Saturday in the....

bowling alley? Yep, we decided to go watch our son, sister, brothers, their spouses, our niece and nephews BOWL (they are in a league and bowl every other week). (Unfortunately, Stephen, Elliot, Brooke and Sean are the youngest ones bowling. Stephen and Elliot certainly won't find their dream girlfriend, wife and hopefully not a cougar there).
OK, back to my story. First, let me explain why this is funny, Steve doesn't really want to go with me if I need to do a quick errand while we are home; but yet, was OK with driving an hour and a half to and from to go watch our family. Oops, except he didn't drive, I did. I really don't like to drive long distances; I don't like to drive in the rain, I don't like to drive while its windy. The drive up and back was rainy and windy. Another discovery on the way up...I don't like to drive during dust storms (thank goodness it wasn't a bad one). Alright already, enough whining.
Steve is doing a better each day. Today, (Sunday) while I was giving blood (yep, I give so more can live) he actually ate some Malt O Meal. Breanne (our niece) was also at the bowling alley and has her degree in Speech Pathology, gave Uncle Steve a free therapy lesson! She told him what he needs to do to get the swelling (fluid) from his neck down.
It really was nice seeing (almost) everyone together.
We need to concentrate on Steve eating through his mouth more and get the feeding tube out (hopefully not end up in ICU). Then Steve can go back to work - yippee!!
Thank you for your love and support.

After the 1st week

Last week was a rough one. Steve's throat was very sore and he felt crummy. He decided not to go for any additional fluids after last Monday just to give his veins and his body a rest. (It was very strange not having any appointments to go to). So, he lost another 3 pounds. This week and next he is scheduled for fluids three times each week. Mary, his PA, said his neck is even softer than last week and feels "full." This concerned us and she said the fullness is because of the swelling not because the tumor is growing back. Whew! So far, so good. I've noticed Steve's voice is getting stronger as he is "yelling" at the TV during football - GO BEARS!!!!!!!
Stephen, thank you for coming down for a couple of days and helping out, Alanna thank you for being here whenever we need you (and for letting dad drive your new wheels in the cul-de-sac). George and Chan thank you for spending Sunday with us.
Tomorrow Steve has an appt. with his radiation oncologist, hopefully we'll get great news again!
Thank you everyone for your continued calls, cards and emails!
Love to all.

Steve completed his radiation on 9/20/10

He received a certificate and his mask!

IT IS OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank God my treatments are finally done. I received my completion certificate and my mask from the nurses / techs. We went in to see the chemo oncologist for a check up and hydration after radiation. The doctor and pa were ecstatic with how well the lymph has shrunk and disappeared. They could not feel a thing. Woo hoo. Best thing yet is I got some "LM" for my throat pain. Yes folks liquid morphine! Time to vegetate for a while. No doctors or hydration until next week.

Again I would like to thank my family, friends, and co-workers for their thoughts, prayers, and love. Without you it would have been hell for Mary and myself.

Peace out!

We were warned...

that Steve may start feeling crappy. He is. His throat is so sore that he can barely swallow and is now 100% on nutrition and hydration feedings. This should last a couple of more weeks and we are hoping that's all.
Thank you, Danalda for lunch today. It was nice getting out, and I do believe that will be my last "outing" for a while. I want to stay closer to Steve (I know you're thrilled, Steve) and make sure he eats and drinks enough to keep up his strength, because I'm sure he feels the same way I do that he needs to get back to work, soon (lol).
Love to all.

Week 7 - almost check

With one more radiation treatment to go, I can't say week 7 is really done. As the latest card from Geoff and Carol says "the end is near! (your treatments). How true. Thank you for the card and gift card - now stop!

Steve's radiation tech - Catalina is amazed at how resilient Steve's skin on his neck and face are. She said she wishes she could show him pictures of patients that have gone through what he has and their sores and burns.

This weekend hasn't started out quite as well as weekends prior. Steve woke up and said his throat has never hurt so much in his life. I really need to be after him for his feedings (he's only had 2 cans so far today (1pm)) and to drink plenty of water.

While Steve was getting hydration this past week, Dr. Chen came into the medical room and saw Steve. She stopped by, gave me a hug, checked Steve's neck, smiled and gave Steve a hug. Steve's doctors, nurses and techs just amaze me. Besides family and friends, I have never met more loving and caring people. Chan, you and Brenda were right. The medical professionals in oncology are very unique with how they make you feel.

Okay, and one more thing. I swear that Steve's hair on his head and chest are turning dark. I checked with Chan and she said it could happen, some people's hair color changes. Pretty expensive way of turning back time!

We couldn't have done this without you. Your love and support mean the world to us.

ONE MORE RADIATION TREATMENT!

1 more and I'm out the door!!!!!!

Let me tell you that these last 2 weeks have sucked big time. I really don't want to swallow or talk if I don't have to. I guess I should be grateful that this came in weeks 6 and 7 and not starting in week 3. For those of you keeping track on your scorecard it is 0 chemos left(even though I'm going to see her for hydration every week) and 1 radiation left. After that it's doctors visits and recuperation.
Thanks to everyone for their well wishes and prayers.
Oh and I would like to give a special shout out to my bald little leprechaun Michael J Lenihan. Thanks for the phone calls each week. They were very uplifting.

Peace out!