Nicky and I have just returned from the pulmonologist's office.
He thinks that it is too early to say conclusively that the damage to my lungs will be permanent.
For now, I will continue taking prednisone and hope for the best.
Nicky has confirmed that I am, in fact, a miserable bastard, so the steroids are definitely making me irritable.
I also seem to have a somewhat insatiable appetite which is doing nothing for my otherwise svelte, athletic physique. Everything wobbles when I move. With luck I will be able to exercise a little more in the coming weeks and try and counter my ever increasing waist line.
I'll post again when my radiation therapy is complete. Cheers.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Oops I accidentally my blog
Just tried to respond to a comment from Pat (FinderGuy) and something went horribly wrong. Post deleted.
So here we go again.
So it has been confirmed that my breathlessness is bleo toxicity, currently my lungs are able to exchange gases at 66%, down from 95%.
I am continuing the prednisone in an effort to relieve some of the problem and am being referred to a pulmonary specialist but bleo toxicity is not, as far as I understand it, reversible.
Slow and slovenly though I am, I did used to enjoy the occasional run which, as things stand, will be pretty much beyond me. It's a depressing thing to admit at 39.
But, all things need to be kept in perspective. The bleomycin helped arrest my lymphoma, throughout my treatment my lungs were constantly checked, it just so happens that the last dose pushed me over the cliff.
Because the radiation can also adversely affect my lungs I am not ready to see how far I can push myself until I have finished that course of treatment; thereafter, I will start seeing how far I can go and start working out a schedule for regular exercise and hope that a healthier diet can help me balance calories in and out.
Obviously this is disappointing but, all things considered, it is better than the alternative outcome.
Hope you are all keeping well.
So here we go again.
So it has been confirmed that my breathlessness is bleo toxicity, currently my lungs are able to exchange gases at 66%, down from 95%.
I am continuing the prednisone in an effort to relieve some of the problem and am being referred to a pulmonary specialist but bleo toxicity is not, as far as I understand it, reversible.
Slow and slovenly though I am, I did used to enjoy the occasional run which, as things stand, will be pretty much beyond me. It's a depressing thing to admit at 39.
But, all things need to be kept in perspective. The bleomycin helped arrest my lymphoma, throughout my treatment my lungs were constantly checked, it just so happens that the last dose pushed me over the cliff.
Because the radiation can also adversely affect my lungs I am not ready to see how far I can push myself until I have finished that course of treatment; thereafter, I will start seeing how far I can go and start working out a schedule for regular exercise and hope that a healthier diet can help me balance calories in and out.
Obviously this is disappointing but, all things considered, it is better than the alternative outcome.
Hope you are all keeping well.
Friday, March 6, 2009
I huff and I puff
but I can't even blow down the straw house.
Over the last couple of days I have become increasingly breathless.
A chest x-ray yesterday seems to suggest more changes in my lungs. We aren't sure if this is the result of bleo toxicity or something else.
I am starting a course of steroids that will hopefully arrest and reverse the symptoms, but if it is the result of bleo, well, best to just wait until we know that is the case before contemplating what that means.
I have just completed my first week of radiation. Nothing special to report, no super powers and just a little lethargy.
I'll post again when I have completed my pulmonary function test and we know a little more about what is going on with my lungs.
Have a nice weekend.
Over the last couple of days I have become increasingly breathless.
A chest x-ray yesterday seems to suggest more changes in my lungs. We aren't sure if this is the result of bleo toxicity or something else.
I am starting a course of steroids that will hopefully arrest and reverse the symptoms, but if it is the result of bleo, well, best to just wait until we know that is the case before contemplating what that means.
I have just completed my first week of radiation. Nothing special to report, no super powers and just a little lethargy.
I'll post again when I have completed my pulmonary function test and we know a little more about what is going on with my lungs.
Have a nice weekend.
Monday, February 23, 2009
PET Scan
So, just got back from the oncologist where we reviewed the results of my latest PET scan.
Not much has changed. There is still no sign of activity in my neck/chest/abdomen, but the mass remains. There is also some evidence of a problem with my lungs but we are not sure whether this is the result of bleomycin toxicity or just something that will eventually resolve itself. Another pulmonary function test will be scheduled to check the actual lung function so we can at least rule out bleomycin toxicity.
Needless to say I wanted a definitive and positive result and although my Doctor, the very capable and patient Dr. Kankipati remains positive about my prognosis, I still feel somewhat in limbo.
Radiation starts next week and that may yet shrink the mass, perhaps not. It may be something that I just need to accept will always be there, a trophy if you will :-)
I'll post again as soon as I determine what super powers I have developed from being irradiated daily. Knowing my luck I will become the Spleen; "Weapons check, pull my finger".
Not much has changed. There is still no sign of activity in my neck/chest/abdomen, but the mass remains. There is also some evidence of a problem with my lungs but we are not sure whether this is the result of bleomycin toxicity or just something that will eventually resolve itself. Another pulmonary function test will be scheduled to check the actual lung function so we can at least rule out bleomycin toxicity.
Needless to say I wanted a definitive and positive result and although my Doctor, the very capable and patient Dr. Kankipati remains positive about my prognosis, I still feel somewhat in limbo.
Radiation starts next week and that may yet shrink the mass, perhaps not. It may be something that I just need to accept will always be there, a trophy if you will :-)
I'll post again as soon as I determine what super powers I have developed from being irradiated daily. Knowing my luck I will become the Spleen; "Weapons check, pull my finger".
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
If it's not one thing, it's another
Just returned from my post chemo blood test. I was expecting a pretty simple in and out but while I was there I was collared by my oncologist.
Apparently my SED rate has spiked back up to the mid 40's. It might be a lab mistake or it may be an indication of some new activity, I have a PET scan on Feb 20th which should pick up anything that we need to be concerned about. I'll be on tenterhooks till then.
Just when you think you are almost through...
Apparently my SED rate has spiked back up to the mid 40's. It might be a lab mistake or it may be an indication of some new activity, I have a PET scan on Feb 20th which should pick up anything that we need to be concerned about. I'll be on tenterhooks till then.
Just when you think you are almost through...
Long road back...
Nicky's regular walking partner, Sarah, had to cancel on her this am. I took the opportunity to accompany Nicky on her stroll around the crossings.
For various reasons, this was probably my first serious effort at taking some much needed exercise in a long time.
I have to say that, although we only went for a short stroll, it felt wonderful to be out and about with Nicky.
It is definitely going to be a long road back to fitness but at least I have taken the first tentative steps. Perhaps walking a golf course or two might be my next challenge ;-)
For various reasons, this was probably my first serious effort at taking some much needed exercise in a long time.
I have to say that, although we only went for a short stroll, it felt wonderful to be out and about with Nicky.
It is definitely going to be a long road back to fitness but at least I have taken the first tentative steps. Perhaps walking a golf course or two might be my next challenge ;-)
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Last chemo
I had my last chem treatment today. I can't believe we have made it, at times it seemed a lifetime away.
The nurses and administrative staff at EpicCare gave a small performance and presented me with a certificate completion which was much appreciated. Although I will see them occasionally over the coming months I will certainly miss seeing them on a regular basis.
I meet we Dr. Chau on Friday, to begin planning for radiation. It will not happen for at least 3 weeks, to allow the chemo to be purged, but then it will be fairly intensive, with one treatment a day for at least 4 weeks.
I'll post again when we have details of the radiation plan.
Until then I am going to lie on the couch and remind myself that this is the last time I have to endure the side effects of chemo.
The nurses and administrative staff at EpicCare gave a small performance and presented me with a certificate completion which was much appreciated. Although I will see them occasionally over the coming months I will certainly miss seeing them on a regular basis.
I meet we Dr. Chau on Friday, to begin planning for radiation. It will not happen for at least 3 weeks, to allow the chemo to be purged, but then it will be fairly intensive, with one treatment a day for at least 4 weeks.
I'll post again when we have details of the radiation plan.
Until then I am going to lie on the couch and remind myself that this is the last time I have to endure the side effects of chemo.
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