck, most of these
"clerks" and "cashiers" can't even make change without relying on the computerized cash registers in use today. Most don't have a clue about MANNERS!!!! It seems that a great deal of them think of the customer as a distraction from their gossip sessions.


My little saga of today comes to an end on a high note.....
I picked my Bride up from the hair place and we went to dinner. I ate too much (have to keep my weight up per the MO and RO).

Hair....reminds me of another story. A friend (I do have a few) told me she would loan me her wig when my hair falls out. Told her thanks but no thanks, she doesn't have a blonde wig and I have always wanted to be a blonde.

I'm on call this weekend so I have to carry two pagers and a cellphone everywhere I go. Hope they all don't go off at once while we're at the picnic. (Hope the weather holds, we might ride the motorcycles).

Until next time.......Smile and make people wonder what you've been up to.

It's Saturday !!

No work, at least not for me. We (my Bride and I) are going to a "Picnic" just before Noon. It will be at a local park. Hope the weather holds out. This is put on by a group that we belong to. Was fun last year and should be even better this year. Bride loves these things, but honestly, I will miss my air conditioned living room and sofa!

A friend from my not too distant past sent me a "Thought for Today" a few weeks back. It's receipt actually coincided with my diagnosis. It was a quote from Professor Randy Pausch. You really should look him up on Google or click on the link here. Here's what it says.

We can't change the cards we're dealt, just how we play the hand.

- Randy Pausch, The Last Lecture

This quote made me think about the situation I find myself in. I had seen and listened to Randy's "Last Lecture" via You Tube or something similar. The whole concept was intriguing and enlightening. I followed Randy's story until his death. I think that I draw some of my strength from this remarkable man and the 'life attitude' that he displayed.

There are more Randyisms out there and some are really good!.

Melancholy sets in.

I guess, above all, I just want those that I love to always remember that one little word, above all else, when they think of me.

Another Day

Today I spoke with the medical oncologist (MO) again. We are on go for Monday morning. We're gonna try a three drug cocktail. The Radiation Guy (RG) wants to shrink this thing before he tries to cook away the rest of it. Hey, that's fine by me. The MO thinks this will work just fine. Chemo, three weeks later, Chemo and another MRI. If all looks well the RG will get his shot.
For those of you have never had something like this....some people just don't know how to handle the whole thing. Sometimes it's kinda comical, sometimes it kinda sad. Some times they whisper (why, I can still hear?), touch you when they speak (body-to-body transmission?). I know that each and everyone of them are sincere in their concern, it's just the way I see things (is my sense of humor distorted?).
This is MY relief mechanism so pardon me if it offends. I woke up on the "green side" this morning and I'm celebrating!
Love and laughter to everyone!

Downer Day

Today I got a call from the Radiation guy.....leaves me a message to call Joe Blow (substitute name). I don't know Joe Blow from cow dung. Anyway I called and he told me who it was.
Bad news. We're (read that he is) going to delay the Radiation until the Chemo is finished. Seems the angle is not exactly right and he would blow away more of my lung that he wanted to. After the Chemo the spot should be smaller and easier to handle.
Oh, that's life. We have to play the cards we're delt. Right?
Have a call in for the Medical Oncologist so we can a better idea of what's going to happen now. Increase in chemo drug dosages? Longer chemo schedule? Wait and see.

The Oncologists

First one was the Medical Oncologist. This is the dude that gives the poison shots....
just kidding.....these drugs are really powerful!! Had my blood drawn (by needle not by pen and paper) and they checked to see if I was a "blue blood", I guess. I wasn't.
That all appeared to be OK. He's a good guy, graduate of "THE USC" (for those of you who are not edumacated that is THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA. He sent me to the Radiation Oncologist.
This guy is pretty bright.....he's got a PHD in something or other (medical I would guess). There's more questions and answers. He tells me to come back in a couple of days and we'll get fitted for the ZAP of radiation.
In the mean time I had a PORT-A-CATH installed in my upper left arm. Not too bad, they managed to numb the area they were gonna cut into. This was on a Friday morning before 8:30 and I still had to work that day.
Saturday morning, before 7AM they had me in the radiology department at the local hospital for an MRI of the brain (could have saved all of us some time and me some money if they had listen when I told them the skull was empty).
Back to the Medical guy for a CHEMO-CLASS. That's where they tell ya what to expect after the chemo treatments begin. Doesn't sound like a lot of fun. Bunches of could's and maybe's and if's and and's. We'll just have to see.
Next trip was to the Radiation Doc. They took some x-rays and some measurements. Then the little lady said "I'm gonna tattoo you in three places." Wham-bam, thank ya ma'am. Hurt like hell, let me tell ya. Much more than having the Port-A-Cath put in.
I almost came up off of the x-ray table and probably would have except for the big old x-ray machine over my face.
Left there and went to the hospital again, this time for another CT. Seems they couldn't use the one I just had a couple of week previous.
Medical Doc starts scheduling everything.....begin Chemo on Monday mornnin, early, followed by radiation. Chemo once a week and Radiation 5 times.

Visit with Surgeon

This guy is GREAT!! Takes time to talk, answer questions, etc. He whispers the word "cancer" though. I guess he must think that by doing that it's going to lessen the impact on the patient (me). NOT !
He then scheduled a PET scan to see if this stuff has spread anywhere else. This was done one day (during work) and I really expected to light the thing up like a Christmas Tree. Turned out to be a lot less than I thought, but still very serious.
Next comes the visit to the Medical Oncologist and the Radiation Oncologist.....the fun's just beginning.
Stay tuned for the next episode.

The CT Scan

Went to the hospital for the CT scan (not crazy about these things either). This is an exercise in frustration. Hurry up and wait. Did you ever notice that nobody in a hospital or doctor's office reads your information. Each and every one of them ask the same questions again!! Do you really think my answers from 5 minutes ago have changed since I've been in this cold room, 1/2 naked, laying on a table?
CT scan goes well and they give me a CD to take to my doctor.
Head home a bit nonplussed about the whole situation.
Bride has high friends in low places.....makes phone call....in surgeon's office the next day!!!!
The saga continues.........

The Doctor Visit

After several months of procrastination I finally let my bride make an appointment for me with a PULMONOLOGIST. This is the specialty that deals with diseases of the lungs and the respiratory system. Seems I had been having increased shortness of breath.
Things are going pretty normal in the examination and then he calls for a chest x-ray. I hate x-rays......
Oops, there is a small spot (1 inch or so), but it's near an artery so it probably isn't much, a shadow, perhaps. We need to get a CT scan just to be sure. (I love how Doctor's say "we" and the fact that they are always "practicing" medicine).