no news is good news

My friend Steve Talbott, who does not have a facebook account texted me yesterday and asked me how are things, am I ok because I have not updated my blog in 2 months. well as in Steve's words "No news is good news" my excuse .... well besides surfing the internet for shoes ... I've not had the energy to pour out my thoughts onto a keyboard.  Sounds easy but my new normal is a fraction of the old normal. The energy will return as Chemo ends, pain subsides and I heal up from surgery ... another 6 months.

I am good.  I am about to go through the 12th round of Chemo this Wednesday and then I am done with that part of the fight.  I have had a couple rounds that have put me on the mat but have been able to come out the next round swinging and fighting.  This 11th round has been one of the wins, and rather than just covering up for the 12th round I am gonna come out swinging for the knock out shot. I am making plans to travel next week to celebrate my great Auntie Nan's 90th birthday. but plans are just fore thoughts and over the past 6 months I have learned to just live the day.  If I can, I will, If I can't, I won't.  Take the "I can" days and live them, accept the "I can't" days as a nudge to celebrate the gifts I am given. like kissing my wife, telling Connor I love him, Getting a hug from Zip and a long telephone chat with Brooke.

Since my last post, Football has started and we have 3 regular season games left.  I have not "physically" missed any practices but there are many times I am on the field and my mind isn't as clear as it should be ... fortunately I have some great coaches that surround me and pick up the ball when I drop it.... literally they pick up the ball because I drop it ... often ... the Neuropathy caused by the Chemo has stripped my hands and feet of feeling... hopefully I get most of the feeling back someday. Coaching has been the bar that I hold onto when days drag and I just want to stay on the couch and look at the wall. The team knows about my fight and is patient when my brain can't get the words out or I mix up a play.  I enjoy game days because it is the most focused I can be and I stay that way for the entire day ... then crash.

Everybody around me has been incredibly patient and understanding.  I hope you all know how important your support, prayers and concern have made the past 6 months bearable. As you can see in the picture I have managed to put some weight back on which has astounded the Dr's and Nurses.  Not really supposed to gain weight during Chemo but I've managed ... it's a good thing.  After everything is done we (which means Lori) will go back to worrying about my weight ... I really liked being thinner just not the process that made me thinner.

Next step after Chemo will be a surgeries to fix things and put all the pipes back together.  I am planning on surgery around the 1st week of December so I can enjoy Thanksgiving and be up and around by Christmas ... plus that is the week after the State Championship game ... I do still have an eye on the prize.

I will try to catch you up next week.  Have Saturday College Football to watch.

Love and appreciation to you all
Dave

ChemoBrain

Today is the Monday after treatment, this is the first Monday after the spa that I have been completely active.... It is kinda unusual as most 1st Mondays I have been unable to get going.  Friday and Saturday I was stuck in the rut unable to giddy up.  I'm learning to expect the unexpected... I expected to be active on Friday ... Wasn't!  I expected to be down today.... Wasn't!  

This process leaves me with what has been described as ChemoBrain... It makes me feel like I've lost some of my 'social/family filters'. Sometimes I find myself blurting things out, and unfortunately hurting someone's feelings because of a lack of sensitivity or caring. My brain, for now, seems to process things differently; I don't seem to use the same methods for processing information. I don't always understand things that I used to 'get'. And I don't always think things through like I used to. I'm gonna read a book is "Your Brain After Chemo" - I'm finding that there are very real impacts on the brain due to chemo. Another example - I get in my car to go somewhere familiar, then find I'm taking the wrong route. I get a bit mixed up these days about where things are located - north of where I'm at, or south? I have to stop & think about it, and I've lived in Corvallis for about 14 years and I have a built in GPS that stopped working. It's weird.

Very common among cancer survivors treated with the Folfox therapy and other “chemo cocktails” containing multiple system wide chemo drugs. Chemo brain is described by many as a “mental fuzziness” or a clouding of the thought process. Difficulty remembering, challenges with reasoning and maintaining a continuity of thoughts are often expressed. I experiencing all of those.  Things are better the further away from treatment but go right back it dark on spa days.  I'm told the side effects often lessen after chemo treatments are completed.  I've read the issues tend to resolve faster for those who continue with mental activity and exercise including puzzles, word games and other mentally challenging activities. In the short term, I keep a calendar, write this blog and write down my daily reminders to keep me on track or I get distracted.  

Football practice started today at 7am... I was there... And it was good!

How can you help? .... Keep my family in your prayers, they are frustrated with me a bit.. I guess I'm grumpy and demanding... The good news is that I will be traveling to Bend this weekend for my 30yr reunion... And my oncologist said there is no problem having a beer or two.... So maybe I'm gonna be a little less grumpy this weekend. Amen to that!

Love you all
Dave

Be Like Water, My Friend

Yesterday, I was reminded of the inscription on the medal that hangs around my neck that Ric gave me prior to surgery ... "Be Like Water My Friend".  We went to my nephews wedding and I fell asleep in the living room while the rest of the family Danced, folded up the chairs, cleaned up the garage, moved the trash etc... I had no "giddy up" left... and the family seemed to understand I was just not able to get up and help with the post ceremonies that families go through when one of us gets married.  My tank was empty at the time and I fell asleep.

If you know me you know how hard it is for me to say "No I'm gonna let somebody else do it" that is what Ric was trying to impress upon me as I heal... sometimes it is ok to flow around the rock.

Bruce Lee wrote:

Nothing is weaker than water,
But when it attacks something hard
Or resistant, then nothing withstands it,
And nothing will alter its way.

"The above passages from the Tao Te Ching illustrate to us the nature of water: Water is so fine that it is impossible to grasp a handful of it; strike it, yet it does not suffer hurt; stab it, and it is not wounded; sever it, yet it is not divided. It has no shape of its own but molds itself to the receptacle that contains it. When heated to the state of steam it is invisible but has enough power to split the earth itself. When frozen it crystallizes into a mighty rock. First it is turbulent like Niagara Falls, and then calm like a still pond, fearful like a torrent, and refreshing like a spring on a hot summer’s day."

Yup! I just quoted Bruce Lee, but it felt like it applied to me today.  I have worked through Round 6 pretty well.  Except for the occasional "Hit the Wall" moments I have done pretty well.  I have enjoyed some good times with my friends... who I have come to rely upon more than they know. Went to the River last week, Drove Brooke and her friend to the Airport at 4am, went to the fair, Drank a beer at the the Marshall Tucker Band concert,  Picked up Brooke at the Airport, Went to the Nike Employee store, Jonathon and Cecelia's wedding then home.  Today we are headed to Mass then on to a lake for a little while with some of those friends that I have come to rely upon.  I'll spend Monday and Tuesday trying to get a weeks work in, as well as a couple doctor visits.

My health is good, I have added weight and am tolerating all the side effects of the treatments and am looking forward to the end of them.

I appreciate your prayers and good thoughts.  There is no doubt in my mind that they are the reason I have handled the Chemo treatments so well.  Please continue those prayers, for me and for my Family... especially Lori because she has shouldered so much of the burden.

Wednesday Round 7 begins ... more than half way done.

Love to you,
Dave

Ding Ding! Round 6 coming up

Ok I know it has been a while since my last update of this blog, but the lesson I am learning is to make sure I take care of David.  Hard lesson to learn hard gift to accept when everybody else wants to help "Take care of David" but I am learning to accept the very gracious gifts my friends and family give me.  Their time, Energy, Love, Meals, Concern, Dog walks and fresh fruit is staggering. sometimes that means I need to prioritize and get the 1 thing I need to do done and updating this blog has not made it onto the #1 spot until today.  I am 48 as of today and decided I should chronicle some more of my thoughts.

I am finishing the 5th round of Spa Treatment and Round 6 is Wednesday.  I am not looking forward to it, however I have to say it has not been as hard as I thought it would be ... hopefully that is just not me getting used to feeling like crap and accepting it for the standard of feeling good.  The exception was Round 3.  It whooped me good, but my corner gave me some advice and round 4 and now round 5 are marked down as wins.  Round 6 marks the half way point in the fight and I feel pretty good about it and am preparing.

I deal with cold neuropathies on my hands, Feet, Face, Throat and nose.  Which means it feels like I am picking up/stepping on/swallowing a pin cushion with the pointy ends going the wrong direction when ever one of my aforementioned body parts comes in contact with something that is colder than body temperature.  Those symptoms seem to fade within a week after Spa Treatment so I have about 5-6 days of fairly normal sensitivities. My energy also increases the farther away I get from the last treatment and closer I get to the next ... I guess that is by design ... right when I feel pretty good again, I'm sucker punched. I do suffer a bit from "Chemo Brain" and it tends to mess with my memory. so If you catch me repeating a story or stop mid sentence that is the swiss cheese I have for a brain right now ... kinda feels like a chapter from Flowers for Algernon sometimes.

Football started this past week and I made every practice.  This week will be the test to see if I still have what is needed to give the team when I have a Chemo pump attached to my chest.  I am looking for a CV sack bag to stuff the pump into so I can stay with team colors.

Rd 6 should be a good round for me. I have learned what I need to do to prepare myself.  It marks the half way point  ... see what I just did there ... repeated myself ...

What can you do to help?  That is the question everybody asks because you want to help but don't know what to offer ... Prayers!  After reading all the support group stories and stories from other people and articles I have read I'm convinced the main thing that has made a difference in my treatment and how I feel has been your prayers. I have not had to suffer like all those stories and articles said I would (except I do miss fresh fruit smoothies and cold Gatorade)
Thank you for your prayers.
Dave

From The Chair ...

Sitting here in the chair getting my 3rd round of "Spa" treatment. The previous 2 have not been bad and I have been able to work through them with only a little discomfort.  The reputation Chemo has is that it can cause overwhelming nausea but so far I have not been overwhelmed, which really is a direct answer to prayers.  Remember before treatment started that what I wanted to avoid was the nausea?Pretty incredible.

Note: an "attaboy" to the OSU Beaver Baseball team. You all were one of the bright spots on many of my days over the past couple months. The constant feed from PAC12 network or a friend with an extra ticket helped distract on days of glum. Even got to sit in the scaffolding one evening thanks to Lori and my friends. Bummed I don't get to watch Beaver Baseball as I go through this round but do appreciate the great season and looking forward to the next great season at Oregon State.

The other side effects have not been overwhelming but they do seem to be increasing... Namely cold sensitivity to my hands, nose and throat. Basically whenever my hands touch cold or I drink liquids that are above room temp or I breath air conditioner air through my nose I feel those side effects. My eye sight seems to be temporarily changing... Note to self: go to dollar store to get some reading glasses. Energy level is good on the upswing of the cycle and acceptable on the 5 days after chemo and the take home purse. A few others  but the one I am watching now are there seems to be these short gray hairs ending up on my pillow, shirts, iPad screen, work space... Etc..    Bono's hair is black.... So I am thinking maybe it's Brooke's cat leaving a calling card ... I hope that is what it is.

I am doing well, (installed a phone system yesterday.. Actually I assisted Steve) all the blood tests are coming back positive... Very positive.  I've managed to put on a couple pounds so not as gaunt.  Dr says now is not the time to be dieting and that the weight that came off was not good so adding weight back on will help in the healing and dealing with the Chemo.... Just not all the weight. I'm not so pasty white/gray and a little color has returned to my face.

I'll be leaving the spa in a bit... They kick me out after 6 hours. I'm gonna go home and take a nap.

I can't close this post without saying thank you. Not sure I will never be able to express how much your love, support and prayers have meant to me and my family.  You all have helped us in so many ways, set examples of kindness to my family .... I will spend a lifetime passing it on.

Thank you,

Dave

Round 1 - DONE

I have finished my first round of Chemo and am happy to say it wasn't completely debilitating.  I did/do experience some of the side effects but the dreaded overwhelming sickness wasn't as bad as I had imagined. The biggest issue was the sapping of energy... hence this late post.  Last week I went into the infusion center at Good Sam and they took blood tests in preparation for the next day and gave me my first Iron transfusion. (today I had my 3rd and have 2 more to go) the next day on Wednesday I took the chair and got the first round.  My Nurse, Andi, was awesome she laughs easy which made me feel a little better and more comfortable. I'll admit I was a bit nervous. After about 5 hours of sitting, chatting with Lori and eventually dozing in the chair, I was finished and they sent me home with a "Man purse" that contained a pump which continued pumping chemicals into me until Friday afternoon.  It worked fine until Thursday night. The needle in my chest port was not working properly so it kept sounding the Alarm all night ... that may have contributed to my tired days over the weekend.  They fixed it Friday morning and removed the pump Friday afternoon.

I was expecting the worse flu symptoms ever but the anti-nausea medicine is good enough that it wasn't so bad. Watched the Beavs pretty much lock up another Pac12 tittle on TV instead of going to the games, slept most of Saturday and Sunday, then gathered myself on Monday and made it to the Dr. Appt by 1pm on Monday. Only disappointment was I could not go with Connor to the Portland State Jr Day to meet coaches and tour the campus ... but Lori did and the 2 of them had fun, I think it was better for Connor ... I tend to make him nervous when it comes to the post high school plans.

Going forward, some of the side effects may build up such as the cold drink sensitivity, hands, feet and jaw clenching, eyesight degrading, cold touch sensitivity and maybe some loss of hair... but the Saturday and Sunday sickness is manageable and the Thursday and Friday nights I'll be fine. I am now confident that I can still be on the sidelines this season with the Raiders and actively participate as a coach. I was worried I wouldn't be up to it. This is really good news  ... probably the best good news to me. This will be my 11th year with this group, they are seniors now and I am excited to see the fruition of a decade of work which really has been a labor of love for these young men.

Lori and the kids are doing well.  Lori continues to be such a support taking care of my bandages and the ileostomy.  Last week she worked 50+ hours at her job as a Property Manager despite taking Wednesday off and part of Friday.  She is running ragged but we are managing with the help of our family and friends in the community.  You all have been so very generous with bringing meals, caring support and helping us with Bono. Thank you.

The bright side to this great day:  I have been off high blood pressure pills for about 6 weeks and I have been consistently at 120/80 or better, My weight stabilized and I put on a couple pounds (230lbs today), I have enough old school jeans that still fit so I don't look like I am wearing MC Hammer pants. (Pre 230 jeans), I am actively working (from home mostly) for at least a couple hours a day and I have the confidence that I can do this 11 more times.

Moving back to some sort of normalcy is gonna take a while but I am looking forward to the Pole, Peddle Paddle 2015
Dave

Moving Forward

This is how my day started yesterday. I was exhausted but managed to change my tire.  I’m a little sore today but using leverage correctly I barely lifted anything.  Bummer was once the spare was on it was a little low and I could not carry the compressor to fill up the spare until Connor got home and helped with the compressor.

I met with Dr. McGregor who is my oncologist yesterday.  Things are going to go forward as planned.  Next Wednesday we will start Chemo. She looked at my wounds and thought we are far enough along that it will be ok. The blood tests from Monday came back pretty good.  My Anemia is better but not great so we will add some Iron transfusions during the Chemotherapy days… which adds about an hour to me being there.  She also looked at the report about "free floating cancer cells" and my numbers are down ... way down from when she last took a look which was in the hospital. All in all a pretty good report.

So with the cancer removed during surgery, technically I am in remission. Why am I going through Chemo? Well the treatment is termed "Adjuvant Chemo".  It is full force standard care as if I was full of cancer but it is more of a protection for reoccurrence. It can help keep the cancer from coming back later and has been shown to help people with stage III colon cancer live longer. It is given after all visible cancer has been removed to lower the chance that it will come back. It works by killing the small number of cancer cells that may have been left behind at surgery because they were too small to see. Adjuvant chemo is also aimed at killing cancer cells that might have escaped from the main tumor and settled in other parts of the body (but are too small to see on imaging tests).

My voice is moving back to normal, for the past month it has sounded kinda raspy and whispery but should be loud by football season. The 2 incubations during the surgeries rubbed my vocal cords and have taken some time to heal.

I’ve stopped dropping weight and managed to put a couple pounds back on.  Mostly water weight.  Gatorade helps me retain water… miracle drink.

Time to switch to work… I am still home but able to get a few ours of work in now… trying to carry my share but my business partners really have been doing double duty.  If you need a business phone system, Phone repair, technology upgrade or telecom consultation you know who to call.... Yup …  Steve or Richard because I can’t quite make it to the phone before it stops ringing.  Leave a message I'll call you back.

Take care,

Dave

Big Boy Pants

I know it has been a couple weeks since I last posted but there really has been nothing to report other than… woke up, changed the bandages, ate a little, went for a walk, watched a little sports center,  ate a little, watched another episode of Vikings, rewatch the episode because I fell asleep, ate a little, try to do a little work,  family comes home, run errands riding shotgun with Lori, ate a little, watch The Voice or American Idol with Elizabeth eventually to bed and finally to sleep.

I am much stronger and my weight loss has stabilized at 225lbs.  Yes I have lost nearly 50 pounds since I checked into the hospital on March 31. More if you count the water weight I initially gained during the first week in the hospital. I am going to need a new wardrobe, I am no longer a XXL but everything I own is... luckily I saved some stuff from High school, it fits again.  I dig Izod, but the OP shorts seem a bit too short now.

The wound from surgery is healing up and may not be as ugly as I first imagined.  I still look a bit like a jig saw puzzle with pieces missing but those pieces are filing in nicely and Lori is becoming a very good bandage changer.  Only takes about 10 minutes to change the dressing now.

I am learning to live with the physical changes/temporary ileostomy but it has been the hardest and most discouraging part of all this stuff.  I am happy that it is only temporary and that once the Chemotherapy is completed it will be reversed…. But that won’t be until November or December.

The days have been broken up a bit when I have a visitor, of which I have been very grateful.  I have been off pain medication for about a week now so I am able to think clearer and run the errands that Lori has been doing.  Lori has been working so hard at her new job I am thankful that I can finally feel like I am helping out again.  She has been so incredible, never complaining and with complete patience with me when I get grumpy or irritable.  Making special trips to the store when there is something I think I need… like green olives, sushi or really salty potato chips. (BTW: anybody have any real salty chip recommendation?) I don’t really absorb salt right now so salty things seem to be a craving … I know …. I sound like a soon to be Mom.

Going forward- Yesterday I went into Samaritan and they cleared my Power port which was installed while in the hospital just below my left collar bone (Note: punch me or squeeze my right shoulder please, the left one is a bit tender) They also drew blood for testing and preparation for Chemotherapy which will start next week on the 14^th.  I meet with Dr. McGregor on Wednesday the 7^th for final preparation and plans for Chemo.  I am hoping to be the lucky one who has no side effects (that is a VERY specific prayer request, no side effects from Chemo)

I will go through up to 12 rounds of Chemo.  I opted not to participate in a trial and feel a bit guilty that I can’t help but I selfishly wanted to make sure I get the standard treatment of what is already known to work and be effective fighting a reoccurrence of cancer.  There was a possibility in the trial that I would be one of the ones who get the shorter and placebo treatment.  I just felt that I have children who are still in school and I can’t take that chance. I have lots to do and plan on many years of being with my family and NOT going through this again because I didn't get the standard care and treatment.

I will have a treatment every other Wednesday until the 12 rounds are complete or the side effects are too great and hurting my body more than helping. I will sit most of the day on Wednesday at Good Samaritan then go home with a fanny pack and pump so the Chemotherapy (FOLFOX) runs for 46 hours.  On Friday morning I go back into the office and they remove the pump. Then wait to see what side effects hit.  Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, cold sensitivity, sore on soft tissue like gums, Hair loss, fatigue, easily bruised and nerve damage. Most side effects will disappear once the Chemotherapy is stopped.

Well that is enough for today, I have some work I want to do and I want to wash my hair… I’m goal this morning is to Shave, hair wash, sponge cleaning, tooth brushing and getting dressed without taking a resting breather between any of those tasks…. Haven’t done it yet…. Hopefully today is that day.  Baby steps … I’ll probably need to nap after getting ready for the day.

I appreciate you.  I know you read through this entire post because you care about me and my family.  Thank you. I can’t wait to someday show you how much I appreciate your care.

Dave

Ill post tomorrow after my appointment with Dr. McGregor.

25 years and she still loves me

Let me start by saying I am one of the most blessed men in the world.  Yesterday, Lori and I celebrated our 25^th wedding anniversary.  We were planning a shindig for this weekend but the recent events have caused us to reschedule the shindig for the 26^th wedding anniversary.  Why am I blessed?  For starters she has put up with me for 25 years (even patient with me now that I am grumpy) and knowing that I am not feeling well she was content to sit and catch up on Survivor with me as our 25^th anniversary evening out….. plus numerous other reasons.  I certainly out kicked my coverage when she agreed to marry me.

Recovery is gonna take some time.  I am feeling stronger, I can walk a couple blocks when I have a walking partner, but this is not something I am going to be able to muscle through.  The surgery scar is healing and I am learning about having a bag attached to me but I require time, nutrition and rest.

I went to see both the surgery team doctors and the Oncology doctor on Monday.  Scott, who is Dr. Nagamoto’s PA said things are healing great and removed a bunch of metal staples… kinda weird how many there were and I didn’t know or could tell. I’ll go back next Wednesday for another check up on the healing.

Then I went to see Dr. McGregor who is the oncology Dr.  She let me know what stage I was diagnosed (Stage 3) It is stage 3 because of 2 things.  They could see the cancer tumor from outside the colon wall and they found a cancer mass just outside the colon wall that may have been a lymph node at one point. She/we have decided that May 14^th will be the start of the 12 rounds of Chemo therapy that I will go through.  I am not completely sure how it all works but she explained I get to sit in a chair for 6+ hours every other Wednesday while they pump FolFox into me. Then I go home with a carry pump and Thursday more is pumped in.  Friday they remove the pump. Then Saturday and Sunday I get sick.  Back to work on Monday. Can’t really say I am looking forward to the every other week spa treatment I am about to go through.

I am choosing to go through Chemo because the chance of a reoccurrence is reduced by about 50%... I’ll take those odds. Chance of reoccurrence after going through Chemo is reduced to 15-19%.  I am going to work to be one of the 80%ers that do not have a re-occurrence.

I am steadily reducing my need for pain killers so my brain is getting clearer but it is still foggy some times.  I am going stir crazy and ready to do something else. My butt hurts a little from sitting so much the last few weeks. I am so grateful for the friends in this community…. As I type this a friend is out walking Bono.  He has been going stir crazy with me and needs to burn off energy or …. Else. (high energy dog, cooped up with slow moving man … not a good combo)

In case you are wondering when you see me.  So far I have dropped about 35 pounds overall. I checked in at 271 then ballooned up in the hospital to 280lbs.  On Monday I was 235 and I am pretty sure I am still dropping.  We are trying to stop the weight loss but my appetite has not returned yet so I am forcing myself to eat. There are easier ways to lose weight.

I really do hope to see you soon. Drop in and say hi if you have the chance.

Dave

Home by my self ... like a big boy.

Healing at home and I am feeling stronger every day.  I am still on the hospital sleep pattern so long stretches of sleep are rare. The 16 days in the hospital were a tough reconditioning of the mind as well as a reconditioning and fixing of the body. Last night, I asked Lori to help me move the IV pole so I could get up…. We left the IV pole back at the hospital… I got a little Swiss cheese holes in the head right now. That pole was like a ball and chain and I almost believed it was permanently attached … reconditioning of the mind.

How am I currently? Well during the second surgery Dr. Nagamoto installed an ileostomy bag which I am learning to take care of by myself. So I have that baggage.  It is not permanent and will be removed after I have completed Chemotherapy.  Reversing the bag will include another couple night stay in the hospital.  I also have a very ugly looking wound that Lori is learning how to change the dressing. There is a nurse that stops by to teach her for the next couple days. I have a tough time looking at the wound from my angle, but brave Lori is putting her feelings aside and taking care of me like a champ.  The nurse is there just in case Lori stumbles…. She won’t, she’s tough.

Monday we will go in to see Dr. Nagamoto, who will probably remove some staples.  We will then go and meet with Dr. Kim McGregor who will be my oncologist. The Cancer has been cut out but we want to make sure it doesn’t come back and that it has not spread to other parts…. Pretty sure it hasn’t but we are gonna make sure. She will determine when and how long the Chemo therapy will go on.  Her initial guess was anywhere from 3-6 months. We’ll know more on Monday.

What am I eating? … nothing sounds good but I do have a few things that seem to be more enjoyable than others.  Fresh Fruit especially strawberries and melons (Cantaloupe, Honeydew & Water Melon)  I have had peanut butter toast and tuna fish with pickles seems to sit right for now.  a little chicken. You my friends have been bringing food over to make it easier on my family, thank you.

Lori and her friends want you to know about this site https://mycancercircle.lotsahelpinghands.com/c/716126/ they are using to help organize Lori.  You’ll need to request to be a member of the group so it may take a day to turn it around but Lori is checking this when she gets home from work.

If you want to stop by I am here at home catching up on my soap operas … yea right! You may catch me getting ready to walk to the street and back … baby steps. or next week the streets of College Hill neighborhood.

Gotta go, “Days of somebody’s children” is on

Dave

Finally Home- April 15

After 16 days of showing my privates to everyone that walked into the room, I am finally home sitting in my chair and gonna sleep for more that 45 minutes at a time tonight. This is really me writing this, not my beautiful wife, Lori, trying to make out my mumbling sentences of what was going on that day.  I am home bound for a while but feel strong.... but now I am tired.  I will tell you all more later ... probably tomorrow when I am a little more rested.

Tomorrow we begin the task of healing and preparing for what is next.

Love to you all
Dave

Port- April 13

So the Port went well this morning.  My left shoulder is a bit sore but that is normal. The port means NO MORE POKING and quick easy access to medicine. The ER nurse can find some other dead guy to find a vein, I'm set with this cool new IV port / #Borg

Loved all the visitors!
Dave

TV - not a chance

April 12
From Dave -
I got the news from the CT scan that they could not see in significant pools to drain from my abdomen and my white blood cell count is improving.  The CT scan didn't show anything they could attack specifically. My earliest release date would be Tuesday and tomorrow I am getting a stint.
I don't have time to even relax and watch TV.  They keep me busy.  Here is my day.....
6:00 Pretty good nights sleep because I took a sleeping pill.  Gives me weird dreams right after I take it and I still had two hours of prodding, poking and checking but otherwise it really worked!
6:30 Up, potty and bag.  Talk to CNA about Eddyville
6:45am - tried to read an article
6:50am - "Dexter" shows up and takes his three vials of blood
6:50am - Nurses shift changes so we talk about yesterday and today.  We set our goals. New nurse hasn't come by yet.
7:10 - Try to read that article again.
7:30 - CNA arrives earlier than expected.  So I get my blood pressure, my heart rate, my teperature taken.  Check to make sure all my vitals are okay and everything is functioning properly.
7:55 - Nursing student arrives and does all the checks and has me breath for her in my little contraption.
8:15 - Doctor and one of the students show up to check on me.  Take some bandages off, discussion of what's to come today.
8:30 - My nurse and the student start to change my bandages now that the doctors have inspected them.
8:55 - I decide I'm going to shave and washcloth myself clean.  I order breakfast first and it arrives before I am done shaving.
9:20 - Lori arrives and I am hungry.  My Uncle calls.  I am hungry.
10:00 - I'm expanding my walk today to go from "C" all the way down to "A" elevator.  The night shift nurse had found a pair of pants so I actually feel like I am walking in style now, not some skirt.  It is much more comfortable.
11:30 - Rested in chair, so now time to change bag and potty, stuff like that.  Nurse tells me that I have to stop eating because I am getting a port.  No big deal but I was surprised.  I won't have to keep getting poked now.
11:45 - Lori leaves
1:15 Turns out it is Sunday from Midnight I can't eat
12:00 - Nurse needs a vital count check.  So I move from the chair to the bed.  I get poked, prodded and breath exercises.
12:35 - I think I'm going to finally read my article
12:37 - The wrecking crew walks in.  All of his students, physicians assistant, my nurse and her student so 8 people in the room.  Everybody wants to see the scar.  Dr. Nakamoto also explains why he will put the port in first thing Sunday morning.  It'll heal up and be pretty easy to use going forward.  I ask him if there's a version that comes with an MP3 Jack (don't think he gets it)
1:15 - I order lunch, tuna on rye, honeydew melon slice and start to read that article while I wait for it to arrive.
1:25 - The student nurse walks in to talk about HER lunch, she also gave me my painkillers (because I am still in a lot of pain)
1:45 read my article, watch the latest episode of surviving Jack, break one of the staples from laughing so hard.
2:30 - finished my lunch and rest in the chair
3:15 - Brooke comes with her taxes, she puts me to work (Lori falls asleep in my bed)
4:25 - Lori shampoos my hair WHEW, (while Brooke actually falls asleep in my bed), we put fresh clothes on and do the big walk again down the "A" elevator and back three times.
4:50 - Brooke and Lori leave to pick up Elizabeth
5:00 - I sit down to write this note.
5:35 - Maybe I can get a second article in today!

OH AND I CAN HAVE LOTS OF VISITORS SUNDAY.

BEST,
Dave

CT Scan April 11

6:30pm April 11 - Dave goes in for another CT scan to see why his white blood cell count is not going down.  He will probably have more fluid pockets drained.  Please pray for all infection to disappear.

Dr Smiled

April 10
Doctor Nagamoto smiled with the news that David's white blood cell count is going down.  He was also happy that Davids fever is gone.

 David really wants visitors any time on FRIDAY.  He is feeling so much better and is bored.

Brooke will be with him all day and you can say hi to her too.

Lori

Fluid Drained on a Sunny Day

April 9, 10:00pm

The procedure today went really well.  We drained some fluid out of a pocket in my abdomen using the assistance of a CT Scan.  I felt the results immediately with relief from the pressure.

I got to stay awake for this one because they wanted to know when they bumped a sensitive spot.  "Sensitive" is putting it nicely, the 2' needle that inserts the tubes has a very sharp end, and when an organ gets poked I nearly elevated off the table. Instinctively, my thumb was looking for the black dot of pain relief, but I wouldn't get that until I got back to my room.  The really cool part is they set up the video so I could watch the needle roaming around inside, trying to find the bad stuff left over from my "cavity wash"

Had some great folks visit me which was really nice.  Brooke is coming home tomorrow night and staying through the weekend.
Thanks for praying and walking my dog and all the other incredible things you've done for me and my family.

Dr. Nagamoto won't commit to my release time but we are hopeful for this weekend.

Love,
Dave

Bump in the Road

From Dave
9:30pm go to sleep
10:30 given Oxycodon
12:00 Vitals taken, go potty
1:30 Nurse gives me something through IV
2:00 Pain wakes me, press the black dot
Restless until 3am
3:15 Pain dot
3:25 Carlynn takes vitals
3:50 CNA comes in, wakes me to say no more water I'm now in pre-op
4:35 Dreaming goood but woke for Reglan pull.  pressed the Black dot
5:30 alarm on IV goes off to announce completion of Reglan
        Also decide time to potty, Paula takes the opportunity to change linens
5:45 "Dexter" shows up to collect his 3 vials of blood for the day
        Don't think I'm going back to sleep this time
Good Morning Everyone

Update: You know that vein they had to dig out of my arm? Well, the nurse came in to check on it this morning just before a friend arrived. She left and Steve came in. we were chatting, and I was retelling the story of the "Hunt for the Red vien" when I look down and notice the bandage around my elbow and gauze was a cool color of pink. I didn't remember it was pink when they put it on... then I noticed that the IV was out and I was "leaking" blood... quite a bit. I Paged the nurse, Steve also went and got her, who saw what was happening and re-inserted the IV tube back onto the needle that was dangling out of my arm.  GROSS. everything is well and that is why they don't stick the IV in the elbows. They love the hand, but that ER nurse couldn't gouge one in ... so the easy target was used until I can get my potassium back up.

Finding the Good in the Bad

April 8 Finding the Good in the Bad

This is Lori again.  Dave's white blood cell count was getting worse so he is seeing an Intervention Radiologist tomorrow morning at 7:00am.  David tells me not to worry because he is glad there are still options to help him heal.  He will not need to go under anesthesiology but will get 3-5 tubes put in various places in his abdomen where the CT scan indicated there were pockets of fluid. He may have bacteria growing that the antibiotics are not able to obliterate.  He was given a different kind of antiobiotic today as well.
Dave is eating more, walking more and sleeping less.  He will probably not get out until Saturday now because they need to monitor his drains.  He has found the good in the bad.  He will tell me about all the nice people in the hospital and amazing friends he has!  He tells me how lucky he is to have a loving family.  He is feeling very very very loved and very very very grateful.

How are we doing?  Today we cried, but we also laughed.

My sister sent me this encouraging note.  It is Philippians 4:6 reworded a little.......

When something in your life or thoughts makes you anxious, come to Me and talk about it.  Bring Me your prayer and petition with thanksgiving, saying, "Thank You, Jesus, for this opportunity to trust You more."
Though the lessons of trust that I send to you come wrapped in difficulties, the benefits far outweigh the cost.


How can you help?  I am out of ideas right now but these are a few that you can never do enough of.

1.  Walk my dog.  Text me for instructions 541-231-2685

2.  Frozen meals on my front porch well labeled.  Frozen soup in small containers for Dave.

3.  Pick Brooke up from school in Walla Walla on Fridays at 2pm and take her back Sundays at 2pm.  Call her for details. 541-602-6105

Tomorrow Dave wants to do the blog. Smiles

Healing Gardens

This is Lori - I wasn't able to spend as much time with Dave today as I am now working full time with At Home Properties.  Connor and Elizabeth took their dad outside to the Healing Gardens at Good Samaritan. Dave also had more visitors today which was a welcome change for him.
I Just tucked him in and came home for the night.  It took nearly two hours to find a vein because his last IV failed at 8:30pm.  They think it is the Potassium.  Pray that this IV lasts until he is released because he is pretty bruised up. Had to get an ER nurse to come up and insert the IV. "She can find a vien in a dead guy." 

Yes - visitors tomorrow.

Thank you everyone for the prayers, meals, dog walks, thoughtful presents, blue nails, cards and hugs !

April 7

Note from Dave...
I've been here seven days.  Been a difficult week.  Tired but am on the mend.  I will fill you in on more details when I get home which night be as early as Wednesday afternoon.  Had my first breakfast of 6Tbls cream of wheat, 1/2 cup raspberry smoothy.  They will send me home as soon as I can eat more.
Thanks to all of you for supporting me and my family.  Keep us in your prayers.  Dave


This is Lori.  Dave's color is better and he is staying awake for longer and longer periods of time.  Doctors are watching his white blood cell count as it is up to 15.  He is on antibiotics so we are hoping that helps with any infections his body is trying to fight.
He threw up last night which was traumatic.  He is determined to get better though and so today will keep trying a tablespoon of this or that for nutrients.
He has nearly made the switch to oxycodone every four hours and off the self-medicating black button.  He has had 2 days of Physical Therapy and wants to go sit outside this afternoon.

Visitors and cards are welcome.  Please check-in at the nursing station first.  Rm 2407

Chasing the Pain

April 5

Dave was awake more today.  He slept so well last night that he got behind with his pain clicker!  He worked with the staff all day formulating a pain management plan so that doesn't happen tonight.

His temperature still runs high and he has not had more than one cup of apple juice.

He walked 50 yards with a walker today.

Visitors are allowed tomorrow for 15 minutes at a time.  Check in at the nurses station first.  He said he was actually bored a little today.

Thanks for all the hugs, prayers and get well wishes !

Yard Fairy

Thank you to who ever came and took away the branches (and did a bunch of other stuff too).  The only description I got out of Elizabeth is that you have white hair.  That really narrows it down !

It was busy in the hospital today.
1. Discharge Planner Counseling
2. Dr. Nagamoto and his team of assistants.  He says Dave is back on track.
3. Physical Therapist
4. WOC nurse consultation

NOT in that order necessarily, but it was a productive good day.  Tomorrow should be able to unhook three things. No spiked fevers so started on liquids. Took a walk and endured a sponge bath.  Exhausted so still not accepting visitors (per Lori).

How you can help?

1.  Walk my dog.  Text me for instructions 541-231-2685

2.  Frozen meals on my front porch well labeled.  Frozen soup in small containers for Dave.

3.  Pick Brooke up from school in Walla Walla on Fridays at 2pm and take her back Sundays at 2pm.  Call her for details. 541-602-6105


NEVER WANT TO MOVE FROM CORVALLIS.  LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH !!!!

April 4

This is Lori.  I just checked with the nurse and Dave got sleep last night.  His temperature and heart rate are under control.  Visitors can come to the waiting room but not to his room.  There are snacks for the Hodgert Team there on the Fridge.  Tell the nurses to tell him you stopped by.  He likes cards in his room but there is no room for flowers.  He will be in the hospital through next week.

How you can help?

1.  Walk my dog.  Text me for instructions 541-231-2685

2.  Frozen meals on my front porch well labeled.  Frozen soup in small containers for Dave.

4.  High quality Temper Pedic California King cotton sheets and mattress cover (white)

5.  Pick Brooke up from school in Walla Walla on Fridays at 2pm and take her back Sundays at 2pm.  Call her for details. 541-602-6105

6. Pray - Pray - Pray

April 3 HIGH pain

Lori here.  I stayed at the hospital from midnight to 8am.  This is what I "think" I know after pumping the nurses and doctors for information.  I know he is in good hands and all his needs are immediately addressed.


David was a 15 on a scale from 1-10 beginning last night at 9:30pm (per David).  Dr. Nagamoto did an emergency surgery after trying to treat the pain and fever ... instead of waiting for the morning.he seemed concerned and made the decision he couldn't wait. The surgery team was finally prepped, and around 1:30am, when they wheeled him off. he had started shaking and couldn't stop. His temperature, heart rate and blood pressure were extremely high. They had to open him up from the pelvic bone to mid tummy to find the cause of the infection before they were able to sew it up.  They cleaned up all leakage in his gut and rinsed him out three times.  He will be on a level of high antibiotics.  He will be on an ice-chip diet for two days.  It will take up to three days for his digestive system to begin to work.

Surgery lasted three hours and he is now on the second floor 2-southwest.  NO Visitors BUT there is a nice waiting room next to his room.  Tell the nurses you are just hanging out and would like an update on our patient.

David now has what he hopes is a Temporary 3-12 month Ileoscopy (look it up) 

What Is an Ileostomy? | American Cancer Society
He will be in the hospital through next week  (read the blog everyday to see if visiting is allowed)
He will need Chemo for possible stage 4 Colon Cancer beginning in mid-May. (google treatment options because I have no idea)

I know you send up a prayer whenever you look at your blue toe-nails.  (Many of you have done this to show support and it has been fun to get your texts)

In all this shock, we smile because God gives us the ability to see the good amist the tragedy.  He is so good.

Leak at point of resection

Hello Again,
Please pray.  Dave is going back into surgery, it's 10pm they are assembling the team until ?.  Dr Nagamoto saw a infection on the Ct-scan.

Lori

April 2

Yo-Yo Day                                
This is Lori.  Dave was on his phone and I-pad today so he was feeling the best yet until he became nauseous early afternoon.  He felt good again until 7pm when he threw up again.

He is not taking visitors for the duration of his stay.  They moved him to the second floor to monitor his heart rate and temperature.  They also took an X-Ray and CT scan and more blood work.

The test for the lymph nodes came back.  The cancer was so close to the lining of the wall, he may need Chemo.  We wait again.

What can you do?  Pray that he does not have an infection because that would mean going back to surgery and an even longer recovery.  His high temperature and raising pulse point us to infection.  He is in good hands tonight and I know Dr Nagamoto will check on him first thing in the morning.

We as a family are stressed so please understand when we refer you to the blog.  It is hard for me and the kids to talk about it without crying and sometimes we just need to focus on school and work etc.

What can you do? Pray because it works!  Prayer gives us great peace !  You don't have to e-mail me or text me or facebook me that you are praying because I know you are !  The Hodgert's have the BEST Friends and loving FAMILY in the whole wide WORLD !

God is good !

APRIL 1

TEAM HODGERT


This is Lori.  I made the mistake of asking the nurse what meds Dave has taken.  He is on Reglan (makes the digestive system kick-in) IV Tylenol, Lactate Ingers (for hydration), Colace (stool softener), Lobonox (blood thinner, Toradol (non-narcotic anti-inflammatory), Protonix (helps with gurd), Potassium and occasional Oxicodon (for extreme pain).

But... how is he doing ?  He has been taking strolls and is off oxygen.  He was switched to a solid liquid diet like ice-cream and cream of wheat but chooses not to eat.  He does not feel good.  He may need to stay a little longer than expected.  I am worried about infection but he is in good hands and I will know more tomorrow night.
How is Lori, Brooke, Connor and Elizabeth?  Exhausted and ready to get back to "normal".  We have enjoyed the extra company of two Japanese students from Tokyo and family staying with us to help out this week. Having them has been a great distraction and much appreciated support !

How can you help ?
The apple limbs and branches in my front yard could disappear (borrow our trailer)
Frozen low sodium soups in small amounts for Dave to eat the next three weeks (leave on porch labeled )
Take my dog for walks in the morning (text me for instructions 541-231-2685)

GO TEAM

March 31

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofPE1CH53ks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh0jxGO31is

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1kes9_Nb3E

This is Lori.  David had Colon Resection Surgery using Laparoscopic Surgery to remove 18" of his descending colon this morning.  The links above are three ways of explaining the procedure.  View at your own discretion ! 

Thank you for all the prayers, e-mails and texts.  We painted our nails blue in support of victims of Colon Cancer as March is Colon Cancer Awareness month.  Many guys have painted their toe nails blue to show their support as well and have sent me a photo.  Dave is wearing his jeans in the above photo.  He has cute feet, right?

March 31, 2014- Arrive to hospital at 6:15am, get spoiled by four nurses and two doctors.  Surgery lasted three hours 8-11am to remove cancer and lymph nodes connected to the section of colon that had the cancer.  Dave took two hours to wake up from anesthesiology.  1:30pm he was in pain but was happy to see his family.  The cancer was bulging out thr colon lining.  We are very hopeful the cancer was contained and only a small about of Chemo will be needed if any.  We will hear back from Pathology Friday if has spread to the lymph nodes. a "mass" of something was removed with the section of his diseased colon which they speculate was a lymph node. Our prayer is that it was caught before it spread to the next one.

He would love his friends to visit him after 4pm Tuesday, April 1  (He is too tired to visit right now) .

I will post everyone's nails who text me a photo tomorrow on this Blog.

Prep - March 30

March 30 - Whew! This part of the waiting is over … hold on be right back … Prepping for surgery tomorrow includes another round of the nuclear laxative. It’s been an action packed day. The picture is the jug of stuff that takes care of … well takes care of  $***.  Basically a liter an hour today, which if you are not familiar with the metric system adds up to about 26 gallons. I flavored it up this time with a nice little Pineapple flavoring and Crystal lite lemon. The over 50 crowd are all going "Big Deal we've been drinking that kool aid for awhile, deal with it kid"

It has been a busy weekend and I’m not as rested as I wanted to be and I am leaving a bunch of stuff undone … but I can’t get it all done.  Nice visit with Heath, Athena and Calista yesterday, Rodericks came over tonight and prayed for me, Shun & Yunske, the Japanese students that arrived yesterday, have been great. I played MotorStorm with them today. Went to American Dream last night so I could have a Bent.  It’ll be a while before I get to eat another one. … could really go for one now… that was the last thing I ate.  

I really am a blessed man. I could use other words. Fortunate, Lucky, privileged,… but really all of those descriptions add up to being Blessed.  

What can you do to help? Thank you for asking.  Check up on Lori, Brooke, Connor and Elizabeth. ... and maybe Shun & Yunske they kinda get a raw deal for their America trip.   As long as they are all well and happy, I will heal quick.

Nails are painted, go bag is packed, special night before shower completed and alarm clock is set…. for 5am

Love to you all

Dave

Note: Lori will update how things went tomorrow afternoon/evening.

Pre Surgery thoughts - March 28th

March 28th - When I check into the hospital on Monday, wearing new underwear, my summer flip flops and royal blue toe nails it will have been nearly a month since Dr. Chow told me I had Colon Cancer.  The waiting has been the hard part… the very hardest.  The unknown seems easier. I think the healing will be a new struggle … a struggle to get back to stuff of everyday life.  I had a good chat with RD last night, which is always good because he is one of the 3 people that know me the best, (maybe the very best) he knows my tendencies and mindset and can usually get his point across by letting me draw my own conclusion.  Plus he has had more surgeries and health issues than I can remember.  i.e. he knows about healing. I have the next month mapped out … surgery, hospital stay, home stay, watch Breaking Bad, back to work at 10D, Blazer game on the 16th, Spring practice and Beaver Spring game beginning of May. Bring on the summer.  His point was maybe I should take it easy and heal. So I am reminded … I have cancer, time to heal and healing is not always on a schedule of "to-do's" and though I have a tough time admitting it,  I am in for a struggle…. maybe even a fight.

Over the past weeks I continue to be amazed and blessed by Love and caring community, friends and family. I don’t use the word blessed very often … ever…. because it gets over used in the Chistianese language of conversations and I have a tough time speaking that language. "Bless her heart"  “Have a blessed day” “I was blessed when the grocery clerk had a coupon for the apple juice”, “It was a blessing to find the rest stop when we did”  etc… you get what I mean. For me, it always seems like an overused word and description with out true meaning and thought.  However today… I know that I am blessed. What is blessed?  As a noun … “God's favor and protection”… and I am.  From the moment of my conception I have been blessed. I won’t begin to list the examples because if you are reading this you already know many of them and YOU are one of the blessings God has given to me.

I’ve appreciated your support, prayers, thoughts, concern and I thank you for the kind words about this page. I also appreciate how many of you have actually read this page. It really is a time saver for me, you read this page you get the basics and if you have a more specific question you ask it and we don’t have to go through the whole process of information while we get to your main question.  “HOW DID YOU KNOW?” The quick answer was I was paying attention. I’ll leave you this time with the following info and a quick statistic I have learned.  The statistic is this.  The greatest decrease of colon cancer over the past 10 years has been the over 50 group … the greatest increase has been the 40-50 yr old group.  I'm in that one as are many of you. The first thought is “Our diet must be getting worse”  maybe … but it could also be that we are healthier and paying attention to our health by noticing the signs.  Be aware, I was and caught a killer.

There are some common signs and symptoms of colon cancer. And … then there are the not-so obvious. Especially when you’re dealing with colon and rectal cancer in us young adults. Here are the common signs and symptoms of CRC. I had a few of them, which is what lead to my talking to Dr Cleary, then after I was diagnosed realized I had quite a few symptoms:

•   NO SYMPTOM AT ALL
•   Diarrhea (that will not stop) that lasts for more than a few days
•   Constipation (you can’t “go” to save your life) that lasts for more than a few days
•   Unintended or unexplained weight loss (or weight gain) (I didn't have this symptom :)  )
•   Vomiting
•   Narrow stools – poo looks pencil-thin
•   Change in stools – poo just looks different, smells different
•   Gas, bloating and cramps
•   Weakness and fatigue – no energy at ALL
•   Anemia
•   Feeling like you need to go poo – and still feeling like you need to poo once you've gone
•   Killer abdominal pain and discomfort
•   Blood in stool (although not always visible.) Blood can be rectal bleeding, dark stools or blood on the stool, although the stool will look normal.
•   Passing a large amount of blood

Love to you all and your families. Thank you for the prayers. Thank you for your concern. Thank you for supporting my family with Love and Caring.

Today will be a good day and tomorrow too … and so will the day after tomorrow.  Gotta go … but here is something you could do send Lori, Brooke, Connor or Elizabeth a quick email.  They are not really talking with anybody and not really sure they want to talk with me about the next few weeks.  Their email is first name @hodgert.com  (lori@hodgert.com) etc…

Dave

Note:" Just sayin'", "In Christian love",  "In my authenticness", If I offended you with my "Christianese" comment and "wrecked" you ... don't be so thin skinned,. lighten up  ... I am still "blessed" and "covet your prayers".

New Underwear - March 19th

March 19 - Waiting is still the hardest part. I met with Dr. Nagamoto today, as well as the PA that is on rotation with him.  We made a good choice when we switched to Dr. Nagamoto I feel comfortable and confident in him.  He described the surgery, how he would do it what it entails and risk factors.  I'm in good hands. He scheduled the surgery for March 31 if he can get a surgical room. Couple days in the hospital and then recoverery at home. No lifting for 6 weeks and provided the pathology is good no chemo.

I have learned a few things the past few weeks.

1. There is no subject or body function that I can't share with people.
2. Youtube has some great surgery videos and are very helpful knowledge when discussing procedures with the Dr.  He was glad I did because he had watched some of the same ones and was current on the procedure :) 
3. I really should get rid of the worn out underwear and upgrade to new stuff.  People have seen alot of me in my underwear lately and that is not a pretty site ... nor is a good thought I just put in your head ... my apoligies.
4. I am loved ... more than I ever imagined, and I have a big imagination.
5. There is more and I'll update those later for now I have to run and get connor from his first day at work so I can get him out to Robotics while I am on my way to Portland to pick up Brooke.  she got a ride from Walla Walla to Portland thankfully.

Continue to pray for Lori, Brooke, Connor and Elizabeth.  It is hardest on them

Thank you my friends
Dave

Good News - March 14th

March 14th - Good news today. The PET scan yesterday confirmed the spot on my liver was just a spot. So the good news is I only have colon cancer. Funny how your perspective changes ... 2 weeks ago that was terrible news.  Today I am only facing surgery and probably no Chemo.  I upgraded my surgeon to the best one here in Corvallis, I won't need to go to OHSU. Couple days at Good Sam. Couple more at home.  DRH

I'll meet with Dr. Nagamooto on Wednesday for a consult and what the next steps I will take.  My current course of action is still an assumption until Doc lays out the plan, but I think I am probably close to being correct. Laparoscopic Colon Resection and rest.
Dave

PET Scan - March 13

March 13 - Had the PET scan today.  just a bit odd when you have to walk past all the Radiation stickers, lead lined holding equipment, lead glass shield, large holding tongs on loan from Fukushima and everybody around you is protecting themselves from the stuff they are shooting into your arm .... glad I was given the advise to take a relaxer prior to the process otherwise the 45 minutes by myself while waiting for the glow juice to penetrate all my organs would be a bit difficult.  I managed to fall asleep during those 45 minutes.  Then when awoke was escorted about a mile down hallways just so I could use a "special" bathroom  and the final words of the nurse ... please flush twice.  good to know it's not head back into our water system.
Learned today that we are responsible for managing the care we recieve, made a consulting Dr. change that I think rounds out my medical care "team"  Lead off Dr. Cleary, added later is Dr. Chow and Lisa Cleary (yes they are related) and last pick up Dr. Nagamoto looks to be the surgeon.

I continue to be overwhelmed with the support and prayers .... remember to Pray for Lori and the kids.  They are in the struggle as well and need support.

We will get result from the PET scan on Wednesday, 19th from Dr. Nagamoto who is squeezing me in. His office called right after Lori said a quick prayer asking for an early appointment ... He is booked until late May.   DRH

Note to self: get in a more comfortable position when they start the PET scan. Hands above your head is uncomfortable after 30 minutes.
 Dave

Update - March 12th

March 12th - Originally we thought the PET Scan would be today but the earliest they could get me in was Thursday.  So I'm waiting .... until tomorrow.  I don't think I will have any info to share Thursday night as the scan will take several hours and then have to be "read".  I should know more on Friday.   More people than I thought have read this page, and I am humbled that you would, but also a little surprised that somebody would spend that much time reading about some guys colon.... I can think of many other articles I would rather read ... so I am humbled once again.  Thank you Dave

Discovery - March 10th

March 10th - Well, it's been 8 days since Dr. Chow, my GI Doctor, came back through the curtain to tell me what he found during my colonoscopy. He first assured Lori that my head was no where to be found and to tell me they had found an ugly spot on my Colon (Oxymoron?) that measured about an inch.  He was pretty certain it was cancer but took a biopsy to confirm.  He sent in the blood guy who stuck me again and took what he needed.  I got dressed and Lori took me home.

Fortunately I've been paying attention and my doctor Bryce Cleary, heard me when I said “ … something isn’t right” and sent me to have an early Colonoscopy... otherwise it could have been 3 more years before my first Colonoscopy I don’t think the prognosis would be as good as what we are looking at now.

Dr. Chow told me I would need to have a “resection” but first a CT Scan to make sure that nothing has moved outside of the Colon walls. My understanding of a resection is removing the diseased part and grafting the ends back together… shortening my Colon.  Uncle Tad said “Well now you won’t be so full of S**t” … Agreed, Uncle Tad.

On Wednesday, When the biopsy came back confirming what Dr. Chow already knew, we told Connor and Elizabeth, they asked some questions in their own way.  Connor diving into the details and Elizabeth immediately scared.  We have assured them as best we can and then happily watched American Idol. I slipped off to call Brooke.  Our future nurse was clinically asking the questions that she wanted to know.  Everybody in the house, which includes Brooke, even though she is at school in Walla Walla, are aware of what is going on with Dad and show the right amount of concern while still getting on with the day to day stuff. I am happy this is not overwhelming their actions … I imagine it is on their minds all the time but they are not letting their concern or fear effect the home…. The dishes are still dirty and the showers are too long.

When I say “we” I mean Lori and I because even though she is not diagnosed as having cancer it will affect her just as greatly as it will me … so we are again the team you all have always known us to be.  She has been incredibly supportive and helpful even though I know she is scared and frightened … even more than she is letting on.  Only last Monday and Tuesday did she let it overwhelm her … since then, strong… I am blessed that she loves me.
Earlier in the afternoon, radiology called and scheduled me for a Wednesday the 12th CT Scan.  I prepared for a week of waiting.  I think the hardest part of this fight will be the waiting …

Thursday morning Radiology called and said they could take me in at 12:30 but I needed to start drinking the Barium sulfate. That stuff could be described as having the consistency of a very thick glass of milk. Liquid chalk, but not too unpleasant.  The I would need to start drinking the mixture within a few minutes and hurry back to Corvallis. Couldn’t do it! I was out of town trying to earn a living so they rescheduled me for Monday at 10:15 (today).  That kinda messes with your mind a bit when the clinic works so hard to get you an earlier diagnostic test than regularly scheduled. Fortunately I was busy during the weekend so it didn't completely overwhelm me.

I also began to tell those close to me that I had been diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer. I’ll just say right now over the last few days I have again been assured that I am one of the most blessed men in the world.  I have so many people that care for me.

So that brings us to today, Monday the 10th
The Radiologist was great.  Explained what was going on and how the equipment worked and what I would feel as the Isotopes hit my blood stream. Finished in about 20 minutes. Pretty easy. Waiting today was not easy. Dr. Chow had asked me to come into the office late in the day to discuss what was known…. The CT scan looked pretty good but they see a small spot on my liver that he would like to take a closer look.  So I’ll have a PET Scan on Thursday at 11am to determine the next course of action. I'll probably get results by Friday afternoon. If the Spot turns out to be nothing more than just a spot I will have a resection here in Corvallis next week sometime. I’ll spend a couple days in the hospital, then go home for a short recovery, probably avoid Chemotherapy, be healed and cancer free before football season.  The Chemotherapy in this case would be determined by what they find during the resection.

If they determine the spot is a significant threat I will go to OHSU and have both a Resection and work on my liver at the same time… the hope is that the spot is insignificant.

How can you help? Prayers! … my friends and family have reminded me that Prayer is the best medicine. Prayer of thankfulness that Dr. Cleary, father of one of the football players I coach, heard me and set up the appointment with Dr. Chow.

Today’s conclusion:  I am not sick. I don’t look sick and don’t feel sick.  A little tired, Blood work shows I am Anemic, but no more so than 2 weeks ago when I didn't know I had cancer. The Cancer was discovered because I was paying attention not because I felt bad. In all likelihood, I will have the Resection next week, heal up, show off my scars and grow a little closer to my family, friends and find a new trust in the love of God.

I probably won’t post here until after I get new info from the PET Scan on Thursday.  I’m writing this down because making all those calls to you all the first time was pretty hard and frankly… I’m busy, I have a lot to do and some ASS to kick.    DRH

p.s. Now that you are caught up I won't write the novel that this was.  It'll be shorter.  If you want more info call me. 541-602-6828 or send an email dave@hodgert.com
Dave