| My Journey |
| For the past 2 years, I have been traveling on a path that has changed my life style tremendously. I completed 2 months of Physical Therapy to develop core muscles to support my spine. I was able to walk without pain, without frequent falls, and in general - felt like a new person. Then some strange problems started. First thought was I was anemic - but tests showed that was not it. I seemed to be vulnerable to every virus that was in the air - so unusual for me as I usually have a healthy resistance to most illnesses. Then, an infection in my system flared up, and then tests and then the diagnosis - COLORECTAL CANCER. So My Jouney began - my own, similar to others, but each person and their family has to deal with their own specific variety. Mine was a very large tumor located in the lower area and up against my pelvis. It was decided it would be best if I had treatments before surgery, hopefully to shrink the tumor which would make it more operable. I was prescribed oral chemo and had daily radiation treatments. The tumor did shrink and the surgery was successful in July 2008. It included a permanent colostomy which is an adventure of it's own! Scans showed spots elsewhere in my system which were questionable. So a Pet Scan was ordered. The result definitely identified two spots in my liver where the cancer had spread and some other questionable spots in other areas. Chemo was the next step but it slows down healing. It was decided to postpone the chemo until I had had a chance to heal from the surgery - of course this wait could give the cancer cells time to do damage to my liver. So it was a toss up - and the postponement of the chemo decided upon. In December I had a procedure on my liver. A January scan appeared to show that it had worked. Then another scan in April showed the areas had increased in size about 50%. By then my Surgeon had decided my healing was far enough along so chemo could be started. My liver was functioning normally and my health in general was good, so they let me delay the chemo for 6 weeks. I had a couple other things I wanted taken care of. My cataracts were getting very annoying, like looking through a bowl of jello! So I had that taken care of with great results. And, I had a skin cancer spot on my leg that had about doubled in size during the year - couldn't take care of that as other things were happening. So, May 6th I had that removed - plus some pre-cancerous areas frozen to eliminate the possibility of them developing into more serious complications. June 2009 I started Chemo. One drug is Erbitux. This is less toxic than normal chemo as it only attacks the cancer cells and skin cells. Lab testing on my 'cells' showed that I was a good candidate for this drug. Then they added Camptosar - regular Chemo - just to back everything up. My schedule is 3 weekly treatments and then a week off. I have the Erbitux every treatment and the Camptosar every other week. So far, I have had a variety of side effects, butnone severe enough to cause problems. like some others have. My systems seems to be handling everything very well. The worst change is the fatigue thing. But walking seems to restore some energy and that I enjoy. My walking is with my walker, and I sometimes ride the local bus to a store and walk home, I walk in the park next door, and sometimes just walk. Recently I read an article about a 10 year study that was done with 3400 people and their walking habits. The average age of the participants was about 70. Walking at a specific pace could add 10 years to one's life - and that pace works out to be - a mile in 17.6 minutes. I have times myself and that is an easy pace for me. Though some days I choose to saunter and enjoy the flowers, gardens, window shop, etc. I have been doing at least two - 1 mile walks a week along with other shopping walks. I have met so many wonderful people! It seems not everyone is in such a rush they are rude and don't have time to be pleasant. I have found that a smile and a Good Morning usually gets a response. Then maybe a comment about weather - which this year has been a popular subject. Often times this leads to a brief conversation. One popular topic is about my walker. I am seen so often around town with it - and have been surprised about all the questions I get about using it. My walker is a nice one, 4 wheels, brakes, seat and pouches to carry things. Some inquire about it for a family member, some for there own needs. Have heard of so many that have problems with a cane and that I can identify with. A cane, properly used, can help with support and enable limited walking. However, for many it becomes a false sense of security. Arthritis in the hand. elbow or shoulder can cause difficulty with 'gripping' the cane securely. In some cases, disk problems in the neck cause distress in the arm and hand. Also, a hand that isn't steady is not one that should use a cane. Walking is a most beneficial activity for health along with being able to be somewhat independent. Often a cane can be a little help, but also a liability for getting around easily. So, a walker is a great way to go! The handles don't require a tight grip - most are shaped so you can rest your hand on them with a little pressure to keep them inplace - and works great. By concentrating/practising good posture you can walk upright, keeping your back straight - center balanced. You can walk any pace comfortable and if you overextend your energy, you stop, set the brake, sit on the seat, rest and enjoy the scenery until you are able to continue. I also do deep breathing exercises as I walk. This helps keep core muscles in shape which provide support for the spine. Of course, deep breathing - filling your lungs with oxygen is a great source of energy. Walking keeps my legs working, gives me the opportunity to get outside for fresh air, some exercise and a break from inactivity. It allows me to be independent which is a good feeling. These are some of the things I tell people. I listen to their limitations and try to encourage them not to settle for 24/7 rocking chair life. Quite a few of those I meet - all ages - think they would be embarrassed to be out and about - using a walker so all could see they have a problem. So in this case I can tell them I understand how they feel. But I have found that being able to go more places is such a plus - it is worth the initial misgivings. Since my walking, whether in the park or shopping is frequent, I see many of the same people. A few now have walkers and are enjoying a new freedom. I have discovered many places nearby where using a walker is easy - for an outing - and find that sharing my experiences, my limitations, my favorite paths - is helpful to others. My recent hair loss due to the chemo has attracted a lot of interest. I keep my head covered to prevent sunburn. One of the drugs I take effects skin cells - making skin susceptible to extreme sunburn, quickly. Frequently I wear a hat that says - 'Hair by Chemo, not by choice". This seems to prompt more conversations, specifically about cancer, treatments, and my current adventure with it. Since my diagnosis I had made it a priority to discover as much informtaion as possible, about my variety of cancer, the drugs, procedures, and cancer care I receive. My doctors have cautioned me about reading 'Blogs' on the Internet as many contain incorrect information. They have reccommended other web sites where I can find factual and up-to-date information. My aim when talking about my adventure is to be as accurate as I can. The majority of people I meet - have been touched by cancer - a family member, a friend, themselves. Many, like me, are dealing with it on a day to day basis. My experience and outlook seems to be helpful to many, so I continue to try to remain up beat and hopeful. My personal brand of cancer is medically incurable. Best hope is to control it. The treatments are designed to alter the DNA of the cells to disable their ability to divide and conquer - so to stop the spread. The estimate that if my treatments work will add 6 months to my life. Or could result in remission. But no word on when to start counting the 6 months! Could be from today or a year from today. Actually not sure about the '6 month statement'. Seems to me that any success with the treatments could push that time frame further into the future! My recent scan showed the 'spots' had decreased by about 60% in size. So the choice for my treatments has been the correct one. The older cells are tougher so this next round of treatments may not show such dramatic progress. It will help, could eliminate most of the remaining cells. Could go into remission. Several possibilities. The next round of treatments will continue into November. At that time I will have another scan. It is very possible I then will be able to take a break - for the Holidays and on through January so I can celebrate my 75th birthday! Atleast a 3 day BASH!!!! My system is handling the treatments amazingly well, I am told. That's a plus as the side effects I have developed are easily remedied with simple solutions. I have charted my weeks so as to allow for fatigue days, bursts of energy, appetite swings, moods, etc. Walking helps the fatigue so some days that is my priority. Energy bursts help me get my household chores completed. So far I am able to take care of myself and enjoy my independence. Help is needed at times and I truly appreciate any assist I am given. This week a new Care Giver will be with me. The last two were mightmares! This lady is a Gare Giver for one of my neighbors and I've known her over three years now. She is from Cambodia and a delightful person. A great cook, always pleasant, and very interesting when talking about her home, family and the different culture of her country. Over all my health is good - all systems working normally. No spots anywhere else in my anatomy. So my future looks bright. My formula for following this Path I have been set upon: C an travel this pathway with God's help A lways be positive and optimistic N ever give in or give up C hoose to hope for the future E njoy every minute of every day R emeber to daily 'Count My Blessings' My Blessing are numerous : - My Family - an exceptional one. Not only are they with me for emotional support, some have helped with nursing-wound care chores. They take me places, to dinner, to doctor appointments, include me in their activities, keep in close contact. They are special. - Many friends with Emails, cards, letters, care packages and cheerly phone calls. - The wonderful doctors and nurses who have helped me with choices for the best, their care and encouragement and all of the Staff at the Cancer Partnership. - The American Cancer Society - their volunteers are always there to help. They provide many services and have a wonderful library of information, hats, wigs, and so many things available for the patients. - Friends I haven't met - but join the circle around me through the Internet. - Local area Bands who continue to keep up to date on how I am doing - many send messages to tell me they miss seeing me at their Gigs. - And so many more I count each day. |
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