One week has past since I started back on chemo. I'm definitely not going to complain about how I feel, but there has been a difference in both my mental and physical health this past week. Nothing like the "old days" hovering over a toilet or spending days at a time in bed, but there are just enough subtle differences to slow me down a little as well as remind me once again what I'm dealing with. Things have been going so well and I've been so busy that I almost forgot living a "normal" life isn't always normal for us. That's a good thing though, I continue to believe that we are heading in the right direction and living that "normal" life will be here soon.
Physically the main issue is my abdominal area. Although I'm not bloated, I feel like it most of the time. The pain hasn't really curbed my appetite, but can be uncomfortable at times. This is where the mental thing comes in where you don't know exactly what is going on inside you body, so the worry about what is happening can be worse than the actual physical pain. I continue to take all my meds and take all my injections...I will not sway from what I am told to do. I assume I'm dealing with some inflammation, so I'm trying to load up on the things that assist my body with inflammation. I've backed down to one IV a week for now, knowing that if I need to add a second for support I will.
Other than my abdomen, I have some minor issues with tingling in my feet, minor headaches, sensitivity of my teeth and nose. None of these things are able to slow me down, they just add to the reminder of the drugs I'm taking. Of course I still get tired at night, but Crystal has reminded me lately that many people living "normal" lives are tired at the end of the day so I shouldn't be so hard on myself. She's right, as usual. I've been working long hours and trying to find time for Crystal and the kids which would wear me down if my health was perfect. I really want to be able to exercise and not sure if I'm up to that yet so that is why I beat myself up. One step at a time, I know.
Ashley was sick all week so I tried to stay away from her as much as possible. Crystal, once more, carried the load getting up with her at night and staying home with her so I didn't risk getting sick. I hated not being able to comfort her like I wanted to, but I really couldn't risk getting sick. She missed school Tuesday through Friday which really bummed her out since she hasn't missed a day of school since she started. I told her that she should be proud of not missing school, but if the streak continued she would probably look back someday and wonder what she was thinking. She'll understand that when she gets older I'm sure. She has a father that needs to become a better role model when it comes to school...thank goodness her mother set the example by being the bookworm.
William and I went to our first IU game last weekend with our friends Ty and Davis. Davis and Will go to school together, so "the guys" made the trek down to Bloomington to see the worst team (from a record standpoint) in IU history. They lost, of course, but we had a great time. Some would disagree, but there are few better places in America to watch a college basketball game than Assembly Hall. The team has been outmanned all year, but the IU fans have backed them because they play with so much heart and energy. It felt good to be there and it was a special day for me since it was William's first IU basketball experience. Thanks to the Gerig's for allowing us tag along.
The last week in February is one of my favorite weeks of the year so I'm happy that it is here. There is really no special reason besides getting into the month of March. Even though I know it can be cold and snowy in March, I also know this weather is soon coming to an end. I really tried to "enjoy" this winter, but my patience is wearing. I'll be happy with 40's and 50's until we officially hit Spring--anything above freezing at this point would be a bonus. There is nothing better than a warm, sunny day to take anyone out of a funk, I know it would help me.
That's pretty much the news for the week. We'll see what this week brings. We keep plugging along...
More updates to come...
Love,
Tony
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Catching up...
Two weeks has past since I posted an update. I've been getting some e-mails and phone calls lately asking if I was okay, so I knew I needed write something soon. The bottom line is I'm feeling fine and everything with my health seems to be going in the right direction.
Bad excuse, but since I have returned from Germany I've been so busy at work that I haven't had fifteen minutes to write. My day consists of going to work, coming home to eat, spend a couple hours with Crystal and the kids, and going back to work until I go to bed. I've been telling people that it is a fairly sad existence, but I know things will slow down to a normal pace soon. I would be discouraged if I didn't see a light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm beginning to see one, so this "phase" should end soon. Crystal continues to warn me to get the rest I need and reminds me of my priorities. She is right (as usual), I know things will get better at work soon. Our weekends have been just as busy as our work weeks. Ashley's calendar keeps us running most of the time and we spent a weekend in Cincinnati last weekend.
Although all of these things have kept us really busy, I am happy that I'm feeling well enough to do them. I still get tired early and find myself in bed most nights around 9:30 or 10:00, but feel well rested when I wake up. I remind myself that I just had two major treatments three weeks ago so should be happy that I'm doing as well as I am considering what my body has been through. I know the energy will return soon.
I spoke briefly to Dr. Jacob soon after my last journal entry. She called while I was at work so I wasn't really prepared for her, but we did speak for a few minutes to go over the results of all my tests. I didn't get much detail, but I'll spare you the details I have and just say that overall my results have improved since our October trip. I'm obviously excited about where we are and are yet one more indicator that we are moving in the right direction. The chemosensitivity test didn't change as far as what antibodies, natural and traditional medicines would respond to my tumors so we are going to continue on the same plan as before.
What this means is I start chemo again tomorrow. This is the same chemo I was taking last time and (knock on wood) wasn't to bad. I had some minor side effects, but nothing that seemed to knock me out. I'll be on a two week on, two week off schedule until I return to Germany. Because I had so many issues between October and January with my surgery, infections, illnesses, etc. I only took two cycles. This time we will have a chance to get through a full three month cycle of UFT, hopefully enough to see some sort of effect. I'm not overly excited about going back on chemo, but the dosages are low and if the last time was any indicator of how I'll feel I should be fine.
I've missed a couple of IVs based on my schedule at work, but overall have been pretty consistent. I've been able to do many IVs at home and have been keeping up with the five injections per week with the help of my angel nurse next door, Carol. My blood test results are really good. When I spoke to Dr. Jacob I actually asked if I should be concerned that they were so good. Stupid question I know, but my liver enzymes are practically back to normal, red, white blood cells are within normal range, my potassium is back to normal, etc. I haven't seen results like this on a blood tests for a long time. We'll continue to monitor my levels and see what happens. I've gained a few pounds over the last couple of weeks too which is also a good sign. I don't think anyone but me really can tell the difference, but it's something I have been asked to monitor. I still eat healthy, but I'm not "crazy" about my diet anymore, so gaining weight on what I eat is always a positive sign.
So the plan is simple. Do my IVs one to two times per week, keep up with my injections, take all my daily pills, and take my chemo when I'm supposed to. The plan is to return to Germany early May for more extensive treatment and for another "check-up". We continue to be thankful for all the support we continue to receive. We're looking forward to some warmer weather soon and catching up with friends and family. Each day is a good day.
More updates to come (sooner than later)...
Love,
Tony
Bad excuse, but since I have returned from Germany I've been so busy at work that I haven't had fifteen minutes to write. My day consists of going to work, coming home to eat, spend a couple hours with Crystal and the kids, and going back to work until I go to bed. I've been telling people that it is a fairly sad existence, but I know things will slow down to a normal pace soon. I would be discouraged if I didn't see a light at the end of the tunnel, but I'm beginning to see one, so this "phase" should end soon. Crystal continues to warn me to get the rest I need and reminds me of my priorities. She is right (as usual), I know things will get better at work soon. Our weekends have been just as busy as our work weeks. Ashley's calendar keeps us running most of the time and we spent a weekend in Cincinnati last weekend.
Although all of these things have kept us really busy, I am happy that I'm feeling well enough to do them. I still get tired early and find myself in bed most nights around 9:30 or 10:00, but feel well rested when I wake up. I remind myself that I just had two major treatments three weeks ago so should be happy that I'm doing as well as I am considering what my body has been through. I know the energy will return soon.
I spoke briefly to Dr. Jacob soon after my last journal entry. She called while I was at work so I wasn't really prepared for her, but we did speak for a few minutes to go over the results of all my tests. I didn't get much detail, but I'll spare you the details I have and just say that overall my results have improved since our October trip. I'm obviously excited about where we are and are yet one more indicator that we are moving in the right direction. The chemosensitivity test didn't change as far as what antibodies, natural and traditional medicines would respond to my tumors so we are going to continue on the same plan as before.
What this means is I start chemo again tomorrow. This is the same chemo I was taking last time and (knock on wood) wasn't to bad. I had some minor side effects, but nothing that seemed to knock me out. I'll be on a two week on, two week off schedule until I return to Germany. Because I had so many issues between October and January with my surgery, infections, illnesses, etc. I only took two cycles. This time we will have a chance to get through a full three month cycle of UFT, hopefully enough to see some sort of effect. I'm not overly excited about going back on chemo, but the dosages are low and if the last time was any indicator of how I'll feel I should be fine.
I've missed a couple of IVs based on my schedule at work, but overall have been pretty consistent. I've been able to do many IVs at home and have been keeping up with the five injections per week with the help of my angel nurse next door, Carol. My blood test results are really good. When I spoke to Dr. Jacob I actually asked if I should be concerned that they were so good. Stupid question I know, but my liver enzymes are practically back to normal, red, white blood cells are within normal range, my potassium is back to normal, etc. I haven't seen results like this on a blood tests for a long time. We'll continue to monitor my levels and see what happens. I've gained a few pounds over the last couple of weeks too which is also a good sign. I don't think anyone but me really can tell the difference, but it's something I have been asked to monitor. I still eat healthy, but I'm not "crazy" about my diet anymore, so gaining weight on what I eat is always a positive sign.
So the plan is simple. Do my IVs one to two times per week, keep up with my injections, take all my daily pills, and take my chemo when I'm supposed to. The plan is to return to Germany early May for more extensive treatment and for another "check-up". We continue to be thankful for all the support we continue to receive. We're looking forward to some warmer weather soon and catching up with friends and family. Each day is a good day.
More updates to come (sooner than later)...
Love,
Tony
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