Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Still here

It's been awhile since my last post. I've received a few calls asking why I haven't posted.  The answer is simple, I really had nothing to report.  I guess I have also become a little complacent because I have not had any doctor or hospital visits for over a week.  This is the first time I've had a break of this length since my diagnosis.  Other than my low platelet count, everything during this round of chemo seemed normal.  I can definitely tell my body is getting pounded a little more with each treatment but, we have all agreed to stay on this aggressive course of treatment until I can't tolerate it anymore.  I have 3 more days of meds in order to complete round three of chemo and then I get a week off of treatment.  I will not know the results of this round until next week but I can only pray they will be good based on past history.  Keep up the prayers and good thoughts.  I also enjoy reading your comments, so keep them coming.  

Friday, January 27, 2012

Quick Thought

I had an opportunity today to watch a documentary about an idol of mine...Vince Lombardi.  I have always been fascinated with Lombardi more so as a motivational speaker than a football coach.  Early on in my sales career I was required to watch a sales training video that featured Lombardi.  He explained, to a rookie salesperson, his philosophy regarding sales and life in general.  It stuck with me forever.  This man was one of the best when it came to getting the most out of an individual.  His "If you are going to do it, do it 100% with no excuses or regrets attitude" is something I tried to strive for.  The reason I am writing about this is twofold. First, Vince Lombardi died young, at 57 years old from colon cancer.  Second and most important was the comment Lombardi made shortly before he died regarding looking back on his life.  He said "you only get one chance for your testimony and that usually happens when you are gone".  I watched every person who was interviewed become extremely emotional as they tried to testify to the greatness of Lombardi and not one mentioned football.  He deeply touched the people he met throughout his life.  Are we doing the same or are we just going through the motions?  Take the time to make a positive mark on whatever you do, no excuses or regrets.  You have one chance for a testimony, make it a good one!!

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Another hurdle cleared.. and one more thing

As I stated before, I had to go in for an unscheduled blood work up because of my low platelet count.  Well, today was the day and my platelet count was up vs. last Thursday.  The count is still low but just like all my numbers lately they are heading in the right direction.
Vic and I had a very good meeting today with our NP.  I really enjoy her positive yet realistic outlook on my situation. I know Vic has been having a difficult time lately with the reality of my prognosis.  She spoke with Melissa today and came away with a better understanding.  Thank you Melissa.
I want everyone to know that Vic is one of the most positive supporters I have.  I also know that staying positive, in light of the circumstances, is not always very easy.  She reads all the test results, sits in on all the consultations and researches everything.  She knows that my numbers and markers, while constantly showing good results from treatment, are still very poor.  She knows I am still very sick and it scares her.  I am blessed to be handling this illness and treatment so well.  Everyday someone tells me I look great or sound great.  If you didn't know I had cancer, you would not give me a second look as someone who is sick.  Sometimes I think this makes it harder for Vic to cope with the reality of my illness. Please pray for her to have the ability to get through this with the understanding and calm only the Lord can provide.
By no means does this post mean we are giving up hope on a miracle.  We both pray everyday for healing and strength to get through this and we both believe it can happen.  

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Every treatment is different

I'm finally feeling better after this round of treatment.  This round was better than the first but worse than the second.  I just have to realize that I will eventually feel better after about 3-4 days.
On a different note, I was sorry to hear about Joe Paterno's passing.  As a football fan you have to be impressed with his accomplishments over the years.  I was also touched by the comment his family made regarding his death.  They said they were certain he did what he needed to do in life and died at peace with his life.  I can only hope to have the same feeling when it's my time.

One other thing, say a prayer for my sister in law Lori (my private nurse). She just had shoulder surgery and is currently recuperating. I need her back on my recovery team ASAP :) !!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Round 3 begins....but almost didn't

I got some bad news when my blood work came in today.  My platelet count for some reason was lower than expected.  The nurse had to get in touch with my Dr and get approval for the treatment.  Dr Johnson has been very aggressive with my treatment and he didn't let me down this time, he said let's go for it and we will do another set of labs middle of next week to see how I'm doing.  Worst case is I need some extra platelets pumped into me.  I have also been told that I must not put myself in a position where I could cut or bruise myself since the platelets are the things that make the blood clot.  Lower count = less clotting.  I can not shave, get a haircut, do dishes, do laundry or vacuum.  Ok, according to Vic the laundry and vacuum might be a stretch but I know I can dust.  Like usual we have to wait for a test.  Keep praying.  By the way, I really enjoy reading all the comments, keep it up.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

The results are in

I had my meeting with the Oncologist this afternoon and the results of my blood work and PET scan were excellent.  My numbers for my liver went down again but the best news came from the PET scan.  In order to put these results in perspective the Doctor put my original scan side by side with the new scan.  In the original approximately 70-80% of my liver was compromised with tumors.  In the new scan the tumor involvement was closer to 50%.  This is definitive proof that the treatment plan we are on is having an affect on the cancer.  I also realize that the odds are against me and having 50% of my liver compromised with tumors still gives me a poor prognosis.  This is why I still need all your prayers and positive thoughts, because if they did this good for me so far, who knows what the future will bring.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Time to Think

Today I had a PET scan.  I'm looking forward to the results of this scan due to the fact it should show if the tumors are being killed off or growing.  I will get the results on Wednesday when I have my meeting with my Oncologist.  The PET scan is different from a CT scan in that you get injected with a radioactive cocktail that makes the tumors light up and glow on a scan as opposed to just showing dark and light spots.  The injection of the radioactive material takes 1 hour.  I have to lie still for that hour and have nothing to do but think.  The scan itself takes a half an hour, and again I must be still with nothing to do but think.  I found my self thinking about what is happening to me.  Maybe it was the fact that I was in the hospital and nurses and radiology techs were all telling me how good I look based on my diagnosis.  It got me thinking,   why am I still here?  The initial prognosis for me was given in months.  I absolutely feel I have much more time than that.  My tests are all coming back with good news, I feel good physically and mentally.  I laid there in the bed thinking, what does God have in store for me?  I know I am not going to get a clear answer to that question, so I must be open and accepting to his will.  I will continue to pray for the miracle of divine healing and I ask everyone who reads this blog to do the same.  I also ask everyone to continue to live your lives knowing that tomorrow is not a guarantee and today is a gift (that is why they call it the "present").  I feel God wants me to remind everyone how important it is to truly connect with your family and friends.  Take the time to reach out and just say hi.  Give your kids a hug and a kiss and tell them how much they mean to you.  Tell your spouse how much you love them and how proud you are of everything they do to.  Do it now, when you can, it will enhance your life.

Packers Sunday

I want to thank everyone who joined us for the Packers Party yesterday.  Thank goodness we combined this with a "Sweet Sixteen" birthday party for my niece, Katie Duesing.  The birthday party gave us something to be happy about, unlike the football game.  Thanks Katie!!

Friday, January 13, 2012

Even in laughter the heart may ache....

The title of this post is from Proverbs 14:13.  It states "Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief".  I bring this up because I've realized that I have done more laughing than crying over the past couple months, and that's good.  I have always been a believer in having a good sense of humor and I continue to believe that now.  I have received a number of phone calls from friends checking to see how I'm doing.  Inevitably we end up laughing about things that we did in the past.  As part of my new daily activities I watch the Today show.  They are celebrating their 60th anniversary and all they do is relive the past by telling funny stories.  Face the facts, if you don't do anything fun or funny now, you will have nothing to reminisce about in the future.  Yesterday, while getting my blood work Vic, Lori and myself were laughing loudly in the exam room about something.  This type of laughter is not very common in the oncology dept. but, the nurses are drawn to it like moths to a flame.  They love talking to us and we are known as the "fun family".  There is plenty of time for sadness and it is always there.  There will be plenty of time for grief when the time comes.  Enjoy life while you can, laugh about it, joke about it.  Make people around you laugh and smile.  The serious moments in life will find you, the humorous moments are up to you to find.  Start looking for them today and you will have a better day.  Keep praying everyday!

Numbers down again

I got good news from my blood work today.  My numbers were down again, so the treatment is working. As of now my liver is still functioning at a decent level.  One specific number that went down for the first time was what they call my "Tumor Marker".  This is the number to show the presence of cancer in the body.  The fact that it went down shows that some of the tumors are going away.  Realistically though my number is still 1,944 and of course normal is 0, so I have a ways to go.  But it is going the right direction.

I do want to mention how happy I am with the staff at the hospital.  Everything is going very smooth and they really work with a team approach.  The LPN's that draw my blood and update my history are efficient and friendly.  The RN's who administer my Chemo meds are extremely professional and understanding.  The highlight has been my Nurse Practitioner, Melissa.  She is the best.  She asks all the right questions, follows up on everything she said she would and not only makes me feel important but makes Vic feel very much a part of everything that happens.  I truly feel they care about my outcome and I thank them all.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Round 2 ......DONE!

Today was the last day for Chemo round 2.  Overall this round went well.  The addition of a steroid pill for the first 3 days really made a difference, I didn't have any really bad days.  I now have my 1 week off to feel better.  Tomorrow I go in for some blood work and consultation.  Hopefully round 2 was worth it and all my "liver" numbers will continue to go down.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Good news

I finally got some good news from a Doctors visit.  After my stress test this morning, my cardiologist told me my blockage is minor and I do not need surgery. So, good news,  I can now continue my cancer treatment as scheduled.  I never thought I would use good news and cancer treatment in the same sentence.  It is kind of funny how your perspective can change based on your circumstances.  Keep up the prayers.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Technical issues re: Posting Comments

I've had people tell me they are having trouble posting comments on the blog.  You need to have a   google/ g-mail account in order to post.  Log in under your account and comment away.

Friday, January 6, 2012

A night out

Thanks to Matt and Allison I was able to get out of the house for an evening.  They took Vic and me out for a delicious dinner, I think I'm still full. Thanks for a wonderful night.
It's been kind of quiet the past week to ten days.  The holiday season is over, people went back to work and  lives are falling back into their routine.  I too have felt a sense of "normal" in my life.  Going out with my wife , son and daughter in law last night gave me a bit of a wake up call.  I realized I was becoming complacent with what's going on.  I can't allow myself to forget how truly precious each day I have with friends and family is.  I don't know how long I have before I leave this earth, but think about it, nobody does. I just have more information regarding my possible timing.  I bring this up in order to remind everyone to continue to appreciate everything you have in your lives.  Don't let the everyday routine cloud the great things God has given you.  Take an inventory everyday of the great things you have, it will put you in a good mood.  Start with the fact you woke up in the morning and realize you can enjoy another day.  Think about your family and friends and how lucky you are to have them.  I assure you, you will smile.  Appreciate the material things you have earned like a house or car or job.  You worked hard for these and deserve them.  Make this your routine.  Pray to God everyday. Thank God everyday for your blessings. Ask God to help you and others with their problems.  Don't get complacent.  Start your day with prayer and a good breakfast....you can't go wrong with this kind of advice.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Just an update

I spoke with the Cardiologist today.  He consulted with the Oncologist and they came up with a medication I need to take to reduce my cholesterol.  It's going to be another 6 pills per day plus a baby aspirin.  The stress test is still scheduled for Monday and that should tell us more regarding the actual blockage and if we need a surgery to correct it.  Other than that, I feel better during this round of Chemo.  I don't know why but I'll take it.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Another new Dr........My Cardiologist

Yep, just finished with my Cardiologist.  He said the same as my Oncologist, the more scans, the more they find.  I do have some blockage in one of my arteries and I have a stress test scheduled for next Monday to see how severe it is.  If I need any type of surgery it will put off my 3rd round of Chemo so I hope it can be treated with meds.  I also have high cholesterol but it can't be treated with the normal course of meds since those are bad for your liver.  The doctors are going to consult and come up with something.  I'm just waiting for our Veterinarian to call and tell me I need a distemper shot..HA HA! They've promised me they will line everything up for the best course of treatment to take care of everything and I do believe them.  Nobody said this would be easy!