I had my consultation with my oncologist on Friday. I have several tumors that are under the surface of my skin that I can monitor easily. One of the tumors all but disappeared, but the others have grown considerably. The plan is to do my second regiment of chemo starting tomorrow, followed by a PET scan, and possibly some radiation. I'm not feeling extremely confident at this point.
I e-mailed my oncologist at the Seattle Cancer Care Center to see how he felt about the procedure. He sent me some studies on some new experimental cures for Merkel Cell. The problem is he wants me to get Kaiser to pay the way, and Kaiser has told me that the one outside consultation is all that they would do. I'm going to turn this information over to my Kaiser oncologist and proceed from there.
I'm feeling pretty good - just a little more tired than usual.
Jim
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
11/16/11
Greetings
Well, I thought the Chemo wouldnt' affect me, but it kind of sneaks up on you. I've been having a severe pain in my neck (maybe related to something else), but that's seems to be okay now. My hair is coming loose, but not falling out in clumps yet. I was told if my temperature got to 101, I'd have 4 hours to get to the hospital if I wanted to stay alive. Well - I felt warm Monday evening, took my temperature and it was 101.3. Heather, my daughter in law rushed me to Southwest. The temp was 103 by then. They took blood samples out of every vein in my body and couldn't find the cause. Temp went down - I stayed overnight - and they shipped me home yesterday morning. I'm feeling decent now except I have to sleep on my back all night - tumors on my left side, and stiff neck on my right - Seven hours in the same position isn't totally comfortable for me. I guess I'm sort of glad that I know the chemo is working - some doubt at first.
I've been able to go elk hunting (riding around in Jeff's SUV), and Jeff and I did get a nice elk (4/4). We each put a bullet in it.
Life's not all bad - Joyce came through her surgery fine. She had an incision large enough to take a cantoloupe size spleen out of her (which they did). It's been a week now, and she's getting around (very slowly, but getting around). Thank the good lord for that one. We've been receiving lots of food since my idea of cooking is oatmeal. The Hockinson band directors brought over enough for a week last night. Really Really good looking things to eat. Glad I have my appetite. We received food from our church and from friends also. Thanks so much for all that. My next appointment is a week from Friday with three days of chemo following that. Please keep Joyce and I in your prayers.
Jim
Well, I thought the Chemo wouldnt' affect me, but it kind of sneaks up on you. I've been having a severe pain in my neck (maybe related to something else), but that's seems to be okay now. My hair is coming loose, but not falling out in clumps yet. I was told if my temperature got to 101, I'd have 4 hours to get to the hospital if I wanted to stay alive. Well - I felt warm Monday evening, took my temperature and it was 101.3. Heather, my daughter in law rushed me to Southwest. The temp was 103 by then. They took blood samples out of every vein in my body and couldn't find the cause. Temp went down - I stayed overnight - and they shipped me home yesterday morning. I'm feeling decent now except I have to sleep on my back all night - tumors on my left side, and stiff neck on my right - Seven hours in the same position isn't totally comfortable for me. I guess I'm sort of glad that I know the chemo is working - some doubt at first.
I've been able to go elk hunting (riding around in Jeff's SUV), and Jeff and I did get a nice elk (4/4). We each put a bullet in it.
Life's not all bad - Joyce came through her surgery fine. She had an incision large enough to take a cantoloupe size spleen out of her (which they did). It's been a week now, and she's getting around (very slowly, but getting around). Thank the good lord for that one. We've been receiving lots of food since my idea of cooking is oatmeal. The Hockinson band directors brought over enough for a week last night. Really Really good looking things to eat. Glad I have my appetite. We received food from our church and from friends also. Thanks so much for all that. My next appointment is a week from Friday with three days of chemo following that. Please keep Joyce and I in your prayers.
Jim
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