Never a Dull Moment Part 2

Well...We ended up going to the ER this afternoon.  John's temp went up to 101 so off we went.  After 4 hours in the ER, some IV fluids, blood labs run, a chest X-ray and a visit or two with the (excuse me) very hot Dr. Allison (ER doc), John was discharged with a prescription for some oral antibiotics and orders to stay home and rest.  So no work this weekend.
We have a previously-scheduled appointment with oncologist Dr. Nestor Monday afternoon and will be able to follow up on today's activities at that time.  As of this evening, John's temp has dropped down to almost normal.  So pending any further developments, we'll be hanging out at home, sanitizing gel and antibacterial soap at the ready.
In spite of today's rather hectic events, we came home from the hospital to some kind notes in the mail -- Blum family and Jacque MacIntosh -- your inspiring words were well timed.  Thank you.  And one of John's business acquaintances -- John Ohler with Howe Sound Brewing Company in beautiful British Columbia -- had left a lovely "care package" at Haggen which I was able to pick up when I went to the pharmacy for the antibiotics.  My John must, indeed, be a pretty great guy to warrant such a kind and generous gesture.
I can't believe how lucky we are.  We have the greatest friends and family in the world.  Your love and support continues to amaze.  Gratefully...Nancy.

Never a Dull Moment

As of this morning, John has only 5 more days of radiotherapy (next Monday through Friday).  He was feeling a little achy -- the result of his bone marrow working on its own to build up neutrophils that become white blood cells -- and, unfortunately, a little more nauseated than usual.  So after this morning's radiation appointment, his medications got his "stomach" calmed down and he went to work.
Today's local temperatures are in the mid to high 70's with the forecast to hit 80; so it's definitely summer weather.  But John called needing to come home early (like noon early) due to chills and an overall "flu-like" feeling.  His temperature is running 99.7F, again probably because of having his "White Blood Cell Factory" working overtime.  But if it hits 100.5F, we'll have to go see our good friends at St. Joe's Hospital.  Never a dull moment in the Grigsby household.  I'll keep you apprised of any developments over the weekend. Hopefully there will be none.
So gather the family together this weekend; put together a picnic (don't forget the wine!); take your Frisbies, badminton sets, baseballs, etc -- and your jigsaw puzzles -- and head for the great outdoors for some good old fashioned summer fun.  We'll be with you in spirit.  And have a beer for us. Thanks for checking in and, as ALWAYS, my love and appreciation to each of you for your friends and support...Nancy

Swallow Test Averted

Just a quick posting to let you all know that John did not need a swallow test...at least for now.  The swelling in his throat, probably the cumulative result of consecutive days of radiation, went down after some taking some acetaminophen and the weekend's break from treatment.  He's now four days into this week and, so far, so good.  He is, however, avoiding pastrami for the time being and sticking mainly to soft foods.
I'd like to thank those of you who continue to send emails, blog postings, the occasional card, and lots of prayers and well wishes.  It is a real boost -- to both of us -- knowing that you're still on this journey with us.  Two more weeks of radiation before the final rounds of chemo.  I believe I see a pinpoint of light ahead...and all of you waiting for us when we get there.  As always I sign off with love and thanks...Nancy

A Little Bump in the Road

This past Friday, John started to experience food getting stuck again.  This time at an area higher than when this whole thing started.  Now before you start "freaking out" (as I seem to do ANYTIME something that disrupts progress happens) this is very normal.  Because John's receiving radiation every day, Monday through Friday, the area being treated is getting irritated and swollen.  After a weekend off and taking some  liquid "Tylenol," his swallowing is better today.  HOWEVER (isn't there always a bloody "however" somewhere in this mess?) we are going to be modifying John's diet and, once again, going to softer foods.  Foods like well-cooked pasta, soup and -- of course -- ice cream.  Yippee!!!!  Love having that stuff in the house as I have the self-control of a panther in heat when it comes to ice cream.
So there are 14 more radiation treatments to go and, once those are finished, hopefully John will recover and be able to eat a more normal diet.  We think Dr. Taylor (radiologist) and Dr. Low (surgeon) will most likely want to do a swallow study to get a clear picture on exactly what is going on and where.  Whether that will be in Seattle or Bellingham remains to be seen.
So I just thought I'd share this little tidbit of info with you and keep you apprised of the situation.  Speaking of "situation," I am ashamed to admit that I watched the season premier of "Jersey Shore: Italy."  Mike "The Situation" and Nicole "Snookie" are already getting things heated up.  I got hooked on this pathetic program this past spring while searching for the stupidest things in the world that would get my mind off of John's cancer.  Now you know my dirty little secret.
For now I bid you "Ciao!" and will, of course, let you know what's going on with John.  I hope these blogs give you a little smile once in a while.  They, along with "Jersey Shore," are great therapy for me.  As always, you have my thanks for your support, friendship and prayers...Nancy

New Photo and Latest News

I thought I should post a more recent photo; one that would be a little more current and -- should you see John anytime soon -- maybe minimize the impact of seeing him sporting his current "pirate look."  This pic was taken just before surgery in May at dinner with our friends the Scotts.  It's a shot of "Hon" (John) and "The Idiot" (Bruce, as his family lovingly calls him) having dinner at The Inn at Virginia Mason.  They make a cute couple, don't you think?  Well since this photo was taken, John's hair grew back, a little grayer and with a little bit of a curl...kind of sexy, actually.  And of course with the current rounds of chemo, it fell out again.  So he once again looks like the picture.
Yesterday was his second infusion (chemo) and he's continuing with daily radiotherapy.  His cell counts climbed back up last week after his Nupogen shot; not normal but to acceptable levels.  After yesterday's chemo, they will go down again as the chemotherapy wages it battle.  John will probably need another "bone booster" next week; we shall see.  But for today he's at work and feeling well.  The sun is shining and life is good.
And so it goes.  Believe it or not, signs of fall are in the air in our corner of the state.  I've noticed leaves showing subtle signs of turning and, this morning, the first "nip of change" in the air.  And as we slowly move into the time of year when we focus more on hearth and home than on gardening and picnics, I pray that the oncoming season will bring some calm and good health to us.  Until then, we'll enjoy the blue skies and and our flower pots in all their glory.  Keep sending those prayers and good thoughts.  You are, as always, our strength and support...Always in our hearts...Nancy

Where, Oh Where Have the White Cells Gone...

John's under "house quarantine" for a couple of days.  Today, along with radiation, was picc line dressing change.  This happens once a week at the chemo infusion center.  At the same time they check blood counts (CBC), etc.  Today's lab results showed John has no neutrophils (the things that become white blood cells)...can't find any...zippo...nada.  He received an injection of Nupogen, a drug that stimulates bone marrow to start making white blood cells stat.  ("Stat"...that's what doctor's say when they mean "Get off your ass NOW!")  A somewhat unpleasant side effect to this drug is that it makes your bones, particularly your leg bones because they're some of the largest bones in your body, ache due to the abnormal stimulation.  So ala "boy-in-the-bubble," John's under house arrest with a bottle of sanitizing gel at the ready.  Fortunately it's his weekend (Tuesday/Wednesday) and we have Comcast On-Demand.  And I've turned John into a Pogo junkie.  He's now playing Texas Hold 'Em -- not for $$$, just points -- in cyberspace.  Plus we have some new jigsaw puzzles.
Hold good thoughts that he doesn't catch a cold.  I'm dancing the White Cell Boogie -- isn't THAT a picture -- to inspire cell production.  Anything to avoid another stint in the hospital like last February.
You are in our hearts...Nancy