Today I will have number 36 of my 36 treatments. My last treatment will be at 1:15 PM, February 22, 2007. I am ready to get this over with and return home to a “normal” life. We will probably be packed when I go to get my treatment, and we will leave for home from the hospital.
Patsy and I have made many new friends and will miss them all. However, this chapter of our life has ended and it is time to start a new chapter and move forward.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
MP3 Player
The “Bingo Queen” strikes again!
On a lighter side, Patsy has been named the “Bingo Queen” again. Even thought she only won 2 prizes this time, she won the Grand Prize again. It was an MP3 player. Patsy said, “What do I need that for?” I told her I would figure out something to do with it! I think the other players will be glad she played her last game in Durham, NC.
On a lighter side, Patsy has been named the “Bingo Queen” again. Even thought she only won 2 prizes this time, she won the Grand Prize again. It was an MP3 player. Patsy said, “What do I need that for?” I told her I would figure out something to do with it! I think the other players will be glad she played her last game in Durham, NC.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Birthdays and Goodbyes
We returned to Durham on Monday and got ready for my 33rd treatment. I was scheduled to see my doctor today because he was going to be out of town for my last treatment on Thursday. I will have a follow-up 6-7 week visit here at Duke. Because of the medication that I am on and the radiation that I have taken, the doctor will not be able to tell what, if anything, the cancer is doing after only 2-3 months. However, there is no doubt in my mind we won this war on cancer with the radiation, diet, exercise, and prayer!
We have made many friends while staying at the Caring House, and the time has come to tell some of them goodbye. About four close friends are leaving tomorrow (Tuesday). Others are leaving Wednesday. They have been here with us for seven plus weeks, and we have become really good friends. We will miss talking and visiting with them everyday. That means some new residents will be arriving within the next couple days, and that means more new friends. It is kind of like being in the Army! We were always saying goodbye to old friends, but always enjoying the new ones. Each one always touched us in some special way.
We had a birthday party tonight for one of the residents. She received some nice gifts and very thoughtful cards. It was a very moving experience for her. We had two different cakes and several flavors of ice cream. Patsy and I ate our supper before we had the cake and ice cream. That way I would get my good lentil soup before I filled up on sweets. My weight has not gone down despite the radiation treatment. In fact, I have surprised the doctors and nurses by gaining a few pounds.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Nearing the Finish Line
Nearing the Finish Line
I completed my 30th treatment today. We had our Wednesday night supper tonight and, as usual, plenty of good food. We have about ten people leaving within the next two weeks, and Patsy and I are two of the short timers here. A lot of new people have started moving in, and it is hard to get to know all the new ones and identify their spouses.
We took a few pictures of the group tonight after supper. Not all the residents are in the pictures because some were too tired, some were too sick, and some had other plans after dinner.
I will see my radiation oncologist tomorrow. He will probably not have much to tell me except to plan to return for a follow-up visit in about six weeks. Even by then it will be too early to know what, if anything, the cancer is doing. The hormone shots suppress the PSA score and will for at least six months. I have faith that the cancer will not return!
Some contractors are installing a large generator at the Caring House. A few years ago, the Caring House was without electricity for about a week because of an ice storm. So on Sunday the electricity will be off at the Caring House for about five hours to get the electricity connected to the backup generator. Since the weather forecast calls for very cold temperatures this weekend, we will plan to travel home and return Monday. Hopefully all the “bugs” will be worked out of the generator by then. I will have only four treatments left when we return Monday!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Life and Death
Life and Death
Monday, February 12, 2007
Today was a painful day. We returned to Duke on Monday for my 28th treatment. When we got back to the Caring House here at Durham, we learned that one of the residents had passed away over the week end. It was very heartrending information for Patsy and me because we had befriended the family involved. It was time to leave for the hospital for my treatment, so we had to get on with our lives while feeling sad for the loss of one of our friends.
It is sometimes hard to believe, but life continues despite our loss. At dinner tonight about five residents were sitting around the table and eating their meals. Of these five people, four were cancer patients and the other was a spouse. Believe it or not, they were joking, laughing, eating, and keeping a positive attitude. They were finding humorous things in life to talk about and making plans for their future. All of these people will complete their treatments within the next two weeks. They cannot wait to resume their normal lives!
The Caring House has many activities planned for the residents this week. It must be because of Valentine’s Day. Monday was board game night. Tuesday, we will have movie night. I can’t wait to see what they will pick for us to watch. Will it be action, western, or romance? Wednesday will be a big Valentine supper, with all types of food. Thursday we all plan to go out to eat supper at a local restaurant; that will be about 20-30 people.
If you are thinking, why are they always talking about eating? Cancer patients must keep their strength and weight up. The radiation oncologists do not want us to lose weight because our bodies need all the strength to fight the cancer. The radiation and chemotherapy require the body to use a lot of energy to overcome the toxins that are destroying the bad cells as well as the good cells. Therefore, most people lose weight without a large caloric increase. I have maintained my weight and enjoyed doing it!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Today was a painful day. We returned to Duke on Monday for my 28th treatment. When we got back to the Caring House here at Durham, we learned that one of the residents had passed away over the week end. It was very heartrending information for Patsy and me because we had befriended the family involved. It was time to leave for the hospital for my treatment, so we had to get on with our lives while feeling sad for the loss of one of our friends.
It is sometimes hard to believe, but life continues despite our loss. At dinner tonight about five residents were sitting around the table and eating their meals. Of these five people, four were cancer patients and the other was a spouse. Believe it or not, they were joking, laughing, eating, and keeping a positive attitude. They were finding humorous things in life to talk about and making plans for their future. All of these people will complete their treatments within the next two weeks. They cannot wait to resume their normal lives!
The Caring House has many activities planned for the residents this week. It must be because of Valentine’s Day. Monday was board game night. Tuesday, we will have movie night. I can’t wait to see what they will pick for us to watch. Will it be action, western, or romance? Wednesday will be a big Valentine supper, with all types of food. Thursday we all plan to go out to eat supper at a local restaurant; that will be about 20-30 people.
If you are thinking, why are they always talking about eating? Cancer patients must keep their strength and weight up. The radiation oncologists do not want us to lose weight because our bodies need all the strength to fight the cancer. The radiation and chemotherapy require the body to use a lot of energy to overcome the toxins that are destroying the bad cells as well as the good cells. Therefore, most people lose weight without a large caloric increase. I have maintained my weight and enjoyed doing it!
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Treatment 25 today was a little longer than normal. The technicians had to perform some X-rays again today before they gave me my treatments. This was to make sure the X-ray beams were focused in the correct area. The technicians also had to remark the lines on my body so they could get me properly aligned in the mold. The lines tend to get washed off over time.
We had our Wednesday night supper tonight. Again it was a big success. We had more food than we could eat and had all types of food: turkey, chicken, mashed potatoes, beans salad, mixed vegetable salad, pork pot pie, and a bean, spinach, tomato salad and about 5 different desserts, bread and tea. It is 3 hours after the meal and I am still full, but happy.
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
"Bingo Queen"
Tuesday, Feb 6, 2007
The Bingo Queen
Today I completed my 24th treatment. That means 12 to go, unless the schedule is changed. At this time, I do not expect any changes.
My spouse was acting as a Good Samaritan today. Some people here at the Caring House are by themselves and do not have transportation to go to the store for food or, in some cases, even get picked up from the hospital. So Patsy volunteered to help the people living at the Caring House who are in need of transportation get where they need to go. She picked up a mother from the hospital today who was hospitalized to give stem cells for her 33 year old son. They are from Africa and have few friends in the US. Talking to the mother presents a problem because of the language barrier. It is very difficult to understand her. We were told the son may not have long to live because the stem cell transplant may not be working. That’s another family to add to our prayer list.
Tonight the residents played Bingo. The director of the Caring House gets 10-15 gifts for prizes for the winners. That makes the games more fun. Patsy has now been declared the “The Bingo Queen”. Tonight she won 4 games and yours truly finally won one. Patsy won the big prize also, a portable wet/dry Power Vac! If I could get her to Las Vegas, we may not have to work anymore.
Wednesday night we will have another Caring House dinner. We have a special white bean, spinach, and tomato dish that we plan to make. With all the items listed that people are planning to prepare, we will have a feast. Everyone looks forward to the Wednesday night dinners.
The Bingo Queen
Today I completed my 24th treatment. That means 12 to go, unless the schedule is changed. At this time, I do not expect any changes.
My spouse was acting as a Good Samaritan today. Some people here at the Caring House are by themselves and do not have transportation to go to the store for food or, in some cases, even get picked up from the hospital. So Patsy volunteered to help the people living at the Caring House who are in need of transportation get where they need to go. She picked up a mother from the hospital today who was hospitalized to give stem cells for her 33 year old son. They are from Africa and have few friends in the US. Talking to the mother presents a problem because of the language barrier. It is very difficult to understand her. We were told the son may not have long to live because the stem cell transplant may not be working. That’s another family to add to our prayer list.
Tonight the residents played Bingo. The director of the Caring House gets 10-15 gifts for prizes for the winners. That makes the games more fun. Patsy has now been declared the “The Bingo Queen”. Tonight she won 4 games and yours truly finally won one. Patsy won the big prize also, a portable wet/dry Power Vac! If I could get her to Las Vegas, we may not have to work anymore.
Wednesday night we will have another Caring House dinner. We have a special white bean, spinach, and tomato dish that we plan to make. With all the items listed that people are planning to prepare, we will have a feast. Everyone looks forward to the Wednesday night dinners.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Monday, February 5, 2007
Monday, February 5, 2007 – Treatment Number 23.
We arrived back at Durham, NC after lunch and in time for my 23rd treatment. The radiation treatment schedules were backed-up because they take X-rays on Monday to make sure that the beams of radiation are directed at the correct spots on the body. We had to wait about an hour before my treatment could begin.
I was scheduled to be in a 90 minute focus group discussion for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Duke Medical Center about the impact of cancer. It was scheduled to start at 6 PM, and it was located about 30 minutes from the where I was receiving treatment. Tonight, of all nights, everyone wanted to cook at the same time. I was able to “gobble” down my supper and get there before the meeting started. I hope the group of cancer patients provided the NCI with enough insight to help other patients who will have prostate cancer in the future.
We arrived back at Durham, NC after lunch and in time for my 23rd treatment. The radiation treatment schedules were backed-up because they take X-rays on Monday to make sure that the beams of radiation are directed at the correct spots on the body. We had to wait about an hour before my treatment could begin.
I was scheduled to be in a 90 minute focus group discussion for the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Duke Medical Center about the impact of cancer. It was scheduled to start at 6 PM, and it was located about 30 minutes from the where I was receiving treatment. Tonight, of all nights, everyone wanted to cook at the same time. I was able to “gobble” down my supper and get there before the meeting started. I hope the group of cancer patients provided the NCI with enough insight to help other patients who will have prostate cancer in the future.
Treatment Number 22 of 36
Friday, February 2, 2007 - Treatment Number 22 of 36
Emotions were running high and schedules did not seem to be working out to our satisfaction. It was Friday, and we wanted to get home since we were not able to go home the weekend before. I got my radiation treatment at 9:15 AM, and we were hoping to get my gamma infusion of IVIG soon after that so we could leave for home. I got the call from Duke Hospital Admissions that they would have a bed for me for outpatient infusion around noon. I just knew that I would get in and out within 3 hours. I got in the hospital room around 1 PM. At 3:30 PM they still had not started the infusion. I think they have more paperwork than schools do! Finally, the infusion was started, was over, and we departed for home at 7:30 PM. We arrived home around 10:30 PM and tired was not the word for it.
Emotions were running high and schedules did not seem to be working out to our satisfaction. It was Friday, and we wanted to get home since we were not able to go home the weekend before. I got my radiation treatment at 9:15 AM, and we were hoping to get my gamma infusion of IVIG soon after that so we could leave for home. I got the call from Duke Hospital Admissions that they would have a bed for me for outpatient infusion around noon. I just knew that I would get in and out within 3 hours. I got in the hospital room around 1 PM. At 3:30 PM they still had not started the infusion. I think they have more paperwork than schools do! Finally, the infusion was started, was over, and we departed for home at 7:30 PM. We arrived home around 10:30 PM and tired was not the word for it.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
January 31, 2007 (treatment # 20)
January 31, 2007 (treatment # 20)
Wednesday night is the night for our Community Suppers. We have had a large turn-over of residents lately, so some of the newer residents did not attend the meal. They missed a good meal and good fellowship. One new couple lives near the Loris/Myrtle Beach area, and another couple is originally from the New York area, but they now live in NC. Some people are here for only 2 weeks for treatment, and some are like me and are here for 7-8 weeks. It all depends on what type cancer they have. We have one man and his mother here from Africa. They are really nice people. He is here for a stem cell transplant. They are gathering his stem cells and then giving him chemotherapy and then replacing his stem cells. He is a pretty sick young man. We also have another person living here who is receiving stem cells, but hers are being rejected. I don’t know what the next step will be for her.
If you look around, you will usually find people who are sicker than you. Sometimes we get wrapped up in our own problems and don’t see how good we really have it. The next time you are feeling sorry for yourself, just stop and look around at other people and thank the Lord for all the blessings you have.
While I was waiting for my radiation treatment today, a man stopped by to talk to me as he was leaving the hospital. This was his last treatment; he had 41. He had his mold under his arm, of all things. That is the mold he has to be in during his treatment. It is used to help the technicians get the patient’s body lined up properly for radiation treatment. Someone in the waiting room asked him why he wanted the mold. (I have already told my wife I want my mold). He said his grandchildren will get to do a show and tell at school about his cancer. I thought that was a GREAT idea. Someone also suggested he could use it as a sled since we are scheduled to have ice and snow Thursday. He also thought using the mold as a sled was a good idea.
Wednesday night is the night for our Community Suppers. We have had a large turn-over of residents lately, so some of the newer residents did not attend the meal. They missed a good meal and good fellowship. One new couple lives near the Loris/Myrtle Beach area, and another couple is originally from the New York area, but they now live in NC. Some people are here for only 2 weeks for treatment, and some are like me and are here for 7-8 weeks. It all depends on what type cancer they have. We have one man and his mother here from Africa. They are really nice people. He is here for a stem cell transplant. They are gathering his stem cells and then giving him chemotherapy and then replacing his stem cells. He is a pretty sick young man. We also have another person living here who is receiving stem cells, but hers are being rejected. I don’t know what the next step will be for her.
If you look around, you will usually find people who are sicker than you. Sometimes we get wrapped up in our own problems and don’t see how good we really have it. The next time you are feeling sorry for yourself, just stop and look around at other people and thank the Lord for all the blessings you have.
While I was waiting for my radiation treatment today, a man stopped by to talk to me as he was leaving the hospital. This was his last treatment; he had 41. He had his mold under his arm, of all things. That is the mold he has to be in during his treatment. It is used to help the technicians get the patient’s body lined up properly for radiation treatment. Someone in the waiting room asked him why he wanted the mold. (I have already told my wife I want my mold). He said his grandchildren will get to do a show and tell at school about his cancer. I thought that was a GREAT idea. Someone also suggested he could use it as a sled since we are scheduled to have ice and snow Thursday. He also thought using the mold as a sled was a good idea.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Treatment 18. The half way point!!
Monday January, 29, 2007
Today was my half way point! I took my 18th treatment today. I scheduled an early treatment time for Friday so we can return home this weekend. There are things we need to take care of at home. The weather looks kind of “iffy” for Friday. I hope we don’t have ice and snow to prevent us from traveling back to SC. It is scheduled to be in the low 20’s here tonight and maybe snow and ice Wednesday.
I took a few pictures of the X-ray machine that is used for my treatments. One picture shows the mold that I have to stay in for the treatment. It’s hard to remain still during the treatment.
We have people coming and going all the time here at the Caring House. Some of the people we talk to here and at the hospital are very sick. The ones who have positive attitudes seem to be doing much better than the ones who do not think positively. That is one reason I have to stay positive!
THIS X-RAY MACHINE GIVES ME MY DAILY TREATMENTS.
ANOTHER PICTURE OF THE X-RAY MACHINE THAT GIVES ME MY DAILY TREATMENTS.
THIS IS THE MOLD THAT I AM IN FOR EACH TREATMENT.
Today was my half way point! I took my 18th treatment today. I scheduled an early treatment time for Friday so we can return home this weekend. There are things we need to take care of at home. The weather looks kind of “iffy” for Friday. I hope we don’t have ice and snow to prevent us from traveling back to SC. It is scheduled to be in the low 20’s here tonight and maybe snow and ice Wednesday.
I took a few pictures of the X-ray machine that is used for my treatments. One picture shows the mold that I have to stay in for the treatment. It’s hard to remain still during the treatment.
We have people coming and going all the time here at the Caring House. Some of the people we talk to here and at the hospital are very sick. The ones who have positive attitudes seem to be doing much better than the ones who do not think positively. That is one reason I have to stay positive!
THIS X-RAY MACHINE GIVES ME MY DAILY TREATMENTS.
ANOTHER PICTURE OF THE X-RAY MACHINE THAT GIVES ME MY DAILY TREATMENTS.
THIS IS THE MOLD THAT I AM IN FOR EACH TREATMENT.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 24-26 JAN, 2007
Thursday and Friday, January 25-26, 2007
Yesterday was not very exciting. I was still having rib cage pain, but it had gotten better. The X-rays showed some accumulation of fluid in the left lower lung. Even though I thought it was better, Dr. Boyd and Dr. Lee thought I should be hospitalized so I could get some IV antibiotics and get this problem cleared-up.
I was admitted late Thursday afternoon and started taking three different antibiotics by IV and one orally. An ultrasound was ordered to check for fluid in the lungs. They found some and Dr. Hargett, the pulmonary specialist, decided to aspirate and culture the sample.
Patsy left about 30 minutes before they did the procedure, and she was glad she did not have to watch. An ultrasound machine was rolled into my room, an area on my back was sterilized, and a sterilized medical blanket was placed around the area. They did deaden the area where the needle went into my back between my ribs. Dr. Hargett allowed two medical students, a nurse and his assistant in the room to observe the procedure. The doctor explained everything as he did it so the students could learn about this type procedure. I did not mind those people being in the room because I knew I was getting “cutting edge” technology. After less than 30 minutes, the procedure was over. For me, it was a “piece of cake”. The doctor withdrew about 3-4 ounces of fluid to culture. It will take a few days to get the results back. Since I was feeling good the doctor decided to release me from the hospital as long as I remained in the local area in case the culture showed something he needed to take action on. So, there went our trip back home for this week end. Maybe we will get more rest by remaining at the Caring House for weekend.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Well, the Wednesday night supper went well. Patsy was “kind of” in charge if it. These people know leadership potential when they see it! We had a large variety of food available. Patsy and I made two large pots of lentil vegetable soup. The soup was a big hit even though many of the residents had never eaten lentils. They were surprised at how good the soup was. Since we cooked two big pots, we had some left over, and the residents enjoyed it the next day. We were glad because some of the people are very ill and do not feel like cooking.
Patsy announced she may make navy bean soup for next Wednesday. I asked her if she could make some Army bean soup instead! One reason she prepares non-meat foods is so we will have some food to eat. Most residents fix items with meat, and Patsy and I no longer eat meat. I am really surprised at how unhealthy people eat. But who am I to say, I’m the one with cancer. However, I had the cancer before Patsy and I changed our diet and started eating as healthy. Our intentions are to BEAT this cancer with prayer, radiation, exercise and diet.
Yesterday was not very exciting. I was still having rib cage pain, but it had gotten better. The X-rays showed some accumulation of fluid in the left lower lung. Even though I thought it was better, Dr. Boyd and Dr. Lee thought I should be hospitalized so I could get some IV antibiotics and get this problem cleared-up.
I was admitted late Thursday afternoon and started taking three different antibiotics by IV and one orally. An ultrasound was ordered to check for fluid in the lungs. They found some and Dr. Hargett, the pulmonary specialist, decided to aspirate and culture the sample.
Patsy left about 30 minutes before they did the procedure, and she was glad she did not have to watch. An ultrasound machine was rolled into my room, an area on my back was sterilized, and a sterilized medical blanket was placed around the area. They did deaden the area where the needle went into my back between my ribs. Dr. Hargett allowed two medical students, a nurse and his assistant in the room to observe the procedure. The doctor explained everything as he did it so the students could learn about this type procedure. I did not mind those people being in the room because I knew I was getting “cutting edge” technology. After less than 30 minutes, the procedure was over. For me, it was a “piece of cake”. The doctor withdrew about 3-4 ounces of fluid to culture. It will take a few days to get the results back. Since I was feeling good the doctor decided to release me from the hospital as long as I remained in the local area in case the culture showed something he needed to take action on. So, there went our trip back home for this week end. Maybe we will get more rest by remaining at the Caring House for weekend.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Well, the Wednesday night supper went well. Patsy was “kind of” in charge if it. These people know leadership potential when they see it! We had a large variety of food available. Patsy and I made two large pots of lentil vegetable soup. The soup was a big hit even though many of the residents had never eaten lentils. They were surprised at how good the soup was. Since we cooked two big pots, we had some left over, and the residents enjoyed it the next day. We were glad because some of the people are very ill and do not feel like cooking.
Patsy announced she may make navy bean soup for next Wednesday. I asked her if she could make some Army bean soup instead! One reason she prepares non-meat foods is so we will have some food to eat. Most residents fix items with meat, and Patsy and I no longer eat meat. I am really surprised at how unhealthy people eat. But who am I to say, I’m the one with cancer. However, I had the cancer before Patsy and I changed our diet and started eating as healthy. Our intentions are to BEAT this cancer with prayer, radiation, exercise and diet.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
For Veterans
If you are a Veteran this 11 minute video is well worth your time to watch. There is no narration, so expect no talking.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2487638612433437293&q=Veterans
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2487638612433437293&q=Veterans
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
The Gourmet Cook
Tuesday, January 23, 2007 (14th treatment)
I had my treatment at 9:15 AM. I was hoping my blood work and X-ray results would be back this AM. They were not, so I will have to wait until Wednesday to get the results. I am feeling better this AM. We need to go back to the grocery store because we are almost out of some necessary items. We plan to cook soup tomorrow night for the residents! I cooked one pot of soup Saturday, so I now consider myself a gourmet cook!
I had my treatment at 9:15 AM. I was hoping my blood work and X-ray results would be back this AM. They were not, so I will have to wait until Wednesday to get the results. I am feeling better this AM. We need to go back to the grocery store because we are almost out of some necessary items. We plan to cook soup tomorrow night for the residents! I cooked one pot of soup Saturday, so I now consider myself a gourmet cook!
Treatment 13
Monday, January 22, 2007. (13th treatment)
We arrived back at the Caring House and unloaded the vehicle. Again, we hauled our “stuff”upstairs. I got my treatment at 3 PM and then saw the doctor. About a week after my pneumonia, I started having pain in my left rib cage area. The technician took a series of rib X-rays this afternoon to try to figure out what is going on. When I go for my treatment tomorrow maybe they will know what the problem is.
Tonight at the Caring House a group of 28 ladies from the Durham Jr. League, the Singing Choral, came by to sing some tunes from Broadway for us. They sing for nursing homes, hospitals, and other places that have people who could benefit from the music. Yikes, this must be considered similar to a nursing home! They were very good and we really enjoyed listening to them.
We arrived back at the Caring House and unloaded the vehicle. Again, we hauled our “stuff”upstairs. I got my treatment at 3 PM and then saw the doctor. About a week after my pneumonia, I started having pain in my left rib cage area. The technician took a series of rib X-rays this afternoon to try to figure out what is going on. When I go for my treatment tomorrow maybe they will know what the problem is.
Tonight at the Caring House a group of 28 ladies from the Durham Jr. League, the Singing Choral, came by to sing some tunes from Broadway for us. They sing for nursing homes, hospitals, and other places that have people who could benefit from the music. Yikes, this must be considered similar to a nursing home! They were very good and we really enjoyed listening to them.
Treatment 12
Friday, January 19, 2007. (12th treatment)
Well, here it is Friday and another week has come and gone. They scheduled my radiation treatment earlier than normal so we could depart before noon. We plan to go home this weekend because our son, Christopher, is coming to visit us on Saturday and Sunday. He was scheduled to give a talk to the Psychology Department at USC.
Saturday, I took on a tremendous responsibility. Patsy said it was time for me to learn to cook. She gave me a recipe and left me to swim or sink! I sailed across the water! I cooked a big pot of lentil soup. Now that was some gooood soup!
Well, here it is Friday and another week has come and gone. They scheduled my radiation treatment earlier than normal so we could depart before noon. We plan to go home this weekend because our son, Christopher, is coming to visit us on Saturday and Sunday. He was scheduled to give a talk to the Psychology Department at USC.
Saturday, I took on a tremendous responsibility. Patsy said it was time for me to learn to cook. She gave me a recipe and left me to swim or sink! I sailed across the water! I cooked a big pot of lentil soup. Now that was some gooood soup!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Snow on the ground
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Today we woke to find snow on the ground!
Snow in the prayer garden at the Caring House.Patsy went to the food store yesterday without my supervision. For breakfast this morning we had twigs, that “good for you cereal”, with a lot of protein, fiber and NO taste with chocolate soy milk. Why chocolate milk? You will have to ask Patsy that.
I am trying to get up to date with the Blog and publish it on the day it happens. I expect the rest of the day to go as normal. Whatever normal is…..
Wednesday, Jan 17, 2007
Wednesday January 17, 2007
Well, today was not just another day. It started before I got out of bed with my left side hurting like pneumonia pain. It was not extremely bad so I did not get up before normal time. At Duke they always want to know how the pain is on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most severe. I rated it a 3 this AM. It was an 8 or 9 at the emergency room last week.
I called the radiation department; like I was supposed to if I had any problems. They told me to come in at 2 PM and they would check me out. I was not running any fever this morning, but I was not running any last week in the emergency room either. Two doctors listened to my lungs and ordered an X-ray. I will get the results tomorrow when I go for treatment. They gave me Ibuprofen 800mg to take every 8 hours. That has not helped the pain yet; maybe they will have a solution for me tomorrow.
Note: blue article below is X-rated. You may not want your young children to see it!
While waiting for treatment today, Patsy and I were talking to a 90 year old woman in the waiting room. (All children, old people, and animals always find Patsy.) She had already had chemotherapy and was now having radiation. She said radiation was easy compared to Chemo. She was very upbeat and looked terrific for 90 years old. She said, “I am legally blind, have one boob, and no hair and don’t give a d--.” What a great attitude!
Tonight the residents at the Caring House had a community supper. They even had dishes Patsy and I could eat. One dish was vegetarian lasagna with 12 different organic vegetables and cheese. They had green beans, roll, broccoli salad, and other things that I could not eat. There were at least five different desserts. Patsy took a chocolate fudge cake. I did not eat one of each dessert, but 4 pieces of the chocolate cake. I must keep my weight up. I have already lost about 2 lbs. Now I have an excuse to eat anything I want!
We even had entertainment. There is a Methodist preacher here who is getting radiation, and he played numerous tunes--off key--on a fiddle. I wanted to tell him “I used to wish I could play the fiddle, but now I wished he could play it.” Patsy said that wouldn’t be nice.
I will get my radiation tomorrow again at 3:30 PM. Then on Friday it will be at 9:15 AM. We will leave for Florence after that and our son, Chris, will visit us Saturday and Sunday. He is giving talks and presentations at USC, Columbia on Thursday and Friday.
I did find out today that they plan to give me 36 treatments instead of 39. For you math teachers, I was 25 % complete on Tuesday.
So that means Thursday’s treatment number is ___? You can put your answer in the comments section.
Well, today was not just another day. It started before I got out of bed with my left side hurting like pneumonia pain. It was not extremely bad so I did not get up before normal time. At Duke they always want to know how the pain is on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the most severe. I rated it a 3 this AM. It was an 8 or 9 at the emergency room last week.
I called the radiation department; like I was supposed to if I had any problems. They told me to come in at 2 PM and they would check me out. I was not running any fever this morning, but I was not running any last week in the emergency room either. Two doctors listened to my lungs and ordered an X-ray. I will get the results tomorrow when I go for treatment. They gave me Ibuprofen 800mg to take every 8 hours. That has not helped the pain yet; maybe they will have a solution for me tomorrow.
Note: blue article below is X-rated. You may not want your young children to see it!
While waiting for treatment today, Patsy and I were talking to a 90 year old woman in the waiting room. (All children, old people, and animals always find Patsy.) She had already had chemotherapy and was now having radiation. She said radiation was easy compared to Chemo. She was very upbeat and looked terrific for 90 years old. She said, “I am legally blind, have one boob, and no hair and don’t give a d--.” What a great attitude!
Tonight the residents at the Caring House had a community supper. They even had dishes Patsy and I could eat. One dish was vegetarian lasagna with 12 different organic vegetables and cheese. They had green beans, roll, broccoli salad, and other things that I could not eat. There were at least five different desserts. Patsy took a chocolate fudge cake. I did not eat one of each dessert, but 4 pieces of the chocolate cake. I must keep my weight up. I have already lost about 2 lbs. Now I have an excuse to eat anything I want!
We even had entertainment. There is a Methodist preacher here who is getting radiation, and he played numerous tunes--off key--on a fiddle. I wanted to tell him “I used to wish I could play the fiddle, but now I wished he could play it.” Patsy said that wouldn’t be nice.
I will get my radiation tomorrow again at 3:30 PM. Then on Friday it will be at 9:15 AM. We will leave for Florence after that and our son, Chris, will visit us Saturday and Sunday. He is giving talks and presentations at USC, Columbia on Thursday and Friday.
I did find out today that they plan to give me 36 treatments instead of 39. For you math teachers, I was 25 % complete on Tuesday.
So that means Thursday’s treatment number is ___? You can put your answer in the comments section.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
January 16, 2007
I was scheduled to have my treatment later today, at 4:30 PM. That meant we would leave for Duke around noon Tuesday and not have to hurry. At 9:30 AM I went to run some errands, and knew I would have plenty of time. When I arrived back at the house (10:30 AM), Patsy met me at the door and said Duke had called and we had to be there by 2 PM because of some changes in treatment schedules. We had to finish packing and loading the vehicle and leave soon. We hurried around and left at 10:40 AM. We knew we would have no problem getting to the appointment on time if we had no delays on the road.
Things were going well until we got on I-40 around Raleigh where we came upon a long backup of traffic. We could not see what was going on, but the traffic was still moving. We knew we would get there on time if the backup did not last long. Well, as our luck goes, the backup was short. I arrived at the hospital at 1:30 PM, in plenty of time. I checked in, and they said it would be a few minutes. After about 30 minutes, I checked with them again. They said they had not forgotten me; it would be a few more minutes. After waiting for one and one-half hours, they called me back for treatment. Finally I got my radiation, and we went to the Caring House to unload our luggage and get ready for dinner.
Tonight we had homemade split green pea soup, a large mixed salad, roll, and fruit. It was delicious. (Patsy is trying hard to make sure I have nutritious meals.) After visiting with some of the residents and listening to their cancer stories, it was time to go upstairs and work on my Blog. Have a GREAT evening!
I was scheduled to have my treatment later today, at 4:30 PM. That meant we would leave for Duke around noon Tuesday and not have to hurry. At 9:30 AM I went to run some errands, and knew I would have plenty of time. When I arrived back at the house (10:30 AM), Patsy met me at the door and said Duke had called and we had to be there by 2 PM because of some changes in treatment schedules. We had to finish packing and loading the vehicle and leave soon. We hurried around and left at 10:40 AM. We knew we would have no problem getting to the appointment on time if we had no delays on the road.
Things were going well until we got on I-40 around Raleigh where we came upon a long backup of traffic. We could not see what was going on, but the traffic was still moving. We knew we would get there on time if the backup did not last long. Well, as our luck goes, the backup was short. I arrived at the hospital at 1:30 PM, in plenty of time. I checked in, and they said it would be a few minutes. After about 30 minutes, I checked with them again. They said they had not forgotten me; it would be a few more minutes. After waiting for one and one-half hours, they called me back for treatment. Finally I got my radiation, and we went to the Caring House to unload our luggage and get ready for dinner.
Tonight we had homemade split green pea soup, a large mixed salad, roll, and fruit. It was delicious. (Patsy is trying hard to make sure I have nutritious meals.) After visiting with some of the residents and listening to their cancer stories, it was time to go upstairs and work on my Blog. Have a GREAT evening!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
My most exciting week so far
Tuesday January 9-12, 2007
Well, the rest of this week was a blur. I woke up about 3 AM on Tuesday morning with extreme pain on my left side. I lay in the bed awhile trying not to wake Patsy, but the pain got so bad I had to try to get up. I could only breathe about 10 percent because the pain was sooo bad. Patsy called 911 and I took my first and, I hope, my last ride in a medical vehicle. Those big lights in the ceiling of the vehicle were really bright! When I got to Duke emergency center about 4:30 AM, it was extremely busy. I stayed in the hallway on a gurney for hours before they had one of the small emergency rooms available. I stayed in the emergency room until a bed in the hospital came open. Can you believe that was not until about 9 PM that night? The emergency room people thought the pain was a heart attack. They were looking for a blood clot in the lungs and doing all those blood tests. Patsy had thought all along it was pneumonia because she said my cough had been sounding different for the last few days. Finally she was able to get a nurse to have another doctor check the X-rays. Sure enough, Dr. Fraley was correct!
I was scheduled for my radiation at 3:30 PM so they took me in a wheel chair to the South end of the hospital complex. The wheel chair ride included a ride through parts of the hospital that are off limits to most people, and a ride on the tram where I got to view all the pretty winter flowers. I have always looked at people in wheel chairs and felt sorry for them. Now the table had turned, others were feeling sorry for me or thinking other things. I guess that is just another day at the hospital.
The hospital was going to release me, but decided I needed my gamma infusion before I left the hospital. Duke did not have the same brand gamma that I take in Florence, so they decided to give me their brand, but very slowly so I would not have a reaction to it. Well, 5 hours later the infusion was complete. By then it was already 8 PM and the sign on the doors states that patients are discharged at 11:00 AM. I was afraid I would have to stay there another night. By 9 PM the nurse and doctor decided to discharge me as soon as I was given another dose of antibiotic. Well, the pharmacy finally got the medicine to the nurse. As luck has it, she dropped the pill on the floor. Well, another 30 minutes later I finally left the hospital.
The rest of the week went as normal. Since Monday (15th) is Martin Luther King Holiday and the hospital radiation department will not be working, we decided to return home. As I said before, we can get much more rest at home in our own bed than by being away. We will return to Duke on Tuesday. I will have my 9th treatment on Tuesday, then only 30 more to go.
Well, the rest of this week was a blur. I woke up about 3 AM on Tuesday morning with extreme pain on my left side. I lay in the bed awhile trying not to wake Patsy, but the pain got so bad I had to try to get up. I could only breathe about 10 percent because the pain was sooo bad. Patsy called 911 and I took my first and, I hope, my last ride in a medical vehicle. Those big lights in the ceiling of the vehicle were really bright! When I got to Duke emergency center about 4:30 AM, it was extremely busy. I stayed in the hallway on a gurney for hours before they had one of the small emergency rooms available. I stayed in the emergency room until a bed in the hospital came open. Can you believe that was not until about 9 PM that night? The emergency room people thought the pain was a heart attack. They were looking for a blood clot in the lungs and doing all those blood tests. Patsy had thought all along it was pneumonia because she said my cough had been sounding different for the last few days. Finally she was able to get a nurse to have another doctor check the X-rays. Sure enough, Dr. Fraley was correct!
I was scheduled for my radiation at 3:30 PM so they took me in a wheel chair to the South end of the hospital complex. The wheel chair ride included a ride through parts of the hospital that are off limits to most people, and a ride on the tram where I got to view all the pretty winter flowers. I have always looked at people in wheel chairs and felt sorry for them. Now the table had turned, others were feeling sorry for me or thinking other things. I guess that is just another day at the hospital.
The hospital was going to release me, but decided I needed my gamma infusion before I left the hospital. Duke did not have the same brand gamma that I take in Florence, so they decided to give me their brand, but very slowly so I would not have a reaction to it. Well, 5 hours later the infusion was complete. By then it was already 8 PM and the sign on the doors states that patients are discharged at 11:00 AM. I was afraid I would have to stay there another night. By 9 PM the nurse and doctor decided to discharge me as soon as I was given another dose of antibiotic. Well, the pharmacy finally got the medicine to the nurse. As luck has it, she dropped the pill on the floor. Well, another 30 minutes later I finally left the hospital.
The rest of the week went as normal. Since Monday (15th) is Martin Luther King Holiday and the hospital radiation department will not be working, we decided to return home. As I said before, we can get much more rest at home in our own bed than by being away. We will return to Duke on Tuesday. I will have my 9th treatment on Tuesday, then only 30 more to go.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Monday, January 8, 2007
We prepared to return to Durham today and arrived in time to start my treatment at 3:30. After the treatment, it was time again to return to Super Target for some more food items. I was not feeling well today, but I had a different type of cough. Patsy said, “It sounds like you are getting pneumonia.” I said, “No, I don’t think so.” Patsy and I took advantage of the media area of the Caring House and watched a movie this evening. The logs were burning in the fireplace, and it was nice to be by ourselves. It was kind of like having a date. No other residents were there, so we had the area to ourselves.
January 5, 2007
Friday, January 5, 2007
I got up early to get ready for my 8:15 AM appointment for my third radiation treatment. Following the treatment, we packed and departed for home.
I got up early to get ready for my 8:15 AM appointment for my third radiation treatment. Following the treatment, we packed and departed for home.
Moved to new room
Thursday, Jan 4, 2007
Well, we (Patsy and I) had a good night’s sleep last night and slept late this morning. There was no reason to get up early because my appointment today is not until 3:30 PM. We had breakfast of cereal, fruit, juice, and hot tea.
After a short workout on our new elliptical exercise machine, we had lunch and moved to a new room. When we arrived at the caring House only a handicap room was available, and we were able to move into a regular room today. Of course, it had to be upstairs, and Patsy packs a lot of clothes! It was then time for my 3:30 PM appointment for radiation treatment.
Next we made another trip to Super Target to pickup more items we needed, (That I forgot on the first trip) and then Patsy fixed us a tasty meal of brown rice, black beans and tomatoes, and a spinach salad. We visited with some of the residents of the Caring House and talked about cancer (real exciting conversation), and had an after dinner snack. We planned for our trip home on Friday, watched a program on TV, and prepared for a good night’s sleep.
Well, we (Patsy and I) had a good night’s sleep last night and slept late this morning. There was no reason to get up early because my appointment today is not until 3:30 PM. We had breakfast of cereal, fruit, juice, and hot tea.
After a short workout on our new elliptical exercise machine, we had lunch and moved to a new room. When we arrived at the caring House only a handicap room was available, and we were able to move into a regular room today. Of course, it had to be upstairs, and Patsy packs a lot of clothes! It was then time for my 3:30 PM appointment for radiation treatment.
Next we made another trip to Super Target to pickup more items we needed, (That I forgot on the first trip) and then Patsy fixed us a tasty meal of brown rice, black beans and tomatoes, and a spinach salad. We visited with some of the residents of the Caring House and talked about cancer (real exciting conversation), and had an after dinner snack. We planned for our trip home on Friday, watched a program on TV, and prepared for a good night’s sleep.
SuperTarget and Sam's visit
After the first treatment we went to Super Target and Sam’s to get some food for our stay at the Caring House. When we got back, I put together an elliptical exercise machine. It must have had about 500 bolts and screws! Patsy plans for me to exercise and eat right while I am taking the treatments. I no longer sneak food when she isn’t looking! That’s because she is always looking!
All of the people here at the Caring House and at the hospital have been extremely pleased with the doctors at Duke. Some have had treatments in other places and were not pleased and turned to Duke because they are so good. So far we have found the people to be very helpful, friendly, caring, and professional. They seem to treat cancer patients with more care. They probably think we are dieing!
All of the people here at the Caring House and at the hospital have been extremely pleased with the doctors at Duke. Some have had treatments in other places and were not pleased and turned to Duke because they are so good. So far we have found the people to be very helpful, friendly, caring, and professional. They seem to treat cancer patients with more care. They probably think we are dieing!
Set-up and first treatment
The treatment and set up lasted about 30 minutes. They had to first put me in the mold that was made on a previous trip about 3 weeks ago. That is to insure that you are in the same place each time they radiate your body. After they got me on the table in the mold, they lined me up with the radiation machine markers. The specialist had to take 2 x-rays and get them checked by the doctor. Then they made additional adjustments and the doctor approved them. Then they drew three purple lines on my body for future reference. By doing that they will not have to subject my body to additional x-rays each time I go for treatment. Finally, they were ready for my actual treatment. I received seven, thirty second treatments, each in a different area. I even counted to see if they were thirty seconds long, and they were right in the time frame.
Arrival at our new home for the next 2 months
After we checked in at the Caring House, which took about one and one half hours, it was time to go to the Radiation Department for my “mark-up”. It takes only about 10 minutes to drive to the Hospital from the Caring House. Duke also provides transportation from the Caring house if you call ahead about 45 minutes. That is really good if you don’t feel like driving some day, especially if the weather is bad, like snowing or raining. Duke even provides free parking at the back entrance of the Radiation Department for cancer patients. Today we drove to the hospital. After we checked in, I was called to the changing room where I had to put on one of those beautiful hospital robes. All the ties were on this one, so I was able to cover up properly. I was taken to the “Tan Area” machine. They have red, blue, tan, and yellow areas for different radiation requirements. Why is mine tan? That’s a good question. I will ask on Thursday when I get my next treatment
Radiation treatment for recurrent prostate cancer
Wednesday, Jan 3, 2007
The day for my treatments has finally arrived. We got up early, 5:30 AM. Well, that is no earlier than I would have gotten up had I been going to work. We departed at 8 AM, after loading all our goodies in the truck. The trip was not bad, after 3 hours and 180 miles we arrived in Durham, NC.
The first stop was at the Caring House where we are scheduled to spend the next 39 week days. Yes, week days. We hope to go home on the weekends. That is if we don’t get too tired of hanging around, doing what ever we want whenever we want and spending 30 minutes at the Radiation Oncology Department at Duke University Medical Center each weekday. After a few weeks, we may decide that the drive is not worth it; we’ll see!
The day for my treatments has finally arrived. We got up early, 5:30 AM. Well, that is no earlier than I would have gotten up had I been going to work. We departed at 8 AM, after loading all our goodies in the truck. The trip was not bad, after 3 hours and 180 miles we arrived in Durham, NC.
The first stop was at the Caring House where we are scheduled to spend the next 39 week days. Yes, week days. We hope to go home on the weekends. That is if we don’t get too tired of hanging around, doing what ever we want whenever we want and spending 30 minutes at the Radiation Oncology Department at Duke University Medical Center each weekday. After a few weeks, we may decide that the drive is not worth it; we’ll see!
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