The fun thing about reading the scan reports are all the new words that you get to to learn (or re-learn) the meaning of. Now these words all make perfect sense if you understand Latin or some other root language. Here are some examples: fossa, paratracheal, adenopathy, pleural, diagphragmatic, pericardial, mediastinal, etc... At times like these, I wish I had stuck with Spanish in High School and had paid better attention during the Human Anatomy part of Biology. The doctors are very good at explaining what each of the medical terms means and I take copious notes in hopes of remembering until the next scan in about 6 weeks.
RESULTS = STABLE
STABLE = no growth (HOORAY!!!) or shrinking (PATIENCE is a virtue) of the cancer. Still at baseline in many regards from what they can see.
The good news, in regards to side effects, is that my heart looks good, gallbladder and bile ducts check out OK, kidneys are not a concern, adrenal glands in good shape, spleen is normal, & bone windows look good (minus the sternum area). My liver is normal size but has two masses. They do not believe they are cancer though. They are staying the same size. (Big relief there!)
There is a group of doctors that come and visit each room. My visits are always shorter b/c my body is not reacting badly to the chemotherapy like many other patients. I did ask them when I should expect to see the cancer start shrinking. No real answers to that one. Chemo is an individual event apparently. We will keep the same regiment for now, but making sure I only have 3 more sessions with the "Fruit Punch" - there is a lifetime maximum with that one. Only so much fruit before the punch knocks you out ; (
Thanks for all the prayers, love, and support. Angela is here visiting so I will get back to my girl!
-Doug-
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Wasn't I Just Here?
I am not sure about you, but it seems like I was just at the Huntsman Hotel. The staff are as friendly as ever, but they even made comments about me being back so soon.
June has been a good month. Thanks to the generosity of certain family, we were able to go to SeaWorld as a family. This was an unbelievable time for our family. Angela and I were both able to forget about my cancer and just have a fun time with the family. I cannot thank enough the families who made this possible. It was a very much needed break from the stresses of real life.
I was able to go on a camp out with Matthew. He is in 11-year old scouts and this was his first scout camp out. We had a great time and I was able to teach the scouts a little about finding directions without a compass. We talked about using the stars, the moon, and shadows. I was able to impart a little wisdom with the skills. I realized - I believe the Spirit whispered to me - that it does us no good to know where North, South, East, & West are if we do not know which direction will take us where we want to go. I asked the boys what direction their homes were. I heard each boy give a different answer. They did not know what direction would lead them to safety. I told them a few times that it did them no good to know where N, S, E, & W were if they did not know which direction they needed to go. I encouraged them to make their leaders show them on a map where they were going in relation to where "safety" was, in case there was an emergency. This reminded me of Pres. Uchdorf's talk about landmarks. If people do not know what direction they need to be going, they tend to go in circles. I am so thankful for the scriptures and for living prophets that teach us exactly what direction we need to be going in order to return to our Father in Heaven. The Holy Ghost will keep us from taking exits off the correct path and repentance will get us back on the path if we have exited early.
I was able to take Jonathan on a hike. He found a snake and he was able to hold it (after an adult - not myself - picked it up). We had a great time in nature and just being together. I was able to go swimming with Daniel at the rec center. We had a lot of fun jumping, splashing, and swimming around. All three boys are in swim lessons and really enjoying it.
I am very grateful for the time I was able to spend with each of the boys. My family means the world to me. It is hard to see them grow up so quickly. Angela and I were talking about the generosity that we have been shown by so many people. I told her it was because of the kids.
We have been able to see lots of family this month. My brother and his family came over on Saturday and helped in the yard. A good brother from the ward delivered a trailer full of compost. We hauled it to a part of the yard that could be called 'the land of desolation'. We hope to turn that desert into a rose type thing. Angela made some pizza which was completely devoured. We were able to have a birthday dinner with some of our family. My sister and her family, Angela's parents, & Angela's brother and his wife were all able to come. We had delicious pulled pork that Angela made. It was to die for - she did such a good job. We have a family reunion coming up this weekend and will be able to see both sides of the family. June has been and will wrap up being a wonderful month. The love I feel from family and friends keeps me happy and positive. I have hope for the future!!!
I will be getting a CT scan today. I hope to post the results tomorrow. We are hoping that the results show a decrease in the cancer, as the last scan showed a stable (same as baseline) results.
Before I end, I must tell a funny story about myself. (Angela blames this unfortunate event on 'chemo brain'. I just try not to think about it any more than I have to.) There is a time after my chemo therapy that my platelets are low - I could bleed to death more easily than usual. During this time, I try to be extra careful not to cut myself. Well, last week, during this low platelet count time, I was making a green smoothie and I did something that any intelligent person would never even consider doing. With the blender still going, I reached in to press down the spinach that was not catching. (I can hear what you are thinking - I have thought the same thing multiple times since the incident). I felt a sharp pain on my finger, quickly removed my hand from the blender (turned it off), and went to the bathroom to assess the damage. I called for Angela and the SUPER GLUE.
The cuts were straight and I could stop the bleeding by applying pressure. Now remember that both Angela and I are in a more frantic state when it comes to bleeding. Angela helped me wash and dry the area and she generously applied super glue to the area. Well, I was applying pressure with my right hand and the cut is on the left hand. Now is the funny part of the story. So, I waited for the glue to dry, but then I could not get my finger apart. My hands were glued together! (I hear the laughing!!) Well, Angela "googled" what to do to un-super glue fingers. We even called parents to help up out. We got some ideas and worked at it until, after 30 min, my hands were free. I had a little glue residue but I never felt so free as I did in that moment. Angela was late to swim lesson and I was late to work, but my kids will never puts their hands in a blender thanks to the life lesson I gave them that morning. In looking back on the situation, I remember thinking that it was a bad idea and that I should turn off the blender before pushing down the salad. I thought I could 'play with fire and not get burned'. This has got me reflecting about choices and life. The Lord has told us the way to have a happy life and has given us rules to live by to keep us safe (from ourselves) and at peace. When we do not follow these guides, we end up bringing ourselves pain and sorrow. So, turn off the blender the next time you need to press down the spinach. (By the way, I did finish making the smoothie and did enjoy the health benefits of it. I am sure it helped in the healing process ; )
Well, on that note, I hope to have a more enlightening post tomorrow with some scan results. Thanks again for all the prayers, love, and support. I feel it and I rely on it!!
-Doug-
June has been a good month. Thanks to the generosity of certain family, we were able to go to SeaWorld as a family. This was an unbelievable time for our family. Angela and I were both able to forget about my cancer and just have a fun time with the family. I cannot thank enough the families who made this possible. It was a very much needed break from the stresses of real life.
I was able to go on a camp out with Matthew. He is in 11-year old scouts and this was his first scout camp out. We had a great time and I was able to teach the scouts a little about finding directions without a compass. We talked about using the stars, the moon, and shadows. I was able to impart a little wisdom with the skills. I realized - I believe the Spirit whispered to me - that it does us no good to know where North, South, East, & West are if we do not know which direction will take us where we want to go. I asked the boys what direction their homes were. I heard each boy give a different answer. They did not know what direction would lead them to safety. I told them a few times that it did them no good to know where N, S, E, & W were if they did not know which direction they needed to go. I encouraged them to make their leaders show them on a map where they were going in relation to where "safety" was, in case there was an emergency. This reminded me of Pres. Uchdorf's talk about landmarks. If people do not know what direction they need to be going, they tend to go in circles. I am so thankful for the scriptures and for living prophets that teach us exactly what direction we need to be going in order to return to our Father in Heaven. The Holy Ghost will keep us from taking exits off the correct path and repentance will get us back on the path if we have exited early.
I was able to take Jonathan on a hike. He found a snake and he was able to hold it (after an adult - not myself - picked it up). We had a great time in nature and just being together. I was able to go swimming with Daniel at the rec center. We had a lot of fun jumping, splashing, and swimming around. All three boys are in swim lessons and really enjoying it.
I am very grateful for the time I was able to spend with each of the boys. My family means the world to me. It is hard to see them grow up so quickly. Angela and I were talking about the generosity that we have been shown by so many people. I told her it was because of the kids.
We have been able to see lots of family this month. My brother and his family came over on Saturday and helped in the yard. A good brother from the ward delivered a trailer full of compost. We hauled it to a part of the yard that could be called 'the land of desolation'. We hope to turn that desert into a rose type thing. Angela made some pizza which was completely devoured. We were able to have a birthday dinner with some of our family. My sister and her family, Angela's parents, & Angela's brother and his wife were all able to come. We had delicious pulled pork that Angela made. It was to die for - she did such a good job. We have a family reunion coming up this weekend and will be able to see both sides of the family. June has been and will wrap up being a wonderful month. The love I feel from family and friends keeps me happy and positive. I have hope for the future!!!
I will be getting a CT scan today. I hope to post the results tomorrow. We are hoping that the results show a decrease in the cancer, as the last scan showed a stable (same as baseline) results.
Before I end, I must tell a funny story about myself. (Angela blames this unfortunate event on 'chemo brain'. I just try not to think about it any more than I have to.) There is a time after my chemo therapy that my platelets are low - I could bleed to death more easily than usual. During this time, I try to be extra careful not to cut myself. Well, last week, during this low platelet count time, I was making a green smoothie and I did something that any intelligent person would never even consider doing. With the blender still going, I reached in to press down the spinach that was not catching. (I can hear what you are thinking - I have thought the same thing multiple times since the incident). I felt a sharp pain on my finger, quickly removed my hand from the blender (turned it off), and went to the bathroom to assess the damage. I called for Angela and the SUPER GLUE.
The cuts were straight and I could stop the bleeding by applying pressure. Now remember that both Angela and I are in a more frantic state when it comes to bleeding. Angela helped me wash and dry the area and she generously applied super glue to the area. Well, I was applying pressure with my right hand and the cut is on the left hand. Now is the funny part of the story. So, I waited for the glue to dry, but then I could not get my finger apart. My hands were glued together! (I hear the laughing!!) Well, Angela "googled" what to do to un-super glue fingers. We even called parents to help up out. We got some ideas and worked at it until, after 30 min, my hands were free. I had a little glue residue but I never felt so free as I did in that moment. Angela was late to swim lesson and I was late to work, but my kids will never puts their hands in a blender thanks to the life lesson I gave them that morning. In looking back on the situation, I remember thinking that it was a bad idea and that I should turn off the blender before pushing down the salad. I thought I could 'play with fire and not get burned'. This has got me reflecting about choices and life. The Lord has told us the way to have a happy life and has given us rules to live by to keep us safe (from ourselves) and at peace. When we do not follow these guides, we end up bringing ourselves pain and sorrow. So, turn off the blender the next time you need to press down the spinach. (By the way, I did finish making the smoothie and did enjoy the health benefits of it. I am sure it helped in the healing process ; )
Well, on that note, I hope to have a more enlightening post tomorrow with some scan results. Thanks again for all the prayers, love, and support. I feel it and I rely on it!!
-Doug-
Friday, June 7, 2013
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Today has been an amazing day - a wonderful Birthday for me!!! It started out with Angela and the kids visiting - it was soooooo good to see them. We laughed and talked and let the kids explore a little. We talked with Kevin (my comrade in chemo) and his wife. We even got some of our story recorded by a woman - we will get a copy of it and it may show up on the Huntsman website at some point. I got to hug and kiss my wife - I really miss that when I am up here.
I had a visit from my Home Teacher and good friend. It always a good visit when he stops by. Some co-workers stopped by and surprised me with a visit. We chatted and had lunch together. They are the best group of guys you could ever ask to work with. My boss had been a saint. He has taken the fear of not being able to support my family away. I know that he will be there to support me all the way through this cancer.
The Hospital brought in a birthday cake - a triple layer chocolate cake that is delicious. My co-workers brought more treats. I better be careful or I will make myself sick on treats. My friends gave me some oils to use. I am feeling SUPER LOVED!!!!
I had phone calls and texts from family and friends. I feel very loved!!!
I watched a movie with my chemo friends and now am going to go to bed.
I know that we are here on this earth to affect other people. We are here to bind up the broken hearted and to lift up the feeble knee. I know that as we serve the Lord and our Father in Heaven, they will bless our families and loved ones.
I realized today that I need to stay focused on serving and helping others. This cancer is not about me. It is about living a faithful life and serving others regardless of my circumstances. I will do better.
-Doug-
I had a visit from my Home Teacher and good friend. It always a good visit when he stops by. Some co-workers stopped by and surprised me with a visit. We chatted and had lunch together. They are the best group of guys you could ever ask to work with. My boss had been a saint. He has taken the fear of not being able to support my family away. I know that he will be there to support me all the way through this cancer.
The Hospital brought in a birthday cake - a triple layer chocolate cake that is delicious. My co-workers brought more treats. I better be careful or I will make myself sick on treats. My friends gave me some oils to use. I am feeling SUPER LOVED!!!!
I had phone calls and texts from family and friends. I feel very loved!!!
I watched a movie with my chemo friends and now am going to go to bed.
I know that we are here on this earth to affect other people. We are here to bind up the broken hearted and to lift up the feeble knee. I know that as we serve the Lord and our Father in Heaven, they will bless our families and loved ones.
I realized today that I need to stay focused on serving and helping others. This cancer is not about me. It is about living a faithful life and serving others regardless of my circumstances. I will do better.
-Doug-
Session 4 - Day 1 & 2
You have all heard of getting "butterflies in your stomach" right before a performance. Well, they have a thing they call anticipatory nausea. Because of something your body anticipates, it gives you nausea. My stomach was applying this theory yesterday when I checked into the hospital. It was getting nervous before I was even hooked up to anything.
A dear friend and neighbor drove me up to Huntsman. We had a wonderful chat and were there before we knew it. Angela and I have been surrounded by dear friends that are doing so much for us.
I got settled in and got the chemo on board. I met up with my good friend Kevin and caught up with what has been happening since our last chemo session. It is good to have a familiar face. I was able to talk to my boys before they went to bed. I watched movie with Kevin and his wife. I talked with Angela before going to bed.
One nice thing about being here is that I am able to read more than at home. I read from the Ensign and from a novel Angela suggested. I did a little work, but must admit I was mentally distracted. The nausea makes it hard to concentrate on real work and so the fun reading helped take my mind off of the physical.
Thursday morning was a slight adventure. I ate some crackers but that didn't settle well so I tried some breakfast. That did not go well either and I ended up giving back breakfast. I did feel better after that and the nausea has not been as bad since.
Thursday was a good day. I was able do a few miles - that always makes me feel a little better about the weight I am gaining. I need to ignore my body and cravings and eat what I know is enough. I keep forgetting to bring gum with me - that helps with the cravings. The nausea was good most of the day. I played "Ticker to Ride" with Kevin and his wife. That was fun. It took our minds off the chemo. Then I went to bed.
I feel like I need to type something inspiring - make it worth the time you took to read this. I have been thinking about time and how you can't take it back - it just keeps on going. Daniel had his preschool graduation a week or so ago. That always reminds Angela and I of how quickly our children are growing and how quickly they change and develop. We need to set some goals as a family - some adventures that we want to go on - and make them a priority. I don't think I will pass by opportunities to spend time with my kids or my wife. Focus on what is eternal and making sure you are a part of it!
-Doug-
A dear friend and neighbor drove me up to Huntsman. We had a wonderful chat and were there before we knew it. Angela and I have been surrounded by dear friends that are doing so much for us.
I got settled in and got the chemo on board. I met up with my good friend Kevin and caught up with what has been happening since our last chemo session. It is good to have a familiar face. I was able to talk to my boys before they went to bed. I watched movie with Kevin and his wife. I talked with Angela before going to bed.
One nice thing about being here is that I am able to read more than at home. I read from the Ensign and from a novel Angela suggested. I did a little work, but must admit I was mentally distracted. The nausea makes it hard to concentrate on real work and so the fun reading helped take my mind off of the physical.
Thursday morning was a slight adventure. I ate some crackers but that didn't settle well so I tried some breakfast. That did not go well either and I ended up giving back breakfast. I did feel better after that and the nausea has not been as bad since.
Thursday was a good day. I was able do a few miles - that always makes me feel a little better about the weight I am gaining. I need to ignore my body and cravings and eat what I know is enough. I keep forgetting to bring gum with me - that helps with the cravings. The nausea was good most of the day. I played "Ticker to Ride" with Kevin and his wife. That was fun. It took our minds off the chemo. Then I went to bed.
I feel like I need to type something inspiring - make it worth the time you took to read this. I have been thinking about time and how you can't take it back - it just keeps on going. Daniel had his preschool graduation a week or so ago. That always reminds Angela and I of how quickly our children are growing and how quickly they change and develop. We need to set some goals as a family - some adventures that we want to go on - and make them a priority. I don't think I will pass by opportunities to spend time with my kids or my wife. Focus on what is eternal and making sure you are a part of it!
-Doug-
Thursday, June 6, 2013
A little bit of heaven
First of all, the following trip would not have been possible except for some generous contributions from individuals and families with the directions to use it for whatever our needed. Angela and I felt like we needed to take the family somewhere the boys has never been and do some "first timers" with them. Hence, the following trip was taken.
We took the boys & Annie to San Diego, CA. We spent time at SeaWorld, the beach, and our hotel swimming pool. The boys had an amazing time. This was their first time in an airplane, first time at the ocean, and first time to see touch animals while we were at SeaWorld. Annie was there along for the ride in most cases, but she did get excited about certain animals and really liked the Delta cookies.
This was an amazing time for our family. Yes, the kids stills acted like themselves and we had some parenting that had to happen. However, the joy and excitement we saw in out kids eyes made it all worth it.
Angela and I were able to forget that I have cancer - that was nice. We just focused on being a happy family and being together - not always synonymous. The boys and Annie were real troopers. They walked a lot and let us know when their legs or feet hurt. This was a BIG adventure for our family.
We took the boys & Annie to San Diego, CA. We spent time at SeaWorld, the beach, and our hotel swimming pool. The boys had an amazing time. This was their first time in an airplane, first time at the ocean, and first time to see touch animals while we were at SeaWorld. Annie was there along for the ride in most cases, but she did get excited about certain animals and really liked the Delta cookies.
This was an amazing time for our family. Yes, the kids stills acted like themselves and we had some parenting that had to happen. However, the joy and excitement we saw in out kids eyes made it all worth it.
Angela and I were able to forget that I have cancer - that was nice. We just focused on being a happy family and being together - not always synonymous. The boys and Annie were real troopers. They walked a lot and let us know when their legs or feet hurt. This was a BIG adventure for our family.
We are so thankful that were able to go on this trip. It was wonderful!!!! Thank you to all those that have donated, spent time with us, brought us meals & groceries, sent us notes of love and encouragement, and have helped Angela while I have been at Huntsman.
We love you all,
- Doug-
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)