My Radio/Chemo is Over

I'm in the midst of the post chemo/ radio phase and I'm feeling somewhat better so the healing is beginning.  Still, I'm redefining the term "expectorate" as drainage is a major part of the therapy at this stage: gross, but necessary. I've also lost my taste buds except for those in front which are responsible for one's salty taste and the chemo accentuated the salt. EVERYTHING taste overwhelmingly SALTY. Water taste like the Atlantic.  I really miss food, but within the next 2 weeks the taste buds should begin to return, and I'll start eating small amounts of soft foods.  The Drs. are all very pleased, but the proof will come with scans in mid-Dec. Surgery will probably occur in Jan. based on the Dec. findings, but it won't be nearly as invasive as first thought. Also, I'll see my bariatric Dr in 2 weeks to assess the havac that my ttherapy induced ulcer has done to my stoma. I have so much to be thankful for and appreciate all of your comments, brothers. Life's a beach and I'm about to kick some sand again! Dave

Hi Dave, Here's wishing you the best on the next stage. Chemo/radio takes a toll on the body, but I guess that's necessary for "kicking some sand" on the bad stuff. You've got lots of guys pulling for you.

Thanks for the ongoing support. Cancer's only one of life's "little" problems. Your neck of the woods has it's own problems; currently fires. You simply don't let the BAS___Ds let you down. It's all about the right Drs., facilities, and attitude! Dave

Hey Dave, Good to hear you are moving toward the “healing phase” of your process. Keep focused on your horizon, and pushing forward. I hope your Bariatric Doc is surprised by just how well everything ended up with your stoma. Best Wishes- Dx

 

We watched Travolta in "Hairspray" the other night. I thought that you've probably been involved in a production or two of it!  I often  think of your passion play  and sometimes laugh out loud. Dave

Dave, I'm really glad to hear you are progressing so well my brother!! Take care and keep healing, we're all praying for you!! Tim

Tim:  Thanks for the great support and letting the gals in VA know. Tink and Jackie sent wonderful messages. I had hoped to make the David's bash again in Richmond in Jan. I may try if I don't need surgery. I hope you are able to make it- great people! Perhaps they'll have a OH conference in your neck of the woods. I'd sure as hell try to make that! Dave

 

 

Hi Dave, I had my weight loss surgery in Jun 2006. Everythjing went perfect, and I lost 100% of my excess body weight in 8 months. I began experiencing a little constipation> I was told this was somewhat normal. It kept getting worse. I began experiencing some abdominal pain. They thought I had a urinay tract infection. Luckily I encountered a good Dr who sugested a colonoscopy. I had the Colonoscopy on March 25, 2007 here in Cozumel Mexico where I live. When I woke up from the anesthesia the dr said "you need to get to the US ASAP" "You have a large tumor ocluding your colon". On March 27th I had my colon cancer surgery. A month later I started chemotherapy for treatment of stage IV colon cancer.  I have now finished 7 months of chemotherapy. My cancer hasnt progressed, so I am off the chemo (for now). I am heading to Africa for 2 weeks in January , and to Africa again in May for 3 weeks. I usde to drop in here more often , and I miss getting together with everybody here. Now that I'm off the chemo I feel better and will probably check in here more often. What was (or is) your chemo regimen? Mine was 5fu, oxaliplatin, Avastin. So far no problems with my WLS and chemo. My DR said he might utilize Xeloda later and I am wondering about absorpsion issues?? Have you heard anything related? Are you a Scuba Diver? What happened with your therapy and your WLS? Best personal regards, DavidG

David:

Thanks for the reply. it seems I remember your mentioning this on one of the boards last spring, and I wondered how it was going. I'm amazed at the capacities of medical science. I hope that you are soon shedding more of the cancer.  My regime involved three large doses of cysplatin, but  the day I was to get the 2nd dose, I was admitted with a 4 centimeter ulcer where the stoma connects with the jujunum(sp). Iv'e had no more chemo, but I probably didn't need it since I'm in the top 5% in terms of response to this therapy whichalso involves 35 radio sessions where I was "zapped " from several points around the neck to destroy the tongue and neck tumors. The tongue tumors are gone ane the neck tumors are destroyed although my surgeon does feel some residuals. He'll operate Jan 2 doing a selective neck dissection which involves taking out a number of lymph nodes at the tumor area in the neck. He originally talked about a radical neck dissection, which involves nodes, muscle, and a nerve, so I'm incredibly lucky.  As far as absorption issues, practically all my nutrition is through a feeding tube, directly into the jujunum using 2 cal liquid and it absorbs well. My labs, while not normal, are great for a cancer patient at this stage. I'm actually in pretty good health, but I've lost 25 pounds and a great deal of muscle. I remember you are a scuba diver: I'm not, but I have experienced scuba once in Hawaii doing a day course. I do love to snorkel and have done so in Florida, Mexico (Isle de Muertas in your area), Hawaii, and the great barrier reek in Australia. Africa sound great. WE HAVE EARNED EVERY AVAILABLE TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY.  I have no teeth. I had them extracted per Dr and dentist recommendations pre-radiation. I really look forward to dentures and to eating, but I can only eat a 3-4 tablespoons currently and I'm worried the my stoma may be heavily scarred. I start that process of investgation with my bariatrician late next week.  Let's stay in contact: we're surviving! Dave