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 14th. I meet with Dr. McGregor on Wednesday the 7th
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.
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