Fighting Cancer is a Life Long Deal

2012 - Happy new Year !!!

2012-01-05T17:01:00.000-05:00

2012 came in rather quietly and warmer than usual. January is shaping up to be a busy month though and before we know it, back to oncology for more tests and procedures!

I think for this first post of the new year though, we should think positive about what the year, 2012, will bring in all phases of our lives. Health, Politics, Finances, Love, Family and friends and I'll cut this first post short to get
back to getting our tax forms (gasp) in order!

Adios 2011 and Bring on 2012 !!!

2011-12-27T14:10:00.000-05:00

Hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas and as we look at the final days of
2011 winding down, we look ahead to 2012 and what it may bring.

The winter has been very mild so far. After a big Nor'easter hit us back
in October....(yes, OCTOBER!), it's been on the mild side and more rain
than snow. That's quite alright with us.

Next oncology visit will be in March/April and another colonoscopy will
be coming up this year along with a CT scan, but nothing for a couple of
months now, so let's all enjoy the holidays and I wish you all the best
in the new year!

Bring on December

2011-11-28T13:53:00.001-05:00

Well, we got through Thanksgiving and gave thanks that it didn't snow again
so soon after our October nor'easter. Thanksgiving was pretty much uneventful
which was fine. I had a problem with a tooth that I had seen my dentist about the week before Thanksgiving and after an xray and "nerve test" ouch! he said I needed
a root canal...I pleaded with him that it was really unaffordable and asked if just a filling would help...he replied that it *might* help, so we agreed to try a filling and so far, so good and going on 3+ weeks now. My next appt is in January, but I'm thinking that I might want to change dentists now?

I should mention that the items that I've been sharing via the links over on the right side cannot be shared or deleted now - I'm sorry about that, but Google/Blogger have not responded to my requests and have no changed google reader and have made it non-user friendly.

I'm coming up on my full third year of being in remission and that is another thing that I'm very thankful for. Next CT scan with CEA test and colonoscopy will be in the Spring, but I'll post something cheerful for December, Christmas and New Year's
Day of 2012...

October's gone - bring on November

2011-11-04T14:10:00.000-04:00

Remember...walking in the sand......seems like not that long ago but the month
of October was a busy month and lots of exciting and different things have
come and gone since we walked in the sand last.

First of all, I reached the next level of insight as I turned 60 years
old in early October. Don't really notice any new aches, pains or problems
though so I guess that's a good thing. The neuropathy is better and really
only notice it when trying to carry something like an ice cube from the
freezer to the livingroom. Solution: bring the glass to the freezer! Maybe
I'm wiser since turning 60? At any rate, I'm still creative and have a
good imagination, in my humble opinion.

We also had Mother Nature play a trick (or treat?)on us before the Autumn Leaves
were even off the trees in the form of a snowy Nor'easter where some still
are without power after several inches to several feet of snow fell
in local areas. Hope you all have your power back on soon.

Lastly, I went through my series of cancer screenings and also got my
flu shot so I've been 'winterized' so to speak. If all goes well and the
good Lord willin' - - I'll finish my 3rd year of remission in January!!!

So, not to postpone anything coming up I'm going to sign off for now
and order a wall calendar (At-A-Glance) for 2012 because it will be here
before we know it. Thanks and blessings for your continued support!!!

October is here - Next cancer testing this month !!

2011-10-11T14:02:00.000-04:00

So...here we are into October already! I chose the video clip of some
foliage because we won't be seeing much this year due to Hurricane Irene's
visit.

I'm now into my sixth decade or past the years of fifty somethings or if you're
still confused...I turned 60 years old last week! There have been some times in
my life when I never thought that I would make it to see this happen, but I did and I'm very thankful.

My next checkup at the cancer center is scheduled for October 31st which happens to be Halloween. I'll have bloodwork done, an exam and hopefully get my flu shot while I'm there too.

As my third year of remission is coming to a close, I'm finding less things to write about, but will try to keep it interesting none the less. As many of you know, October is Breast Cancer awareness month (you've seen the pink ribbons and decorations around maybe?) and I hope that all of you are still tolerating your treatments well and doing okay. It is indeed a horrible disease, as is any form
of cancer, but that is why we must have faith, hope and trust in our medical professionals and to God above. I'll be keeping you all in my prayers and thank
you all for the emails and support that you've been giving me. It really does help and it means a lot. THANK YOU!!!

September - after Hurricane Irene

2011-09-18T14:25:00.000-04:00

Well, it's been awhile since I posted an update and since the last post, we've had Hurricane Irene hit us. Many were without power for over a week and approx 72 lives were lost and billions of dollars in damage from this
hurricane.

That was two weeks ago and now we have a bad crop of pumpkins, applesand foliage has already lost a good amount of leaves (and complete trees) due to the storm.

I'm doing okay, not great, but okay and continue to keep thinking positive
and having good days and bad.

The New England Patriots are off to a good start, but our Red Sox can't seem to get back on a winning track. Soon we'll have all four major sports going at once (baseball playoffs/world series, football, hockey and basketball).

Stay tuned for more after I turn the big six oh in a couple more weeks!

Setback - followup

2011-08-11T17:44:00.000-04:00

Just got home from hospital and good news, but kind of confused too.
I was given a thorough exam both lying down and standing up and the surgeon
could feel no hernia or tear. I asked him if an xray of some kind would show it, but he said since I only feel the pain when upright or moving, while laying down for scan probably would not show anything and his diagnosis is a sprained
muscle, but said to keep an eye on it and if it gets worse or changes to come in again.
So glad no surgery needed right now anyway, but pain is still there...strange.

Setback

2011-08-09T10:18:00.000-04:00

After experiencing some pain that has gotten a bit worse over
the past month, I decided to make an appointment to see my
oncologist tomorrow. I'm pretty sure that it's abdominal adhesions
but want to be sure and see what, if anything can be done.

This is what I found on the web :

"Abdominal adhesions can kink, twist, or pull the intestines out of place, causing an intestinal obstruction. An intestinal obstruction partially or completely restricts the movement of food or stool through the intestines. A complete intestinal obstruction is life threatening and requires immediate medical attention and often surgery.
Adhesions can become larger and tighter as time passes, causing problems years after surgery."

So, it appears that there is no "fix" if this is the case, as more surgery
would just result in more adhesions. Stay tuned for more later this week...

Dog Daze of August

2011-08-04T13:39:00.000-04:00

It's August 4th, 2011 and the dog days of summer are going on all
over the country. The weather has been "triple H" (hot, hazy and humid),
but a couple of days of relief before back to the hot days of summer.

Besides having some pain that could be scar tissue/skin adhesions, everything
seems to be going okay, not great, but I'm happy with okay!

My next oncology visit will be in October, on the 31st (Halloween) and I'll
be asking some questions that I keep adding to my list.

Have a happy and safe summer, but beware of carcinoma!

Hotter Than the 4th of July !!!

2011-06-28T13:53:00.000-04:00

The month of June started off with some chilly weather and rain, but it's
now hotter than the 4th of July and expected to stay like this for awhile (through the 4th of July).

Aside from some internal adhesion/scar tissue pains, I'm still doing well and hope that this continues and best wishes for a very Happy and safe upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend!

It's June and 55 degrees F ???

2011-06-15T11:15:00.001-04:00

It must be because the Bruins are still playing hockey and tonight is game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final Playoffs!

We've had a few stretches of hot and hazy weather, but it's nice to get a break from the heat every now and then. I can recall when I was starting chemo three years ago and the wicked heat we had. I used to wear long sleeves and cover with a blanket during my infusions. Those chemo meds
work well, but the side effects included neuropathy and feeling cold very easily.

At any rate, we're hoping for a Bruins victory tonight and then looking
at a warm summer season....eventually! For those of you who are going through chemo right now, may God bless you as He has blessed me!!!

Edited to add - The BRUINS won!

Starting 3rd Year in Remission !!!

2011-05-16T18:44:00.000-04:00

Yes, my recent screenings went well as I start my third year in
remission now. I had a CBC and CMP test done, then a week later
went for a CT scan and had my CEA and follow up the following
week and so far - - so good!

Thanks again for all of your support and remember, early detection
can make a huge difference, so if it's your time, I urge you to
get checked.

The Ides of March

2011-03-16T13:13:00.001-04:00

Greetings! What a difference some rain and a few warm days make. The snow is gone and talk of baseball is in the air. We turned our clocks forward last weekend and Spring is in the air :)

This month, my wife and I celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary (Pearl) and I've just finalized my dates for next months cancer screenings. These are various tests that I undergo twice a year now, not including the colonoscopy.

I'm starting my 3rd year in remission! ...I just had to stop and say a prayer for how thankful I am to still be here and able to say that.
My diagnosis was in May of 2008 and it's been quite a journey since then,
but positive thoughts, prayers and God have helped to make it a very
bearable journey. There have been some unpredicted twists and turns along the way, but that's to be expected. I can still remember those words that I heard from my doctor that day, "You have cancer, and it's spreading".

So, moving forward, I begin lab tests/CT scan/oncology visit and exam on April 15th through April 29th. This time I've been given to option to drink the barium at home, so when I go in for the first 2 blood tests which are taken a week ahead of the CT scan on the 15th, I'll be also picking up my barium milkshake to bring home to remind me every time that I open the fridge that I'm very lucky. Colon cancer has the highest risk of any cancer to re-occur, because I was diagnosed stage III, I'm a bit more at risk.

I still remain positive in my thinking and hope for a good report from the tests when they are all over and done for this period, but I'd by lying if I said that I had no anxiety about finding out if this will be the series of tests that show something bad. Every cancer fighter goes through these thoughts and although some may not say it, they are thinking it.

So, that concludes this month's update and hopefully next month's will be a good one!!!

February 1st - 2011 - Still More Snowstorms !

2011-02-01T19:51:00.000-05:00

Not the best video on this blog, but an 'A' for effort! It's been snowing at a clip of one or two snowstorms a week since the turn of the new year.
I'm looking forward to Spring...very much!

The Red Sox are looking pretty good with their signing of Carl Crawford, formerly of the Tampa Rays. Speed, power and skillful knowledge of the game and who knows...maybe he's the spark that the club has needed? Time will tell.

I had my flu shot last October and so far, so good. The family has been struggling with flu symptoms and colds, but so far I've been lucky enough to avoid that...but then again, they chose not to get a flu shot.

We're all taking vitamins now too. One-a-day, supplements, vitamin C and b complex, omega 3 caps. Getting plenty of stretching and excercise in also.

We're into February now, let's get the taxes done and see if
we're getting anything back or paying this year. Usually we do get a small refund from the Federal, but a chunk of it goes to pay the State. They don't call it Taxachusetts for nothing. ;)

Next CT scan and CEA bloodtest is scheduled for late April and no colonoscopy this year - - woo hoo - I get the year off and don't need another until next year (2012).

Stay tuned, next month we celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary!

2011 - More Snow

2011-01-15T18:52:00.000-05:00

Well, the holidays are behind us now and 2011 came in with a powerful
nor'easter on January 11th and 12th. Some of the weather people were calling it 'Thundersnow' - - we called it an old fashioned blizzard!

I have two years in remission now and have my next series of tests
and CT scan tentatively scheduled for the last week in April. Maybe
by then all of the snow will have melted ;)

I'm feeling pretty good for the most part but still a bit of lingering neuropathy is noted especially in the cold weather. It's mainly the fingertips and toes of my feet. Compared to what it was like while going through chemotherapy, this is very mild and just a nuisance.

I'm still taking my daily vitamins and D supplements and was doing pretty good as far as losing some weight until the holidays hit - - but now it's back to the excercises and treadmills and hoping to 'lighten up' a
bit and get back to following the glycemic index more faithfully.

Two Years in Remission Now

2010-12-27T13:05:00.000-05:00

As the year, 2010, winds down with a howling blizzard going on in New England that started yesterday, December 26 and is expected to end late tonight or early tomorrow morning, December 28th, I thank God that
I've reached the two years in remission milestone.

My next scheduled CT scan, CEA bloodtest and oncologist exam with followup is tentatively scheduled for the week of April 26th through 29th, 2011.

Looking back over the past year, I remember some precious moments such as our son's graduation with a BS degree, his ongoing excellent relationship with his girlfriend, my parent's health issues, especially my father's two
major abdominal surgeries and I look forward to the new year when my wife and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary in March and many other family milestones.

I also look back at who we lost this past year and remember in our prayers,
Uncle Buddy USN-R, Holly, Fred and others who will be missed.

In closing with this final post for this year, I am thankful for many things such as our family, friends and our Lord who has given us what
we've prayed and asked Him for. Blessings to you all who are fighting this horrible disease and let this be a lesson in that it can be beat!

Best wishes to all for a very happy, health and safe New Year!!!

The Holidays

2010-12-03T15:52:00.001-05:00

Well, we're now into the holiday swing, so to speak. Thanksgiving has passed and now we get ready for Christmas Eve, Christmas and have the
New Year, 2011, right around the corner!

We have some health issues that we're watching, but rather than ramble
about them now, just relax and listen to the music video.

Autumn Leaves

2010-10-22T11:24:00.000-04:00

The singer in the video, Eva Cassidy, had a wonderful voice and talent that was cut short when she died of melanoma in 1996. In 1993, Cassidy had a malignant mole removed from her back. Three years later, during a promotional event for the 'Live at Blues Alley' album in July 1996, Cassidy noticed an ache in her hips, which she attributed to stiffness from painting murals while perched atop a stepladder. The pain persisted and a few weeks later, X-rays revealed that the melanoma had spread to her lungs and bones. Her doctors estimated she had three to five months to live. Cassidy opted for aggressive treatment, but her health deteriorated rapidly. In her final public performance in September 1996, at the Bayou, she closed the set with "What a Wonderful World" in front of an audience of friends, fans and family. She was subsequently admitted to Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Cassidy died at her family home in Bowie, November 2, 1996, at the age of 33. She was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Washington Area Music Association. In accordance with her wishes, Cassidy’s body was cremated. Her ashes were scattered on the lake shores of St. Mary's River Watershed Park, a nature reserve near California, Maryland.

That said, cancer is a horrible disease and knows no age or limits and
this being Breast Cancer Awareness month, I'm saying some special prayers for those fighting it.

I recently had my cancer screenings and CEA blood test and so far
everything looks good. My oncologist wants me to have my next CT scan and CEA blood test in April of next year. I told him that our insurance provider will be changing and will have to notify them with contact info soon, so they can coordinate these expensive tests through the new healthcare provider which will be some kind of United Healthcare program.

We're still waiting on the information package which should be coming soon as enrollment is due by November 15th. I've always had some form of Blue Cross/Blue Shield, so I'm a little sad to be losing that as they seemed like a great provider and very helpful while going through my cancer tratments.

New Blood Test for Colon Cancer Developed

2010-10-12T14:58:00.000-04:00

Saturday, October 9, 2010

New Blood Test for Colon Cancer Developed

(HealthDay News) -- Seeking to increase screenings for colorectal cancer, scientists say they have developed an inexpensive and effective method that uses less than one milliliter (mL) of a patient's blood.

In trials, the new approach -- referred to as a microRNA -- has successfully detected disease in patients already diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Next, the research team will launch screening tests among a larger group of patients who show symptoms of the disease. These patients will also undergo colonoscopies, which will be used to confirm the new diagnostic tool's effectiveness.

"Our test has the potential to be safe, cheap, robust, accurate and of little or no inconvenience to the individual, and could, therefore, easily be integrated into national screening programs as part of an annual checkup," study author Dr. Soren Jensby Nielsen, a scientific manager with Denmark-based Exiqon A/S, said in a news release from the American Association for Cancer Research.

October and Fall Foliage Begins

2010-10-04T14:17:00.000-04:00

The autumn leaves have begun to change and with it comes many other
changes that will start. I've started with the extra vitamin D3 and
along with diet changes and excercise from mostly walking have lost 12 pounds so far which I'm kind of proud about. A good start I think!

Our new healthcare provider is going to be United Healthcare, but we
don't know much about them or the plans yet. Stay tuned for more on
that later after we find out more information and get to review the
options before it kicks in on January 1st, 2011.

I'll be seeing my oncologist in a couple of weeks and having my
next series of tests to find out if I'm still cancer free. It's
always a bit scary after intially hearing those three words, "you've
got cancer" after my diagnosis. At any rate, I continue to have
faith and think positive about it and try not to dwell too much
on the past. I'll also get a flu shot, which has prevented me from
getting the flu for the past several years now.

I will be updating after my oncology visit(s) so stay tuned
for more along with my new change of lifestyle and healthy living!

The Glycemic Index

2010-09-23T17:45:00.000-04:00

Today I had my follow-up with primary care doctor and we reviewed
my lab reports. (see last post).

I was told about the Glycemic Index and how I would have to
learn to use it and start walking/exercising on a regular basis.

He showed me my chart and how I was able to get the numbers
down a few years ago through diet and excercise and we agreed
that I should be able to do it again.

Regarding the vitamin D deficiency, I'll be starting on 1,000 i.u.
of vitamin D on a daily basis for three months or whenever I'm
tested next (he suggested late January or early February).

So, he's diagnosed me as 'Glucose Intolerant' which is very
similiar, if not the same thing, as pre-diabetes.

I've got to work on cutting out sugars, carbs and all the good
stuff that I've been eating since my chemo treatments ended.

Next month is more testing/screening with my oncologist and
we're still not sure what we'll have for healthcare come the
first of the year.

Annual Checkup - Physical

2010-09-14T19:28:00.004-04:00

I got my lab reports back from the hospital and my blood cell counts are good, along with a few other things (good blood pressure, cholesterols, etc) but it shows some vitamin D deficency (chemo might have been a cause?) and an A1C Blood Sugar level that was off the charts. I got a 7.0 and the normal range is 4.7 to 6.1. So I've got to eleminate sugars and some of the things that I've been eating along with getting a little more excercise.

Hemoglobin indicates high risk for cardiac problems and they also reported a *trace* of protein in urinalysis which was circled as abnormal. I've already started on my new lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) and I have a follow up appt next week to review with my primary care doctor.

Next month starts the series of cancer screening again and I suppose I'll get a flu shot while I'm there. Stay tuned!

September & Hurricane Earl

2010-09-03T09:56:00.003-04:00

Here we are on September 3rd. The heat and humidity are still with us but the rain and winds from a now downsized Hurricane Earl should cool things off soon.

I had my annual checkup and exam with my primary care doctor and it went well. I'm awaiting the results of the bloodtests and labwork. He suggested a pain management program for my arthritis since chiro manipulations are not helping, but with our
health coverage and provider changing soon, I've decided to hold off until we see what will be covered.

My next series of oncology visits are next month and I'm hoping for good results but you always have that feeling about if this is going to be the test that shows recurrence at all. Still, I remain positive in my thoughts and thank God that I've made it this far after the diagnosis. It's hard to believe that just two years ago I was into my 3rd month of chemo (folfox) treatments.

The Heat Goes On

2010-08-30T13:38:00.004-04:00

Here we are with the day after tomorrow being September 1st and the heat, haze and humidity is still with us. I think we've had 3 rainy days all summer since early June.

Tomorrow I go for annual checkup and bloodwork and start my next series of tests with my oncology group in October. Some days are better than others, but I can't complain, although sometimes I do.

The weather people are predicting a close enough call with the next storm (Earl) that it's already causing severe rip currents along the east coast. It depends on which way the jet stream moves as to how, when and where it comes by the end of this week.

They say that foliage will be early this year. I can already see some of the trees starting to change due to the hot, dry summer heat.

The Dog Days of August

2010-08-09T14:02:00.003-04:00

Well, this has certainly been one of the hottest and muggiest summers that I can remember. Here we go into August and after a short few days of cool dry weather, we're back in the hot, hazy and humid stuff for another stretch.

I'll be seeing my primary care doc this month for annual checkup and bloodwork and next month will be my next CEA blood test with my oncology group.

My only complaint is some numbness (neuropathy?) in right foot/toes and the arthritis in my back has spread to the thoracic spine joints. I'm also starting to notice some arthritis in knee and fingers. A day at a time and don't sweat the small things!

Hotter Than the 4th of July

2010-07-06T11:11:00.004-04:00

We're in the middle of a very hot and humid weather pattern. Today could be the hottest day of the summer (so far) with temps near 100 and the heat index at about 107 degrees F.

Just try to keep cool today and stay hydrated! Happy July!!!

Summer of 2010

2010-06-29T14:42:00.004-04:00

So, here it is a few days past the longest day of sunlight of the year. It's been very hot as well and very muggy, but this is what we wait all Winter for I guess?

Dad's progressing, slowly, but still progressing. The 4th of July is this coming Sunday (hard to believe!). The general pace is slow during the summer and the news always seems to be worse with the Gulf Oil Crisis, Health Issues and Government Corruption making headlines a lot lately.

We wish you all a safe and happy 4th of July!

Dad goes home from Hospital

2010-06-23T18:08:00.003-04:00

The phone rang about 4:00pm today and it was Dad. He said "guess where I am"? I said I'm not sure but you sound happy. He had been discharged (finally) and was sitting
on his front porch. He says to me that the seabreeze in Maine feels great while I'm standing in 90 degree weather with tropical dewpoints in the 70s. You know, the days that even the friendliest dogs will chomp you if you look at them wrong.

So, it's still going to take some time to get used to the stoma and lifestyle change, but we're all hoping that his stomache pains are gone for good now. We know about the kidneys and heart and diabetes and stuff, but hopefully this will be one less health issue for him and who knows...maybe in a year or so, it could be in good enough shape to be reversed and somewhat normal again (whatever that is these days!)

It's been a roller-coaster ride for the past 2 weeks, but maybe the ride is slowing down and coming to a halt...at least for a little bit?

Also...I changed the design scheme of this blog...do you like it? I'm afraid that I wouldn't know how to change it back even if I wanted to.

Until next time...Happy Trails to you...

Dad's Surgery

2010-06-17T14:43:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been a rough week. My Father, who has been battling several other health issues blacked out last Sunday night. My mother thought that he was dead and called 911 while trembling and crying. They took him by ambulance to the nearest emergency department of the hospital and the doctors decided that some kind of infection in his intestinal tract was the problem and immediate surgery was required. He is 79.

Due to the fact that he's on blood thinners and meds for other ailments, they had to give him blood transfusions for a couple of days before they could do the surgery. The diagnosis was colitis and it was supposed to be a laproscopic colonic resection, but due to complications, he ended up having a full scale six hour surgery and ended up with a huge incision and a colostomy!

He's been in ICU for two days now and the doctors have explained that it was the only way to save his life, due to complications from his other health problems.

So, we've been to visit him in ICU and they plan to keep him there until he is more stable, but he is a 'very sick man' as the doctor said.

You never know in this journey of life, what obstacles are going to be thrown at you, but it's important to try and think positive and keep thinking forward without looking back and wondering "what if", etc.

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-05-28T09:46:00.003-04:00

~~~~The picture says it best~~~~

Have a great but safe Memorial Day weekend!

Salem State College Graduation

2010-05-23T12:56:00.004-04:00

They say that "time flies"...well, watching our son graduate yesterday with a Bachelors Degree of Science from Salem State College, that thought kept running through my mind.

It was a great day, weatherwise, for the 10:00am ceremony and the speakers kept it short and to the point, as the class of 2010 received their Degrees.

The main guest speaker was former Massacusetts Governor, Michael Dukakis, and he kept it short mentioning his wife, Kitty, attending "somewhere in the audience" and also stated that if he had won the victory of defeating Bush 1, that we never would have had to deal with Bush 2, but we'd surely have had other problems.

Dr. Malika Marshall and her mother, both of TV, were also given honorary degrees
and spoke to the graduating class.

We enjoyed a small luncheon at The Chateau Restaurant afterwards for family and friends and a very good time was had by all.

Mother's Day - 2010

2010-05-11T11:28:00.004-04:00

My mother and father were able to make it down to my sister's for a Mother's Day get together with 'most' of the family. The food was delicious and a good time was had by all.

It was a bit too cold and windy to sit outside, so we all stayed inside and
laughed, took pictures, caught up on things and had a great time!

Water - Emergency Ban

2010-05-02T13:35:00.004-04:00

I thought that this was big enough news to post on the blog. We were at a relative's yesterday afternoon and were heading home around 7:00 pm when we saw a sign on the side of the highway alerting drivers about an "Emergency Ban on Water" and although we didn't see the whole sign, figured it might have had to due with the threats of wildfires in the hot and dry weather.

We got home and just in time to catch the "Breaking News" on TV about 2 million people affected by this "emergency water ban" and we were in the area...and actually only 2 miles from where a pipe had ruptured.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2010/05/repairs_underwa.html

http://www.mwra.com/updates/leak.html

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/05/02/residents_businesses_race_to_adapt_water_vanishes_from_stores/

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/05/02/tunnels_failure_catches_mwra_officials_off_guard/

So with all of the area stores sold completely out of bottled water, we have to be careful not to use tap water and boil water before using until this problem is fixed and resolved. In the meantime, people have been fighting and getting downright nasty
with some stabbings involved, in order to find and acquire bottled water for their needs. Many of the restaurants and especially the hospitals have been extremely
affected and with high humidity and temps near 90 degrees F today, the timing of this was at a very bad time.

Keep checking the MWRA.com link above for updates...

Clear PET Scan

2010-04-16T13:27:00.001-04:00

Just got home from oncologist visit. They drew blood for another CEA test and
then I had exam by my oncologist. He then told me to put on my shirt and come into
his office. (I thought it strange since he hadn't mentioned results after I told him
that I felt good about Monday's scan.).

My wife was with me and we sat in the chairs in front of his desk while he was
reading the report. He said that the scan was 100% clean! Then went on to say that
they still want to monitor me for 5 years since the chemo started and June will be
two years.

We told him about how our health insurance has changed and we now have to pay 20% of
all "allowed charges" for tests, xrays, scans and even bloodwork. He said that instead of another CT scan in six months (October), I'd just have CEA bloodwork and perhaps just a CT scan next year. Then I told him that I knew of someone that has only had CEA tests since finishing chemo and his response was that different doctors treat patients different ways. I "almost" brought up the fact that I read about doctors ordering unneccesary tests, but bit my tongue and kept quiet.

So, overall I'm happy that everything is fine but I'm still
wondering if the scans are really necessary.

Have a great weekend!
God bless us all!

April 1st - 2010

2010-04-01T16:20:00.003-04:00

Here we are in April now. After three more days of heavy rains and severe flooding we are hoping for some sun and warm, dry weather for Easter.

The above video clip explains how a PET scan works. Mine is scheduled for April 12th with a followup oncology visit on Friday, April 16th. Depending on the results of this procedure will determine the next step in the journey I've been on.

Tomorrow is Good Friday, then Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. I hope that everyone enjoys this weekend and remembers the real reason for it.

More details after the results have been discussed.

March 2010 - PET scan scheduled

2010-03-05T16:22:00.006-05:00

Well, here we are into March of 2010 now and it's been a tolerable winter for the most part. I've just confirmed and received my acknowledgement for my next scheduled PET scan which is in 6 weeks (April 12th) with a follow up including labwork at the Cancer Center on April 16th. I've been trying to keep thinking positive since my diagnosis and see no reason to stop now.

When you stop and think about "life" there are many things that make you wonder about and really don't understand. By helping others who have been diagnosed with cancer and trusting in our Lord, it has helped me and I'm ready for whatever is dealt my way. While we are here on Earth, one thing is for certain, nobody gets out alive...

Valentine's Day Weekend - 2/12/2010

2010-02-12T15:34:00.003-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day weekend to all. I have a neice who's birthday is on Valentine's day and this Sunday is the Baptism of her second child, a boy named Joseph.

I got a call from my oncologist today and was told that my next PET scan is scheduled for April 12th with a follow up on the 16th. Even completing six months of steady chemotherapy after a major abdominal surgery where the surgeon believes
that he got it all out, you still wonder about that 20% chance of re-occurence
and always ask yourself..."is this going to be the test that shows something?"

I've learned to think positive though and leave it all in the hands of God. Only HE knows when he wants me.

So in closing, enjoy your Valentine's Day and put some love in this world that could really use some!

Midway through January 2010

2010-01-21T19:30:00.003-05:00

Well, here we are midway through January with a little January thaw coming in by Monday. The Winter NAMM show has just ended in California and lots of new and exciting gear was showcased.

Things are going pretty good at this point...still some neuropathy in my feet, but all in all, much better than last year at this time.

I've now been cancer free for one whole year!

Happy New Year - 2K10?

2010-01-05T18:20:00.004-05:00

Well, now the question seems to be what do we call it? Is it 2 thousand 10, or twenty ten...I've decided to call it 2K10 (4 easy keystrokes!).

It's hard to believe that it's been one year now since my chemotherapy treatments have ended. It feels great too! Of course, I'll still need the routine CEA tests and PET/CT scans, but the feeling of having that mediport out and not having the needles and carrying the pump around is a great feeling...and I'm very thankful.

I hope that your new year is off to a good start and best wishes in 2K10!!!

The Holidays

2009-12-28T14:58:00.005-05:00

Today we're having some sleet, rain and snow. Christmas was last week and was a nice quiet Christmas this year. They are talking about another major nor'easter for this upcoming weekend. What a way to bring in the new year, 2K10!

Christmas Time is Here

2009-12-10T11:42:00.002-05:00

We've had some snow already and it won't be long before Christmas and the new year.

Merry Christmas to all and may God bless everyone and their families!

The Holiday Season

2009-11-30T15:03:00.005-05:00

The seasons are changing again. We just had Thanksgiving and in only a few more weeks we'll be into the Christmas week, followed by New Year's and 2010.

Two Thousand Ten...sounds strange, but time does keep ticking and waits for nobody. It's a particuliarly memorable time for me because at this time last year I was entering my final month of chemotherapy.

Aside from some stubborn neuropathy in my feet, I'm doing well and will be going in for my next PET scan in April. Winter 'could' be over by then if we're lucky!

Season's Greetings!!!

November - 2009

2009-11-06T10:32:00.005-05:00

With this first onset of somewhat colder weather, I'm noticing some neuropathy (numbness) in some of my toes on my right foot. I guess that it takes quite a while for all of the chemo meds to exit your system.

We went to another memorial service. This time it was my sister's brother-in-law. I sure hope that these occasions end for awhile soon.

Still disputing hospital bills that go back to when I had my surgery last year in June of 2008! Latest letter says the my healthplan had *revised* the amount they were to pay which leaves me with more of a co-pay. I've already paid $250 for this one bill. Oh well, it is what it is?

The new Healthcare Options

2009-10-23T19:42:00.004-04:00

Well, we only have about another week left in October and our healthcare administrators have decided to switch our HMO Blue to an 80/20 plan. This means all tests including bloodwork, xrays, scans, even a flu shot would only be covered at 80%and we pay the 20% balance. This is not a good deal with my frequent bloodwork, tests and scans. My next PET scan in April will cost me approx $2200 out-of-pocket, yet there are people who have just come to this country with no healthcare who get free medical coverage. What's wrong with this picture?

My gut feeling is that this is just the tip of the iceberg of what will be soon forthcoming if the government tells us which doctors we can see and when.

HMO Blue is also changing their name to New England Network Blue and will be sending out "new" cards which will confuse the billing people even more.

I'm still contesting a bill that I received as a $100 co-payment because it was coded wrong by the hospital (so my healthcare administrator says).

Other than that, The Patriots play Tampa in London tomorrow and the World Series (Baseball) might even start in early November...brrr.

Have a good weekend! Next weekend is Hallloween...stay tuned for chilling videos!

Sometimes words aren't enough...

2009-10-13T14:24:00.003-04:00

...to express your true feelings. Every sunrise is another day to put in your pocket, one that we shall never see again. We need to stop for a moment to remember this.

We take for granted that it will go on and on, and on. It won't. Providence has been kind...but...providence is a regifter.

Persevere. Make every day count. Kiss your loved ones. Tomorrow never knows.........

Signs of Autumn and Sorrow

2009-10-10T17:05:00.005-04:00

The sun is coming up and setting later as we get more into the autumn season. You can feel a chill in the air as well as the windy leaves blowing from the trees.

As mentioned in an earlier post, our prayers are with sister-in-law, Theresa for her loss and now I'm also saddened to hear that one of our friends, my wife's co-worker's husband has passed after a fight with leukemia.

If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. This is a poem about these times of suffering :

I watch when your asleep,
I know you miss me so much,
and you loved me with all your heart,
but I’m in a better place now,
and you cant tear it apart,
you don’t have to worry now,
I’m with some of our relatives,
I’m always around you,
and always on the inside,
I’m in the wind,
in your dreams,
anywhere you seek me,
and some day we'll be together again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~B L E S S I N G S ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Flu Shot today - New Cancer Center

2009-10-08T12:10:00.000-04:00

I went for my oncology visit and got the regular flu shot
while I was there. My oncologist said that the H1N1 symptoms
are different for each and for me would be the same, so
no other shot needed.

He also said that the media is over-hyping the H1N1 symptoms.

It's been about two hours now and my arm is just now feeling a bit
sore and I feel a siesta is coming soon.

Now I'm good until next April when I have my next PET scan.

Early October - In My Life

2009-10-07T19:31:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was my birthday...I'm doing okay...I have an oncology appointment tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers go out to my sister-in-law, Theresa, whose husband, Peter passed away today after a fight with cancer.

Sometimes life can be so unfair...

New Cancer Center

2009-09-27T15:11:00.002-04:00

Newton-Wellesley Hospital Gets Set to Open Vernon Cancer Center

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Community Open House on Saturday, October 3 from 9:00am - noon

When 30-year-old Anne Meisner of Natick was going through cancer treatment a few years ago, she had to drive a total of 1200 miles, pay for parking, gas and tolls and had to find childcare for her toddler and infant sons. It took half her day, five days a week, for six weeks. All for a treatment that lasted five minutes.

“I started panicking months ahead about the childcare expense. Had Newton-Wellesley Hospital offered radiation back then, my routine and my children’s routine would have been significantly less disrupted,” said Meisner. “My life would have been more normal at a time I desperately needed to feel normal.”

Newton-Wellesley Hospital officially cut the ribbon on its state-of-the-art cancer center, paving the way for patients like Meisner and others in the western suburbs to finally be able to receive comprehensive, state-of-the-art cancer services close to home- all under one roof.

“We want the Cancer Center to be the focal point for supportive care,” said Jeffrey Wisch, MD, Medical Director of the Vernon Cancer Center, Associate Chief of Hematology/Oncology and Director of Inpatient Oncology. “We hope to further develop our existing services to help our patients and their families cope with this disease. All of the services we provide have the same mission – providing support and helping patients and their families deal with cancer. Treating cancer is not just about treating a disease, it’s about treating the whole person and their family.”

In America, one half of all men and one third of all women will develop cancer in their lifetime – a startling statistic. In Massachusetts, public health officials have predicted that the number of cancer patients will increase 18 percent from 2000-2010, and that prediction is already being realized. Health officials also report that the number of Massachusetts residents with cancer will soon outstrip the capacity of available radiation facilities.

Newton-Wellesley Hospital has always had a strong tradition of providing excellent medical care for cancer patients, including general oncology, surgery and chemotherapy. The missing piece has been radiation therapy. Since 50% of all cancer treatment requires radiation, this is a critical component of a cancer program. To address this need, we have established the Joan and James Vernon Cancer Center.

“The Vernon Cancer Center is a great collaboration between Mass General Radiation Oncology, New England Hematology/Oncology Associates and Newton-Wellesley Hospital,” said Ellen Moloney, Vice President for Outpatient Services. “The Center brings together these much needed services into one location providing better access and convenience for our patients and their families. Newton-Wellesley is also developing integrative support services and support groups for patients and their families that will be offered at the Center.”

The Cancer Center team provides personalized care in a private and comfortable setting for cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, colorectal and gynecological malignancies. In addition, benign and malignant blood disorders such as anemia, coagulation disorders, lymphoma, myeloma and leukemia are also treated.

Through a lead gift from Amos and Barbara Hostetter, the Center will recognize and honor Joan and James Vernon of Weston. Joan, a nurse and caregiver to many friends and community members, passed away in 2005 of cancer. Her husband, Dr. James Vernon, a compassionate physician and gifted surgeon whose career has spanned nearly four decades at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, has helped design and guide this center.

“In the almost 40 years I have worked here, we as a staff have worked hard to develop a sophisticated and expert level of care for our cancer patients,” says Dr. Vernon. “The Center offers Newton-Wellesley Hospital the opportunity to become a comprehensive cancer treatment site with the addition of radiation services. It is rewarding for everyone at the Hospital, a great honor for me and a great service for our patients.”

New England Hematology and Oncology Associates (NEHOA), a private practice moving to the Center from Wellesley, provides advanced care from highly specialized oncologists. The medical oncology team is led by board certified physicians, complemented by an experienced, specialty nursing team. The entire medical team, made up of hematologists, oncologists, oncology nurses, social workers and ancillary staff, use advanced protocols and technology to diagnose and treat cancer. They remain involved in all aspects of patient care – from diagnosis to treatment and during long-term, follow-up care.

The Massachusetts General Hospital Radiation Oncology Program at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, also located within the Cancer Center, offers patients access to premier radiation oncology services and expertise. The Radiation Oncology team is led by board certified physicians who treat a broad spectrum of cancer diagnoses and complemented by a specialty team including medical physicists, radiation therapists and oncology nurses. The team utilizes the latest technology and equipment to plan and deliver individually tailored radiation treatment to reduce tumor volume while minimizing effects on non-cancerous tissues.

The radiation oncology services include both a linear accelerator and a CT simulator to provide advanced services to cancer patients. An on-site CT simulator provides the most accurate process available to localize, define and reconstruct a patient's tumor in three dimensions in order to generate the best treatment plan for that patient. The linear accelerator, also known as a linac, is the device most commonly used for providing external beam radiation treatments. This technology delivers a uniform dose of high-energy X-ray to the area of the patient’s tumor to destroy the cancer cells while minimizing the impact to surrounding non-cancerous tissue. Radiation oncology services include both Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT).

To ensure coordinated delivery of patient care, the Center offers patients access to a Patient Navigator. This is a new role and will provide support from the point of diagnosis through the entire continuum of care and works in conjunction with the physician to review, educate, implement and evaluate services that will complement the patient’s care plan. The Patient Navigator creates awareness for patients and their families about community resources and educational programs.

The Vernon Cancer Center also offers educational and support workshops and other positive, life-enhancing, integrative support services. These include:
• Psychological and social services to help patients and their families deal with the emotional impact of the initial diagnosis and treatment.
• Massachusetts General Hospital’s PACT (Parenting At a Challenging Time) services to help parents who are undergoing cancer treatment address the concerns of their children.
• Nutritional support to help patients get adequate nutrition and meet their dietary needs before, during and after their treatment.
• Specialized palliative care services that focus on the pain, symptoms and stress of a cancer diagnosis.
• Pain management services tailored to deal with each patient’s unique diagnosis providing a better quality of life.
• Genetics programs including Newton-Wellesley’s High Risk Assessment Program, genetics counselor, outreach and education.
• Patients and their families have access to the Cancer Center Resource Room with computer access to the American Cancer Society and other related web sites. Patients also have access to wireless Internet service as well as options for music during treatment.
• Mind, body and relaxation services such as Reiki and yoga.

A community open house will be offered on Saturday, October 3 from 9am-12 noon for members of the community to come and tour the new facility. A variety of health lectures will be provided, as well as light refreshments.

Newton-Wellesley Hospital is a full system member of Partners HealthCare System, Inc. (PHCS), a nonprofit organization that includes acute care hospitals Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's/Faulkner Hospitals, The North Shore Medical Center, and specialty hospitals McLean Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, as well as Dana-Farber/Partners CancerCare, and the community-based doctors and hospitals of Partners Community HealthCare, Inc.

Colonoscopy Results - Good

2009-09-16T09:50:00.005-04:00

I slept most of yesterday after I got home from the hospital, but all went extremely well and my procedure results were the best I could hope for.

No polyps found, surgery looked clean, no sign of any problems at all!

The Prep for the Colonoscopy

2009-09-14T18:25:00.006-04:00

I'm trying things a little different for tomorrow's procedure. Keeping well within the guidelines.

I have the lemon jello, chicken broth, lemon ice, apple juice and three 10 oz chilled bottles of lemon magnesium citrate but I wasn't too hungry today, so aside from the Luigi's "real" Italian Ice, I just drank a lot of apple juice, sprite and water.

At 5pm, I had my first bottle of the magnesium citrate...not too bad...now more Sprite and water (to stay hydrated).

Next bottle at 9pm (usually when the 'action' begins). I don't feel too bad and will watch Monday Night Football and maybe whatever I can catch of the new Jay Leno show.

Piece of cake, right? Cake...hmm :(

I'll have the last/third bottle about 5am....and hopefully all will be well...

Stay tuned for tomorrow's revelations....

Colonoscopy - September 15th

2009-09-08T16:37:00.005-04:00

Well, I can't help but notice the circled date on my calendar for next Monday and Tuesday. Monday is the prep day and my procedure is scheduled for Tuesday.

So along with the fading sunsets, the fading summer and the dreadful thought of winter coming, I also have to think about my first annual scope check.

I keep telling myself that there is no sense in worrying because that won't change the results one way or another, but it's impossible to forget last year's procedure and what followed after the diagnosis.

Even though the CT scan was clean, this is the "real" test for me. I'll be following up and posting next week...

"Fighting Cancer is a lifelong deal..."

2009-06-15T20:28:00.003-04:00

Very true words indeed, that a fellow blogger and cancer survivor, rotorhead (Charles) had posted on his blog!

Being in remission sounds great, but fighting cancer is somewhat like any fight and you are seemingly left with scars, wounds and images that you will never forget.

Be it scar tissue/adhesions, nightmares or whatever, it seems to never really go away, but I DO believe that it makes you a stronger person for it. I chose the video for this post specifically because it is a song that I've always liked, it's played by a great guitarist (Bill Frisell) and was sent to me by a friend who is now going through chemo to fight a form of Leukemia.

Never give up!!!

Mediport Removed :)

2009-06-01T12:45:00.000-04:00

This morning I had my mediport removed. I had a decision to go with conscious sedation or just the local numbing. I asked the surgeon which he preferred and why.

He said 90% of his patients do NOT get the consious sedation and they have no problem and walk out of here after the procedure is finished. The other 10% have to be wheeled up to a room and wait for another two hours before they can be released.

I opted to just go with the local numbing. The only pain I felt was the needle pokes into my chest to numb the area. After a little less than one hour it was out and I was given instructions on care for the next several days.

It's just now starting to feel sore/uncomfortable, so tylenol should calm that down and I'll probably rest awhile on the couch. It's not having it out so much that I feel good about, but more for what it represents!

Remission

2009-05-26T11:28:00.004-04:00

I went to my oncologist today and was told that my cancer is in remission, total remission!

It was a very emotional moment after a year of a very strange, but enlightening journey that took many turns but ended on a good note.

Next, I'll be having the surgery to removed the mediport and will be monitored for the next five years. I feel that God and early detection saved my life and I will be forever thankful!

Blessings,
-Mike

Scans Completed

2009-05-20T16:39:00.002-04:00

I had the scans done twice. After the first one, they claimed they couldn't get a good image and wanted to increase the IV dye.

They sent me to the lab to have blood drawn to see if the kidneys were strong enough to "work harder" with the increased dosage.

I thought that the jug of chalky stuff would have been enough, but what do I know?

On the second trip into the radiology center, they were able to get better images. I'll get the results next Tuesday.

Now it's wait and wonder, but thinking positive!

May 11th - 2009

2009-05-11T17:14:00.004-04:00

It's been almost a WHOLE YEAR since my diagnosis now. I'm starting to feel a little anxiety about my upcoming CT scans and blood tests. Eight more days!

Then a week after that I have an oncology appointment to have the port flushed and get the results of the procedures. I'm hoping that the scans are clean and I'll be able to have the mediport removed soon.

I hope that everyone had a Happy Mother's Day yesterday.

Neuropathy is much better, but still evident. More later...

A Day In The Life

2009-04-03T17:38:00.001-04:00

I now have my dates for my scans!!! I'll be going into the hospital in Mid-to-late May for the scans and then have the followup with my Onclogist a week later. At this point I'm continuing to let the body heal from the toxic chemotherapy meds and feeling a little better with each passing day.

Now comes the waiting...as it's been said "the waiting is the hardest part" to find out if the chemo did what it was supposed to do. More later...

March 24th - Oncology Follow Up

2009-03-24T14:59:00.004-04:00

I had my next follow-up this morning and was told that everything looked good, so my oncologist ordered a CT scan for mid-May and my next follow-up for May 26th.

I asked him about CEA blood tests and he said he was sending today's bloodwork out and would let me know if there was anything to worry about. He said the scan would be the biggest help in determining if anything is showing, but it has to be worked out with my healthplan provider before scheduling.

So, we went with the May 26th for the next follow-up, but he said if insurance doesn't approve the scans yet, then it may have to be re-scheduled later. If those come back good, then he said I could plan on my follow-up scope for June or July.

The neuropathy has improved and is only slightly felt in my fingertips. He asked if handling ice cubes caused any problems and it doesn't, and told him so.

So, it was a good visit and now I just wait to see how the insurance company is going to react to the scans. My last ones (CT and PT) were done last May.

If all goes well, I'll be able to have the surgery to remove the mediport in my chest sometime this summer :)

Thanks again for the positive support and mojo!

Happy St Paddy's !

2009-03-16T15:09:00.004-04:00

I'll be going to the oncology center next week and we'll see where the road leads from there. It's been a long and winding journey since May of last year. Thanks to all for the supportive emails and comments!

Tomorrow is March 17th and everybody is Irish for a day.

May your best day in the past...be your worst day in the future!!!

February

2009-02-17T13:21:00.003-05:00

Well, here it is February and Spring will soon be here. I haven't posted since last month's post follow-up and just a quick update today.

The 3 things that are still causing me problems are neuropathy, fatigue and short-term memory loss. I find that I need to write things down more often. The neuropathy is better, but I do notice that it is a slow process and may take several more months to completely abate. General fatigue is touch and go. I have good days mostly, but some days I just end up falling asleep with naps or early at night.

I haven't been to a dentist since last January (2008), and I have a tooth that's bothering me, so I called my oncologist and he said it was fine to go for dental work. I called the dentist this morning and have an appointment for a cleaning and exam on Thursday (day after tomorrow). They insist on this before doing any other dental work. I'll bet my gums are going to bleed worse than usual. I'll blame the chemo!

Thanks for everyone's support and I'll update next month after my next follow-up when they flush the port, check bloodwork and I have my exam.

First Follow-Up Today

2009-01-21T12:01:00.003-05:00

I just got home from my 1st chemo follow up and it went pretty good. My bloodcounts are better, but still on the low side.

I told my oncologist about the tightness in the chestport area, the ongoing neuropathy and my short term memory loss problems. He said it's typical for a chemo patient after finishing the folfox treatment of chemo.

The tingling in my fingers is still pretty bad, but he said it might take from six to nine months before that goes away, but it WILL go away! They flushed the implanted mediport with saline and heparin (both sides - dual port) with both needles at the same time!

If I play guitar for a few hours, I have to skip the next several days because of the neuropathy in my fingertips from bending strings, so I play keyboards :)

So, my next follow-up is in 2 months, March 24th, then I'll have another two months from then and next will be be CEA bloodtests, scans and colonoscopy. All in all, he said that I'm progressing very well :)

"Fighting Cancer is a lifelong deal"

2009-01-11T11:47:00.002-05:00

The title above is a quote from another cancer fighter whose blog I've been following. You can see a link on the right side (Rotorhead's Cancer Blog).

Charles is a military chopper pilot and keeps an interesting blog.

It's been 2 1/2 weeks since my chemo ended. I'm still having a lot of neuropathy and tingling/numbness in my fingers and feet along with gasto-related issues. I have my first follow-up visit on January 21st.

We've been getting snowfall just about every weekend since the new year started. I'm starting to envy the people who are in warmer climates.

Anyway, I'll update after my follow-up visit and we'll see what the next steps of the journey will be.

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T20:22:00.002-05:00

I'm hoping that everything will be fine in oh-oh-nine ;)

It's a great feeling to not have to go in for chemo treatments this upcoming week. I'll be going in on January 21st, for my first official "follow-up".

After that, they will continue to monitor my bloodcounts and bloodwork, flush/maintenance on my implanted mediport. It's a dual port Bard model, so that means TWO needles at once in the chestports (but NO chemo!). I refilled my prescription for the lidocaine today. I hope that I don't have to use it too often.

I'm feeling about as well as expected. I made the mistake of trying to clean some snow off a windshield without gloves and now I'm typing with one hand for a few days.
The neuropathy is probably the worst part, followed by the digestive tract "issues" and the occasional skin rashes and mouth sores, but it will now start to get better, although slowly, but I can deal with that.

I do hope that everyone enjoyed their New Year's Eve and best wishes to make it fine in 2009!

The Final Day of Chemo

2008-12-24T13:27:00.004-05:00

What a day! I was really anxious to finish up today and was up at 5:00am even though my appointment wasn't until 10:35am. My wife took some pictures of me with the needle in the port and pump that I'll probably use as a dartboard eventually!

We brought in a cake and card and the staff was great and cuddled me with hugs and kisses...it was an emotional experience! To finish on Christmas Eve is quite a way to finish.

The neuropathy is still kind of bad, but I can deal with it. I have my first follow up in a month for bloodwork and port flush and we'll see where this journey leads after that.

Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year!!!

2nd to last day of treatment :o)

2008-12-23T15:04:00.004-05:00

I had my second to last treatment today and then they connected the portable infusion pump that I'm wearing for the last and final time!

It's so nice to be finishing my chemo rounds on Christmas Eve. Tomorrow when I go in, I'll be taking cards and gifts for the wonderful and professional staff that have been caring for me these past six months.

It's so hard to believe that it's finally going to be over, but it also seems like it didn't start all that long ago either. I'm feeling a lot more fatigue with this final round, but keeping in mind that it IS my final round.

Starting Final Round of Chemo

2008-12-22T15:00:00.001-05:00

Today started off kinda bad, but ended a bit better because I wasn't going to let anything bother me during this final round of chemotherapy.

First of all, it started snowing here last Friday and didn't stop until last night and then a quick freeze settled in. With the gusty wind, it brought in windchills in the -10 to -3F range by this morning. So we got up early this morning to get a head start on a busy day.

My wife and I both got stuck from where the plow had dumped in front of our cars, so we were out there for quite awhile until we finally got both cars free from the snow. She left for work and called me when she got there to say that she made it okay and the highways were in much better shape. I then left for my chemo appt at 6:55am, even though I didn't have to be there until 8:00am. I was there by 7:30am and was able to get into the facility and wait until the staff showed up.

My white blood cell count was pretty low, but my oncologist said that it was within range and after discussing it with me, opted to continue without any delays. He also said that I've been a model patient (maybe he says that to all the patients?) and asked me if I'd be willing to talk with new patients that had some fear and/or concerns regarding the folfox treatments that I've been having. He said that a re-assuring veteran of the program could really calm a newer patient. Of course I told him that I'd be more than glad to speak with anyone that he wanted me to and I told him how my friend, Rob, is the main person that I, myself, had communicated a lot with when I was first diagnosed, and Rob has been a true friend throughout my whole journey and we still keep in touch via email, although we've never met due to the distance in where we both live.

Rob is now "cancer-free" and although I think I've posted his blog a few months back, here is another link to it :

http://rocamata.com/default.aspx

When I went into the treatment rooms, all of the other doctors and oncology nurses were coming by to wish me Merry Christmas and congratulations on finishing up this week. They are truly a great, professional and fun group and have really made it somewhat enjoyable (if that makes any sense?) to go through chemotherapy with.

Before leaving today, my oncologist spoke with me about the follow-up again and said it would about early summer (if all goes well) when I'd be having the mediport implant removed. I'll have to be monitored closely for a short period, then every 6-8weeks I'll go in to have both mediports flushed (it's a dual catheter port). After that some PET/CT scans and my follow up scope check. My bloodcounts are expected to recover slowly, but my immune system is low and I'm still at risk for catching infections from others while in the early follow-up stages.

So, day 2 tomorrow (Tuesday)of the treatments, they'll disconnect the pump then start the IVs before re-connecting the pump for the last time and on Wednesday (in 2 days) it will be out for good!

Now it's siesta time and I hope to wake up for the season finale of 'Prison Break' tonight.

Off - Week

2008-12-15T11:38:00.003-05:00

I'm watching the *time* a lot this week!

This is my final "off-week" and I have a LOT to get done before starting my final treatment week next Monday!

The tingling in my fingers (neuropathy) is pretty bad and even trying to button a shirt is harder than usual, but I was warned of this and will manage to get past it somehow. The nerve damage is giving me some gastro tract *issues* as well.

I participated in our worldwide virtual band's 3rd annual Christmas song collaboration. We dedicate this year's song to the troops overseas and others who haven't been home for a long, long time. "Please Come Home For Christmas"

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7148733

One step at a time, that's the only way and it has worked so far. Happy Holidays!

Round 11 Finished - One more to go !!!

2008-12-11T12:57:00.003-05:00

Today's treatments went well and the doc's report was very positive sounding. I had the mediport flushed, talked about some of the follow-up procedures and then was disconnected from "the pump" for the second to last time!

I have a dual mediport implanted and when I go for follow-up they will flush BOTH ports with the 4" needle at the same time. I'm glad this is only every 6-8 weeks or as needed depending on a variety of factors. At least I have piece of mind that I won't be leaving attached to the pump.

So, it looks really good for December 22nd, 23rd and the grand finale on December 24th (Christmas Eve). I'll have to take a cake, cookies and stuff for the oncology nurses and doctors. I feel very fortunate to have had a very compassionate and professional team of physicians and nurses during this whole journey.

Next to last cycle

2008-12-10T13:51:00.000-05:00

Today's chemo treatments went well. I'm at the point where even if they didn't go well that I don't think it would bother me because I'm being optimistic and focused on finishing this in TWO weeks from today. :-)

I didn't sleep well last night, which is usually the case after getting the eloxatin, but I snoozed for about two hours during today's treatments (and didn't snore, or so they told me?).

My doctor said that I was doing excellent with my white bloodcell counts and platelets counts and that leads to me to think (and hope and pray) that my treatments will end on Christmas eve.

I'll be starting follow-up in January, but the worst of it will be over very soon!

Round 11 (of 12)

2008-12-09T15:42:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm into my ELEVENTH Round of chemotherapy now. My oncologist told me today that the neuropathy will probably still be evident for another several months. For that reason, they will be doing follow-up bloodwork, CEA blood tests, PET/CT scans and mediport maintenance.

It went okay today and some of the nurses came by to "remind" me that the end is near. It's nice of them, but I don't need to be reminded. I'm kinda/sorta at the point where I've had enough. It will be great to be disconnected for the LAST time and to eventually have the mediport taken out of my chest.

That said, I still don't want to get ahead of myself because any little thing can change the schedule and/or progress, which has been very good so far with only one setback that delayed treatment back around cycle 5 I think?

Stand Up To Cancer

2008-12-04T12:03:00.002-05:00

If you turned on the national news September 5th, you might have been surprised to see all 3 major network anchors broadcasting from the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. Putting their usually intense competition for ratings aside for the night, Katie Couric, Brian Williams and Charlie Gibson joined forces in support of a higher priority...putting an end to cancer!

Together the anchors hosted a historic hour-long telecast, shown commercial free on the 3 major networks and in more than 170 countries. The telecast raised more than $100 million to support a new initiative called "Stand Up To Cancer" founded this past May.

To learn more about it, you can click on the title of this post or go to www.standup2cancer.org

You can buy a "star" for one dollar in honor of loved ones or friends (I've done this and it is a gratifying experience).

Stand Up To Cancer is bring people together to give researchers the resources that they need to launch an all-out assault on cancer.

Christmas Time

2008-12-03T08:30:00.003-05:00

"Tis the season...I'm trying to keep a positive outlook, but I haven't done much shopping for Christmas gifts yet and next week is my 11th cycle of chemo. Stress and anxiety are kicking in.

Many have told me that the last two cycles can be the toughest with the cumulative side effects of the oxaliplatin mostly. It's also getting a lot colder and I'm already wearing layers to keep warm.

The neuropathy, fatigue and digestive tract "issues" seem to be the worst, as they have been since starting chemo. I can't feel the little "bumps" on the "f" and "j" keys, so typing is slow and I have to keep going back to correct things.

I'm also trying to add my guitar parts to an annual Christmas collaboration project that I've been doing for the past three years now. This year's song is "Please Come Home For Christmas" and is dedicated to the military troops overseas and to others who haven't been able to get home for a long time. I'll post a link to the song when it's finished.

One Step At A Time

2008-12-01T15:35:00.002-05:00

A little while back, I had mentioned that a girl from South Dakota had heard a song that I wrote when I started chemotherapy. It was an instrumental piece with no lyrics or vocals.

Well, long story short, she wrote some lyrics which I'd posted awhile back, but they are also in the song info at this link, and she has just finished recording the song and I'd like to share it with you...

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_songInfo.cfm?bandID=706035&songID=7108988

You can hear more of Melissa Renee's songs at :

www.soundclick.com/melissarenee

End of November

2008-11-30T14:36:00.005-05:00

Chemotherapy is not cheap! I don't know how one without some kind of health plan could possibly afford it. The above is a sample of just my monthly visits/treatment bill. When you add in prescriptions, medical supplies and other items that you use, it can get quite expensive.

I hope that everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving with their families. I wasn't too hungry this year, but I had figured that would be the case with Thanksgiving being during a treatment week. Christmas is going to be during a treatment week also, but it will be my last cycle.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of December (the shortest daylight of the year month) and the weather is just starting to get cold, but so far no snowstorms. I'm looking forward to my upcoming 'off-week' and REALLY trying to keep away from crowds or anywhere that I could get sick due to my weakened immune system.

5 Months of Chemo finished !

2008-11-26T12:49:00.000-05:00

I went for my treatment today and it was another short one. I got a great informative publication from my oncologist about "living with, during and after cancer" and some great informative links that I'll post a little bit later.

I had my port flushed with a heparin lock and then was disconnected from the portable infusion pump...ah...what a great feeling!

Not sure what I'll be feeling like later or tomorrow, but I'm hoping to be well enough to go to my nephew's house for a little while. My platelets and white blood cell counts are pretty low and that makes my system's immunity level very low, so I'll have to stay away from anyone who is sick, or possible not go, but I'm hoping that everything work's out okay.

No sleep last night !

2008-11-25T12:25:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure what they mixed in that anti-nausea IV that they gave me yesterday, but I slept for a few hours in the late afternoon, then was up until midnight, then I tried to go to sleep, but kept tossin' & turnin', so eventually got up and started playing piano with headphones on.

When I went for today's chemo, I asked my oncologist during my exam and he said it was just the usual anti-nausea meds IV. Then I asked the same question to the oncology nurse that I had and she said it might have been a little stronger with yesterday's dose but it ususally lasts about 3 days.

I took a "baby card" today to give to one of the Physician's assistants, who has been a great source of information and help since my starting chemo back in July, but she wasn't in and my oncologist said she called in with contractions. Her due date is December 25th, so we discussed it as maybe being new and first baby and possibly a false alarm? I guess I'll find out more tomorrow, but I left the card with my oncologist to give to her. I'll be back tomorrow, but she might not be? She had planned on starting her maternity leave at the end of this week anyway.

Today's treatment was the shorter one with just the port flush, unhook the IV lines from the portable infusion pump and connect me to the IVs on the stand. I took some very quiet Christmas music to listen to and felt myself sleeping and starting to snore once or twice, only to wake and open my eyes and see others staring at me. I apologized and told the group that I didn't get much sleep and to just kick my chair if it happens again. One gentleman said that it didn't bother him at all and snore away!

Anyway, finished up the leucovorin and saline, then my infusion pump was filled with 5-FU while they flushed the port and re-connected me to the pump and I was good to go. It really poured today, but it was warmer out. There were some vivid lightning strikes that we could see clearly overlooking Wellesley Hills along with a wind-driven rain.

Round TEN has started !

2008-11-24T14:17:00.001-05:00

Or 'cycle' ten, although at this point it seems like a boxing match and it's in 'round' ten. It's been a long ride from the hot humid summer days of treatment to the colder fall into winter weather treatment days. I needed gloves and had to dress warm and needed two blankets during treatment today. The nurses are very helpful in that respect.

I had an early appointment this morning and decided to update this blog before laying down for awhile. I went in for bloodwork, then had my exam and then got the 'poke' in the port (for some reason it really hurt today, and a new oncology nurse, maybe a technique issue?), anyway, I'll try to avoid her for the rest of my visits if possible.

After the needle was in and the dressing applied, they started me on the usuals, aloxi and compazine and when that was done, the dreaded Eloxatin (brand name) of oxaliplatin along with leucovorin. After that was finished, they flushed the port and hooked me up to the portable pump of 5-FU (fluorouracil) and sent me on my way.

.

It really knocked me down with today's treatment, more so than I can remember, but I know that the end is near and that helps a lot

3/4 Finished with Chemotherapy :)

2008-11-13T14:27:00.000-05:00

Today I went and had my portable infusion pump of 5-FU disconnected which ends my 9th cycle !

I'm now 3/4 through my treatments!!!

I asked my doctor what the next steps would be when I finished my treatments at the end of this year and when could I have the surgery to remove the implanted mediport with catheter.

He said that upon completing treatments that I would need to come in to have the port flushed every 6-8 weeks, have some blood tests and that he would be ordering scans and we'd take it from there.

I asked if the mediport could come out if the scans looked okay and he said he likes to keep them in until after the followup colonoscopy which would be in May of 2009 for me.

Pump Problem

2008-11-12T17:02:00.000-05:00

It was another cold day today so I wore gloves and glad I did. My face was very red from the oxaliplatin I got yesterday. This is normal and usually goes away after a couple of days. It was a good visit, good exam report and short infusion then hooked back up to portable infusion pump for another 24 hours.

When I got into my car to leave, the pump started beeping constantly and I noticed it said "shutoff" on the display, so I went back inside and they checked it and re-set it. I hope that it doesn't happen around 3:00am overnight.

The steroids in the meds from yesterday first made me sleepy and I had a nap when I got home. Unable to drink (or even want) cold or room temp beverages, I had a coffee...well...I couldn't get to sleep until after 2:00am....learn from experience...no coffee after mid-day from now on.

My cough and post nasal drip is just about gone. I never filled the Flonase prescription, but the saline nasal spray seemed to work fine with the B-complex and folic acid.

I've accumulated a good sized "med package" that I pull out when I go to chemo now. It includes these items, but not all used each time/cycle :

Lidocaine

Bandages

Medical Tape

Gauze

Anti Nausea Meds

Nyacin Powder (for rashes)

Tom's of Maine drymouth anti-cavity mouthwash

Milk of Magnesia

Senecot

Stool softeners

Antibiotics for certain infections I've gotten.

Saline Nasal Spray

and other prescriptions that I haven't had to fill.

I've probably forgot about some of them too...chemofog syndrome most likely.

Cold and Windchills - 9th cycle continues

2008-11-11T18:36:00.000-05:00

Today was the coldest day yet that I had to drive to my chemo treatments. It wasn't too bad driving there at 7:45am (about 35 degrees with a windchill that made it feel like 25 degrees). I wore a winter coat, sweater, warm shirt, undershirt and GLOVES.

Coming home I was shivering the whole way home and couldn't wait to put on an extra pair of socks and a heavy sweater, even though the heat was on and it was 77 degrees inside! The oxaliplatin is the worst chemo med in my opinion. Maybe in the near future they will have something that only kills the bad cells and not the good cells with it?

I came home, got warmer and decided to have a nap. Naps are your friend during chemo infusions. I'm hooked up to my infusion pump of 5-FU and will be going back tomorrow. Due to the numbness in my fingers, this is taking me a much longer time to type, so I'll keep it short and update later in the week.

Starting 9th Cycle

2008-11-09T14:39:00.000-05:00

I'll start my 9th cycle (of 12) tomorrow. This is a HUGE milestone for me and if at the beginning anyone had told me that I'd be feeling this good after 4 months of chemo, I never would have believed them!!!

Yeah, there are days that are not very comfortable, but all in all, you learn how to deal with it and get over it. I'm just now starting to see that light at the end of the tunnel and can't wait to have this mediport implant taken out of me and not having to drag a portable infusion pump around. But, I won't get ahead of myself, I still just think positive and go one step at a time and deal with whatever issues I'm facing and keep movin' on.

So with 2/3 of my treatment down, I begin the final 1/3 and last 4 cycles tomorrow and I thank all of you for your support and I sincerely hope that this blog will help anyone else who finds themselves with a similiar diagnosis. It is treatable and beatable !

November 1st and 2/3 through chemo !

2008-11-01T03:15:00.000-04:00

It's been a long journey since my colonoscopy last May, 2008, but I can now see a light at the end of the tunnel.

There were a few bumps when I started my chemotherapy that involved having to have my implanted catheter port re-worked and a setback due to low white blood and platelet counts, but this past week, cycle 8 of 12, went about as well as can be expected.

The Oxaliplatin is the main contributor to the most significant side effects, the other chemo meds don't really give me much problems other than some mouth sores, body/skin rashes, headaches and general fatigue, along with the chemobrain or chemofog, which I'm told is similiar to the likes of a mild form of the symptoms of early Alzheimer's. The main thing is that these will all go away when my treatments end after the last week in December.

In life, you take a lot of things for granted until you find yourself not being able to do such everyday things as move around without a pump attached to you, drink a cold glass of water or soda, reach into a fridge without gloves, play a guitar without really "feeling" the strings and even typing on a keyboard can be more time consuming as the neuropathy gives you a numbness in your fingertips and you can't "feel" the bumps on the "F" and "J" keys, so you have to watch as you type and correct manually afterwards.

So, with only 4 cycles left to go of treatments, I do see the light getting a little brighter each day at the end of the tunnel and I look forward to the follow up CEA blood tests, the CT scans and PET scans, having this catheter-port removed and the final follow-up colonoscopy which will be an annual check for the rest of my life.

Again, thanks to all for your continued support and best wishes for the upcoming holidays!!!

I'm into my 8th cycle (2/3 of treatments)

2008-10-28T16:18:00.000-04:00

I'm back into a regular routine with the full chemo regime. It's not a very comfortable feeling with the neuropathy and fatigue along with this post nasal drip, cough and the usual side effects and a few surprise ones. :(

My oncologist examined me and said that my lungs were clear and thought that the drip and cough might be allergy related. I tend to disagree with him, but after thinking about it, I suppose that it could be?

He said to continue to use the saline nasal spray and Delsym cough medicine and if I thought it would help, I could try Flonase, which is loaded with steroids...

"For best results, use FLONASE daily. Your nasal symptoms may begin to improve in as few as 12 hours. Maximum relief may take several days. Results may vary. If side effects occur, they are generally mild and may include headache, nosebleed, or sore throat. FLONASE is available by prescription only; ask your healthcare professional if FLONASE is right for you."

I chose to hold off because I DO think the cough and post nasal drip is getting better and want to try the saline spray and Delsym (which I only started with last Friday night) for a bit longer.

http://www.delsym.com/

In looking at the calendar today, it appears that if all goes well (and that's a big "IF") that I will finish my chemotherapy treatments the week of December 30th. :)

After that, there will be CEA blood tests and monitoring followed by scans. I'll be having my follow up colonoscopy shortly thereafter which will be an annual procedure. Thanks again for all of the well wishes and positive thoughts and prayers...they are working!

Random Thoughts

2008-10-21T12:45:00.001-04:00

While going through the journey that one undertakes after being diagnosed with cancer, it is easy to lose track of time.

You learn that this is a time when you have to really put things aside and focus on the healing and remission. It is not easy to have to pass on invitations and family gatherings, but with your immune system so low at this point, you must concentrate and stay focused on the most important thing...your health.

I'm lucky to have a large and loving family and I just want them all to know that I REALLY appreciate all of their support, love, kindness, well wishes, prayers and positive thoughts as we all get ready to enjoy the holiday season.

Uplifting Week - 7th Cycle finished!

2008-10-18T01:52:00.000-04:00

I had just written this entire post, but when I went to publish it, I hit a wrong key and lost everything. So this is my second writing and I'm trying to remember everything that I had written/typed previously...

This past week of chemo has been filled with some very nice surprises. First of all, I'm now finished my 7th cycle with 5 left to go and should finish up around January 1st, taking into consideration the upcoming holidays. I have a few small, itchy spots from the meds, but that is all. No nausea, cold sensitivity or any of the other side effects that I previously had. Without having that Oxaliplatin, it was "almost" a pleasant experience.

You've probably noticed the guitar and get-well card that I receive from Fender (FMIC). Today I got an email from a wonderful female singer/songwriter who has been working on lyrics for a song that I wrote and played the music to, called "One Step At A Time" when I began chemo.

Melissa Renee, a Country & Christian singer from South Dakota, had previously sent me a sketch of her voice and said that she felt compelled to write lyrics and sing this song. She has written the following lyrics :

One Step at a Time-

One step at a time-

Is all I can take today-

No amount of hurry-

Can ease the way---

Just one step at a time-

One step at a time-

Everybody telling me-

Do they really believe?---

But I do, I do-

I take one step, one step at a time---

Believe me, I’ve tried-

Running head long through life-

But then I didn’t understand-

Didn’t see the plan, takin’ it---

One step, just one step-

One step at a time-

Searching for mercy-

Seeking to find---

Trying so hard just to find-

Simple pleasures, distract my mind-

Breathing in, breathing out-

Gaining faith and losing doubt---

I do, I do-

I take one step, one step at a time---

One, one, one, one, one step-

You and I-

I’ll carry you in my heart-

Even if we have to part---

One step, one step at a time-

One step is all I can take-

One step, then another-

One foot in front of the other-

One step at a time---

One step at a time-

One step at a time-

Breathing in, breathing out-

Gaining faith and losing doubt---

You can hear some of Melissa's other music at this link :

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=706035

Finishing 7th cycle

2008-10-16T16:57:00.000-04:00

It's been a hectic week, but all is about as well as can be expected when your finishing your SEVENTH cycle and thinking about the five cycles left.

The reduced dosages of chemo helped keep some of the nasty side effects in check so far and the cough is better, but not completely gone yet.

I'm now at the point where the "smell" of the chemo treatment rooms seems etched into my head and senses. I know that the final next 5 cycles will be the toughest, but I remain positive in my thoughts that I can beat this and be cancer-free in a few months.

I wish a special thank-you to all who have sent me well wishes, prayers, mojo and positive thoughts. The card in the picture came with the new Fender Stratocaster from my friends at Fender. What a surprise, to get a Fender Strat unexpectedly and a get-well card from Mike Eldred, VP-Marketing (Fender Musical Instrument Corp.) and Fender Custom Shop manager.

Chemo - 7th Cycle

2008-10-15T19:04:00.000-04:00

First of all, my other sister's procedure went well with no problems, so she doesn't have to go back for another five years.

Another sister, and myself, will be getting the annual check.

One of the doctors told me today about using something called Ocean Saline Nasal Spray for the nasal post drip and cough if it doesn't get better soon. It's available at most pharmacies for about $5/small bottle.

http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?id=prod2501966&CATID=100095&skuid=sku2501403&V=G&ec=frgl_587532&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=sku2501403

It looks like the weather is transitioning and it will be getting much colder by the weekend. I'll have to make sure that I have gloves and dress in layers from now on.

I came home to find a new Fender Strat from my friends at Fender. I'll post pics when I have more time and feel more energetic.

Started 7th cycle (of 12)

2008-10-14T17:06:00.000-04:00

This week I began my 7th cycle (of 12) and due to low blood counts combined with a touch of bronchitis, my doctor decided to go ahead with the treatment, less the oxaliplatin.

He seemed to think that a combination of the effects from my flu shot, the cumulative chemo treatments to date and the cough and congestion that I'm having contributed to the lower white blood cell count and lower platelet counts.

One of my other sisters is scheduled for her first colonoscopy today and I'm praying that she gets a good report after the procedure.

Thanks for your comment, Paul, and to all that have expressed their well wishes, positive thoughts and prayers for me. They ARE working and I thank you!

Birthday

2008-10-07T15:30:00.000-04:00

Monday, October 6th (yesterday) was my 57th Birthday (but I don't feel a day over 56).

Just a quick note to thank everyone for the birthday greetings and well wishes!

I'm still fighting a nagging cold after 3 weeks now. Not sure if it was brought on by my flu shot last week, the weather, the chemo meds or just my weakened immune system?,

October 4th - 2008

2008-10-04T11:39:00.000-04:00

I've reached the halfway point of my chemo treatments but this week has left me with a few more 'strange' side effects.

I continue to have a lot of nasal congestion and spitting up phlegm as well as some body sores and mouth sores which I'm treating with Tom's of Maine anti-cavity and drymouth mouthwash and Nystatin powder for the welts/sores.

I'm tolerating it as well as can be expected though and just take it one step at a time. I think that the remaining treatments are going to be a little bit harder on my system and I'm trying to prepare myself for the changes that come with the colder weather such as cold sensitivity (neuropathy).

It's such a strange experience going through chemotherapy. Between the chemobrain syndrome and the constant changes that I've been experiencing, I never know what to expect when I open my eyes.

On a side note, we stayed up and watched the Red Sox win the second game of the A.L. Division Series against the Angels last night and looking forward to game 3 at Fenway on Sunday night. Go Sox!

The HALFWAY point !

2008-10-02T20:49:00.000-04:00

Woooo Hoooo...

I'm almost finished with my 6th cycle which is the halfway point of my chemo treatments.

After tomorrow, I'll be going down the other side of the hill and having reached the top with feeling about as well as could be expected, I'm looking to finish all 12 cycles by Jan 1st.

One small step for those not afflicted, one GIANT step for those in the know and who have been there, or know someone who has been there.
I don't know why I'm ramblin' on....must be the chemobrain syndrome?

HALFWAY is GOOD!!!

Thanks to all for your support.

October 1st already !

2008-10-01T16:12:00.000-04:00

I had a bad night with fever, chills, sinus congestion, sore throat and muscle aches, along with a rash that developed again under my left arm. I'm using Niacin powder for the rash and pumped the recommended dosage of Tylenol for the fever.

Went to bed at 9:30pm last night and woke up at about 2:00am literally soaked with sweat. I had to get up and sleep (or what should have been sleep) in a recliner.

More Tylenol this morning (2 at 7:00am) and took one more at 9:30am as I was leaving for the clinic.

Bloodwork looked good and temp was 98.7 (normal), so they proceeded to inject me with Fluorouracil and then re-connected me to the portable pump of 5-FU and sent me on my way.

Still not feeling great or 100%, but glad that I was able to continue treatments!

Oh yeah, my friend Rob got an excellent report from his follow up colonoscopy and is now officially cancer free!

6th Cycle started (with modifications)

2008-09-30T16:32:00.000-04:00

I arrived at the clinic and after having blood drawn, they took my temperature, blood pressure and had exam. I was running a slight fever of 99.5, if it is 100.5 I wouldn't have been able to start the cycle I was told.

I spoke with my oncologist and he suggested that we go ahead with the treatment, but he was going to not give me one of the meds that caused the neuropathy. He said that it would not prolong the treatments, as I've already got a good dose of the oxaliplatin running through my system from previous cycles.

Because of this, I didn't need the anti-nausea meds either :)

I asked him about a flu shot and he thought for a moment, then decided that it would be okay to get the vaccine today also. I have had a runny nose, sore throat and cough for the past couple of weeks, but it seems as if it peaked when I woke up this morning and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get my tratment.

Everything worked out okay though and I get 14 more days to let the neuropathy subside. They hooked me up to the portable pump of 5-FU and I'll be back again tomorrow. I was also able to book my next cycle (my 7th) beginning October 14th.

Thoughts & Observations

2008-09-29T09:44:00.000-04:00

First of all, my prayers are with a friend, a fellow musician/guitarist, who I've never met but has been a huge inspiration for me. I've been communicating with Rob for about four months now since my diagnosis. Today is his follow-up colonoscopy.

Rob, from the Detroit area, had a similiar diagnosis and went through the same treatment (Folfox) that I'm currently going through, but he also had radiation. He has now had his mediport removed and is cancer free and I'm hoping that he gets a good report today! This is the link to Rob's blog : (thanks again, Rob!)

http://rocamata.com/news.aspx

I'm starting my 6th cycle if all goes well. The "tingling" sensation (neuropathy) in my fingers is not subsiding as in the past. It seems that many of the side effects are a bit more intense than in previous weeks as well.

I know that the treatments have a cumulative effect and I expect that it's going to be a bit tougher to be comfortable from here on in. So far, there have been some tough stretches, but it's been tolerable for the most part.

The little things seem to be getting worse (i.e. headaches are bordering on migraine, the metallic taste of food and beverages are lingering longer, fatigue is more intense, nausea feeling is happening more often.)

When I do finish this next cycle, I will be halfway through my chemo treatment.

I can't stress enough to everyone that if you're due to get "the test" go and have it done. The prep for a colonoscopy is like having a cold beer compared to going through chemotherapy!

Finished 5th cycle today !

2008-09-18T16:42:00.000-04:00

It has been a trying week, but today's treatment finishes my 5th cycle and I was able to go ahead and schedule my next cycle for the week of September 30th - October 3rd, 2008. After this next week of treatments, I will have half of my treatments completed.

I heard from one of the oncology nurses that a new anti-nausea patch has recently been approved by the FDA...

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jzTSB0ffFGHcV9CLa5kt8sTg3LGgD937BU4O0

There are always new meds, methods and treatments coming along to help those afflicted by this horrible disease.

All went pretty good today. The senna is helping with digestive issues more and the redness in my face is from the prednisone which is part of the anti-nausea IV that I currently get at the beginning of each cycle. They told me to keep on the B-Complex and Folic Acid and it would help with neuropathy, but won't take it away. I'm getting used to the routine and know to use gloves and dress in layers when necessary.

Nausea feeling

2008-09-17T07:11:00.000-04:00

For the first time since beginning chemo, I woke up early this morning with a feeling of nausea. I didn't throw up, but just feel kind of sick.

Maybe this is an indication that it's going to start getting a little harder and uncomfortable or maybe just a "bug" I might have picked up from some of the other patients yesterday? Some of them were coughing pretty steady and not looking too well.

I didn't take anything because today's session is just a short session of about 2-3 hours of leucovorin and fluorouracil and I think I'll be okay.

http://www.chemocare.com/bio/leucovorin.asp

5th Cycle Started

2008-09-16T18:47:00.000-04:00

I had my bloodwork done and the pathology reports indicated some low levels, but still in range, so I began my 5th cycle today.

As soon as I got home, I reached into the fridge without a glove (I forgot how quick that Oxaliplatin works!) and it felt like my hand was on fire.

I was told to use folic acid and b-complex again for the neuropathy. I questioned about it contributing to the constipation problems, but was told that it wouldn't by a physician's assistant oncology nurse. I DO have some b-complex w/folic acid, but I'm going to try upping my fiber intake, metamucil and sugar-free Jolly Rancher hard candies with "Isomalt" and see if that helps any. I also heard that "Sucrose", another ingredient in sugar-free candies might help.

My doctor said to use the sennecot (vegetable laxatives) if nothing else worked. He feels that it is caused by the anti-nausea meds that I get through the IV and asked if I was using the prescribed anti-nausea meds (zofran & compazine...I'm not). I'm hesitant about using laxatives because I don't want to get dependent on them. I'll see how things work out (no pun intended) during the week.

Chemo Side Effects

2008-09-09T14:02:00.000-04:00

This is my off week to let the body 'recycle' and I'm finding that the side effects from last week's 4th cycle treatments are a bit more nastier and sticking around for a longer period.

The side effects that I'm experiencing are Neuropathy (cold sensitivity and tingling/numbness in fingertips), Constipation (laxatives aren't even helping much), Fatigue, Mouth Sores, Headaches, Bloody Noses, Skin Welts and an aching feeling all over. I have no fever or nausea though. I picked up some Vitamin B-Complex w/Folic Acid to try and help heal the immune system and I'm upping my fiber intake.

In the past, I've been able to tolerate cold drinks with ice and/or ice cream after about the fourth day when the treatments ended. This time, it's been four days and I'm having problems just reaching into the fridge.

I haven't had to take any of the zofran or comparazine (for nausea), so I think it's just the chemo meds coupled with the anti-nausea IV that I get? At any rate, I'll discuss with my oncologist when I go in next week.

4th Cycle Complete (1/3 of the way)

2008-09-05T15:14:00.000-04:00

I started and finished my 4th cycle of the Folfox treatment this past week and for the most part it went well. My next milestone will be finishing my 6th cycle (the halfway point) which should occur in early October is no setbacks.

The week started with a little bit of a pinch when the oncology nurse inserted the needle into my mediport, but I was able to whisper to the oncology nurse whose technique from last cycle gave me NO pain at all (zilch!) and she said that she would make a point to look for me to do the "poke in the port" on my next scheduled cycle start. I told her that I don't know how or what she did, but she has been the only one so far, to insert it with no pain at all.

As for the chemo, it was the same routine, a long first day with the infusion and sent home with the pump of 5-FU, then a little shorter on the second day with the IV and then more 5-FU in my holster pump to infuse overnight until I got in today for the exam and disconnect, where they flush the port with saline and give it a heparin lock.

I had an early appointment today, so I was out by 10am and had a nice breakfast (with hot coffee and not my favorite iced coffee) with my sister, Cathy, who recently had her colonoscopy. Even though they only found and removed one polyp, her doctor wants to see her in a year, due to my situation (sibling/family history?).

It got very hot and humid over the past 2 days, but all in all, it's been a cool August and the heat isn't bothering me like it did during July.

I can't stress enough to get yourself checked (scope) because it is a LOT easy than having surgeries and chemotherapy for six months. Early detection is a key factor and I truly believe that it is what saved my life along with the help of God!

Fighting Cancer is a Life Long Deal

2012 - Happy new Year !!!

Adios 2011 and Bring on 2012 !!!

Bring on December

October's gone - bring on November

October is here - Next cancer testing this month !!

September - after Hurricane Irene

Setback - followup

Setback

Dog Daze of August

Hotter Than the 4th of July !!!

It's June and 55 degrees F ???

Starting 3rd Year in Remission !!!

The Ides of March

February 1st - 2011 - Still More Snowstorms !

2011 - More Snow

Two Years in Remission Now

The Holidays

Autumn Leaves

New Blood Test for Colon Cancer Developed

October and Fall Foliage Begins

The Glycemic Index

Annual Checkup - Physical

September & Hurricane Earl

The Heat Goes On

The Dog Days of August

Hotter Than the 4th of July

Summer of 2010

Dad goes home from Hospital

Dad's Surgery

Memorial Day Weekend

Salem State College Graduation

Mother's Day - 2010

Water - Emergency Ban

Clear PET Scan

April 1st - 2010

March 2010 - PET scan scheduled

Valentine's Day Weekend - 2/12/2010

Midway through January 2010

Happy New Year - 2K10?

The Holidays

Christmas Time is Here

The Holiday Season

November - 2009

The *new* Healthcare Options

Sometimes words aren't enough...

Signs of Autumn and Sorrow

Flu Shot today - New Cancer Center

Early October - In My Life

New Cancer Center

Colonoscopy Results - Good

The Prep for the Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy - September 15th

"Fighting Cancer is a lifelong deal..."

Mediport Removed :)

Remission

Scans Completed

May 11th - 2009

A Day In The Life

March 24th - Oncology Follow Up

Happy St Paddy's !

February

First Follow-Up Today

"Fighting Cancer is a lifelong deal"

Happy New Year

The Final Day of Chemo

2nd to last day of treatment :o)

Starting *Final* Round of Chemo

Off - Week

Round 11 Finished - One more to go !!!

Next to last cycle

Round 11 (of 12)

Stand Up To Cancer

Christmas Time

One Step At A Time

End of November

5 Months of Chemo finished !

No sleep last night !

Round TEN has started !

3/4 Finished with Chemotherapy :)

The new Healthcare Options

Starting Final Round of Chemo