Happy Tuesday!
It's a day of firsts -- the first day of school, the first day with no radiation, and tonight the first time in six weeks I'll go to bed without taking four chemo pills! So, it's a very good day, indeed.
I've managed to make it through all of the necessary inservice meetings and the first day of full classes. I do admit I am tired, but I also have to say that it felt great to be back in the classroom doing what I do.
Today I did sneak up to the guidance suite, where there is a couch in a meeting room. There, for a short while, I was able to rest and relax during my prep period. My hope is that a short rest will be a part of my daily routine and that Barbara Craghan can enjoy this beautiful weather.
In two weeks I will have a blood test to determine the amount of chemotherapy I will have to take for the next four to six months. I will see Dr. Mortera, my oncologist at that time, and he'll outline the remaining treatment.
I will also be seeing a new radiology oncologist, Dr. Howard, who is coming to Appleton from the UW Madison Hospital, where he is a colleague of Dr. Mehta, the doctor who will determine if gamma knife surgery is right for me. Lots of wait-and-see, but I guess that's all any of us can do anyhow.
The doctors and nurses tell me that I will feel much better in about six weeks. I think I feel stronger already, and I attribute my improvement to the prayers from all of you. You are the best!
Thank you. And God bless you.
Denny
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
August 19
Hi, everyone--
Only four more radiation treatments left!
By Thursday of last week I was really dragging -- very tired and absolutely no energy. On Friday when I saw Dr. Speer, the radiology oncologist, he prescribed a "six-pack" of steroids (meaning I take them for six days) to get me through this last week. They seem to be working--I feel so much better.
It will be interesting to see how the effects of the radiation affect me after the actual treatments conclude. The radiation, they tell me, continues to work for another four to six weeks. As long as it's accomplishing its mission I can tolerate anything.
Today was our first day of school, and I must say it felt good to be back at school with my Xavier family. I made it through the day just fine and then went over to St. E's for the treatment. After a short nap and supper, I'm here at the computer. It was a good day.
For those who have followed my metallic taste dilemma, I have found something that "cuts through it." V-8 juice! I never really liked it much before, but it's amazing how good it tastes now. On the other hand, my former favorite chips, Fritos, taste terrible. Go figure.
The technician admonished me for not getting enough rest, so it will be an early night for me.
We usually watch the Olympics and go for a short walk. After I take my chemo meds, I read for a while. I zonk out pretty quickly. Yes, we are the fun couple!
So, thank you again for following this blog. It means so much that others care about me and my family because we all are going through this together. God bless you.
Denny
Only four more radiation treatments left!
By Thursday of last week I was really dragging -- very tired and absolutely no energy. On Friday when I saw Dr. Speer, the radiology oncologist, he prescribed a "six-pack" of steroids (meaning I take them for six days) to get me through this last week. They seem to be working--I feel so much better.
It will be interesting to see how the effects of the radiation affect me after the actual treatments conclude. The radiation, they tell me, continues to work for another four to six weeks. As long as it's accomplishing its mission I can tolerate anything.
Today was our first day of school, and I must say it felt good to be back at school with my Xavier family. I made it through the day just fine and then went over to St. E's for the treatment. After a short nap and supper, I'm here at the computer. It was a good day.
For those who have followed my metallic taste dilemma, I have found something that "cuts through it." V-8 juice! I never really liked it much before, but it's amazing how good it tastes now. On the other hand, my former favorite chips, Fritos, taste terrible. Go figure.
The technician admonished me for not getting enough rest, so it will be an early night for me.
We usually watch the Olympics and go for a short walk. After I take my chemo meds, I read for a while. I zonk out pretty quickly. Yes, we are the fun couple!
So, thank you again for following this blog. It means so much that others care about me and my family because we all are going through this together. God bless you.
Denny
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
August 13
Hi,
Eight more radiation treatments to go! By then I may be sleeping 20 hours a day and most of what was left of my hair will be gone. But at least this phase of things will be over.
Each day is like an endurance test, and I don't like tests that I can't ace.
I don't mean to complain, but I really didn't anticipate the tiredness being this consuming even though the doctors, nurses, and friends warned me and tried to prepare me.
Thank you to those who contacted me with suggestions about how to deal with the ever-present metallic taste I have. I've tried them all and have found them to be helpful. I know I've eaten more hard candy in the last month than I have in the last fifty-some years!
I am planning to go to our in-service meetings next week and then start school the following week. Fortunately, Barb Craghan is ready to step in if that plan proves to be too ambitious at first. I'm looking forward to getting back in the classroom and getting to know the members of the class of 2009.
This illness is a challenge, that's for sure. Again I want to thank all of you who are keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers. We know your constant faith (when mine wavers a bit) is what gets us through each day.
One day at a time--that platitude keeps me going right now.
God bless you.
Denny
Eight more radiation treatments to go! By then I may be sleeping 20 hours a day and most of what was left of my hair will be gone. But at least this phase of things will be over.
Each day is like an endurance test, and I don't like tests that I can't ace.
I don't mean to complain, but I really didn't anticipate the tiredness being this consuming even though the doctors, nurses, and friends warned me and tried to prepare me.
Thank you to those who contacted me with suggestions about how to deal with the ever-present metallic taste I have. I've tried them all and have found them to be helpful. I know I've eaten more hard candy in the last month than I have in the last fifty-some years!
I am planning to go to our in-service meetings next week and then start school the following week. Fortunately, Barb Craghan is ready to step in if that plan proves to be too ambitious at first. I'm looking forward to getting back in the classroom and getting to know the members of the class of 2009.
This illness is a challenge, that's for sure. Again I want to thank all of you who are keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers. We know your constant faith (when mine wavers a bit) is what gets us through each day.
One day at a time--that platitude keeps me going right now.
God bless you.
Denny
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
August 5
Hi, everyone--
Today I had my fifteenth radiation treatment, and tonight I will take my four chemo pills. So tomorrow I will begin the last half of my treatment regime.
I don't want to wish the summer away for any of you, but I'm hoping the next three weeks pass as quickly as the last three. I am experiencing some of the side effects of the radiation that they warned me about, and it's not the way a person would want to spend the summer.
The fatigue has set in, so I really hit the wall every day by mid afternoon or before. After I nap, I don't wake up feeling refreshed -- it's kind of like having the flu. I always hope a nap will help, but I wake up feeling kind of foggy and lacking energy to do much. I'm finding that I'm not very good at not doing much.
The other side effect annoying me is the constant metallic taste in my mouth. If anyone has any suggestions for combating that taste, let me know! Carla keeps telling me that my job this summer is just to rest and let the radiation and chemo do their jobs. But this job is a challenge!
Today we went to UW Madison Hospital to meet with a nationally recognized expert in the area of radiology oncology. His name is Dr. Mehta, and he will now follow my case and decide if I am a candidate for stereotactic radio surgery, more commonly known as the Gamma Knife.
Dr. Mehta has to wait to see the effectiveness of the radiation and chemo, so in early October I will return to Madison for a stealth MRI, which will show the exact nature and size of whatever may remain of the tumor.
The miracle would be that the tumor will have vanished. The next best news would be that the tumor will have shrunk significantly and have a smooth edge, making it a good target for the Gamma Knife surgery.
So now our prayers are for one of those two options. The Gamma Knife procedure has an 85% success rate, meaning that those patients live for years after.
So, things are looking up, I guess. Lately I've had some great hours with all of our grandkids. Saturday all four were here, so that's about as good as it gets. Connor (4) and Ryan (3) drove the jet boat with me, Grant (11 months) is on the verge of walking, and Keira (8 weeks) smiles just about every time someone looks at her.
Being with them really makes the time go quickly, and for a few hours this cancer thing takes a back seat. I've said it before, I know, but we surely are blessed to have our kids and their families so close. Dave will be here this weekend, too, so I'm sure we will all get together again.
I hope this message finds you enjoying these beautiful summer days! Again, please, keep us in your prayers. I'll write again toward the end of the week. Take care!
Denny
Today I had my fifteenth radiation treatment, and tonight I will take my four chemo pills. So tomorrow I will begin the last half of my treatment regime.
I don't want to wish the summer away for any of you, but I'm hoping the next three weeks pass as quickly as the last three. I am experiencing some of the side effects of the radiation that they warned me about, and it's not the way a person would want to spend the summer.
The fatigue has set in, so I really hit the wall every day by mid afternoon or before. After I nap, I don't wake up feeling refreshed -- it's kind of like having the flu. I always hope a nap will help, but I wake up feeling kind of foggy and lacking energy to do much. I'm finding that I'm not very good at not doing much.
The other side effect annoying me is the constant metallic taste in my mouth. If anyone has any suggestions for combating that taste, let me know! Carla keeps telling me that my job this summer is just to rest and let the radiation and chemo do their jobs. But this job is a challenge!
Today we went to UW Madison Hospital to meet with a nationally recognized expert in the area of radiology oncology. His name is Dr. Mehta, and he will now follow my case and decide if I am a candidate for stereotactic radio surgery, more commonly known as the Gamma Knife.
Dr. Mehta has to wait to see the effectiveness of the radiation and chemo, so in early October I will return to Madison for a stealth MRI, which will show the exact nature and size of whatever may remain of the tumor.
The miracle would be that the tumor will have vanished. The next best news would be that the tumor will have shrunk significantly and have a smooth edge, making it a good target for the Gamma Knife surgery.
So now our prayers are for one of those two options. The Gamma Knife procedure has an 85% success rate, meaning that those patients live for years after.
So, things are looking up, I guess. Lately I've had some great hours with all of our grandkids. Saturday all four were here, so that's about as good as it gets. Connor (4) and Ryan (3) drove the jet boat with me, Grant (11 months) is on the verge of walking, and Keira (8 weeks) smiles just about every time someone looks at her.
Being with them really makes the time go quickly, and for a few hours this cancer thing takes a back seat. I've said it before, I know, but we surely are blessed to have our kids and their families so close. Dave will be here this weekend, too, so I'm sure we will all get together again.
I hope this message finds you enjoying these beautiful summer days! Again, please, keep us in your prayers. I'll write again toward the end of the week. Take care!
Denny
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