Yoski,
15 Radiation Sessions gone!!!!!!!!!!! 10 left!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yowzer!!!!!!!!!!!! but, at what price?????????
Yesterday was a day I will try to forget. From the point of view of weather, it was a very pleasant and pleasing day. But what have we been talking about most of these past few days?
You've got your P A I N which is on the B E A M which is knocking the C R A P out of M E and that's the T R U E T H!!!!!!
When setting the levels for all of the meds I am on, Dr. Leong asked me "what was a reasonable level of pain that I can tolerate? Foolish me, I said "5". I did not believe for even a nano second that he was going stick with this measurement but, he did. When Brock and I met with him yesterday afternoon I asked him to change the medication levels. The nurse and the Dietitian were still with us and he agreed.
I have been suffering from "constipation" something that happens when you are on high levels of Codien, then Morphine and now the Fentanyl patch. All of the usual treatments were not working so, last night on his instructions, I took a Senokot supository along with 30 mils of Lactulose. Brock remembered I had a bad reaction to Lactulose when I took it the last time. He suggested I start with 15 mils and within seconds the pain was off all scales and I was suffering full body convulsions. I weathered the storm which lasted about 3 to 5 minutes and as suddenly as it came on it dissapated. The pain was "20" on the scale of 1 to 10. Now before anyone goes running off about Dr. Leong, remember, it was he who had to deal with me when I came in overdosed on Hydromorphone last Tuesday. What's the upside to all of this? I had a movement.
My overall pain has increased and will continue to increase as these Invasive Radiation Treatments go on and that is only "TWO WEEKS AWAY". The key to the management of my pain is the Fentanyl patch and the "break through" drug Hydromorphone.
I am scheduled to have a food tube inserted next Tuesday morning and the very great upside to that is NO MORE SWALLOWING, except for "meds".
I'm sending my love to everyone of my supporters. Now I'm going to have a hole in my tummy.
Rick
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
What's that buzzing in my head.
Hello to everybody,
Since Friday night last week I have been on the "rollycoaster" ride of my life. Just when you think things are about to get better that damm"rollycoaster" snatches me up again and takes me on to new levels of pain and discomfort I cannot begin to describe.
The Pain Management people at the FFCC are all first class folk and they go to extrodanary levels to help smooth out the ride. But, the radiation is relentless and with every treatment new sores and leisons appear and my throat becomes ever so much more painful.
On the 27th I posted that I had found relief from the majority of the pain. I woke up Tuesday morning feeling disoriented, halucinating and panicky. I couldn't remember how long I had been here in Vancouver, I didn't recognize 50 % of my caregivers. I had overdosed on the Hydromorphone. I met with Dr. Leong on Tuesday morning and one of the pain management nurses. Dr. Leong quickly adjusted the levels and frequency of my meds. Due to my diminished capacity the Radiation treatment was cancelled for the day.
Kam, my favourite among the nurses took Brock aside and gave him some one on one training on dispensing and recording the times the drugs were administered. We went from one extreme back to the other extreme. Yesterday I was back on the "rollycoaster" ride to Hell. I was extremely uncomfortable last night. First thing this morning Brock took me back to the hospital and the dosage levels were adjusted once again.
The Fentanyl patch is to be replaced at 6:30 this evening and the dosgae level on the patches has been increased to 75 MCG per hour. I'm hoping that this will do the trick. I am due to have a food pump inserted next Tuesday, June 3. Before it can be inserted the pain has to be brought under control. Swallowing is barely manageble, it's the pain is just to great. I have mixed emotions in this regard.
I am dizzy and disoriented at this point and I need to rest. I'll post more later.
Rick
Since Friday night last week I have been on the "rollycoaster" ride of my life. Just when you think things are about to get better that damm"rollycoaster" snatches me up again and takes me on to new levels of pain and discomfort I cannot begin to describe.
The Pain Management people at the FFCC are all first class folk and they go to extrodanary levels to help smooth out the ride. But, the radiation is relentless and with every treatment new sores and leisons appear and my throat becomes ever so much more painful.
On the 27th I posted that I had found relief from the majority of the pain. I woke up Tuesday morning feeling disoriented, halucinating and panicky. I couldn't remember how long I had been here in Vancouver, I didn't recognize 50 % of my caregivers. I had overdosed on the Hydromorphone. I met with Dr. Leong on Tuesday morning and one of the pain management nurses. Dr. Leong quickly adjusted the levels and frequency of my meds. Due to my diminished capacity the Radiation treatment was cancelled for the day.
Kam, my favourite among the nurses took Brock aside and gave him some one on one training on dispensing and recording the times the drugs were administered. We went from one extreme back to the other extreme. Yesterday I was back on the "rollycoaster" ride to Hell. I was extremely uncomfortable last night. First thing this morning Brock took me back to the hospital and the dosage levels were adjusted once again.
The Fentanyl patch is to be replaced at 6:30 this evening and the dosgae level on the patches has been increased to 75 MCG per hour. I'm hoping that this will do the trick. I am due to have a food pump inserted next Tuesday, June 3. Before it can be inserted the pain has to be brought under control. Swallowing is barely manageble, it's the pain is just to great. I have mixed emotions in this regard.
I am dizzy and disoriented at this point and I need to rest. I'll post more later.
Rick
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
How do you spell "RELIEF"
A very good afternoon to everyone,
Today for the first day in many I feel like I am back in control. What I should more correctly say, I am in control of the Pain Medications which let me be in control. Without the "meds" I would be half dead from the pain.
The principal pain blocker is Fentanyl and it is a three day patch. I put it on last evening at 6:30 and by 9:00 this morning it was up and running. The # 2 pain blocker is Hydomorephone which is a liquid and I take 2 to 5 milligrams every hour. It is called my "breakout" drug. It enables me to swallow with virtually no pain and I take it inconjuctuon with the "Pink Lady" is (Maalox with XYL VIS 2.1). I take 30 MLS of Pink Lady and it freezes whatever it touches in my mouth and troat for about 20 minutes. I am then able to take my protein shakes, water puddings etc. These are temporary measures until the Food Tube is inserted some time later this week or early next week.
The British Columbia Cancer Associations Fraser Valley Mouthwash was developed by the Fraser Valley Cancer Clinic and it is the principal medication to fight the thick, heavy ropey saliva which accumulates at the back of my throat along with various other miserable fluids such as mucus and phlem. I am now using Flonase twice a day in conjunction with the FFMW to keep my throat clear. It is marvellous.
I am having problems with constipation and I have a strict set of instructions along with pills, fluids and suppositories to take care of that end. Finally I have Lorazepan/Ativan for those moments when I am about to loose control of my emotions and suffer an anxiety attack.
Brock sat with me throughout yesterday and today's CLinic visits and will be with me again tomorrow. Everyday from now until the end of the treatments will be seen by either the Nurse from the Pain Management Group or the Doctor or both.
You really do not want me to describe the condition of the inside of my mouth. I can open my mouth about half an inch and what I see is pretty greusome. I've been told that it will continue to get worse and the strength of the Fentanyl patches will be increased on a regular basis. The current dosage 50 mcg/hr and the dosage can be increased to 200 mcg/hr.
The pain I went through this past week is now only an unpleasant memory. Now I am in a highly medicated state and need somebody to be with me 24 hours a day.
I completed treatment number 13 to day and we're on the downhill side of the journey. Hurah, hurah.
I will keep the blog updated on a regular basis.
Love to all,
Rick
Today for the first day in many I feel like I am back in control. What I should more correctly say, I am in control of the Pain Medications which let me be in control. Without the "meds" I would be half dead from the pain.
The principal pain blocker is Fentanyl and it is a three day patch. I put it on last evening at 6:30 and by 9:00 this morning it was up and running. The # 2 pain blocker is Hydomorephone which is a liquid and I take 2 to 5 milligrams every hour. It is called my "breakout" drug. It enables me to swallow with virtually no pain and I take it inconjuctuon with the "Pink Lady" is (Maalox with XYL VIS 2.1). I take 30 MLS of Pink Lady and it freezes whatever it touches in my mouth and troat for about 20 minutes. I am then able to take my protein shakes, water puddings etc. These are temporary measures until the Food Tube is inserted some time later this week or early next week.
The British Columbia Cancer Associations Fraser Valley Mouthwash was developed by the Fraser Valley Cancer Clinic and it is the principal medication to fight the thick, heavy ropey saliva which accumulates at the back of my throat along with various other miserable fluids such as mucus and phlem. I am now using Flonase twice a day in conjunction with the FFMW to keep my throat clear. It is marvellous.
I am having problems with constipation and I have a strict set of instructions along with pills, fluids and suppositories to take care of that end. Finally I have Lorazepan/Ativan for those moments when I am about to loose control of my emotions and suffer an anxiety attack.
Brock sat with me throughout yesterday and today's CLinic visits and will be with me again tomorrow. Everyday from now until the end of the treatments will be seen by either the Nurse from the Pain Management Group or the Doctor or both.
You really do not want me to describe the condition of the inside of my mouth. I can open my mouth about half an inch and what I see is pretty greusome. I've been told that it will continue to get worse and the strength of the Fentanyl patches will be increased on a regular basis. The current dosage 50 mcg/hr and the dosage can be increased to 200 mcg/hr.
The pain I went through this past week is now only an unpleasant memory. Now I am in a highly medicated state and need somebody to be with me 24 hours a day.
I completed treatment number 13 to day and we're on the downhill side of the journey. Hurah, hurah.
I will keep the blog updated on a regular basis.
Love to all,
Rick
Monday, May 26, 2008
Break through in Pain Medications
A very good evening to all of my familyand friends,
Today while we were at the 12th Radiation treatment the technitians made a spur of the moment decision to defer that treatment until after I met with the Doctor and the Nurse. The decision was made easy by the fact that I had only injested about four teaspoons of soup and less that 500 ML's of water in the precedding 36 hours and I was in very terrible shape.
Brock and I met with the nurse who immediately when out and got Dr.Herbert. She took me off the Morpine immediately as it was having no possitive effect on the pain. She prescribed Fentanyl Transdermaal Patches which I started using tonight. No more APO-Benzxdamine. She's precribed Ativan to confront my periodic anxiety attachs. To get me through the day I was given an injection of a very strong pain killing drug and an antiinflamatory to reduce the amount of mucus, phlem and with sticky saliva. I have a new breakout drug Hydromorphone which I can take at 2-5 mls every 4 hours when something comes along unexpectantly.
I now feel that the pain as I'm confronted with it will now be managed. The last really big step will be the insertian of a food tube sometime between now and next Tuesday. I am looking forward to that development and there will be no more mouth agony from swallowing and irritated gums etc.
Tonight I have been lifted out of the dumps and I'm feeling like there is a reason to beat this disease.
Until yomorrow my friends,
Rick
P.S.: The Doctor and the nurse sent me for blood tests and then for a 2 litre IV of saline and
water. I was pretty much dehydrated. Am feeling better now.
H
Today while we were at the 12th Radiation treatment the technitians made a spur of the moment decision to defer that treatment until after I met with the Doctor and the Nurse. The decision was made easy by the fact that I had only injested about four teaspoons of soup and less that 500 ML's of water in the precedding 36 hours and I was in very terrible shape.
Brock and I met with the nurse who immediately when out and got Dr.Herbert. She took me off the Morpine immediately as it was having no possitive effect on the pain. She prescribed Fentanyl Transdermaal Patches which I started using tonight. No more APO-Benzxdamine. She's precribed Ativan to confront my periodic anxiety attachs. To get me through the day I was given an injection of a very strong pain killing drug and an antiinflamatory to reduce the amount of mucus, phlem and with sticky saliva. I have a new breakout drug Hydromorphone which I can take at 2-5 mls every 4 hours when something comes along unexpectantly.
I now feel that the pain as I'm confronted with it will now be managed. The last really big step will be the insertian of a food tube sometime between now and next Tuesday. I am looking forward to that development and there will be no more mouth agony from swallowing and irritated gums etc.
Tonight I have been lifted out of the dumps and I'm feeling like there is a reason to beat this disease.
Until yomorrow my friends,
Rick
P.S.: The Doctor and the nurse sent me for blood tests and then for a 2 litre IV of saline and
water. I was pretty much dehydrated. Am feeling better now.
H
Just getting by
Good morning everyone,
The treatments are coming along. I must admit that even VINCENT (my alter ego) is having troubles coping with the pain. This past weekend has been just brutal.
Using a pain scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the absolute worst pain you can imagine or have ever experienced, there were times that the pain erupted to 14 or perhaps even 15. I woke up the other night moaning the pain was so excruciating.
I was taking liquid Tylenol 3 until last Thursday when I went on morphine. There have been times since I went on the MOS that the pain has been steady at 10 for hours on end. No kidding it is absolutely the PITS.
I have treatment number 12 of 25 this morning and then I hope to be seeing The Pain Management People. I have to go to the next higher level of pain killers. Since yesterday morning I have not been able to drink or eat without first taking a cocktail dubbed a "Pink Lady". It freezes your throat and mouth for about 15 minutes during which time I was able to choke down some water and 4 spoonful of soup. I am a wreck this morning. I am hesitant to take the morphine because the reaction I get is so unpleasant.
I can hardly talk the pain is so immense. This weekend has been a battle of endurance. The Cancer Clinic was closed over the weekend and while Brock & I called the 24 hour help line, all we were able to get was the "Pink Lady" cocktail and a go ahead to increase the morphine doses by 25% and the frequency of the doses reduced from 3 hours to 2 hours.
I fully expect to go on a three day morphine patch but that is not likely to help me to eat and drink. I think I must investigate a "food tube". Leastway I'll be able to keep my nutritional levels up to standard.
I'll post more after my appointments today.
Rick
The treatments are coming along. I must admit that even VINCENT (my alter ego) is having troubles coping with the pain. This past weekend has been just brutal.
Using a pain scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the absolute worst pain you can imagine or have ever experienced, there were times that the pain erupted to 14 or perhaps even 15. I woke up the other night moaning the pain was so excruciating.
I was taking liquid Tylenol 3 until last Thursday when I went on morphine. There have been times since I went on the MOS that the pain has been steady at 10 for hours on end. No kidding it is absolutely the PITS.
I have treatment number 12 of 25 this morning and then I hope to be seeing The Pain Management People. I have to go to the next higher level of pain killers. Since yesterday morning I have not been able to drink or eat without first taking a cocktail dubbed a "Pink Lady". It freezes your throat and mouth for about 15 minutes during which time I was able to choke down some water and 4 spoonful of soup. I am a wreck this morning. I am hesitant to take the morphine because the reaction I get is so unpleasant.
I can hardly talk the pain is so immense. This weekend has been a battle of endurance. The Cancer Clinic was closed over the weekend and while Brock & I called the 24 hour help line, all we were able to get was the "Pink Lady" cocktail and a go ahead to increase the morphine doses by 25% and the frequency of the doses reduced from 3 hours to 2 hours.
I fully expect to go on a three day morphine patch but that is not likely to help me to eat and drink. I think I must investigate a "food tube". Leastway I'll be able to keep my nutritional levels up to standard.
I'll post more after my appointments today.
Rick
Sunday, May 25, 2008
6:01 AM, in Surrey, B.C.
Yoski,
For the third night in a row I slept in the Big Lazy Boy chair in the living room. I have found that the heavy, sticky, ropy saliva still pools in my throat but, it is much more manageble and somewhat easier to expel. It's still to early to tell how I feel today. My throat is still extremely sore and it's equally painful to swallow. The shooting pains into my left eye and ear are gone so far this morning.
Last evening I was most uncomfortable. I found it painful to talk, drink and swallow soup or any thing else for that matter. I had the restless leg as well. A wonderful combination. I am going to stay inside today and sleep as much as possible.
Tomorrow is the start of five sessions this week. I'm going to see the Pain Management People tomorrow. There has to be a better way to expel the Ropy Saliva. Clearing it out of my throat is extremely painful and leaves my throat raw and sore for hours.
If we can figure a way around this problem, maybe we find the way to manage the pain.
Bye for now,
Rick
For the third night in a row I slept in the Big Lazy Boy chair in the living room. I have found that the heavy, sticky, ropy saliva still pools in my throat but, it is much more manageble and somewhat easier to expel. It's still to early to tell how I feel today. My throat is still extremely sore and it's equally painful to swallow. The shooting pains into my left eye and ear are gone so far this morning.
Last evening I was most uncomfortable. I found it painful to talk, drink and swallow soup or any thing else for that matter. I had the restless leg as well. A wonderful combination. I am going to stay inside today and sleep as much as possible.
Tomorrow is the start of five sessions this week. I'm going to see the Pain Management People tomorrow. There has to be a better way to expel the Ropy Saliva. Clearing it out of my throat is extremely painful and leaves my throat raw and sore for hours.
If we can figure a way around this problem, maybe we find the way to manage the pain.
Bye for now,
Rick
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Pain increases
Good evening everyone,
I don't know quite what to say to you all this evening. Late yesterday afternoon and evening were the worst yet. Everytime I think I have reached the point where the pain cannot get any worse, I have an episode like I did last night. Using a pain scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the worst pain you have ever endured or can imagine, I got caught in a volcano of pain and it erupted to level 14 or maybe even 15 on that scale of 10. I have never encountered or had to endure that level of pain for such a long time. The most significant pain comes from the back of my throat and tongue. The pains shoot up through to my left eye and left ear. At times it litterally knocks me off of my feet and I have trouble breathing. It is never easy to eat and swallowing is always a challenge.
Last night, the pain was so intense that the liquid Morphine could not keep up with it as it erupted time and time again. At 9:00 o'clock Dolores gave me a suggestion on how to get on top of the pain. She suggested that I take just 5 ML of Morphine at 9:30, 1 full hour before the next dose was due at 10:30. Well it worked. I have no recollection however, of anything past 10:30 last night until I woke up 2:30 this morning. I took a minimum dose of Morphine then and slept through to 5:00 AM. I then took 10 ml of MOS and feel asleep until 8:00 this morning.
I've slept on and off for most of the day taking my meds every 3 hours. Overall the pain has been more manageable than it was yesterday. One thing however, talking always causes the pain to come back very quickly. I gave myself Reiki numerous times today and mercifully I fell asleep most of the time.
I have very little energy tonight. I plan to have another restfull day tomorrow and I'll try to regain some of my strength. I will definitely ask to see one of the nurses on Monday to tell them how much I have suffered this weekend. Maybe they will have some tips to help me manage a little bit better. Maybe she'll call the Doctor and maybe the Doctor will put me on the three day Morphine patch on Monday istead of waiting until Tuesday when I see Dr. Leong.
Bye for now to all of you, family and friends. Thank-you for all your kind words, prayers and good wishes.
Rick
I don't know quite what to say to you all this evening. Late yesterday afternoon and evening were the worst yet. Everytime I think I have reached the point where the pain cannot get any worse, I have an episode like I did last night. Using a pain scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the worst pain you have ever endured or can imagine, I got caught in a volcano of pain and it erupted to level 14 or maybe even 15 on that scale of 10. I have never encountered or had to endure that level of pain for such a long time. The most significant pain comes from the back of my throat and tongue. The pains shoot up through to my left eye and left ear. At times it litterally knocks me off of my feet and I have trouble breathing. It is never easy to eat and swallowing is always a challenge.
Last night, the pain was so intense that the liquid Morphine could not keep up with it as it erupted time and time again. At 9:00 o'clock Dolores gave me a suggestion on how to get on top of the pain. She suggested that I take just 5 ML of Morphine at 9:30, 1 full hour before the next dose was due at 10:30. Well it worked. I have no recollection however, of anything past 10:30 last night until I woke up 2:30 this morning. I took a minimum dose of Morphine then and slept through to 5:00 AM. I then took 10 ml of MOS and feel asleep until 8:00 this morning.
I've slept on and off for most of the day taking my meds every 3 hours. Overall the pain has been more manageable than it was yesterday. One thing however, talking always causes the pain to come back very quickly. I gave myself Reiki numerous times today and mercifully I fell asleep most of the time.
I have very little energy tonight. I plan to have another restfull day tomorrow and I'll try to regain some of my strength. I will definitely ask to see one of the nurses on Monday to tell them how much I have suffered this weekend. Maybe they will have some tips to help me manage a little bit better. Maybe she'll call the Doctor and maybe the Doctor will put me on the three day Morphine patch on Monday istead of waiting until Tuesday when I see Dr. Leong.
Bye for now to all of you, family and friends. Thank-you for all your kind words, prayers and good wishes.
Rick
Friday, May 23, 2008
11 down 14 to go
Yoski,
I've returned from Treatment #11 of 25. Effective this afternoon I will be restricted from driving due to my new pain medication. I have arranged for The Surrey Cancer Volunteer Drivers to pick me up and drive me home Monday to Friday next week. I'll have to rely on Brock to drive me any other places I have to go.
I lost 3.4 kilos (7.5 lbs) over the last 7 days and neither the Dietition nor the Radiation Therapists are happy with that. I have been off my food since Monday and on liquids only for the past couple of days. The Dietition suggested that I have 6 protien shakes per day along with porridge in the morning and soup at lunch or dinner time. As a result of the weight loss, I may have to have a new mask made next week on Monday and Tuesday, yukity yuk, yuk!
That's it for now.
Rick
I've returned from Treatment #11 of 25. Effective this afternoon I will be restricted from driving due to my new pain medication. I have arranged for The Surrey Cancer Volunteer Drivers to pick me up and drive me home Monday to Friday next week. I'll have to rely on Brock to drive me any other places I have to go.
I lost 3.4 kilos (7.5 lbs) over the last 7 days and neither the Dietition nor the Radiation Therapists are happy with that. I have been off my food since Monday and on liquids only for the past couple of days. The Dietition suggested that I have 6 protien shakes per day along with porridge in the morning and soup at lunch or dinner time. As a result of the weight loss, I may have to have a new mask made next week on Monday and Tuesday, yukity yuk, yuk!
That's it for now.
Rick
Reflections
Good morning everyone,
Rski here. It's 8:52 AM and I am in the process of having some Cream of Wheat. I had a decent sleep last and am feeling rested today. I was in a lot of pain last night but, I took the T3 liquid every 3 hours and I slept with my head elevated.
I'm glad for my visit to the Pain Management people yesterday. I now know I CAN get through this. I'm learning more each day and what to do when things get difficult. The pain is really intense but, if I keep the Doctors and Nurses informed they help me to cope. I did not have any idea how bad the pain would be and I did not think that it would get worse each and every day. Now that I realize that, I will find the next level of consciousness to help me get through it.
This is a difficult experience but, by confronting it as I am doing I find that my self confidence is growing. Just going to see the Pain Management people was a big step for me. I look at these two areas as "positives" and I will be sure to mention them to Gregory next Wednesday when I my next counselling session.
Yesterday was a significant turning point for me. I now have a better understanding of the process and what is likely going to happen to me and I understand what all of the FVCC Staff have been telling me about it. It was a breakout day.
I'll post more over the weekend.
Bye for now,
Rick
Rski here. It's 8:52 AM and I am in the process of having some Cream of Wheat. I had a decent sleep last and am feeling rested today. I was in a lot of pain last night but, I took the T3 liquid every 3 hours and I slept with my head elevated.
I'm glad for my visit to the Pain Management people yesterday. I now know I CAN get through this. I'm learning more each day and what to do when things get difficult. The pain is really intense but, if I keep the Doctors and Nurses informed they help me to cope. I did not have any idea how bad the pain would be and I did not think that it would get worse each and every day. Now that I realize that, I will find the next level of consciousness to help me get through it.
This is a difficult experience but, by confronting it as I am doing I find that my self confidence is growing. Just going to see the Pain Management people was a big step for me. I look at these two areas as "positives" and I will be sure to mention them to Gregory next Wednesday when I my next counselling session.
Yesterday was a significant turning point for me. I now have a better understanding of the process and what is likely going to happen to me and I understand what all of the FVCC Staff have been telling me about it. It was a breakout day.
I'll post more over the weekend.
Bye for now,
Rick
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Medication change
Good afternoon everyone,
Well, as some of you might know, the rigors of Radiation are catching up with me. If I thought the pain was bad yesterday morning you should have been in my head this morning. I was almost whimpering trying to put down lightly scrambled eggs. I could hardly open my mouth wide enough to get the fork in. I took a tablespoon of T-3 at 5:10 AM and at 5:50 it wasn't working any more. Even talking to Brock before he left for work hurt. If the pain continues to intensify this much every day I don't know how I'll handle it. I woke up moaning at least three times last night.
After I finished Radiation Treatment # 10 this afternoon, I asked for a consult with the Pain Management groupe. I spoke to one of the nurses who then called in the on call Oncologist. We had a very good chat and she said that I was time to boost the pain medication from Tylenol 3 to Morphine. We went over my needs and how I much I should take and how oftern. She also explained that my pain symptoms are right on schedule for this type of Radiation and they will continue to get worse. By Tuesday next week when I see Dr. Leong again, he will probably put me on a three day patch so that the drug is administered on an ongoing basis 24 hours a day.
Tomorrow morning I will see the Dietitian for more advice on nutrition. I've lost more than 5 pounds since last Friday.
I'll post more tomorrow.
Bye for now,
Rick
Well, as some of you might know, the rigors of Radiation are catching up with me. If I thought the pain was bad yesterday morning you should have been in my head this morning. I was almost whimpering trying to put down lightly scrambled eggs. I could hardly open my mouth wide enough to get the fork in. I took a tablespoon of T-3 at 5:10 AM and at 5:50 it wasn't working any more. Even talking to Brock before he left for work hurt. If the pain continues to intensify this much every day I don't know how I'll handle it. I woke up moaning at least three times last night.
After I finished Radiation Treatment # 10 this afternoon, I asked for a consult with the Pain Management groupe. I spoke to one of the nurses who then called in the on call Oncologist. We had a very good chat and she said that I was time to boost the pain medication from Tylenol 3 to Morphine. We went over my needs and how I much I should take and how oftern. She also explained that my pain symptoms are right on schedule for this type of Radiation and they will continue to get worse. By Tuesday next week when I see Dr. Leong again, he will probably put me on a three day patch so that the drug is administered on an ongoing basis 24 hours a day.
Tomorrow morning I will see the Dietitian for more advice on nutrition. I've lost more than 5 pounds since last Friday.
I'll post more tomorrow.
Bye for now,
Rick
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Getting there
Good afternoon everyone,
I had an early wake up call this morning as I was due for Radiation at 9:00 AM. Who booked an appointment for me at that hour of the morning? Not my favourite time to be getting zapped". I scrambled out of bed around 7:00 and came downstairs for breakfast. Usually I start off with a grapefruit followed by toast &/or breakfast cearel. I prepared my grapefruit and took the first bite and went rocketing off into hyperspace. My whole mouth exploded in pain which actually brought tears to my eyes. My gums, tongue and the insides of my cheeks are just absolutely raw and the citric acid set my mouth a blaze. I would say it took 10 minutes for the pain to subside at which point a tried a 2nd section of the grapefruit, off I go in the rocket ship again. Well that was the end of that grapefruit.
The Radiation treatments are becoming easier to handle with each passing day. It's what happens 4 to 8 hours after the session which causes me concern. I have now lost the thin saliva glands on both sides of my face and my sense of taste is going away. The thick, ropey saliva which comes from under your tongue is now becoming a nuisance. It accumulates at the back of my throat as I sleep and I seem to cough all night long. It is so sticky and thick that it is nearly impossible to "spit"out and my tongue is so sore I don't even want to try.
After my morning session I had an appointment with Dr. Leong. I addressed some of my concerns and he suggested I see the Dietition for more appropriate breakfast meals. But, most assuredly avoid acidic foods. The Fraser Valley Mouthwash is designed to lossen the saliva caught in my throat so that I have the option to spit it out or swallow it. Given the pain involved in spitting, swallowing is a more desireable option. He encouraged me to use the mouthwash during the night as well as in the daytime. Perhaps his best words of advice for me were to take a tablespoon of liquid Tylenol 3, 15 minutes before each meal and it will reduce the pain when eating. He also suggested I start rinsing my mouth with APO-Benzydamine. It will numb the gum and cheek areas when the pain is severe. This afternoon it even hurts to talk.
I know that I can endure this pain and I will now switch to soft foods such as instant Cream of Wheat or scrambled eggs for breakfast. I've made some chicken soup for lunches and evening meals and Brock has showed me how he makes protien shakes and they are good. There are alternatives to "beef" ribs etc.
That's it for now, sorry I wish the news was more possitive.
Bye for now.
Rick
I had an early wake up call this morning as I was due for Radiation at 9:00 AM. Who booked an appointment for me at that hour of the morning? Not my favourite time to be getting zapped". I scrambled out of bed around 7:00 and came downstairs for breakfast. Usually I start off with a grapefruit followed by toast &/or breakfast cearel. I prepared my grapefruit and took the first bite and went rocketing off into hyperspace. My whole mouth exploded in pain which actually brought tears to my eyes. My gums, tongue and the insides of my cheeks are just absolutely raw and the citric acid set my mouth a blaze. I would say it took 10 minutes for the pain to subside at which point a tried a 2nd section of the grapefruit, off I go in the rocket ship again. Well that was the end of that grapefruit.
The Radiation treatments are becoming easier to handle with each passing day. It's what happens 4 to 8 hours after the session which causes me concern. I have now lost the thin saliva glands on both sides of my face and my sense of taste is going away. The thick, ropey saliva which comes from under your tongue is now becoming a nuisance. It accumulates at the back of my throat as I sleep and I seem to cough all night long. It is so sticky and thick that it is nearly impossible to "spit"out and my tongue is so sore I don't even want to try.
After my morning session I had an appointment with Dr. Leong. I addressed some of my concerns and he suggested I see the Dietition for more appropriate breakfast meals. But, most assuredly avoid acidic foods. The Fraser Valley Mouthwash is designed to lossen the saliva caught in my throat so that I have the option to spit it out or swallow it. Given the pain involved in spitting, swallowing is a more desireable option. He encouraged me to use the mouthwash during the night as well as in the daytime. Perhaps his best words of advice for me were to take a tablespoon of liquid Tylenol 3, 15 minutes before each meal and it will reduce the pain when eating. He also suggested I start rinsing my mouth with APO-Benzydamine. It will numb the gum and cheek areas when the pain is severe. This afternoon it even hurts to talk.
I know that I can endure this pain and I will now switch to soft foods such as instant Cream of Wheat or scrambled eggs for breakfast. I've made some chicken soup for lunches and evening meals and Brock has showed me how he makes protien shakes and they are good. There are alternatives to "beef" ribs etc.
That's it for now, sorry I wish the news was more possitive.
Bye for now.
Rick
Sunday, May 18, 2008
The morning after
Good morning all,
Yesterday was what I needed, a day of rest and relaxation. It was a beautiful sunny day and warm, mid 20's. I slept most of the morning, had a leisurly lunch and had an afternoon nap. I went out mid afternoon for fruit and vegetables but, other than that, I was a home body.
I slept very well last night and this morning I am back to feeling like myself. I will take the rest of the weekend and continue to regain my strength. I think I have learned a valuable lesson. I will be careful not over to do it especially after the Radiation treatments.
Bye for now,
Rick
Yesterday was what I needed, a day of rest and relaxation. It was a beautiful sunny day and warm, mid 20's. I slept most of the morning, had a leisurly lunch and had an afternoon nap. I went out mid afternoon for fruit and vegetables but, other than that, I was a home body.
I slept very well last night and this morning I am back to feeling like myself. I will take the rest of the weekend and continue to regain my strength. I think I have learned a valuable lesson. I will be careful not over to do it especially after the Radiation treatments.
Bye for now,
Rick
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The 24th of May, the Queens Birthday
Yoski,
Saturday morning in Surrey at 7:15 and its sunny and warm. Brock and his roomy Dave have just left to catch the 9:00 AM ferry to Victoria. Good luck fellows. My guess is that there will be at least a 4 sailing wait and that they will leave the car on this side of the water and go on as walk on passengers. The joys of long weekend travel to Vancouver Island.
I am feeling somewhat better this morning. Yesterdays treatment zapped me unlike any other treatment thus far. Yesterday afternoon and evening I had very little energy and my head felt swollen and full of pressure. I was really uncomfortable. I slept on and off from 3:30 until I went to bed at 10:00 PM. I did not sleep well and was up several times coughing and hacking until 4:00 AM when I finally decided to sleep sitting up in the living room.
The area around the lumps has started to to turn red and is quite irritated. The lumps are changing shape on a daily basis and are now quite itchy alot of the time. I have some saline pads which will ease that irritation and I picked up my Fraser Valley Mouth Wash which will help ease the discomfort in my mouth and troat. Since the "thin saliva gland" on the left hand side has stopped working, the thick saliva gland has picked up the pace and it clogs up in my throat especially when I'm lying down and I cough and cough. It's most annoying.
I'll have to learn to budget my energy and try not to over extend myself. I will spend a lazy day trying to catch up on my sleeping. With both of the guys gone, it will be quiet and I will be able to rest. I've decided not to stay with Linda this weekend. I don't have the energy to move my stuff over there and settle in.
I'll post again soon.
Bye for now,
Rick
P.S.: I called Brock at 9:00 Am and he and Dave made the 9:00 ferry. They were one of the last 5 vehicles to get on that sailing.
Saturday morning in Surrey at 7:15 and its sunny and warm. Brock and his roomy Dave have just left to catch the 9:00 AM ferry to Victoria. Good luck fellows. My guess is that there will be at least a 4 sailing wait and that they will leave the car on this side of the water and go on as walk on passengers. The joys of long weekend travel to Vancouver Island.
I am feeling somewhat better this morning. Yesterdays treatment zapped me unlike any other treatment thus far. Yesterday afternoon and evening I had very little energy and my head felt swollen and full of pressure. I was really uncomfortable. I slept on and off from 3:30 until I went to bed at 10:00 PM. I did not sleep well and was up several times coughing and hacking until 4:00 AM when I finally decided to sleep sitting up in the living room.
The area around the lumps has started to to turn red and is quite irritated. The lumps are changing shape on a daily basis and are now quite itchy alot of the time. I have some saline pads which will ease that irritation and I picked up my Fraser Valley Mouth Wash which will help ease the discomfort in my mouth and troat. Since the "thin saliva gland" on the left hand side has stopped working, the thick saliva gland has picked up the pace and it clogs up in my throat especially when I'm lying down and I cough and cough. It's most annoying.
I'll have to learn to budget my energy and try not to over extend myself. I will spend a lazy day trying to catch up on my sleeping. With both of the guys gone, it will be quiet and I will be able to rest. I've decided not to stay with Linda this weekend. I don't have the energy to move my stuff over there and settle in.
I'll post again soon.
Bye for now,
Rick
P.S.: I called Brock at 9:00 Am and he and Dave made the 9:00 ferry. They were one of the last 5 vehicles to get on that sailing.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Session # 5
Good afternoon everyone,
My 5th Radiation session went according to plan. I was asked to wait in the waiting room after the session for Dr. Leong. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see him today due to a little glitch in the system. I saw another Dr. instead who answered some but not all of my questions. I will definitely see Dr. Leong next week.
I learned today that I have Squamous Cell Carcinoma and on April 23rd when I had the MRI the lump measured 6.2cm x 3.5 x cm x 5.5cm and it is described as a "conglomerate lymph node mass" entwined with the carotid artery. WOW!!! I didn't realize just how big it is. The stand in doctor thinks that by this time next week I will be feeling more of the effects of the Radiation but, so far so good.
Bye for now,
Rick
My 5th Radiation session went according to plan. I was asked to wait in the waiting room after the session for Dr. Leong. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see him today due to a little glitch in the system. I saw another Dr. instead who answered some but not all of my questions. I will definitely see Dr. Leong next week.
I learned today that I have Squamous Cell Carcinoma and on April 23rd when I had the MRI the lump measured 6.2cm x 3.5 x cm x 5.5cm and it is described as a "conglomerate lymph node mass" entwined with the carotid artery. WOW!!! I didn't realize just how big it is. The stand in doctor thinks that by this time next week I will be feeling more of the effects of the Radiation but, so far so good.
Bye for now,
Rick
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
New Cell Phone
Hey everybody,
I forgot to mention this today. I now have a Cellular phone and can receive your calls directly. For me it is most advantageous to make my calls after 5:00PM Pacific Daylight Time. My new number is: 778-239-6957. Feel free to call me any between 9:00 AM PDT and 10:00 PM PDT.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Rick
I forgot to mention this today. I now have a Cellular phone and can receive your calls directly. For me it is most advantageous to make my calls after 5:00PM Pacific Daylight Time. My new number is: 778-239-6957. Feel free to call me any between 9:00 AM PDT and 10:00 PM PDT.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Rick
Treatment #4
Good afternoon everyone,
I'm still upright, breathing and feeling good after Radiation treatment #4. I do however have some ugly bruising on the left side of my neck just below where the majority of the lumps are located. There is still no pain but the lumps are itchy. My mouth is dry and I'm told by both the Dietitian and Dr. Gardner, my dentist at FVCC, that the thin saliva gland on the left hand side has already stopped working. I see Dr. Leong tomorrow after session 5 and I'll have a more to say then.
Dr. Gardner removed the bone spur from my lower right hand gum. It was near to the area where the 12 year old molar was pulled out just before I left Prince George. The swelling in that area has already subsided noticably. I didn't need freezing as she just popped it out using one of her dental tools. A big relieve to me that it was as simple as it was. The other swelling and pain around that area of my mouth is just more of the aftermath of having had that tooth pulled. It will go away but, she suggested that I start rinsing with salt and water 4 to 5 times a day starting today. That will promote more saliva from the right hand saliva gland and promote healing in the mouth as the Radation goes on.
The Dietitian saw me this morning and was pleased that I have only lost 2 lbs. since I reported here on April 8th. She will see me every week during the rest of the treatments and monitor my general health, nutrition and weight. She suggested that I continue to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, cereals, protien such as meat, eggs and cheese and fat such as in whole milk and butter. Animal fats are also good during this time. She stressed that I need to maintain my weight and nutritional levels. She hopes that I won't lose the right hand saliva gland but, I'm most likely going to face a loss of taste partially or completely. An unpleasant thought. It's usually during week three of the treatments that I will really notice the unpleasant effects of the Radiation. Keep your fingers crossed that I will be one of the lucky ones who do not suffer unduly.
More tomorrow after my visit with Dr. Leong.
So long for now,
Rick, who is so happy he can still spit.
I'm still upright, breathing and feeling good after Radiation treatment #4. I do however have some ugly bruising on the left side of my neck just below where the majority of the lumps are located. There is still no pain but the lumps are itchy. My mouth is dry and I'm told by both the Dietitian and Dr. Gardner, my dentist at FVCC, that the thin saliva gland on the left hand side has already stopped working. I see Dr. Leong tomorrow after session 5 and I'll have a more to say then.
Dr. Gardner removed the bone spur from my lower right hand gum. It was near to the area where the 12 year old molar was pulled out just before I left Prince George. The swelling in that area has already subsided noticably. I didn't need freezing as she just popped it out using one of her dental tools. A big relieve to me that it was as simple as it was. The other swelling and pain around that area of my mouth is just more of the aftermath of having had that tooth pulled. It will go away but, she suggested that I start rinsing with salt and water 4 to 5 times a day starting today. That will promote more saliva from the right hand saliva gland and promote healing in the mouth as the Radation goes on.
The Dietitian saw me this morning and was pleased that I have only lost 2 lbs. since I reported here on April 8th. She will see me every week during the rest of the treatments and monitor my general health, nutrition and weight. She suggested that I continue to eat lots of fruits, vegetables, cereals, protien such as meat, eggs and cheese and fat such as in whole milk and butter. Animal fats are also good during this time. She stressed that I need to maintain my weight and nutritional levels. She hopes that I won't lose the right hand saliva gland but, I'm most likely going to face a loss of taste partially or completely. An unpleasant thought. It's usually during week three of the treatments that I will really notice the unpleasant effects of the Radiation. Keep your fingers crossed that I will be one of the lucky ones who do not suffer unduly.
More tomorrow after my visit with Dr. Leong.
So long for now,
Rick, who is so happy he can still spit.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
A Saturday morning in Surrey, B.C.
Good morning everyone,
I slept reasonably well last night, although I was up twice when nature called. I gave myself Reiki each time I went back to bed and fell asleep each time easily. Before I went to bed I gave myself Reiki for 1/2 and hour and the pain was reduced dramatiacally, there is no pain this AM. The lump area is quite itchy in fact. Yesterday afternoon and evening were difficult for me. I was in pain and felt depressed. I spent lots of time giving myself Reiki and I cannot imagine what it would have been like without it.
It's overcast and spitting rain this morning and coolish. Still it's nice and green and lots of beauty to look at. I am really concentrating on the positive side of things and I'm trying to slow myself down so that I can see the little things that we seem to miss because we are going to fast. I am positive that I will get through this ordeal and everyday is a new challenge.
Tonite we are having a lamb feast which I am looking forward to. The lady that is preparing the dinner is also buying all of the ingredients and Brock will reemburse her. She lives with Dan, Brock's former roommate. Should be excellent. Tomorrow night I am going to BBQ beef ribs, I have bought enough to sink a battleship. Hope the boys have a big appetite.
That's it for now.
Rick
I slept reasonably well last night, although I was up twice when nature called. I gave myself Reiki each time I went back to bed and fell asleep each time easily. Before I went to bed I gave myself Reiki for 1/2 and hour and the pain was reduced dramatiacally, there is no pain this AM. The lump area is quite itchy in fact. Yesterday afternoon and evening were difficult for me. I was in pain and felt depressed. I spent lots of time giving myself Reiki and I cannot imagine what it would have been like without it.
It's overcast and spitting rain this morning and coolish. Still it's nice and green and lots of beauty to look at. I am really concentrating on the positive side of things and I'm trying to slow myself down so that I can see the little things that we seem to miss because we are going to fast. I am positive that I will get through this ordeal and everyday is a new challenge.
Tonite we are having a lamb feast which I am looking forward to. The lady that is preparing the dinner is also buying all of the ingredients and Brock will reemburse her. She lives with Dan, Brock's former roommate. Should be excellent. Tomorrow night I am going to BBQ beef ribs, I have bought enough to sink a battleship. Hope the boys have a big appetite.
That's it for now.
Rick
Friday, May 9, 2008
2 down 23 to go
Yoski everyone,
Day 2 of the Radiation Treatments has come and gone without a hitch. The new technology for these sessions has come a long way in the past 15 years and now the beams are highly focused at specific target areas which reduces damage to healthy cells. There will still be some damage to non affected areas but, the technicians tell me it is much improved over past practises.
I had more difficulty relaxing today and my shoulders were really quite tense throughout the procedure. Everything else was good. The facial mask is extremely tight and very confining so I cannot move my head even a millimetre. I am glad that claustrophobia has not been a problem. I can thank Jason Boxtart in Prince George for introducing me to Progressive Relaxation Therapy. It has helped me overcome a great many of my fears and phobias.
This weekend I will relax with Brock and his roomy Dave Penland. Saturday night one of Brock's good friends is coming over and cooking a lamb feast for us all. On Sunday night I am barbecuing beef ribs. I'm loading up on my favourites before my taste buds go south which I'm told is a distinct possibility, bummer.
I have a busy schedule next week with multiple appointments on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I'll post more after each of those days.
Bye for now.
Rick
Day 2 of the Radiation Treatments has come and gone without a hitch. The new technology for these sessions has come a long way in the past 15 years and now the beams are highly focused at specific target areas which reduces damage to healthy cells. There will still be some damage to non affected areas but, the technicians tell me it is much improved over past practises.
I had more difficulty relaxing today and my shoulders were really quite tense throughout the procedure. Everything else was good. The facial mask is extremely tight and very confining so I cannot move my head even a millimetre. I am glad that claustrophobia has not been a problem. I can thank Jason Boxtart in Prince George for introducing me to Progressive Relaxation Therapy. It has helped me overcome a great many of my fears and phobias.
This weekend I will relax with Brock and his roomy Dave Penland. Saturday night one of Brock's good friends is coming over and cooking a lamb feast for us all. On Sunday night I am barbecuing beef ribs. I'm loading up on my favourites before my taste buds go south which I'm told is a distinct possibility, bummer.
I have a busy schedule next week with multiple appointments on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I'll post more after each of those days.
Bye for now.
Rick
Thursday, May 8, 2008
The first of 25 Radiation Treatments
Good afternoon everyone,
At 10:50 this morning I checked in at the main booking area on the lower level of the Cancer Clinic and then I went directly to Dentistry. The on call Dentist took a brief look in my mouth. I have developed a sore on my lower gum near where the 12 year old molar was pulled out before I left Prince George. She thinks the lump is a bone spur and Dr. Gardner will likely remove it next Tuesday when she is back in the office.
It was then back to the Radiation Centre which is located on the first level of the Fraser Valley Cancer Clinic and I will nearly always be attended to in Treatment Area 5. I have been scheduled for 25 Radiation sessions over the next 5 weeks, one each weekday, excluding Stat Holidays. I will see Dr. Leong once a week during that period. He will decide during the treatment period weather more sessions will be required. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it will be only 25.
I'm greatly relieved that today is over. I now know what to expect and I'm sure it will not be so traumatic from here on in. I'll deal with the pain as and when I experience it.
I'll let you know more about what's happening after my treatment tomorrow.
Bye for now,
Rick, the shrinking man
At 10:50 this morning I checked in at the main booking area on the lower level of the Cancer Clinic and then I went directly to Dentistry. The on call Dentist took a brief look in my mouth. I have developed a sore on my lower gum near where the 12 year old molar was pulled out before I left Prince George. She thinks the lump is a bone spur and Dr. Gardner will likely remove it next Tuesday when she is back in the office.
It was then back to the Radiation Centre which is located on the first level of the Fraser Valley Cancer Clinic and I will nearly always be attended to in Treatment Area 5. I have been scheduled for 25 Radiation sessions over the next 5 weeks, one each weekday, excluding Stat Holidays. I will see Dr. Leong once a week during that period. He will decide during the treatment period weather more sessions will be required. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it will be only 25.
I'm greatly relieved that today is over. I now know what to expect and I'm sure it will not be so traumatic from here on in. I'll deal with the pain as and when I experience it.
I'll let you know more about what's happening after my treatment tomorrow.
Bye for now,
Rick, the shrinking man
Thursday, May 1, 2008
The end of the waiting is in sight
Good afternoon everyone,
While I was in Prince George today, I called the Fraser Valley Cancer Clinic and was told that my Radiation treatments start one week from today May 8th. I don't know what I'm feeling because its sure to be a tedious and painful experience with an uncertain outcome. However, given a choice between living a long and healthy life or a shorter life as a result of the cancer, I choose to have the rdiation teatments and the subsequent surgery and consider the risks of both to be acceptable.
I will spend the next 5 days here in Fort Fraser with Dolores and her family and leave for Vanciuver early Wednesday morning May 7th.
I'll continue to maintain a positive attitude and I appreciate all the support and good wishes you are sending me.
As usual, I will keep you posted on a regular basis.
Bye for now,
Richard David Honey Esq. (son of the late John Charles and Ellen Dorothy Honey of Toronto)
While I was in Prince George today, I called the Fraser Valley Cancer Clinic and was told that my Radiation treatments start one week from today May 8th. I don't know what I'm feeling because its sure to be a tedious and painful experience with an uncertain outcome. However, given a choice between living a long and healthy life or a shorter life as a result of the cancer, I choose to have the rdiation teatments and the subsequent surgery and consider the risks of both to be acceptable.
I will spend the next 5 days here in Fort Fraser with Dolores and her family and leave for Vanciuver early Wednesday morning May 7th.
I'll continue to maintain a positive attitude and I appreciate all the support and good wishes you are sending me.
As usual, I will keep you posted on a regular basis.
Bye for now,
Richard David Honey Esq. (son of the late John Charles and Ellen Dorothy Honey of Toronto)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
