Hello all
I wanted to update the blog prior to the next round of chemo. I am feeling much better after the last post. I am on the upswing of the last round, and more importantly, my phantom leg pains are significantly diminishing. Not to put a jinx on anything, but I think I’m on the downslope for those. Going through the next round of chemo without having to deal with the leg pain would be very nice indeed. Jenn mentioned in one update that I have had double vision problems which I’m still dealing with at the moment. That has persisted for at least 3 weeks and has been very tiresome to say the least. Originally, compared to the other issues we’ve been against, a small amount of double vision seemed insignificant. But when it did not go away, I realized how much it was affecting – my balance for the most part. I have been puttering around the house on my walker/hopper for the last month, but would have been able to use my crutches (much faster and quieter!) had I had a good sense of balance. I also cannot focus when I speak to anyone, which makes traditional conversation difficult. Ask anyone who I’ve spoken to in the last month – I’m pretty much crossed eyed! This is what Jenn thinks she sees when we talk:
My docs are adjusting some of my meds that may be contributing. Just another example of how cancer attempts to needle with the “small” stuff while battling the big.
After chemo rounds, there are a few days when low white blood cell counts do not allow for much human contact or closeness due to risk of infection. Our bedroom is pretty much isolated from the rest of the house and we have a “biohazard” line that the kids can’t cross! I feel like the bubble boy on Seinfeld. It’s pretty much lay in bed all day, feeling sorry for myself being waited on hand and foot (ha ha) by Jenn. Once I start feeling better though, I can reconnect with my family and be a dad. Such was the case this morning. Jenn was resting (much needed lately for her!) and Jack needed a diaper change, which I hadn’t done since the biopsy in October. I was able to successfully change him without Jenn having to get up from her nap. I realized that I actually missed changing him which I never thought I would. Ask me again tomorrow and I may have a different answer!
At home, things have been quiet. My family left last Saturday after helping out over the holidays. Ben went back to school this week and related to the above story, Jack has been successfully potty training (whoo hoo)! With my vision problems, he’s better at hitting his target than me! Next week is another long one though. Having cancer is like a full time job. Monday morning starts with a physical therapy appointment, and then in the afternoon, we see the prosthetist who will hopefully assess Short Round for a socket fitting. Tuesday through Thursday is the same chemo schedule as in December – 6 to 8 hour infusions each day. While not looking forward to it, at least we know what unpleasantness to expect this time around! Not sure what happens after this round – I think we’ll do another CT scan 3 weeks after to determine effectiveness, but my doc may decide on another round.
Overall, not just now, I feel good. The chemo knocks me down, but (again not to jinx anything) I feel like it is working and that keeps me going. And, while not always successful, I try to keep in mind what many cancer patients have been through before me, significantly more rounds of chemo, surgery and then radiation to boot; I feel like I don’t have a leg to stand on (ha ha, again!). My symptoms seem to be diminishing. My lungs feel good and I haven’t had any more issues with my right leg. I’m hopeful that the treatments are working and we can either continue them, or finish this for a while. Once I’m more mobile (read, new leg!) I’m anxious to get back into the lab and get back to work. I miss being around science and working on my research. I miss thinking about how my data is contributing to the bigger picture.
I hope everyone had a good rest of their holiday and is enjoying their new year.
Hunter
It's Not a Sprint 
I have a dear friend back in NY, a retired RN and worked in the hospital around cancer patients. She told me quite a few years ago, that when a patient gets quite ill from treatments and have a hard time, it seemed to her those patients had much better outcomes with putting their cancer in remission and even sometimes cures. So I guess I’m just telling you that I really liked hearing your thought, that the chemo was working. After all, the best things in life aren’t easy, right? I bet you’re saying, “Easy for her to say!” I am just pulling really hard for your family and you.
Thanks Sharon. I still feel it’s working. A lot of my symptoms seem to be diminishing.
“whoo hoo” to you. Double vision and effects from your meds…………. now you know what you’ve been missing by not drinking. What fun, huh? NOT. !!!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU GUYS. Steele and I have you in our prayers every night. Oh, and Thank you, for helping me get my computer skills caught up to current times. Almost as fun as drinking…..haha…….(NOT). This is more fun.
“Sierra Hotel” keep up the great work…even I miss diaper changing! Reading, praying and supporting you and your family…and a belated Happy New Year!
Back into the lab but with a touch of double vision. Osheroff loses his radiation license.
I’d imagine you’re anxious to get back. Doing very little research anymore, I miss it (I feel like it’s what I was supposed to do). But when you burn out on it or your experiments fail for months on end, it can be a real struggle. But it’ll be nice to get back to that being the only struggle you need to deal with.
Hunter,
In spite of the difficulties you face, you always bounce back to the positive–good for you! A positive attitude can really have a meaningful impact on your physical well-being as you go through treatments and recovery. Keep up the great work–we’re all pulling for you!
Chris