Hello Family & Friends:
Yesterday I finished my 6th Chemo infusion with my Neulaster shot in my belly. At 1:05 PM I tipped over the apex, being half way through, and started downhill on my bob-sled toward the finish line and the light that I see at the end of the tunnel I am now sure is not the headlamp of an oncoming locomotive. I am having the same no side effects except for the exhaustion. I am thanking the Good Lord for large favors of having no other problems. My Oncologist on Wednesday said that all of my vitals are excellent with my blood count normal. He advised that a majority of His Chemo patients have enough side effects that he has to cut back on the dosage so that they can cope with it. I am straight on course with no reduction necessary. I only get 9 days off this time to recover as I will have my 7th infusion on Tuesday December 21st so that I don't have to go to the hospital on Christmas day for my Neulaster shot. I will be back on schedule for the 8th infusion so get an 11 day reprieve that time. Connie's leg is pretty well healed up from the chain saw accident and when we go for a follow-up on Tuesday hopefully she will be able to abandon the crutches that are screwing up her back. The lower back is more painful than the leg has been. Her Chiropractor has been able to keep things pretty well under control. I'll be back on if I have any unforeseen repercussions.
Love, Dad (Al)
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
5th Chemo Infusion
Hello Everyone:
Yesterday I spent the afternoon at the Alfond Cancer Center and had my 5th Chemo infusion that went well. The usual side effects of the legs full of lead last night and the prickling in my hands and fingers if they get cold. Last time I was up every hour all night going to the bathroom and last night was up only twice so got a good night's sleep. Today we went to daughter Gina and son-in-law Dick's house for Thanksgiving Dinner. Had 4 of the 5 kids and spouses there, 2 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren and had a wonderful day as my Chemo pump squished away. Tomorrow afternoon the traveling nurse will stop by the house around 2 PM and remove the pump and at 2 PM on Saturday I'll go in to the Oncology unit in Augusta and have my Neulaster shot in my belly to boost my bone marrow into overdrive to build my red blood cells back up. As I write this I have to say that I feel better at this point in time than I have at any time during the last 4 infusions so maybe my body is adjusting to this masochism and will allow me less discomfort than in the past. I really can't complain as I am having almost none of the side effects that most folks go through. I thank God everyday for this good fortune and I know that all of your prayers are what is keeping me buoyed up. I'll be back on in a few days to let you know how I finally make out. My next infusion on December 8th will be the 6th one and after that I'll be over the apex and sliding down hill toward the finish line. I will then know that the light at the end of the tunnel isn't the headlamp of an oncoming locomotive. Talk to you soon. Love, Dad (Al)
Yesterday I spent the afternoon at the Alfond Cancer Center and had my 5th Chemo infusion that went well. The usual side effects of the legs full of lead last night and the prickling in my hands and fingers if they get cold. Last time I was up every hour all night going to the bathroom and last night was up only twice so got a good night's sleep. Today we went to daughter Gina and son-in-law Dick's house for Thanksgiving Dinner. Had 4 of the 5 kids and spouses there, 2 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren and had a wonderful day as my Chemo pump squished away. Tomorrow afternoon the traveling nurse will stop by the house around 2 PM and remove the pump and at 2 PM on Saturday I'll go in to the Oncology unit in Augusta and have my Neulaster shot in my belly to boost my bone marrow into overdrive to build my red blood cells back up. As I write this I have to say that I feel better at this point in time than I have at any time during the last 4 infusions so maybe my body is adjusting to this masochism and will allow me less discomfort than in the past. I really can't complain as I am having almost none of the side effects that most folks go through. I thank God everyday for this good fortune and I know that all of your prayers are what is keeping me buoyed up. I'll be back on in a few days to let you know how I finally make out. My next infusion on December 8th will be the 6th one and after that I'll be over the apex and sliding down hill toward the finish line. I will then know that the light at the end of the tunnel isn't the headlamp of an oncoming locomotive. Talk to you soon. Love, Dad (Al)
Monday, November 15, 2010
4th Infusion Completed
Hello Everyone:
At noon on Saturday I finished my 4th Chemo infusion with my Neulaster shot in my belly. I have now completed 1/3 of my program. I will be half way through when I complete my 6th infusion the second week in December. Can't come to an end soon enough! Side effects this time are still no nausea nor diarrhea, however, the cold really is affecting my fingers. I am OK as long as I keep them warm. If they get cold they get very prickly and numb so I am keeping them warm all that I can. Also, the Chemo is now affecting my taste buds with the taste of everything dulled and somewhat of a metallic taste. The worst problem is I now have no stamina. I get up all fired up to get a lot done and by 9:00 AM I am out of gas and taking a power nap. Connie noticed my frustration this past weekend when we were raking leaves and cutting pucker brush. I had to sit down every ten minutes and take 2 or 3 power naps during the day. I guess I just have to accept that this will be the tale for the next 4 months and suck it up and move on. The problem is that I have always been so active and I can see all of the things that I want to do and just can't do them. Late last week when undergoing the infusion I had some time to contemplate my navel (Where have I been, Where am I and Where am I going). I thank the Good Lord for sending me my superstar doctors. If Dave Rideout, my Surgeon, and Ron Hart, my Oncologist hadn't appeared on my radar, I honestly don't know where I would be right now. The fantastic surgery removed all of the cancer and the minimal chemo infusions are killing any shard that may have been missed. When looking around at a number of my friends with similar problems, I am moving through this like a cakewalk as compared with what they are going through. Thank you my friends for saving my life with minimal inconvenience. I'll make another post near the end of the week and let you know if I see any changes for the better as the infusion wears off. Talk to you soon.
Love, Dad (Al)
At noon on Saturday I finished my 4th Chemo infusion with my Neulaster shot in my belly. I have now completed 1/3 of my program. I will be half way through when I complete my 6th infusion the second week in December. Can't come to an end soon enough! Side effects this time are still no nausea nor diarrhea, however, the cold really is affecting my fingers. I am OK as long as I keep them warm. If they get cold they get very prickly and numb so I am keeping them warm all that I can. Also, the Chemo is now affecting my taste buds with the taste of everything dulled and somewhat of a metallic taste. The worst problem is I now have no stamina. I get up all fired up to get a lot done and by 9:00 AM I am out of gas and taking a power nap. Connie noticed my frustration this past weekend when we were raking leaves and cutting pucker brush. I had to sit down every ten minutes and take 2 or 3 power naps during the day. I guess I just have to accept that this will be the tale for the next 4 months and suck it up and move on. The problem is that I have always been so active and I can see all of the things that I want to do and just can't do them. Late last week when undergoing the infusion I had some time to contemplate my navel (Where have I been, Where am I and Where am I going). I thank the Good Lord for sending me my superstar doctors. If Dave Rideout, my Surgeon, and Ron Hart, my Oncologist hadn't appeared on my radar, I honestly don't know where I would be right now. The fantastic surgery removed all of the cancer and the minimal chemo infusions are killing any shard that may have been missed. When looking around at a number of my friends with similar problems, I am moving through this like a cakewalk as compared with what they are going through. Thank you my friends for saving my life with minimal inconvenience. I'll make another post near the end of the week and let you know if I see any changes for the better as the infusion wears off. Talk to you soon.
Love, Dad (Al)
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Fourth Chemo Infusion
Hello Everyone:
Yesterday I spent the day at the Alfond Cancer Center and had my fourth infusion and am now on my 46 hour venture with my Chemo pump. That comes off around noon tomorrow and around noon on Saturday I go to the Oncology Unit at the hospital in Augusta for my Neulaster shot in my belly to jump start my bone marrow to replace the red blood cells killed by the Chemo. Ten days off and then I go at it again. Saturday noon means that I am already 1/3 the way through the regimen so it looks like I will get through it with minimum side effects. This time it is again just extreme exhaustion and the tingling and prickly sensation in my fingers. I can live with that as I wear gloves even around the house to keep them warm. Today being the holiday Connie was home and we raked and hauled off 7 big yard carts more of leaves and should finish the crappy detail on Saturday. The leaves are finally all off the trees. When we finished I was beat and took a power nap. While I was doing that Paula Bunyan (Connie) took the chain saw and went down toward the lake cutting pucker brush to improve the view to the lake. Tonight she can hardly move as she has stiffened up from using muscles that she hasn't used in years, but she is still happy that she did what she did.
Paula Bunyan
In a few days I'll make another post to let you know how I came out of this infusion after completing everything.
Love, Dad (Al)
Yesterday I spent the day at the Alfond Cancer Center and had my fourth infusion and am now on my 46 hour venture with my Chemo pump. That comes off around noon tomorrow and around noon on Saturday I go to the Oncology Unit at the hospital in Augusta for my Neulaster shot in my belly to jump start my bone marrow to replace the red blood cells killed by the Chemo. Ten days off and then I go at it again. Saturday noon means that I am already 1/3 the way through the regimen so it looks like I will get through it with minimum side effects. This time it is again just extreme exhaustion and the tingling and prickly sensation in my fingers. I can live with that as I wear gloves even around the house to keep them warm. Today being the holiday Connie was home and we raked and hauled off 7 big yard carts more of leaves and should finish the crappy detail on Saturday. The leaves are finally all off the trees. When we finished I was beat and took a power nap. While I was doing that Paula Bunyan (Connie) took the chain saw and went down toward the lake cutting pucker brush to improve the view to the lake. Tonight she can hardly move as she has stiffened up from using muscles that she hasn't used in years, but she is still happy that she did what she did.
Paula Bunyan
In a few days I'll make another post to let you know how I came out of this infusion after completing everything.
Love, Dad (Al)
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Annual Deer Hunt up in the big woods.
Hi Everyone:
Even though I don't feel that great I decided that the annual deer hunt trip up to camp was on. Had a great week even with the snow, 59 degree weather with rain and sun. Had a day and a half to hunt with snow and we saw 2 small does. Bucks only and they didn't show. Saw 6 moose, 8 turkeys, a mink, an otter, 4 partridge and only 3 hunters all week. By feeling constantly exhausted all of the time it was sleep in until 7:30 in the morning and back in bed by 9:00 in the evening. Also, a power nap after lunch every day. Still had the chance to get out into the woods even though I didn't walk more than 100 yards each time. Cousin Norm Roy went with me as we have been doing for the last quarter century. He did the walking after helping me get set up to sit and watch areas. I have attached a couple of pictures that he took of me sitting watching an old haul road. I figured I could feel crappy sitting home or out in the woods sucking up the nice clear air. The woods decision was a good one and we played a lot of cribbage while in camp. Glad that I made the decision.
Just soaking up the sun and fresh air was a great healing experience. When I got home today I got a huge surprise as my kids had another cord of fire wood delivered while I was gone and Son in Law Dick and Grandson Matt had it all stacked in the wood bin and it is full. I can't thank all of you enough for all that you are doing for me. It seems that every day something else blows my socks off. This coming Wednesday, November 10th, I have my 4th Chemo infusion and by the weekend will be a third of the way through the process. I'll keep you posted on my reaction to it this time. Love, Dad (Al)
Even though I don't feel that great I decided that the annual deer hunt trip up to camp was on. Had a great week even with the snow, 59 degree weather with rain and sun. Had a day and a half to hunt with snow and we saw 2 small does. Bucks only and they didn't show. Saw 6 moose, 8 turkeys, a mink, an otter, 4 partridge and only 3 hunters all week. By feeling constantly exhausted all of the time it was sleep in until 7:30 in the morning and back in bed by 9:00 in the evening. Also, a power nap after lunch every day. Still had the chance to get out into the woods even though I didn't walk more than 100 yards each time. Cousin Norm Roy went with me as we have been doing for the last quarter century. He did the walking after helping me get set up to sit and watch areas. I have attached a couple of pictures that he took of me sitting watching an old haul road. I figured I could feel crappy sitting home or out in the woods sucking up the nice clear air. The woods decision was a good one and we played a lot of cribbage while in camp. Glad that I made the decision.
Receiving my third Chemo infusion
On Wednesday, October 27th, I received my third Chemo infusion so now I am a quarter way through the process. Basically the same symptoms as before. No nausea or diarrhea, however this time after the infusion by early evening my legs felt like they were made of lead. That feeling went away the next day and during the second night on the Chemo pump I had some wicked leg cramps. Usually with leg cramps I have put ice packs on to make them go away. Now the Chemo has made me very sensitive to cold and that didn't work out. After about a half hour I was able to work the cramps out. Same feeling of being exhausted all of the time. To bed early and power naps seem to keep it under control. Here are a couple of pictures taken by Gina at the Cancer Center while we were having lunch. Stay tuned for future updates.
Sorry that you have to look at one of these sideways. We haven't figured out yet how to rotate the picture 90 degrees. This particular session was in the corner with no window. I'll bring my camera to future infusions so that you can see the beautiful view from the window seats. All for now. Love, Dad (Al)
Monday, October 25, 2010
Raking Leaves
Hello everyone,
We have figured out how to put in pictures. Here is the crew hard at work
First 100 Feet Completed
DOT Worker Hard At Work
Rake and load - Rake and load
2 workers hard at work
Another DOT Worker Hard At Work
Getting nowhere fast
Only 150 more feet to go
Super Raker!
Where's the cart ?
Almost to the end
As I stated in my earlier blog, I can't thank my family enough for the help. Next time I will make sure the photographer gets into the pictures as she raked leaves along with the rest of us between taking the pictures. Thanks Connie. I have received a number of emails from you folks about liking the blog, however, only two of you have left a comment on the blog. Just hit the comments tag and leave me a comment rather than taking the time to do a separate email. Look forward to hearing from you. Talk to you soon.
Love, Dad (Al)
We have figured out how to put in pictures. Here is the crew hard at work
As I stated in my earlier blog, I can't thank my family enough for the help. Next time I will make sure the photographer gets into the pictures as she raked leaves along with the rest of us between taking the pictures. Thanks Connie. I have received a number of emails from you folks about liking the blog, however, only two of you have left a comment on the blog. Just hit the comments tag and leave me a comment rather than taking the time to do a separate email. Look forward to hearing from you. Talk to you soon.
Love, Dad (Al)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
On THe Chemo Roller-Coaster
Hi Everyone:
Today Gina, Dick, Jackie, Bud and Tom arrived to give Connie & I a hand with moving leaves. In a little over 3 hours we raked and hauled over 20 large yard cart loads of leaves, removed the outboard motor from the Great Canadian Canoe and put that in the top of the garage and placed the Canoe in the back of the car port behind the barn for the winter. We did more today than I could have done between now and when snow will start flying. Sure is nice to have such a loving family. I am too tired tonight to go any further, however, tomorrow when I am more awake, I'll make another entry with pictures taken of the leaf festival. Talk to you again soon.
Love, Dad (Al)
Today Gina, Dick, Jackie, Bud and Tom arrived to give Connie & I a hand with moving leaves. In a little over 3 hours we raked and hauled over 20 large yard cart loads of leaves, removed the outboard motor from the Great Canadian Canoe and put that in the top of the garage and placed the Canoe in the back of the car port behind the barn for the winter. We did more today than I could have done between now and when snow will start flying. Sure is nice to have such a loving family. I am too tired tonight to go any further, however, tomorrow when I am more awake, I'll make another entry with pictures taken of the leaf festival. Talk to you again soon.
Love, Dad (Al)
Thursday, October 21, 2010
On the Chemo Roller-Coaster
Good Evening Everyone:
Been a couple of days since I signed in. Busy working on Fire Department and Lions business as well as a new forensics case that I recently picked up. Also 18 large yard carts of leaves have been removed from the driveway and to look out into the yard you wouldn't think that we had done anything. Looking forward to my kids coming Saturday afternoon to give me a hand. Should get at least another dozen cartloads of leaves hauled off. The price of living in the woods. Taking one or two power naps a day in order to keep up the pace. Feeling OK except for the fatigue. I can live with that. Next Chemo infusion is next Wednesday so trying to get things around here caught up before I get nailed again. Talk to you again soon.
Love, Dad (Al)
Been a couple of days since I signed in. Busy working on Fire Department and Lions business as well as a new forensics case that I recently picked up. Also 18 large yard carts of leaves have been removed from the driveway and to look out into the yard you wouldn't think that we had done anything. Looking forward to my kids coming Saturday afternoon to give me a hand. Should get at least another dozen cartloads of leaves hauled off. The price of living in the woods. Taking one or two power naps a day in order to keep up the pace. Feeling OK except for the fatigue. I can live with that. Next Chemo infusion is next Wednesday so trying to get things around here caught up before I get nailed again. Talk to you again soon.
Love, Dad (Al)
Monday, October 18, 2010
On the Chemo Roller-Coaster
Good Evening Family and Friends:
I first want to thank Connie for finally sorting out the blog process for me after John's suggestions. If it hadn't been for her, I would still be mucking around with this. 2 days out of the second Chemo infusion hasn't produced much change. The only change from yesterday is that I have been exhausted all day today. Took a 40 minute power nap this morning and by 3:00 this afternoon I was down for another 45 minute one. I feel like an infant eating and sleeping. Not pooping or peeing in my pants however. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have more energy so that I can get something accomplished. Received my notice today for my next infusion and it is moved back a day so that next Wednesday rather than Thursday is when I'll be in the barrel. With that I'll only miss the opening day of deer season and Norm Roy and I can head up to camp for the first week of hunting on Sunday. Also, I won't be in the Cancer center on Thanksgiving day for my infusion which is nice. That's it for tonight. Stay tuned.
Love, Dad, (Al)
I first want to thank Connie for finally sorting out the blog process for me after John's suggestions. If it hadn't been for her, I would still be mucking around with this. 2 days out of the second Chemo infusion hasn't produced much change. The only change from yesterday is that I have been exhausted all day today. Took a 40 minute power nap this morning and by 3:00 this afternoon I was down for another 45 minute one. I feel like an infant eating and sleeping. Not pooping or peeing in my pants however. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have more energy so that I can get something accomplished. Received my notice today for my next infusion and it is moved back a day so that next Wednesday rather than Thursday is when I'll be in the barrel. With that I'll only miss the opening day of deer season and Norm Roy and I can head up to camp for the first week of hunting on Sunday. Also, I won't be in the Cancer center on Thanksgiving day for my infusion which is nice. That's it for tonight. Stay tuned.
Love, Dad, (Al)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
On the Chemo Rollercoaster
Hello Everyone:
I have finally mastered the blog process thanks to young son John. For the three quarter century old computer moron this has been quite a task. When you grew up in the era of learning the Morse Code Signals this is like being in another life. I have sent out several mass emails to family and friends since my surgery on August 11th and regarding my first Chemo infusion starting on September 30th. You will recall that I advised that I would be doing a blog while I am on the Chemo-Coaster and here we are.
This past Thursday, October 14th I reported for duty at 10:00 AM at the Alfond Cancer Center going through all of the medical checks and balances before the 4 hours infusion of 6 bags including the likes of Palonosetron Dexamethasone, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Sulfate, OXALIplatin, & Leucovorin. Then the battery powered Chemo pump was hooked up with 92 mililiters of 5 Fluorouricil and I was sent on my way at 4:00 PM. From the sounds of these names they should kill more than cancer cells! Yesterday, Saturday, at 2:00 PM I reported back in and had the pump removed. Today at high noon I reported back again and had a shot of Neulaster in my belly. The Neulaster jump starts your bone marrow to work overtime building new red blood cells to replace those killed by the Chemo.
So far this time again no nausea or diarrhea, however, I am having a sensation in my finger tips of touching a live 120 volt wire when touching anything very cold. As I am not a fan of electric shocks, I have purchased a new pair of cotton gloves and Connie has amputated the right little digit so that they fit and that solves that problem. Mickey and Minnie and I have a terrible time being able to purchase 3 finger gloves that fit us. I will keep you posted about every day on where I am on the roller-coaster. I now need to mass email everyone with this link so that you can check in. Love, Dad (Al)
I have finally mastered the blog process thanks to young son John. For the three quarter century old computer moron this has been quite a task. When you grew up in the era of learning the Morse Code Signals this is like being in another life. I have sent out several mass emails to family and friends since my surgery on August 11th and regarding my first Chemo infusion starting on September 30th. You will recall that I advised that I would be doing a blog while I am on the Chemo-Coaster and here we are.
This past Thursday, October 14th I reported for duty at 10:00 AM at the Alfond Cancer Center going through all of the medical checks and balances before the 4 hours infusion of 6 bags including the likes of Palonosetron Dexamethasone, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Sulfate, OXALIplatin, & Leucovorin. Then the battery powered Chemo pump was hooked up with 92 mililiters of 5 Fluorouricil and I was sent on my way at 4:00 PM. From the sounds of these names they should kill more than cancer cells! Yesterday, Saturday, at 2:00 PM I reported back in and had the pump removed. Today at high noon I reported back again and had a shot of Neulaster in my belly. The Neulaster jump starts your bone marrow to work overtime building new red blood cells to replace those killed by the Chemo.
So far this time again no nausea or diarrhea, however, I am having a sensation in my finger tips of touching a live 120 volt wire when touching anything very cold. As I am not a fan of electric shocks, I have purchased a new pair of cotton gloves and Connie has amputated the right little digit so that they fit and that solves that problem. Mickey and Minnie and I have a terrible time being able to purchase 3 finger gloves that fit us. I will keep you posted about every day on where I am on the roller-coaster. I now need to mass email everyone with this link so that you can check in. Love, Dad (Al)
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