This is where we hang out for 4 hours every Tuesday. Beautiful new St Joe's facility a few minutes from the house in Brighton. I sit and drink and Jo reads, beads and talks up the nurses, who are terrific. They were telling us that in the past they would start the IV and hand the patient a pail and washcloth - they were going to hurl - no doubt about it. This was my perception of chemo also and I wasn't looking forward to it. The new formulas are a far cry from what they were 5 years ago, per the nurses. The infusionists are the best and the on site pharmacists mix the cocktails the day of treatment. I've been very fortunate that my side effects have been short lived.
Took the weekend off from the BLOG and was ready to write Monday when my PC decided to lock up SOLID - I know it was serious because no amount of beating on the damn thing fixed it...and as I always say, "If you can't fix it with a hammer, you have an electrical problem". Just got it back today, no worse for wear, and back 0n line.
Today is the end of week 4 , 15 more days of radiation and 5 cocktails to go. Saw our radiologist, Dr Henning, yesterday, whom Jo and I really like and asked why the problem swallowing and cough that was tearing me up last week suddenly disappeared over the weekend. His best guess was that the tumors are shrinking, which was good to hear since that's the goal of all this. Actually all the news was positive - blood pressure OK , blood counts good, ill effects subsiding,lost 9 pounds and Joann hasn't left me yet...yeah, I can be a little difficult...and having cancer isn't an excuse in this house, Sparky...
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving which has special meaning to Joann and I this year, but we all have much to be thankful for. I hope you all know what your thoughts and prayers mean to this old sinner and believe that they're a huge part of our getting through this - it is and we will.
OK, end of sermon - go enjoy the holiday - talk to ya later
Ken
So tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and you are SO right about us each having much to be thankful for. Can't wait to see all of the (ken) Machala family tomorrow. That smoked turkey is making my mouth water already!!
ReplyDeleteKen, So happy to hear your cough and sore throat are better, or at least not as bad as last week.! All the positive news from your doctors is so good to know. You...difficult??...hard to believe :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Joe and Lorraine
Yes,we all have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving; especially the blessing of good friends and close family ties, food on our tables, and love in our hearts. We, as your friends are so grateful that your treatment is working and you are well enough to enjoy this holiday and many more to come! Love to the whole family! And if you pick on my friend, I WILL come and kick your butt!!
ReplyDeleteDeb
Darn, knew I shouldn't have mentioned the "being difficult" thing,but Joann reads this thing also, ya know..can't sugar coat everything
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving, Captain Ken. Glad to hear the cough/trouble swallowing subsided a little bit -- that's definitely good news.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your family tomorrow, and keep making that steady progress.
This is more for the bloggers than for Ken as we spoke on the phone last night to catch up on things. This day certainly has enhanced meaning this year. In addition to the many blessings I am thankful for, add knowing all of you are praying for and supporting my brother through this ordeal. This means as much to me as it does to him and is playing a big part in the recovery process. Thank you, God bless you, and I wish each of you a great Thanksgiving and Holiday season.
ReplyDeleteKen,
ReplyDeleteHope you and your family had a great Thanksgiving together!!!I enjoyed seeing You and JoAnn in Tawas last summer.When your ready to go to a fishing show give me a call.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!!!
Ed and Janeene
Hi Ken,
ReplyDeleteHope you all had a really special Thanksgiving. Really glad to hear all the positive news! We are still sending you our prayers each and every day! We didn't make it to New York this year but everybody there sends you their best!!! Take care and we love you!!!!
Debbie, Yves, Kristen, Katie and Eric
Uncle Kenny, this is the one time where "shrinkage" means something good! Not like the times you had to wade into the water to start up the hydro on a cool Ore Lake morning to take Paul and I tubing. :) I love ya and I am thankful for you as I reflect this Thanksgiving weekend.
ReplyDeleteRyann