Week One Done

OK, this quote I really love, but the fact that it's from a Bronte sister seems very, very girlie otherwise I would have used it earlier. The sentiment is there, but pretend somebody cool and manly said it, like Lee Marvin, George Washington, or Steve McQueen.

"No coward soul is mine,
No trembler in the world's storm-troubled sphere.
I see Heaven's glories shine,
And faith shines equal, arming me from fear."

- Emily Bronte, No Coward Soul is Mine

Without getting into too much detail, I have to say that my personal faith in God has been a real comfort to me in this struggle. Although I haven't been deeply religious per se, I've always maintained a quiet belief in and relationship with God that has given me strength and peace. It's difficult to look at all of the favorable circumstances surrounding my cancer and see only chance at work. No, I know that Someone is looking out for me with great love, and I am surrounded by people acting as His agents who confirm it constantly.

With my first week of treatments done, I feel that we're actively fighting my cancer now and already seeing measurable results.

Until now my part in the fight has been keeping a positive mental outlook and doing the best to help my support team and doctors to get me well. Now things are getting more demanding. Sure, my number one job is still to be a chemo drug/radiation sponge, sucking up all the treatments into my body. In addition, I've got a surprisingly tough challenge of eating 2700 calories and drinking 2 liters of water every day.

The calories have been harder because my appetite hasn't been there for me, and I'm trying to avoid sugar (due to dental issues the radiation can bring on). Fortunately, I can still taste food and my throat's not in bad shape, so I can get food down easily . . . it's just like always eating when you're full. I've been shooting for high calorie foods like stromboli, KFC, and other usually unhealthy stuff that's perfect for me now. I do eat fresh grapes, peaches, etc. and they taste so good right now. Apparently I'm doing ok, because at my weigh in today, they found I actually gained weight. My doctor was happy.

Drinking 2 Liters of water a day is a piece of cake for me. I live with bottles of Poland Spring anyway, and generally drink about 3 Liters. So, it's not too tough to drink the water . . . except that it fills my belly and makes it harder to eat. In the grand scheme of things, not a bad challenge to have to overcome.

I'm getting a little bid of red skin on my neck from the radiation. My family is of Southern/Hillbilly stock, so maybe I'm genetically predisposed to this sort of reaction. Seriously though, the hospital has given me cream to help with the radiation burns, and they're not painful at all yet.

What's really remarkable is that I have had no nausea at all now. Generally it would appear by now, so I think I'm very blessed. I have not even needed to take one of my anti-nausea medicines (Zofran). Dr. Sherman's plan to have me take two IV fluid treatments the past couple days has probably helped there, too.

All in all, my energy level and appetite are down, my throat's a little sensitive, and I've got a little ringing in my left ear which probably means Dr. Sherman will reduce my Cisplatin dosage next time. All in all I'd say I'm holding up better than I expected.

Dr. Bar Ad gave me the best news today when she saw me after radiation. She did an exam and she said that she does not need a CT scan of my neck to know that the lymph nodes are already shrinking. She said the progress is visibly and palpably obvious to her.

I really appreciate all the love and support Kristina, my family, Shelly, and my friends have lent this week. It's been nice to hear from cousins and Aunts and Uncles, from the Toleno camp, and Bill's fan club at Poop and Boogies. Your comments always give me a lift!