I must apologize to all my dedicated fans for the long space between posts. I have been occupied with soccer games, laundry, dishes, work, etc.... It is so good to be busy with light. So much has happened since my last post, I will try not to forget any life changing experiences.
I must update everyone on some diagnosis news. At the beginning of each treatment session, I meet with the doctor and he updates my diagnosis and prognosis. Dr. Gouw told us that the tumor by my lung is most likely cancer in my sternum. My Ewing's Sarcoma is a bone cancer of the small cell type - as opposed to the large cell type. I am not sure exactly what that means, and the doctor says it does not affect the treatment plan. Dr. Gouw also said that the tumor under my ribs may actually be hematoma. I have no idea if this a a better or worse situation. The doctor did not seem phase by it - he didn't add any additional treatment or change the course at all.
This chemotherapy experience is very interesting. There are things happening in my body that I have no clue about. I have been told that the chemo is destroying cells - good and bad. However, I have been blessed to feel well and for the most part, have not been limited in my daily activities. The major outward manifestation is the hair loss thing. My friend has had bad mouth sores, but I have been blessed to not have them (keeping my finger crossed). I have my blood drawn 3 to 4 times between chemo therapy sessions and they tell me what my white blood cell count is and what my platelets count is. If my white blood cell count is low, I am more likely to get sick so I have to stay away from "germy" people. If my platelets are low then I could bleed to death if I get cut.
I did experience another side affect from the chemo. CAUTION: Some people may consider this TMI. (Skip to the next paragraph if you are worried.) Hemroids are the real pain the 'behind'. I gained a great appreciation for the ability to sit down. I suffered through them and thankfully they have backed off. Wow! Never want to do that again.
Well, I am falling asleep typing this; but I needed to get some thoughts down on paper. I am so grateful for all the wonderful people who are supporting us. You make this burden light.
-Doug-
Good on ya going about the business of life: Chasing kids, workin, laughing, and all the tedious things that we enjoy and prayed for (wife ta smooch, kids ta chase, money to buy toys to then later have to pick up off the floor, house with a yard but then have to mow/edge/weed it... ;-) ). This is a true irony of life to me.
ReplyDeleteI asked this oncology guy I know about Ewing's Sarcoma. He told me the same thing you list as your diagnosis/prognosis. Thanks for sharing with us.
He told me Ewing is the guy that this was named after and Sarcoma means tumor type typically. The only thing he added is that this kind gets a lot of chemo. That is not good or bad necessarily. I am going with it is good cause they know what to do with this kind. I don't really know so much. I bet you have learned so much about the body lately too.
It sounds like you have a good doc there. In all things, pray and go with the feeling ya get after.
I went with my friend Sheri to a chemo treatment one time. It was about 45 minutes from start to finish. She sat in the cushy recliner chair. I sat in the chair next to her. We gabbed about whatever came to mind while the regular sized needle/syringe in the arm (like giving blood set up) and Rx on a pole gave her the medicine she needed. Soon it was over and we went home. It was less boring for her to have a pal come. It was a good way for me to learn that chemo is not so scarey and that the "C" word or the other "C" word does not mean the things my mind makes up. It is just medicine.
Look out for the germy people but still have some good clean fun.
Germs are everywhere but you can clearly stay out of Nursery at church and probably outta Junior Primary callings for 2013, yeah! How about program bulletin writer as you know what is going on but can do your calling anywhere. I guess we will trust the Bishop to do what is led.
much love to you and your family XOXO
You are being all kinds of humbled aren't you? I am not sure that it was neccessary given your already humble personality. Anyway, I am glad you can continue to be upbeat!
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