The Joys of Cancer

The joys of cancer never seem to end! At present time, I am having radiation every day Mon thru Fri. Only have 13 treatments left. Yeah!!! Monday the doctor discovered that the radiation was burning the esophagus and the spinal column. So had to go to simulation again and have a new mold made so they could send the beam to the same place but through a different pathway. I have had horrible pain in my throat and chest due to the radiation being so near the esophagus. Therefore I am on 4 different pain meds and can't really say any of them are helping. It is very difficult to eat and hard to talk. Not to eat anything hot or cold. Room temperature. Nothing spicy or rough. What does that leave to eat? They also take an xray once a week in radiation and I have to see the radiologist doctor once a week.

I have chemo once a week now. They said that would make the radiation more effective. Only 1/2 the strength of what I was getting at the first. But still takes 3 hours to run it through. Only 2 more chemos!
Double yeah!!!! HOWEVER, they discovered yesterday, due to low blood pressure, 86/54, that I am now dehydrated. They added a liter of fluid to my chemo yesterday. That added an hour to the chemo time. I will have another liter of fluid tomorrow and see where we go from there.

Had to go to the family doctor on Monday as had to have a physical in order to get my prescriptions refilled. Everything went well there. Did have to do some lab but not for blood count as have to have that done at the cancer center once a week. Dr. Bruchow, the family doctor, called this am and my cholesterol is way up again so am changing my meds on that. Have to see him again in 2 months.

Also saw the pulmonary doctor, Dr. Gilbey on 3-25 for a breathing test. Saw him again 3-31 and seems I have 55% damage to my air ways. But they are clear of cancer. He put me on 2 inhalers to see if he would help to improve my breathing any at all. Also said my sinus were out of wack (anything about me that isn't)
and put me on nasal spray and pill. See him again in 6 weeks.

Did have one bright spot in all of this as Kaye Lynn and Robin came in on Easter Sunday night and spent Monday with us and left early Tuesday. Sure did enjoy having them here. Was such a special time.

I know I need to send email to many of you personally and believe me you are all on my mind. But as perhaps you have figured out, I just don't have time for much of anything except doctors. I have kept each one and will get them answered but may just take me awhile. Between keeping the roads hot and trying to get some rest it just doesn't leave much time.

I do so appreciate all the calls, cards, email, and most definitely the prayers. There is no way I could get through any of this without all of you, God and Leo. Thanks so much just for being there for me.

Love Charlie