Friday, May 16, 2008

Ring Side Seat

Hi everyone, it's Diana (the wife). Well, it finally came-the last day of radiation!!! The cumulative effects of 7 weeks of radiation and 6 weeks of chemo are manifesting themselves fully now. To watch helplessly as Adrian endures the pain and suffering of treatment has not been easy for the family- I can't imagine being the patient! I am extraordinarily proud of him for not giving up on us and facing this disease with determination, strength and resolve. Soon, he will be able to eat and taste food again and re-gain those lost pounds. I may have to hone my culinary skills. I can't remember what life was like pre March 5, but I know it will never be the same again.

Radiation Round 35 - Last Round

Well, I never thought it would get here. The last radiation went smoothly. Overall, the treatments went well. I never did miss a session. Now I deal with the aftermath and the residual radiation. I have been told that it can be up to 4 weeks until things return to normal. I hope mine is quicker.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Radiation Round 34

Round 34 went smoothly today. Guess what. Tomorrow is round 35. The last round. Can't tell you how much I have been looking forward to completing the radiation treatments.

I met with Dr. Brenner today. He has put me on an anti-fungal medicine just in case a fungus is hindering my swallowing as well. My weight is 148lbs. Down about 12 lbs. from my starting weight. Not bad, all things considered. My blood pressure was 110/70. Very good. So at least I am staying hydrated.

The last two days have been wonderful weather wise. I am able to get out and go for great walks in the hood.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Radiation Round 33

One down, two to go. That's right, two more radiations to go. I am focusing on the finish line like most of you have suggested in your comments. I am going to focus on the last radiation treatment as the bottom of the barrel. The low point. It can only start to improve.

In the meantime the liquid diet is difficult. I have a very good visual appetite but as soon as I start swallowing it gets really hard. I have to figure this out.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Radiation Round 32

Sorry about the delay in posting. It's all catching up now. Round 32 was a little longer than usual as they had to do their weekly positioning xray. The rest went quickly. Three more to go

I have lost a couple more pounds but I am drinking the carnation instant breakfasts and Ensures. So that should help with the vitamins etc.

No change to the swallowing and the fatigue is very much there.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Radiation Round 31

Rob is coming home tonight. It will be great to have her here with us. She will study here at home for her exams next week.

I just spoke to one of my good friends who is still living in Zimbabwe. He went out last night to pick up a dozen rolls. Yes, plain old bread rolls. It cost him ZW$500,000,000. No joke. He was lucky enough to find a place with rolls. I'm not sure what the exchange rate was yesterday but probably somewhere around US$3 equivalent.

One down four to go. That's how I am looking at this week. The swallowing is simply awful. No mater what I eat it burns like hell going down. I have to get some relief soon! My energy level is down right now and those short afternoon naps have turned into pretty long snoozes. Please forgive my brevity. I will write more later.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Weekend Update

This weekend we had a visit from an old friend(s). Spike and Aviva, from Toronto, spent a brief but enjoyable 24 hours with us. Aviva did an amazing job cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Meat pies, Sheppard's pie, chicken etc etc. What a food production.

The swallowing is still really tough and the acid reflux seems to be getting worse. May have to chat with someone on Monday about getting some relief!

Sunday morning was a good football (soccer) morning. Man Utd beat Wigan 2-0 to secure the premiership title. Now it's on to Europe for the Champions League title game May 21st.

Lastly, I would just like to wish my (our) Mom a very happy, special and wonderful mother's day. We love you. Especially your baby!!!