Main » Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer

April 23, 2008

Chemotherapy Again

As the old Gene Autry song said, "I'm back in the saddle again", except my saddle is another round of chemo and with the same "recipe" of drugs, less the experimental drug. So we have oxaliplatin, the one that makes you cold sensitive; fluorouracil that has the 46 hour pump you have to carry with you; and promethazine for nausea, It will be interesting to see how I react to these the second time as far as getting sick and if they will be as effective as the first time. I am happy to say that after 24 hours I feel fine, but my first real test will be about Friday as the dose of anti-nausea IV wears off and I rely on pills. By then, I can drink my room temperature "ice" tea with ice. A couple of surprises, I did eat a normal supper last night and of all things as I think about getting sick I'm dealing with being constipated. Figure that out. I still try to remain positive about this, if that is possible, but with us starting this at a low dose that I could tolerate last time I can have some hope. I know I have to eat regularly and with it being summer this time, getting out of the house and getting some exercise. That's about all I can say right now and will give another report in a week to see how things all going. Until then, good health to everyone.

Posted by Robert at 1:38 PM | Comments (0)

April 4, 2006

Anti-Body #4

I've lost track of treatments. I thought this was #5. Oh, well. It's been a funny day anyway, not funny funny, but strange funny. I guess since I'm feeling so "normal" now, I almost forgot it was treatment day. Had a substitute Nurse Practioner today, a guy. We had a nice chat. He used the no-no word today, cancer. We talked around the subject of long-term treatment. He made an interesting comparison. If you have high blood pressure you treat it with medication. If you have diabetes, you treat it with medication. If you have colon cancer, you treat it with medication. Bottom line, as I have resolved to, the treatment with medication may go on forever. And speaking of high blood pressure, as I just did, I've a new concern that no one else has. Last treatment and today, my blood pressure was high for me, 144 over 82. All the checks during the experimental drug infusion were in the same range. Anything over 120 is high for me. Since I have a blood pressure outfit from my EMT days, they suggested I start checking it at home, like the visit to the clinic is causing me stress. I don't think so, but evidently there is something at home causing stress. For those who know, isn't that hard to believe???? Did do one thing different today, sprayed the port with some ice cold spray and it did take a little of the needle sting away. Otherwise, pretty routine. Spring is definitely here in Kentucky. I've had to start cutting grass. At least the llamas and donkeys enjoy the fresh green stuff. Had a bad storm on Sat. night. I got caught in it a couple miles from the hospital. An F1 tornado NE of town, lots of wind, but no damage at home. Hospital had moved a lot of people to the basement cafeteria when I got there. That time of the year. Well, good health to all of you.

Posted by Robert at 8:16 PM | Comments (0)

March 22, 2006

Anti-body Treatment #3

The past couple of weeks have been pretty good for me for a change. With the experimental drug being withheld the last treatment I could definitely see the difference. The extreme breaking out was significately less. My sore throat and mouth were gone, taste buds almost normal, no more sinus draining. I actually felt like a normal person again. I think the chemo drugs have been flushed from my system now. No more cold sensitivity. Of course, all good things must come to an end. Yesterdays treatment had the experimental drug back at a 50% level. Last night my sinus drip was back. Today it's running pretty good. So what else? I'm ready to see this drug end soon or I would consider dropping it. I have gained 6 pounds this past month which is good. What's bad is where it is landing. With little outside activity yet, it seems to be landing in the middle. I've gone down one belt loop. Looking back, I've come a long way since that low of 139 pounds, a 30 pound gain. Two more treatments and another CT scan and then ???? I guess that's about it. Little to say is good news. Good health to all.

Posted by Robert at 9:34 AM | Comments (0)

March 9, 2006

Anti-body Treatment #2

It wasn't my worst fear realized, but my concern proved accurate. The boost to 75% of the experimental drug did cause some problems. It magnified the usual, breaking out extended to face, neck, scalp, and I started to get a little bit of a sore mouth and my sore throat that I thought was going away got to where everything I swallowed hurt. I give the doctor and clinic an A for response. I called them a week ahead of time and reported the problems and asked to reduce the drug back to 50%. I was surprised to get a call back informing me that we would drop the experimental drug at this treatment and start back at 50% from now on. Good news. So, on Tuesday I had a very short treatment with only one drug. Less than 2 hours instead of 6 hours. The clinic had a staff change, which surprised me. The Nurse Practioner left, although they said it was not unexpected. All the time I spend there it's almost like family, but the new NP, Barb, has been there before so it's not like a stranger there. I think I've resolved in my mind that my life will revolve around this clinic and CT scans the rest of my life. Not the most pleasant thought to carry around, but it keeps me alive and the other option we don't think about. I'm also not real excited about going back to work 4 nights a week. Unless the company insists, I plan on just doing the 2 nights a week. Guess that's about it for now. Good health to all.

Posted by Robert at 3:59 PM | Comments (1)

February 8, 2006

Treatment #12 Bad News

I have learned to take nothing for granted anymore, except maybe for the sun to come up. So it has been the past two days. To say the least, very disappointing, but yet somewhat expected. Stay with me and I'll recap events of the past two days. Tuesday did start as predicted, cold as a well diggers you know what. Our 4th warmest January in history has everyone spoiled. But, I digress. My treatment got off to a bad start as we had trouble accessing the port, trying every position but standing on my head. Could input, but not get blood out so needle in the arm for 7 viles of blood. Took a nice nap and we're down to the last drug and ready to hook up my 46 hour pump when things went bad. First, I had asked to see my CT Scan written report since I looked at the scan at work on Sunday night.. Stacy, the NP, said she would run a copy off for me. I asked about it and they brought it to me. After looking at it, there were several "red flag" words in it that I asked about. Then one of the nurses broke the news that the doctor wanted me to continue with the two anti-body drugs after saying last week we would get a 3 month break. So now we have a complete reversal of what was said and no explanation for words like aortic aneurysm and the difference between lesions and nodules. It was suggested I see Dr. Stephens and an appointment was set for today. I had a speech prepared to tell him my feelings, but he promptly apologized for not being clear last week and proceeded to fully explain where we were and the choices we had. Choice one, to stop everything for 3 months and do a cat scan, hoping nothing would show up. Choice two, continue with the two anti-body drugs and do the cat scan in 3 months, his choice. With elimininating the chemo drugs, quality of life should improve, if not we could stop. If I get off the drugs, I would be dropping the experimental program. The lesions and nodules could and at some point probably will, turn back into cancer. The anti-bodies will delay this from happening, or at least that is the hope. It could delay for 6 months, a year, or maybe longer. The next chemo, when and if needed would be a different combination of drugs as the present ones have me on a plateau and will not do any more for me. I guess this is a reminder that metastatic colon cancer is there forever. I was prepared to have more than the 12 treatments, but this is not what I anticipated. Looking like a life sentence. The only positive is I would have to go have the port flushed once a month anyway, now a second trip. Oh yes, I don't have the damn pump to carry around anymore and my cold sensitivity should go away. I guess not all bad and foolish to not do the anti-bodies so that is my choice. Kind of easy to be a little depressed at this point. I really need to find a positive point to work on with no light at the end of the tunnel. Before I forget since I brought up a concern about an aneurysm, the conclusion said "stable infrarenal aortic aneurysm". The doctor said it was no problem since it was stable. I was wondering what I would do with this diary after today. It looks like it will be continuing indefintely. Rats. I hope I've summarized this in an understandable way while I'm still in a bit of shock and a little anger of what I'm not sure. I'm beginning to understand the saying of living one day at a time. Enough rambling again. Until next time the best of health to all of you.

Posted by Robert at 7:10 PM | Comments (1)

February 1, 2006

My CT Scan

Well, today was the big day. As important as it was, it was still hard to get 5 minutes of time from the doctor. Guess that's typical. He read the results of the CT Scan to me and my response was, "OK, what did it say?" Evidently there is still a little something showing on the scan, but they feel it might just be scar tissue. The bottom line is I will complete treatment #12 next week and then we're going to take a 3 month break with hopes of building strength and weight. Then we'll do another cat scan to see if anything is showing up. Of course we hope not and there can be no promises. A little hard to believe that we're going to be finished. Time has really passed by quickly. I guess that's the old age. I did get the doctor to confirm that my hair not growing is a common response to the chemo and it will start growing again. He had no answer to my two complaints, cold hands and still a sore throat. So, all in all I should be happy. I am relieved a bit, but still have the future to look at since this is not a "curable" type of cancer. Thanks for thinking of me.

Posted by Robert at 6:33 PM | Comments (2)

January 19, 2006

Meeting with the Doctor

I had a meeting with Dr. Stephens yesterday to update where we are and where we're going. Really nothing new to what was said, but I did confirm what I've learned over the past few weeks. The future will depend on what the next CT Scan shows and there was some debate over when that would be, but probably as I had guessed, around Feb. 10th or so. The three choices remain, that it's working and we should continue, we should look at a different combination of drugs, or we should stop. My bet is still on the first and I think the doctor feels that way too. If we do continue it will be at a reduced level that will keep me feeling good, maybe even helping my cold sensitivity. The experimental drug will be continued at a reduced level. I tried to get him to say what was on my liver and the size. He said he really doesn't like all the comparisons of size, like I had done saying the size of a pecan. He did say that it was a mass growing and the important thing is that it is shrinking. Of course, he gave me the "you're really doing fine" pep talk. His Nurse Practioner suggested that I drink 3 bottles of Ensure or Boost every day. A bit expensive at more than a dollar a bottle. The bottom line is I guess I should feel good that everything is progressing and making the doctor happy. It does bother me that as much as I try to probe, I get the feeling he is holding back something. I guess time will tell.

Posted by Robert at 12:00 PM | Comments (1)

January 11, 2006

Treatment #10 Good and Bad

With the increase to 100% of the experimental drug the last treatment I have not been "up to par" for the two weeks proceeding this treatment Tuesday. The breaking out all over face and head could be tolerated, but I ended up with sore mouth and throat making eating difficult. That was the last straw. I called the clinic on Monday and flatly said I do not want another 100% of the experimental drug, call the doctor or whoever and let them know. When I arrived at the clinic yesterday I wondered how my demand would be met. Julie, the lady/girl who surpervises the program was there and we had a good conversation. I was surprised that my "demand" was accepted beyond my expectations. They eliminated it from this treatment and will start again next time at 50% for 2 treatments, then 75% to see if I can tolerate that, which I can. That's the good news. The bad lies in the misconception of how many treatments I will have to have. Last treatment I told Stacy, the NP, we may have to go more than 12 treatments and she insisted that the experimental program was 12 treatments and we would be done. Dr. Stephens had said the standard treatment is 12. Julie said that the experimental program would continue as long as I was receiving chemo treatments, like forever. The key, of course, is the next CT Scan which should be around Feb. 10-12. I really anticipate going a few more treatments so it will be no surprise if we have to do that. My mouth is feeling better already, throat still a bit sore. Oh, I forgot, my taste buds were also shot this past week. When you're cooking something with vinegar and can't smell it, somethings wrong. I'm also starting to taste again which does make eating a little easier and pleasant. Something else to watch just dawned on me this past week. Yes, you didn't lose your hair, but when was the last time you had to cut it? It appears my hair has stopped growing. When I wash my hair it still remains "greasy' like and combing it, there is no loose hair. Surely it won't fall out this late into treatment? No use worrying as you can't do anything about it. Also, to me not so good, I have not gained any more weight the last two treatments. I even pre-set the scale and was exactly right, 153 3/4. Still fatigue quickly and put up with my cold sensitivity. Thank God for the warm weather we're having now. Guess that's about it for now.

Posted by Robert at 5:58 PM | Comments (1)

December 29, 2005

Treatment #9

Well, here we are, 3/4 of the way through this adventure. The last two weeks have been some what of a roller coaster ride, good days and bad. I had two sick days which were not drug related, just stupidity on my part. I was treated to a birthday supper at a new China Buffet in town and pigged out on fried shrimp, sick as a dog the next day. Then on Christmas night at the hospital they fed 2nd shift, so when I got there I was told to hurry to the cafeteria as they were putting up the food. I got a carry out of 2 pieces of chicken, a porkchop with mushroom gravy and green beans. I thought this would really hit the spot at 2 or 3 in the morning. You can guess with the food that had been sitting out for awhile and now another 3-4 hours. Yes, it made me sick again. Other than that, just the same old reactions of cold finger tips and extensive breaking out on my head. To clarify, these are not pimples, but a dry crusty stuff that eventually I just scrap off. Still better than losing my hair!! This may be boring to some, but of interest to someone. I have never listed the drugs by name and thought maybe I should, so here they are as administered. First, folinic acid (Leucovorin). Next, the experimental drug Panitumumab (what a name) to be treated with the next drug bevacizumab (Avastin). My favorite, the cold sensitive drug oxaliplatin (Eloxatin) and finally the 46 hour, carry the infusion pump, fluorouracil or 5-FU. I guess one could see that all that stuff would either help or make you sick. I've stopped taking my anti-nausea pills after treatment as it seems my body is accepting all that junk. I still have the bottle of $30 per pill. What a waste if I never have to use them. Guess that's about it for now. Seems like old times at GE. I worked Christmas eve and Christmas night and will work New Years Eve and New Years night. Surprisingly (sp), the emergency room at the hospital had fairly busy nights. HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone.

Posted by Robert at 6:34 PM | Comments (3)

December 19, 2005

CT Scan Lesson

Yes, there are some advantages to working even part-time in a small hospital. Everyone knows each other and most are frendly and show a genuine concern for others. I took advantage of this last Friday night by asking to see my first CT scan so I could see the difference. As a bonus, when I went back to Medical Imaging they were starting a scan on a young man. I watched in the control room as they did the scan. Interesting, but seems so simple for the results you get. I was expecting them to pull out the sheets of pictures, but I was informed that they don't exist. Everything now is in the computer. Surprise, what isn't computerized anymore. They quickly pulled up both the old and new scans and were able to select the picture showing the tumor and put them side by side on the screen. Talk about an easy way to compare. The original scan had measurement marks showing the tumor to be 2.44cm by 1.7cm. That converts to something about the size of a whole pecan, slimmer than a walnut. The latest picture had no measurement and looks to be reduced to maybe penny size. Viewing them side by side does definitely show a dramatic decrease. They also printed all of the last scan for me and that was as easy as hitting print to print this page. Can't get over modern technology. In the meantime, I put up with my cold sensitivity and my sore forehead from breaking out. I was told I could pretend to be a teenager again. Not funny. Until next time. Happy Holidays to all.

Posted by Robert at 9:50 AM | Comments (0)

December 14, 2005

Treatment #8

Treatment #8 was yesterday. It was another routine treatment with the exception that the experimental drug was increased to 100%. I should be a case study. We started at 100%, went to 0 after my sick week, then on at 50% and up to 75% and now back to 100%. We're pretty sure that my breaking out on the forehead is a reaction to that drug. I am getting some on my scalp and nose again, but if that's the worst I have to deal with I can handle that. I had a good chat with Stacy, the Nurse Practioner that is in charge. Been having some stomach acid at night, so will try a Zantac before bed. I asked why I've never been told my tumor rating, a T what? She look through my one inch thick folder and there was no notation in it. She did read where Dr. Stevens had noted the tumor had decreased dramatically. I had said significantly, so this sounds better. She did agree that I should look at the original CT Scan pictures for comparison. Since I am working at the hospital on weekends, I'll ask the X-ray nurse to pull those up for me on some dead (no pun intended) Sunday night. She explained the ratings system. A T1 is a very small tumor that is contained, L1 is in the lymph nodes, M1 is released and settled on another organ. So, I'm an M something and I would guess maybe a 3? Next visit with the doctor maybe I can pin that down. With the treatments on Tuesday now, I have a whole new group of people to recognize. I woke up from my usual nap and found the room full of women, several that were bald. I am so thankful I didn't lose any hair!!! I was disappointed that I had not gained any weight. I think that short bout of sickness kept me down. Stacy likes to "play" with fractions, so she reminded me that I was 2/3 of the way done. I commented that with the 50% dose I would expect another couple of weeks added on. She said that the experimental program ended in 12 weeks so that would be it. That remains to be seen after a final CT Scan. Guess that's about it for now. Everybody hang in there.

Posted by Robert at 1:04 PM | Comments (1)

December 5, 2005

Treatment #7

Finally I can get on with a comment about the last treatment which was delayed for a week for lack of availabililty of one of the drugs. My treatment day was moved to Tuesday so I could work the weekends at the hospital. That Monday morning I felt great when I got off work. Went to Walmart for an oil change, 7:00 am is a great time for that. Picked up feed for the animals and back home to bed. When I got up I was sick as a dog with the stomach bug that had hit everyone else in the house. Pretty much a one day thing but I was a little concerned about not feeling good going in for treatment. Actually, I felt better after, probably with all the fluids I received. The only thing other than routine was the lady with the experimental drug was there to get blood, like 6 viles. It wasn't a good week though. I got sick again on Friday and felt bad all weekend but still went to work. Saturday night was so-so, but Sunday I should have stayed home. Of course, being in a hospital I had all the offers of help I needed. ER brought me a pitcher of ice water, another nurse a cup of tomato soup and jello, checked on about every half hour. I made it and feel a little better today. I had to force myself out to feed and water the animals. It is COLD and my cold sensitivity on my fingers is killing me. I do half and come in the house and warm my fingers and change gloves. I need to find some good mittens with a wool liner if they still make such a thing. So, I guess that's about all of my routine medical life for now. Seven down and five to go, hopefully.

Posted by Robert at 6:54 PM | Comments (0)

November 20, 2005

Good New From CT Scan

Isn't modern medicine great, with CT Scans, MRI, cancer fighting drugs. So, why when you have an office visit with the doctor the first question is, "do you have any diarrhea?" How hi-tech can you get??? Seriously, I had my CT Scan at the half-way point of treatment. I was not looking forward to it, just because of drinking that "junk" you have to have. I told the nurse that last time it went straight through me and she must have felt bad as I only had to drink one cup instead of two. The scan was no problem and the "junk" stayed in me until midnight. The hospital made copies of the scans and had them ready for me on the way to see the doctor for the results. The pack had eight sheets of 19 pictures each. The doctor found one sheet and showed me 4 pictures out of 152?? The tumor was clearly seen, maybe the size of a quarter(?). He said it was much smaller and the smaller spots were all gone. Progress is surely being made. He was very pleased and thought I looked fine. I asked him about weight gain and he told me to be happy with holding my own until the treatment ends. Then it's just good nutrition and lots of exercise. Treatment #7 was to be tomorrow, but the home health people screwed up and do not have the drug that goes in the 46 hour pump I carry around for two days. The clinic said it may be the first of December before we can start again. I'm wondering what a delay of up to a month will do? I'm going to talk to them tomorrow and find out. The delay is good for one thing. I need to change my treatments from Mondays to Tuesdays. I'm going to start working Sat. and Sun. nights at the hospital again. They're looking forward to having me back and I'm looking forward to doing something to get out and see people again. Needless to say, the money will help as I'm starting to get doctor bills the insurance is not paying. All in all, everything is going pretty good. All the bad things about chemotherapy can be handled with a good doctor I've found out. I am not looking forward to the cold weather, especially being cold sensitive now. Just bundle up is the only answer. Until next time.

Posted by Robert at 5:08 PM | Comments (2)

November 8, 2005

Treatment #6

Well, we're halfway through, hopefully. Treatment 6 was pretty routine. They did raise the dosage level on the experimental drug to 75% since I was tollerating 50%. It's the day after and I feel fine, so I guess the increase is not going to affect me. I did gain a couple of pounds, up to a whopping 150 now. The big event of the week is Friday. I have the halfway CT Scan Friday afternoon to check my progress. I will see the doctor next Wed. to go over the results. I think I may be a little nervous about that. I finally saw the doctor last Wed. for the first time in at least 6 weeks. He was pleased with my progress as far as not sick, looking better. I got a few questions answered. We will be leaving my port in when we're finished. It only needs to be flushed out once a month. I hope this doesn't mean he expects to do more chemo at a later date?? As far as building up weight and muscle mass, he said until the treatments are finished I should be happy to just be holding my own. After, good nutrition and exercise, and time. Any bowel problems, it's the chemo and just have to tolerate and adapt to it. Bowels will never be the same with part of your colon cut out. Although I knew the answer I did ask if the chemo would attack any other not-colon cancer cells I might have, as in prostate. And the expected answer, no. Guess that's about it for this time. Think about me Friday at 2:00. Quick farm news. The baby donkey seems to be doing fine, but both my young llamas died, very disheartening from the "mystery" illness.

Posted by Robert at 7:56 PM | Comments (0)

October 12, 2005

Treatment Number 4

All you "old timers" will remember these song lyrics:"You've got to accent the positive, eliminate the negative . . . and don't mess with Mr. In-Beteen". I tried to be positive about this treatment if we increase the dosage to 75%. I've had one of the best weeks in I don't know how long and I hate to lose a normal feeling. Much to my surprise and joy was the dosage will stay at 50% with the experimental drug being added at 50%. I had gained 4 lbs. but my weight will not take a stronger dose. To test the experimental drug, I had blood pressure and temperature monitored every 15 minutes for the hour the IV took and had to wait 30 minutes before starting the next drug. All was normal and steady and my blood count remains good. I was pleased to come home and be hungry. I also canceled the IV treatment for tomorrow as I'm feeling okay as long as I eat and then can drink enough. I still haven't heard anything about working some. Guess I'll have to track somebody down for an answer. Not much else to be said this time. Four down and eight to go. I'll be glad to see February. Oh, a first tonight. I had my first hamburger with fresh garden tomato since July. What a milestone!

Posted by Robert at 7:27 PM | Comments (0)

October 6, 2005

Back to Work Maybe?

It's amazing how good you feel when you eat. My appetite is back although my taste buds are not 100% and I have trouble eating anything dry, too spicy or too sweet. Needless to say, I've had a pretty good week. Maybe I've even eaten too much at times. Yesterday I had some questions for the doctor and it was his day to be in Shelbyville, and I wanted to stop by the hospital and see if Securitas would at least let me be on call when they couldn't fill my job. I was lucky and caught the doctor in the reception area on the phone so was allowed quick questions. I had hoped we would keep my dosage at 50%, but he wants to raise it to 75% and said it would never be 100% again. It depends if I feel good Monday and my bloodwork is ok. I hope if it's raised I don't get sick again. Also asked about when I would have a CT scan again and he was non-commital, maybe after this treatment. Also curious about hair loss. It seems it should have started by now and by some chance maybe I'm one of those who won't lose hair. Wouldn't that be great, but I don't think we're out of the woods on that yet. At the hospital I was greeted by when are you coming back to work and we sure could have used you last week. I would like to just work a day a week, maybe working into two. I went back to the clinic and got a permission slip from the doctor to be faxed to the office. I haven't heard anything back yet. I am smart enough to know if I should do this or not and told them if I didn't feel up to it I would say so. The doctor and I both agree that this would be good therapy, besides the fact one could always use a little extra money. So, it's nice to write something positive. Even everything at the barn seems to be going okay, donkeys behaving themselves. It's interesting that with the females separated from the three jacks all the boys are getting along, no fights, no scars. I love the last little girl. She is so sweet that I think I'll name her Sweetie. Think positive about Monday's treatment, 1/3 of the way done, is what I'm trying to do.

Posted by Robert at 5:47 PM | Comments (1)

September 26, 2005

Treatment Number Three

Surprise, surprise!! I actually had a GOOD weekend(which is more than I can say for my U of L football team's disaster at South Florida). It's amazing what 4 days of IV fluids will do to perk up your body. I have also been taking an anti-biotic for bacteria, so I may have had a bug in my colon that it got rid of. I ate solid food, if you want to call homemade vegetable soup and bean soup solids, a little bit of bbq ribs. I had some taste buds and a good appetite. I felt really good for the first time in weeks. We had our third baby donkey born on Sunday. She is real small, but healthy it appears and is a real sweetie. I was betting it would come around full moon in October so I missed that, but the mother seems to not have developed her udder, which is my landmark. I was concerned, but in checking today it appears the milk is coming. That's 9 donkeys now. Okay, what about the treatment? I wanted to wait to see the doctor but he made the decision to keep going with some changes. We stopped the experimental drug for now and reduced my drugs to 50%. I'm also set up to get IV treatments on Thurs. and Fri. to try to prevent the last episode. So far, so good. I didn't get sick at the clinic and came home and ate spagetti, cottage cheese with pineapple and of course for 3 days my room temperature drinks. Taste buds are a little weaker, but I can still taste. If I can just keep the diarrhea away! Kind of hard to believe, but this is the first time, I think, that a post has been all positive. I should be encouraged, and I am a little, but have those lingering memories of the past weeks. Time will tell as it always does. Until next time.

Posted by Robert at 5:00 PM | Comments (0)

September 9, 2005

IV Fluids for Dehydration

Well here we are with post number three, and it's not exactly what I intended to write, again. I was to receive my second treatment yesterday, but instead had two days of IV fluids to get over my four days of hell. As a bonus I had a shot for diarrhea that is supposed to help for a month. Today, I feel much better. Dr. Stevens would be a good salesman. He had me convinced that all the new drugs, etc. that "we won't let you be sick." Wrong! My next treatment will be Monday. I can hardly wait. One other side affect showing up. I am breaking out on my forehead and hose, pretty sore, but no one has suggested anything for it. I was also told I may get sores in my mouth. So far nothing major, but a little discomfort there. My appetite is so-so. I think more about food than I can eat. It has to be soft and moist to eat it. Still doing an Ensure every day for a supplement. So far, baked fish is all the meat I can eat. Boy, in this day and age when you can't eat a hamburger you're in trouble! The one truth I have heard over and over, drink plenty of fluids, is so true and the main cause of my problems. That too is easier said than done sometimes. I told the doctor I was mad, discouraged and depressed. He gave me a pep talk and promised things will get better as my body gets used to the drugs more. Time will tell. So, next time I'll spell out what the treatment is and how the second one went.

Posted by Robert at 1:14 PM | Comments (0)

August 27, 2005

Living with Colon Cancer

Welcome to my "Living with Colon Cancer" diary. I hope someone finds this and finds it helpful in some way to know what someone else is experiencing, good and bad. I'm also writing this as some therapy for me, to be able to talk it out. I will try to write this in a conversation style and not be too technical about things.

In this first post, I thought I would lay out some background of who I am and how I got to where I am. I am a 66 year old guy, retired, but had been doing some part time work. I live on a 20 acre farm about 30 miles east of Louisville, Ky. I raise llamas and miniature donkeys, more as a hobby it seems. I felt I was a very healthy person, never broke a bone, never had any major illness, not taking any medications. My one problem has been a high PSA score and that's what started a chain of events to get me where I am. I was a year and a half behind getting my PSA blood test and went to the local hospital Health Fair for the blood work. To make a long story short, the results went to my family doctor and his staff were alerted so I go to see him. Actually the PSA was normal. I had been having some bowel problems and we reviewed my other symtoms, with the fact of a family history of colon cancer (my father died from it) and we decided that another colonoscopy should be done. That turned out to be the trigger of events that you could call fate, or Murphy's law, or if I didn't have bad luck I wouldn't have any luck at all. They couldn't complete the procedure because of a mass in the colon, so I was admitted to the hospital for a CT scan. The end result, major surgery with the S curve of the colon removed successfully. The bad news, the cancer cells have gotten out and I had spots on my liver and lungs. Of course the answer to that is chemotherapy and that is going to be along story, a six month treatment and that's what this diary is going to be about. Will it be the horror stories we all hear about or will the new drugs and new treatments make it liveable? Time will tell.

I received my first treatment yesterday and there were some surprises. I don't want this first post to be too long, so I will tell the story in the next post. Nothing like a hanging ending, right?

Posted by Robert at 2:56 AM | Comments (9)