Well I didn't sleep much last night. I was up at 1, 2:20, 4:30, 5:45 to take my medicine and then I finally got up to go to Mass at 6:45. I think Sharon is about to change bedrooms. I feel like I'm going through the change. I wake up hot as can hell one hour and then the next thing I know I'm shivering and shaking. I finally took a couple of aspirin at 2:20 and fell back to sleep until 4:30. I was then up and down until I took the rest of my Protocel at 5:45.
Mass was good today, they talked about love and the priest gave a real good sermon about love. When your sick, you appreciate it when people stop by or call you on the phone. You truly know who loves you when your sick and you hear form them. I must remember that for the future. I'm not always that good about calling people when I know their sick. I sometimes wonder what to say. I know now, get better, I hope your feeling better soon, I'll pray for you. Is there anything I can do for you, etc etc etc.
I got a card for Marty, yesterday. You know who you are. And yes I do remember all those Tea Parties and JW, BH, CH, JT, DP, DP,. That was a long time ago, but great memories. I thank you for the not, send me your e-mail address and I will write to you. I don't know how to write a real letter any more. Tell those ladies in your monthly meetings to drop me a line also. Barb P, does try to keep me up to date with what is going on in Lima. I do like to keep up with how everyone is. I heard from Grace B the other day. She is now in Georgia, I didn't know that. I still want you ladies to come over to Antwerp and see my restaurant and assisted living complex. It only take about an hour.
Margo, I hope you and Don got off safe today. For all of you that don't know, Don got a cell phone 513-374-1738. I understand from Margo that he even has the directions with him. I hope he has learned that he need a cell phone provider. They have a phone in Florida, but no long distance provider. Hopefully they will carry it with them and we can get in touch more often.
I let you know how my LGI goes tomorrow. Tom
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Sat. 01-30-10
I was not feeling well yesterday at all. I had the shakes so bad I could not type. I had a killer head ache and felt like I really had the flue. My shoulders and back we all achy. I feel somewhat better today. The shaky ness is over and I just had a small head ache that I took two aspirin to get rid of. I used some REAL pain pills yesterday to take care of the aches.
I go Monday to get my lower GI, CT scan, So I should have more to tell you then. My blood sugar has still been a little high but still manageable. I started taking the Protocel last night and it doesn't taste too bad, but it sure stains the marble sink. It's a little difficult to administer. You must mix it with distilled water and only use a 1/4 tsp.. The measuring of a 1/4 tsp is not easy, I spilled more than I actually got in the tube. The third time at 6 am., I finally figured out how to do it with out spilling so much. It should last for three months if I don't spill it all before that.
I'm going to venture outdoors today. I've not been out since Wed. It's very cold here for those who are not in the wonderful northern climate. I'll most likely go to mass tonight so I can sleep in tomorrow. Margo and Don are planning to leave today for Florida if everything went OK yesterday in his testing. You guys watch out there is a bad ice storm in Kentucky . Talk to you again tomorrow. Tom
I go Monday to get my lower GI, CT scan, So I should have more to tell you then. My blood sugar has still been a little high but still manageable. I started taking the Protocel last night and it doesn't taste too bad, but it sure stains the marble sink. It's a little difficult to administer. You must mix it with distilled water and only use a 1/4 tsp.. The measuring of a 1/4 tsp is not easy, I spilled more than I actually got in the tube. The third time at 6 am., I finally figured out how to do it with out spilling so much. It should last for three months if I don't spill it all before that.
I'm going to venture outdoors today. I've not been out since Wed. It's very cold here for those who are not in the wonderful northern climate. I'll most likely go to mass tonight so I can sleep in tomorrow. Margo and Don are planning to leave today for Florida if everything went OK yesterday in his testing. You guys watch out there is a bad ice storm in Kentucky . Talk to you again tomorrow. Tom
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday 01-28-10
I just got out of bed at 11:15am. Sharon was up as usual at 6am and talked to me for a few minutes and I took my blood sugar 165 and then I went back to bed when she turned out the lights. I had to take another pain pill because I have the flue like symptoms again. Last night you had to see me watching TV. I had three different blankets over me and around my shoulders. Poor Sammy didn't know what to do with me. I had her fixing the blankets every time I would change positions. I asked her if I looked like an old Grampie and she just looked at me a laughed.
When I took my blood last night it was 300 after having only a roast beef sandwich for dinner. It has been no higher than about 170 lately after my meal and before bed. I asked them not to give me the stuff that makes my blood sugar rise, she said she gave me a much better medicine this time. I'm sure glad I knew to ask not to get the bad S+++. At least I know now to keep my diet very sugar and carb free. One good thing, I've already lost 5 lbs. I've been working out with the Amish for the past three weeks and had only lost 5 lbs. in all that time. I just haven't felt much like eating lately. I did loose 20 lbs with the last bout, but I put 10 lbs back on very quickly after the surgery. They tell you they don't want you to loose weight while you are going through Chemo, but I just don't feel like eating after having it.
I did hear from some old friends again today. Apparently the word is spreading. I also contacted a couple that I don't have regular communication with. One of my high school friends got back to me and he and his wife go to mass almost every day. That's the kind of prayer I need at this time. He and I started having children at the same rate when we first got married. His first daughter's name is Maura also. After my first three we stopped. He and Jane kept up for a while longer. I think he has 9 children, and a whole bunch of grandchildren. He was very successful in life and has always been able to afford a great life for them. He and I both love the same places, He has had a place in Cabo and one in Arizona. He lives his summers in Wisconsin and his winters in Scottsdale.
I'm also now in communication with 6 of my old employees. I don't consider any of them as just former employees, but as close friends who did not follow the companies mandate that they were to have no further communication with me.
Thats all for now. Tom
When I took my blood last night it was 300 after having only a roast beef sandwich for dinner. It has been no higher than about 170 lately after my meal and before bed. I asked them not to give me the stuff that makes my blood sugar rise, she said she gave me a much better medicine this time. I'm sure glad I knew to ask not to get the bad S+++. At least I know now to keep my diet very sugar and carb free. One good thing, I've already lost 5 lbs. I've been working out with the Amish for the past three weeks and had only lost 5 lbs. in all that time. I just haven't felt much like eating lately. I did loose 20 lbs with the last bout, but I put 10 lbs back on very quickly after the surgery. They tell you they don't want you to loose weight while you are going through Chemo, but I just don't feel like eating after having it.
I did hear from some old friends again today. Apparently the word is spreading. I also contacted a couple that I don't have regular communication with. One of my high school friends got back to me and he and his wife go to mass almost every day. That's the kind of prayer I need at this time. He and I started having children at the same rate when we first got married. His first daughter's name is Maura also. After my first three we stopped. He and Jane kept up for a while longer. I think he has 9 children, and a whole bunch of grandchildren. He was very successful in life and has always been able to afford a great life for them. He and I both love the same places, He has had a place in Cabo and one in Arizona. He lives his summers in Wisconsin and his winters in Scottsdale.
I'm also now in communication with 6 of my old employees. I don't consider any of them as just former employees, but as close friends who did not follow the companies mandate that they were to have no further communication with me.
Thats all for now. Tom
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wed 01-27-10
I just returned from the Chemo ward and had some very interesting information given to me by the doctor. When he came in I told him I really didn't want to be seeing him again under these circumstances. He looked at me and said he didn't expect to see me in here so early either. We chatted for a few minutes and then he ask if I had any questions. I ask, so the Chemo really didn't work did it. He said you would not be in here so soon if it did. You see Dr. Rushing would not give me that straight answer. He said that no one can truly answer that question because we don't know how many spots there could have been on your lungs. My vote is with Dr Adami, I don't think it worked at all because I was supposed to have four full treatments last summer and they operated after the third round. The only conclusion I can come up with is, when they saw the MRI, they realized the tumor had gotten larger not smaller.
I also found some other news out today. As we sat in Dr Adami's office he had a call from Dr. Rushing. Apparently the surgeon that will be taking the tumor's off my lungs told Rushing she could do the surgery. They have said it should be after the fourth round of Chemo. Dr. Adami had called Dr. Rushing to ask if he would approve of me getting another CT scan of the lower GI, which Rushing didn't think was necessary. He said he didn't mind if Adami felt it would be a good idea. As the patient, I'm somewhat confused, I know Rushing said the Sarcoma goes to your lungs from your arm not any where else. Yet Adami feels it is safer to check everywhere to make sure it is only in the lungs. Sharon agrees with Adami, so I get to drink that chalky S+++ and have another lower GI next Monday. I will then start the second Chemo on Tuesday and then skip a week and then start the same routine again for three more rounds. I will need to see Rushing in two weeks to see how I did with the Chemo he prescribed. If everything is good then I will start the second round. I will get another CT of the chest after the second round to see if the Chemo is working and the tumor's have shrunk. If not, I'm sure they will want to operate as soon as possible after that.
I also refused two of the other medications they wanted to give me for nausea and to prop up my red and white blood cells. I told them the nausea medication made me sicker than any vomiting I have ever done and the other spiked my blood sugar so hi I had to go on insulin. He did change the one medication and said we would check my blood to see how my red and white cells reacted to the Chemo. I'm telling you, you have to know as much as they do so you live through the S+++ they give you. They read about the side effects of these medians, they have never lived through them.
That's all for now, I'll keep you informed.
I also found some other news out today. As we sat in Dr Adami's office he had a call from Dr. Rushing. Apparently the surgeon that will be taking the tumor's off my lungs told Rushing she could do the surgery. They have said it should be after the fourth round of Chemo. Dr. Adami had called Dr. Rushing to ask if he would approve of me getting another CT scan of the lower GI, which Rushing didn't think was necessary. He said he didn't mind if Adami felt it would be a good idea. As the patient, I'm somewhat confused, I know Rushing said the Sarcoma goes to your lungs from your arm not any where else. Yet Adami feels it is safer to check everywhere to make sure it is only in the lungs. Sharon agrees with Adami, so I get to drink that chalky S+++ and have another lower GI next Monday. I will then start the second Chemo on Tuesday and then skip a week and then start the same routine again for three more rounds. I will need to see Rushing in two weeks to see how I did with the Chemo he prescribed. If everything is good then I will start the second round. I will get another CT of the chest after the second round to see if the Chemo is working and the tumor's have shrunk. If not, I'm sure they will want to operate as soon as possible after that.
I also refused two of the other medications they wanted to give me for nausea and to prop up my red and white blood cells. I told them the nausea medication made me sicker than any vomiting I have ever done and the other spiked my blood sugar so hi I had to go on insulin. He did change the one medication and said we would check my blood to see how my red and white cells reacted to the Chemo. I'm telling you, you have to know as much as they do so you live through the S+++ they give you. They read about the side effects of these medians, they have never lived through them.
That's all for now, I'll keep you informed.
Wed. 01-27-10
I had a very interesting yesterday. I got an e-mail from Marmion saying that they were going to have a pan cake breakfast and a number to call to the alumni association. I decided to call to let them know I would not be able too make it and to put me back on the prayer chain. While I was talking to Don on the phone we were talking about donations and he mentioned that Father Charles was going to be in Arizona and California in a couple of days. They still had me in the Arizona and California Alumni groups because I had gone to meetings in both place in the past. I ask him where they were staying in California and he said San Diego was his first stop. I then ask where are they staying in SD. They were going to spend big bucks at a Holiday Inn Express. That's when I realized the good Lord had made me call. I explained my relationship to the Carlsbad Inn and that no Marmion alum priest was staying at a Holiday Inn when the CBI was just 10 minutes away. So as it turned out he had Father Charles call me and we started talking about old times and where we had seen each other since graduation etc. One of the times was with a old friend of mine in Phoenix. He asked about him and I mentioned I had not heard from him in some time because we had a falling out. He then said about forgiveness and that's it's not a good idea to keep grudges no matter what the circumstances. I told him I had talked to him about two years ago and told him I forgave him but we had not spoken since. He then thanked me for the hotel rooms and mentioned the other person traveling with him is the Abbot. I then said to be sure to have him praying for me also. He assured me that he will. We then hung up.
About an hour later I was driving home from doing some honey do's, when I got a long distance call from a company I did not know and a number I did not recognize. Usually I will not answer calls like that because they are just wrong numbers. For some reason I answered it. It was the old friend that Father Charles and I had talked about an hour before. I've not told him about this, so I will not mention his name, but he is RAS.
He had just talked to an other old class mate an had been informed about my cancer. He started talking about all the time he has spent with alternative medicine and especially cancer related. He lost his sister and his father and mother in law to cancer. He called the medicine Protocel. It kills only cancer cells not your red and white cells. I had just seen a TV program on Saturday about this same kind of research. They we explaining about all the research being done in rain forests and under the ocean for medical cures. There are a growing number of people that believe that there are cures out there that native people have used against disease for years that we don't use any more or never have. My doctor talked to me about arsnic and that it can kill you if you take too much, but it can also be used to cure certain diseases. This is the same kind of thing.
He gave me a number to call and I talked to a doctor there about this cancer that I had and what she felt this medicine would do for me. She then explained that she has worked with people who have had Sarcoma's and how rare it was. She said it can't hurt to take it while I take the Chemo. As she said it will kill cancer cells, where there is no assurance that chemo will kill a Sarcoma cell. I do know one thing, it didn't do much good with the last time. I have now what they said they were going to try to kill. Cancer cells that were too small to see at the last CT scan. It's obvious to me it didn't happen. I'm willing to go through the Chemo again, but I'm sure as hell going to try this stuff also. She also recommended Paw Paw, which I know my mother told me about years ago. I had an employee that lived in Paw Paw Michigan and he showed me the trees. It is also toxic if you take toooo much, but can cure certain things. I just wanted to put this in the blog so it is on record. I'm not telling my doctors I'm taking it, because I'm sure they would tell me it is not effective. But you know what, Chemo has not done the trick either. If I'm going to pull through, I'm going to follow my instinct and follow what happened yesterday. Who's to say the Good Lord didn't send this to me. He does work in mysterious ways doesn't he.
I've got to go to the doctor now talk to you later
About an hour later I was driving home from doing some honey do's, when I got a long distance call from a company I did not know and a number I did not recognize. Usually I will not answer calls like that because they are just wrong numbers. For some reason I answered it. It was the old friend that Father Charles and I had talked about an hour before. I've not told him about this, so I will not mention his name, but he is RAS.
He had just talked to an other old class mate an had been informed about my cancer. He started talking about all the time he has spent with alternative medicine and especially cancer related. He lost his sister and his father and mother in law to cancer. He called the medicine Protocel. It kills only cancer cells not your red and white cells. I had just seen a TV program on Saturday about this same kind of research. They we explaining about all the research being done in rain forests and under the ocean for medical cures. There are a growing number of people that believe that there are cures out there that native people have used against disease for years that we don't use any more or never have. My doctor talked to me about arsnic and that it can kill you if you take too much, but it can also be used to cure certain diseases. This is the same kind of thing.
He gave me a number to call and I talked to a doctor there about this cancer that I had and what she felt this medicine would do for me. She then explained that she has worked with people who have had Sarcoma's and how rare it was. She said it can't hurt to take it while I take the Chemo. As she said it will kill cancer cells, where there is no assurance that chemo will kill a Sarcoma cell. I do know one thing, it didn't do much good with the last time. I have now what they said they were going to try to kill. Cancer cells that were too small to see at the last CT scan. It's obvious to me it didn't happen. I'm willing to go through the Chemo again, but I'm sure as hell going to try this stuff also. She also recommended Paw Paw, which I know my mother told me about years ago. I had an employee that lived in Paw Paw Michigan and he showed me the trees. It is also toxic if you take toooo much, but can cure certain things. I just wanted to put this in the blog so it is on record. I'm not telling my doctors I'm taking it, because I'm sure they would tell me it is not effective. But you know what, Chemo has not done the trick either. If I'm going to pull through, I'm going to follow my instinct and follow what happened yesterday. Who's to say the Good Lord didn't send this to me. He does work in mysterious ways doesn't he.
I've got to go to the doctor now talk to you later
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday 01-26-10
Just after I finished the blog yesterday I saw on AOL an article about how health care professionals have to make medical decisions based on cost for cancer and other expensive diseases. If that is happening now, it scares me to think what will be happening when the Government would be running the show. Thank God Sharon had a great job with the California Lottery and we have a Cadillac plan that has so far paid for all my treatments. Sharon will not even let me see how much it has cost, but they still pay for everything even if it is just 80-20. I pray for all of our children and grand children that may have to live under government health care.
Now to a more cheerful not. I heard from an old friend yesterday on Face Book. Ralph Lemley and I graduated from Marmion together and he went on to marry an old girl friend of mine. Another friend of mine, that I had just met again on FB, happened to have passed away of a heart attack. I knew that his wife Katie Barone Lemley also dated him and I wanted to let them about know about his death. From our alumni book, all private schools have alumni books, they got to raise money you know, I got his phone number and gave him a call. I had not heard from Katie since their wedding and Ralph since one of our first reunions. It's great to get back in touch after all these years.
I started to think back as to how old I was when I first "liked" Katie, to me her name was always Kay. Moe, if your listing, your middle name is Kay, because of Kay Barone. I wanted your name to be Kay, but mom and dad used it, but as your middle name. That made me 10 years old when I first had a girlfriend. I don't think I've even told Sharon that story. She also showed me how to eat spaghetti. When I was a kid I just cut it up into little pieces and ate it. She showed me how to wrap it around a fork. Her parents took me to the first Italian restaurant I had ever been to. I guess she was embarrassed to see me eat it like a foreigner. Oh yea, Catie, she is also the girl that used to help me with my spelling. That's no lie, I used to walk to her house after school, at least four miles, to have her help me. Now you know how much studying we did. Sorry Kay, I hope your not listening. My daughter thinks I can't spel. She was also my first dance partner at the Shawnee Tea Dance parties. Now that going way back.
I do feel a lot better today. Sharon let me sleep and I got up at 5:15, but then went back to bed until around 9am. I'm not going to do a whole lot today and tomorrow I have the appointment with the Chemo doctor at 9:30. I keep you informed as to what will be happening.
Until tomorrow.
PS I just got an e-mail form Tom Whitney that he sent the LCC class my blogg address. To any of you that found your way here, WELCOME
Now to a more cheerful not. I heard from an old friend yesterday on Face Book. Ralph Lemley and I graduated from Marmion together and he went on to marry an old girl friend of mine. Another friend of mine, that I had just met again on FB, happened to have passed away of a heart attack. I knew that his wife Katie Barone Lemley also dated him and I wanted to let them about know about his death. From our alumni book, all private schools have alumni books, they got to raise money you know, I got his phone number and gave him a call. I had not heard from Katie since their wedding and Ralph since one of our first reunions. It's great to get back in touch after all these years.
I started to think back as to how old I was when I first "liked" Katie, to me her name was always Kay. Moe, if your listing, your middle name is Kay, because of Kay Barone. I wanted your name to be Kay, but mom and dad used it, but as your middle name. That made me 10 years old when I first had a girlfriend. I don't think I've even told Sharon that story. She also showed me how to eat spaghetti. When I was a kid I just cut it up into little pieces and ate it. She showed me how to wrap it around a fork. Her parents took me to the first Italian restaurant I had ever been to. I guess she was embarrassed to see me eat it like a foreigner. Oh yea, Catie, she is also the girl that used to help me with my spelling. That's no lie, I used to walk to her house after school, at least four miles, to have her help me. Now you know how much studying we did. Sorry Kay, I hope your not listening. My daughter thinks I can't spel. She was also my first dance partner at the Shawnee Tea Dance parties. Now that going way back.
I do feel a lot better today. Sharon let me sleep and I got up at 5:15, but then went back to bed until around 9am. I'm not going to do a whole lot today and tomorrow I have the appointment with the Chemo doctor at 9:30. I keep you informed as to what will be happening.
Until tomorrow.
PS I just got an e-mail form Tom Whitney that he sent the LCC class my blogg address. To any of you that found your way here, WELCOME
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday 01-25-10
I was up early 5:15 and out with two of the three Amish gentlemen that I work out with. Louis, my partner in crime, was out with flue like symptoms. We worked out for an hour and I started to feel a little sick myself. I had a head ache, and my eyes were all full of gunk, so I took some large aspirin and tried to lay on the couch and watch some old TV I had copied. Even though it was very boring, I could not sleep and finally go up again at 11am.
Sharon came home at noon and said she felt bad and went up to take a nap. You know the one thing that really makes me mad is when people are sick and they don't tell you and they end up spreading it around everyone they come in contact with. We own and run an assisted living, how many times do I have to tell the staff to stay the hell home if you are sick.
I'm sure we will all be fine in a couple of days, but when I'm getting my Chemo I can't afford to get the flue. Flue like symptoms are bad enough as a side effect of the Chemo. You can tell I'm in a great mood at this time. I'll try funny tomorrow
Sharon came home at noon and said she felt bad and went up to take a nap. You know the one thing that really makes me mad is when people are sick and they don't tell you and they end up spreading it around everyone they come in contact with. We own and run an assisted living, how many times do I have to tell the staff to stay the hell home if you are sick.
I'm sure we will all be fine in a couple of days, but when I'm getting my Chemo I can't afford to get the flue. Flue like symptoms are bad enough as a side effect of the Chemo. You can tell I'm in a great mood at this time. I'll try funny tomorrow
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday 01-24-10
The first thing today GO COLTS BEAT THE JETS. I didn't really go to mass and pray that happens, but I do hope the go to the Super Bowl.
Now about going to Mass this morning at 7:30am that is Cate. After mass I went to see the priest that gave me the Prayer for the sick when I had my surgery. I let him know that my cancer was back and in my lungs. He was very sorry to hear that and said he would put me on the prayer list again. He then asked if I wanted the Prayer for the sick again, but I said I would wait until the surgery again. We then had a chance to chat for a minute and he told me about a woman who had breast cancer and was on the prayer list and had come to him for the Prayer and he had give it to her. A few days later she came back to tell him that the tumor had shrunk so much that she would not have to have her breast removed. They could use another method and just remove the tumor.
I then explained to him how my doctor had talked to me about the fact that he knew what he could do for cancer patients, but no one knew what prayer could do. I agree with those assessments. Let's all pray for those that have this disease.
Until tomorrow
Now about going to Mass this morning at 7:30am that is Cate. After mass I went to see the priest that gave me the Prayer for the sick when I had my surgery. I let him know that my cancer was back and in my lungs. He was very sorry to hear that and said he would put me on the prayer list again. He then asked if I wanted the Prayer for the sick again, but I said I would wait until the surgery again. We then had a chance to chat for a minute and he told me about a woman who had breast cancer and was on the prayer list and had come to him for the Prayer and he had give it to her. A few days later she came back to tell him that the tumor had shrunk so much that she would not have to have her breast removed. They could use another method and just remove the tumor.
I then explained to him how my doctor had talked to me about the fact that he knew what he could do for cancer patients, but no one knew what prayer could do. I agree with those assessments. Let's all pray for those that have this disease.
Until tomorrow
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Saturday 01-23-10
Good morning all, that means you to Cate, that doesn't like growing old, because it means you can't sleep late. I've go a word for you LOVE, GROW UP!!!!!!! oh yea that's two words.
I had a very nice talk today to a lady I met in Chemo and radiation. She has breast cancer, and has been in Chemo since I was, and still has five more rounds to go. She said she should be done at the end of April. We were talking about having to face the reality of what is facing us. She has a very similar outlook as I do. There is nothing YOU can do about it, so buck up and hit it straight on. The only thing you can do is pray at this point. Plus getting the message out to as many who will pray for you. She was saying she has people from ten States praying for her. We both feel the same way, If God keeps getting all these requests to get us better, maybe he'll just decide it's time to let us be cured. We both hope it does not go the other way. So for now, please pray for me and Diana and anyone else that has this terrible affliction. I just now, this second, got a call from one of my tenants son's, that his mom, my tenant, was just rushed from hear to Columbus, because she has cancer also and she can't stop vomiting.
Pray also that someday they'll find a cure for all or at least some of these cancers. As a kid I always felt it had to be something that was in the air or very common. For anyone who smokes, give it up, my God they know that can kill you, and believe me you don't want cancer in your lungs.
I got the word yesterday afternoon that I will meet with my Chemo doctor on Wed. morning and he will let me know what the procedure will be. Until then, I'll keep you informed as usual. Love to all
I had a very nice talk today to a lady I met in Chemo and radiation. She has breast cancer, and has been in Chemo since I was, and still has five more rounds to go. She said she should be done at the end of April. We were talking about having to face the reality of what is facing us. She has a very similar outlook as I do. There is nothing YOU can do about it, so buck up and hit it straight on. The only thing you can do is pray at this point. Plus getting the message out to as many who will pray for you. She was saying she has people from ten States praying for her. We both feel the same way, If God keeps getting all these requests to get us better, maybe he'll just decide it's time to let us be cured. We both hope it does not go the other way. So for now, please pray for me and Diana and anyone else that has this terrible affliction. I just now, this second, got a call from one of my tenants son's, that his mom, my tenant, was just rushed from hear to Columbus, because she has cancer also and she can't stop vomiting.
Pray also that someday they'll find a cure for all or at least some of these cancers. As a kid I always felt it had to be something that was in the air or very common. For anyone who smokes, give it up, my God they know that can kill you, and believe me you don't want cancer in your lungs.
I got the word yesterday afternoon that I will meet with my Chemo doctor on Wed. morning and he will let me know what the procedure will be. Until then, I'll keep you informed as usual. Love to all
Friday, January 22, 2010
Friday 01-22-10
I received a call yesterday from a pharmacy in Pickwa, Ohio, wanting me to give them my insurance information for a prescription that a Dr. Steidle had called into them. I asked the lady who they were and why would someone from Fort Wayne use a Pharmacy in Ohio. She then explained that they were a very specialized Pharmacy and that they specialized in medicines that were not widely dispensed.
I then explained that I would not give her my Medicare number because it was the same as my social security number. She said there is no need for that, we don't have any drugs that would be covered by Medicare. She then said that all she would do is call the insurance company and see if they would accept this medication. In a couple of minutes she was back and said that they would not accept the charge. I asked her how much it would cost, but she referred me back to the Dr's office to find that information out. If the insurance would not cover it, I guess he was going to try to charge me out of his office. I don't think I'm going to see this guy again, whata think!!
I have not herd anything from either Dr. Rushing or the Chemo office, so I said to Sharon, maybe this was all a mistake and they have discovered that the CT scan was wrong and they are afraid to admit it to me. She didn't think that happened either. I'm not sure what is going on, but we are going to try and get to the bottom of it today. I keep you informed.
Something else happened yesterday that I want all you that follow me, to follow. Maura, my oldest daughter. She has just formed a 501.c3 corporation that will give graffiti artists a chance to get to college. It's called Off The Wall Graffiti. If you go to my FB you can follow the link and become a fan. I think it's a great idea, and she needs fans to be able to get the public interest.
I herd from Tom Whitney, a classmate of mine from a couple of years back, let's see, in Sept., I think its 50 years. He and another Tom, Tom Hawk are thinking about coming over to Antwerp and having their pictures taken with me. Tom Whitney had very long hair last year and cut it off for is cousin who had cancer, and was going to grow it back long, but has decided to keep it short in support of me and my cancer. So you guys and girls who have always wanted to cut your hair off, here is and invitation to do so. I'll buy the lunch or dinner to anyone interested . I've asked my Amish friends to do it also, but I have had no takers. My son Darrin did it last summer, and he liked it. He did grow his back out, and I have not herd back form him since he found out my cancer is back. How about it D. you want to feel that ice cold winter wind on a clean shaven scalp?
Thats all for today, I let you know what up with the Chem when I hear.
I then explained that I would not give her my Medicare number because it was the same as my social security number. She said there is no need for that, we don't have any drugs that would be covered by Medicare. She then said that all she would do is call the insurance company and see if they would accept this medication. In a couple of minutes she was back and said that they would not accept the charge. I asked her how much it would cost, but she referred me back to the Dr's office to find that information out. If the insurance would not cover it, I guess he was going to try to charge me out of his office. I don't think I'm going to see this guy again, whata think!!
I have not herd anything from either Dr. Rushing or the Chemo office, so I said to Sharon, maybe this was all a mistake and they have discovered that the CT scan was wrong and they are afraid to admit it to me. She didn't think that happened either. I'm not sure what is going on, but we are going to try and get to the bottom of it today. I keep you informed.
Something else happened yesterday that I want all you that follow me, to follow. Maura, my oldest daughter. She has just formed a 501.c3 corporation that will give graffiti artists a chance to get to college. It's called Off The Wall Graffiti. If you go to my FB you can follow the link and become a fan. I think it's a great idea, and she needs fans to be able to get the public interest.
I herd from Tom Whitney, a classmate of mine from a couple of years back, let's see, in Sept., I think its 50 years. He and another Tom, Tom Hawk are thinking about coming over to Antwerp and having their pictures taken with me. Tom Whitney had very long hair last year and cut it off for is cousin who had cancer, and was going to grow it back long, but has decided to keep it short in support of me and my cancer. So you guys and girls who have always wanted to cut your hair off, here is and invitation to do so. I'll buy the lunch or dinner to anyone interested . I've asked my Amish friends to do it also, but I have had no takers. My son Darrin did it last summer, and he liked it. He did grow his back out, and I have not herd back form him since he found out my cancer is back. How about it D. you want to feel that ice cold winter wind on a clean shaven scalp?
Thats all for today, I let you know what up with the Chem when I hear.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thursday 01-21-10
I had some blood work done the other day for my diabetes and have been caring them around for the other Dr's that I have been seeing. It is amazing how some of the operate. I was told by Carol Burns, my diabetes doctor, that I had low testosterone and I should go see this other Dr. I went into his office and it was very well organized and I was ready to see him in about 15 minutes after I answered all the questions on the forms. He came in, one Hugh dude, and asked me for my blood work. I gave it to him and he took a few minutes to look it over and then said, "You need more Testosterone. You can get it by ointment, by patch, by injection, or I can implant pellets in your butt. Which way do you want it. Since I had already tried the ointment and it did nothing, he said then the patch would not work either because it's the same thing just in a patch. I knew I was not about to give my self a shot into the muscle. So the reason I came to see the guy in the first place, if he had chosen to ask me why the f+++ I was there. He didn't ask anything about me my medical condition, nothing, just here is what I do, how do you want it. He then said bend over I'm going to give you a prostate exam. It was at that time that I stopped him and said "What the hell kind of Dr. are you anyway. I feel like I've been given the bums rush here. First of all I've already had a Prostate exam by Dr.. Rudy Ricosky, do you know him." Yea, I know all the docs in town. I then remember that his name is not Rudy Ricosky but Dr. Rudolph, and they call him Rudy. I then ask him if he had read the results of the blood work that I had just handed him. He said sure I have, so then what is my PSA test say. I'm not sure, why. Well if I have already had a Prostate exam and my PSA is .03 why wouldn't you have asked me if I want a Prostate exam as apposed to bend over I'm going to give you a Prostate exam. He then said, Mr. I'm a very busy man and if you want me to do the Testosterone pellets I'll have to check with your insurance company to see if they will cover the procedure. When he asked what insurance I had, I told him Medicare and Blue Cross and Blue Shield and he said you have Anthem, and they probably will not cove the procedure anyway. It was at that point that I stood up and started for the door. He then grabbed some paper of the desk and ran towards me and said you have to give this to the lady at the front desk. He then said he would submit it to my insurance and call me back in a couple of weeks. I grabbed it and walked to the front desk, placed the paper on the desk and walked out.
I had a simular thing happen with my family doctor who is retireing and the new doctor want to see me to do a check up on me. I called to see what she wanted and asked he why she wanted to see me. She said well I see you ahd a heart attack in '94 and that you have diebetes and I think you need to see me to see how those things are coming along. I then ask her if she has my entire file in front of her. She said I think so why, well I have everything sent to you guy and should should have all the results of all the tests that I have done by other doctors. She then said, well I'll have to get that paper work and call you back. I've not heard from her since. She should also see that I now have cancer again.
I do want to say however that I have been blessed with great Doctors and great care by them. I guess when I see other doctors that are not of their quality, it just sets me off. It's the old thing about the doctor with the A average in every class and procedure got his degree and is now practicing, but the guy who got the lowest grades but passed is also practicing somewhere.
Just so you know from the first blog, my blood sugars have been much improved over the past few months. I take a injection of insulin once a day in the evening and then a pill with each meal. My average blood sugar now is between 90 to as high as 140 but not much above or below those levels. We'll see how that holds up with this next treatment. Oh yea, id have something to brag about, my cholesterol is 103, normal range, (0-200) HDL, 35, normal range, (40-60) LDL, 36, normal range, (63-130) triglyceride, 160, normal range (0-150). TSH, 1.28, normal range, (.32-5.00) Everything was good except my Glucose was 8.3 and it should not be above 8, normal is (4-6) that is from the bad times with the chemo. It should be lower on my next visit.
That's it for now, you know more about me than the new doctor that is taking over the practice of John Smith my old doctor.
I had a simular thing happen with my family doctor who is retireing and the new doctor want to see me to do a check up on me. I called to see what she wanted and asked he why she wanted to see me. She said well I see you ahd a heart attack in '94 and that you have diebetes and I think you need to see me to see how those things are coming along. I then ask her if she has my entire file in front of her. She said I think so why, well I have everything sent to you guy and should should have all the results of all the tests that I have done by other doctors. She then said, well I'll have to get that paper work and call you back. I've not heard from her since. She should also see that I now have cancer again.
I do want to say however that I have been blessed with great Doctors and great care by them. I guess when I see other doctors that are not of their quality, it just sets me off. It's the old thing about the doctor with the A average in every class and procedure got his degree and is now practicing, but the guy who got the lowest grades but passed is also practicing somewhere.
Just so you know from the first blog, my blood sugars have been much improved over the past few months. I take a injection of insulin once a day in the evening and then a pill with each meal. My average blood sugar now is between 90 to as high as 140 but not much above or below those levels. We'll see how that holds up with this next treatment. Oh yea, id have something to brag about, my cholesterol is 103, normal range, (0-200) HDL, 35, normal range, (40-60) LDL, 36, normal range, (63-130) triglyceride, 160, normal range (0-150). TSH, 1.28, normal range, (.32-5.00) Everything was good except my Glucose was 8.3 and it should not be above 8, normal is (4-6) that is from the bad times with the chemo. It should be lower on my next visit.
That's it for now, you know more about me than the new doctor that is taking over the practice of John Smith my old doctor.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wed Jan 20th 1010
I didn't get much sleep last night, but I did watch the TV to see that Mr Brown won his seat in the Senate. I'm blessed about that so I was not one of the first to suffer under Mr Obama's health care system. Fortunately for my family, Sharon retired from a great job with the California State Lottery and we have excellent coverage, however we would have been on the hook for a new tax on our plan. She was not in a union. I also don't want to face the possibility down the road of being told I'm not worth keeping on the earth. I know what I have is very dangerous and could kill me, but I'm willing to go as far as I can to save my life. I don't want some person in a Washington suite telling them to stop the treatments, it's just to rare to know if he will live or not.
Boy was that morbid or what.
Now to you who want to know what I will be taking and what it will do to me. Talk about morbid!!! The first day, I will receive Gemzar. this is a Chemo agent given as a clear solution in the vein over 90 minutes. Side effects are generally tolerated. Side effects: The Chemo affects healthy and diseased cells. Healthy cells affected include the white and red blood cells and platelets. A decrease in white cells increases susceptibility to infection. Decrease in red blood cells contributes to fatigue and shortness of breath. Decrease in platelets increases potential for bruising and bleeding. these side effects are temporary. Hair loss: Minimal temporary thinning of the hair may be noticed. So what they are saying is, I'll have an infection, but I'll probably be sleeping through it, if I have my sleep apenia machine on for the shortness of breath. Sound like fun time to me. Any takers???
So I will get this on the first day of the treatment. I will then go back 8 days later and receive this again plus Taxotere. This Chemo agent drug is infused intravenously through a vein or a central line, which is what I have, it's also called a port. It takes about 60 minutes to administer.
Side effects: The same side effects as the other drug, but it will actually make the side effects more evident. But the two together and I will not be doing much for the first couple of days after the IV's. Fluid retention is common after a few treatments, so you get to take Dexamethasone prior to your treatments. Hair Loss; IT MAY ACCRUE!! RIGHT!! Muscle pain: you may experience muscle and joint aches for a few days following each infusion. The last time I had that it was as bad as anything I had had before and I had a bad back for 13 years. It does say that you might ask your physician for something to control the discomfort.
Nail Changes: Color changes in your finger and toe nails and they might become soft and tender. Yea, the last time I lost the nail of my big toe and it took forever for it to heal. Numbness, Tingling of Hands/Feet: These will probably go away a few months after your treatments.
Well there it is kids. More fun and game for the next two or three months. It will depend on how the Chemo is working as to how many treatments I will receive. The last time I was to receive 4 cycles, but the Sarcoma had grown to fast and the Chemo was not stopping it from growing, so they decided to take it much faster than they had planned. We'll have to see what happens this time.
I've given it much thought through the night and have decided that no one gets out of hear alive. We never know when we will be called back to the Good Lord. I remember ln grade schoole being told that if I made all the first Fridays for a year that someone would be near me when I died to give me the last sacraments. I've always tried to remember if I made it for an entire year or did I stop after the 9 months of school. I remember this one year going on my bike to St. Rose for at least two months, I can't remember if I got that third one. Well if it comes down to the fact that this will someday take me, I now know that I will have that gift of the last rights that I worried about as a child. We are all here for a very short time when you consider eternity. I just hope I've done all I can do.
Lets win this thing together. I have the World expert on Sarcomas working for me and there is a reason I don't live in beautiful Southern California any more. This must be why I'm hear, to beat this damn thing once and for all.
I'll keep you posted.
Tom
Boy was that morbid or what.
Now to you who want to know what I will be taking and what it will do to me. Talk about morbid!!! The first day, I will receive Gemzar. this is a Chemo agent given as a clear solution in the vein over 90 minutes. Side effects are generally tolerated. Side effects: The Chemo affects healthy and diseased cells. Healthy cells affected include the white and red blood cells and platelets. A decrease in white cells increases susceptibility to infection. Decrease in red blood cells contributes to fatigue and shortness of breath. Decrease in platelets increases potential for bruising and bleeding. these side effects are temporary. Hair loss: Minimal temporary thinning of the hair may be noticed. So what they are saying is, I'll have an infection, but I'll probably be sleeping through it, if I have my sleep apenia machine on for the shortness of breath. Sound like fun time to me. Any takers???
So I will get this on the first day of the treatment. I will then go back 8 days later and receive this again plus Taxotere. This Chemo agent drug is infused intravenously through a vein or a central line, which is what I have, it's also called a port. It takes about 60 minutes to administer.
Side effects: The same side effects as the other drug, but it will actually make the side effects more evident. But the two together and I will not be doing much for the first couple of days after the IV's. Fluid retention is common after a few treatments, so you get to take Dexamethasone prior to your treatments. Hair Loss; IT MAY ACCRUE!! RIGHT!! Muscle pain: you may experience muscle and joint aches for a few days following each infusion. The last time I had that it was as bad as anything I had had before and I had a bad back for 13 years. It does say that you might ask your physician for something to control the discomfort.
Nail Changes: Color changes in your finger and toe nails and they might become soft and tender. Yea, the last time I lost the nail of my big toe and it took forever for it to heal. Numbness, Tingling of Hands/Feet: These will probably go away a few months after your treatments.
Well there it is kids. More fun and game for the next two or three months. It will depend on how the Chemo is working as to how many treatments I will receive. The last time I was to receive 4 cycles, but the Sarcoma had grown to fast and the Chemo was not stopping it from growing, so they decided to take it much faster than they had planned. We'll have to see what happens this time.
I've given it much thought through the night and have decided that no one gets out of hear alive. We never know when we will be called back to the Good Lord. I remember ln grade schoole being told that if I made all the first Fridays for a year that someone would be near me when I died to give me the last sacraments. I've always tried to remember if I made it for an entire year or did I stop after the 9 months of school. I remember this one year going on my bike to St. Rose for at least two months, I can't remember if I got that third one. Well if it comes down to the fact that this will someday take me, I now know that I will have that gift of the last rights that I worried about as a child. We are all here for a very short time when you consider eternity. I just hope I've done all I can do.
Lets win this thing together. I have the World expert on Sarcomas working for me and there is a reason I don't live in beautiful Southern California any more. This must be why I'm hear, to beat this damn thing once and for all.
I'll keep you posted.
Tom
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
It's back
01-18-10 Tuesday: I did miss this blog believe it or not. I just didn't want to have to write about cancer anymore. For the second time in my life, I was told I had cancer again today. I first visited with the Dr. who did the surgery on my arm and he seemed pretty upbeat so I felt some what relieved. He left to go read the MRI results and told me that Dr. Rushing wanted to see me also today. Since I only had an appointment with Dr. Cummings I thought he just want to thank me for sending he and his wife to Florida for Thanksgiving. Sharon and I were very happy that he was going to take his busy time to personally come and thank us. He had written me a hand written note when I first told him about the possibility of getting him a place for Thanksgiving.
When he came in he asked us how our Christmas and New Year were going, and then said we found some things on your CT scan that is very disturbing. We found five spots that were not there on the last CT. I'm afraid that the Sarcoma has gone to your lungs. That is the normal place it will go if it started in your arm. He had told us about the possibility, but on the last scan they saw nothing and Sharon and I thought we were home free. Like the old joke: All of you that think you are cancer free please take one step forward. Not so fast McLaughlin.
I must go back for more Chemo. This time it will be a different medicine than the last time. Your not supposed to get sick on this one, but I will more than likely loose my hair again. I have one treatment the first week, probably Monday, and then another two treatments 8 days later. I'm then off for a week and then repeat it again. One treatment one week then followed by two different treatments 8 days later. I have to see him after the first round to see if I am able to with stand the dosage or not. He is going to start out very heavy and see what I can stand. This will continue for at least four treatments. At the end of the second round of treatments, I will have another CT scan to see what effect if any the Chemo has had on the Sarcoma. It is very difficult to kill with Chemo. Some say you can't, but others say it at lest slows down the growth and may kill the microscopic one that may be in my lungs now.
When they feel they have done what they can with Chemo , they will go in and try to cut out the Sarcoma's on my lungs. They will not talk about the surgery at this time because they said it could change.
This has come as a complete blow to Sharon and me and we are asking everyone to pray for all of us in the McLaughlin family. As the Dr. told us, the entire family lives through this treatment in their own way. I know that prayer helped the last time, so please keep them coming
When he came in he asked us how our Christmas and New Year were going, and then said we found some things on your CT scan that is very disturbing. We found five spots that were not there on the last CT. I'm afraid that the Sarcoma has gone to your lungs. That is the normal place it will go if it started in your arm. He had told us about the possibility, but on the last scan they saw nothing and Sharon and I thought we were home free. Like the old joke: All of you that think you are cancer free please take one step forward. Not so fast McLaughlin.
I must go back for more Chemo. This time it will be a different medicine than the last time. Your not supposed to get sick on this one, but I will more than likely loose my hair again. I have one treatment the first week, probably Monday, and then another two treatments 8 days later. I'm then off for a week and then repeat it again. One treatment one week then followed by two different treatments 8 days later. I have to see him after the first round to see if I am able to with stand the dosage or not. He is going to start out very heavy and see what I can stand. This will continue for at least four treatments. At the end of the second round of treatments, I will have another CT scan to see what effect if any the Chemo has had on the Sarcoma. It is very difficult to kill with Chemo. Some say you can't, but others say it at lest slows down the growth and may kill the microscopic one that may be in my lungs now.
When they feel they have done what they can with Chemo , they will go in and try to cut out the Sarcoma's on my lungs. They will not talk about the surgery at this time because they said it could change.
This has come as a complete blow to Sharon and me and we are asking everyone to pray for all of us in the McLaughlin family. As the Dr. told us, the entire family lives through this treatment in their own way. I know that prayer helped the last time, so please keep them coming
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