Quick report

It's nice knowing that I don't to go back in. Still hoping to get rid of this numbness in fingers and toes. Grrrrr.  Annoying. Felling not too bad otherwise, getting better as days go by. I'm planning on going back into clinic and taking a basket of fruit, after all they had to put up with me! It's the least I can do.

Last visit

Well, I go in when Bob is pretty mch empty, probobly 2 or so. I have folow ups with surgeon in Nov. and oncologist in Dec. Unti then, I still nedd prayer and support. Going to need a few weeks to get side effects out of my system. Numbness in fingers and feet will take longest I think. I will keep you posted as it goes, but won't be as many updates. Hope you have been enlightned by my journey and I hope and pray no else needs to go through this. God bless and will be in touch!

Last full treatment

Got in about 2:50. In chair and hooked up 3:00. Will likely be after 5 before I'm done! But last one so what's to complain about. Praise God anyway!!!!

Waiting for Bob

Just waiting for Bob to drain. Probably 1-1:30, hopefully. Then back into Sarnia for about 3 hrs.
My tingling feet have been really helped with Emu oil products. It blocks the pain and makes a big difference. That's it for now.

Last Treatment!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Was a little worried today, but all was well. It was after 1:00 before I got seated, but I did have an I.V. put in and have Bob for the night. All is well so far, but as Audrey said, the next few days after could be rough. Had Spaghetti for supper and MB is making some popcorn and going to watch a Fringe episode. So feeling not too bad right now. Well, popcorn is ready!

Aug, 10th

Audrey, you might not want to read this. Came in at 1:00, that's when 22 hrs is up and Bob should be empty. He's not, but still have to have him removed. Hooked line up and they flush with saline. Before they do that, they backflush to get blood in the line. Not there today. Tried to do a fast drip to see if that works. Nope. As it is going I get a sharp pain in my shoulder, where the line goes in the vein to my heart. Called Jared over and he turned it off and called the doctor. He said to put in as an IV and they'll remove the pic line. So I now have an IV in left arm. So tomorrow after I have Bob removed again, I will be totally free of anything for a 2 weeks. The they will do an IV again. I'll be able to get some sun on rt arm and grow some hair where it keeps getting pulled out changing dressing. I'll be in here for a couple hours. That's it for now.

Aug 9th

Tues morn. Blood is good today, so I am now in the chair starting treatment. Putting in saline, there was a leak in the line, about 1/4 inch into my arm. Had to have Dr. pull the line out, cut it and reattach the input connection. It is now shorter inside ten what it was. All up and running now. Aug 23rd should be my last treatment date. 25th hopefully will be my last day!

Aug 9th

Tues morn. Blood is good today, so I am now in the chair starting treatment. Putting in saline, there was a leak in the line, about 1/4 inch into my arm. Had to have Dr. pull the line out, cut it and reattach the input connection. It is now shorter inside ten what it was. All up and running now. Aug 23rd should be my last treatment date. 25th hopefully will be my last day!

Home again

I thought I would be delayed and I was. It was 12:30 before I found out and came home. Hopefully I can get rid of this tinging!

At the clinic

Sit ting in waiting room. Was at the lab for blood work at 9:15, not out until 9:50. Usually 5 minutes. Now it is 10:50 and still waiting to see Nurse and Doctor. Will be awhile, I think I might be delayed or I think I should be. My fingers and toes really still tingling. I don't want that to be permanent, which it could be. Anyway, we'll see and let you know what happens.

July 26th

I was delayed for a week. Go back on Aug 2nd. I agreed, because I have been so weak and out of it lately. I really feel like I need some more time. Mary Beth's birthday today and I feel so bad I didn't get anything for her. I'll have to make it up later! Hopefully this week will have a little more energy and accomplish  a little more. More later!

July 21st

That is the most trying of all....oh and the heat! Everybody enjoy Thursday? Brutal. Normally I could have enjoyed it more, but now I step outside and it just takes my breath away. Well not only Thursday, but all week. Friend of mine took me for a ride down to Mooretown, St. Clair river. Real nice, but the wind off the water was actually hot. Thought it would be cool, but not today. He had a Camaro convertible, so you know how hot that was! Even had the A/C blowing! Anyway, not out as long as we wanted to be, but it was nice just the same. Matt is coming over tonight, his apartment is so hot he wanted to come and enjoy cool basement! Mary Beth went with Alaena & Noah to Birch Run Wed to Friday. She was skeptical about going, but she has called and checked up on me, I'm getting along OK. Goodnight.

Sat 16th

Number 10 down! As I mentioned, blood was low again, but the doc put me through. Will likely be very tire this week, but will pay off in less time served. Friday wasn't awful, just so-so. Matt was hoe and did some weeding in the front flowerbed. I cut a few trees and chipped them so he could put some fresh chips around. That pretty much did me in for the rest of the night. Today, I think it was just  what it is going to be.
I think that is it for tonight. Thanks for continued prayer and support.

Happy Anniversary

Was in at 8:50 today. Surprise, surprise,my blood was the same as last week, so Doc said he was going ahead. Good and bad. Another one down, 2 to go. Was kinda looking forward to another week off, but would rather get them over with of course. So all's good, will see how it goes.

July 10th

Just an update. Been having a tough time this round. Saturday and Sunday have been about the best days, since the treatment on the 30th. Managed to get bathroom sink connected, so it is totally usable now. We do need to get a shower door. Was going to use curtain, but I think it will be too hard keeping water in.
Tuesday I go back for a another round. We'll see about the blood test, since this week has been so bad, it could be delayed.
Would have liked to attend picnic, but not up to drive or sitting in this heat all afternoon. We were outside today, but only for about 20 minutes at a time. Just too hard to breath. Would like to see people, but will have to wait till maybe Sept. Should be up to travelling then. Anytime someone wants to visit or drop in, let me know. Other than treatment days, I'll be here.
Gayle and John, looks like a great place you have. Should keep John busy for a day or two. The view from the deck on facebook....I can just imagine that all white with 4 feet of snow!!!!

June 30th

Bob's almost empty, will go in to Sarnia shortly. 3 more to go. The Subaru is red. here are a couple of pics.

June 28th

Well, Dr. put me through, even though my platelet's were below the minimum. He said 5% lee way. I was 98 and needed 100. Another time I was 99 and was delayed. Go figure. Just read Donna's e--mail about Uncle Fred. He will be missed, the greatest Elvis double ever! Can still see him do the leg and hip thing. For you who did not know him he was a funny, talented and caring guy. For him and others that fought so hard, God bless them and their families. And for them I will keep on fighting. I will be back in tomorrow for 2nd treatment and again on Thursday to have Bob retired. I also have a car to look at when I'm done Thurs.

June 26

Well, getting close to my time again. Hope my blood tests OK. Seems like a long time since I have been in, but makes the week more enjoyable I guess. At least get more done. Even went to a car auction on Sat. in London. Matt joined me and we had a great time. It was a little cold, damp and windy, but it eventually warmed in time to head home! I even bought a little car, kind of a winter driver. Excellent body on it no rust at all. Needs a windshield, what else I won't know until I get it home. Wasn't sure how I would get it home, but have a arranged with a great guy from church, who has a car trailer. Was going to get a Special Permit (gives me 10 days), but not knowing if it might a little work, I didn't want to drive it for an hour to get it home.I'll see how it goes. Oh, it's a Subaru Legacy Wagon GT. 1999 with 203,000k's. Five speed, loaded. Will have to see how many of the "loaded" options actually work. Generally, it looks well cared for, so I think we should have a good percentage of working luxuries! I will let you know if I get in on Tuesday.

Start again....maybe?

Here's hoping I will be able to go ahead with chemo tomorrow. Won't know until blood work is done. Too bad I have to go all the way to Sarnia before I know. Not that I mind being home, it is just making it longer overall! Didn't get much done on bathroom, in fact didn't get anything done. Between doing cars and looking after MB, haven't had the time. Oh well, there's is always next month.

Postponed again!

Another disappointing day. My platelets were low again, so am booked for next Tuesday again, we'll see what happens. I can do some work work around here and have some cars I can book. I'll be into August now. :(

Number 7 well underway!

Yesterday and today I was in for 7th treatment. All went well this week, tomorrow I go in to have pump removed. Feeling great so far, we'll see how the next few days go.

3 weeks off!

It has been really nice to be free of treatments for awhile. Gives a taste of what it will be like when I'm all done. I have been able to do quite a bit around the house and appraisals. I just wouldn't have been able to do during. A busy weekend as well. Good friends Carla and David are coming for lunch and a visit Sunday afternoon. They are camping the Pinery. Alaena, Nader and Noah are coming later Sunday for supper and staying over night. We are having a celebration for Alaena's birthday on Monday. So will have a house full as well. Looking forward to seeing Steph and the boys, although I did run into them on the road yesterday for a brief hello. Lookinh forward to Tuesday and getting back into the clinic. NOT! Oh well got to get it done. Continued prayers are welcome. especially that my blood count improves daily.

Not again!

I posted on Facebook about not getting in again. I will be back on original schedule, just behind a week. Nothing I can do, so they tell me. I eat good, drink lots and been sleeping good, so I don't know what is causing it. So, I might as well enjoy it. Been working on bathroom vanity, want to finish drywalling in bathroom, so I can paint!  Slow go but getting there. Please keep praying, I'm getting discouraged and would like to just stop treatment, but half way through, might as well finish the fight. Talk to you all later!

My turn!

Well, I guess it doesn't matter in the long run what you eat. Went in on Tues, one component of the blood work requires 10.0, I was at 9.9. Needless to say they sent me home. Go in next Monday for treatment. Bummer! On the bright side, it may be a blessing in disguise. I have felt great since Monday. I cut the grass, worked on yard, even sanded the bathroom drywall compound. Put another coat on and will sand it today. So I am able to get lots done, that needs to be done, but just not enough time between treatments. This gives me that time. I gues that's about it for now.

Half way!

Finished # 6 on Thursday. I am sorry I don't write as often as I should. I try to keep busy and sitting at the computer is hard to do, believe it or not. Even sitting watching tv is energy draining. Last Monday before I started # 6 I cleaned out my shed. Put away winter tires, got snow blower moved to back. Brought out weed whippers and chainsaw, put new gas and got them running. All ready for summer. Got my new wood chipper gassed and oiled up. Just got everything ready for the summer. Tried the chipper on Sat, does it ever work nice. Cleaned up quite a few branches and twigs. Have a wheel barrel full of wood chips, maybe for garden or hosta path. Worked for 40 minutes, then laid down for an hour. Wears me out, but recover somewhat. Friday was a lazy day, didn't sleep, but sure was horizontal a lot. Sat I did a little outside, Sunday, got garbage out. Had a town wide garage sale this weekend, we didn't get anything out. Got rid of an old mattress and some drain tile. Mary Beth went to London today, meet Alaena for lunch. It's her birthday today! Hope to get a few things done this week, before I go back on Tuesday, the 10th for more chemo. I have thought so many times of calling it quits, lots of people have and get along just fine, but guess I'll keep going. The biggest thing is making sure my blood count is good for treatment. A couple of guys my age have there at the same time as me, but last week both had too low white blood cells and couldn't take chemo. That delays them a week. I don't want that to happen. Rest and eating good, I think makes the difference. Guess I'll go have a shower, maybe that will give me some energy to get through another day!

That's a big turkey, Audrey!

These aren't as big, but still, lots of eating!

Number 5

Well finished the fifth treatment today. The next 3 days could be rough, tired more then anything. But at least I'm rid of Bob for a week!

Rough week

The past couple of weeks have been a little rough. Matt was home on Friday. He helped finish drywall in bathroom. We picked up a 12' x 10' awning, so Matt and I also installed that over the rear lower deck. Mainly where I move saws and stuff outside to cut wood. Used it on Sunday to paint a dresser that I am using for a vanity. As you know it got hot on Sunday and it worked great, providing great shade. Or if it rains I don't have to quick get every thing inside. On Sat I spent most of day in bed. That's just the way it seems to go. Had some wild turkeys show up down the valley yesterday and again today. 2 toms and a couple hens.
I go for treatment again tomorrow, Wed and Thursday. Start it all over again. Pray that it will be a better week.

My guitar

A couple of visiters

Loooonggg day!

Started 4th round on Tuesday. Left here at 9:15am, didn't get in a chair (actually a bed) until 1:00pm. Bed was empty, kind of a more private area, so sure. I went for it. I listen to music and play air guitar, so maybe it was best for all! I even tend to quietly sing along. Being isolated a bit was a good thing. Did't get home until 5:40 and had to get to pharmacy for prescriptions before 6:00. It all worked out. Thanks Stephanie for quick e-mail, it's always encouraging to hear from you. Have a great cruise, by the way. It's getting closer!
Been working on my E chords, B7's and C's. Haven't built up calluses yet, but fingers are getting a little more used to the strings. Mary Beth picked up some guitar pics for me while she put in 7 hours in Sarnia. It was even a longer day for her. She also got towel bars, taps etc. for basement bath. Just need a light fixture and the rest is up to me. Family Discount in Petrolia has what she would like, hoping it is still there.
Had some deer  feed left over so have been feeding the squirrels with it, haven't seen deer for over 3 weeks. I put it out on an old chair that holds plants in the summer. Next post will be pictures of what ate the "deer" feed. I'll also post a picture of the guitar I picked up, nothing fancy,but will get me started. Thanks for all yours prayers, I'll be back in today for a few hours (no more then 3, I hope) and tomorrow to get the pump off, hopefully only 30-40 minutes. Lat week was really tiring, it was Sun. Mon. before I was up to doing anything. Although I did spend some time on guitar! Gary Fournie was around for an encouraging visit and very uplifting prayer time. Dan and Heather Raymond were over on Sunday  as well as Aleana and Noah, who were here for lunch. Great to see everyone.

As promised, some pics of workbench!

Monday!

Well, Sat & Sun were pretty rough. Tired, weak just blah... Better now. Did a little work in basement, burnt some left over wood pieces in the outdoor fireplace. Plumber is done for now, so I can set up shower, do drywalling etc. Coming along. Sorry about Sat post, just ran out of energy. What I wrote took 40 minutes! More energy now. Alaena and Noah are coming for supper, always great to see them and how much Noah is progressing between visits. I started last time about time to ponder. Mostly about things that we would like to do, but I know will not happen. Not because of current situations, but just general. Like going to Australia or New Zealand. It would be great, but certainly not borrowing money to do it. Other things to spend it on. Things that I've wanted to do that won't cost a lot is what I'm looking at. Might be crazy, but I want to learn to play the guitar! I know, crazy. It'll give me something to concentrate on, besides the "C" word. Oh and the basement. Need a break from that once and awhile! Thanks for all your comments, Sarah it's always nice to hear from you. That's it for now.

Round 3

is over. Thurs, Fri and Sat have been really tough. Tired, weak, just no energy. Matt was home on Friday for a bit, helped move some things around in shed. We needed to get summer tires out and move snowblower to back. Having all this time to think and wonder, ....sorry. I have to call it quits for a bit, really beat. Tomorrow I will try again.

One quarter of the way!

25% done. finished round 3. Been very tired today, haven't done much. MB took me in to have Bob the Botlte removed. Stopped for Quizno's sub on the way home today. Didn't write much lately, when I felt like doing something, I guess I did some work in basement. I mentioned I packed up my computer in the basement.  It was one a makeshift bench of a couple of sawhorses and 2x8's. Well I got rid of all that and built a real nice workbench. That kept me busy for a couple of days and it felt good to do something. Put up a peg board to hold a lot of my tools, probably more organized now then I've ever been! I'll try to add picture later. We have a plumber coming tomorrow to do some work in basement bath so I can finish that. Audrey, you will love it, remember what it was like when you stayed there? I'm working on an old dresser, that 'm going to put a sink in and paint a dark grey to go with tile. Should look smart. I'm laying in bed wriyting this in bed and can't see too ell, so ignore errors. Keep the prayers and positve thoughts comng.

Sorry all....

Round 2 down. The three days of treatment were uneventful. It is really hard going to clinic and seeing someone you know. It's comforting in a way that "I'm not the only one going through this" but I don't wish this on anyone. On Thurs. after I had the pump removed, I took Mary Beth to Swiss Chalet for lunch. It was nice to eat out.I always have the half chicken, but went with a quarter, seemed to be enough. On Friday I had the VON here as well as a visit from Pastor Darryl. Very uplifting and encouraging for me. Loved it. On Sat. I was as low as can be, no appetite, couldn't drink anything. Just the thought of anything made me nauseous. Sunday wasn't a lot better, but by Monday I was much better. Tinkered in the basement, did a little flooring, laid down for awhile. Built a little squirrel feeder, can't beat them, so might as well give them their own buffet. Keep them from the bird feeder.Which I moved as well. Working so far. On Tues Neil Teskey came for a visit. What a great guy and very down to earth. Really enjoyed the time together. Tues and Wed I seemed to have more energy, so I packed up my computer in the basement, hadn't really used it much, it was just getting full of sawdust. I blew it all out, cleaned it and packed it away. I'll just hold unto as a spare. My main computer is 8 years old, a P4 3.06. Still does a great job, but getting old. I'll add more later, have more to tell you!

A little tip I was told

I am encouraged to drink a lot of water during this whole ordeal. I don't mind a drink when I'm working or if it is hot, but 8- 10 glasses! A day! I tried and just couldn't stomach it. The VON told me a client of hers did what worked for her. I put off trying it, but I just needed the fluids. If anyone requires more water then they can handle, add an inch of apple juice to an 8 oz glass and it makes it so much more drinkable. At least for me it works. Just in case!

Hit by a bus

is about the best way to describe the last few days. Not that I've ever been hit by one before, but I can imagine. After I had the pump off on Thurs., it's a feeling I can't describe. Beyond tired, yet not sleepy. Thurs to Sunday was like that. I would walk from bedroom to kitchen and have to sit, go to living room and have to sit. Get to the couch and lay down. It was awful. It was nice to have some company on Sat., Alaena, Noah, Matthew, Anne, Steph and Mac were here. I know they didn't mind, but I had to leave quite often to lay down for a bit. The only way I can sleep for more then an hour at night  is with a sleeping pill. Right now it is 4:30am! I've maybe had 2.0 hrs. total tonight. Anyway, I was warned this is what it would be like and they were right. Monday I felt much better, even worked in basement, did some trim, put electrical covers back on in bedroom. Some people would call it puttering, but I think I got a lot done! We received a good 8" snow on Sunday night, Tim was around about 8:00pm Monday and cleaned our driveway. Now we can get out if need be! That was a lot of snow to push around. Thanks Tim. Enough for now, I'm going down to living room and watch the 3/4 moon go across the night sky, it just baths the whole house in moonlight! Outside, with the snow, it is so bright and quite beautiful.

Consider Myself Lucky!

I have been going to the cancer clinic at Bluewater Health since Monday, that's when I started. I see people there that are near the end of treatment, in the middle and just starting, like me. I don't know any of them yet, but there seems to be a real strong bond among them. They greet each other as they come in: How are you today? You're looking good! Treatment going well? That sort of thing. I don't know if I will get that friendly, but it is there if I want it. Some women wearing scarfs, hats etc., Some in walkers, wheelchairs and very thin. It has to be devastating for a lot of the people, hopefully they have a Saviour that will keep them strong. Maybe that is my purpose here, we'll see.  Anyway, I got my pump off today and will go back in March 1st for another round.

Last of this round, eleven more to go!

Was in on Wed. for final round in the chair. Came home with the pump again, it takes about 22 hours to empty. I go in today to have it disconnected. PIC line stays in until I'm all done. (24 weeks!). I go back in on March 1st to do the same treatment over again. The week off is to build up white blood cells and immunity. I have not had any side effects as yet, Praise God! Hope I don't and prayer in that respect would be highly appreciated. I do get hiccups quite often, which I read somewhere that they could occur, but can't find it now. I'm going to try driving in myself today, give Mary Beth a breather. Maybe get my haircut, due anyway. If I do start to lose some, won't be as noticeable. :)
I guess that is it for now. Take car all and again thanks for support.

First Treatment

Nothing like getting royal treatment! We arrived at 9:20 and was into a chair by 10:10. Not bad from what I heard sitting in waiting room. A lot of procedure was explained to Mary Beth and I regarding stuff that was going to be pumped into my body. Everything from a anti nausea, to calcium, a saline flush and the actual cancer drug fo-fox 5 ( at least that is what the acronym sounded like and not sure of spelling. I will try to find that out.) I was on the IV push for 2 1/2 hours. That was about 4 different bags of various sizes hooked to the IV machine thingy. Took MB's E-reader which kept me entertained. ( reading an Edgar Rice Burroughs book) Mary Beth went down to atrium for an hour or so, much more comfortable for her. Oh the royal treatment, thought I forgot, didn't you? Volunteers constantly asking if you need anything. A drink, cheese, crackers or a blanket. They even provided lunch! It was like being on a cruise. I'd rather be on a cruise :( Anyway, when the bags were all empty, I had a small bag hooked to PIC line with more fo-fox 5, which works like a suction, it just gets pulled in. Not very big, just about the size of a small water bottle. It should be empty in 22 hours. So we go back in Thurs before noon. If it is empty before, we can go in earlier, but no later. Thanks for all your prayers. If you feel like it, please leave a comment. I love hearing from everyone! Don't you love the pictures of Noah, what a sweetheart!

One reason to fight!

Valentine's Day

10:30 AM appt got me in by 12:30! We expected that though, we were warned. Anyway, gave blood as a base line, don't know results on that. After much shuffling I went to xray for PIC line. They need the xray to see where it is going! Tried the left arm (not as restrictive), but only went part way and found vien was not large enough. So switcharoo to right arm and went right in. So, I'm all taped up and ready to hook up. I'll be back tomorrow for first treatment. I feel good, confident and ready to put this behind me. Sounds like I'll be in Wed and Thurs then nothing for 2 weeks. Will have to wait and see how this will effect me.
Thanks for prayers, everyone. Karissa, thanks for the links, I had a quick look. Stories sound very positive and definately giving the glory to God.

Oncologist

Feb 10th, we met with the Oncologist. His comment was he thought it was more a bowel cancer that spread to the appendix, rather then the other way around, which the surgeon thought. He was requesting another test on the tumor to confirm which type it was. Because cancer of the appendix is so rare, was one reason he was convinced it was bowel cancer. He briefly went over procedures. On Monday he wants to put in a pick line. Essentially an IV from my arm, up the blood vessel to my heart, where the chemo solution will be distributed. Sounds lovely! Blood tests, EKG etc will be done on this first visit as well, to have a baseline to compare. As far as I can tell, I will be back on Tuesday for my first treatment. I will know more of schedules from here on at this point. That is as much as I know right now, but will post through it all. Now the cool part!
Mary Beth requested the elders from our church pray for us. It was a real uplifting and encouraging time. The cancer does not have a chance!

Surgery

When I woke up, I had staples running down my stomach, holding together a 7" incision. A right hemicolectomy was performed, where a large portion of my colon was removed. This was sent to London for pathology report. We pretty much knew what results would be, despite fervent prayer and support.

Test Results

The CT scan showed what was called Chronic Appendicitis. An enlarged appendix showed on the scan, I think it was the best name they could come up with to describe it at the time. An appendectomy was scheduled, to be done by laparoscopy. The Dr. suggested there might be more to it, but would not know until it was underway. Well he was right!

The Start of it All

The first sign was a small pain, constant pain in my stomach or lower abdomen. Nothing serious, just annoying. This was late August, early September, if I remember correctly. In October I went to the ER after a call to my family doctor. X-rays were done to determine the cause. All that showed was a possible obstruction in the bowel. I was given some laxative to clean me out and it seemed better. A colonoscopy was booked, which showed nothing either. Sometime in November I had increased pain again, so went to ER in Sarnia. More X-rays, blood work, still nothing showing. The Dr., recommended a CT scan to get a better look. That was booked beginning of December.