Okay...So we're one-and-a-half weeks into the chemo/radiation thing. We thought it would be 6 weeks of radiation. But the folks at the Bellingham Cancer Center must REALLY like John as they've made his treatment schedule 6-1/2 weeks. Now that 1/2 week may not seem like a long time to you. But holy crap, it's ONLY the end of July. We feel like we should be putting up the bloody Christmas tree by now! I shouldn't complain, really, as -- all things considered -- we are plugging along with very few concerns.
Trying to put things delicately, John did have a bout of the "Hershey Squirts" about a week ago. If you're looking for a hot stock tip, perhaps you might consider the manufacturer of Immodium AD. But that condition now seems to be under control. He still has his hair, which has come back more-salt-than-pepper with a slight curl. If things transpire as they did during his first series of chemo infusions back in February/March, John should have the pirate look about this time next week...sans earring, of course.
He lost 6+ pounds last week. As Dr. Taylor previously stated, radiotheraphy makes your body burn calories like it's running a marathon -- even if the marathon is taking place in your new La-Z-Boy recliner in front of your flatscreen TV. (I think John's bout of you-know-what may have had something to do with the weight loss, too. But can I please get some of that radiation?) He's increasing his oral intake and still getting two cans of "bag-o-meal" overnight. This a.m.'s breakfast was three strips of bacon, one egg scrambled (in butter, of course) and two pieces of buttered -- that's B-U-T-T-E-R-E-D -- toast.
Friend Maureen (Haggerty) Blum came up last Monday to pick up a special order of wine she placed with John for their daughter's upcoming wedding reception in early August. John's now a "rock star" wine specialist up here as the word is out that he's getting business from the big city of Seattle. Thank you, Maureen!
And my "first wife" Pam Myers-Sloane came up for an overnight visit. Pam and I lived together for a few years after graduating WSU before John and I "shacked up." Although I refer to Pam as my "first wife," don't get any funny ideas...It was strictly platonic, although we had a rousingly good time as single advertising "execs" in Seattle. I have many good memories of those years. Anyway, Pam brought up a slew of jigsaw puzzles which are now at the Cancer Center. They extended their thanks for the much-appreciated donation. While she was here, John played sommelier for an at-home wine tasting. His taste buds for wine don't seem to be affected by the chemo yet. Pam enjoyed the wine; so much so that she had to sample the "dump bucket" blend at the end of the tasting.
Although time still seems to crawl along for us, the glorious summer weather is really helping to brighten our spirits. And your friendship, support and prayers helps lighten our load. You must be sending the right "vibes" as John's getting through all of this with strength and a wonderful attitude.
When I get to the point of closing each entry, I can't help but get a little overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude...I sign this as always with sincerest thanks to and for you all...Nancy
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Picc, Chemo, Radiation....Deja Vu?
Seems we've been here before. Yesterday John had his new picc line re-installed for subsequent chemo and blood tests. Michelle, his picc nurse, did a FABULOUS job. He said he didn't even know when she started and was amazed when she announced she was done. I was there, in surgical mask, as a witness to the entire smooth procedure. (I now know the difference between a vein and an artery on camera. One "winks," the other doesn't.)
As I type this update John's in the oncology infusion department finishing up his first chemo session. It was like Old Home Week, coming back to see familiar faces from a few months ago. Faces you're happy to see...somewhere else -- like the grocery store. I can't say enough, though, about the kindness and caring each staff member gives patients AND their families.
After this appointment, we head over to the cancer center for John's first radiotherapy treatment. These will occur bright and early every morning, Monday through Friday, for the next six weeks. Oh happy day! I'm such a morning person...NOT. But if, through all of this, John's cancer heads for "Remission Hills" it will all be worthwhile.
Girlfriend Shannon (my girlfriend, not John's) was up for the weekend. Since we are enjoying a summer of non-summer-weather, we started yet another jigsaw puzzle. Shannon is a rock star at putting them together but kindly left a few pieces for John and I to do before she had to go home. I will try to post a photo of one of our puzzles, along with a more current picture of John, on the blog.
Speaking of pictures of John, he was featured in a full-page ad in The Bellingham Herald yesterday as the wine specialist at Haggen's Ferndale store. Also pictured were the four other Bellingham-area specialists...but John's the best-looking one. (Oh gosh, I hope the others aren't reading this!)
And so we continue the journey. Thank you for coming along for the ride...Like American Express, we don't leave home without you. As always, my gratitude to you all...Nancy
As I type this update John's in the oncology infusion department finishing up his first chemo session. It was like Old Home Week, coming back to see familiar faces from a few months ago. Faces you're happy to see...somewhere else -- like the grocery store. I can't say enough, though, about the kindness and caring each staff member gives patients AND their families.
After this appointment, we head over to the cancer center for John's first radiotherapy treatment. These will occur bright and early every morning, Monday through Friday, for the next six weeks. Oh happy day! I'm such a morning person...NOT. But if, through all of this, John's cancer heads for "Remission Hills" it will all be worthwhile.
Girlfriend Shannon (my girlfriend, not John's) was up for the weekend. Since we are enjoying a summer of non-summer-weather, we started yet another jigsaw puzzle. Shannon is a rock star at putting them together but kindly left a few pieces for John and I to do before she had to go home. I will try to post a photo of one of our puzzles, along with a more current picture of John, on the blog.
Speaking of pictures of John, he was featured in a full-page ad in The Bellingham Herald yesterday as the wine specialist at Haggen's Ferndale store. Also pictured were the four other Bellingham-area specialists...but John's the best-looking one. (Oh gosh, I hope the others aren't reading this!)
And so we continue the journey. Thank you for coming along for the ride...Like American Express, we don't leave home without you. As always, my gratitude to you all...Nancy
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Putting Together a Plan
It's been a while since I've last touched base with you all which, I guess, is a good thing. There's been nothing much to report as John has continued his recovery from surgery. He went back to work full time right after the fourth of July and is happy to be back amongst his fellow oenophiles (fancy word for "wine geeks).
Last Tuesday, July 5, was our appointment with John's oncologist Dr. Nestor. And yesterday we met with radiotherapist, Dr. Taylor. John was "remapped" for accurate radiation targeting and a new mold was made of his body. He has lost about 35 lbs. and his previous mold was no longer accurate. (He's gone down a size-plus in pants. His old jeans are looking a bit like "Bozo pants." We did get him some new ones so he doesn't look like a walking advertisement for Depends.) Dr. Taylor wants John to have a CT scan due to the radical change in his esophageal/stomach structure. Since radiation is extremely precise, Dr. Taylor wants to make sure that they have the clearest picture possible so that treatment can be accurate to avoid damaging healthy tissue such as lungs, heart and -- of course -- all of his new internal "connections." John's having his CT this afternoon.
Next Tuesday, July 19, John will have a new picc line inserted and chemo/radiation will begin the following day. The plan -- hopefully the last "plan" in this miasma -- is for 6 weeks of chemo/radiation therapy followed by up to 9 weeks of just chemo. Initial chemo treatment will be the same as John had prior to surgery. Because the tumor and lymph nodes that were targeted were destroyed, doctors are using the same approach in the hopes that any remaining undetectable cancer in the chest area -- if there is any -- will respond in the same manner. Post-radiation chemo will be a "systemic" recipe that will target John's entire body (his "system") in an attempt to nuke any unseen cancer cells that may be lurking elsewhere.
So John's personal chef-chauffeur-valet-assistant-nurse (aka wife) will be back on full-time duty. You've heard of soccer moms? Well I'm cancer wife. I think after this year-long "Driving-Miss-Daisy" gig, I should push for a new car; say a sexy little convertible. But I think that will have to wait until we win the Lotto. Truth be told, John's good, steady progress towards beating this disease is enough Lotto for me. And there are perks to this job. The Bellingham Cancer Center has a beautiful new jigsaw puzzle of hydrangeas, roses and pansies waiting for me. And we have a terrific 2000 piece Coca-Cola memorabilia puzzle from friends Mike and Kathy Wright just itching to be put together. I will continue to keep you posted...continue to keep you with us as we walk along...and continue my prayers. I thank you, as always, for yours...Nancy.
Last Tuesday, July 5, was our appointment with John's oncologist Dr. Nestor. And yesterday we met with radiotherapist, Dr. Taylor. John was "remapped" for accurate radiation targeting and a new mold was made of his body. He has lost about 35 lbs. and his previous mold was no longer accurate. (He's gone down a size-plus in pants. His old jeans are looking a bit like "Bozo pants." We did get him some new ones so he doesn't look like a walking advertisement for Depends.) Dr. Taylor wants John to have a CT scan due to the radical change in his esophageal/stomach structure. Since radiation is extremely precise, Dr. Taylor wants to make sure that they have the clearest picture possible so that treatment can be accurate to avoid damaging healthy tissue such as lungs, heart and -- of course -- all of his new internal "connections." John's having his CT this afternoon.
Next Tuesday, July 19, John will have a new picc line inserted and chemo/radiation will begin the following day. The plan -- hopefully the last "plan" in this miasma -- is for 6 weeks of chemo/radiation therapy followed by up to 9 weeks of just chemo. Initial chemo treatment will be the same as John had prior to surgery. Because the tumor and lymph nodes that were targeted were destroyed, doctors are using the same approach in the hopes that any remaining undetectable cancer in the chest area -- if there is any -- will respond in the same manner. Post-radiation chemo will be a "systemic" recipe that will target John's entire body (his "system") in an attempt to nuke any unseen cancer cells that may be lurking elsewhere.
So John's personal chef-chauffeur-valet-assistant-nurse (aka wife) will be back on full-time duty. You've heard of soccer moms? Well I'm cancer wife. I think after this year-long "Driving-Miss-Daisy" gig, I should push for a new car; say a sexy little convertible. But I think that will have to wait until we win the Lotto. Truth be told, John's good, steady progress towards beating this disease is enough Lotto for me. And there are perks to this job. The Bellingham Cancer Center has a beautiful new jigsaw puzzle of hydrangeas, roses and pansies waiting for me. And we have a terrific 2000 piece Coca-Cola memorabilia puzzle from friends Mike and Kathy Wright just itching to be put together. I will continue to keep you posted...continue to keep you with us as we walk along...and continue my prayers. I thank you, as always, for yours...Nancy.
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