The Doctors all predicted that the worst week would be the week after all the treatment was done. They were right. It’s that darn ‘cumulative effect’ thing.
I hope things ease off next week, as we are planning to go to Grants Pass next Friday for a little closer viewing of the solar eclipse.
Four NCGA qualifiers at Spyglass, 2006: Tom, Chris, Mel, Mike
Weight recap: last Friday (8.4.17) 139.7. Yesterday (8.11.17) 135.6
So, lost four pounds…that’s not good. I maintained my intake of eight delicious cans a day of Osmolite, but had hardly anything by mouth this past week. Stopped with the eggs early in the week, as well as any efforts at soup or even ice cream. Very tough swallowing. I did have a few decent BM’s during the week, however, so that’s something to write home about.
Had a conversation with my ‘assigned dietician’ and she said that the Osmolite does not have any fiber in it, and she recommended trying an alternative to Osmolite that does have a decent fiber content. In case anyone wants to try it, it’s called Jevity 1.2.
Acapulco golfers, 2009: Chris, Mark, Tom, Jim
We met with the surgeon on Tuesday, and he laid out the following game plan and time line:
- Surgery probably September 20 or 21. They will remove the top portion of my stomach, including some suspect lymph nodes in the vicinity. They will make tiny incisions in my abdomen and insert cameras to view the operation. They will also make larger incision in my side to remove the lower part of my esophagus and other suspect lymph nodes. Then they squish up the stomach, kind of like a burrito or a tamale and connect the stomach to what’s left of the esophagus, and there you have it!
- I’ll be in the hospital for seven days while the ‘stitching’ heals. They will replace my stomach peg with a ‘j-tube’ that will be inserted into my small intestine to provide nourishment while I’m healing. They figure I’ll have the j-tube for two to three weeks. Recovery time is three to six months. So I should be back to normal by March.
- I’ll have a PET scan during the week of Labor Day. This will enable the surgeon to see the size and status of everything after it has healed from the chemo and radiation.
- And I’ll meet again with the surgeon the week before surgery to go over all this one more time. The surgeon said this is a big operation, but he said he has done a lot of them, and he’s very good at it. (Let’s hope!)
On Wednesday, we met with the chemo oncologist. She asked me how I was doing, and I said only fair. She asked me how many times a day I was having a morphine dose. I said twice, maybe three times. She said to take it more often. She was not going to give me an award if I suffered through this last phase. “Take the drugs!” she said. I told her of my constipation worries, and she prescribed another product to counteract the constipating tendency of the morphine. So, armed with another laxative, I have increased my usage of the morphine. And I must say, things have been quite a biit moore plseant sniec then, ahtoo i do tnnd to get a lit=lemore tairaed..zzzzzzzzzzz
The Masters, 2013!!!
Oh! Sorry, took a little snooze there. So, anyway, we are on the back stretch now, getting ready to gallop around the far turn. See you all next week.
I have contacted Roni Rubenstein, she is still renting out her place in Monterey! She has one week available the end of March, so I have booked it for you Mel, Loco and I! Played with snoop dog yesterday, he had shoulder surgery and has not played in four and half months, he shot a nice 76. He said to say hi and wishing you well. In fact everyone at the club sends there wishes! Even Barrios said to get better soon, he wants another shot next spring at the sandbaggers!! Thanks for the updates on the bm’s, Joanie and I were worried! When we were in Sunriver, we noticed the headlines were all about the eclipse. I guess Bend and north of Bend are some of the best viewing areas and they were talking an influx of one million people to view it. Bend is probably 30 to 50 thousand, were are the million going to stay! Wishing you well, thinking about ya!
Oh, man….book it with Roni…I love the smell of dog, especially a wet dog.
I gotta get to the club and take a picture of the new cart, with my new hat on!
Chris
John and I just read Week 7. We sure hope you are feeling better soon, well enough to go to Grants Pass.
Love and big hugs, HA & John
You are amazing, Chris! Your blog has been incredibly inspiring. Thank you for doing it — not always easy, I’m sure.
Much love,
Terri
Chris,
I have no doubt your sunny attitude will be your salvation and that very soon your tamale-tummy will be full and functional.
Love,
Greg
Hi Chris,
Thank goodness for morphine! And for the fact they have finished tormenting your body, and you will start feeling better soon. Although my heart aches reading of the discomfort you are experiencing, the loudest part of your messages is always the incredible strength of character you continue to exhibit as this thing gets tougher each week. Give my love to Carol, as I know she has been quietly working in the background, and has much to do with how well you are handling what are grueling times.
My friend John starts the 6 week marathon tomorrow. I don’t think he or his wife Ronda have been following your experience. It seems they would rather take it as it comes. I understand why, but for me, I would be glued to your site gleaning whatever I can. I am now, and I don’t have any that I know of. We are headed to Greece on Saturday with Frank & Anna. Everyone sends you their love and support, and will be keeping you in our hearts.
In the meantime, keep doing what you are doing. You are an inspiration to all of us.
Your friend,
Don
Hey wonder boy..wow what you have been through and still have semi smile on that face of yours. Keep the thought that there is a giant manhantan at the end if this journey. ..our thoughts and love are always with you. Mark and Dedi
Enduring the pain = bad. More morphine = good. No use saving it for later. Nice t learn about your laxatives and such. I may make note. Some rough road ahead, but you’re a tough guy. So, take the long view and hang in there.
Yo Mac,
Gotta follow doc’s advice….they said ‘take the drugs’ ..no hero awards given. I’m taking the drugs.
AB
Can’t believe your positive attitude Such a big big experience to go through. The surgery sounds even bigger. Formulas were one of my specialties. Sounds like your Dietitian is also an expert with them. If I remember correctly the new one has more calories too. Wishing the best for you and Carol. Love to both of you. Gudo