one week down

Seems like ages ago that I went to my dentist and asked him if he had any idea what that strange little growth was in my throat. Knowing for sure that is was surely nothing serious, but just in case, let's go see an ENT doc just in case. Which of course, although likely nothing serious, should probably have an MRI just for kicks....and then the biopsy....and the PET scan...and, well, here we are....one week down.

The week went by in a blur. Maybe because each day seems to be spent in a sort of a blur. Tired, fuzzy, no pain, just a constant tingling sensation. I am surprised I can lay still for so long. Not wanting to move, but still all the while, feeling everything. Weird.

Its hot today. Cooling went out yesterday in the house. Will get that fixed soon, hopefully tomorrow.

Got to get motivated though. Or not. Rest is nice too.

Oh, I'm supposed to eat too?

The feeling is still all just sort of surreal. Not really any pain, just a relative constant state of fogginess. Low level electric current running through, buzzing along, not really taking any prisoners, just wrapping around every part of my body.

My energy level has been quite low, and if I could sleep all day, I probably would. Which is quite silly for the first week of treatment. Truthfully, I think it stems much more from my lack of eating than any effect of the treatment. Maybe some side-effect from the anti-Nausea meds, but really, I just need to eat more. Funny, if you saw me in a speedo, you would know eating has never been hard for me. Ok, ok, sorry for the image....

Thanks again to everyone who continue to impress upon me just how blessed I am to have such a strong and loving support network. The texts, emails, blog responses, calls..... i appreciate every one of them. I just wish I could respond personally to each one, but I trust you understand if I cannot. I am touched in ways you likely will never know though by your gestures. Truly just one of the endless blessings I enjoy.

Good news... I still have my hair. Not sure I am a mullet kind of guy Pat and Mac, but thanks for thinking about me. :)

I am about off for Radiation treatment #4, then only 30 more to go. Heck, that's almost into the twenties.... this will be done in no time.

reality check

Rough night. Didn't sleep well, nausea came on a little stonger than expected, but increasing my meds tonite should help.

Only day 2 of the treatment process and I think I might have underestimated my opponents. That chemo chap packs a punch! Probably helped him a little by not eating for the 7 hours we exchanged insults, but won't make that mistake again. so, the smart money is still on me fight fans.

Had my second radiation treatment today. 2 down, only 32 more to go. Over the long haul, I think she will be the more worthy adversary. Not unbeatable by any stretch of even the wildest imagination though, so bring her on.

Thanks to everyone for the calls, emails, texts and blog messages. I apologize if I am slow to respond. Trust that I do listen/read them all. They are very encouraging and I can't really express how helpful they are, but trust that they are.....everyone of them.

Optimism runs high, this is still a blessing.

welcome to the neighborhood

Hi All!!

What a great day.

First day for Chemo and Radiation. Feeding tube "installed" yesterday....didn't like that too much. Not sure why I thought it would be painless.....getting "stabbed" in 5 places in the belly would obviously not be a party. Much better today though.

Been hooked up to this chemo pump for about 4.5 hours now. I think I only have about another hour or so to go. Then get to meet my radiation machine....hope he's nice, will be my up close and personal friend on a daily basis for the next 7 weeks.

Strange realization today. I'm the only one with hair in here. I knew the day was coming when I won't have any, but it still didn't seem real. Until today. I have tried to walk around and talk to my neighbors (the pumps are mobile thank goodness), and they are all very nice. But they also seem a bit discouraged. And very tired. I won't get there. And I will do what I can to help them back to my side of the fence. Its better over here anyway.

I know I have a long way to go, and there will undoubtedly be "those days", but trust that I am maintaining a very positive attitude. And I have been overwhelmed at the amazing outpouring of love and caring I have received. Actually, its been humbling. I just never knew how blessed I was... am..... thank you so very much. No matter how strong one can try to be, the strength that is gained from such expressions is "priceless". I am so lucky.

OK, better gear up to meet my new buddy. he just might be a life saver........

Kev is on his way for his first treatment. This is an all day event. Hang in there Kev :)

Kev get another way to eat

Kev is here at the hospital (in surgery) getting a feeding tube put in place. Hopefully, he won't need it