Half Way Point

I am half way through treatments; I had surgery Monday morning to remove the tumor. The mass removed from my leg was approximately 3.5 inches long; the incision is about 9 inches long. I am surprised how well I am feeling. For me, the surgery has been easier than the chemo; the chemo side effects last much longer. I haven't needed pain medication since Tuesday morning. I plan to return to work this Friday.

The hardest part is giving myself shots in the stomach to prevent post-surgery blood clots. I now have some understanding of what diabetics go through. In two weeks, I meet with the surgeon and oncologist. If the tumor has responded to chemo (i.e. shows signs of dying) then I will have three more chemo cycles. If there has been no effect on the tumor then I may not have any more chemo.

I want to thank everyone for the phone calls, texts, thoughts and prayers sent my way. I truly appreciate it.

Room With a View

I’m sorry I haven’t written for some time. During my third chemo treatment, I had a room with a great view of downtown , Mt Hood, Mt Adams and Mt St Helens.

Here is a quick update on were things are right now. I am half way through my chemo treatments and I completed eight days of radiation. The end of this month the surgeon will remove my tumor. I have been very fortunate and haven’t felt ill from chemo or the radiation treatments. The biggest side effect for me is fatigue.

My doctor did a rough measurement and believes my tumor shrunk by 1 cm. I had an MRI today so I will know more accurate measures later this week.

The Machine

Some days all I want is for the machine to function. By the machine I am referring to the family schedule. If I just oil everything properly, get the kids fed, out the door, walk the dog, go to work then the "mechanical" routine maintains my forward momentum. I am careful not to look back at the wake left behind by the morning routine (a messy kitchen, a table littered with dishes, towels and clothes on the floor).  Most days I can handle the job of House Manager-Scheduler-Mechanic.

Sometimes something breaks. Someone is sick and the domino effect begins. I have to slow down. Shift gears. And it alters my misguided belief that forward momentum equals progress.

Today, let progress be to sit still, nurse a sore throat and read a book to my child. Progress. So be it.

My New Coif

I’m sporting my new look. Not all my hair is gone yet; I’m transitioning with a short-shaved cut. I thought I’d have an irregular, egg -shaped head but I was happily surprised (and relieved) that my head looks normal. The best comment so far came from Rylan’s friend Rees. “Mike, why did you shave your head? You look like an alien.”

I want to say a big thank you to Christi Carlo for taking photos and to John Chuck for styling my new coif.

Ch-ch-changes

Hair today. Gone tomorrow.

Week 3

I made it through my first chemo cycle. I checked in to the hospital last Thursday and returned home Easter Sunday. I had a private room with a tv. I tried to stay busy during the day with work and walking the halls. Julie and the kids visited for dinner and a movie at night.

In preparation for daily chemo, I was given about 8 pills one hour before treatment to minimize the nausea. The chemo treatments took about 2.5 hours each day and were delivered intravenously.

The nursing staff at OHSU is great. I didn’t have nausea but I did get indigestion from the treatments. They gave me yogurt to help with indigestion. After returning home, I felt tired and didn't have much energy. I started feeling like myself again by Wednesday.

I am very thankful for all the support.