Hello all
There has been a little news since last week’s post. Two significant events have transpired over the last few weeks: 1) my double vision has continually improved to where I think I’m back to normal and 2) the phantom pains in Short Round have diminished to pretty much nil too. Now that the double vision has subsided (it lasted for about six weeks), I am fully realizing the impact that it was having on my daily routine. I couldn’t focus on conversations with people without thinking about which head I was seeing. It affected my balance too and I couldn’t scoot around the house on crutches very easily. When my oncologist realized how bad it was, she ordered an MRI of my brain to ensure that particular organ was clear of any tumors (synovial sarcomas rarely spread to the brain). Many of you know my feelings on MRIs – can’t get enough of ‘em!!! This one was scheduled for Friday, January 11th…at 6:30 AM! So we took the boys in, scanned my brain, had breakfast, dropped Ben back at school and enjoyed the rest of our day. The doctor called that Friday night to tell us that my brain was clear of any tumors (whoo hoo!), but that a tumor was found on part of my skull bone, near some optic nerve bundles. She said the tumor itself was not concerning, but that it could be pressing on the nerves and ultimately causing the double vision. Unfortunately, like most of them so far, the MRI was not complete enough to make that determination. It was like someone had taken a family photo, but had cut off Grandad on the side! What then? Another brain MRI! This one was scheduled for last Friday (18th) at 7:00 AM. Nothing can ever be easy! But I will say that, in my limited MRI experience, brain MRIs are much more tolerable than leg ones. My head was the only part of my body inside the machine, and just mentally knowing I could move my legs if needed was enough to keep me still for an hour. I do feel for folks who are claustrophobic though. Not a pleasant experience.
Throughout all this, as I mentioned, my vision improved drastically. I believe it was the chemo working and reducing the skull tumor, which is positive news. My doctor called us today with the results of the second MRI and once I informed her how drastically my vision improved, she agreed with me. The second MRI showed the skull tumor near the nerves, but they were not pressing on them. The next steps for the vision problems are to just monitor and if it gets worse, radiation is a possibility. Luckily, she said that radiation treatment to this part of the skull is pretty routine. I’m just glad now I can see that I have two children instead of four.
She also told us that if my lung lesions have stabilized or shrunk based on the results of my next CT scan (January 26th), we will have at least 2 more chemo rounds. That’s good news too. It’s aggressive and now that my vision is improved and Short Round is cooperating, chemo shouldn’t be too bad now. We know what to expect and it gives us a good timeline for the next couple of months. If for some reason, the tumors have grown (which based on my improving symptoms over the past couple of months, I don’t think has occurred; but I don’t want to jinx anything by keeping it a secret!), we will discuss other treatments.
Having the chemo treatments over the holidays, winter weather, and just giving my leg time to heal has really given me a case of cabin fever. So the last week, given how good I’ve been feeling after the last chemo round, Jenn and I have gotten out of the house on a couple of occasions. We had lunch last week at Red Robin and I thoroughly enjoyed their Burnin’ Love burger, which surprisingly lit my tongue on fire! And yesterday we had lunch with my lab at Mellow Mushroom. Chemo and lying around waiting for an amputation to heal has made me really appreciate eating good food more and more. I’m always hungry lately (probably because of the steroids I’m on; watch out Lance!) and most foods that were once just okay, now seem to come alive in my mouth and do a dance of delight! I’ve never been interested in food television shows, but I can’t seem to get enough of Diners, Drive-In’s, and Dives lately. I want to eat everything on that show! We also did some shopping at Sam’s Club with Jack and, yes, I rode in the old people’s handicap cart! It was fun. It goes surprisingly fast and has a turn radius that puts any performance car to shame. It’s been really good to get back into the world after a couple of months away – something that I will appreciate just a little more now.
As always, thanks for reading. I realize the posts are getting less and less medically dramatic, which is good for us! Hopefully, we will continue this path and I can write more about eating and prosthetics!
Hunter
It's Not a Sprint 
Yippee! So glad to hear that you’re feeling so much better. Keep up the good work! Can’t wait to hear more about your bionic leg. Short Round won’t have to be lonely any more!
Love ya!
Can’t wait to see you guys sooner rather than later!
I’m so glad to hear your vision and leg are feeling better. What a “treat” to have 4 children instead of 2. I hope you weren’t making Jenn cook for those 2 extra boys. You continue to remain in our prayers.
Thanks Rita! She didn’t have to cook for them luckily, although I sometimes wondered why I got two plates instead of one….
Glad you’re getting out more.Sounds like you needed it. I have to say you are the first chemo patient I know who’s glued to “Diners and Dives.” Hahahahaha. Even I felt cabin fever with the gray weather, and I’m not battling a chronic disease, so good for you for not getting too depressed. Onward and upward.
Yeah Maura, it’s got me hooked! I must say the gray weather pales in comparison to some of my friends up north!! Single digits in some places. Ouch!
Hunter,
Glad you are feeling better and enjoying that quality food at Red Robin. A dieters dream. Things here are going well – into a new semester. Lab 2 tomorrow on the Rate Law. Think of you often and love your posts. Keep encouraging TIm to go to AI and before long you two will once again own GCOPS. He he he!!!
God Bless
Joe
Thanks Sir! Tim and I are secretly plotting our overthrow of GCOPS. Without giving too much away, it involves equilibrium and combustion analysis. I’m hoping it will work this time.
Hi Hunter. Very glad to hear the double vision has subsided and the phantom pain in short round is pretty much gone. I can’t wait to see the prosthetic leg. You know Ben is going to think you are the coolest Dad around because you will have a high tech, sci-fi, robotic leg!
So did you pin the old man in the other cart against the wall in turn 4 at Sams Club! You know, I have to admit that I have always wanted to drive one of those carts to see how they handle.
Hunter, you continue to be an inspiration to all of us. My family asks about you often and everyone at the wedding who met you now knows your situation and believe me , their thoughts and prayers are with you too.
Can’t wait to see you guys again, hopefully soon.
Jimmy
Hey Jimmy! I have to say that I don’t think I’m qualified to drive that cart, but no one at Sam’s really asked for my license! I’ll have to come down there and watch a race to see how it’s done!
Hi Hunter…..glad to hear that your double vision is improving. Keith’s mom is out of hospital. Test come back good/normal. my lab after chemo came back good….no hospital stay for me this round. 🙂 hopefully will see you and Jenn next week. Stay strong.
Hey Denise! Glad to hear about Keith’s mom. I think we will probably see you this week. And awesome about your labs!
Hunter, I’m so glad to hear that you are getting some good news for a change. It must feel good to have a little more activity in your world again. I hope your next MRI is good news and that you continue to be able to do more!
Hailey A. Clancy LTC, LG D/C&LS, x3801 Bartlett Hall room 407
Good news..glad to read it!
Thanks Sir. Glad to see you on here!
Hi Hunter and family,
So glad to hear that the double vision and phantom pain have gotten better and that you are enjoying the taste of some good food. I too enjoy watching Guy on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. When we went to visit our daughter Shannon, in Boca Raton for Christmas, we ate at the The Whale’s Rib which was one of his stops. Photos of him are up on the wall. It was great seafood and we will definitely go again when we visit her in March.
Second term is underway. We are dealing with sequestration hanging over our heads and have received lots of really bad scenarios on how we may deal with the budget mess. Civilians will probably start monthly furlough days soon. If it saves someone’s job I am in favor.
Super cold her (7 degrees this morning). Not really sure why we are living here when we could be in Florida!
The best to you and the family. You are often in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care.
Sharon
Yikes on the 7 degrees and the sequestration. I didn’t realize it was still in effect? Or it is just the possibilities? As always, thanks for the thoughts and prayers! Can’t wait to see you guys again.
Less medically dramatic – Woo Hoo!
Glad you’ve gotten out and about.
MRIs are claustraphobic. I try to breath easily and concentrate on commercial cod fishing off the NJ coast.
Always god to hear what’s going on for you. Keep the faith.
Blessings, Fred
Thanks Fred! I finally know how you felt in those damn machines. I’ll keep the cod fishing in mind for the next one!
We contimue to look forward to reading your blog and want you to know that we care deeply. Your strength and outlook with humor thrown in is incredible and has helped you to get this far without falling to pieces. Although I know you must have your moments. Keep bonding close to your son’s, that is so beautiful.I wish that i lived closer so that I could offer a hand. Know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.We had minus 8 this morning.Same tonight.We enjoy our fireplace.
Keep ejoying the good food
Jean and Ken Driskell
Thanks Jean! Ouch on the -8! And no kidding on the family bonding. I have both boys right next to me right now typing this.
whoo-hoo…PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!
Hello Hunter,
I was informed of your cancer a week ago today. I am in total shock and disbelief that this could happen to such a wonderful person. have thought of you so much! My heart is so heavy. I have been praying for you, Jenn and your darling boys. I will always remember your super personality during my short time in the front office at DTRA with you. You were so kind and extremely helpful to me in all regards. I had such a good time at your ceremony and the cookout at the shelter! Please know that I am pulling for you in all regards. Thank you for your blog! May God’s grace and ever-lasting peace be with you and your family as you go through this most difficult time.
Love and Prayers,
Teresa Reed
Thanks Teresa! Great to see you on here! Please keep the thoughts and prayers coming. I believe they are helping on all the fronts!
When Jenn and I chatted last Sunday, she gave us the good news that you have now shared in your blog. So wonderful to hear you were able to share some time “outside the cabin” with your family. Hearing her voice, though, just made us want to be there. We ditto all those who have commented on your strength and humor. And we also ditto those who have sent their love and prayers. Just reading the responses must be so uplifting for you and Jenn. So many folks here are following your blog, or will ask us about you. You have become an inspiration to many. Good luck with the CT scan today. Love you all and miss you. And as Jimmy said, hopefully will see you soon.
Love Ya!
Gail and Bob
The responses are extremely uplifting and we constantly monitor them. Thanks for the good luck wishes on the CT scan. It lasted all of 5 minutes, but I was putting out no tumor vibes the whole time!
Hi Hunter,
It is great to read this good news. I keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Keep going this way and I will see you soon in lab!
Best,
Paula
Got home late last night and didn’t feel like running…tired and felt like crap. It was cold and dark out so I hit the treadmill…starting thinking about what you are going through and feeling fortunate to have the ability to still run…completed my four miles. Can’t wait to see you run your first race with the prosthetic.
Thinking about you brother. Your positive attitude continues to se the example for the rest of us.