Hello Kitty.

One of the byproducts of cancer treatment is the ability to manage the multiple perceptions from the various doctors.  Timing I found to be the critical factor in how well you adjust to the Meds.  If I take the anti nausea meds too late, it diminishes their effectivity.

In order to manage the timing I use my phone alarm and calendar, while toting around multiple vials of prescriptions.  A friend had made a little tote for Gayle that was just the right size.  The only problem was that the design was somewhat feminine in nature.  Being classified as a senior and the reduced capacity to be embarrassed, I carry it around with me religiously, plopping it down on the table in front of me at restaurants.

One day as I sat by myself with my drug tote, I realized how strange it looked.  I  took the photo and requested a more masculine design.  My request was more of a desperate plea with a concession that a black Hello Kitty was acceptable.  Tina within a day delivers a Star Trek themed bag with a hidden hello kitty patch inside.  I now maintain my masculinity by proudly carrying my new bag exploring new worlds where no man has gone before.  Thank you Tina!!

By the way the Wada clan welcomed another boy, congratulations to Kerri and Josh on the birth of Luke !!!

How You Doing?

The question I get more often is how I am doing.  The lady who I banned from editing this blog suggested I describe the process I am going through, then how it affects me.  Hmm, not bad coming from the side lines.

You will read some repeat information.   Like two weeks after my colon reduction surgery (my description, it has been reduced by about 33% by surgically removing the affected regions) I started my Chemo Therapy regimen of 8 rounds.  Each round lasts 3 weeks and starts out at the oncology office with an IV infusion of a strong Chemo drug I have a hard time pronouncing.  This process takes about 3.5 hrs where I sit in a reclining leatherette chair with my reading material and iPod.

The side affects if this particular drug is tingling of the finger tips (sometimes toes) and a weird reaction to cold.  I have been told not to open a refrigerator and to wrap up warmly including the neck and head for a few days.  If i had to describe the sensation when exposed to cold, it is a fuzzy, semi electrical sensation.  If I eat, the first bite results in pain to my jaw joints, then somehow disappears for the rest of the meal.  I avoid cold drinks, especially ice for about a week.  When I use the facilities, I have to run the water until it gets hot before I can wash my hands.

Following the IV infusion, I am allowed to eat but within 20 minutes of the meal I start taking the Chemo pills (3), twice a day for two weeks.  This takes bit of coordination and discipline (uh oh) as one of the side affects is nausea.  I time the nausea pills just after my first bites to lessen the taste of the pills and to give it time to settle in before I take the Chemo pills.  The side affects other than nausea is fatigue and irregular sleep habits.

It becomes a vicious cycle when you take the pills, get tired, take a short nap, wake up for a short time and repeat the cycle.  There is some doubt from the side lines about my sleep habits as they are similar to what I was experiencing at the hospital.

After the two weeks I take a one week break.  Part of that week is consumed with my body gradually expels the Chemo pills.  That leaves about 2 to 3 days of feeling normal just before we start over with a new round.  They send me a new perscription with each round, therefore I display my pill bottles to remind me of which round I am currently in.

Looking ahead, this puts me on schedule to end Chemo in mid January.  Round 5 week 2 ends the day before Thanksgiving.  Round 7 starts just before Christmas.

Appetite wise,  I can eat anything.  But as stated before, I have no cravings.  Put me in front of food, it will disappear quickly which would explain why I have regained 10 lbs.  I do miss our visits to Kansha for Ice Cream, but like Pavlav's dog I have been conditioned to avoid it.

The other aspect they don't really address is how to juggle the doctors and any conflicting orders.  Oncologist, Cardiologist, Nephrologist, Surgeon, and their various staff and nurses.  I find the Nurses to be the most helpful in advice as they often suggest the non pharmaceutical options based on experience of dealing with numerous patients.

The other repeat observation is that I am still on the young side.  Walking into the waiting room gives me a jolt of the fountain of youth, but acknowledging that age may be a factor later in life.

Once I reach January, it will still take a year to fully recover and that depends on test results to verify Chemo was effective.  Five years before you are considered "cancer free".

Hope this puts the process in perspective.  Of course there is a disclaimer that this is unique to my  situation, stage 3 colon cancer, chemo therapy that is designed for my situation and my irregular disposition.