Sunday, June 22, 2008

I know it has been a while since my last posting. Last week was very busy with the in-laws in town. It was great. We celebrated Ashley's (my niece) high school graduation. Then it was time for some adventure as we explored Ape cave with the children. On average, the cave is 42 degrees so we had to dress really warm. In fact there was snow near the entrance. After our cave expedition we played zoolaretto and reminisced and laughed about our childhoods. It was great having the family at the house.

Only 6 more radiation treatments and then I am finished. I am having difficulty swallowing. That is a bummer because I like to eat and now eating is not fun. It is really difficult to swallow meat. It feels like I just had my tonsils out again. I had those taken out when I was 21 and it took a long time to recover from the cauterizing. Well that radiation is burning my throat. However, it will go away once treatment is finished.

I hope all you fathers had a great father's day. Tim got a tracking of his priesthood lineage and of course a tie with some yummy caramel popcorn.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Radiation is going well. There are virtually no side effects (yet, who knows what the future holds). I have 16 treatments left. My hair starting to come back and I have my strength. I feel great. Thanks to everyone for your kind words and encouragement.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

The photos I posted are of my markings for radiation. They are not permanent (thank goodness), but I am wondering if it is just me or does anyone feel like wearing a turtle neck? Yesterday was my appointment to make sure the markings were correctly positioned and the prep for radiation. I went home smelling like a huge band-aid because there are clear latex stickers over my markings to prevent them from washing away. I get a good laugh looking at myself in the mirror. Talk about your freak show, I have bluish-purple markings all over my top half along with two red scars (one from my lymphectomy and the other from my port) and then a nice bump protruding out of my skin (that is my port). Regardless of all this weirdness, I am truly thankful to be alive and in good spirits.

I had my first radiation appointment today and it was nothing like chemo. I will take radiation any day over chemo. It took about 20 minutes to position my body and 30 seconds to shoot me with radiation. I am not kidding about the 30 seconds. I counted--15 seconds from the front and 15 seconds from the back. During that time I tasted a burning flavor and noticed the mucous in my nose. It was really wacky. What is even wackier was the music playing on the radio while driving home. It was Doctor Doctor by the Thompson Twins. The line “doctor, doctor, can’t you see I’m burning burning,” made me laugh. I thought it was so appropriate. Only four more weeks and then I can close the chapter on this part of my life. I wonder if I will glow in the dark even more after my treatments. (only kidding)

Sunday, May 25, 2008

CT scan was good—no cancer activity in the neck and just some scar tissue in my chest. I start radiation June 3rd. I got writing on my chest and neck indicating reference points for the radiation. I have to say that was not a fun process. I was naked from the waist up, my head and chin were taped to the table and there were three women looking over me and marking my body as if I was anything but human. Then one of the women touches me with her ice cold hands. Instinctively, my body jerks and I am thinking, “come on wear gloves or get some warm hands.” Needless to say I was not very happy. However, I relieved my stress by crying a few tears.

The rest of the week went better and Saturday I had a few friends over for a little party. We had a great time playing balderdash and singing karaoke. I got to do the American Idol edition on the Wii. Ok so in short I sucked. There is no sugar coating it. So if any of you have tips on how to sing well, I am open for suggestions.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Radiation starts the first week of June for four weeks. It will be a Monday through Friday 5 to 10 minute treatment. The only major side effects should be tiredness, itchiness, and difficulty swallowing. The radiologist says that the lymph system responds well to radiation so he only gives half the normal dosage. I have the choice of getting 3 tiny tattoos or marker markings indicating the areas needing radiation. I am tired of being poked with needles so I think the markers fall more in my favor.

I have another appointment this Tuesday. He will give me the results of Friday’s CT scan and set up my schedule. The treating of cancer is a lengthy process but I am glad to be on the downhill of things.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

I met with the oncologist yesterday. It was a good visit. He basically asked how I am doing and if I have any pain. In short, I do not have any pain except I did get nauseous taking the exit to get to the doctor’s office (he said that is common). The doctor also said that he is really pleased with my results—the white blood cells are at a good level and I am a little anemic but nothing to worry about. I have lots of follow up visits for next 5 years to make sure that the cancer is totally gone. My next oncologist appointment is in 8 weeks. He plans for boring follow up visits (now that is what I am talking about).

I meet with the radiologist this Friday to set up my radiology schedule. I hear that radiology is not as bad as chemo. If that is the case, “bring it on.”

Life is busy here at the Fisher household. With the onset of beautiful weather, the kids like to swim in their little pool. McCabe is a regular fish. I need to keep the bathroom doors shut because he likes to play with the faucets or the toilets. Anywhere there is water he wants to play in it. Jacinda is big into crafts, helping me make foods (like the banana Popsicles), and telling me that I am in time-out. I love how teaching kids seems to always come back and haunts you.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

I thought it was time to update the blog. I am not feeling very well. Yes I did have my last chemo treatment but I am suffering terrible stomach and back pain. Monday the 12th is my next appointment with the oncologist. He will see how I am doing and then hand me off to the radiologist. I was hesitant at first to get radiation, however, my take is now let the professionals handle it. If it will prevent me from getting cancer again, I am all for it. After having 8 treatments of chemo I am proud to say I still have some hair on my head. My eyebrows and eyelashes are very thin (I have lost a lot of eyelashes) and it seems like the chemo did not affect the hair on my legs (nuts!!). I still look like a 15 year old boy when I am not wearing my wig or makeup but I am sure happy to be alive and kicking.