the tortoise and the hare

so we've all seen it... we all know how it ends... slow and steady win the race...

the last week of june dad couldn't keep anything down... not even water... it would come back up within 15 minutes... they did a scope on wednesday june 30th... his stomach was full of food that wasn't being pushed through... so they took it all out and thought that would do the trick... it didn't...

so on friday july 2nd they did an upper gi and things still weren't moving through... off to the er... they admitted him since he was so dehydrated... put him on medicine they thought would make his stomach work again... didn't work... stayed in the hospital still trying to figure it out... on thursday july 8th they did exploratory surgery because they still had no idea what was going on... they ended up opening the passage between his stomach and his intestines...

they seem to think that that was the problem... he still can't keep anything down, but he is feeling pretty good... they released him from the hospital today because as he says 'i can puke at home'...

dr tate says that it will just take time for his stomach to start really working... it's been through a lot in the past 3 months and we all think it's just giving him the finger and revolting...

s l o w & s t e a d y...





much love to stef for drawing the turtle...

Cooool - good report from my last post-op checkup. He said I was way ahead of schedule and doing great.
Still have a long way to go though, but feeling pretty good after all the good reports. I know, I know - P A T I E N C E.........
Next step is a pet-scan in 3 months to make sure they cleaned me out good enough.
Anyway..... unless something new comes up - it'll probably be a while before I post anything else.
I'll let y;all know when I cross the next hurdle - getting back to work.....
This has been an excellent vehicle for reporting my goings on and happenings - thanks again Mooch.
Thanks again for your toughts, prayers, cards, letters, e-mails, etc., etc. Y'all have been a marvelous support group.

Sorry, I know it's been a few days. Whew - I've experienced some very good and some very bad days the past week - it seems like I discover new pains every day.
Had a follow-up yesterday - I'm dehydrated - got a bag of fluids, gettin another one today and another on Wednesday - I'm trying to force myself to drink more, it's just not happening. I also have some pain patches and an appetite stimulant - nobody would ever believe I'd need a stimulant to eat.......
Anyway........ Doc is very happy with my progress, so I guess I should be happy too - just anxious to feel better on a daily basis.

Whooooooo Hooooooooo I'm now tube free! The first time in M O N T H S that I haven't had something sticking out of me.
Doc says all is well, the lingering pain is normal, everything looks good and I'm progressing as anticipated.

Good days - yesterday and today. Sue got me up and took me to Wal Mart last night - John came by today and hauled me to Lowe's today, so I've been up, about and walking pretty well.
I ate a fill today too, so I guess things are headed in the right direction.
The weather is supposed to be really nice tomorrow, so hopefully, I'll get to spend more time outside.
Pluggin along on a daily basis.....

Another day in the books. Got a new fridge today - the old one (25 years) just started making too many new noises, and the old noises were getting louder.
Thanks God Sue was here to help - she's been a God-send for sure - keeping me on my toes and getting me to eat, and move around - and generally taking great care of me.
Things are moving along, getting better every day - appetite increasing, pain decreasing.
Losing my last bandage here in a few minutes - then Friday, I'll probably lose the feeding tube and THAT will be the last outside influence, other than a few scars.

For those that are wondering - I'm not home alone - Sue is here with me - I couldn't do this by myself - she's been with me through this all and I certainly appreciate it. Thanks Honey, I don't know what I'd do without ya.

Hi Folks - I'm back. a zillion million thanks to Moochie for blogging for me. I guess I owe ya at least one beer huh??????
Y'all have no idea how heart warming it is to have such close friends and family. Not a day went by that I wasn't amazed by the number of thoughts, prayers and good wishes I received.
Thank you one and all, you made a difficult recovery much easier.
I got home Thursday had some major pain problems Tuesday and Wednesday, and finally got those straightened out, and my meds adjusted. the only thing I have sticking out of me now is a feeding tube, which I haven't used, and probably wont and will have it removed next week. I'm taking one time release and one quick acting drug for pain management - other than that - time will heal the rest.
I'll try to keep up with the daily updates, but I'm afraid it may get quite boring, but I'll take it day by day and swe how everything goes.
Thanks again eyeryone - Love Y'all!

homecoming king...

so if you went to the hospital right now and asked to see my dad - they would say "superman no es here"... dad came home yesterday... still in a little pain but doing much better... so tomorrow dad will be back at the controls of his blog once again...

so thanks for putting up with me for almost two whole weeks... and thanks for all the love and support for not only my dad, but my entire family... much love...

waiting some more...

just got off the phone with dad... he is having some pain around the incision so he's staying in the hospital one more day... but he's been eating big boy food that he actually has to CHEW... sorry can't write more now - 'supposed' to be working... much love...

FOOOOOOOOD...

didn't get to see dad last night... going to see him tonight before pubsday... but here is what aunt sue has posted on facebook...

Sue Mullendore Just got the word Jay had grilled chicken, mashed potatoes & gravy and zucchini for dinner!! Ordered eggs for breakfast and meatloaf for lunch. He must be in seventh heaven!! Hooray for such encouraging news!!!!!! Go SUPERMAN!!

HOLY CRAP - watch out world - superman's back in business!!! will post more tonight after i see him... much love...

now we're up in the big leagues...

gettin our turn at bat...

sorry - just going with the jefferson's theme...

dad is doing AmAAAAzing... catheter - gone... ng tube - gone... bp iv - gone... epidural - gone... ability to eat - BACK...

for the past few months dad hasn't been able to eat anything solid... for the few weeks before his surgery water was hard to get down... so, with apologies to probably everybody, today i saw my dad eat like a runaway slave... granted, it was only cream of mushroom soup, but holy crap did he suck it down... doc says he should get out of there tuesday or wednesday... everybody knows how strong dad is, but i can't believe how well he is doing after all of this...

i would like to send a personal thanks to everybody that has stopped by to see him, sent cards, posted comments on this blog, posted facebook comments and brought beer mug shaped balloons... it's nice to know there are so many people out there pulling for my dad... i'm sure that dad would agree with me when i say "you guys rock"... much love...

fish don't fry in the kitchen...

and beans don't burn on the grill...

dad is out of icu... so here's the scoop...

central baptist hospital
room 4240

he has asked for no phone calls please... it's not because he can't talk or doesn't want to talk or anything like that... we all know that SOOOO many of you love and care for my dad that he would be bombarded with phone calls... it's difficult enough in a hospital to get as much actual 'sleep' that you need to recover... plus he's hooked to so many things that it's kind of a pain in the ass to answer a ringing phone...

so please, if you want to send him a message - send me or aunt sue an email and we will print it out and make sure that it is delivered to him... i have printed out all of the blog and facebook posts and comments for him, so he can feel the love...

jess - jbreier@statebeautysupplylex.com
aunt sue - sue123048@hotmail.com

much love...

still waiting...

still waiting on a room to open up... he was up a couple times today walking the hallway until the nurses got tired of lugging all his crap around... he's still feeling pretty good... it's really not too bad to be stuck in the icu... he's got his own room... and excellent care so... he's got an ng tube (hell i think that's what it's called) down his nose into his stomach to let all the 'gunk' out so it doesn't sit in his stomach and make him sick... on friday they'll see if he can drink some water and if he can pass that 'test' they'll take it out... one less tube sticking in him is one step closer to being able to come home... more updates tomorrow... much love...

waiting...

dad is still doing well... been up walking around today and i can only assuming still flirting with the nurses... he is waiting on a room to open up and then he'll be out of the icu... hopefully sometime this afternoon... going to see him today after work... will keep you updated... much love...

he is superman...

went to see dad today... he is doing AWESOME!!! on a scale of 1 to 10 his pain level was 1... if it wasn't for all the tubes and crap coming out of him, you wouldn't even know he had surgery yesterday... he was hoping to get out of the icu sometime tonight or tomorrow morning... i will definitely let you all know when he gets into a room... we are all just so happy with his progress so far and see only good things in the future...

dad wanted to make sure that i thanked all of you on his behalf for all of the positives thoughts, prayers and energy that you all have sent his way... much love...

this just in...

he's been sitting up in a chair for a few hours watching tv... he's been walking up and down and up and down the hallway... his pain is under control... he looks good, color is good... he's been doing his breathing exercises... and of course - has the nurses wrapped around his little finger...

going to see him around 4... won't be able to update until later tonight though... it IS pubsday you know... and dad wouldn't want any of us to miss out on that because of him... much love...

up and at 'em...

just received this email from aunt sue...

"just talked to his nurse. Nicole. She said he had a good night and is feeling pretty good this morning. They're going to get him out of bed in a little while. Woohoo!"

can't keep a good man down... much love...

thanks...

thanks to everybody sending positive energy dad's way today... surgery went as the doctors expected it to... in a lot of pain, but that's what nurseboy zack is for... he's in good hands... he's in the icu for a couple of days... i know a lot of you want to send cards and flowers and such so i will let you all know when he gets moved to a room... i'll be back to see him tomorrow and i'll post an update after that... much love...

done...

surgery is done... everything went according to plan... should be able to see him in about an hour or so... he'll be in the hospital for about a week, the first few days in icu... whew, what a day... thanks so much for the texts, fb posts and emails... much love...

halfway...

dr tate (the cancer surgeon) is done with his part of the surgery... waiting on him to come out and talk to us... now dr clements is working on his part... halfway there... much love...

surgery day...

hey everybody... it's jess... i will be blogging for dad while he is in the hospital after surgery... it's scheduled for this afternoon... don't know when i'll get to blog again so if you want me to text you with updates send me a message... i'll send out a blast whenever i know anything... 859-221-3989

please send any and all positive thoughts and energy you have to my dad today... much love...

WOW - last day of work for a while - yeah, I'm gonna miss it - ALOT.
Not sure if I'll be posting at all this weekend, so I'll let y'all know - Jess is gonna post for me after surgery, so you can still follow what's goin on, and save a bunch of phone calls.
Thanks again for all the calls, cards, letters, e-mails, thoughts and prayers - they'll help me stay strong and get through this.
I'm out for at least a couple of weeks - send some good vibes toward Lexington Monday afternoon...........

Only 2 work days left - then I'll be gone for a while. Yeah, I know it's work, but I'll miss it anyway - it doesn't seem like work..... Maybe I'll be able to at least come visit before I actually get back to work. Ooooooooooooooooooo I'm not gonna like being out of commission so long. Das alright, just another thing to deal with.

Another day closer to "hack me open day" - I'm getting anxious and apprehensive at the same time - it's a lot bigger deal than I originally thought. Oh well - I know it'll all be OK in the end.
The girls, "my friends" in the gym have already threatened to color my beard, paint my finger and toe nails, tattoo my ass and write on me while I'm unconscious in ICU - Gee thanks - now I'll NEVER get any rest!
I had a great thought I was going to post on here today - it's gone.......

Thanks to everyone who has sent cards, letters, e-mails, good thought, prayers, etc., etc. My hutch top is full of cards of well wishes. I appreciate each and every one of you.

Keep the good vibes coming!

My last Monday at work for a while..... I'm sure gonna miss this place.
Had a good weekend - went to Cumberland Falls with Sue - had a mini picnic - Sue had a sandwich and I had pudding - LOL. Kind of a gray day Saturday, but it didn't rain - the sun came out when we were on our way home - figures huh?
I'm anxious to get this week over - gonna be interesting to see if it goes quickly or slowly....

Hmmmmm, stomach's a wee bit sore today, I might have pushed it too much yesterday. Got a lot done though - but maybe totin that weed eater all over the place wasn't such a good idea afterall. Oh well, that'll be all over soon enough - can't wait to be back to normal. OK, OK - before y'all jump on THAT - as normal as normal is for me......

Well, got both appts out of the way - no surgery date yet though - "they'll call me" - better

I'll be damned! The phone just rang - surgery sked for the 12th of April - just about what I figured. Mark that on your calendars, and keep a good thought for me!

Yaaaaaaay - the beginning of the end!

Hmmm think I'll make Pubsday today, the sun's out, kinda nice - good day to head to Lexington and spend some time with family and friends.
Gettin "scoped" tomorrow - gonna ask the Doc to stretch it a bit so I can eat something decent for a change. For me, something decent would be something I actually have to chew.......
Quit taking pain pills yesterday - whew - I guess they helped me sleep, cuz I sure didn't sleep worth a damn last night. Had a few twinges today, but nothing major - I just don't like takin pills!
Gonna head off to town - maybe hit the car wash on the way.

Great weekend - Sue and I went to a horse show - my first, on Saturday, great weather, just nice to hang around outside for a while, then a movie on Sunday - then the girls won Sunday night! Good weekend all around.
I actually was able to get some noodles down on Saturday - Chick noodle soup - and a whole soft breadstick - yaaaaaaay. Sunday - I couldn't get the noodles down - go figure. It's a start anyway.
Hopefully, sometime this week, I'll get a date for surgery, again - we'll see......

I got nuthin!
Still waiting to be able to eat - no doubt - right after I FINALLY get something down, my surgery will be the next day, and I'll have to start all over.
Das OK - the end is kinda in sight. I'll feel better when I get an actual surgery date.

Doc said I responded to the treatments very, very well, and he's extremely pleased. The combination of chemo and radiation have done the trick. Now the clean-up part begins.
So anyway.......... surgery in a few weeks - when the effects of radiation have waned. They'll remove the upper part of my stomach and a good portion of my esophagus, then pull my stomach up to meet the upper part of my esophagus, slap a hose clamp on it, and I'll be good to go.
Hmm pretty extensive stuff - 2 surgeons, a stomach guy and a chest guy - week in the hospital after, then probably a month recovery at home... I'm NOT lookin forward to that, but I'll deal with it the best I can.
The end is in sight.........

Dr. appointment today - guess we'll see what the pet scan said. Surgeon appt tomorrow - guess we'll see about that too.
Yaaaaay, the girls won last night - on to KC and the Sweet Sixteen! Whew, I sure am tired today - got home and in the pit waaaaaay past my bed-time. I'm glad we decided to go though, the girls played really well, and it was an exciting game.
Well, I guess we'll see y'all tomorrow - hopefully I'll have at least a little insight into my status.

Monday, Monday - blah, blah, blah - rainy, dark, gray, dreary day. Only good thing - I'm here to squawk about it - LOL.
Went to the girls bb game Saturday - first NCAA tournament game for Me and Jess. Girls won, playing Michigan State tonight - another trip to Louisville for us.
Feeling pretty good - we'll see what's up this week when I get the results of the scan from Friday.
Still can't eat anything but soup and pudding - I sure hope he was right about 3 -4 weeks until I get some real relief - that means only 1 week left until I can notice a difference.

Sorry I missed a few days. WhoooooooooooEEEEEEEEEE had a great time St. Patrick's day. I actually made it longer than I thought I would - hung on from 10:00 a.m. till a little after 10:00 p.m. A good time was had by all - to those of who that missed it, and had a reasonable opportunity to joins us - shame on you - you missed a great time. This was our 4th year - and it gets better every year.

Had my PET scan today, we'll know what's what next week when I see the doc and the surgeon. Until then, enjoying some egg drop soup - thanks Wah-Mei!

Hmmmm, got a pain pill down last night without having to crush it and shoot through the tube - yaaaaay me! Maybe I'll be able to swallow something of substance soon. A large pill is a start I guess. I might try some pancakes today, just to see.....
Off for the next three days - St. Patrick's Day tomorrow, then just off on Thursday, and PET scan on Friday. Thinkin about goin to the girls bb game in Louisville on Saturday... we'll see how I do

2 days till St. Patrick's Day - sure hope I'll be able to eat something by then. Not lookin good so far, but still got a few days.......
oooooooooooooooooo Jonesen for an Italian Beef sammich from Freddie's. As soon as I'm able..... just be careful ya don't get in my way between here and Chicago.
In the meantime - cross your fingers for me for a touch of corned beef on Wednesday.
Quiet week until Friday, then a PET scan.
Searchin for some good news...... wellllllll I've lost about 30 lbs...... good news, but a bad way to lose it. I'm wondering, with my food cravings if I'll be able to keep it off. Gonna be another battle me thinks....

Late post today - hit the ground runnin again. Been pretty busy all morning - sure makes the time fly by.
Damn - STILL have to take the magnesium pills - no shots though - yaaaaaay!
Done now until next Friday - PET scan day. Gonna be nice - an entire week, no nurses, techs, docs, nobody pushing, pulling, prodding, poking, analyzing, questioning, etc., etc.
Whooooo Hooooo St. Patrick's day Wednesday! Lookin forward to a good time at the Pub - gonna be interesting to see how long I last.

Blood test today - then nothing until next Friday - PET scan.
Hoping, since I'm done with radiation that the tenderness will start to wane a bit and I'll be able to swallow/eat like a real person. I know, I know - patience Jay, P A T I E N C E.
Nothing new - hmmm maybe, just maybe since I'm done with chemo for a while, I can quit taking magnesium pills. I'll have to remember to ask that today.

Made it to the Pub last night - good to see everyone! It still feels like my home away from home, so I'm not that disconnected. Looking forward to St. Patrick's day next Wednesday. Maaaaaaybe, hopefully, I'll be able to eat a bite or 2 - St. Patrick's day without corned beef and cabbage would be a shame - but if that's how it's gonna be....... anyway - let's just hope for being able to eat.
Soooo nothing new - time to do something productive.

Missed blogging yesterday - hit the ground running at work, busy all day, had my LAST radiation treatment, went home and fell asleep..... WHEW! Tired all day - woke up lazed around a bit more, then went to bed early and slept all night. Not feeling too bad today, maybe I'm caught up on sleep.... hope so.
Because of the radiation and chemo, I have to be very "sun aware" for the next few months. Yeah - das right, I said MONTHS. Looks like t-shirts, hats and lots of sun screen for me this summer. I knew I had to be careful, but MONTHS???? Oh well, just something else to deal with. Amee said being "sun aware" was better than being dead. Hmmmmm good point - thanks Amee!
Wellllll, here's hoping for another beautiful, not so tired day.....

Late blog today - been busy at work - welllllll, not THAT busy.... but anyway - late is late.
Hmmmm second to last radiation treatment today. After Monday, just 2 blood tests till the 19th when I get my PET scan. A nice break in the schedule. I wonder if my truck will automatically turn toward Danville anyway.
I just hope that however this turns out, I'm near 100% soon - I really want to enjoy Spring and Summer.

Wellll, holding off on chemo until I get a surgical consult. PET scan sked later this month then, a consult. If surgery is indicated, no more chemo, if not, then I'll finish the last 2 rounds. I guess we'll see what's what then....
Apparently this is pretty common when ya have all three (surgery, radiation, chemo) involved.
Other than that news ..... 2 more radiation treatments left - now THAT'S good news!

Welllllll kinda tough to top yesterday's post, so I won't even try.
Computer was acting up this morning, so I'm late already. Not much new today though...
Knowing that I have just a few left will make these last few radiation treatments easier YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, yes, yes - 2 blogs today....

YeeeeeHaaaaaw, HoooooRaaaaaay YaaaaaaHooooo - however ya want to put it. I just found out that I have only 4 radiation treatments left! Yes sports fans, das right -next Monday will be my last day of radiation.
I guess I was progressing better than they thought.....
Bout time for some really good news huh???

Radiation, Doc visit, and blood test yesterday - made for a long day - just radiation today, so maybe a nice nap this afternoon and then Pubsday. Can't drink beer, can barely eat - maybe some mashed potatoes and gravy, but I still enjoy the company of friends and family at the Pub.
Doc says I'm progressing as they expected and doing well - whatever that means....
Still feeling good, but had to get some rx pain pills from the radiation. They work though, so it's all good.
My white cell count is back up, so no shots for now..... yaaaaaay!
Gotsta run....

Ahhhh Monday, made it through another weekend.
First of March - hmmmmmmm me thinks only 13 days of radiation left..... Me also thinks the last day will fall on St. Patrick's Day..... don't know if that's a good sign or not. Speaking of St. Pat's Day - everyone is welcome to come join Jess and I at the Pub - we'll have a seat (or at least a spot to stand) for ya anytime during the day - we'll be there from open to close - c'mon by have a green beer and some of the best corned beef and cabbage you've ever had.
Felt pretty good this weekend - actually got down a doughnut - had to sop it up pretty good, but got it down in just 2 sittings, an evening snack and breakfast - THAT'S how ya stretch a doughnut - LOL.
Getting more used to my feeding tube - I NEVER thought I'd say that. I guess I was afraid to start using it, thinking that once I started, that would be my only source of getting nutrition. Thinking about it now - I don't know how I'd survive without it, and it is my main source of nutrition.
Folks are comin in, guess I better get to work.

Busy, busy today. Radiation today, then 2 days off - yaaaaay. That's the good news - bad news is - I need to go to the chemo Doc today too and get another shot to boost my white blood cells. I'm tellin ya, I've been poked more than a $2 hooker, and not enjoyin it nearly as much - LOL.
Anyway.... other than eating - I'm still maintaining a sense of normalcy - planning on going with Sue to a stage play in Versailles Saturday night. I'm so glad that I can keep doing most of the things I enjoy - so far, so good anyway.

Ahhh Thursday - 2 appts today - radiation and yet another blood test - I swear I should be leaking......
Anyway - all is well so far - managing and dealing with things as they come up. I've got some tetracaine lollipops on the way - I'm anxious to see how those work. Having great family and friends sure helps - I have an ever-widening support group, and I really, really don't have to worry about anything but me - I know that whatever, whenever a need arises that I can't deal with, it will be dealt with. That's such a good feeling..........
Got a little snow this morning, school is out (again), not many folks here today - just about half of my early morning crew, and well, we'll have to see about my morning crew.

Made it through Pubsday - had some water ymmmmm and got down some mashed potatoes and gravy.
Tylenol and loritab have become my friends. Hey - whatever works....

Mornin Y'all.
Not much new to report - well maybe a little - lost some weight last week with that damn virus, but gained 2 lbs. of it back.
Pretty much down to eating pudding - shooting the rest of my nutrition - I sure hope I remember how to eat....... HA - Like I'd really forget that!
I'm pretty much on schedule with everything else, and progressing as expected. Starting to get a few "twinges" in my chest from the radiation, but nothing too bad so far - I've got some good pain meds to deal with that though.
Anyway............ Still feeling good and glad to be back at work

Ahhhhhh, finally back to work. Saw my "early" crew, now waiting for my morning crew - anxious to see everyone, especially my girls, Shelley and Paula, who I can't thank enough for their support, and for putting up with me in general. It sure is easy to come to work when it doesn't feel like a job.
Morning crew is here YAAAAAAAY!
Hmmmm using my feeding tube more and more - just had a glass of water. mmm mmmm good!
Fillin up - gotsta run............

WOW - feeling pretty good today. Actually had a real breakfast - biscuits and gravy - mmmm mmmm good. Getting tougher to get it down - might have been my last bit of that for a while. Das OK - not getting me down today, this is the best I've felt in over a week. Time for a nice, long, hot shower, then a trek to Wally World to pick up a few things, then pretty much hibernating the rest of the day.
Still hoping to go to the girl's game tomorrow - if all is as good tomorrow as it is today - I'm in there like swimwear!

Feel about human today - welllll, almost anyway. Much better in any case. Well, end of the week, done with everything for 2 days. I hope I'm good enough to go the girls last home game on Sunday - I missed the game last night. I think I'll be good to go - hate to miss Senior Day.
I'm soooo looking forward to going to back to work Monday, please y'all keep your fingers crossed for me.
Starting to get a little "twinge" in my throat occasionally, depending on what I'm trying to swallow - the effects of the radiation are starting to build. Nothing major yet, but I imagine the day will come that'll I'll be using my feeding tube more and more. Until then, I'm gonna choke down everything that sounds good, that I'm able to get down.

OK, so nothing new - feeling a little better, everything is still running through me, just not as often, if that makes any sense. Getting some rx stuff that should fix the problem - it's probably just a big plug.
Blood counts are all still good so that's a plus. Been shooting Powerade like a junkie, eating a bit when I can.
Missed the big one yesterday - half way done with radiation!!!!!!!!!!
Gotta run before my meter starts dippin.......

it's been too long - I apologize - nothing drastic, just feeling really bad. The short version of a long story - I have a stomach virus, spent about 6 hours in the hospital Saturday morning, now, still just feeling shitty, gassy, and just not feelin like doing much. The good news is - since I was done with that round of chemo, I didn't miss any of that and I've only missed one radiation treatment, soooooo I've not been bedridden or anything like that - I guess the bottom line is - I just didn't feel like writing.
I promise not to do that again, even if it's just a line of two. Jess set this up for me to keep dear family and friends upated, and I've let you down. Again I apologize. Sue put a bug in my ear too - Thanks Honey (kisses).
Hopefully back to normal soon - doc says ewwwwwwww 7 - 10 days............

Dang - late blog today - hit the ground running this morning, been humpin ever since.
Gettin rid of "buddy pump" this afternoon. I sure won't be missing that. 2nd round of chemo will be officially done!! 1/2 way!
ooooooooooooooooooooooooo one of my regulars brought in some Valentine's cupcakes..... OMG!!!!! Soft, rich, moist cake filled with cream cheese filling, topped with cherries. Sinfully good.......
Gotta run ....

Ahhhhh back to work - soooo good to see everyone again. Life's just about back to normal - well, at least for another 3 weeks anyway. Still got my pump, but that'll be gone tomorrow afternoon.
Been just busy enough this morning to be really pleasant.
Still feeling good - looking forward to the Pub and girls basketball game tonight.
Pickin up around here, got a patient, and 2 new members.... gotta run.

Whew! Late blog today. Welllll other than my pal "chemo pump" which I'll have till Friday, done with round 2 of chemo. Schedule back to normal tomorrow - yaaaaaaaaay - I get to go back to work. For those who don't know, I really do love my job, and am very anxious to get back to it.
Anyway... still feeling good and living as normally as I can. No strange cravings this time, but hmmmmm maybe one or two to come yet, ya never know. Crappy taste in my mouth though - floss, brush, rinse - doesn't matter - 20 minutes later teeth feel fuzzy and mouth tastes like, hmmm let's see...... a dead mouse in the garage, under the work bench, that ya can't find for 3 weeks in August smells. Yeah, that pretty much sums it up.
16 radiation treatments down - 40% done!
Nappy time......

Hmmmm 2:30 Tuesday morning - and here I am. Felt tired - hit the sack and my eyes popped open, rolled around a bit to no avail. Good time to sort out medical bills I guess. So far all is going well on that front.
Maybe it's the first blast of chemop this round - can't remember if I had any sleepless nights last round... Oh well I can catch up tomorrow if need be, the chairs are pretty comfy, but hell I can sleep just about anywhere anyway.
Still feeling good - and pushing on......

Allllrighty - Started round two of chemo today - busy day - radiation at 8, breakfast, then chemo at 10. Got some IV meds today - about 3 hours worth, and am carrying a pump with me that will give me more meds continuously over a 96 hour period.
More IV meds tomorrow and Wednesday, then get rid of the pump Friday afternoon. Looks like "whore baths" from the chest up, and hand-held shower down below until Friday at which time I WILL have a long, hot, steamy "hotel shower".
Still feeling good and able to eat most things - I sure have to eat slow, small bites, and chew the bejesus (hmm never saw THAT word in print before) out of everything, but still beats a soup, soup, and more soup diet!

Please keep a good thought that this round goes as smoothly as the first.

Not much info today - busy, busy, busy.
Got the weekend off - then chemo starts on Monday - yowee - radiation at 8 - chemo at 10 - hmmmmmmm the cancer center is right next to Shoney's - sounds like breakfast in between to me!
Anyway...... das it for now - gotta run..... have a great Superbowl weekend.
I don't really care who wins, but - I'm thinking the Colts will...

Ahhhhh more blood tests today - just making sure I'm good for chemo on Monday....
I suppose I got a few drops of blood left....
Busy day - blood tests, radiation, Pub, basketball game tonight - ooooo I'm gonna be a tired pup.
Well folks, it's busier than a whorehouse on nickel night - I'm out......

WOW - Late start today - it's already 10:00.
Let's see.... white blood count still down - got another shot, gettin ready to start round 2 of Chemo on Monday. All other counts were good - maintaining weight too, so Doc was happy about that. Sooooooo, by the end of next week, I'll be half way done with chemo.
I hope, well actually, anticipate, that I'll feel just as good through this round as I did through the last round. 25% done with radiation.....
Went to Pubsday last night - nice to be with family and friends....
All things are moving along nicely!

Happy Groundhog Day! Busy day today, blood test, Dr. visit, then radiation. Gonna try Pubsday if I can stay awake long enough. Man I miss that place and the people. Oh yeah and my sippy sippy bit of Smithwicks!
Whew - busy today, I started this about 7:00 a.m. and just now getting back to it, and it's 11:20 a.m. Gonna be a long day for sure - let's see how long this ol' dog can keep waggin his tail today.
Hmmmm haven't heard about Puxatawney(sp) Phil... what's the word, more winter, or not??

Good Monday Mornin!
Well, I got down my driveway OK, not sure if I'll be able to make it up though, guess we'll see when I get home later.
Everything looks kinda pretty today, the hills covered with white snow, trees glistening, sun shining - everything just a little brighter this morning.
Had a nice lazy weekend no appointments, just kinda hangin out with Sue. Got out of the house a bit yesterday, just did some shopping. Sue's AWD Murano made it up the driveway with no problem. Let's hope my 2WD, (make that 0WD in the snow) makes it.
Found out not to eat "Blazing Wings" - yeah - I knew I shouldn't have even before I tossed 'em in the oven - they sure were good, well goin down they were good - 'nuff said about dat.
Happy February!!!!!

Mmmm biscuits, gravy and eggs for breakfast - sure beats shooting a can o' calories!

The snow is here - not sure how much yet, I haven't been out, but it looks pretty substantial to me. A few inches in spots, but from what I can see, pretty high in others. I'll know more in a bit when my analness kicks and I shovel the patio and a path to the garage even though I know I'm not going anywhere - LOL.

White cell count was down yesterday due to chemo and radiation - had to get a shot, ANOTHER hole in me. It took them 2 sticks to get blood too. One of these days I'll take a drink of something and spew like a lawn sprinkler. I can't remember what the shot was, but she said it might make my joints sore... nothing so far - I think I'll keep moving and stay ahead of it.

Weekend off - no appts until Monday - yaaaaaay.

Gonna stick my nose outside and see what's what.

Have a great weekend y'all!

Happy Friday - well, snow seems to be the topic of the day - I guess we'll see either way. I was thinkin that we wouldn't get anything, BUT - one of my morning crew..... her sinuses were so bad she had a nosebleed - hmmmmm for the 6 years that I've known her, that was always an indication of something bad happening weather-wise.
I'm sure most our patients will cancel at the sign of the first snow flake. If they're that scared - they're probably better off not on the road. The folks at the cancer center are scared too - they told me to come in as soon as I could after work. They're jamming everyone in so they can get out of there early - LOL.
Tough to beat McDonald's chicken biscuits for breakfast. No guilt either - just following Doctor's orders - eat, eat, eat........ lucky me.
Radiation and blood test right after work today - maybe I'll get a decent nap in today.....
No snow yet - not sure if it's coming or not....

Ahhhh Thursday - a full week of radiation done - 15% in the books - no ill effects so far....... Actually since I can now see my pee in the dark, it makes it easier when I have to get up in the middle of the night - LMAO.
Prunes are better than prune juice.... but neither is as good as tapioca - wellll, as far as taste goes anyway.
2 days since the Wildcats lost and the world did NOT implode! Imagine that....
Everybody is freakin out about the weather - various reports with completely different forecasts from the media... all I know - and my 100% guarantee - it's either gonna snow, or it's not! Ya can't do anything about it, so quit freakin out.

Soooo,the Tuesday blood ritual went OK - she had to look for a bit to find a vein though - but as least she looked before she starting stickin me. Twice a week for another 12 or 13 weeks...... hmmmm veins are going to be verrrry scarce - I imagine the port will come in handy then. I suppose too many blood donations over the last 35 years - messed up alot of veins.
Radiation treatments are just long enough to get comfortable, but not quite long enough to get in a nap. Yeah, I can pretty much fall asleep anywhere.
New routines - I've been shooting a can of super high calorie Carnation Instant Breakfast in my feeding tube every morning - having the tube sucks, but at least I don't have to drink that crap - I've mixed it with just about everything imaginable, I can get it so it's drinkable, but just barely. I'm glad that I'm able to eat almost normally and taking advantage of it while I can.

Allright - Tuesday morning - BRING IT!

4 radiation treatments down - yaaaay - 10% done!

Hmmm nobody here yet this morning - my early morning crew is gone, the others haven't shown up yet - maybe the calm before the storm? We were KUHRAZY busy yesterday.

More blood tests today - I'm lookin like a junkie already. I had a "power port" put in, with the assurance that they could use that for all my chemo treatments and blood tests - that would alleviate alot of sticks for blood tests, etc., etc.
Welllllllllll apparently the thinking on that deal has changed - fear of infection in a main line lets them use the port less than expected. Go figure THAT one......

Grrrrrrrrr

Just had to add to my previous post from today.....

I was so glad to get the parts I had been waiting for....

Our order said Quantum Blue, their order/pick ticket said Quantum Blue, the invoice said Quantum Blue - WHY ARE THEY BLACK????????

Doesn't anybody give a shit about anything anymore?

Happy Monday!
Had a good weekend - had a nice dinner and saw a good play Saturday, UK Women won their BB game, logged some "Pub Time" - had my "taste" of Smithwicks too.

No cravings, or anything weird this weekend. Even had some Chili Rellenos on Saturday and got those down OK, couldn't get the roast beef down on Sunday though.... must be a consistency thing - I guess the beef can't squeeze itself through that little hole....
Anyway, I'm just glad I'm able to eat most normal food - OK, it takes me a while sometimes, but it sure beats the shit out of cream of "anything and everything" soups that I ate for nearly a month.

Whew, almost noon and I started this about 8 this morning..... busy, busy day - sure goes by fast though - I'm so glad I'm able to continue working.

Yowee - just got parts in I've been waiting for - gotta go..... later Y'all.

Bills, bills, bills

Yowee - the trickle of medical bills is growing stronger. Just yesterday - 6 bills from 4 different places. Thank God for insurance, but damn - keeping up with all this is a full time job. The hospital, the surgeons, the chemo docs, the radiation docs, the anes... the aenst... the guys that put ya to sleep, the radiologists, the techs - I think I even got billed from Lexmark for the ink to print my bills!
Anyway...... that's how I'm spending a few hours this Saturday morning. It's supposed to be nice today - hmmmm no sun yet and it's almost 11 I guess we'll see.
A whole weekend with nobody poking, prodding, sticking, blood pressuring, temperaturing, IVing, or radiating me.

Mmmmmm stool softeners and prune juice - the breakfast of champions!
Whew, almost noon, and just getting to finish this. Busy busy today.
Got the Egg Foo Yung Jones again - Glad that's an easy fix - China Gourmet right down the road.
Blood tests and radiation today - Jeeeez, I didn't know I even HAD that much blood - testing twice a week, no wonder I whistle when the wind blows......
Still staying as normal as possible - dinner at the Pub, and basketball game with Jess and Dad last night - this weekend, stage play Saturday night, basketball game on Sunday afternoon, then the remains of the football games on TV.
So far, no major interruptions in my life, welllll, OK - I do miss my Mug o' Beer at the Pub, but I sneak a taste now and then....... mmmm Smithwick's!

Hey, it's me - Cyber-Boy (Thanks LAC)
Anyway..... if I said I'd do it, I maybe oughta do it... so I figured if I got into a daily habit it will make this easier.
I'll probably add to this on and off during the day, as work permits - yeah, I know, tough job.....
Hmmm, just remembered I have to do this now - after work it's nappy time, then radiation, then off to the UK Womens' basketball game with Dad and Mooch. I'm glad I'm still able to do the things I like to do, albeit a little slower at times, and in between naps.
Strange/funny things happening..... The other day, reading the newspaper, I smelled Teriyaki, I don't know why, or where it came from, but it was definitely teriyaki, like someone passed a plate right under my nose.
Tuesday, I had a craving for egg foo yung - I haven't had it in 20 years, but HAD to have it - luckily I was able to get it down, and really enjoyed it.
Last night it was pancakes - I'm not nuts about pancakes, but pancakes I had, and enjoyed them too.
Wellllll, if strange cravings and smells are the worst thing that happens to me, I'll thank my lucky stars.
Gettin busy, gotta run - see y'all tomorrow.

Here we go

OK - here we go. finished my first round of Chemo last Friday, started radiation treatment today. 3 more rounds of Chemo (3 days a month for the next 3 months), and 39 more radiation treatments.
Whoooo Hoooooo 2.5% of radiation treatments done, and 25% of chemo done already - LOL.
So far, so good, no ill effects - very little nausea - still working, just pretty tired - ALOT. Oh well, a good nap never hurt anyone.
The support I've already received from family and friends, has been not only overwhelming, but heart warming as well - I so much appreciate all the prayers, thoughts, smiles, encouraging words, hugs, and pats on the back from all.
Y'all have made this a much easier process to deal with.
I just hope that I'll keep this blog up to date, better than I make or return phone calls...........