Today, I had my 18th radiation treatment. I am now halfway done, with 18 more to go. So far the effects have been somewhat mild from them. They will slowly get worst over the next three weeks. I do have a constant dry mouth, and am always at arms reach away from my water jug. Dry foods are hard to eat and I am starting to feel a little pain when I swallow. Food has no real taste to it now to me either. It all taste sort of metallic to me. Put that together with my lack of interest in food and eating, and I have lost 5 lbs. in the last two weeks. I have always been such a great eater and lover of sweets, this has been a real shock to me. I will try to increase by milkshake quota this week. Back on Tuesday, I did not proceed with my 4th treatment with the clinical trial drug erbitux. Last weekend, my skin took a turn for the worst and the rash that had already appeared, had gotten out of control. When the doctor and nurse saw me on Tuesday, we all agreed to take a week, and possibly two off from these treatments. Two weeks is the maximum amount of time that you can take between treatments and still continue on the trial. If it is up to me, I would just as soon give up any future treatments with the stuff. The rash has become almost unbearable. It is just something I do not want to have to go through again. Dealing with this rash, on top of the severe throat pain I am anticipating in the coming weeks, is something I just don't want to put up with if I have to. The irony in the fact that I wanted this drug from the first day I learned about it just to much to bear. Andrea has said jokingly on more then one occasion, "well, you wanted it." Needless to say, the quote,"careful what you ask for," is very apropos to this recent course of events. My next appointment with the doctor is on Tuesday when I have my second chemo treatment. I will update you then, if we have chosen to continue with the erbitux. My vote is to discontinue it altogether.
A couple shout out thank yous, first to Stacey Helenbrook for bringing over enough food to stock half of our freezer. The chicken casserole was enjoyed just last night. Also thanks again to brother Devon, for taken me to two radiation treatments. Those rides really help us out a bunch.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Three weeks gone
Today, I had my 18th radiation treatment. I am now halfway done, with 18 more to go. So far the effects have been somewhat mild from them. They will slowly get worst over the next three weeks. I do have a constant dry mouth, and am always at arms reach away from my water jug. Dry foods are hard to eat and I am starting to feel a little pain when I swallow. Food has no real taste to it now to me either. It all taste sort of metallic to me. Put that together with my lack of interest in food and eating, and I have lost 5 lbs. in the last two weeks. I have always been such a great eater and lover of sweets, this has been a real shock to me. I will try to increase by milkshake quota this week. Back on Tuesday, I did not proceed with my 4th treatment with the clinical trial drug erbitux. Last weekend, my skin took a turn for the worst and the rash that had already appeared, had gotten out of control. When the doctor and nurse saw me on Tuesday, we all agreed to take a week, and possibly two off from these treatments. Two weeks is the maximum amount of time that you can take between treatments and still continue on the trial. If it is up to me, I would just as soon give up any future treatments with the stuff. The rash has become almost unbearable. It is just something I do not want to have to go through again. Dealing with this rash, on top of the severe throat pain I am anticipating in the coming weeks, is something I just don't want to put up with if I have to. The irony in the fact that I wanted this drug from the first day I learned about it just to much to bear. Andrea has said jokingly on more then one occasion, "well, you wanted it." Needless to say, the quote,"careful what you ask for," is very apropos to this recent course of events. My next appointment with the doctor is on Tuesday when I have my second chemo treatment. I will update you then, if we have chosen to continue with the erbitux. My vote is to discontinue it altogether.
A couple shout out thank yous, first to Stacey Helenbrook for bringing over enough food to stock half of our freezer. The chicken casserole was enjoyed just last night. Also thanks again to brother Devon, for taken me to two radiation treatments. Those rides really help us out a bunch.
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Hey, stick with the trial drug. No pain, no gain...it might just save your fu_king life. Suck it up, man up and you won't have any regrets if the cancer comes back. You don't want to say, boy I wonder what would have happened if I stayed on the trial drug.
ReplyDeleteHang in there with or without the drug! Just hang think of it as a much anticipated vacation... Over before you know it!!!!
ReplyDeleteStevie(Wonder) as my wife refers to you...Keep up the faith and the fight to kick IT'S a--.I saw my father endure these horrid treatments,yet, he regretted none of it after the fact.We will continue our prayers for all concerned.FINISH the treatments and begin your spring training immediately...Trackside will not/ cannot field a worthy team without you at 2nd!
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