Because of the chemicals and medications used in chemo therapy lots of times foods taste different. Sometimes you'll enjoy foods you've never liked before, and other times your favorite foods take on new, very unappetizing flavors. So besides feeling sick, tired, and all the other assortments of side effects, chemo patients can have a hard time eating because of those changes.
Well, this week Mark discovered he likes butter again! It used to be a staple at the dinner table (to smear on a dinner roll, or homemade piece of bread), but it hasn't tasted right to him for a long time. This week he said he had a piece of toast with butter and jam and it was one of the best experiences to have it taste how he thought it should taste!
Thankful for little miracles this week :)
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
surgery scheduled
The surgery in Seattle to reconnect everything and take away the colostomy bag is scheduled for the morning of October 29 (saturday).
Monday, August 22, 2011
It's Official!!!!
Mark is having his last chemo infusion right now. Just called to say he spoke with the oncology Dr. and his CT scan from Friday looks great, no signs of cancer at all. As of right now he's officially considered "in remission" (they don't use the 'cured' word or 'cancer free' until he's been in remission for several years).
In 3 months (so around the end of November) he's scheduled to visit with the oncology dr. again to see how he's feeling, how he's healing/recovering from the chemo, and do some blood work. 6 months from now (end of February) he needs to have another CT scan done, and this time next year he'll have another colonoscopy to confirm no return of cancer.
Now if we could get the surgery scheduled to see if his colon and all the muscles are ready to function normally again.....
We're planning a small family "no more chemo" party for Mark on the 3rd of September. Definately something to celebrate!
In 3 months (so around the end of November) he's scheduled to visit with the oncology dr. again to see how he's feeling, how he's healing/recovering from the chemo, and do some blood work. 6 months from now (end of February) he needs to have another CT scan done, and this time next year he'll have another colonoscopy to confirm no return of cancer.
Now if we could get the surgery scheduled to see if his colon and all the muscles are ready to function normally again.....
We're planning a small family "no more chemo" party for Mark on the 3rd of September. Definately something to celebrate!
Monday, August 8, 2011
T minus 16 days and counting...
...until the end of Mark's chemo therapy!!!!!
Today was Mark's 2nd to last chemo infusion. He goes back on the 10th to get his chemo pump removed. On Friday the 19th he'll get a CT scan of abdomen to check for signs of tumors or cancers. Then on the 22nd it's officially his last chemo infusion. I asked the dr. today how his blood counts were and if he forsaw maybe an issue with them that he would need to suspend his treatment for longer. He said "no, his blood levels are great, everything should go exactly as scheduled". He'll go home that monday with his chemo pump, as usual, and return on the 24th to have it removed.
Other good news: the dr. told him he can also go ahead and schedule the surgery with the University of Washington to reconnect all the 'plumbing' and get him back on that road of recovery. Mark's not too excited about another surgery, but definately excited to be this close to finished with chemo.
Other information we learned: the Dr. recommends that his port (the thing in his chest just below the skin that allows the nurses to 'plug' a special needle into it to infuse the chemo drugs) stay in for probably 12 months. He'll likely need to return reguarly for CT scans of his midsection. Probably every 3 months for a year, and then every 6 months for several years.
Today was Mark's 2nd to last chemo infusion. He goes back on the 10th to get his chemo pump removed. On Friday the 19th he'll get a CT scan of abdomen to check for signs of tumors or cancers. Then on the 22nd it's officially his last chemo infusion. I asked the dr. today how his blood counts were and if he forsaw maybe an issue with them that he would need to suspend his treatment for longer. He said "no, his blood levels are great, everything should go exactly as scheduled". He'll go home that monday with his chemo pump, as usual, and return on the 24th to have it removed.
Other good news: the dr. told him he can also go ahead and schedule the surgery with the University of Washington to reconnect all the 'plumbing' and get him back on that road of recovery. Mark's not too excited about another surgery, but definately excited to be this close to finished with chemo.
Other information we learned: the Dr. recommends that his port (the thing in his chest just below the skin that allows the nurses to 'plug' a special needle into it to infuse the chemo drugs) stay in for probably 12 months. He'll likely need to return reguarly for CT scans of his midsection. Probably every 3 months for a year, and then every 6 months for several years.
Friday, July 8, 2011
...and again...
Tuesday should have been Mark's 4th to last treatment, but after a blood test they decided his blood counts were not where they should be. He was rescheduled to come back on Tuesday, July 12. They'll do the blood test again and decide from there if they'll go ahead with the chemo infusion or hold off again.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
postponed, again....
Mark went in for his chemo treatment monday and after a blood test they decided to wait a week before doing any more chemo. Not only was his white blood cell count down, but his plattlet count was down too.
He'll go back for his chemo treatment on Monday, but they'll do a blood test again before the Dr. gives the go ahead for the chemo infusion.
He'll go back for his chemo treatment on Monday, but they'll do a blood test again before the Dr. gives the go ahead for the chemo infusion.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
HALF WAY THERE!!!
Yesterday marked the halfway point in this round of chemo. YAY! We say it's time to celebrate! We started this on Monday, February 28th. By my count that's 7 chemo infusions (every other Monday). If there are no more postponed infusions that puts the last infusion date somewhere around August 22. Mark has felt worse the last 2 or 3 weeks than any other time during this whole cancer treatment. He is slowing down a lot, but we (Mark and his family) are SO thankful for all the help offered by friends, family, and everyone in general.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Everything looks good
Cat scan showed no abnormalities at all. The Dr. said that Mark maybe had a virus and it ran it's course, or maybe a bacterial infection that the antibiotics knocked out, or most likely: nothing was wrong and the lung x-ray he had just looked abnormal because his lungs are abnormal (because of the sarchoidosis).
The oncology Dr. looked at the Cat scan to see if he could see any cancer spots (didn't really expect him to do that, made Mark a little nervouse that he would even be looking), but found no signs of cancer there. Always good news. The rest of the day was a normal chemo day.
The oncology Dr. looked at the Cat scan to see if he could see any cancer spots (didn't really expect him to do that, made Mark a little nervouse that he would even be looking), but found no signs of cancer there. Always good news. The rest of the day was a normal chemo day.
Friday, May 13, 2011
New developments this week...
One of Mark's doctors thinks that he may be developing pneumonia, so he started out this week with some heavy antibiotics. He had a cat scan done yesterday, and then he'll visit with the pulmonary dr. monday morning to see the findings of the scan. Then off to get his blood drawn, analyzed, talk to the oncology Dr., and most likely, get his chemo infusion and pump hook up to take home.
We'll keep you updated as we find out more.
We'll keep you updated as we find out more.
Monday, May 2, 2011
infusion rescheduled
Mark usually goes in for a chemo drug infusion every other week. Last Monday (April 25th) was his scheduled infusion date, BUT after having his blood drawn and meeting with his Dr. they decided to reschedule. His white blood cell count was down, he was feeling pretty weak, and over all just didn't feel great. They decided to reschedule his appointment for today.
He finished up earlier than normal (usually his infusion is done between 4 and 5; today it was done at 2:00) because he didn't have to meet with the Dr. or get his blood drawn. He was 'plugged in' to his fanny pack chemo drug pump and will return on Wednesday to 'un-plug'. Then things should continue in the every other week fashion, so his next chemo infusion will be May 16th.
Thank you to all who call and write to stay in touch. We all really appreciate your love and prayers!
He finished up earlier than normal (usually his infusion is done between 4 and 5; today it was done at 2:00) because he didn't have to meet with the Dr. or get his blood drawn. He was 'plugged in' to his fanny pack chemo drug pump and will return on Wednesday to 'un-plug'. Then things should continue in the every other week fashion, so his next chemo infusion will be May 16th.
Thank you to all who call and write to stay in touch. We all really appreciate your love and prayers!
Monday, February 28, 2011
A day in the life.....
First of all, an update on the visit with the orthopedic Dr.: No surgery right now. He thought it was more important to tackle the chemo and beat the cancer and get healthy that way and not do the shoulder surgery until after chemo is finished. BUT he did give him another cortisone shot, and prescribed physical therapy.
Mark had a loooooooong day today! At 7:30 am he was at the physical therapist. That lasted until about 9:00. His shoulder felt REALLY good afterward (for about an hour). Then Kristi picked him up and drove him to Wenatchee for his 10:30 appointment time. He checked in at 10:30, the waiting room was the fullest he'd ever seen it! There was a little bit of a wait, and then they called him back and drew his blood and sent it to the lab for testing (blood cell counts, anti-bodies, checking all that good stuff). Then back to the waiting room. It was just before 12:00 and he was called back to visit with the oncology doctor. All his blood results looked good so he decided to start chemo today. Back to the waiting room for a pain pill and turkey sandwich from the bistro downstairs. Then there was a long wait until they were ready for his chemo treatment. About 12:30 they got him a chair (a nice reclining one) in the chemo room and got him set up with a blanket and cranberry juice.
First they hooked him up to sugar water and some anti-nausea medicine (they wanted the anti-nausea meds in him before they put the chemo drugs in him). They let that start for about an hour and then they hooked up the chemo drugs. Then it was all waiting for the medicine to slowly drip into his system. He did get a chance to watch a few episodes of some TV shows from Kristi's Ipod, and catch a nap or two. ;) at 4:30 they started to flush his port (makes sure all the medicine is in his system and cleans the port so there's less chance of infection) and gave him 'dishcharge' papers with instructions on how and when to take 2 new prescriptions (both for anti-nausea). He was able to leave at 4:45 (so that makes it a total of more than 6 hours at the doctor's office today).
Then to Costco to pick up the prescriptions, and finally home. He took one of his anti-nausea pills right away (he wasn't feeling very well). Mark got home around 6:30 this evening and was excited for his tomato soup and grilled cheese dinner.
One of the interesting side effects of this round of chemo drugs (that he didn't experience with the first round) is that it makes him very sensitive to cold. They advised him to wear gloves if he needed to get anything out of the freezer, and to cover his mouth with a bandanna or scarf if he was walking outside in freezing temperatures. He's not to eat or drink anything colder than room temperature for the first 3-5 days after this chemo treatment either. The sudden shock to his throat could cause muscle spasms. He did mention that just walking from the doctor's office to car the cold air made his hands and tongue feel weird and tingly.
Mark had a loooooooong day today! At 7:30 am he was at the physical therapist. That lasted until about 9:00. His shoulder felt REALLY good afterward (for about an hour). Then Kristi picked him up and drove him to Wenatchee for his 10:30 appointment time. He checked in at 10:30, the waiting room was the fullest he'd ever seen it! There was a little bit of a wait, and then they called him back and drew his blood and sent it to the lab for testing (blood cell counts, anti-bodies, checking all that good stuff). Then back to the waiting room. It was just before 12:00 and he was called back to visit with the oncology doctor. All his blood results looked good so he decided to start chemo today. Back to the waiting room for a pain pill and turkey sandwich from the bistro downstairs. Then there was a long wait until they were ready for his chemo treatment. About 12:30 they got him a chair (a nice reclining one) in the chemo room and got him set up with a blanket and cranberry juice.
First they hooked him up to sugar water and some anti-nausea medicine (they wanted the anti-nausea meds in him before they put the chemo drugs in him). They let that start for about an hour and then they hooked up the chemo drugs. Then it was all waiting for the medicine to slowly drip into his system. He did get a chance to watch a few episodes of some TV shows from Kristi's Ipod, and catch a nap or two. ;) at 4:30 they started to flush his port (makes sure all the medicine is in his system and cleans the port so there's less chance of infection) and gave him 'dishcharge' papers with instructions on how and when to take 2 new prescriptions (both for anti-nausea). He was able to leave at 4:45 (so that makes it a total of more than 6 hours at the doctor's office today).
Then to Costco to pick up the prescriptions, and finally home. He took one of his anti-nausea pills right away (he wasn't feeling very well). Mark got home around 6:30 this evening and was excited for his tomato soup and grilled cheese dinner.
One of the interesting side effects of this round of chemo drugs (that he didn't experience with the first round) is that it makes him very sensitive to cold. They advised him to wear gloves if he needed to get anything out of the freezer, and to cover his mouth with a bandanna or scarf if he was walking outside in freezing temperatures. He's not to eat or drink anything colder than room temperature for the first 3-5 days after this chemo treatment either. The sudden shock to his throat could cause muscle spasms. He did mention that just walking from the doctor's office to car the cold air made his hands and tongue feel weird and tingly.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Round 2
Visited with the chemo doctor yesterday. The 28th is the day round 2 of chemo is set to start. In the mean time.....visit with the orthopedic doctor will be wednesday to see if surgery is in the near future to fix Mark's shoulder injury.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Home!
Mark was checked out of the hospital on Tuesday, but he stayed in the Seattle area until this morning. Late yesterday afternoon he had his staples removed and told he was good to go.
Doctors tell him that he'll be ok'd to start his second round of chemotherapy around the 25th of February.
Pathology reports from tissues removed show no other cancer cells. However, they removed 22 lymph nodes; all were 'clean' except for 2 that showed signs of cancer. This just confirms the importance of the second round of chemo.
Doctors tell him that he'll be ok'd to start his second round of chemotherapy around the 25th of February.
Pathology reports from tissues removed show no other cancer cells. However, they removed 22 lymph nodes; all were 'clean' except for 2 that showed signs of cancer. This just confirms the importance of the second round of chemo.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday morning
Mark got to his room around 1:00 am this morning. He's doing well, awake, talking, doing just fine. His shoulder (the one that was giving him problem before) is killing him though, so they're giving him pain medication for that. Right now he has an epidural and is pretty numb from the waist down, so no pain at all from the surgery. The Dr said the goal for today is to get him up out of bed, and doesn't think they'll have any problems doing that later on.
Thank you so much for everyones thoughts, prayers, and help. We all appreciate.
Thank you so much for everyones thoughts, prayers, and help. We all appreciate.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
surgery today
We've been waiting and waiting to know a time of the surgery today. We had been told that they would call us sometime this morning with a time of the surgery. Leslie had to call the pre-op department because she still had not heard from them.
Right now the time is 5:00 pm. There is a possibility that there will be a cancellation and they can get Mark in sooner, but for now they're planning on checking into the hospital at 3:00 and surgery at 5:00.
UPDATE: Mark's out of surgery (it's about 10:00 pm PST) and in recovery now. The Dr. said the surgery was a sucess and everything went well.
Right now the time is 5:00 pm. There is a possibility that there will be a cancellation and they can get Mark in sooner, but for now they're planning on checking into the hospital at 3:00 and surgery at 5:00.
UPDATE: Mark's out of surgery (it's about 10:00 pm PST) and in recovery now. The Dr. said the surgery was a sucess and everything went well.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Happy New Year!
The surgery date has been set. Tuesday, January 18th will be the day of the surgery. Mark will go in early in the morning, so several family members will go over the night before with him and stay in some apartment like housing.
Today (the 4th) and the 5th Mark has all sorts of appointments with doctors, specialists and other various people within the workings of the University of Washington Hospital. Among them are his surgeon (pre-op talk/updates) and an urology specialist. Updates coming soon.........
Today (the 4th) and the 5th Mark has all sorts of appointments with doctors, specialists and other various people within the workings of the University of Washington Hospital. Among them are his surgeon (pre-op talk/updates) and an urology specialist. Updates coming soon.........
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