Today's test showed that the tumor has reduced in size. They also were not able to identify the 2 lymph nodes that were cancerous. Bottom line, the cancer responded to the chemo in a manner that we had wanted. Less bad stuff in my body! Take that cancer! You picked the wrong person to set up house in.
Life is good!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Endoscipic Ultra Sound (EUS)
Toady's medical procedure is the EUS. This is a diagnostic tool to help with the staging of my cancer. I had this done when we were first getting the diagnosis of back in the June time frame. Basically I get put under sedation and then the real fun begins (I get to nap while others have to work). What they do is put a tube down my throat and take pictures of the tumor and the immediate area. Then the remove that tube and put a second one down which is slightly larger in size. The second tube has an Ultra Sound device on it which allows us to see through the wall of the esophagus and stomach to see how far the tumor has penetrated. It also allows us to look at the immediate area to see if the cancer has spread to it. This is how they discovered that I had a lymph node infected and another suspicious one too. They should also be able to tell me if the tumor has truly reduced in size.
I look to today's procedure as a pretty good one to give me certainty to the optimism I'm feeling about the tumor shrinking. I keep saying that the reduction in my symptoms has to be a result of less blockage of the esophagus and a smaller tumor. Basically I'm hoping that I get validation of that. Keep your fingers crossed and wish me luck!
Optimism reigns supreme!
I look to today's procedure as a pretty good one to give me certainty to the optimism I'm feeling about the tumor shrinking. I keep saying that the reduction in my symptoms has to be a result of less blockage of the esophagus and a smaller tumor. Basically I'm hoping that I get validation of that. Keep your fingers crossed and wish me luck!
Optimism reigns supreme!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Pre-Operation Stuff
Preparations for surgery are underway. Today marked the start of "re-staging" the cancer. There are a couple of tests/diagnostics that will be done for this. Today's medical procedure was another PET scan. This procedure takes about 3 hours in total, but isn't too bad to do. Essentially, I was injected with radioactive glucose (don't worry, I won't glow in the dark). After waiting for an hour (I actually napped in a secluded little room with a wonderfully warm blanket covering me), I was placed on a movable table and run through the paces in a large tube. The tube is the PET scan machine! Essentially, the first scan takes about a 1/2 hour which covered my torso. They then scanned my head & neck. I think they might have done my legs too, but they didn't announce that one to me. Basically, for this test the radioactive glucose will "attach" to cancerous tumors/cells. This will light up for the PET scan to see. Unfortunately the scan can only see tumors as small as 1/2 cm. in size. Thus, it can miss smaller cancer hot spots that may be in existence. The good news is that nothing showed up anywhere in my body (with the exception of the esophagus & stomach as expected) the first time I had this scan. Naturally that was before chemo, so I'm fairly certain the results will be the same this time. Keep your fingers crossed!
So the next step in preparation will be a pre-operative exam, EKG, and blood work on Weds. Essentially, I'm going to get a physical! In the grand scheme of things, this should be pretty easy!
So the next step in preparation will be a pre-operative exam, EKG, and blood work on Weds. Essentially, I'm going to get a physical! In the grand scheme of things, this should be pretty easy!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
The Next Event in this Adventure
So the next step in this adventure is surgery. I am scheduled to have surgery on September 24. It is then that my friendly tumor will be removed along with some of my esophagus and part of my stomach. A monumental day of ever there was one in my life!
There are a number of things that will occur prior to surgery. Essentially, these test will be ussed to re-stage my cancer. Based on the loss of many symptoms that I have felt, I have to believe that the tumor is smaller. I am very optimistic about the test and hope that they will confirm my beliefs. We'll see!
Anyway, the surgery is a pretty major one. Recovery will be challenging, but we'll get through it. Once recovered, I'll be tumor free. There will likely be more chemo after surgery in order to assure ourselves that there are no cancer gremlins left behind. I've been told that I will have the same chemo cocktail as the one I've been getting. However, there are hints that the intensity of the cocktail might be altered to something less. I hope so, that way I won't have to have Ethel with me quite as much. Keep your fingers crossed!
There are a number of things that will occur prior to surgery. Essentially, these test will be ussed to re-stage my cancer. Based on the loss of many symptoms that I have felt, I have to believe that the tumor is smaller. I am very optimistic about the test and hope that they will confirm my beliefs. We'll see!
Anyway, the surgery is a pretty major one. Recovery will be challenging, but we'll get through it. Once recovered, I'll be tumor free. There will likely be more chemo after surgery in order to assure ourselves that there are no cancer gremlins left behind. I've been told that I will have the same chemo cocktail as the one I've been getting. However, there are hints that the intensity of the cocktail might be altered to something less. I hope so, that way I won't have to have Ethel with me quite as much. Keep your fingers crossed!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Greatest 4th, 5th & 6th Grade Girls Soccer Team.
I have a feeling that most of you know that one of my great loves is coaching. I have had the privilege of coaching Stephen, Emily, & Brenna from Kindergarten through 8th grade (Brenna through 5th grade where she is now) in soccer, basketball, softball, and baseball. Although I did my best in all of these endeavors I have to admit that I'm basically a soccer coach. I love the game whether playing it, coaching it, or watching it at any level it's played (pro, college, adult rec leagues, kids, ....).
Well, I am currently coaching one team which is the greatest 4th, 5th, & 6th grade girls soccer team (I am an admittedly biased source for this assessment). Their official name (as dubbed the the girls a few seasons back) is "The Extreme Team," and they live up to it in many ways. This group continues to exceed expectations, and challenges me to come up with ways to keep challenging them. This makes for great joy as a coach, and it's always cool when I see them do things on the field that we've been teaching them. The past couple of seasons we have played against older competition in order have competitive games. They continue to impress while playing at a very high level. The results are evident in that they continue to win they're divisions or they're conference. All right, enough bragging!
I truly love seeing these kids. They give me inspiration, energy, and frankly, a great big smile on my face. Their parents are also a fantastic crew of folks who have certainly stepped up to help out this season. They have adjusted to the coach (yours truly) not being quite as available for the team as usual. It almost seems as though the group has not missed a beat. I'm really happy about this because I really want these kids to have a good experience and to enjoy the "beautiful game."
I need to acknowledge a couple of others that have stepped up in their efforts to keep this team from missing a beat:
First would be my son Stephen.
An added benefit to coaching this team is my son joining me for the past 5 seasons as my assistant coach and "right hand" man. Stephen has had the occasion to take over the team as I was out of town for work or the like. He has proven to be quite the coach himself. This season he has been instrumental in keeping the coaching consistent, the practices organized, and the girls trained. For this I'm thankful and proud.
Second would be the Fantoms (Joe & Susan) who have taken over the administrative duties for the team. This is my least favorite part of running a team! They have taken on the least appreciated part of the work and are doing a great job!
Third, Steve Patterson.
Steve is a friend of mine who has coached many teams in the past for his own kids. He does not have a kid on the Extreme Team, but asked if he could help out. I quickly said yes, knowing that he would work well with Stephen (my son) and is great with kids. The fact that someone as busy as he is, and still willing to volunteer like this says volumes about how people want to help and are willing to step up.
Because of my love of the game, coaching, and the fun of being with the kids, coaching has been very rewarding. However, I don't think I ever realized how much the coaching experience has brought to me. Until I saw how many are willing to help this group of kids continue to thrive, especially when this slightly ailing coach can't be there for them, and how excited the kids are to back on the field, I can now see how much it does mean to me. Very much!
Life Is Really Good!
Well, I am currently coaching one team which is the greatest 4th, 5th, & 6th grade girls soccer team (I am an admittedly biased source for this assessment). Their official name (as dubbed the the girls a few seasons back) is "The Extreme Team," and they live up to it in many ways. This group continues to exceed expectations, and challenges me to come up with ways to keep challenging them. This makes for great joy as a coach, and it's always cool when I see them do things on the field that we've been teaching them. The past couple of seasons we have played against older competition in order have competitive games. They continue to impress while playing at a very high level. The results are evident in that they continue to win they're divisions or they're conference. All right, enough bragging!
I truly love seeing these kids. They give me inspiration, energy, and frankly, a great big smile on my face. Their parents are also a fantastic crew of folks who have certainly stepped up to help out this season. They have adjusted to the coach (yours truly) not being quite as available for the team as usual. It almost seems as though the group has not missed a beat. I'm really happy about this because I really want these kids to have a good experience and to enjoy the "beautiful game."
I need to acknowledge a couple of others that have stepped up in their efforts to keep this team from missing a beat:
First would be my son Stephen.
An added benefit to coaching this team is my son joining me for the past 5 seasons as my assistant coach and "right hand" man. Stephen has had the occasion to take over the team as I was out of town for work or the like. He has proven to be quite the coach himself. This season he has been instrumental in keeping the coaching consistent, the practices organized, and the girls trained. For this I'm thankful and proud.
Second would be the Fantoms (Joe & Susan) who have taken over the administrative duties for the team. This is my least favorite part of running a team! They have taken on the least appreciated part of the work and are doing a great job!
Third, Steve Patterson.
Steve is a friend of mine who has coached many teams in the past for his own kids. He does not have a kid on the Extreme Team, but asked if he could help out. I quickly said yes, knowing that he would work well with Stephen (my son) and is great with kids. The fact that someone as busy as he is, and still willing to volunteer like this says volumes about how people want to help and are willing to step up.
Because of my love of the game, coaching, and the fun of being with the kids, coaching has been very rewarding. However, I don't think I ever realized how much the coaching experience has brought to me. Until I saw how many are willing to help this group of kids continue to thrive, especially when this slightly ailing coach can't be there for them, and how excited the kids are to back on the field, I can now see how much it does mean to me. Very much!
Life Is Really Good!
Recovery Week 3 (RW3) - so far
RW3 has gone fairly well, albeit a bit strange. It has been optimistic in that my level of health has been higher than the earlier RW's. On the flip side, there has been some "ebb & flow" as to the level of health. This "ebb & flow" just doesn't want to let up as of yet. Don't get me wrong, I'm pleased that my level of discomfort has been significantly less than that of any other of the RW's. However, I was hoping that I'd be done by now! Well, this just proves that you can never count on things to go your own way during this adventure no matter how much you will it to be so.
So RW3 has found me with the cadre of people continuing to help. What more can I say, the words lucky, blessed, humbled, gratified, and appreciative best describe my feelings. I don't know how I would have been able to get through this without these folks. Thanks To You All!
I have been battling with a fever this past couple of days (one of the great chemo patient nemeses). It spiked a little yesterday, but with the help of my friend & nurse extraordinaire Veronica, we were able to keep it in control. Actually, this made it possible for me to make an appearance at soccer practice for the Greatest 4th, 5th & 6th Grade Girls Soccer Team for about 15 minutes. Hopefully it won't come back, but we'll see what the rest of today brings.
So, today finds me a bit cautious about activities and trying to keep the mouth sores at bay. Considering how hot it is outside, staying indoors doesn't seem so bad!
So RW3 has found me with the cadre of people continuing to help. What more can I say, the words lucky, blessed, humbled, gratified, and appreciative best describe my feelings. I don't know how I would have been able to get through this without these folks. Thanks To You All!
I have been battling with a fever this past couple of days (one of the great chemo patient nemeses). It spiked a little yesterday, but with the help of my friend & nurse extraordinaire Veronica, we were able to keep it in control. Actually, this made it possible for me to make an appearance at soccer practice for the Greatest 4th, 5th & 6th Grade Girls Soccer Team for about 15 minutes. Hopefully it won't come back, but we'll see what the rest of today brings.
So, today finds me a bit cautious about activities and trying to keep the mouth sores at bay. Considering how hot it is outside, staying indoors doesn't seem so bad!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Chemo Week 3 (CW3) - in review
I apologize in that I'm a little behind in getting this posting done.
CW3 is done! Ethel is in her home at Kaiser probably getting ready to go home with someone else. I tell you, she has no loyalties. However, given the last set of comments sent by many of you, it would seem that there are very low opinions of Ethel. Things written about her such as: "seems to be very controlling;" "too clingy, always needing to be by your side;" "loud and annoying" to describe her. I was even told to "kick Ethel to the curb the first chance you get!" Well, in truth, you all are correct, and I have indeed "kicked her to the curb" for now. The love hate relationship is over for the moment as surgery is the next major event in this adventure.
The way into CW3 went much better given the weight gain and the other improvements to my symptoms. I was stronger and more ready then ever. Joan arrived on Sunday, and off we went to chemo on Monday morn. Things went without a hitch. Tuesday morning I weighed myself and found that I had actually gained a couple of more pounds than I had on Sunday morning (exciting stuff I know, but I surely was!). Unfortunately, Tuesday morning found Joan needing to head home to Chicago to attend to her son who had been admitted to the hospital for a mysterious disease. (It was later diagnosed as salmonella, to which he is back at school today. All is well again). So with my chemo angel leaving, Dave-o & Pete swung into gear and made sure that I was supported throughout this round and during Recovery Week 3 (RW3). There is a chart with names all over it filling in every time slot, 24-hrs a day, 7 days a week. Unbelievable and reassuring. This cadre of caretakers (love the alliteration?) have been supportive, patient, and downright fantastic. I can't begin to express my gratitude enough for all they have done.
The result of the added strength going in and the care that I have received has netted CW3 as the smoothest and least difficult of the 3 chemo rounds. I have not gone nearly down into an abyss as I had in the previous rounds, only finding myself in the fetal position occasionally. I did have a couple of minor cussing sessions with the toilet, but these even seemed to be less intense. Overall, this has gone well (obviously in relative terms!).
I am starting to climb out of the effects of chemo already. Given that this is usually a time that I'm still in fetal position, I have to say the outlook for the rest of RW3 is good (I'm knocking on wood as I write this). I'm looking forward to the possibility of food being enticing again (not there yet). I still have an issue with my white blood cell count being low from this round, however, at this point in time, it's still higher than the last couple of rounds at the same stage. Optimism reigns supreme!
So, all in all, Life is Good, even this week.
Many thanks to the cadre: Dave-o, Pete, Thom, Katherine, Lori, Emilliano, and Veronica (aka Verne, Vernie). Also my many thanks to the spouses of these folks who have them away for the time they are with me.
CW3 is done! Ethel is in her home at Kaiser probably getting ready to go home with someone else. I tell you, she has no loyalties. However, given the last set of comments sent by many of you, it would seem that there are very low opinions of Ethel. Things written about her such as: "seems to be very controlling;" "too clingy, always needing to be by your side;" "loud and annoying" to describe her. I was even told to "kick Ethel to the curb the first chance you get!" Well, in truth, you all are correct, and I have indeed "kicked her to the curb" for now. The love hate relationship is over for the moment as surgery is the next major event in this adventure.
The way into CW3 went much better given the weight gain and the other improvements to my symptoms. I was stronger and more ready then ever. Joan arrived on Sunday, and off we went to chemo on Monday morn. Things went without a hitch. Tuesday morning I weighed myself and found that I had actually gained a couple of more pounds than I had on Sunday morning (exciting stuff I know, but I surely was!). Unfortunately, Tuesday morning found Joan needing to head home to Chicago to attend to her son who had been admitted to the hospital for a mysterious disease. (It was later diagnosed as salmonella, to which he is back at school today. All is well again). So with my chemo angel leaving, Dave-o & Pete swung into gear and made sure that I was supported throughout this round and during Recovery Week 3 (RW3). There is a chart with names all over it filling in every time slot, 24-hrs a day, 7 days a week. Unbelievable and reassuring. This cadre of caretakers (love the alliteration?) have been supportive, patient, and downright fantastic. I can't begin to express my gratitude enough for all they have done.
The result of the added strength going in and the care that I have received has netted CW3 as the smoothest and least difficult of the 3 chemo rounds. I have not gone nearly down into an abyss as I had in the previous rounds, only finding myself in the fetal position occasionally. I did have a couple of minor cussing sessions with the toilet, but these even seemed to be less intense. Overall, this has gone well (obviously in relative terms!).
I am starting to climb out of the effects of chemo already. Given that this is usually a time that I'm still in fetal position, I have to say the outlook for the rest of RW3 is good (I'm knocking on wood as I write this). I'm looking forward to the possibility of food being enticing again (not there yet). I still have an issue with my white blood cell count being low from this round, however, at this point in time, it's still higher than the last couple of rounds at the same stage. Optimism reigns supreme!
So, all in all, Life is Good, even this week.
Many thanks to the cadre: Dave-o, Pete, Thom, Katherine, Lori, Emilliano, and Veronica (aka Verne, Vernie). Also my many thanks to the spouses of these folks who have them away for the time they are with me.
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