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
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5 comments:
Hi Denny and Carla,
It was great to read your update this morning. I have been thinking of you both. I am so glad to know how to pray for you specifically. I am passing the request on to every prayer chain I know. Though it is beyond my comprehension, I must believe in the power of prayer!
I love hearing about you and your grand kids...the mental picture of you all on the jet boat makes me smile. I know what a wild ride that can be. Keep it up!
Take care,
Stephanie Vrabec
Glad to hear you guys are still enjoying the jet boat...I had some fun times on that myself.
Hope all is well,
PHILL V.
Hello Mr. O
In response to the metallic taste...
I had to deal with such a sensation myself during infusions. My WIVA nurse (who was invaluable) suggested I munch on crackers prior to taking medicine. It reduced the taste substantially.
I think we had this discussion earlier about "letting go" and "listening to your body". You will have to get to the mind set that your naps will now be 4-6 hours...not 1. You have to become a little selfish....which You will find VERY DIFFICULT. Put yourself First. Take those naps and let your body start to do what it needs to do. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. You're over half way and you will make it there. Sit back ...relax...and don't think about what you used to do..or should be doing. REST...REST...REST. Love you dearly and I'm praying for smooth edges and a much smaller tumor!! Keep up your good efforts...you are progressing nicely...and as expected.
Hey Mr. O,
It's Brittany Sheehy, Mrs. Jones gave me your blog address. When my grandma was going through Chemo and Radiation treatments she too had that nasty metal taste in her mouth. She always ate with a plastic spoon or fork ( I don't know why), and also she preffered eating foods that were bland. This helped with nausea and the metalic taste. Foods like applesauce, cottage cheese, potatoes, soup broth, white bread, and (everyones favorite) ice cream.
Maybe this will help you.
You are in my prayers :)
-Brittany
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