Here we are, in the second half of treatment already. How time flies when you’re having fun!
I ate pretty much non-stop over the weekend and lost a pound and a half for the effort. Weight dropped again after Monday’s constant chew. Also, the radiation is starting to have an effect in my throat that is making swallowing sometimes painful. So on Tuesday, I started using my stomach peg to get some nourishment into the ol’ tummy, and bypass the esophagus.
We had a surprise visitor on Monday night….son Scott called to say he was on his way down from Grant’s Pass for a quick visit. He joined us on Tuesday for my radiation treatment in Sacramento. The radiation ‘operators’ let him watch while they positioned me in my ‘bed’ for the daily blast. They told him what they were doing, and how they were lining up my chest tattoo marks with a laser from the ceiling/or radiation machine to make sure I was in the exact same spot each day. The folks over at the Mercy/Dignity Cancer Center at 33rd and C in Sacramento are excellent, and friendly, too.
Then late Tuesday evening, who should show up but son Andrew and wife, Mel. Very nice! The next day, Scott, Andrew, and Mel took me to my chemo session in Woodland. They hung out with me for an hour or so…saw the process, the ‘port’ access, and the ‘drip’ iv bags. Then said they had enough. Scott took off late morning to return to Grant’s Pass, while Andrew and Mel stayed until Thursday morning. ‘Twas quite good to see them all (except we missed Heidi…she couldn’t get away from GP).
The annoying, and infected, Third Button began to look and feel better on Monday, and on Thursday we had a follow-up visit with a ‘wound’ nurse practitioner. She poked about the button site, and thought the culprit might have been an ingrown hair…euuu. But she did say the site looked pretty good.
Also on Thursday at 6 am, Carol, Mel, and I went on a 45 minute walk with two swimming buddies, Michelle and Ann. And then The Rock took me to the radiation session in Sacramento. ‘Twas a very good day.
Friday’s radiation session brought the end of week number four, with two to go. Throat is getting quite a bit more sore than it was at the beginning of the week. Had a smoothie for breakfast, but could only get it down in very tiny sips. So, I am relying more and more on the stomach peg. Even though the darn thing gave me a bunch of grief earlier, I’m very glad it’s there! No way could I keep up my weight with tiny sips of smoothies. In a matter of minutes, Carol pumped two cups of nourishment through my peg.
Since the doctors always ask, I will let you know the bowel movements have been fine this week…no difficulties. Also, I have been tinkering a bit with the medicinal options, and I find that a cup of lemon echinacea tea with a small dollop of THC/CBD infused coconut oil or similarly infused honey makes for a tasty drink and does seem to take the edge off the throat, without giving me a two martini buzz!
Final thoughts for this week: I am finding this journey to be a positive one in many senses. I have been moved by everyone’s good thoughts through this period. I feel very fortunate to know so many fine people. And the kids have come home to see me a number of times through this adventure….we enjoy them and our daughters-in-law sooo much. And finally, this has brought Carol and me much closer together. We realize how much we love each other and how important we are to each other. Aw, all the silver linings, eh.
Again, thanks for the update. Isn’t family great? And you have a great family! love to all of you – HA
Hi Chris,
Each week I eagerly wait for your update, and today’s missive was the best yet. Your comments about the increased capacity and depth of love rings consistent with the experience of others I know when suddenly confronted with their mortality. It seems “The Chief” needs to slap us upside the head Before we become aware there is no time. Love now!
I suspect you never dreamed you would be happy for a feeding tube. I’m glad you are on the downhill slide of this round of treatment. Although you speak easily of your sore throat, I know something of how unpleasant it is, and admire your grit. Perhaps a “four martini” dose is appropriate.
Until next week. Your friend,
Don
Hey Don,
Sometimes we gotta listen to “The Chief”, eh. This has been good for that.
We’ll see what this week brings. But I do have a huge med arsenal for whatever comes.
One more thing, I love your sharing all the pictures. They emphasize the intimacy of your words. At the rate you are losing weight, perhaps another an shot will be forthcoming?
Sorry that’s two things,
Don
“Hey Chris, I am so glad you are this far along without feeling much of the predicted adverse effects of the treatments. I am sure that your positive outlook is helping! Thank-you to Carol and everyone else who has pitched in or sent you love and support. Do you have any favorite liquid meals recipes you’d like to share with all of us? Besides the martini one……”
Hi Chris, I love the feelings that come through in your blog. It’s amazing that at the end of reading your entry for the week I am smiling.
4 weeks!!!! Can see the light at the end of the tunnel and hoping for the light to just get blinding. Love, Sonia
Thank you, Sonia!
So nice to enjoy the good things that come from an experience like this — much love to you both!
Ooops!
I meant ab shot. Siri corrected it for. me without consent.
Hey there Christopher
I did my senior class research on THC’s in Mary J in order to complete my Chemistry degree. I think you should just rely upon that stuff to whet your appetite. Ice cream used to work REALLY well for munchies post tokes years ago as you may recall.
Your thoughts on gratitude concerning relationships is something near and dear to all of our hearts. Your gift in sharing your thoughts with all of us is makes us kinder, more caring individuals. That’s just one of the many reasons we love you.
Keep up with the positive thoughts because we are too. Hugs to Carol.
Your friends,
Eric n Min
Erbo,
I think I’m with you on the THC. I going to have to go to my arsenal of prescribed pain killers. My doctor today said ‘don’t be a martyr’…’use the meds to relieve the pain.’ The THC/CBD is good for relaxing and going to sleep, but hasn’t been super effective on the pain.
Chris
Just catching up on your blog , Chris. It”s a good read and I like the Echo pics ! Late Happy Anniversary to you and Carol.