Scott

I Just Realized

I used to breeze through my chemo treatments feeling that I was getting off easy. Slowly, very subtly, but without question I am increasingly weaker, tired, and easily out of breath.

I had completely forgotten about the, “brink of death” part of chemotherapy. I’ve seen it in the past, where chemo seemed to bring a patient to that point, to then be rescued and hopefully cured. I imagine this chemo journey I’m on could end at that brink.

WARNING: SARCASM

At work, I told my boss about my realization. I told him that if I am on the road to the brink, I suspect I will need to modify my work schedule, and if I actually reach the brink of death, I may only be able to work half days.

Just A Quick Note

I’m about half way through series three, about eight weeks on chemo. It is beginning to wear; I’ve left work early a couple times, just very tired. I should be modifying performance curves for segments of pavement, but it’s becoming difficult to concentrate.

The items on my short list of symptoms so far have politely taken turns, one at a time temporarily taking position at the top of the list. The doctors say I look good and my blood looks good, so we continue.

I Think It’s Going Okay

One more infusion will get me to the free week of series two, except that it’s no longer free. It will be free from shots, but since I’m tolerating the meds well, I’m instructed to continue the thalidomide through the free weeks.

The self administered shots leave red patches on my stomach. They’re starting to resemble a camouflage pattern but I suppose its really chemouflage.

The needle is actually short and small. I told the nurse she could stand at the edge of the carpet in the Chemo lounge, and I would stand by my chair and hold my shirt up. She could test her skill and toss it like a dart. Liability is such a big wet blanket that spoils so much fun.

Series One Almost Done

Hi, everyone: I’ve made it into my “free” week of the first series of Chemo treatments. I have no shots and no Chemo pills this week. Monday will begin Series Two.

I think it’s going well, I feel tired but not sick. I feel like I’m walking on someone else’s legs, some very slow, old guy’s legs. There is some general weirdness going on in my body, hopefully that’s the good stuff working. I have a taste in my mouth that makes most of what I eat or drink not taste right. So far, chocolate and ice cream still taste good.

I’m still working full time and hope to continue. If you have a moment, please say a prayer for 4 year old Riley, in the hospital in Portland with a serious virus causing his brain to swell.