Really, nothing new to report.
Johnny has good days/bad days. Good hours/bad hours. It is just up and down with no real pattern.
Sometimes he eats and all is well. Sometimes he eats and it all makes a return appearance. We haven't been able to figure out any certain foods that cause him to be sick.
For the most part when Johnny feels good, he gets out of bed and gets moving. He even took a field trip to Bowne today to say hi to all of his co-workers and friends (thanks, Larry!). When he feels puny, he stays in bed and waits for the yucks to pass.
Hopefully the next week will be a good. Looks like the weather might be good, so I'll get him out on the deck for some high dose sun therapy.
Totally off subject here, but if your team has not made it to the final four in the NCAA tourney, could you do me a favor and cheer for Duke? I know, weird request, but if they win the tournament I have a chance to win 2nd place in our pool at work. Yeah! I have already planned on what I will buy with the winnings: A 3-piece bistro set for the deck off our bedroom. See, isn't that totally worth cheering for Duke?
Enjoy the sunshine this week!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Super Day -- Well, mostly
I have to say I was really nervous about last night with Johnny being so sick at the infusion center. But, after only about 8 hours, he quit vomiting! He didn't sleep very well, but never had to get up because he was getting sick. I really thought today would bring a bit more yuck, but NOPE!
Johnny ate really well today and so far (fingers crossed) has kept everything down. He even walked outside for a little bit and went to the grocery store with me. Are you ready for this? He even made dinner tonight!
Wait . . . I spoke too soon. Literally, as I was typing the previous paragraph, he walked into the bathroom and . . . well, you know.
He came out smiling, and said it was the PopTart he just ate, and that he feels fine. We are still discovering what he can and can't eat after his gallbladder removal. We aren't sure if it is the dairy or the high sugar content that bothers him, or if it is the chemo doing it. Who knows.
Anyway, he did have a really good day so lets just go with that.
Johnny ate really well today and so far (fingers crossed) has kept everything down. He even walked outside for a little bit and went to the grocery store with me. Are you ready for this? He even made dinner tonight!
Wait . . . I spoke too soon. Literally, as I was typing the previous paragraph, he walked into the bathroom and . . . well, you know.
He came out smiling, and said it was the PopTart he just ate, and that he feels fine. We are still discovering what he can and can't eat after his gallbladder removal. We aren't sure if it is the dairy or the high sugar content that bothers him, or if it is the chemo doing it. Who knows.
Anyway, he did have a really good day so lets just go with that.
Monday, March 22, 2010
And now, back to the show . . . #3
Chemo again . . . Gah! Why does the time go so fast when you really want it to slow down and vice versa? Another of the great mysteries of the universe.
First, I have to tell you about the amazing weekend we had at the Korner Kottage Bed and Breakfast in Sutton’s Bay, Michigan. We were the guests of Jim and Linda Munro, owners and former Niles residents. Staying at the Korner Kottage was like going to your favorite relatives’ house and relaxing for the whole weekend. The kind of relative that means it when they say they want you to come visit and relax. The kind of relative that will have breakfast ready for you when you wake up, and a gourmet breakfast at that -- with the most awesome coffee machine on the planet. The kind of relative that is there for you if you need anything at all (like winery suggestions) but will let you do your own thing and sleep all day if that is what you choose to do. The kind of relative that has the best dog in the world (shout out to Nestle Quik!) that is sweet and friendly, but not over-the-top. The kind of relative that has all the really cool little details in every single room, and heaven-scented bed linens. (We stayed in the Paris Room.) Yeah, it was just like that. Comfortable, warm, inviting, relaxing, amazing. And to top all that off, Sutton’s Bay is the sweetest little village. There are some great shops along the Main Street and a couple great restaurants, too. I can’t even tell you how many wineries there are in that area, but I know I counted at least 20 in the Leelanau Peninsula. We walked through town a couple times and ate at Gusto’s, an Italian restaurant within walking distance of the Kottage. (Think Pete’s Patio away from home) We also discovered a deli that had the absolute most spectacular smoked whitefish spread ever. Ever. Really.
If you have never had the pleasure of staying at a B&B, as we had not, put it on your MUST DO list. I think this may have just started a new hobby for us. It was so much more comfortable than any hotel we have ever stayed in and was so much more relaxing and enjoyable. The difference is in all the little details that a hotel just can’t provide. Really, if you are looking for a wonderful weekender for any occasion at all, call Linda and Jim. Seriously, call them. I’ll wait right here for you to get back to the blog.
Linda, we really missed seeing you, but Jim did an amazing job! We will definitely be back -- and sooner rather than later, I hope!
After our weekend away, it was really hard to think about starting up chemo again. Johnny had gained so much strength over the last week, that I didn’t want to see it drained away by the chemo, but we knew it had to be done and how important it really is.
His liver enzymes didn’t come down, but they didn’t go up, either. I think we have crested the summit and the labs will hopefully come down next time. They were 209, 298, 320 and today 321. I think we will start to see them come down, maybe not to where they need to be yet by next time but trending that direction. They have to be below 180 for them to fill the pump.
He did receive the systemic (port) chemo today and that was pretty rough. He was sick before we even left for home. He has been up and down since coming home, varying from sound asleep, vomiting, or singing old Alamo songs about Davy Crockett. I know, weird.
We had wonderful visits today at the infusion center. They have renamed the bed area that Johnny has been in the last three times as the Toad Lounge. My friend, Farid Jalinous (Dr. J), stopped in for a while, then Jeff Brawley and Tammy stopped in. Then a great surprise, Johnny’s chemo buddy from his first protocol, Carol, stopped in. She had her infusion with us in the Toad Lounge. It was so nice to see her and catch up with her; the last time we saw her was December 21st. I told Johnny just this morning that I had to email her because it had been a while, and I was thinking about her -- and there she was! Wonderful! Even my sister, Carla (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOOMER!), stopped in before we left. She works in that building for a pediatrician group.
So the day, although yucky for Johnny, went by very quickly. Ginger did manage to accomplish a good amount of crocheting, and I got some Kindling done. We asked for additional fluids again today, especially with him being sick so quickly. They were happy to give it to him. All of the nurses there are fabulous.
He is now in the tub and will go straight to bed when he is out. We have all of our “supplies” ready for the nighttime. Hopefully, his tummy will calm down and he will have it out of his system before going to sleep, rather than while he is trying to sleep. I hope, I hope, I hope.
Praying for a good night’s sleep, and liver enzymes that come down to an appropriate level. And for so much more.
HEY! I just check on some of the comments from previous posts: Dr. Yancey is that YOU that commented? Oh, my gosh. . . how are you? Are you eating properly? Is anyone providing you with late evening snacks? Are you taking care of all your minions? We were so happy to see that you were checking on Johnny. Incision is gorgeous! And yes, there were 53 staples, to be exact. Looks perfect! Hope you are being appreciated appropriately by all the people you are helping. . . we certainly appreciated everything you did for us. Take good care!
First, I have to tell you about the amazing weekend we had at the Korner Kottage Bed and Breakfast in Sutton’s Bay, Michigan. We were the guests of Jim and Linda Munro, owners and former Niles residents. Staying at the Korner Kottage was like going to your favorite relatives’ house and relaxing for the whole weekend. The kind of relative that means it when they say they want you to come visit and relax. The kind of relative that will have breakfast ready for you when you wake up, and a gourmet breakfast at that -- with the most awesome coffee machine on the planet. The kind of relative that is there for you if you need anything at all (like winery suggestions) but will let you do your own thing and sleep all day if that is what you choose to do. The kind of relative that has the best dog in the world (shout out to Nestle Quik!) that is sweet and friendly, but not over-the-top. The kind of relative that has all the really cool little details in every single room, and heaven-scented bed linens. (We stayed in the Paris Room.) Yeah, it was just like that. Comfortable, warm, inviting, relaxing, amazing. And to top all that off, Sutton’s Bay is the sweetest little village. There are some great shops along the Main Street and a couple great restaurants, too. I can’t even tell you how many wineries there are in that area, but I know I counted at least 20 in the Leelanau Peninsula. We walked through town a couple times and ate at Gusto’s, an Italian restaurant within walking distance of the Kottage. (Think Pete’s Patio away from home) We also discovered a deli that had the absolute most spectacular smoked whitefish spread ever. Ever. Really.
If you have never had the pleasure of staying at a B&B, as we had not, put it on your MUST DO list. I think this may have just started a new hobby for us. It was so much more comfortable than any hotel we have ever stayed in and was so much more relaxing and enjoyable. The difference is in all the little details that a hotel just can’t provide. Really, if you are looking for a wonderful weekender for any occasion at all, call Linda and Jim. Seriously, call them. I’ll wait right here for you to get back to the blog.
Linda, we really missed seeing you, but Jim did an amazing job! We will definitely be back -- and sooner rather than later, I hope!
After our weekend away, it was really hard to think about starting up chemo again. Johnny had gained so much strength over the last week, that I didn’t want to see it drained away by the chemo, but we knew it had to be done and how important it really is.
His liver enzymes didn’t come down, but they didn’t go up, either. I think we have crested the summit and the labs will hopefully come down next time. They were 209, 298, 320 and today 321. I think we will start to see them come down, maybe not to where they need to be yet by next time but trending that direction. They have to be below 180 for them to fill the pump.
He did receive the systemic (port) chemo today and that was pretty rough. He was sick before we even left for home. He has been up and down since coming home, varying from sound asleep, vomiting, or singing old Alamo songs about Davy Crockett. I know, weird.
We had wonderful visits today at the infusion center. They have renamed the bed area that Johnny has been in the last three times as the Toad Lounge. My friend, Farid Jalinous (Dr. J), stopped in for a while, then Jeff Brawley and Tammy stopped in. Then a great surprise, Johnny’s chemo buddy from his first protocol, Carol, stopped in. She had her infusion with us in the Toad Lounge. It was so nice to see her and catch up with her; the last time we saw her was December 21st. I told Johnny just this morning that I had to email her because it had been a while, and I was thinking about her -- and there she was! Wonderful! Even my sister, Carla (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOOMER!), stopped in before we left. She works in that building for a pediatrician group.
So the day, although yucky for Johnny, went by very quickly. Ginger did manage to accomplish a good amount of crocheting, and I got some Kindling done. We asked for additional fluids again today, especially with him being sick so quickly. They were happy to give it to him. All of the nurses there are fabulous.
He is now in the tub and will go straight to bed when he is out. We have all of our “supplies” ready for the nighttime. Hopefully, his tummy will calm down and he will have it out of his system before going to sleep, rather than while he is trying to sleep. I hope, I hope, I hope.
Praying for a good night’s sleep, and liver enzymes that come down to an appropriate level. And for so much more.
HEY! I just check on some of the comments from previous posts: Dr. Yancey is that YOU that commented? Oh, my gosh. . . how are you? Are you eating properly? Is anyone providing you with late evening snacks? Are you taking care of all your minions? We were so happy to see that you were checking on Johnny. Incision is gorgeous! And yes, there were 53 staples, to be exact. Looks perfect! Hope you are being appreciated appropriately by all the people you are helping. . . we certainly appreciated everything you did for us. Take good care!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Temporary Interruption
We now interrupt cancer for an entire weekend!
The Fighting Toad and the Mrs. will be together and ALONE for the entire weekend. Please don't come looking for us, we are hiding.
I'm so excited!
The Fighting Toad and the Mrs. will be together and ALONE for the entire weekend. Please don't come looking for us, we are hiding.
I'm so excited!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Maybe a little better?
OK, before you all start hollering about how long it has been since I last posted, I just want you to know that I am trying to protect you all from the redundancy of day-to-day life here at Chemo Central.
When I say that each day consists of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea &/or constipation, sleeping, and a freezing Toad, I am not kidding. Just scramble up the order in which these events occur and you could have any given day, any given hour.
I will say that yesterday and today both have shown improvements. Johnny has been much more wakeful than he has been in quite a while. His color is a bit better -- still on the pale side, but pinking up.
Right now, I am wondering about his blood counts (especially the Hemoglobin and Hematocrit -- components of the Red Blood Cells). He has been super cold over the past few days and just can't warm up. When I got home from work yesterday, I was getting dinner on the table and seriously thought I was having a "Waking Hours Hot Flash". That would have been a new one to me. Most of my "flashes" have been of the nocturnal variety. Johnny was laying on the couch all snuggled up in sweats, a hoodie, and a fuzzy blanket.
"I am roasting to death!" I tell Johnny. "Did you turn up the heat, or something?"
"I might have," he admits from under the blanket.
Yeah, maybe. I looked at the thermostat and it was almost 80 degrees in the house. I am not kidding! And here I thought my peri-menopausal crap had kicked into overdrive. What relief. And, I turned the thermostat back down to 68 degrees.
Progress is slow, but sure. I hate that it is already Tuesday of Week 2 and Week 1 looms dark on the next horizon.
The good news is we are getting away for the weekend -- ALONE! Our 22nd anniversary is on the 26th and we have been gifted a weekend at the Korner Kottage Bed and Breakfast in Sutton's Bay, Michigan. We decided that this weekend would be the best since we are as far away from chemo as we can get. How lucky are we?!?! I have never been to a B&B before, and I am completely stoked to have Johnny all to myself for the whole weekend. Thanks so very much to Linda and Jim Munro for this incredibly special gift. It couldn't come at a more important time for us.
On a completely different note, please go to HERE and vote for the cute little redhead (#2565). He is my nephew, Griffin -- Carla's little guy. (This is a Cute Baby Contest that a radio station is putting on.) Please vote once a day until March 29th! I want him to win sooooo bad!!! Thanks, I knew I could count on all my blog friends! By the way, Carla is NOT happy with the picture that they posted. They took the pictures at a Family Show at Century Center. I guess they took several pictures and posted the ONE that he isn't smiling in. No matter, he is still cute as a freakin' bug . . . so, VOTE!
Thanks for checking in on us. It really does mean a lot.
When I say that each day consists of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea &/or constipation, sleeping, and a freezing Toad, I am not kidding. Just scramble up the order in which these events occur and you could have any given day, any given hour.
I will say that yesterday and today both have shown improvements. Johnny has been much more wakeful than he has been in quite a while. His color is a bit better -- still on the pale side, but pinking up.
Right now, I am wondering about his blood counts (especially the Hemoglobin and Hematocrit -- components of the Red Blood Cells). He has been super cold over the past few days and just can't warm up. When I got home from work yesterday, I was getting dinner on the table and seriously thought I was having a "Waking Hours Hot Flash". That would have been a new one to me. Most of my "flashes" have been of the nocturnal variety. Johnny was laying on the couch all snuggled up in sweats, a hoodie, and a fuzzy blanket.
"I am roasting to death!" I tell Johnny. "Did you turn up the heat, or something?"
"I might have," he admits from under the blanket.
Yeah, maybe. I looked at the thermostat and it was almost 80 degrees in the house. I am not kidding! And here I thought my peri-menopausal crap had kicked into overdrive. What relief. And, I turned the thermostat back down to 68 degrees.
Progress is slow, but sure. I hate that it is already Tuesday of Week 2 and Week 1 looms dark on the next horizon.
The good news is we are getting away for the weekend -- ALONE! Our 22nd anniversary is on the 26th and we have been gifted a weekend at the Korner Kottage Bed and Breakfast in Sutton's Bay, Michigan. We decided that this weekend would be the best since we are as far away from chemo as we can get. How lucky are we?!?! I have never been to a B&B before, and I am completely stoked to have Johnny all to myself for the whole weekend. Thanks so very much to Linda and Jim Munro for this incredibly special gift. It couldn't come at a more important time for us.
On a completely different note, please go to HERE and vote for the cute little redhead (#2565). He is my nephew, Griffin -- Carla's little guy. (This is a Cute Baby Contest that a radio station is putting on.) Please vote once a day until March 29th! I want him to win sooooo bad!!! Thanks, I knew I could count on all my blog friends! By the way, Carla is NOT happy with the picture that they posted. They took the pictures at a Family Show at Century Center. I guess they took several pictures and posted the ONE that he isn't smiling in. No matter, he is still cute as a freakin' bug . . . so, VOTE!
Thanks for checking in on us. It really does mean a lot.
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