Hi All
Well we past half way & all continues to go well , Sort of if you take it that Chemo is working, forget about the fact that 2 days disappeared off the face of the planet last week, it all bodes well as the mind change I have is great knowing that there is no gain with no pain. Am happy to deal with it knowing that the bad guys are taking a dive like in a true Steven Siegal Movie. The whole thing actually follows a script like that pretty well. Starts off with the perfect scenario, then the bad guys pitch up uninvited and all gung ho then the odds seem stacked in their favour and then Steven Arrives like Chemo, he don’t say much but he sort of throws the apple cart over and slowly but surely just annihilates the whole lot. Not saying much but everything and everyone taking a couple of claps and bashes. It’s a stressfull and challenging time while all this transpires, there are the up and good times, there are the rough times and the times when you just eat your porcorn times. It swings from good to bad and all along you have this flicker of hope and you know there is chance that they can pull it off. So you keep a grip on plot and it all pans out. Then in the end he and Bruce Willis light up the stuyvesants and off they go. There are some cameo roles played by the adoring wife, the cute & disobedient sons and the loving and beautiful daughters well as the sawn off shotgun (glyco nutrients) the supportive friends and everyones little idiosyncrasies and all the extras.
Only difference is that I wont fire up any Stuyvesant when over, and I will try not swear on the blog ! And all sequels have already been shelved.
I had another diesel (chemo) dose today so we hope and trust all is going according to the Script. Now don’t tell me you havn’t watched a Bruce Willis or Steven Siegal movie in the last 6 months!
I talk about the glyco nutrients cos since starting on them about 3 weeks ago my blood counts which have struggled and have progressively or accumulatively been diminishing as each cycle come and goes have all of a sudden gone up dramatically. It is really great and I can honestly feel how my systems are regenerating from one day to another. Honestly feel its doing the stuff. Then again I have been advised to take 36 scoops a day where normally it is 1 – 2 scoops a day for those of you not in the move industry like me and Steve.
We have shelved all plans to go away fro the festive season and will just be taking it easy here in the Boland so if anyone is down here feel free to pop in should you wish. I will probally be getting some diesel between Xmas & new year so will just take it easy at home.
That’s is for now we hope you enjoying the movie and enjoy the silly season starting soon with Christmas parties and the long days to enjoy.
X Douglas
Monday, November 19, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Bittersweet
Yesterday as mentioned was the big day and what a big day it was. First I had my comprehensive CT scan and then the follow up with Sean my oncologist to see how the treatment and cancer were doing. After the initial greets and trivia he cut right to the chase and said that the Lung lesions were much smaller and some appear to have dissapeared !, but that it appeared there was no improvement in the lymph node tumors / lesions. He said he wasn’t happy with the radiologists report and asked if we could wait 20 minutes while he went through to clarify some things. 40 nerve racking minutes later he returned with a huge grin on his face and spilt the beans that they had made a stuff up on the interpretation of the scan. In actual fact the radiologist had not even compared the 2 scans but had compared the new one to the previous written report ! Not to the previous scan from 12 weeks ago.
So after Sean had the idiot superimpose the new scan on the old one the feedback was totally different. That was that the lymph node lesions are also smaller and backtracking. Sean later told me that the initial report cited a new tumor which was rubbish as well as the false info that it was static and no change was evident.
So the outcome from yesterday is very favourable and the treatment due to its success is continued as is. The other indicators although not as important as the results form the scan are also good with the blood tumor markers showing a decline and the blood count being very good when it was rock bottom at the same time last week. My white blood cell counts was 1,8 - minimum should be 4 and the platelet count which was 37 and should be a minimum of 140. This means the immune system was up on blocks and if I started bleeding I would have had big trouble stopping it with hardly any platelets. Yesterday they were at 7 and 325 respectively. Even the oncology nurses couldn’t believe how the platelets had jumped. So for me and Wilmien it was the news we wanted and we were both euphoric with the news. Interestingly Sean said that if the tumors disappear altogether so soon or too quickly it can be a worrying sign so the fact that we are making good steady progress is top news. Good thing he is so thorough and does not leave anything to chance. Had he taken the report from the radiologist as fact I probally would have been in a heap of despair and the treatment which is working well would have been changed. I asked if I should go past the radiologist and give him a piece of me mind, all he said was that I could have what was left after he had already taken upon himself to have a go at him ! Nice to know that he is that good and thorough ! Amazing too how the staff at the oncology centre also root for you and were awaiting the results and the joy they share with you on such positive news !
I was then sent through to the chemo room where I had my double dose of chemo (roundup and diesel). My hair is thinning but I have no more weight loss and am feeling really good with no pain and discomfort. Am just taking it easy while affording myself the time and rest to recuperate and march to what I hope and trust will be remission. While yesterday was a nervous day with the result we were hoping for we remain modest in our approach to this challenge and take one step at a time.
I have used bittersweet as my title with the sad news from Friday of the untimely death of Gareth Bradbury in a car crash which has now also claimed the life of his and Adri’s 7 month old daughter Mikaela. Our thoughts & prayers go out to Adri & daughter Cammy who are recovering in hospital. We wish them a speedy recovery and wish to tell them they are not alone. They were so supportive of me & Wilmien and have now had this tragedy beset them. We wish them well and look forward to seeing them.
Amazing how one can never take anything for granted and how much we can all just be grateful for ! Live each day to its fullest and embrace everything that we can and live a full life.
Well with my positive news I bid yee farewell, I will be shaving my kop today as it really is getting rather thin and stringy. I continue with my partially revised diet and have now hit the glyco - nutrients which are all the buzz and judging by my bloods response may be what we need to take the battle on.
To all who have visited and posted comments a million thanks, I draw strength and courage from it. To the guys who completed the hell & back Mountain Bike race well done and I look forward to taking part again next year.
I will pop a pic on here shortly, until then keep your chins up.
Douglas
So after Sean had the idiot superimpose the new scan on the old one the feedback was totally different. That was that the lymph node lesions are also smaller and backtracking. Sean later told me that the initial report cited a new tumor which was rubbish as well as the false info that it was static and no change was evident.
So the outcome from yesterday is very favourable and the treatment due to its success is continued as is. The other indicators although not as important as the results form the scan are also good with the blood tumor markers showing a decline and the blood count being very good when it was rock bottom at the same time last week. My white blood cell counts was 1,8 - minimum should be 4 and the platelet count which was 37 and should be a minimum of 140. This means the immune system was up on blocks and if I started bleeding I would have had big trouble stopping it with hardly any platelets. Yesterday they were at 7 and 325 respectively. Even the oncology nurses couldn’t believe how the platelets had jumped. So for me and Wilmien it was the news we wanted and we were both euphoric with the news. Interestingly Sean said that if the tumors disappear altogether so soon or too quickly it can be a worrying sign so the fact that we are making good steady progress is top news. Good thing he is so thorough and does not leave anything to chance. Had he taken the report from the radiologist as fact I probally would have been in a heap of despair and the treatment which is working well would have been changed. I asked if I should go past the radiologist and give him a piece of me mind, all he said was that I could have what was left after he had already taken upon himself to have a go at him ! Nice to know that he is that good and thorough ! Amazing too how the staff at the oncology centre also root for you and were awaiting the results and the joy they share with you on such positive news !
I was then sent through to the chemo room where I had my double dose of chemo (roundup and diesel). My hair is thinning but I have no more weight loss and am feeling really good with no pain and discomfort. Am just taking it easy while affording myself the time and rest to recuperate and march to what I hope and trust will be remission. While yesterday was a nervous day with the result we were hoping for we remain modest in our approach to this challenge and take one step at a time.
I have used bittersweet as my title with the sad news from Friday of the untimely death of Gareth Bradbury in a car crash which has now also claimed the life of his and Adri’s 7 month old daughter Mikaela. Our thoughts & prayers go out to Adri & daughter Cammy who are recovering in hospital. We wish them a speedy recovery and wish to tell them they are not alone. They were so supportive of me & Wilmien and have now had this tragedy beset them. We wish them well and look forward to seeing them.
Amazing how one can never take anything for granted and how much we can all just be grateful for ! Live each day to its fullest and embrace everything that we can and live a full life.
Well with my positive news I bid yee farewell, I will be shaving my kop today as it really is getting rather thin and stringy. I continue with my partially revised diet and have now hit the glyco - nutrients which are all the buzz and judging by my bloods response may be what we need to take the battle on.
To all who have visited and posted comments a million thanks, I draw strength and courage from it. To the guys who completed the hell & back Mountain Bike race well done and I look forward to taking part again next year.
I will pop a pic on here shortly, until then keep your chins up.
Douglas
Monday, November 5, 2007
November Rain
Well as it rains outside I stand poised at the start of week 3 of cycle 3 which is as I have no doubt you know when I don’t get any chemo. (how is that for literal intro brilliance – watch this space for my book)
Yip this week is happy days while my body recovers which it really needs as last Monday my white blood cell count was pretty low, Sean said he would proceed with the chemo but that I stay at home out of harms way while the immune system is stuck in first gear. As I sit here I can feel that there has been a bit of an improvement which continually gets better but can still feel a bit low on the fighting side. I have had hints of a bit of a cold or flu but no fever which is what I really have to be cautious of. Was told by the Sean that I should just camp out at home and not over exert myself.
So with a heavy heart I have foregone my entry to the Hell & Back mountain bike race and will take it easy at home this coming weekend. Little sad but as it my next one is #10 and I don’t know if the boys will behave in my absence. They are a little ‘loose’ at the best of times ! Anyway I wish them all the best for the race into and out of gamkaskloof a.k.a. The Hell. You remember what Winston Said ? When going through Hell , just keep going ! To me gabbas doing it I am with you in spirit.
I have lost about 2 kg’s which doesn’t sound like much but I can feel that my upper body strength is much less and my belt is one notch tighter with my bum swimming in pants which were usually quite tight at the end of winter. So apart from this and feeling a little flat all is fine, but for my skin which looks like a teenager in the middle of a rough ac-attack. I hope this will pass. Thanks goodness I am not going out clubbing as I would probably be asked for my ID !
I am playing a bit of golf at present and shot for me a little 75 on sat in the trying windy conditions. Was stoked about that and will see if how we did in the club compo ! When I bumped into a friend at golf a week ago he asked if I wanted to play this week. I said sorry no can do, he asked the reason and I said I would be in bed in all likelihood. When he asked how I could be so certain, I confirmed that he had not heard of my challenge. I then told him of it and he laughed and told me it was a shit joke & didn’t believe me (it took some convincing) ! To him I say thanks because with my luck of not losing my hair I appear to be in good health and am so. I think quite a few folks are shocked when they see that there is not evidence of the cancer. To be honest I feel good and strong most of the time and want to portray this. I feel stronger & better now than I have for the last 5 months ! It is an acute disease now very treatable and conquerable. So the last thing you want is sympathy and sad outlook. Give us courage, well wishes, a slap on the back and maybe a good bottle of red wine ! Cos I aint drinking the plonk under the stairs when I do have a glass !
I have also just started using the glyco-nutrients which are all the rage at present for all sorts of ailments. Costs a fortune & tastes like shit. Amazing how anything and everything medically or alternatively used to evict the cancer either tastes like shit or makes you feel like shit. On sat eve I invited my friend and Olivers godfather Paul over, bought some sosaties and some chops, lit the fire and pulled the cork out of the best bottle of red I could get my hands on under the stairs ! Was a gastronomically rewarding experience from the top shelves I must confess ! Tomorrow I will just have my blood tested to see if the white blood cell count has recovered which I have no doubt it has and then next Monday is the big scan day and assessment of how the treatment has been. It will be a big day for which I have to admit I may be anxious but am expecting the best !
I have as yet not asked as to the severity and aggressiveness of what I have nor about my prognosis. I have decided that I don’t want to be drawn into statistics or be dictated to by them. I will rather do my things and get my mind around making a success of where I want to be in the new year ! I hope and trust that that will be clear of the cancer and in remission !!!!!!!!
In the meantime I try be as productive as possible in terms of assisting at home and trying to be productive in terms of BALAMANZI and whats happening there. It amazing that with e-mail, the internet and a cell phone you can be productive but Johan, Brynn, Francois and Grant are my eyes and hands at the office and out in the field. To them I say thanks. I will spend quite a bit of time at the office this week and can be more productive.
To all of you out there thanks for the thoughts and for your visit here. I am amazed at the messages, thoughts and positive energy streaming my way. Much appreciated !
Quite a post hey ! Well its Sunday night, hope you have or are having a good week and I promise an update early next week. Maybe even before then ! Cheers and thanks for the visit.
Dogless
Well done to the Vrystaat !
Yip this week is happy days while my body recovers which it really needs as last Monday my white blood cell count was pretty low, Sean said he would proceed with the chemo but that I stay at home out of harms way while the immune system is stuck in first gear. As I sit here I can feel that there has been a bit of an improvement which continually gets better but can still feel a bit low on the fighting side. I have had hints of a bit of a cold or flu but no fever which is what I really have to be cautious of. Was told by the Sean that I should just camp out at home and not over exert myself.
So with a heavy heart I have foregone my entry to the Hell & Back mountain bike race and will take it easy at home this coming weekend. Little sad but as it my next one is #10 and I don’t know if the boys will behave in my absence. They are a little ‘loose’ at the best of times ! Anyway I wish them all the best for the race into and out of gamkaskloof a.k.a. The Hell. You remember what Winston Said ? When going through Hell , just keep going ! To me gabbas doing it I am with you in spirit.
I have lost about 2 kg’s which doesn’t sound like much but I can feel that my upper body strength is much less and my belt is one notch tighter with my bum swimming in pants which were usually quite tight at the end of winter. So apart from this and feeling a little flat all is fine, but for my skin which looks like a teenager in the middle of a rough ac-attack. I hope this will pass. Thanks goodness I am not going out clubbing as I would probably be asked for my ID !
I am playing a bit of golf at present and shot for me a little 75 on sat in the trying windy conditions. Was stoked about that and will see if how we did in the club compo ! When I bumped into a friend at golf a week ago he asked if I wanted to play this week. I said sorry no can do, he asked the reason and I said I would be in bed in all likelihood. When he asked how I could be so certain, I confirmed that he had not heard of my challenge. I then told him of it and he laughed and told me it was a shit joke & didn’t believe me (it took some convincing) ! To him I say thanks because with my luck of not losing my hair I appear to be in good health and am so. I think quite a few folks are shocked when they see that there is not evidence of the cancer. To be honest I feel good and strong most of the time and want to portray this. I feel stronger & better now than I have for the last 5 months ! It is an acute disease now very treatable and conquerable. So the last thing you want is sympathy and sad outlook. Give us courage, well wishes, a slap on the back and maybe a good bottle of red wine ! Cos I aint drinking the plonk under the stairs when I do have a glass !
I have also just started using the glyco-nutrients which are all the rage at present for all sorts of ailments. Costs a fortune & tastes like shit. Amazing how anything and everything medically or alternatively used to evict the cancer either tastes like shit or makes you feel like shit. On sat eve I invited my friend and Olivers godfather Paul over, bought some sosaties and some chops, lit the fire and pulled the cork out of the best bottle of red I could get my hands on under the stairs ! Was a gastronomically rewarding experience from the top shelves I must confess ! Tomorrow I will just have my blood tested to see if the white blood cell count has recovered which I have no doubt it has and then next Monday is the big scan day and assessment of how the treatment has been. It will be a big day for which I have to admit I may be anxious but am expecting the best !
I have as yet not asked as to the severity and aggressiveness of what I have nor about my prognosis. I have decided that I don’t want to be drawn into statistics or be dictated to by them. I will rather do my things and get my mind around making a success of where I want to be in the new year ! I hope and trust that that will be clear of the cancer and in remission !!!!!!!!
In the meantime I try be as productive as possible in terms of assisting at home and trying to be productive in terms of BALAMANZI and whats happening there. It amazing that with e-mail, the internet and a cell phone you can be productive but Johan, Brynn, Francois and Grant are my eyes and hands at the office and out in the field. To them I say thanks. I will spend quite a bit of time at the office this week and can be more productive.
To all of you out there thanks for the thoughts and for your visit here. I am amazed at the messages, thoughts and positive energy streaming my way. Much appreciated !
Quite a post hey ! Well its Sunday night, hope you have or are having a good week and I promise an update early next week. Maybe even before then ! Cheers and thanks for the visit.
Dogless
Well done to the Vrystaat !
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