When things go bad.
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Posted:Aug 2, 2010 6:08 am
Last Updated:Aug 21, 2010 6:42 am
6914 Views
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Two weeks ago this past Friday, I checked in to the hospital to get the hernia repair done. This should have only been an out patient procedure, possibly a night or two stay depending on the extent of cutting required. Yeah, right.
Apparently,everything was going according to plan until they started to remove the vent tube from my throat. Seems that's when things turned south. With the tube removed, my lungs decided not to restart. Of course, little did I know of any of this. Over the course of the next 24 hours I somehow managed to to dislodge or remove the vent tube on my own. While I don't remember much of those first few days, I do remember removing the tube the second time. All I know was I couldn't breath and couldn't get any ones attention. Being strapped down because of the earlier incident, about all I could do is wave at people passing by since the nurse call light didn't work. I somehow managed to get my head bent down far enough to get my fingers on the tape holding the tube in place and yank the tube out, inflated bulb and all. That got peoples attention!!!
I then spent the next 2 weeks fighting lung infections, COPD, and a myriad of other things that could have caused all of this. But, things are improving, and I am at home recovering.
Not the best time of year to try to recover at home. Outside temps are in the 100's. Can't really get out and walk which is what I really need to do. Haven't recovered enough to do the lawn work. Oh well, by the end of this week, the lawn will have burned away and it will be time to get started on the the fall overseeding.
Well, guess it's time for another cup of coffee and contemplate what else I can't get done.
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Wow, It's been a while!!
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Posted:Jul 10, 2010 7:30 am
Last Updated:Aug 2, 2010 2:16 pm
6221 Views
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I just haven't been in the mind set to post anything. Although, I do still come on and read blogs. I just can't seem to formulate my thoughts into something coherent.
Since my last posting, I had two more weeks of postponements in my chemo therapy, which set back the last treatment to the beginning of June. That's all completed now, I am happy to say. However, I am still experiencing some of the side effects which should subside over the next couple of months.
Back toward the first of May, I somehow managed to herniate the abdominal incision in two places. Now that chemo therapy has been completed and my blood counts are back up I can safely have the repair surgery done. That's scheduled for this coming week and will require 6 - 8 weeks recovery. So, I won't be able to return to work until around the first of Sept. That will put me close to the end of my available medical leave.
I did have a PET Scan done a couple of weeks ago and got the results from the Oncologist this past week. While there were a couple of "hot spots" (high metabolic activity) everything else, heart, lungs, liver, etc) looked healthy. Otherwise, no sign of cancer. Although, the Oncologist did want the Gastro Interologist to check out the spots in the esophagus and rectum.
I am happy to say that I at least made part of my goal. That was to be finished with chemo and out on the sailboat by memorial day weekend. Titania and I did manage to get out with the help of friends and spend most of the day trying to catch a 1.5 mph wind. It still was a relaxing day bobbing around the lake. We keep trying to get back out, but Titania's work schedule and the rainy weather seem to get in the way. And with hernia surgery and recovery, it looks like at least another month before we can even consider it again.
All in all, things are starting to look up as I recover from the chemo and get the other health issues taken care of. Can't wait to get back to the work grind.
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Week in revue
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Posted:Apr 11, 2010 8:34 am
Last Updated:Aug 2, 2010 6:44 am
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Wow, what a weeks postponement in chemo made. Most blood counts back up in the normal range. And the ones that were still low were just barely. This weekends treatment has hit me nearly as hard as the last few. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Titania and I went and toured a sailing club on Lake Keystone yesterday. We spent a couple of hours driving and walking around and looking out over the lake. The fresh wind blowing in off the lake on a warm, sunshiny afternoon was quite refreshing. The clanging of halyards on the masts was almost as good as a nice wind chime.
While this is by no means a "Yacht Club" it was very nice and well maintained. There is no club house, no restaurant or bar and grill. There was an open two level pavillion with plenty of seating and picnic tables, and an open deck all overlooking the lake. The people we met were just like us and very friendly. While the initial cost is a little pricey, it is affordable. Since this is a not for profit club, by the members for the members sort of thing, they cut the annual dues in half if you are willing to help out with the work parties two days a year.
Upon leaving, Titania's words were "our boat has a new home port".
Meaning someplace other than our driveway. We still have to go the the application process, as well as meet with the "Board of Governors". And yes, they do use terms like Commodore and Vice Commodore, etc. but only for the people elected to the Board.
All in all, a great Sat. afternoon. Made just have to get out after getting home and uncover the boat and open it up to air out.
Now to just get up the energy to start cleaning it up.
Looks like another gorgeous day today so may just have to have another cup of coffee and get out and get started on it.
Hope every one has a great week.
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Saturday
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Posted:Apr 3, 2010 7:53 am
Last Updated:May 19, 2024 10:57 pm
3167 Views
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Well, Spring has finally arrived. The grass (and weeds) are growing well and needs a good mowing. The flowers are blooming and the shrubs are starting to bud. Lots to do in the yard this weekend.
Being on medical leave for the next couple of months has it's advantages. I can work around the house at my own pace and not over do it. The hardest part has been to get organized. I know that once I decide on a project I will complete it, eventually. But what to do first? Not working everyday is just not something I am used to.
My chemo treatment that should have been this weekend was postponed a week. After having to go to the ER, my blood counts rebounded the following week, then dropped again this past week. While they were high enough (barely) for the treatment, the Oncologist decided to hold off another week before hammering me again. That puts my Memorial Day weekend goal in jeopardy. My last treatment, if I can stay on the new schedule, would be the weekend before. I'm not sure I will have recovered sufficiently to handle the work involved in setting up and handling the sailboat by that time.
Titania's birthday is tomorrow. Yep, on Easter Sunday this year. She wanted and got a new laptop. The old one's screen was going out and we figured it was cheaper to get a new one than replace the old screen. We both love the new one. But, I figure I better get out and get some flowers or something for tomorrow, just to be on the safe side.
Well, guess one more cup of coffee and then on to the yard work.
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A turn for the worst
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Posted:Mar 27, 2010 8:18 am
Last Updated:Apr 20, 2010 6:50 am
4189 Views
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This has been a strange week. Last weekends chemo treatment went well enough. Even though the Oncoligist's office and the Chemo Suite scheduled me for the same time, I managed to still get out of there before mid afternoon. I was off work on Monday due to the normal and expected side effects. Went to work feeling great, but by the time I got off, was totally out of breath.
I had been fighting a chest and head cold for most of the previous week. Yeah, the same creepy crud everyone else has been fighting off. After I got home, took my temperature and was about 99 degrees. So I stretched out in the recliner and took an hour nap. Took my temp again and it was 102.3. So, I had Titania verify it, yet again. Sure enough, it was what it was. So, off to the minor emergency place we went. The Dr. there said they couldn't really help me there and sent us on to the Emergency Room.
I must say, it wasn't a bad experience. I had expected to spend most of the night there waiting to be seen. That wasn't the case. All the staff was friendly and helpful. Within an hour, I was in getting vitals checked and blood work taken. Soon after, I was taken in for a chest x-ray. And did I ever feel special being put in an isolation waiting room. I had been wearing surgical masks all the time. As it turned out, everyone was more contagious to me than I was to them, even with my wimpy cold.
I was soon taken back to an exam room, ordered into a gown and a breathing treatment started. More blood drawn and an IV started. Official diagnosis was severe bronchitis and sinusitis. Ok, a severe head and chest cold. Seems the previous weekends chemo/poison treatment knocked my already weakened immune system in the dirt. So, IV antibiotics and fluids. And more meds to take at home. Total time in the ER was about 4 -5 hours. Not bad, considering they had seven ambulances arrive with a bunch of the losers of a gang skirmish.
Want to have some fun, wear a surgical mask into a crowded ER waiting room and watch the reaction on everyone's face when you try to sit in one of the few remaining seats.
Having to take Wed. and Thurs. off gave me lots of time for contemplation. The conclusion I came to and Titania agreed was that the hazards of working around a lot of people and in a somewhat hazardous environment (lots of ways of getting cut and nicked) far outweighed the benefits of working and staying active. So, I have decided to take the next couple of months off on medical leave to complete the chemo/poison therapy.
On the bright side, Spring is finally here. There's lots of yard work to be done. Not to mention a good cleaning on the house. A lot of work, but it's all things that can be done at my own pace. Not to mention getting the sailboat ready for Memorial Day weekend.
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Reflections on a dreary Sunday morning
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Posted:Mar 14, 2010 8:38 am
Last Updated:Apr 20, 2010 6:51 am
4373 Views
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Yes, another dreary Sunday morning, cold and overcast. I am so ready for spring and warm weather to get here. Not that it will help much for now, but at least I can get out and do a bit of lawn work. As well as getting out and getting some work done on our sailboat. Nothing major there, but more comfort and convenience type of things, like a good stereo system.
My chemo/poison therapy is going well. Having completed 7 of 12 treatments, I'm still in relatively good health. Relative to what I ask, other cancer patients? I'm tired of the constant fatigue. Although I am still able to work with a bit better than 75% attendance. Every one, even the Dr's say they don't know how I'm doing that. Not sure, is all I can say. Still have my hair, although it's thinning a bit now. Blood counts are holding except we did have a bit of concern last week when platelet count dropped to a worrisome low. That too has recovered a bit this week. Which means I'm still on schedule with the chemo/poison. And if all goes well, will be out on the lake Memorial Day weekend, 2 sheets to the wind.
Titania is doing well, and made a big hit last week in the chemo suite. Since it takes about 4 hours for my treatment, I sent her out for a couple of dozen mixed donuts. The chemo suite doesn't have anything to munch on except some crackers and cookies for patients. A necessity for dealing with nausea. The spouses, friends and chauffeurs get nothing. So I sent her out for donuts to share. All she could find nearby was a Panera Bread. And here she came back caring several boxes of muffins and danishes and such. Big hit with everyone. By the time I was finished, all was gone except for a few crumbs. Titania even went around playing waitress and getting those that couldn't get up and move a danish or muffin. But, it was a great feeling when everyone, even the staff were so appreciative.
Well, guess I need to get off here and grab another cup of coffee and get dressed. Have to go to a nearby town for Titania's father's birthday dinner.
Have a great week.
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OH, WOW!!!
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Posted:Feb 14, 2010 9:11 am
Last Updated:Apr 20, 2010 6:52 am
4018 Views
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It's been almost two months since we've blogged. Almost that long since we've been on site. My how time flies when you're being poisoned.
I am now on my 5th Chemo/Poison cycle. Have a problem with calling it therapy. This 5th treatment has actually been easier on me that the 4th. Except for my blood counts I'm doing fairly well. The Oncologist told me last week that I had to be one of the healthiest patients in his practice and that included the other 4 Oncologists as well. My blood counts are back to just under normal, except for the platelet count. It's pretty low, but not enough for them to worry about. It worries Titania and I because I'm still passing some blood, possible from the ulcerations caused by the radiation therapy. Hopefully, not from the rectal resection. When I say the Radiologist tried to fry my ass, I'm not kidding. She did a fine job of that. Even though the chemo/poison slows down the healing process, I think 3 months is long enough. So, back to my primary care physician to try and figure this out.
I went back to work the 4th of January and have only missed 2 1/2 days. It's getting tougher though. Fatigue from the chemo/poison is starting to get to me. That and the fact I'm not sleeping well. Of course the bowel problems have a lot to do with that.
Titania and I have set a goal. If I can stay on treatment schedule, my last treatment should be the first Fri. in May. Our (my) goal is to stay on that schedule and be healthy enough by Memorial Day weekend to be out on the lake two sheets to the wind. I would say 3, but my license to party has been revoked and Puck's Titania (our sailboat) is only rigged for two sails, LOL. So, that means no missed treatments, or reduced dosages where I have to extend the treatment schedule.
We're working on plans for the boat for when the weather gets warm enough to work outside. New stereo, instruments, bedding etc. And I can tell that Titania is getting excited again and anxious to get back on it. Needless to say, so am I.
Well, that's about all I can think of this snowy Sunday morning. We hope everyone has a wonderful Valentines Day. And if anyone needs a Valentines hug and kiss, I'll be more than happy to provide that.
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White Christmas
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Posted:Dec 24, 2009 11:59 am
Last Updated:Jan 23, 2010 7:26 am
3640 Views
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I'm dreaming of a White Christmas,
just like the ones Oklahomans seldom know.
Where the tree tops glisten and listen
to the sound of cars crashing in the show,........
courtesy Tulsa World.
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everybody sing
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Posted:Dec 23, 2009 6:33 pm
Last Updated:May 19, 2024 10:57 pm
2869 Views
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I don't wanna grow up
I'm a Toys'R'Us ,
There's a million toys
At Toys'R'Us
That I can play with.
From bikes to trains to video games
It's the biggest toy store there is (Gee Whiz)
I don't wanna grow up
Because maybe if I did
I couldn't be a Toys R Us .
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It's been a while
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Posted:Dec 10, 2009 4:19 pm
Last Updated:May 19, 2024 10:57 pm
2919 Views
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Since I've last posted. I'm healing from the surgery as well as can be expected, but still not back to my old self. Although I am able to do more and more each day without pain or discomfort. Now if I could only get my bowels back to normal.
We did get some really good news a couple of weeks ago. We received the pathology report and it's conclusion was the surgeon did remove all the tumor. As well, there was no sign of spreading either in the fatty tissue or in the 10 lymph nodes that were removed. As well, seems the pre-op radiation and chemo did what they were supposed to do, shrinking the tumor from 5cm down to 1.7cm. So, the surgeon was ecstatic and we were very happy with that as well.
Unfortunately, the Oncologist wasn't quite so thrilled. Cautiously optimistic would be a better term. Or perhaps just cautious. While I had hoped with the pathology report to perhaps get a reduced chemo regimen, such is not the case. Tomorrow I start a standard 12 treatment regimen, 1 treatment every 2 weeks. One of the drugs will be a slow infusion and I will have to wear a pump for 2 days and then go back in and get disconnected. All this just sounds like so much fun, doesn't it?
Titania asked me yesterday if I was ready for this. Actually, I think I'm more ready than she is. Not sure if I'm ready for the possible side effects, and there are a lot of them. I also realize that not everyone gets all the side effects. Still, it's somewhat scary.
It's getting harder to maintain a positive attitude about all this. Hopefully, I'll get to return to work soon and will be able to work through the chemo. I'm really hoping I can handle it as well as I did the pre-op chemo and radiation. Guess we'll see about that one.
Christmas is sneaking up fast. Still have lots of shopping to do as well as get the tree up. Going to get that done tonight, I think. We'll see after I get dinner fixed for Titania.
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Sunday morning thoughts
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Posted:Nov 29, 2009 9:55 am
Last Updated:May 19, 2024 10:57 pm
2951 Views
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Well, guess it's time to post another blog. Thanksgiving has come and gone and we hope every one had a great weekend. Christmas is bearing down upon us at ever increasing speeds. And the same thought is going through my mind, the same one I get every year at this time. Will I be ready for it by the 25th? Will I get everything done? Will I be able to get myself in the spirit?
Usually, things just sort of fall into place. The outside Christmas lights get put up. The inside tree gets put up and trimmed along with the rest of the inside decorations. The shopping gets done first in my mind and then I set out to find those perfect(?) gifts. Somewhere along the way, no matter how down I am, something comes along and puts me in the spirit. Sometimes just in the nick of time.
I'm never quite sure what that one thing is, it changes from year to year. Sometimes it's hearing that perfect Christmas song at just the right time. Other times it's a movie on TV. And, a couple of years ago it didn't happen until I was cooking Christmas dinner for my and grand and doing the final preparations. Every year it seems to be different.
And this year will be no exception. Actually, this year will have some different obstacles to overcome. With having surgery a couple of weeks ago, some things will have to go by the wayside or new creative ways of doing them will have to come to mind. I tried to look ahead and get some things done before my hospital stay. Things like getting the decorations down out of the attic, putting up the lights on the house, cleaning the carpets and moving furniture around to accommodate the Christmas tree, etc. I still need to put the rest of the outside lights on the bushes, some I will certainly need Titania's help with since I'm forbidden to climb ladders (sailboats included).
This year will also be difficult on the mood. I'm already somewhat depressed due to my physical condition. I'm healing well and getting around ok, but other complications have cropped up (I won't go into embarrassing details) that are really starting to wear on me mentally. Add to that the boredom of sitting at home all day. Or not being able to drive until I'm totally off the painkillers. These obstacles are going to be hard to get over this year. But, I know I will. Something will come along and trip my trigger and all of a sudden, I'll be in that good ol' Christmas spirit.
Well, time for that last cup of coffee and then on to my morning walk.
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING, everyone
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Posted:Nov 26, 2009 7:41 am
Last Updated:Dec 2, 2009 9:34 am
3272 Views
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We want wish everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving holiday. We also want to thank all who have expressed their thoughts, well wishes and prayers during these past few months. It has made getting through this difficult time much easier.
Titania and I are getting ready to head to her Father's house for Thanksgiving dinner. While he may not be in the best of health, at 85 years of age, he still insists on cooking the turkey. It should be a quiet afternoon with just her two sisters, her dad and us in attendance this year.
Again, have a Happy Thanksgiving and wonderful weekend.
P&T
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A good week, coming to an end
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Posted:Nov 21, 2009 10:49 am
Last Updated:Nov 26, 2009 8:46 am
3339 Views
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This really has been a good week. After having been discharged from the hospital on Monday, everything has continued to improve. Wow, how refreshing that first shower was! Just getting the hospital feel and smell off me. Although, I was a bit reluctant at first, not sure if the spray hitting on or around the incision would hurt.
My strength and stamina are improving on a daily basis as well. The last couple of days I've walked 3/4 of a mile twice a day. This morning I walked about 1 1/2 miles. While I was a bit tired, it felt good. I noticed as I walked, my pace was steady and my stride had returned to normal. No more shuffling along.
I can now sleep for short periods of time on my side without pain. It feels good to get off my back now and then. And, last night, I pretty much slept through the night without having to get up and take a pain pill. Another good sign. As far as the pain medications go, today will be a step down day. Yes, I will be going to a bit lighter pain med. We'll have to see how that goes.
It's been a week and half since I last had a cigarette. So that's going good and keeping my fingers crossed as well. Titania has her first day under her belt. I'm proud of her. I know she will have a tough go of it, but I have faith in her. While smoking isn't known to be the cause of rectal cancer, there is a higher incidence among smokers. And when you consider that one of the likely places this spreads to is the lungs, it certainly gives incentive to quit. As well, the pre-admission chest x-ray showed me to have slight COPD. Again, a good incentive to quit.
The time at home has been good, but starting to get a bit boring. I still can't drive due to the narcotic pain relievers. Although, I did do a bit of housework yesterday. That hurt a bit, but only because I was bending a bit from the waist and wasn't quite used to making that motion yet. So, with Titania going back to work next week, I'll have to find things to alleviate the boredom. I'm sure I'll be able to find something.
All in all, a good week.
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To link to this blog (Puck_n_Titania) use [blog Puck_n_Titania] in your messages.
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