The second round of treatments began today. Now, just so ya' know...each "round" consists of 2 treatments...day 1 and day 15 of the cell cycle. Gil gets a booster shot for his white cell count the day after a chemo treatment and blood work on opposite weeks (i.e. next Thursday).
Some of the other expected side effects are starting to show. Dry mouth, coughing, and one little mouth sore. The coughing has been keeping him up at night. He is very dehydrated, so drinking more is becoming an issue. Almost funny considering how much he's had to use the restroom lately.
I do want to thank everyone again for your support. My mom has obviously been keeping up with the blog. For Christmas she gave us some rather nice looking doggie bags – the kind you get from a restaurant. As decorative as they are (and they say “enjoy” on the side), that’s not the kind of doggie bag I was referring to! (I’m practically laughing as I type this and was laughing Christmas morning). In case it wasn’t terribly clear, I was referring to the doggie bags one would buy from a pet store for picking up doggie poop. They come on a nice, compact, convenient little roll. But, thanks anyway mom – I keep one in my purse now!
We also found that the Chloraseptic strips work well as cough drops for someone with a sensitive gag reflex. After discovering this, Gil got some decent sleep last night. Now I just have to find a way to keep him well hydrated.
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Thursday, December 29, 2005
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas everyone! We hope Santa brought you what you wanted, and Christ brings you peace.
Love to ALL! God Bless!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Hair today...
Gone tomorrow....
Well, it has happened. My theory was obviously wrong...or near wrong. Last night his hair started to go, falling like leaves from a tree. This morning he had it shorn real short so as it falls out it's not as noticeable (or at least that's the idea).
Other than that, and the fact he can't drink soda at this point, all is well.
BTW - you are welcome to leave comments and questions here if you would like (hint, hint...Mom, Dad, Sally & Family). We love to hear from you and I will try to answer questions in following posts.
Love to all!!
Monday, December 19, 2005
Another weekend down...
As I am writing this I am listening to a Chinese Christmas song (Lonely Christmas?) and watching Jason eat fried eggs (that I made...and am getting quite good at now).
Today is the first real day of our winter break and I have already cleaned our master bathroom & bedroom, changed sheets...etc....
Gil's weekend was ok. I'm beginning to wonder if every treatment is going to be different. Friday he got his booster shot and no side effects other than being tired. Later in the evening he started to get a bad taste in his mouth. Saturday morning he did the usual morning thing of using the restroom and tried to come back to bed, but in seconds was using his bucket and running into the bathroom. His nausea seems to have been rather sudden this weekend. Rather than feeling like he had the flu, he was fine...then he'd be sick suddenly for a few minutes! He had to leave service twice on Sunday...fortunately it was after he was done playing (I think!). I guess it's a good thing it's only dry heaves.
Did I mention the nurses were surprised he still had his hair? Now, I have a theory about that. I think he is losing hair at a normal rate...you know, we all lose some hair everyday...I just don't think it's growing back like normal. SO...by the end of these 4 months, he may still have a full head of hair, just a little thinner.
Some thing I've discovered. The roll of doggie bags that I use when I take the dogs for a walk (you can buy them at pet stores) make better barf bags than grocery bags do.
Next time, though, we have to try something to relieve some intestinal distress he is dealing with after treatment. A little fiber therapy.
Ok, more than anyone really wants to know, I'm sure. Well, better get on with my day. Gotta take the boy to change over a bank account and get his haircut. Gotta love "vacation".
Today is the first real day of our winter break and I have already cleaned our master bathroom & bedroom, changed sheets...etc....
Gil's weekend was ok. I'm beginning to wonder if every treatment is going to be different. Friday he got his booster shot and no side effects other than being tired. Later in the evening he started to get a bad taste in his mouth. Saturday morning he did the usual morning thing of using the restroom and tried to come back to bed, but in seconds was using his bucket and running into the bathroom. His nausea seems to have been rather sudden this weekend. Rather than feeling like he had the flu, he was fine...then he'd be sick suddenly for a few minutes! He had to leave service twice on Sunday...fortunately it was after he was done playing (I think!). I guess it's a good thing it's only dry heaves.
Did I mention the nurses were surprised he still had his hair? Now, I have a theory about that. I think he is losing hair at a normal rate...you know, we all lose some hair everyday...I just don't think it's growing back like normal. SO...by the end of these 4 months, he may still have a full head of hair, just a little thinner.
Some thing I've discovered. The roll of doggie bags that I use when I take the dogs for a walk (you can buy them at pet stores) make better barf bags than grocery bags do.
Next time, though, we have to try something to relieve some intestinal distress he is dealing with after treatment. A little fiber therapy.
Ok, more than anyone really wants to know, I'm sure. Well, better get on with my day. Gotta take the boy to change over a bank account and get his haircut. Gotta love "vacation".
Thursday, December 15, 2005
2nd Chemo
Well, the echo looks good so it's a guess that there must have been somekind of technical error in the mugascan. He will see Dr. Kuo (cardiologist) again on Jan. 13th.
The Pet scan also looks good...all infected areas are contained on the right side of the neck.
An interesting turn of events: at the last Chemo session they had given him a test shot of one of the drugs (Bleomycin) because many people have an allergic reaction. After the test shot, they administered his first drug (Adriamycin). He broke out in hives and it was assumed it was the Bleo. The plan was to give him Benadryl before the Bleo. But, today, they administered the Adriamycin first and ...well...it turns out THAT's what he is allergic to. (the four chemicals are Bleomycin; Adriamyicn (or Doxorubicin); Dacarbazine and Vinblastine)
He is very tired already; say's his legs are real weak. For the next two days, he'll need a lot of rest.
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The Pet scan also looks good...all infected areas are contained on the right side of the neck.
An interesting turn of events: at the last Chemo session they had given him a test shot of one of the drugs (Bleomycin) because many people have an allergic reaction. After the test shot, they administered his first drug (Adriamycin). He broke out in hives and it was assumed it was the Bleo. The plan was to give him Benadryl before the Bleo. But, today, they administered the Adriamycin first and ...well...it turns out THAT's what he is allergic to. (the four chemicals are Bleomycin; Adriamyicn (or Doxorubicin); Dacarbazine and Vinblastine)
He is very tired already; say's his legs are real weak. For the next two days, he'll need a lot of rest.
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Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Radiologist
Oh yeah...blood pressure is being tested at school. I understand why parent’s hope their kids have kids "just like" them.
Anyway, Gil had his radiologist appt. today. I was gonna post the results on Friday, but might as well do it now while the memory is fresh. Of course I (we) are also trying to figure out what to do for dinner too. Jason is sick with laryngitis, so he's being a bit picky about what he can & cannot eat (and we can't afford to let him starve...he's a toothpick already!). I have been trying to keep things so clean: I disinfect the kitchen counters every night. And I've been washing my hands and am trying to get in the habit of drying with paper towels. Well...?
On to the appt. info:
It turns out that one of the chemicals that Gil is getting (Adriamycin) does not work well with radiation...the two cannot be done at the same time. So he has to wait until after Chemo is finished before starting radiation.
SO…March 9th he should be finished with the Chemo, and he will get another PET scan (or CaT scan…from what he says they are pretty much the same). At that time, they will determine if there are still any signs of the Hodgkin’s left. IF there is he will require 15 treatments of radiation, which means treatment every day (week day?) for 3 weeks. Each treatment takes about 2 minutes from entry to exit. So I guess there is great hope that the Chemo may take care of the issue it self.
As it is, the radiologist (Dr. Gauwitz) could not find any sign of swelling or swollen nodes in his neck, although the PET scan said there were still some there. The Chemo may be doing a great job already!
I want to thank EVERYONE so much for your comments and prayers. Your love and support is appreciated.
Anyway, Gil had his radiologist appt. today. I was gonna post the results on Friday, but might as well do it now while the memory is fresh. Of course I (we) are also trying to figure out what to do for dinner too. Jason is sick with laryngitis, so he's being a bit picky about what he can & cannot eat (and we can't afford to let him starve...he's a toothpick already!). I have been trying to keep things so clean: I disinfect the kitchen counters every night. And I've been washing my hands and am trying to get in the habit of drying with paper towels. Well...?
On to the appt. info:
It turns out that one of the chemicals that Gil is getting (Adriamycin) does not work well with radiation...the two cannot be done at the same time. So he has to wait until after Chemo is finished before starting radiation.
SO…March 9th he should be finished with the Chemo, and he will get another PET scan (or CaT scan…from what he says they are pretty much the same). At that time, they will determine if there are still any signs of the Hodgkin’s left. IF there is he will require 15 treatments of radiation, which means treatment every day (week day?) for 3 weeks. Each treatment takes about 2 minutes from entry to exit. So I guess there is great hope that the Chemo may take care of the issue it self.
As it is, the radiologist (Dr. Gauwitz) could not find any sign of swelling or swollen nodes in his neck, although the PET scan said there were still some there. The Chemo may be doing a great job already!
I want to thank EVERYONE so much for your comments and prayers. Your love and support is appreciated.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
Good weekend...so to speak
Ever have one of those weekends where you want to go to work on Monday, just to relax?
Between Jason being mad at his parent's (and the world), Gil being a little stressed, and...David...Jensen...anyone else in our house this weekend?
Anyway...it was an ok, albeit stressfull weekend. Now, I guess I was remiss on some things I posted not to long ago. In the post "1st Chemo Treatment" I mentioned that Gil got the results of some of his tests back, but I guess I didn't say which result belonged to which test. His bone marrow test was to see what stage he was in, which turned out to be 1A...the cancer is in its earliest stage and located only in one area (right side of his neck) with no symptoms.
The blood tests that they will be doing every other week (opposite his Chemo treatments) are to check his cell count (specifically white cells). I have to be careful about preparing food and cleaning up so as to not chance contaminating anything. I also have to make sure I wash my hands frequently and I should use paper towels to dry...I guess that is to keep from spreading germs that might stay in fabric. Now, I just need to find a good hand lotion!
This week will be the rough one. It's the week before winter break at school and the week of exams which means (for me) dealing with kids who are exempting exams and have nothing better to do in school...to teachers send them to the library. Joy for me! This is also the week Gil with find out about his radiology treatments and have Chemo (and hopefully get the results of his most recent tests). I'll try to post info on Friday.
BTW - it seems as though the hairloss has started. He was helping out his friend Kenny with a computer program when Ken noticed some odd hairs, and pulled out a small chunk (about 20 hairs). Gil was a little depressed, but says he had noticed a change in texture soon after the first treatment. I guess we might be doing some hat shopping soon.
Between Jason being mad at his parent's (and the world), Gil being a little stressed, and...David...Jensen...anyone else in our house this weekend?
Anyway...it was an ok, albeit stressfull weekend. Now, I guess I was remiss on some things I posted not to long ago. In the post "1st Chemo Treatment" I mentioned that Gil got the results of some of his tests back, but I guess I didn't say which result belonged to which test. His bone marrow test was to see what stage he was in, which turned out to be 1A...the cancer is in its earliest stage and located only in one area (right side of his neck) with no symptoms.
The blood tests that they will be doing every other week (opposite his Chemo treatments) are to check his cell count (specifically white cells). I have to be careful about preparing food and cleaning up so as to not chance contaminating anything. I also have to make sure I wash my hands frequently and I should use paper towels to dry...I guess that is to keep from spreading germs that might stay in fabric. Now, I just need to find a good hand lotion!
This week will be the rough one. It's the week before winter break at school and the week of exams which means (for me) dealing with kids who are exempting exams and have nothing better to do in school...to teachers send them to the library. Joy for me! This is also the week Gil with find out about his radiology treatments and have Chemo (and hopefully get the results of his most recent tests). I'll try to post info on Friday.
BTW - it seems as though the hairloss has started. He was helping out his friend Kenny with a computer program when Ken noticed some odd hairs, and pulled out a small chunk (about 20 hairs). Gil was a little depressed, but says he had noticed a change in texture soon after the first treatment. I guess we might be doing some hat shopping soon.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Latest tests
Thursdays blood tests were good. I guess that means that his cell counts are still relatively normal. Today he had a pet scan (I guess, from what he has told me he fell asleep in the tube) and echocardiogram.
Now, I guess I need to do some research, because I'm confused with all these scans. His first CaT scan (which originally I was told he was going in for an MRI), he was given a shot of iodine and then his head and neck were scanned with what he calls a "stargate" type machine...I guess a circular machine that he goes in and out of like a copier. 2nd time, he had to drink 2 shakes (barium?) before his full body scan. Now with the PET scan, he was in a tube. I'm very curious about the differences.
Well, next week:
Tuesday, he meets the radiologist (12/13) and finds out the treatment plan there.
Thursday (12/15) is his second chemo treatment, so we expect a rough weekend.
By then, I guess we will know the results of the PET scan and echo. Hopefully all is really normal with his heart and there are no more infected areas.
I just can't wait for the end of next week. I know for Gil it means feeling sick all weekend, but for me it's the beginning of winter break from school. I need it...we need it. As the holiday approaches, the kids get nuttier and more annoying!
If Gil gives me more details, I may edit this a bit later. 'Till then...
C'Ya!
Now, I guess I need to do some research, because I'm confused with all these scans. His first CaT scan (which originally I was told he was going in for an MRI), he was given a shot of iodine and then his head and neck were scanned with what he calls a "stargate" type machine...I guess a circular machine that he goes in and out of like a copier. 2nd time, he had to drink 2 shakes (barium?) before his full body scan. Now with the PET scan, he was in a tube. I'm very curious about the differences.
Well, next week:
Tuesday, he meets the radiologist (12/13) and finds out the treatment plan there.
Thursday (12/15) is his second chemo treatment, so we expect a rough weekend.
By then, I guess we will know the results of the PET scan and echo. Hopefully all is really normal with his heart and there are no more infected areas.
I just can't wait for the end of next week. I know for Gil it means feeling sick all weekend, but for me it's the beginning of winter break from school. I need it...we need it. As the holiday approaches, the kids get nuttier and more annoying!
If Gil gives me more details, I may edit this a bit later. 'Till then...
C'Ya!
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Cardiologist appt.
Today...I had had it! I yelled at three kids today. I am so tired of the constant "...yeah, but..." or "...no, but..."; wrote them up on referrals. Now the only problem is they will be in IC (the Intervention Center) tomorrow...in the library. grrr.....
Anyway, Gil went to the cardiologist today. She and Jason have something in common...they are both Asian! Dr. Kuo did an EKG - it was normal. On Friday they will do a PET scan and an Echocardiogram. Usually, the MugaScan is more accurate (or so he was told) so our guess is that the Echo is only to confirm (or not) what the Mugascan found. He will still probably have to get a heart check every couple of months.
Tomorrow he get some blood taken for blood work. Then Friday, the two tests. So much fun.
Anyway, Gil went to the cardiologist today. She and Jason have something in common...they are both Asian! Dr. Kuo did an EKG - it was normal. On Friday they will do a PET scan and an Echocardiogram. Usually, the MugaScan is more accurate (or so he was told) so our guess is that the Echo is only to confirm (or not) what the Mugascan found. He will still probably have to get a heart check every couple of months.
Tomorrow he get some blood taken for blood work. Then Friday, the two tests. So much fun.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Some good days
Things are definitely back to normal, for now.
Although he was not feeling well Sunday (but played pretty well at church), he was starting to feel better Sunday afternoon. He is still very tired, but pretty much back to his old self. Joking around with Jason, setting up his new Xbox, taking the dogs out and fixing the outside decorations (lights that I put up Sunday, but keep falling down). I'm sure he'll be playing with his Xbox after his appointment with his cardiologist tomorrow.
'Till then....
Although he was not feeling well Sunday (but played pretty well at church), he was starting to feel better Sunday afternoon. He is still very tired, but pretty much back to his old self. Joking around with Jason, setting up his new Xbox, taking the dogs out and fixing the outside decorations (lights that I put up Sunday, but keep falling down). I'm sure he'll be playing with his Xbox after his appointment with his cardiologist tomorrow.
'Till then....
Sunday, December 04, 2005
To date...
First of all I just really want to thank everyone who has been keeping track of Gil & I. We appreciate all the prayers and words of encouragement...keep it coming. We need all the positive reinforcement we can get, even if it is a little hard & humbling to accept. (the picture is from Scott Neumeister's B-day at Byblos restaurant on Nov. 18)Now, just to get anyone who has missed it "up to speed", here's the reader's digest version of what's been going on.
Sometime in late August, Gil noticed a swelling on the side of his neck. Thinking it was an overdevloped muscle or some wierd painless pulled muscle, he went to Dr. Ray who became concerned.
From there he had a CaT Scan done on Sept 9th, which, at first, he was given the impression all was good. We later found out they saw multiple suspicious lymph nodes.
A "fine needle aspiration" was done (which someone really needs to redefine "fine" needle). Dr. Jerry scared him a fair bit asking if he had ever been diagnosed with Cancer before.
Oct. 14th, he went to surgeon Dr. Berry who was unimpressed with the lump on Gil's neck, but knew the lymph nodes had to go. He figured they were just reactive...used up; he was surprised to find they were malignant. (surgery was Oct. 20th with a follow-up on Oct. 28th)
Nov. 17th he went to see Dr. Ball oncologist, but once we did...it was 0-60! (FYI - our exchange student, Jason, was hosted by Dr. Andy Hano his first year here - Andy & Dr. Ball are partners in medicine)
The week of Thanksgiving:
Nov. 21 - bone marrow test & consultation with Dr. Berry to put in a port (under right collarbone for chemo treatments)
Nov. 22 - Port put in
Nov. 24 - I ran the Turkey Trot 5k (32min 56 sec) and hosted Thanksgiving dinner
The next week...
Nov. 28 - muga scan (heart scan?)
Nov. 29 - another (but different) CT scan
Then Dec. 1st he had his first Chemo treatment with a white cell booster shot on Dec. 2nd (see previous post).
The next few weeks include even more stuff
Dec. 7 - Cardiologist
Dec. 8 - Blood work
Dec. 9 - PET scan & Echocardiogram (?)
Dec. 13 - Radiologist
Dec. 15 - 2nd Chemo
Well, I'm probably posting more info. than Gil really feels anyone needs to know, but it also helps me remember. This is also probably a good place to chronical stuff just in general...we can look back on this in a year and see what was going on.
Anyway...on with my day (Thanks Phil & Deah and everyone for giving us the rest of the day "off").
Till next time!
Saturday, December 03, 2005
1st chemo treatment
Gil had his first Chemo treatment Decemebr 1st. He also got the results of his bone marrow test, mugascan and CT scan.
First off: He is stage 1A for Hodgkins. It's the earliest stage possible and no symptoms. That's a good thing. Only 8 chemo sessions, so....one down, 7 to go. We figure that will be done by about March 9th.
2nd: He has another infected lymph node just inside the right jaw (which may account for some trouble he has had with his teeth). This will require radiation therapy. At this point we don't know much about when that will start or how long it will take.
3rd: his heart is only working at 42% and should be working at 50%. Now he will have to go and have a echocardiogram done. We don't know at this point where this may go.
Yesterday (Dec. 2) he was given a booster shot to boost his white cell count so he can fight infections better. It's made him a little achey and chilled so Gil was feeling a little like he has the flu. I think he might be a little better this morning, although he is dealing with a little intestinal distress. Merlyn and Red are doing their best to show their love (Merlyn is laying in Gil's lap as I'm typing this).
Well, I suppose I should get on with my day. Laundry to do, groceries to buy, Christmas tree to set up...maybe even time to get some Christmas shopping in...humm....
First off: He is stage 1A for Hodgkins. It's the earliest stage possible and no symptoms. That's a good thing. Only 8 chemo sessions, so....one down, 7 to go. We figure that will be done by about March 9th.
2nd: He has another infected lymph node just inside the right jaw (which may account for some trouble he has had with his teeth). This will require radiation therapy. At this point we don't know much about when that will start or how long it will take.
3rd: his heart is only working at 42% and should be working at 50%. Now he will have to go and have a echocardiogram done. We don't know at this point where this may go.
Yesterday (Dec. 2) he was given a booster shot to boost his white cell count so he can fight infections better. It's made him a little achey and chilled so Gil was feeling a little like he has the flu. I think he might be a little better this morning, although he is dealing with a little intestinal distress. Merlyn and Red are doing their best to show their love (Merlyn is laying in Gil's lap as I'm typing this).
Well, I suppose I should get on with my day. Laundry to do, groceries to buy, Christmas tree to set up...maybe even time to get some Christmas shopping in...humm....
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