This is my initial post of this blog. I will try to update this as frequently as possible with pictures as well as commentary.
I appreciate the support that everyone has given me so far. It is a great reminder of how wonderful my family truly is. I decided to title the blog Cancer Shmancer (Rebecca's idea) to illustrate that I am stronger than the cancer and in the end I will beat it.
Included in this post are pictures of my first chemo treatment. You can see the room where the chemo is administered. It is nice room with a lot of natural light, confortable reclining chairs, and motivational pictures of cancer survivors.
Update: Today was the first of two back-to-back chemo treatments which makes up my third week. I will go back tomorrow morning for the second half of this third week. I also go in Friday morning for a white blood cell booster shot and a red blood cell booster shot. Today's treatment went well, and I have so far not felt any side effects beyond fatigue. As with every other treatment, the worst of the side effects are expected to hit 24-48 hrs afterward.
To help everyone understand my chemo regimen, I will try to explain it. The total duration of the chemotherapy is 12 weeks. This comprises of 3 sets of 4 week blocks. In each block I receive different drugs depending on the week. Week one and three are similar and weeks two and four are identical. Week one I receive Mustargen (a form of mustard gas!), Adriamycin, and Vinblastine. Weeks two and four I receive Vincristine and Bleomycin. Week three I receive Etopiside, Adriamycin, and Vinblastine on day one, and Etoposide again on day two. I also take Prednisone every other day orally as well as an antiviral and antibiotic. After weeks one and three I receive the white blood cell booster I mentioned earlier, and I receive the red cell booster as needed based on blood test results. At one point I may need a transfusion if these are not sufficient. Each of these drugs cause different side effects. Almost all cause hair loss, so I am almost guaranteed to lose my hair which should start any day. So far nausea has been rare, but fatigue has been constant. Muscle fatigue is noticeable from uncontrolled shaking. I also get occasional bone pain caused by the white blood cell booster. The good news is, so far my crohn's disease seems to be under control and not negatively affected by the chemo.
That is a lot of information, so feel free to ask me if you would like clarification.
3 comments:
Hi Chris,
I just talked to you on the phone and now I've read your blog. It looks great and so do you! Thanks for all of the pictures. It's great to hear your sense of humor is still intact! Your site gives just enough detail without being too technical, so I think everyone should respond well to its content. I hope you have fun creating it and reading the responses it will generate. We love you and are praying for you. Mom.
Hi Chris,
I work with your mom and just love her! You have a lot of people praying for you and we all wish you a speedy recovery. Your blog is such a good idea! I agree with your mom that your sense of humor is great. I believe that humor is really important to help you and yours get through this. Many good wishes are being sent your way! Pam
Hi Chris (& Rebecca)-
The blog looks great. What a great idea!
I just wanted to tell you that Jeremy and I are praying for you. If you need anything from us, please don't hesitate to ask. We aren't that far away and are more than willing to help.
Keep fighting-it's what the Woods do best!!
We love you guys!
Annika (& Jeremy)
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