Friday October 25,2013

Friday-appointment with oncologist
discussed bloating in abdomen, doc looks at scan, Roger might
and be a bit blocked
Roger will be taking 10 doses of miralax each day for 3 days
that is 30 doses of Miralax.
Rest of news is great, PSA remains at 2.6 and cancer is stable.

Saturday-Day one of Bowel Performance
After the 5th dose today, Roger begins to complain.
I tell him, I could just give him a "bomb" and call it a day.
A "bomb" is 6 oz of prune juice, heated, and 2 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia.
Roger says no, he loves me and he will behave.
He does not like the hot prune flavored chalk.
I feel like I have a new lease on life with this new threat.

Will update, I suppose I do not need to tell you where Roger is at this time.  It should be apparent.

Love to all!

Saturday October 5, 2013

About 4 weeks ago, Roger was getting short of breath easily, just getting up to move to another room had him out of breath, and after only a small plate of food.  His abdomen looks like it will bust, whether you call it swollen or distended or what.  So, I call the oncologist to see if they have suggestions for what to do.  Mainly, whether I should schedule him to come in to the clinic earlier than his end of October scheduled visit, or check with his primary doctor, or perhaps the cardiologist.  Roger ended up at the cardiologist for a couple of different test, to check for heart problems that might be causing the problem.  Since we did not received any news after the 2nd test, and the NP said they would call if something showed up, we assume his heart is okay.  So I call back to the oncologist this week and they suggest coming in to see the NP there. and we do.  and they take blood and do the blood magic thing to see if any anomalies show up. and no. and Roger's CT scan is moved up to Friday 4th  (he was scheduled for his regular 3 month scan on the 26th).  and they take more blood on Friday, and do the IV for the scan.  (Roger feels like a pin cushion, and his arms look like years of shooting up drugs.)  at 11 am and we received a call back at 3 pm.  nothing new shows up, no fluid build up, no new lesions, suggestion that it is gas, but the oncologist will review the scan and we should get a call back.  So, we wait.  Have given and giving Roger natural remedies (charo tabs and pro-biotics) to try to help in case it is gas.

September 25, 2013

Worsening lower back pain, taking hydrocodone on a regular basis for a couple of days.  Heating pad helping.    No news on the echo cardiogram.

September 11, 2013

Visit today with Cardiologist to check on shortness of breath, met with NP, had EKG and scheduled an Electrocardiogram for tomorrow.  Visit today to rule out heart problems causing shortness of breath.  Quick visit, not a lot of waiting time.  Roger not happy about having to return tomorrow, but has accepted the situation because wife insists on keeping him around.

thought for the day

James 2:14-17 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Read more: http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/bible-verse-about-helping-others-21-top-scriptures/#ixzz2c6JBsdQ5

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it".

PSALMS CHAPTER 34

PSALMS CHAPTER 34

Oncology visit August 2, 2013

A review of the CAT scan and blood work from the previous week has shown a further decrease in Roger's PSA (one cancer marker) to 2, yes, 2.  This is down from 3, three months ago.  The doctor came in and asked "How's the miracle man doing?"  Roger likes this new nickname.  (it does sound better than the million dollar man, I have no total for what insurance has paid toward the cancer bill, but it is over the million dollar mark.  Some day maybe there will be time for totals)  The CAT scan shows 2 spots on the lungs, but too small to biopsy, and they could just be from the onset of emphysema.   Roger continues to have muscle spasms in his hands and legs.  (no reasoning from the oncology end of symptoms)  and Roger still refrains from further doctor visits to check on coughing and emphysema.  So we are still here and kicking.  Best to all.

Urologist visit

urologist appointment yesterday:  Ultrasound done to assess kidneys.  Both look clear.  Kidney stones are a concern with the urostomy.  No urinary infection present.  Many people have asked why the bladder was not removed.  The bladder is just a burned mass, from the radiation in 2004.  It cannot be removed.  Bleeding from the bladder continues, daily spotting occurs when coughing or straining.  Cystoscopy is still an option, at this point Roger says "NO", doctor agrees unless bleeding continues to increase, the procedure is not really necessary.  Roger is happy to see urologist to prove he is still alive and share news about the Zytiga/predinsone treatment.  Overall, life is good.

Addition of Give Forward Widget

Two friends of my daughter and son-in-law were critically injured in the Boston Marathon bombings.  There are widgets on the right hand side of the blog to take you directly to the fundraising site for each of their accounts.   Please visit the site, you do not have to donate to show your support, just leave a simple message.  If you are able to make a donation, wonderful and thank you!

The Emotional Roller Coaster Of Chronic Illness

The Emotional Roller Coaster Of Chronic Illness
fortunately, I do not have a job to contend with, but this article does provide information on  what the emotional experience is for Roger.  I try not to ride the roller coaster with him, but certainly have trouble keeping with Roger's ups and downs.  Not much  patience any more, and I do blow a gasket once in a while.  Love to all.

a little worse for wear

nearing the end of February 2013-six months ago Roger was near the hospice stage.
Today Roger is anticipating crappie season, getting the boat ready, making plans with friends to go fishing.
His greatest suffering today is cabin fever.  And thank you one and all for your prayers!
Zytiga is working to his benefit, slowing and arresting the development of the cancer.  This is not a "remission" , but a break.  At stage IV metastatic,  the cancer doesn't go away, it is in his bones, spine, stomach, bladder, brain... but growth is slowed and the oncologist is happy with the results.  Roger is now back to counting years of life not just weeks and months.   Roger is feeling good!

Unlocking the Mysteries of Metastasis

Unlocking the Mysteries of Metastasis

January 2013

Roger is responding well to current treatment-Zytiga, Lupron (shot), Xgeva (shot).  Doing very well.  We are both thankful for this break in the action and measure the new year against the past year resulting in a feeling of relief!   Roger is thankful for feeling so much better.  I am thankful I have not been committed to a rubber room by family members.  Life is good and God is great!