Day 20 Radiation

Today I get number 20 of 32 radiation treatments, so this on the the downside. The sore throat is back after a two day vacation, but still not bad. The only real issue is the increasing saliva, very thick and hard to get rid of. The caphosol was working pretty well for a few days, but is having less effect now. Will have to increase the use and see if that helps. The Army gave me plenty, so no need to hold back.

Just have to spit all the time in a cup. First thing in the morning it's so thick I literally have to pull it out hand over hand to get the stuff out of my mouth. This is caused by the radiation sores. Looks like second degree burns in there now. Blistered up pretty well. Almost a choking sensation. I do gag a little every once in a while, but nothing to worry about. Just a hassle. Still motivated, still kicking this thing hard.

Started the day with a V8 Fusion and my vitamins, so the physical part is still feeling great. Will get on the treadmill here pretty soon. Lot of fluids yesterday, got an IV at the hospital as part of the followup to Chemo, and the Chemo effects have pretty much gone away. Only a couple of days of nasuea and then it quit, so Chemo is a non-issue.

Add-on
Alright, since the throat is starting to get more sores, it's also restricting more, so a lot of gag reflects going on. Solution, if Elroy wants to get hard, I'm going to get harder. Up'd the walk to 32 minutes, and increased the weight on the bowflex by 20 pounds each side on the tri-cep pulldowns. Got to push back. Learning to control the gag reflex, just have to concentrate.

Chemo Treatment 2, IV Day

Have to go to the hospital and get an IV today, routine followup to the Chemo to make sure I'm hydrated.  I feel really great.  Got up this morning about 4:30 and did some work on the SFA Chapter's website and pumped in some fluids.  Up'd the walking to 30 minutes this morning and a light bicep routine.  Good day happening right now. 

Mouth Sores-Starting to Look Ugly In There

 

Chemo 2, Day 3

Great Day.  Got up early and immediately starting forcing the fluids which is the key to victory against the nausea that plagues you after Chemo.  Radiation treatment very easy.  Finally got that "mask" to fit right, no pressure points, so good day.

I wanted to put down all the medicines and vitamins I'm taking on a daily basis for those who follow.  Might help, sure is helping me a lot.  If I don't swallow or talk, I literally can't tell my throat is sore.  There are some side effects like the saliva overload, but the docs gave me some mouthwash that is keeping that under control.   So here's the deal on what's working.

First thing in the morning I take the following vitamins, thanks to Brad.
USANA Chelated Minerals - 2 each
USANA Mega Antioxidant - 2 each
USANA Proflavanol - 2 each

These are augmented with:
1 oz of Goji Juice
One dropper of liquid B-12 (Sublingual B Total is the brand name)

For the first three days after Chemo the following meds are prescribed:
Zofran - 1 Tablet per day (Nausea)
Decadron - 1 Tablet per day (Nausea)
Promethazine - 1 Tablet every 6 hours as needed for Vomiting/Nausea (Rarely needed)

Normal Meds prescribed for the Radiation Side Effects
Lot of sores develop in the mouth from the Radiation.  One of the other side effects are yeast infections in the mouth.  The doctor has prescribed Diflucan for this for 7 days.  One tablet per day.
Mucinex - Expectorant for keeping the flim in the throat from getting too thick.  One tablet every 12 hours.
Hydrocodone Liquid for pain.  Used one hour before eating to kill the throat soreness.
Oncology Mouthwash - Lanacaine wash to numb the mouth/throat.  Rarely used.
Caphosal Mouthwash - A must for controlling the saliva overflow.  Works very well.  Used 5-6 times a day. 

Nightly ritual includes:
30 Minutes of fluoride tray treatment for keeping my teeth strong.  If anyone has any teeth that are not healthy before the radiation starts they take them out.  I was lucky, blessed with great teeth, so I didn't lose any and don't plan on it.  Never blow this one off.
Peridex Rinse.  Another prescribed by the Dentist to keep the bacteria out of the mouth.  
Coumadin - Blood Thinner, only 1 mg, just enough to prevent blood clot in the port used to pump in the Chemo.  Taken before bed.

Daily Feeding Routine
At this point is almost all via the Feeding Tube, though I do try to eat something to keep the muscles in shape for swallowing so when this is over I can put down that 24oz T-Bone at Cattlemans.Yeah !

Pumping in Ensure and Moplex Protein Shakes, about 4-5 per day.  Each one has about 300 calories, so may have to up the number if I start losing weight.  Right now, I'm holding at 205lbs, so not worried.

Started using V-8 Fusion juices to get more fiber in the diet.  Very important that fiber, so must be included.

Gatorade, at least one 24 oz bottle per day, just because.  Adds to the fluids and has some electrolytes.

Lot of water.  Alway follow the shakes with water to keep the feeding tube clean and add more liquids.  Shirley puts droppers full of green tea, Ginger, and Yin Chioa Immune Health into the first glass of water everyday.  Home remedies she's researched for cancer treatment.  I'm mighty healthy as far as the immune system is concerned.  The docs check my blood work every Friday and everything normal, no drop whatsoever, so it must be working.  Blood pressure is really in good shape.

Chemo Home Remedy Secrets.  Best one is a bottle of Peppermint Oil.  The first 2-3 days after Chemo you'll feel a lot of nasuea, so everytime I feel it coming on, I put one drop of Peppermint Oil on my tongue and it stops instantly.  Amazing stuff.  Doesn't last long, but just keep doing it.  Works well.

Salt Water with Baking Soda mouthrinse.  Another good one. Keeps the mouth sores in check. 

Am not having any problems sleeping, feel really good physically, the soreness is in check so far and the Chemo "keys to victory" are set, so this is not a big deal.  The worst part is not knowing what to expect, or expecting the worst.  Hopefully this will help somebody some day not worry about the great unknown, because it's not an unknown.  Shirley and I have a great system, she's the rock.  Makes sure I don't forget and we have a good assembly line going with the feeding tube, she fills up the syringe (big fat one) with the fluids and I just push 'em down the tube.  Goes quickly when working together.

Bottom line, get a plan, make a schedule and stick to it.  This punk Elroy is going down!!!

Update

Day two after Chemo treatment number 2.  Am having a good day.  Got up and immediately started forcing fluids which makes a real difference in how I feel.  Got a little dehydrated yesterday morning, so I took a nap, then got up and started forcing fluids which made me feel much better, so have to keep that up.  Throat is getting really sore now.  Having problems talking and swallowing without the pain medicine, but sitting here no pain, just when swallowing, so am learning how to keep that to a minimum.  The neck is red, but the aloe vera seems to be keeping it from getting to bad.  I have 15 radiation treatments left.

Day 2-Chemo Session number 2

Throat is starting to get much more sore.  Had a little nausea this morning but seems to be under control after taking all the day two meds.  Forcing fluids and was able to eat a piece of toast and some over easy eggs after taking the pain medicine.  Feeling pretty good right now.

Over the Hump

Today was the 17th Radiation Treatment of 32.  I thought it was only 30, but they told me yesterday 32, either way, I'm still counting down the days.

Also had Chemo Treatment number 2 of 3.  Turned out to be a good day overall, had a banana, some peaches, a little salmon and brussel sprouts by mouth, and 3 protein shakes, so was able to get some pretty calories in.  Still dropping weight, but not much. 

Biggest good news, is I started Caphosol (sp) mouthwash which has helped with the massive saliva onslaught that has plagued me the last few days.  Worst side affect by far up to this point.  Have to literally pull spit out of my mouth with the consistency of super glue.  Gets all over my face and hands and have to wash it off.  Pain in the rear and has choked, gagged, and drove me crazy.  If we can keep that under control, no sweat.  Also gave me some medicine to help with a yeast infection in my throat, probably has something to do with the saliva problem as well.

Still positive, still motivated.  Shirley doing a great job as my nurse.  I'm a lucky man.

Good Day Bad Day

The day started pretty well, was having some serious "spitting" going on first thing in the morning thanks to the BS saliva substitute the doctor gave me Friday.  Used it once on Saturday and haven't quit spitting since.  Wish it would wear off.  Not too bad the rest of the day until around 1800 then it started again and I got choked on my own spit.  Ended up busting loose some of the mucus in my throat, so started gagging and spitting up some bloody chunks.  Finally got it under control and the throat actually feels a little better.  Guess it was stuck.

Was able to put down about 6 over easy eggs, three protein shakes, Shirley's Green Monster concoction (vitamins/green stuff), and three of four glasses of water.  Need to increase the water.

Walked on the treadmill for 20 minutes and got in an arm workout on the bowflex.  Limited to arms and legs only thanks to the port for taking the chemo in my chest.  Can't work chest or back because it might sever the cathater and drop it into my heart.

Molly came over with Stevie and is spending the night.  I love that puppy, cracks me up and really picks up the mood when she's here.  Too funny.

This is more like it

Mohawk?

I asked Shirley for a Crew Cut but she had to play around first. Not what I expected but pretty funny looking.

Losing the Hair

Starting to lose the hair from the chemo treatments.

Back on Track

Felt a little more soreness this morning so I took a couple of tylenol, but was able to eat a bowl of Clam Chowder, a couple of protein shakes and get down all the vitamins by mouth.  Starting to use the feeding tube to makes sure I force the fluids since don't really want to drink much.  Took a good walk today and feeling pretty good physically.

Starting to Kick In Now

My throat is starting to get sore and seems to be full of flim which I can't get out.  Not able to eat much, but did have some pancakes and beef broth. Absolutely no taste buds left. The broth was better because it helped loosen up the throat a little.  Did not workout or walk, so need to get back on track regardless of how I feel.  Still feel good physically overall. 

Mouth Sore

Doctor prescribed some anti-fungus medicine for the sore which is not a blister.  Side-effect of the radiation on the mouth's ability to fight off infections.  Another great day physically.  Radiation Treatment number 9 down, today I hit 1/3 down, 2/3 to go.

First Mouth Sore

This morning I noticed a little pain in the back of my throat, then after Radiation this afternoon I looked and it's the first mouth sore right in the back on the roof of my mouth.  Let the games begin!

Had another good day eating.  Took a longer walk up the hill, so physically feeling good.

Day 7 Chemo

Friday was the 7th Radiation treatment and followup with Chemo doctor. Felt pretty good all day. Was a little tired at noon, took some liquid B-12 vitamins and had a resurgence, so that will be a daily routine from now on. Getting plenty of work done.

Diet, boiled eggs, mac and cheese, and some smoked brisket. Good stuff.

This weekend was great. Felt good all day both days and even ate more than usual. Shirley's Flan Cake was half gone by noon.

Mike-Day 7 Chemo/Radiation

Starting to look like Skelator.

Radiation Day 4

Pretty easy and quick radiation today. Some pain on the back of the head, but the rest of the face felt okay. Had to get in early since today was an early day for everybody (New Year's Eve). Ate well tonight, Talipa Fish, Baked Potatoe, and Cooked veggies. Actually tasted pretty good, so this Chemo is doable. No walk though. Did get to see Stevie and Fletcher, and of course Molly. Great day, felt good all day.

Chemo Side Effects

Starting to see some effects from the chemo. Lot of naseau associated with eating. All food has taste of iodine, which was expected. Not fun to eat, but at least I can, so I'll scarf it down as much as I can stand, because the feeding tube will be used soon enough.

Took a long walk today, which felt good to get outside. Physically, the feeding tube is feeling pretty good, no pain at all unless I tug on it accidentally. Throat hasn't started hurting yet, probably another week of radiation before that kicks in. Things are going well overall, morale is still high.

First Day of Chemo

Today was the first of three chemo treatments. Will return in three weeks, but there are some followups each week. See the doctor and received IVs at least twice each week, plus blood tests to makes sure blood cells are holding up. Today took about 5 hours because they give you a 1 liter IV to get hydrated, then some anti-naseau medicine, then the chemo, then another IV. Hydration is the key to staying healthy on this stuff.

After that, I went for my 3rd Radiation treatment. The "Mask" put a little hurt on me because I keep failing to get it fitted perfectly before they strap it down. Will keep trying to get that right.

Talk about a humbling experience, there were two 70-80 year old frail ladies in the chemo room today. One is on her third time, 1998, 2002, and 2007-08. Her comment to me was "piece of cake." So how you gonna whine now Big Sarge? The "Mask" ain't diddle, so suck it up.

First Radiation Treatment

Had the first of at least 30 Radiation Treatments today. Took about 20 minutes. The mask was a little tight around the right eyebrow, but other than that, no problems. Later tonight I noticed some pain in my left jaw, so either the mask was pulling me and I didn't notice, or the radiation had immediate effect instead of the "couple of weeks" I thought it would take. We'll see tomorrow.

Have a checklist to follow so I don't forget to do one of the many tasks required. They include:

Floride Treatment - 30 minutes
Rinse with Peridex
Take Vitamins
Take Cummadin Pill Everynight
Drink lots of water

Block Check - Sucks

Today was a new adventure. The "Mask" they made for me last week in order to keep my head/neck immobilized was supposed to be form fitted to my face and shoulder. The material is a semi-soft plastic, so you can barely move your eyelids, much less anything elst. It is then bolted to the bed of a CT Scan type machine where they will zap me everyday, 5 days a week.

Today was the "block check" which means they bolt you down then take a bunch of film, I assume CT Scan pictures so that the doctor can precisely aim the device when the treatments start.

For some reason, my head didn't fit exactly into the form made specifically for me, so I laid there with a wrinkle or something on the back of my head being squeezed into the "mask," or more appropriately called by me now, the torture device. Hurt like hell. What I thought would be an hour ordeal, turned into almost two hours. That really, really sucked.

The picture above is not me. I pulled this off the internet so you could see what the mask looks like. Mine of course is perfectly fitted to my face..............

Peg and Port Inserted

Photo of peg (feeding tube in stomach) and port for administering the chemo.

Peg and Port Day

Had the feeding tube and port for administering the Chemo put in by the surgeons yesterday.  The port feels like a good frog to the chest, the feeding tube feels like doing a 1,000 situps after not doing any for 20 years.  Pretty sore.  Don't want to laugh.

Target Date Set

Yesterday, I went to Cancer Center and was fitted with a mask that will hold my head perfectly still during the radiation treatment. Target date for beginning radiation and chemo is December 26, 2007. Will be fitted with peg and port next week.

Worked out hard yesterday. Today is graduation for daughter. Great day.

Long Day Yesterday

Had a good day, but was pretty sore in my shoulder blade region on left side.  Still haven't gained full use of my shoulder after surgery because of stretched nerve running down to my arm.  Can only lift about 1/3 of the way up straight out, very stiff even with help.  Must continue to work it out.  Am taking a day off from bowflex due to soreness.  Am starting to stretch neck more.  Lot of scar tissue to break apart.

Radiation Treatment Consult

Met with the Radiation Center doctor today and got the details on the treatment. I will last 6 weeks, the chemo will run parallel with the treatment for the same period, not 6 months like I thought (good news). The chemo will be low dosage so not as bad as most people have it.

The radiation is going to hurt, image second degree burns inside your throat that will be blistered, so a feeding tube will be inserted up front so I can get the calories down and stay healthy.

Recovery runs another month but has some long term effects on teeth and taste. No saliva glands will survive on my left side, so I will be carrying a water bottle everywhere for life and have to do a lot of extra maintenance on my teeth, flouride bath everynight, clean more often since the saliva won't wash it like normal. Chances of killing any lingering cancer is excellent using this treatment, so I'm pumped up.

Have started working out again on the bowflex which is a big deal for me. Took a long walk this morning after working back and biceps. Lighter weight, but doing same amount of reps as before surgery. Continuing to take multiple vitamins, goji juice, B-12 and protein shake. Want to get as hard as possible before the rad/chemo starts.

Goal everyday is to workout, walk, and punch Bob in the face.

Good Days

Had two good days in a row, getting back to normal. Left Arm is still partially bad due to stretching of nerve during surgery, but am walking on the treadmill. Did 25 minutes this morning. Friday get to hit the bowflex finally and start getting rest of body in shape.

Getting In Shape

Starting the road to recovery from surgery. Walked at least 20 minutes on the treadmill today and yesterday. Eating well, taking vitamins and goji juice to build immune system. Putting some weight back on from 20 pound loss after surgery and week with sore tonsils.

Scar is healing nicely and will be invisible when the swelling goes down. Getting lots of support from old buddies who heard about the cancer, all positive and will help down the road.

Appointments set for chemo and radiation doctors within the next 10 days so I'll have the details on how this will work and a schedule which is the biggest uncertainty right now. Chemo may be six months, so might not have enough leave to cover, but luckily the boss is hooking me up to work at home when I can.

Setting daily goals:
Must walk everyday regardless of pain/fatigue. Plenty of rest afterwards
Force food/liquids no matter what to keep up strength.
Try to lift weights everyday, no matter how many reps or size of weight. Just the act will help.
Shoot for 100 punches on Bob everyday. He must be hit everyday no matter what because Bob will represent the cancer, so kicking his butt represents kicking cancer's butt.

Daily Update 11/28/2007

Felt good all day. Little tireness in my left shoulder/arm from the nerve being stretched during surgery. Will recover in a couple of months according to the doctor.

Doc called today and said I'll be doing chemo and radiation. Whahooo. A "twofer" one deal. Am scheduled to see HEM/ONC Clinic on December 11th at 1100.

The Good Stuff

Okay, here's the deal. Doc took out 32 lymph nodes and both tonsils. The tonsils were the worst causing a lot of pain for about a week afterwards some unexpected bleeding on day 10 in which I stupidly called 9-1-1 and wasted their time because I thought I was bleeding to death for about 10 minutes, but then it stopped. Pathologist's test indicate the only Lymph Node that was positive for cancer was "Elroy." I hate that guy. Anyway, now I have to start doing Radiation Therapy soon. That is supposed to hurt my throat worse than the operation. Man this is gonna suck!

No workouts for 21 days after surgery. Then we'll see if I can hang during the Radiation Therapy. Gonna be a challenge, but I'm up for it.

The Scar 2 Weeks Later

The Scar

The Godfather ?

Four Days from Surgery

Feeling great. Did back and biceps for workout.

Oatmeal for Breakfast
Goji Juice

Had chicken for lunch.

Cooking a turkey breast for dinner.

Very boring day, but got a lot done on the book.

Getting in Shape

This weekend we bought a Bowflex. This morning was the first day of working out on the bowflex.

Bench Press
Tricep Pulldowns

Long walk afterwards.

Breakfast
Goji Juice
Oatmeal

Feel good, lot of energy.

Elroy "The Lump" Chump-Before

Elroy "The Lump" Chump

Two months ago I found a lump on the left side of my neck just below the jawbone. I went to the doctor to have it checked out, and after a series of blood tests and a CT Scan, plus taking a sample of the cells inside, the docs want to cut it out. Sounds like a plan. This journal is my way of keeping track of what happens.

I have decided to name the lump Elroy and have every intention of kicking Elroy's fourth point of contact! (For Non-Paratroopers, that's his gluteus maximus).