So, here I am at the hospital for the second time and it's 1:43 a.m. and can't sleep again... I just got done reading my last blog entry and realize how scrambled my brain was from the chemo! I'm usually careful about spelling and grammar (not to mention the flow of my thoughts). I think at the time I was just looking for a way to relax and the jotting of my thoughts was very cathartic. I got this tip from my cousin Ken who is a prostate survivor. Can't wait to read the book Ken!
Speaking of survivors, I have to mention my Mother (breast cancer) and sister Nicole (brain cancer) as two of my main sources of strength and inspiration in dealing with this disease. I keep thinking if they can do it, I know I can.
The time between my last chemo and this current cycle went by so fast. I had some complications with my bladder and kidneys which I mentioned. I also had my first platelet infusion which was scary. The docs have to go over all of the possible horrible things that can happen to you by agreeing to accept a total stranger's platelets i.e. bacterial/virus infection, aids etc. so I was unsettled to say the least. Things turned out ok though so I think I'll be more relaxed the next time I need platelets or a blood transfusion which I think will be common with this regimen. I've come to realize that the unknowns of treatment are as scary and sometimes almost scarier than the cancer itself. I need to do a better job of trusting things will work out and if they don't, try not to sweat the "bumps" too much and just move forward...
My dad came into town a couple of weeks back and it's been comforting having him around. I feel bad that I had to uproot his life and have him travel across the country to Seattle from Michigan but he's been a great sport and supportive. We've tried to make the best of the situation playing golf and eating some good food at Jackie and my house and some good restaurants. I think he's getting used to the city and hopefully enjoying it as we've gone to Pike Place Market, Vashon Island, Bainbridge Island by Ferry and Green Lake.
One thing that has surprised me is the enormous appetite I've had after the first week of chemo passed. I literally would wake up in the morning and go for a huge bowl of raisin bran and not stop eating for the rest of the day! My Dad and Jackie have been amazed... I think I've been trying to gain weight for the inevitable time in the future where I won't be able to eat except through a feeding tube or can of Ensure. A former colleague of mine recommended I give the doctors the "best specimen possible" so my job was to do just that by fattening myself up relatively speaking. Jackie took a picture of my Dad and I on a ferry going over to Vashon island across Puget Sound and we all cracked up when we looked at it as it looked like my stomach was pregnant in the photo! I think it had something to do with the wind blowing my shirt (I hope) but it was funny nonetheless.
Some final thoughts before I go to bed... I received good news regarding my Auto Stem Cell Transplant; the insurance company is going to pay for both transplants contrary to what they said previously, thank God! The first transplant will be a mini with only a 70% dose of knock you out chemo. The second is the killer where they'll give me a full dose of drag down knock you out chemo with 4-5 days of total body irradiation twice a day. The docs tell me I'll probably need to be hospitalized for at least of couple of weeks for this one in isolation so of course I'm not looking forward to it but realize I've got to do it for a chance at a cure.
Ok, I'm gonna try and get some rest now as tomorrow is going to be a doozy as I'll be receiving 3 chemo drugs all day long with one through the night (Ifosfamide). The others are Etoposide and Carboplatin (I think that's what it's called).
Down and out for about a week...
Chris
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