tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72894954580354599752024-03-07T13:37:02.962-08:00Dealing with cancerAlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-73779047538632083552008-11-22T10:22:00.000-08:002008-11-22T10:28:25.899-08:00Oliver and Katie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlrEnmhMyem9P9Bd_7tfOs98Thbgm-wW6nD7BrlqGyxIgq_81imlAp34FMu32xdLSwi2TX1-Puw5iWglkxbCn6-wILyijI-ah6TYHFvUV9vVHWSvqv2eQ1bwY5aWTQmDTD34lDn7sAetS/s1600-h/Oliver+and+Katie.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271549227291881810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJlrEnmhMyem9P9Bd_7tfOs98Thbgm-wW6nD7BrlqGyxIgq_81imlAp34FMu32xdLSwi2TX1-Puw5iWglkxbCn6-wILyijI-ah6TYHFvUV9vVHWSvqv2eQ1bwY5aWTQmDTD34lDn7sAetS/s320/Oliver+and+Katie.jpg" border="0" /></a>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-30712056570509430762008-11-22T10:14:00.000-08:002008-11-22T10:27:05.664-08:00Doing Great!Mom Kenna and me!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJamP2aVXEtpBa3SNQoADg1S0ED2DpON_s435fAkkD0ywScaB68L81B2DZYRGmHN8joj4n6n-9tSEDQbz-Na47WITCXW-o3Y33yAtTgScvD395L8EVUSanJRr8vsrMx8QbsXaMKYttCI-y/s1600-h/Nanna+Poppie+and+McKenna.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271548709647927538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJamP2aVXEtpBa3SNQoADg1S0ED2DpON_s435fAkkD0ywScaB68L81B2DZYRGmHN8joj4n6n-9tSEDQbz-Na47WITCXW-o3Y33yAtTgScvD395L8EVUSanJRr8vsrMx8QbsXaMKYttCI-y/s320/Nanna+Poppie+and+McKenna.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnKpy9Ej_9bxeduaqo84TFWkyF_4bD12IM0NgtVd4nm7YSKtTK_-jQXHZPYMyy8vD3TChpHzlVFkQLIRrcIgBKxNXGwl0C3K3Uo6gjLR-dHIqG1hSqjRS2bPTxNWzj9wPaTl65SVdh9Tj/s1600-h/McKenna+at+christing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271548453918683922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnKpy9Ej_9bxeduaqo84TFWkyF_4bD12IM0NgtVd4nm7YSKtTK_-jQXHZPYMyy8vD3TChpHzlVFkQLIRrcIgBKxNXGwl0C3K3Uo6gjLR-dHIqG1hSqjRS2bPTxNWzj9wPaTl65SVdh9Tj/s320/McKenna+at+christing.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_3jgjXh9YTg_UHU2pElt1xeISwk9NHO_fKDTzyJB4nsdQJyPvcTjZPeam02MFfGo41vemoL50O7gqQcX5vP-GAMhwVv2sjUQsvVPiL_ilg8OkKsuhpoFmVtJLZ3rMOe-WP7xmNOiCAox/s1600-h/McKenna+BW+9.21.08.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271548266620947842" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 247px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_3jgjXh9YTg_UHU2pElt1xeISwk9NHO_fKDTzyJB4nsdQJyPvcTjZPeam02MFfGo41vemoL50O7gqQcX5vP-GAMhwVv2sjUQsvVPiL_ilg8OkKsuhpoFmVtJLZ3rMOe-WP7xmNOiCAox/s320/McKenna+BW+9.21.08.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I've not had a lot going on except for good reports from my oncologist. My next follow-up is scheduled for Jan. My insurance cancelled me so that has been a big issue. Not for sure if you all know but I gain legal custody of my granddaughter McKenna. What a great kids she is! 2 years old!<br /><br />I'm feeling fine. No major complaints. Will update when I can. The Holiday is upon us and I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving.<br /><br />Alan</div></div></div>Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-19957558949486200562008-05-13T11:46:00.000-07:002008-05-13T11:49:07.510-07:00PET Scan ResultsGreetings all!<br /><br />My doctor called and told me that he was not concerned with the scan at all.<br />It shows the right neck and left groin has diminished in size by both CT and PET.<br />I guess this is a good thing! Wants to see me in 3 months and told me not to worry!<br /><br />AlanAlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-1195252611648541962008-05-09T08:57:00.000-07:002008-05-09T09:04:40.046-07:00PET scan today!Hello everyone! Had my repeat PET scan today so we will now wait for the results hopefully on Monday! Got the result from all the blood work I had done last week and everything was in the normal range! Just praying that the results come back NORMAL. Had a long talk with Christ last night and asked the Great Healer to touch me and heal me! I know that He is with me and while I was waiting for the the dye to become optimal prior to scanning I felt very comforted! Like the Holy Spirit was with me. We will see what lies ahead! Trying to stay optimistic but it's hard to do.<br /><br />Open the mail and got bad news that my health insurance carrier Anthem has cancelled my coverage. Not good but I guess they felt like they spent enough on me. Will be looking for new coverage and I hope that won't be a major ordeal.<br /><br />Everything on the home front is doing well. Once I get the results I will repost.<br /><br />Blessings!<br />AlanAlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-65600814490310301262008-04-29T21:00:00.000-07:002008-04-29T21:04:46.027-07:00UpdateI saw my oncologist today and he was telling me that my PET showed a small area in the right neck and left groin area. He said that he did not think it was Hodgkins but he was more concerned that it was a false/positive read. He suggested that we repeat the PET which will be scheduled soon and see if it shows anything this time around. If it shows in the same area he said it could be Hodgkins but another biopsy would be needed. He tells me to keep my spirits up but it's hard. I will post again post-PET.<br />AlanAlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-58358157107028792462008-01-16T07:10:00.001-08:002008-01-29T08:28:25.764-08:00Hello<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ64AswHL6mZ3EbVQkv8CDJkGXQZpzwVSIKKmG536aWHMS-6LlGsoG12qXHLRGlTDlzszEC0aTm5u24-VN16gL42Y4yQBM6Ho1SvtwO-rt6-PMioH9QNOlc1YHimZWmpWeKrOr-00JXXXa/s1600-h/Alison+Oliver+McKenna+Dad.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ64AswHL6mZ3EbVQkv8CDJkGXQZpzwVSIKKmG536aWHMS-6LlGsoG12qXHLRGlTDlzszEC0aTm5u24-VN16gL42Y4yQBM6Ho1SvtwO-rt6-PMioH9QNOlc1YHimZWmpWeKrOr-00JXXXa/s200/Alison+Oliver+McKenna+Dad.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156097440591425730" /></a><br />It's been a while and I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm doing well. My soon to be 21 year old has caused some undue stress on my life when she has decided that smoking pot and who knows what else is more important than taking care of her daughter! I had to step in, along with my ex-wife and got an emergency custody order, which was granted. McKenna is 16 months old, lives with me and goes to her Grammies just about everyday to see her. We love her very much and she has been a blessing to us all. It is just sad for me that my daughter doesn't realize what we have done "with love" for not just the baby but for her! Time will tell. We went a whole month Dec 8, 2007 till Jan 5, 2008 of not knowing where she was at. No contact, not even wanting to see her baby which as a father, really made me sad but I knew we had to do the tough love thing but one will always worry about their own child's safety and well-being. She has only surfaced once at my house and that was to pick her clothes up and once at her mother's. She saw that baby for about 5 mins and that was enough. My ex told her she loved her and she replied "If you really loved me you would give me my baby back!" Sad, but you can see what level of immaturity we are dealing with.<br /><br />As for me I'm doing ok. I think the SCT took a bit more out of me than I thought it would. I still have some residual things going on like fatigue, do desire for red meats and a stigma from my accounts that look at me differently as a person that has cancer. This I think has hurt business a bit. Working on some new accounts though to stir up referrals/income.<br /><br />I have an oncologist appointment on 1/24/08 and I suspect he will order a PET/CAT on me. Will be approaching my one year post SCT in March. Thinking back still to this date of all that I went through, makes me nassuated every time!<br /><br />I will let you know how my appointment goes. Blessings to all!Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-83532304620067181312007-06-18T13:12:00.000-07:002007-06-18T13:15:36.983-07:00CT ResultsThe nurse calls me with the results of my CAT scan I had done last week and everything sounds pretty good. I will see my oncologist I think on the 24th so he will discuss them further with me at that time. So, I guess great news so far!<br /><br />AlanAlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-73618031942460408252007-05-31T13:02:00.000-07:002007-05-31T13:12:49.957-07:00Cleveland follow-up visitWell, I drove up to Cleveland with my daughter Katie and everything went as expected.<br />He was happy with my first SCT visit. He suggested that all my future testing be done down here and let Dr. Chowhan manage me from now on. The did a pulmonary function testing and it showed a little decrease in output. I think this is from the lack of exercise/walking. Looking for a walking partner! Chest x-ray and blood work was fine. He said that I need to have a CAT scan and he thinks it should be normal. Normal going into the SCT and it should stay that way! I pray that it does!<br />He said if I were to relapse, I was pretty screwed. At that time I could try Radiation. So we are keeping our fingers crossed that it never comes back!!!<br /><br />We spent the night with Keith and Cathy. We had a great time. Drove back the next day and it didn't bother me like I thought it would. I had Katie with me to drive just in case I got sick or something.<br /><br />I saw Dr. Chowhan last Wed. and he is going to schedule my CAT scan soon. Said I would need to see him every month and pulmonary/chest x-ray every two months.<br /><br />Feeling pretty good and I will update as soon as I get more news or results of any test. AlanAlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-52111773887772576362007-05-22T19:39:00.001-07:002007-05-22T19:45:44.186-07:00Doing ok!It has been a long time since I posted last. SORRY! I'm doing ok. Still having some residual problems but nothing worth talking about. Eyebrows are starting to come back in but no hair on top. I'm heading back to Cleveland for a follow-up appointment this Friday and Katie is going with me. Business has been slow and I'm trying to stir things up to get my doctors to scan more with me. I have been maintaining my weight and still wanting to lose another 20 pounds or so. I have not had the energy to exercise but I feel like after I get my PET/CT scan under my belt that I will start working hard. I will let you know what the doctor has to say.<br /><br />I will see my local oncologist next Wed and I gather he will schedule the necessary test. Later! AlanAlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-84650575207877511692007-04-17T20:40:00.000-07:002007-04-17T20:44:18.260-07:00Doing well.My blood work is still in the normal range. I have been back working a few hours a day and doing pretty good. I still can't find anything good to eat except cottage cheese and fresh fruit. Maintaining my weight. I will need to head back to Cleveland for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Dean and after that I hope that I can just maintain locally and not have to return to Cleveland. I'm schedule to head up on May 1. It has been a month since I've been home and it is still slow going but I do see improvement everyday.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-22240670191486908292007-04-06T12:54:00.000-07:002007-04-06T13:00:09.966-07:00Blood Work looking goodI had some blood work yesterday and so far it all looks great. Blood cultures take a few days to see if anything is growing but since I've not had a temp. they think all will be normal. Still really tired and my nights and days continue to be messed up. I've been getting about 3-5 hours of sleep and I've tried staying up and gowing to bed when I'm really tired but no go. I will lay, toss and turn till about 6:00 am and sleep till about 10 or 10:30. Makes for a weird day. It's Good Friday and I would like to go to church but I think I will wait for Sunday and give it a try. Wear my mask and not shake any hands to be safe.<br /><br />I hope all is well with everyone and you all have a great Easter!Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-54967723434909048382007-03-27T20:24:00.000-07:002007-03-27T20:41:59.433-07:00Day +19Doing pretty well. I've been home a week and just been laying around. Went to the office for about 1/2 hour and that was a bit much. Picked the kids up from school one day, drove home and that was a bit much. So, after SCT they tell you that you won't feel like doing much for the next 30 days, I'm starting to believe them.<br /><br />Went to my local Oncologist today and all my blood levels were normal. He was surprised. He was happy with how I was doing. Cleveland has me going in every week for a CBC and I will have to drive back to Cleveland in 30 days for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Dean and I think a Pulmonary function test, to check out my lungs.<br /><br />Here at home everything seems to be on the mend with the cat situation. Katie is still mad and not talking to Mom but it will take her some time. I rocked McKenna to sleep in my arms for about an hour. She is crawling and has gained 5 pounds since I last saw her. While holding her I was thinking about my own kids how I just loved to rock them to sleep and it just brought tears to my eyes to see my baby Oliver now 15. Kids are doing great. Katie and Oliver are on Spring Break and they just wanted to spend some extra time here with me. They have been helping out a lot. Oliver passed his driver's Ed. test and he is dying for me to get him out on the road to see how good of a driver he is. Maybe this weekend I told him. Katie has been like Mother Hen, making sure Dad is ok. She has been taking Oliver any place he needs to be without question. Mal seems to be doing fine, working hard. Mom has taken some time off from work to take care of all my needs and I'm glad she has. Nice to have someone to wait on you. <br /><br />So, over all I'm doing well. Will update when I get some new news.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-46289159420094283932007-03-20T19:04:00.000-07:002007-03-20T19:51:26.358-07:00Home again, Home again<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6L8Kqc9AxGpyqC5yi2AQXQwRBiSevpvlgUX_psNUPdNYxadl_PQ87Ptg-W1tcNxt2k6fk9jB50W8SAug8emxOOegvAWjooyHDgBNMnloLviyThIgzvxbbrX0kO37hkbA_OiTIUyQKPguZ/s1600-h/DSCF3559.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6L8Kqc9AxGpyqC5yi2AQXQwRBiSevpvlgUX_psNUPdNYxadl_PQ87Ptg-W1tcNxt2k6fk9jB50W8SAug8emxOOegvAWjooyHDgBNMnloLviyThIgzvxbbrX0kO37hkbA_OiTIUyQKPguZ/s200/DSCF3559.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044199513885985698" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfHtQO3fRgZLTySZUW76FEibrS7XXC7kE18ByIZTJnabDb8n8-8AmzwNPH0vWuvjoALnYBelj54vEdt8a99wY_iFjGYmUCtPGBJGlEVexNwxr2noJEVsUJ6DxMxcjTNwUDQf8csHOxobQ/s1600-h/Image010.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfHtQO3fRgZLTySZUW76FEibrS7XXC7kE18ByIZTJnabDb8n8-8AmzwNPH0vWuvjoALnYBelj54vEdt8a99wY_iFjGYmUCtPGBJGlEVexNwxr2noJEVsUJ6DxMxcjTNwUDQf8csHOxobQ/s200/Image010.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5044199518180953010" /></a><br />Yesterday morning they woke me up to tell me my WBC was 9600 and I was good to get my catheter and infusion port out. Waited, waited and waited but they finally got started around 10:30. The port took about an hour and half to get out, all under local and the catheter took about 45 mins. By the time I got back to my room I had missed my ride. My friend Eric had to pick me up by noon in order to get back in time for work. SO, Keith and Cathy after a hard day at work drive up around 7:00 and picked me up. It was so emotional for me to just get out of that place Knowing I was done! <br /><br />I know for sure that Christ was with me throughout this entire process. Even to the point I was getting in Keith's car. It was like He was telling me "All is well" So comforting. We got back to Keith's and it was good to see the kids. Didn't stay up too late as we were heading out around 9:00 am.<br /><br />That evening prior to bed I found out that my Mother put my cat of some 13 years to sleep. Why she couldn't wait for me and allowed me to no this is beyond me. She took the cat why the kids were in school and they nor I got to say our goodbyes. It was really sad and hard to get to sleep. It's not like he was going to die in the next month but he was going down hill. I would have done things differently for the sake of the kids. We are planning a little memorial service for him and put up a stone with his name on it. Sorry Boomer, you will be missed.<br /><br />Got up this morning and took off to meet my sister and Mom halfway. The ride home was pretty uneventful except for my sore bottom. So, getting comfortable was a challenge. Pulled in the drive about 3:00 and it was NICE to be home. The kids came over around 3:45 and we all hugged and sobbed like babies. I missed the kids so much. I was so homesick, it was making me sick.<br /><br />Tired, tired, tired. I had to take a nap to recover from the 6 hour drive. Got a little sick at my stomach searching for WATER that had a good taste to it. Could not eat much but Mom fixed me some noodles and butter. Kids have been great all night really helping me out as I still very weak and will be for sometime.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm home, in my own bed, surrounded by love and it all feels great. I want to thank all that have been praying for me as I have felt all the comforting prayers. I have to go to my local cancer center tomorrow for some blood work. Other than that, I will try to post with any new news. AlanAlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-43559929599816763812007-03-18T09:36:00.000-07:002007-03-18T09:44:47.316-07:00Day 10 Going Home tomorrow<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HGB</span> 9.8<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WBC</span> 7800 up 6500 WOW!<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PLT</span> 58K<br /><br />The nurses and doctors were all impressed with the jump I had in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">WBC</span>. They said I was good to go on Monday! I need a ride. If not, Tuesday will be just fine it's just another day I have to spend in here.<br /><br />Doing well today. They have been taking me off the IV <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">meds</span> and giving me pills. So far, so good.<br /><br />Breakfast was grits...YUCK never liked grits. So, I hoping for something good for lunch. I need some food on my stomach so I handle the pills before me.<br /><br />Overall, I feel good about getting out of here. I don't think I'm going to miss this place at all...<br />Port and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">catheter</span> is due to come out tomorrow. Discharge after that.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-59091044347863517852007-03-17T12:43:00.000-07:002007-03-17T12:55:21.416-07:00Day 9<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HGB</span> 9.5<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WBC</span> 1160 up 1000<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PLT</span> 65<br /><br />Feeling a bit tired today but seem to be doing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">much</span> better. I'm able to keep fluids down with very little pain. They are working me towards pills and not <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">IV's</span> and they do think Tuesday is the day. Met with the nutritionist today and she said it will be slow go for a while with foods until my intestinal track calms down a bit. Keith, my brother, The MAN is going to take they day off on Tuesday and the game plan is when I'm discharged to call my sister and Mom to start heading north. He will drive 3 hours and they will drive 3 hours to meet me. So, I should be home Tuesday afternoon~YAHOO! It's going to take me a couple of weeks to get back on my feet. This has taken a lot out of me. My one fat roll on my stomach is all but gone and when I slip my pants on, they fall off. I feel good about the weight loss, I just don't want to lose too much. Chaplin came in today and prayed with me. She could understand my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">emotional</span> (Homesick) status but we prayed it up to God and all is good!Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-90367224643262504882007-03-16T15:31:00.001-07:002007-03-16T15:47:57.119-07:00Day 8 Doing pretty good<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HGB</span> 9.5<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WBC</span> 160 up 80<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PLT</span> 21<br /><br />My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">throat</span> has been sore the biggest part of the day but currently it is like I can SWALLOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The pain is not there and I want to keep it that way. They said try no food just water for the next couple of days. They are also suspecting my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">WBC</span> to take a big jump like possible 500. Once I get to 1,000 that should be the magic number for all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">gastro</span> intestinal pains and problems to go away. I won't be on a normal diet for several weeks to come they say and healing should occur PLUS I would be able to get out of here.<br />They are acting like the 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span>! I will have my infusion port and Hickman <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">catheter</span> removed that morning of discharge. They will send me home with antibiotics for a couple of weeks to get rid of any lingering staph (I think came from the Hickman).<br /><br />My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">weight is</span> 247 and I suspect it will drop even more until I can get back to OUTBACK! For a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">juicy</span> STEAK!<br /><br />I'm going to lay down and take it easy. FELLING 70% better this evening!!!!Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-57704162880449375452007-03-16T15:31:00.000-07:002007-03-16T15:47:55.414-07:00Day 8 Doing pretty good<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HGB</span> 9.5<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WBC</span> 160 up 80<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PLT</span> 21<br /><br />My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">throat</span> has been sore the biggest part of the day but currently it is like I can SWALLOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The pain is not there and I want to keep it that way. They said try no food just water for the next couple of days. They are also suspecting my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">WBC</span> to take a big jump like possible 500. Once I get to 1,000 that should be the magic number for all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">gastro</span> intestinal pains and problems to go away. I won't be on a normal diet for several weeks to come they say and healing should occur PLUS I would be able to get out of here.<br />They are acting like the 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">th</span>! I will have my infusion port and Hickman <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">catheter</span> removed that morning of discharge. They will send me home with antibiotics for a couple of weeks to get rid of any lingering staph (I think came from the Hickman).<br /><br />My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">weight is</span> 247 and I suspect it will drop even more until I can get back to OUTBACK! For a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">juicy</span> STEAK!<br /><br />I'm going to lay down and take it easy. FELLING 70% better this evening!!!!Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-32295946410356050942007-03-15T12:50:00.000-07:002007-03-15T12:58:53.262-07:00Day 7Do<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ing</span> pretty good. My blood infection is showing staph which can be treated by pill antibiotics. So, at this point they want to leave things along unless I spike a temp. Still not had anything to eat and my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">throat</span> is still sore. I have been able to talk and get some water down without it burning. Rectum and surrounding areas are raw which make it difficult to walk, sit and sleep (Get comfortable) I mean.<br /><br />MB, the Oaks sounds like fun. I hope I will be up to the event. <br /><br />My counts are going up slowly:<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">HGB</span> 9.8<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">WBC</span> 80<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PLT</span> 31 KAlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-55662805802925683732007-03-14T11:27:00.000-07:002007-03-14T11:50:04.365-07:00Day 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HGB</span> 9.8<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WBC</span> 50<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PLT</span> 16K<br /><br />They came in early today and told me that they are hoping for the "final" culture results or at least the second culture they took in hopes that it is showing "no growth." Still may need to take the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">catheters</span> out soon but not today. Once they know what is growing and what antibiotic will cover it, they will decide what I need. Most likely will know more tomorrow. I didn't get much sleep last night, I think I was laying in bed trying to figure out what side of my neck I wanted this new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">catheter</span>. Anyway, I gave up on that after about 1/2 hour. They <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">continuously</span> came in and out last night adding more and more drugs, fluids...so now I'm on another round of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Lasix</span>. I've picked up almost 4 pounds in fluids so it was time they say.<br /><br />Still not eating, can't swallow. My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">throat</span> is raw. REALLY, it is my entire esophageal track down to my stomach. My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">stomach</span> doesn't seem to hurt and my colon seems fine (no food) that is a good thing. My rectum is very sore and that made it hard to sleep last night as well. I did get to sleep this morning. OVERALL: I feel better, like I have worked a 'bug' out of my system with all the antibiotics they give my I hope my cultures come <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">negative</span>! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Either way</span>, it will be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ok</span>.<br /><br />The blood values should be going back up(they said slowly) over the next few days.<br /><br />I've got to thank my sister for being my <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">leas ion</span> between work (Katie in the office) and getting things scheduled with my new tech (J. Michael). She is going to make sure that info doesn't get lost. Katie is a teenager and I've tried so hard not to over pressure her but I like she has to be pushed to understand the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">magnitude</span> of this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">business</span> I'm trying to run. I know J. Michael understands as I talked to him last night and with what I'm paying him, he could make that kind of money any were else. So, that made me feel good to hear that and hopefully he will further his career in x-ray to be a multi-phase technician.<br />I got yesterdays blood counts which were the lowest yet.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">HGB</span> 8.3<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">WBC</span> 20<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">PLT</span> 11KAlanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-41991691629027171282007-03-13T13:55:00.000-07:002007-03-13T14:11:58.576-07:00Day 5 A lot going onI don't have my lab values as of yet but they tell me it is the lowest.<br /><br />Today is the day that my counts should start going back up!<br />They tell me there is an infection in my blood in which they think the SOURCE is the Hickman catheter or my PORT so both has to come out tomorrow or the next day. They try to tell you that you are just ahead of the game but it really feels like I took a step back. Once they take care of the source, hopefully they can get rid of the blood infection and cover it with the <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">right</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">antibiotic</span>.<br /><br />I got two units of blood and a bag of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">platelets</span> along with a bunch of other stuff. My <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">throat</span> is felling a bit better, but it is still raw.<br /><br />Not to happy but I have to really look at this as a step ahead of the game! It's hard but if I look at it that way, things look better. I was going to have to have the Hickman and the Port removed on the day of my discharge anyway.<br /><br />MB. I've been thinking about you and the kids <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">a l<span></span>ot</span>. Please tell them I said hi! Hope all is well with you. Don't work so hard!<br /><br />Mark, got your voice mail and all I can say is you are a dear friend to be concerned. Love ya brother! I'll be home soon enough.<br /><br />Anna Mae and Bertha, the cards keep putting smiles on my face. Thanks!<br /><br />Virgil and Roberta---What was the eye surgery for? Hope that is all better!!!!<br /><br />Keith and Cathy, you know I love you guys. Thanks again for everything.<br /><br />Barbara--I got your card today and it was the same card my cousin Barb sent me so it made me laugh even more. Thanks Sweetie!<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">HeatherZ</span>. thanks for your kind words as well. Trust all is better with you.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-72044511066102495472007-03-12T09:02:00.000-07:002007-03-12T09:09:38.747-07:00Day 4 Temp/can't swallow<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HGB</span> 9.7<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WBC</span> 30<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PLT</span> 35<br />Temp 101 or so.<br /><br />You don't want a temp in this place! They have stuck me and drawn more blood than they deserve. I'm not feeling to well. Hard time speaking and can't swallow nothing. The took me downstairs for a chest x-ray and they tried accessing my port (not the Hickman) and can't get any blood return. They are getting cultures on all the blood and urine. I really tried and all this needs to go away real soon. I think tomorrow the start giving me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Neupogem</span> in hopes that my white count will go back up. I'm going to lay back down,Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-66338275772951496462007-03-11T16:08:00.000-07:002007-03-11T16:13:11.137-07:00Day 3<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HGB</span> 9.5<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WBC</span> 60<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PLT</span> 55<br /><br />Short entry: Feeling real <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">crappy</span>. Sleeping all day because of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">meds</span>. Throat on a scale of 1-10 it hurts like a 4. Can't swallow. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Popsicles</span> help and is all that I've had to eat. About 5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">mins</span>. about my temp. was elevated but not past the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">magic</span> mark. Once it does go they will send me downstairs for a Chest x-ray and get some blood cultures. I will try to let you know how things go tomorrow.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-32735760597912179882007-03-10T15:01:00.001-08:002007-03-10T15:11:42.996-08:00Day 2 Sleeping all day long<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HGB</span> 10.1<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WBC</span> 320<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PLT</span> 79K<br /><br />Labs keep going down. My throat is like raw meat. They are giving me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">meds</span> to make me rest and hopefully sleep. I don't even recall them coming in to get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BP</span> checks or anything. It's like I'm really out of it. They said <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tomorrow</span> will be more of the same. They don't want me to do much. How can I with all the drugs they give you! I think I recall <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">IT</span> was 6:00 a.m. and I woke up at 1:00 p.m. I fell back to sleep at 2:00 and I awake at 6:00 and thought I better type something into my blog. They tell me it is most likely my blood counts will bottom out tomorrow. I feel like I have a bit of a cold working on but the throat is over seeing that for now. Developed a rash around my groin and the medication they give you helps that out just fine. I think since I have started up here with my outpatient stuff I've now lost a total of around 30lbs.<br /><br />I sure I could lose another 30 and feel almost normal again. It has made it so hard (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Steroids</span>) that it makes you want to eat, eat and eat more! I've not had any real food for sometime and it doesn't look like I'll be able to eat for a week or more. They told me Day 5 I start getting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Neupogen</span> again to help increase my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">WBC</span>...just when you thought you was done with bone pain, your not! Heading back to bead. Will try to post tomorrow.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-740576658168815052007-03-10T15:01:00.000-08:002007-03-10T15:11:42.596-08:00Day 2 Sleeping all day long<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HGB</span> 10.1<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WBC</span> 320<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PLT</span> 79K<br /><br />Labs keep going down. My throat is like raw meat. They are giving me <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">meds</span> to make me rest and hopefully sleep. I don't even recall them coming in to get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BP</span> checks or anything. It's like I'm really out of it. They said <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tomorrow</span> will be more of the same. They don't want me to do much. How can I with all the drugs they give you! I think I recall <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">IT</span> was 6:00 a.m. and I woke up at 1:00 p.m. I fell back to sleep at 2:00 and I awake at 6:00 and thought I better type something into my blog. They tell me it is most likely my blood counts will bottom out tomorrow. I feel like I have a bit of a cold working on but the throat is over seeing that for now. Developed a rash around my groin and the medication they give you helps that out just fine. I think since I have started up here with my outpatient stuff I've now lost a total of around 30lbs.<br /><br />I sure I could lose another 30 and feel almost normal again. It has made it so hard (<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Steroids</span>) that it makes you want to eat, eat and eat more! I've not had any real food for sometime and it doesn't look like I'll be able to eat for a week or more. They told me Day 5 I start getting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Neupogen</span> again to help increase my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">WBC</span>...just when you thought you was done with bone pain, your not! Heading back to bead. Will try to post tomorrow.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7289495458035459975.post-82517294111941709932007-03-09T15:59:00.000-08:002007-03-09T16:14:38.371-08:00Day 1<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">HGB</span> 10.1<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">WBC</span> 1320<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PLT</span> 120K<br /> I slept well last night. Got some new medicine that is part of the protocol treatment. Something <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">anti fungal</span>. It was by IV. They started me on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Ragland</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Pepcid</span> for anti-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nausea</span>. They keep telling me I stink from the stem cells. I cannot smell it but everyone that comes into the room will sure tell you. <br /><br />My throat is starting to bother me. I attempted to eat a soft <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">banana</span> but it got hung up and I threw it up with about a 1/2 cup of blood. So, I just on a liquid diet for now. It feels like it is swollen and there is a knot in my throat. I hope it gets better tomorrow. <br /><br />Pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">uneventful</span> day overall.Alanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09035790802953353161noreply@blogger.com1