One Week Post Treatment

           It’s been a week already since I completed the treatments and a very enjoyable one at that.  It was lovely this past Monday to not have to get in the car and drive back to Atlanta.  I’ve found myself sleeping a lot.  I usually go to bed between 9 and 10 and I’ve been sleeping until 8 in the morning!  Pretty amazing, but I guess my body is telling me to rest. 

            I’m trying to integrate some physical activities into my schedule again, slowly.  I got on the lawn mower and cut the grass.  Also, I’ve begun a project of pruning and cutting back hedges and azaleas in preparation for next spring.  The yard at this house could practically use a full time gardener.  Since I’m unemployed right now, maybe that’s my job!

            And it’s been Muggy’s job to keep taking care of me.  She’s doing an amazing job on the burn on my neck.  I’d say it has decreased in size by ½ already.  She cleans it 2-3 times per day and keeps it covered.  I find the cleaning process to be very relaxing and soothing. 

            We had a very nice visit yesterday from young Cody R. and his mom.  Cody is sporting a   This young man holds a special place in our hearts since our days as Royal Ranger commanders and his new “doo”  is greatly appreciated.

brand new buzz haircut in support of cancer patients.

            Tomorrow I head back to Atlanta for my first follow-up appointment with the medical oncologist.  Hopefully, I will leave a friend behind while there tomorrow.  The doctor will probably remove Justin Case (PLEASE, PLEASE!!).  I have never had to use the feeding tube and I’m still swallowing and eating (I had a Krystal burger for lunch today!!  It was awesome!).

            I want to continue my blog, but find less to write about.  I’ll do my best to keep up with the posts and to make it better than what I had for breakfast!

Onward to New Challenges

            And now, it’s Oct 21^st and I have been remiss in posting updates; my apologies.  It’s been a hectic and relaxing few days of transition from the treatment regime to being back at home.  So, this morning it is Monday, Oct 21^st at 9:00 am and I’m still in bed and it feels great!

            My oldest son Luke gave me a great perspective on dealing with cancer and the other challenges life throws at me at any given time.  I am blessed that I don’t have to worry about going to work and earning a living.  I/we are in a wonderful time in our life to be able to face these challenges head on. 

On Thursday morning at 7:05, I completed a regime of cancer therapy involving 33 radiation therapies and six sessions of chemo therapy.  I am blessed to have come through this with minimal side effects.  I am even more blessed in thinking of the friends and acquaintances I’ve made along the way.

            Although I'm done with the cancer treatments, I hope to remain engaged with the Hope Lodge.  I plan to donate time and energy to the Lodge in the form of work projects in the coming months.  There are small projects to be accomplished there and I will stay in touch with Director Danny Sheltz to help out where I can.

            So, let me back the truck up here a little bit.  On Thursday, Oct 10, 2013, we held a little celebration with our friends at Hope Lodge as I celebrated 32

32 Year Celebration

years of sobriety.  Historically, we have not made a big deal out of this, but this year it somehow seemed appropriate.  Muggy ordered a great looking cake for the event and I even took a bite.

            I say took a bite because my appetite is totally gone.  If anyone is looking for a sure-fire way to lose weight I heartily recommend radiation and chemotherapy for neck cancer.  I’ve now lost about 40 lbs (hope my doctors don’t read this!!), but I needed to lose the weight.  And I’m very happy to be where I am and hope that I can stay close to the weight I’m at now.  It has primarily come from having no appetite.  It’s a challenge to keep up an intake of calories, especially protein to give my body the energy and stores it needs to continue the healing.  By the way, I don’t really recommend this method to lose weight!

            After the celebration on Oct 10^th, we went to watch the WNBA Championship Game between the Atlanta Dream and the Minnesota Lynx.  It was fun and the Lynx won.

Muggy, Sylvia and Kim

            We’ve got a new attraction in the backyard here at home.  A very talented squirrel has found an innovative method for getting birdseed from the feeder.  Quite agile don’t you think?

Furry Gymnast

             

Graduation on Oct 16^th was a very special

event, made all the more special by the attendance of good friend Karen M., family member Don and Lisa Johnson and son Erik.  A great time was had by all as we shared very meaningful insights into our lives.  And the cakes!!  Sister-in-law Marcia said she wanted to be a part of the celebration so she funded the desserts; and what an array it was!! 

Delicious Desserts!!

Sister-in-law Kelley came for a visit this past weekend.  She was here primarily to see her middle son and his wife who now live here in Georgia, but it was great we all had a chance for a get together.  We met at Tanger Malls near Locust Grove and then had dinner at The French Market in downtown Locust Grove….HIGHLY recommended.  Great food, great atmosphere and really good service.

Sisters!

 

Next steps now are to complete follow-up appointments with my doctors at Emory.  I’ve had enough doctor appointments in the past six months to last me the rest of my life, but there are likely to be more.  Hopefully, Justin Case (my feeding tube) and I will part company this coming FridayopH

.  By mid December, there will be another PET scan to ascertain whether there’s any more cancer (there won’t be!!). 

            And now, it’s time to get on with life!!

Two Treatments and Many New Friends

           It’s really kind of a dilemma coming back to the lodge each week.  The friendships and relationship we have and continue to establish are so meaningful and such a blessing that it makes me think sometimes, that I just want to stay here.  Of course that is not true whatsoever, but by stating it, hopefully I bring a sense of the depth the experience.  This is such a positive place.  Maybe it’s the fact that we’re all facing a life challenge of a significant nature and that draws us closer together.  Or, maybe it’s the fact that we can be very real and honest about what’s going on in our world.  But, it’s not the same with everyone.  Some folks seem open to only minimal interaction, whereas others are just as open as can be from the “get-go”.  Maybe there’s a sense at some level of realization that this individual is just somebody that I could like.  Not that they are necessarily like me, but somebody that I can like.  Who knows where that knowing comes from? 

            We went out for dinner tonight with Alex and Kitty.  They’ve left the lodge now, but he needs to come to Emory once a week for labs to ensure his stem cells are “taking” properly.  That’s probably not the right term, but I hope you get the idea.  So far so good for his situation!   We had a very enjoyable dinner and great conversation with these new friends.

            I had opportunity this morning to speak with a new guest.  She’s facing pretty much the same cancer and treatment that I am and she was scared because there’s so much one doesn’t know.  She doesn’t have a care-giver with her right now but her children are relatively close by so they can help as necessary.  Muggy and I spoke with her and you could sense the growing encouragement and hope in her comments and her voice as she realized that others are making it through this journey. 

            Only two treatments to go and I’m done; Hallelujah!!  By the time most of you read this I’ll be down to one and we’ll begin packing our stuff and getting ready for graduation tomorrow afternoon.  Graduation is at 5:30 here at the Lodge if you want to make it, let us know!  We’ve got a strong contingent from Warner Robins coming for the event.

            I’ve lined up a few more interviews which I hope to accomplish in the next day or so.

            Thanks for reading!!  Blessings to all!

Week Seven; We're Near the End

The beginning of the end.  Wednesday of this week I will conclude 6 ½ weeks of radiation and chemotherapy for my squamous cell cancer of the left tonsil.  Two lymph nodes and my tonsils were removed in a procedure on July 29, 2013.  Subsequently, I began the radiation and chemo regime on Sept. 3^rd.  There were many speculations as to what might happen during the treatments: loss of hair, loss of hearing, mouth sores, xerostomia, etc.

I’m happy to report that I have tolerated the treatments exceptionally well; my doctors have told me so.  I had a feeding tube inserted back in August in anticipation of it being difficult to swallow.  I’m happy to report that I have not had to use the tube even once for nutrition purposes.  Some of my fellow residents at the Hope Lodge give me a bad time because I’ve not had much problem with eating and swallowing whereas they have.  It must be individual differences.  Individual differences and make sure you have a prayer support team.  Even though I’m still eating…sort of, I’ve lost a lot of weight.  I was near 220 when I started.  This morning I weigh in at 192.  My doctors may be upset with me this week, but we are at the end after all. I’m hopeful that as my body begins the healing process after the cessation of treatments that my appetite and weight will come back.  It is vitally important during treatments like this that the body have adequate calories to affect the healing/restorative process within the body.  The human body is an amazing machine, we just need to maintain it properly.

And, let me say about this machine we call our body that if one is mentally prepared and thinking positively about what one is going through, it is far more likely that the body will respond positively. 

In the last week, the cumulative effects of the radiation and chemo have manifested as burns on my neck which are quite painful.  I’ve used a combination of Aquaphor, Skintegrity (from my doctor), pain pills, magic mouthwash and liquid pain meds.  It’s really kind of a pain in the butt (well, maybe a pain in the neck!) to have to do all this doctoring, but it’s proven effective.  Plus, Muggy (my wife) has patiently cleaned the burned areas gently and thoroughly. 

As the curtain draws closed on this chapter of my life, I’m blessed to think of the number of people who’ve supported me through these challenges.  I’ve enjoyed writing this blog and hope to continue.  I hope you’ll continue to read. 

And I sincerely wish to thank God for his blessings and grace on me during this time.  Early on I asked for grace through the treatments.  He has granted that request.  Don’t get wrong, there have been challenges, but all in all, I just want to give Him thanks!