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| Day 34 |
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| Day 1 |
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| Day 34 |
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| Day 7 |
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| Swollen Oral Tissue |
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| Losing Hair at Nape of Neck |
Monday, January 30, 2012
Day 34
I think the pictures say it all.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Day 32
22 Radiation Treatments
5 Chemo Treatments
Disabling fatigue has blown in. Radiation is a whirlwind of side effects. The past two days has placed Scott at the lowest of his treatment so far. Last night the nausea forced him to try and sleep sitting up. The dry heaves appeared this morning. We may have to change anti-nausea medication.
I haven't told Scott yet, but he is losing his hair at the nape of his neck. Hopefully this will grow back after treatment has ceased. His hearing is going, I'm not sure if he is aware of this but the TV is at a nerve grinding volume! Although there is way too much noise in our house from the TV, Scott has become mute. It has become too painful for him to talk and very difficult to swallow. Also but definitely not least, I don't know how this can be possible, but he is shorter. I stand about an inch taller than him now, and normally he is three inches taller than me. I'm totally freaked out by this, how can this be? Maybe he is crouched over which makes him seem shorter or I'm growing!
Besides his throat, mouth and nasal cavity, the top of Scott's lungs are being treated with radiation. I'm nervous about the potential late side effects of radiation. Among those are lung and heart problems. There is just so much to worry about with cancer and it's treatment. I hate cancer!
5 Chemo Treatments
Disabling fatigue has blown in. Radiation is a whirlwind of side effects. The past two days has placed Scott at the lowest of his treatment so far. Last night the nausea forced him to try and sleep sitting up. The dry heaves appeared this morning. We may have to change anti-nausea medication.
I haven't told Scott yet, but he is losing his hair at the nape of his neck. Hopefully this will grow back after treatment has ceased. His hearing is going, I'm not sure if he is aware of this but the TV is at a nerve grinding volume! Although there is way too much noise in our house from the TV, Scott has become mute. It has become too painful for him to talk and very difficult to swallow. Also but definitely not least, I don't know how this can be possible, but he is shorter. I stand about an inch taller than him now, and normally he is three inches taller than me. I'm totally freaked out by this, how can this be? Maybe he is crouched over which makes him seem shorter or I'm growing!
Besides his throat, mouth and nasal cavity, the top of Scott's lungs are being treated with radiation. I'm nervous about the potential late side effects of radiation. Among those are lung and heart problems. There is just so much to worry about with cancer and it's treatment. I hate cancer!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
17 Radiation Treatments
4 Chemo Treatments (officially over half way with Chemo!)
As you can see from the pictures below, Scott looks much better than the previous posting. He had a reprieve from the facial rash and was able to quickly shave before it re-surfaces. Although he looks better, he said yesterday (Saturday) was one of his worst days. It's painful for him to talk at this point so I'm unable to get a good description of symptoms. To ask him to write them down is a big mistake too, I'm afraid of losing a body part to the fierce Honey Badger with acute grumpitis!
Scott has a liquid pain medication that he will use in the evenings. He is "allowed" to use it more often; however, he's afraid of becoming strung out. He also takes anti nausea medication. Each drug alone can cause a case of constipation, so the combo of the two has posed some real problems. If you or your loved one is entering cancer treatment, stock up on medications to treat these side effects. Remember it's best to be proactive then reactive. I'm positive that part of Scott's ill feeling is due to the above problem.
Today's Symptoms:
Extreme exhaustion (we tried to take a walk and he only lasted two blocks)
Mouth sores with bleeding
Bloody nose (using humidifier now)
Extremely dry mouth
Thicker saliva
Very sore throat! Hurts to talk and swallow (says he's swallowing 1 cup of water per day? I have my doubts)
Constipation
Rash on face subsided somewhat
"On edge"
Doesn't want to take all 6 cans of food per day... taking 3-4 past 2 days
4 Chemo Treatments (officially over half way with Chemo!)
As you can see from the pictures below, Scott looks much better than the previous posting. He had a reprieve from the facial rash and was able to quickly shave before it re-surfaces. Although he looks better, he said yesterday (Saturday) was one of his worst days. It's painful for him to talk at this point so I'm unable to get a good description of symptoms. To ask him to write them down is a big mistake too, I'm afraid of losing a body part to the fierce Honey Badger with acute grumpitis!
Scott has a liquid pain medication that he will use in the evenings. He is "allowed" to use it more often; however, he's afraid of becoming strung out. He also takes anti nausea medication. Each drug alone can cause a case of constipation, so the combo of the two has posed some real problems. If you or your loved one is entering cancer treatment, stock up on medications to treat these side effects. Remember it's best to be proactive then reactive. I'm positive that part of Scott's ill feeling is due to the above problem.
Today's Symptoms:
Extreme exhaustion (we tried to take a walk and he only lasted two blocks)
Mouth sores with bleeding
Bloody nose (using humidifier now)
Extremely dry mouth
Thicker saliva
Very sore throat! Hurts to talk and swallow (says he's swallowing 1 cup of water per day? I have my doubts)
Constipation
Rash on face subsided somewhat
"On edge"
Doesn't want to take all 6 cans of food per day... taking 3-4 past 2 days
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Day 21
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| Day1 |
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| Day 21 after 14 Radiation Treatments & 3 Chemo Infusions |
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| Mouth Swelling and Sores |
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| Painful Blister |
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| Erbitux (Cetuximab) Rash |
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| Day 21.....You can hardly see the swollen lymph node! |
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| Blister | Erbitux (Cetuximab) Rash |
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Day 17
12 Radiation Treatments (23 more to go)...hopefully
3 Chemo (4 more to go)....hopefully
Ouch...Mouth sores are in full force! We picked up "Miracle Wash" today, which hopefully will help. It's a special concoction which consists of Benadryl, antihistamines, antibiotics and some other good stuff. Everything is getting worse with each day. Is it possible for someone to age five years in one day?
3 Chemo (4 more to go)....hopefully
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Day 16
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| Scott enjoying a three course meal! |
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| This is the first time in over a week that he actually feels full. |
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| Easy peasy...he's all hooked up. |
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| Left side of mouth seems swollen after radiation. |
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| Am I crazy, or does it look like his lump on the side of his neck is decreasing in size???!! Thank God, I was getting so scared because it seemed the same to me until today. I try and stay positive and hold onto faith, but dammit, sometimes fear just has a way of creeping up and strangling you until you stand strong and un-grip it's hold. |
3 Chemo Treatments
Scott received his nutritional supplements today (food in a can). This hopefully will help with the exhaustion. He just hasn't been eating enough. Off to work this afternoon, I'm hoping this will be his last day for awhile. The feedings take about half an hour per can and he will require 6 cans per day, plus all the Dr. visits and daily radiation treatments, he isn't going to have time to fit much more in.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Day 15
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| Rash covering back |
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| Day 14 after Radiation |
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| Day 14 not feeling well |
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| Day 15 Rash Cluster on each side of nose |
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| Day 15 Chemo #3 |
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| Still bruising from PICC Line in arm |
Day 15 almost crossed off
10 Radiation Treatments
3 Chemo Treatments
I'm not sure if Scott will be going back to work at this point. He feels "bad" pretty much all the time now. We'll see what way the wind blows tomorrow.
Today's Symptoms:
Very Fatigued...basically laying down most of the time.
Slight Nausea
Throat is becoming sore..wants only soft foods "if he eats"
Dry Mouth...Food continues to taste terrible
Runny nose with more nose bleeds
Larger mouth sores on left inside mouth cheek
Noticeable Changes:
Rash is more apparent..clustering pustules with some bleeding and scabbing over
Skin on face and neck blotchier
Left side of mouth cheek seemed swollen after radiation
Honey Badger Grouchy-itis
Activity Level:
None
Monday, January 9, 2012
Day 13
8 Radiation Treatments
2 Chemo Treatments
Still holding at 10lbs total loss
I think we've been pretty lucky with the way things have been going so far, but change is in the air. Scott is starting to really feel the effects from the treatments. He says it's hard to describe, but it's like being on the verge of being nauseated and it never lets up. His energy level really dropped over the weekend, so he decided that this next week would be the last week of work. His rash has also kicked up a level. It has traveled down to his chest. At this point there is no itchiness involved. Eating has becoming an issue because of the nausea and the horrible taste. Apple juice and ensure are the only things that still taste the way they should. I add sour cream to his scrambled eggs and gravy to whatever else, which seems to make food tolerable. Swallowing has not become an issue as of yet. As far as his demeanor, as long as football is on, he's happily distracted.
Today's Symptoms:
Eating & Drinking less enjoyable
Nausea
Sores developing on inside of left mouth cheek
Tender teeth
Slight sore throat still
Decreasing saliva
Fatigue getting worse (walks do help)
Noticeable Changes:
Blotchy face skin
Rash more pronounced ..face and torso
Activity Level:
Saturday & Sunday were very low..managed a walk each day and an outing to Walgreens on Sunday
Monday a bit more energetic.. He worked all day
2 Chemo Treatments
Still holding at 10lbs total loss
I think we've been pretty lucky with the way things have been going so far, but change is in the air. Scott is starting to really feel the effects from the treatments. He says it's hard to describe, but it's like being on the verge of being nauseated and it never lets up. His energy level really dropped over the weekend, so he decided that this next week would be the last week of work. His rash has also kicked up a level. It has traveled down to his chest. At this point there is no itchiness involved. Eating has becoming an issue because of the nausea and the horrible taste. Apple juice and ensure are the only things that still taste the way they should. I add sour cream to his scrambled eggs and gravy to whatever else, which seems to make food tolerable. Swallowing has not become an issue as of yet. As far as his demeanor, as long as football is on, he's happily distracted.
Today's Symptoms:
Eating & Drinking less enjoyable
Nausea
Sores developing on inside of left mouth cheek
Tender teeth
Slight sore throat still
Decreasing saliva
Fatigue getting worse (walks do help)
Noticeable Changes:
Blotchy face skin
Rash more pronounced ..face and torso
Activity Level:
Saturday & Sunday were very low..managed a walk each day and an outing to Walgreens on Sunday
Monday a bit more energetic.. He worked all day
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| Day 13 |
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| Rash and Red Dry Blotchy looking skin |
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| Semi- permanent Sticker Cross Hairs and Permanent Tattoo under sticker to help line up Radiation Lasers |
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| Rash |
Friday, January 6, 2012
Day 9 & 10
This is the Honey Badger, watch it run in slow motion. It's pretty bad ass. Oh my gosh the Honey Badger is just Craazzy! (just in-case you're confused..youtube..The Crazy Honey Badger narration by Randall)
Maybe Scott is right, he is the Honey Badger. The day after chemo he was back up at 6am and getting ready for radiation and then work. I can only hope this will last! Although the plan for tonight is to go through the medical bills, so this may cause an aneurysm.
Day 10
7 Radiation Treatments
2 Chemo Treatments
Today's Symptoms:
Fatigue
Dry Mouth (sticky)
Water tastes horrible (mix 1/4 Gatorade & 3/4 water to help with taste)
Low appetite
Constant sore throat (slight)
Noticeable Changes:
same
Activity Level:
better with each day after chemo, but still fatigued
Maybe Scott is right, he is the Honey Badger. The day after chemo he was back up at 6am and getting ready for radiation and then work. I can only hope this will last! Although the plan for tonight is to go through the medical bills, so this may cause an aneurysm.
Day 10
7 Radiation Treatments
2 Chemo Treatments
Today's Symptoms:
Fatigue
Dry Mouth (sticky)
Water tastes horrible (mix 1/4 Gatorade & 3/4 water to help with taste)
Low appetite
Constant sore throat (slight)
Noticeable Changes:
same
Activity Level:
better with each day after chemo, but still fatigued
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Day 8
01/04/2011
5 Radiation Treatments
2 Chemo Treatments
Scott felt great this am, started off with treatment # 5 of radiation first thing in the am and then went off to work. Left work at lunch time for Chemo session #2. The Dr. suggested a bit more benadryl prior to today's chemo to possibly alleviate some of the side effects suffered after the initial dose of chemo. Can you say "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee"...yep, it knocked him out better than Mohammad Ali could have. He's going to suggest maybe a bit less next time. This is all part of the process, figuring out what works best and going with the flow. After about a 3 hour nap off and on, he came home to nap more. He skipped dinner and slept through the night. So besides being totally wiped out, Scott didn't experience the chills or headache, only a slight fever (under 100) which can be normal.
Today's Symptoms:
Great up till Chemo
After Chemo:
Exhausted
Slight Fever
No appetite
Discontinued coffee and tea due to "foul" taste (he described it in different terms..I'll spare you)
Food is starting to change it's flavor...cardboard taste
Dry Mouth
Noticeable Changes:
Skin Rash more apparent
Quieter Voice
Activity Level:
After chemo..None...totally wiped out slept or laid and watched TV
5 Radiation Treatments
2 Chemo Treatments
Scott felt great this am, started off with treatment # 5 of radiation first thing in the am and then went off to work. Left work at lunch time for Chemo session #2. The Dr. suggested a bit more benadryl prior to today's chemo to possibly alleviate some of the side effects suffered after the initial dose of chemo. Can you say "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee"...yep, it knocked him out better than Mohammad Ali could have. He's going to suggest maybe a bit less next time. This is all part of the process, figuring out what works best and going with the flow. After about a 3 hour nap off and on, he came home to nap more. He skipped dinner and slept through the night. So besides being totally wiped out, Scott didn't experience the chills or headache, only a slight fever (under 100) which can be normal.
Today's Symptoms:
Great up till Chemo
After Chemo:
Exhausted
Slight Fever
No appetite
Discontinued coffee and tea due to "foul" taste (he described it in different terms..I'll spare you)
Food is starting to change it's flavor...cardboard taste
Dry Mouth
Noticeable Changes:
Skin Rash more apparent
Quieter Voice
Activity Level:
After chemo..None...totally wiped out slept or laid and watched TV
Pictures taken next morning after a full night of sleep.
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