An Apology

First, I want to apologize for not updating in a long time. Nothing much was changing, and I kind of got in the doldrums. Now, though, they cut back the dosages of my oxylaplaten and the 5-FU. I can feel a difference. My hands are much better, and my diarrhea has dramatically improved. Mostly now I am dealing with tiredness and appetite loss. Only three more treatments to go, though, and the celebrations will be on!

Five More to Go!

After seven treatments, I'm holding in there as best I can. Starting my recovery week, so it should be ok.  Energy the last couple of days has been ok, but it took Thursday and Friday after treatment to get there. I was able to work all day Saturday. Hopefully, this upcoming week I'll vontinue to improve.

Thanksgiving

To be honest, the last week since I had my sixth treatment have been pretty tough, maybe as much mentally as physically. The side effects are kicking in, and sometimes the lack of control over my own body is frustrating. So, the dog days of chemo are here. (Bythe way, dogs grt a bad rap, I brlieve. Most dogs are pleasant and friendly so the phrase "dog days" doesn't quite fit . Now, most cats on the other hand are ornery and unpleasant, so I vote for changing the name to "cat days")

On this Thanksgiving, though, I give thanks to my family, friends, everyone who has giiven me a kind word or prayer. Also the doctors and nurses who have given me such great care. God bless you all.

New Side Effect - Yippie!

Ok, they said this might happen, and it looks like it has arrived. That is, a metallic taste in your mouth where you get slight indigestion, which I've had all day, and many foods lose some flavor. Hopefully I won't lose too much appetite.

Halfway There!

Six down, six to go. Kick this thing's ass, I'm ready to go!

No Shave November

In my honor, all the guys at work are particupating in "No Shave November". So, there are some fresh beards growing this month! It is to raise awareness of men's cancers. Thanks, guys!

Brutally Honest post

Warning - this post may contain subject matter of a offensive naure to some. However, I told you dear readers that I would blog about my journey, and I wouldn't be completely honest otherwise if I didn't share this.

The truth is, diarrhea is a constant companion. If I don't hit the bathroom at least  four times a day it is unusual. There is a great line by Morgan Freeman in the movie "The Bucket List" when he talks about getting old. And, it applies to chemo treatments also. The line was "Never trust a fart!". That has become my daily motto. Its hard to tell whether you are safe or break and run for the toilet.

Also, there is no sneaking a fart anymore. Chemo kills cells, so passing gas will slay the room and peel paint off the walls! It is the smell of death! If you are unlucky enough to let one go on an elevator, the passengers may suffocate before the ground floor!

This has been a big source of embarrasment for me, and I am actually leary of crowds. This side effect csnnot be helped, but others don't know that. It does take a lot of understanding from friends and family, though.

There, I told you this post would be brutally honest. But, as I said, it has become a part of daily life.