Fluids in, fluids out
You’re looking at a guy who only has 5 treatments left!
But going into my first chemo, I had no idea that my bladder was going to be the star of the show. A few times a year I have what I like to call, “low tide.” I can tell when it’s coming because I’ll have about a 3 pound weight gain in one week, and then I’ll have a day where I have to pee every 15 minutes. It doesn’t happen that often, but today, was a low tide day. I went 4 times in the waiting room (actually in the bathroom off the waiting room to be more precise), and at least twice an hour during the 5 hour chemo session. The nurses were amazed as were the other patients. Too bad I was at the doctor’s office today, I could’ve helped put out some of the brush fires in the area.
I just took the Prednisone when I got home. Too early for side effects at this point, but in an hour or so I’m gonna go out and see if I can lift my car.
The best medicine I received today though was that Terry’s surgery was very successful, and her lymph nodes were clear.
Fran was wonderful, and although she couldn’t sit there with me, she came back for pep talks and deep, wet, lingering kisses (YOU decide whether you believe that or not). She’s been the errand queen, getting me everything I need to be a true chemodonna.
So, I’ll spend the weekend full of poisonous chemicals and see what happens. My body is probably having a flashback to the days I swam in Lake Erie at summer camp.
So far, so good!
June 6th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Scott,
Was so glad to hear your sister’s surgery went well! I cannot imagine how you felt when you heard that she had cancer too. You know God will only give you what you can handle, have you considered telling him “uncle already”?
Keep up the good spirits and the postings, we are all cheering you on!!
Darlene
June 6th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Keep up the great sense of humor Scott! Glad to hear that your sister’s surgery was successful too.
June 6th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Scott,
I have been a faithful listener ever since your daughter was in pre-school.
18 (yes, the number “18”) years ago I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. After the initial shock and tears I, too, developed a warped sense of humor. My sister and I laughed more and harder than we ever had…up until the day of my 1st surgery. At the time, I was 22 and had a wonderful relationship with my hair. What a shock it was to be completely bald. What a strange feeling to put my hairless head on a pillow. My 2nd surgery came shortly after the 1st for placement of a permanent shunt/drain and to remove residual tumor. To this day my family and I joke about my “brain drain” and that I have visual proof I have a brain!
I now sport a full head of hair, have and excellent prognosis and have 2 healthy children. I also have something I didn’t know I had prior to my initial diagnosis…inner strength.
Through this process you are going to learn what great inner strength you have. That strength will keep you laughing despite some tough times and allow you to cry when needed. Try to remember what you are feeling as you go through this process. Doing so now will enable you to conquer anything else life may throw at you in the future. I know you are going to have a long, long future!
I wish you refuah shlema (complete healing).
June 7th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Scott,
Thanks for keeping us informed of your progress in such a humorous, positive way! Hang in there. You’ve got all your listeners praying for you.
June 7th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
So glad to hear all went well with your sister. I was utterly shocked to learn of your cancer this week. I missed the show where you announced it and understand now why it hasn’t really been mentioned since. You guys mentioned something about a blog and I figured something was up and was just floored when I read. And your sister too? Sincerely happy that things are going well for the both of you. Hang in there, we all know that a positive attitude and laughter are truly the best medicine!! Also keeping you all (Fran and Lauren too) in my prayers.
June 8th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Low tide days? Oh My Goodness - I laughed so hard that I had to visit my own room of relief. You have coined a new phrase for those times (and women know it well….)
If you’re able to lift that car after the Prednisone, could you come over here and help me move my couch to the other side of the room? This side effect could turn into a profitable part-time job for awhile - Scott Lifts - has a nice ring to it.
Glad to hear your sister Terry had a successful surgery. You both rock and your family sounds terrific.
I hope the rest of the weekend goes smoothly.
June 9th, 2008 at 2:37 am
Scott,
Congratulations on completing your first round and with such good spirits. I remember the prednisone well, especially the yucky taste of the pills. I had a hard time swallowing them until my wife suggested we get some clear capsules from the pharmacist and pulverise the little guys into powder and load the capsules. That kept most of the taste away and down they went.
Stay away from the flora and fauna while your immune system is depressed and just rest.
Keep up your great sense of humor and continue counting down those treatments.
We are with you.
June 9th, 2008 at 7:00 am
So happy to hear about your sister. I was thinking about you this weekend and glad your spirits are so high. I will continue to pray for you and your family!
Sandy
June 9th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
You are an inspiration to me as I continue to await my own prognosis. Your weakness AND strength and ability to laugh through it all is just awesome to me!
I hope that the after effects of your first treatments were not too terrible.
SO happy to hear that your sister’s surgery was successful!
Thank you for sharing your life with us. You and your family are continually in my prayers.
June 10th, 2008 at 7:05 am
you rule