It has been ok, I spent Thursday March 10 running between two Doctor's appointments. The first one was with the Radiation Oncologist. Basically we discussed the side effects of the radiation, which would be different this time because of the location of the tumor, and the collateral damage from the radiation.
Yes, collateral damage. Even though now they can be more accurate and radiate specific areas, depending on the length/strength/dose of radiation there is damage to other areas. You have to weight the benefit against the potential damage.
In my case the first time through chemo back in 2003, the benefits outweighed the damage. It helped shrink the tumor and gave the surgeon excellent margins on resection. The damage? The part of the hip that received the radiation is thinner, prone to breaking in a fall. Now do you get why I fear falling, well almost. The other item that was "damaged" was the femur. Same thing bone thinned out. OK, I may fear breaking them but I still want to learn to sky dive. Scuba dive too.
So what is the collateral damage this time? Possibly a portion of the intestine. Not much. Oh yeah and the left kidney. Well the left kidney has the tumor growing around it, so it is to be expected. More than likely the left kidney will be taken. I expect it to, no biggie, as long as the right is good, and it won't receive any radiation.
Today I will see the lung doctor and play 20 questions with him. The tumor in the right lung will be removed. The questions I have for him will be does he think it will be able coming out with the micro surgery, (yep even the grapefruit sized tumor can come out that way, read a few articles about him and his innovative surgical technique). If he can down time will be short. If he can't he will have to crack my chest to get access. Can you say bigger ugly scar and more down time? (Hell the bigger ugly scar doesn't bother me, the cracking and down time do).
A while ago I mentioned that cancer is harder on family and friends. It is. Think about it. I as the patient do not have to worry about a thing other than getting to my appointments, and dealing with chemo, radiation and surgery. I don't have to stand idly be and watch someone go through it wishing it away, or wondering what to do.
Don't get on those who don't involve. They may not know what to do. It is hard. Seriously, most chemo patients go bald so we don't need someone to hold our hair when we puke. Besides some of us prefer puking in private and are mortified when anyone sees up puke or trying to puke.
OK, so what can you do? And these suggestions work for anyone who is going through a serious illness, surgery, or has family members that are dependant on their care such as an elderly parent.
1. Drop off dinner. It is a welcome thing to be sure. When you feel exhausted, not having to cook one meal can seem like a life saver. Can't cook? Pick up some convenience foods in the grocery store like the Bob Evans Mac and Cheese, and things like that.
2. Offer to run the vacuum and dust. Yes, something that simple. If you are someone who has to care for an elderly parent or suffer from the fatigue caused by cancer drugs, it help immensely just to have someone help out by dusting.
3. Not into cooking or house work? Still want to help? Find out what gas station they go to and pick up a gift card. The cost of gas today and running back and forth to almost daily appointments helps. Even if it is $10. Every little bit helps.
4. Get together with a few friends and plan a fund raiser. It doesn't have to be a big thing. It can be as simple as something my sister Carol is doing for me. She is making bracelets and selling them for $5 each.
5. Find an outrageous card and mail it to them. Laughter make the best medicine.
6. Use your imagination and put together a box of stuff. I do this for people and they love it. A few years ago a mutual animal rescuer had cancer. I posted on a group I belonged to, had people send me stuff or send me $ telling me what they would like to put into the box. It had to be in by a certain date. It had stuffed animals in it, hat, a funny mug, Bath and Beauty items, tshirts, treats, card and lots more. 50 lbs worth of stuff. She loved it. It raised her spirit for weeks each time she looked at one of the items. And we all had fun putting it together, but I had the most fun.
7. It doesn't have to much. Simple things mean the world.
This isn't a small thing for people to do, but I cannot express how much this meant to me whe n I asked the Marines if one of them would shave my head when my hair started falling out. If you could choose family, you would choose these guys.
I can't save the pictures, and have no idea why. So go check this out, please best guys in the world
As I sit here typing this one of the other chemo patients are having problem. Brings me back to February 15th. I walked out of the bath room looked at the nurse and said I think I need help. They kicked into gear, and now I get to see the efficient manner in how these Oncology nurses deal with situations. Amazing. Calm, cool and organized. And the friendliest, caring too.
I told my sister I would show off the picture of the bracelets she makes, so here it is. They are pretty. They are hand made by Carol Stevens (my big sister, yes I am someones little sister and I was/am a good little sister! LOL!) If you are interested you can contact her at:
It is not my intent to use the blog for personal issues, but I told her I would post this.
This blog is meant for spouting my opinion, sharing my ideas, and answering questions for those of you who may have them, I'll answer if I have one and be honest if I don't.
Another hour of chemo then I get to go to the lung doctor.
