Test results are back and it's bone cancer. Oddly enough, it is in several places, but it's not stage 4. The doctor thinks it may be the earliest it's been caught on someone, and that was only because I was getting my yearly PET scan. So, he is not concerned, but he is curious about it. He is running more tests (took more blood today) and may have me come back and take some more samples (oh, joy), but he is convinced it can be defeated. Also, the treatment is a series of pills and some shots, but chemotherapy is not part of it.
Ah jeez. On the other hand glad to hear you get to dodge the chemo bullet at least.
Ouch. Wishing you the best, Daglob.
My thoughts and prayers are with you DG. You can win this fight.
Windows 10 no longer supports my graphics tablet. Isn't that sweet.
Well, the good part is that I am officially still prostate cancer free, however the multiple myeloma is here to stay. However, it is exhibiting few of the symptoms is is supposed to, probably because it really is the earliest it has ever been caught. They aren't even sure what stage it is, but it is not very late. I don't have anemia, massive numbers of white cells, and am not urinating protein like crazy. And it isn't curable, but it is treatable.
I'd just as soon have avoided all this.
And my heater is out again. Lenore is not happy, and I can probably look to a bad performance review. Of course, this is the coldest weather we have had so far.
And on the good side: my clothes dryer quit working. My brother came over yesterday and was going to check it out, when he noticed that for some reason the plug had worked its' way out of the socket.
... and now Windows is randomly crashing my graphics card. It hasn't supported it for months, and I've been using some REALLY old drivers. I guess now it's getting its revenge.
It's been a long year.
Bah! That stinks, DG! I'm sorry man. I'm glad that the dryer thing turned out to be simple. Ha, if only all problems were so easily solved. As always, you're in our prayers and thoughts, my friend.
Oh, great: one of the meds is a thalidomide derivative.
Urg....I didn't know that stuff was still around.
Apparently, it does have its uses. I can understand using it against cancer, since one of its' problems was that it constricted the blood flow to developing cells. Still...
Yeah, makes sense. Still, unpleasant connotations, for sure!
Apparently, it is also a mutagen. Somehow, I don't think I'd like whatever powers I got from it.
Windows issue is everyone. They screwed up Explorer in one of their updates recently. My graphics card is taking a hit too and mine is the exact specified for :ffvstr: so it's a decent card. Else wish we could get you a break, you and my stepdad both. His plus side is the lymph node biopsy came back negative. Still has to take oral chemo for the rest of his days but small victories I suppose.
Good for your stepfather.
The most recent turn of events is that Medicare wants to treat this medication as a drug, while the oncologist insists it's a cancer treatment. If it is treated a drug, it is a Class 3 drug which means I pay 40% of the cost... which would run me $2000 a month. If it is a cancer treatment, Medicare pays 100%, which is what they have been doing for the prostate cancer.
But, c'mon; NO ONE is gong to take thalidomide for fun. If you don't know what it is, it causes all sorts of birth defects, mostly along the lines of missing or underdeveloped limbs. I met a "thalidomide baby" when I was in college; he had a few fingers of his right hand growing out of his shoulder.
Oops! Sorry; that's $3000 a month.
Man, that stinks, DG. I'm sorry that Medicare is so stupid. I hope that they get that sorted out in a more reasonable way.
Damn system. VA is like that too. They won't cover ultrasound for breast cancer screenings, consider it cosmetic(?) not preventative. So moms got breast cancer of course. So stupid how much red tape is involved with all that, control should be dictated by the people who know, the doctors and the patients. Not some schmucks in a board room. Drug or treatment? Is there really a difference? No one takes anything for fun. I would toss out all mine if I could live that way. Still wish I could get you up to Mayo with my stepdad. The snow driving sucks of course but you wouldn't deal with half the crap from them as you do down there. I've found much of that is different by state personally given my own condition really. I'm a little reluctant since I have a rare genetic condition. On one hand it makes treatment unfounded therefore difficult. On the other it makes me a test subject and doctors want to write papers so whatever I want ends up covered if not by my insurance then by the company that makes the drug or someone. Also though that Medicare is stupid, I put a gold platinum plan in place through a third party in addition to it myself. It's a bill every month but on a sliding scale and doesn't come out to too much and really against what they cost would otherwise be. Just food for thought, as a C patient you certainly qualify to be able to add on to your Medicare without getting a stipulation. Comes out to between forty to eighty a month on average and it makes all the difference. I'm not even charged no more than a three dollar copay for plastic surgery anymore, just saying.
I've got two additional plans. Medicare part B is supposed to take care of the cancer treatments, but they want to charge it under Medicare part D.
I've had the same plans for two years with little trouble. I'm thinking I may need to change them.
Should ask a patient advocate or someone about a supplemental plan. Like the kind where you meet with suit in person for an hour or so and hash out an exact one that fits your needs and budget. I managed to even get dental on mine for fifteen extra a month, worth it.
The drug company (which really wants to sell its' drug) found me a grant that will pay for the drug for 3 months. Now, if BCBS counts the copays, I will be in "cataclysmic catastrophic care", and it will eat up all the out-of-pocket expenses for the year. I have heard that lately they have been refusing to count copays because of things like the phase of the moon, the direction of the wind, the color of the sky... well, not really, but they don't really give much of a reason other than "not applicable".
So tomorrow I go get a shot in my stomach, and Friday I take some thalidomide. :banghead:
That works, sort of. Same thing happened when I had infusions. The company floated the bill so in return they could get rights to the test results. Worked for me of course since the bill for that process is a nightmare. Sorry about the medicine, you'll get through it though. You're tough.
Man, I'm glad you managed to find a way to make it work, but what a frustrating run-around! I'm sorry you've had to deal with this stuff, DG. It isn't bad enough that you have to be sick and go through this process; they also make you jump through hoops and pay for the privilege. Here's hoping the medicine does the trick!
Well, I had the first of the chemo treatments, an injection in my stomach, my quarterly injection in my @$$, a bunch of steroids, and they want me to wait until next week for the thalidomide. Now, I get to wait and see if I have a reaction.
If so, let's hope it's the development of a healing factor, or at least the power of flight.
As I've mentioned before, I wouldn't even mind being able to talk to fish.
The chemotherapy was a surprise. I think it was an alternate to another treatment that they used when the trouble with the thalidomide started. I also have anti-nausea drugs, now, and the first time this was discussed they weren't needed.
For some reason it was necessary to ship the thalidomide to Memphis before shipping it to Mobile ("♫ From Memphis to Mobile...♪"). They promise it by 8pm, which means regardless of what they say, it could be in town right this minute and if I do anything that keeps me from answering the door (a signature is required, because, hey, it's thalidomide), they will just take it back to the shop... or something; they don't seem quite clear on it.
And a correction: this isn't a bone cancer, it is a blood cancer that eats up the marrow in your bones. It was either caused by the taxotere in my first round of chemo, putting roads and drainage in all those chemical plants over the years, snorting all those construction chemicals and fumes, or a combination. It is still maybe stage 1, but they still aren't sure because they have never seen this stage before.
My orthopedic doctor added some fun knowledge: one of the ways this is detected is when you step crooked, or bump your arm, or something equally innocuous, and you get a broken bone. The marrow is actually a support structure, the cells this cancer replaces it with is just goop.
Ah! Just got a shipping update; apparently there was no good reason to send the thalidomide to Nashville. It is now scheduled for some time before 8:00pm Monday.
Better living through chemistry, eh DG? I'm sorry you've got to put up with all this stuff, man. I hope that it goes as smoothly as possible.
Wish you could something a little more cutting edge going on but it sounds like the region would prevent you. I swear by gene modification. It changed my life and I can't apply a complaint to it at all.
They are talking bone marrow transplants, if they can't stop the progression.
Ohh man, that sounds rather rough. Here's hoping the new treatment does the trick!
For what it's worth you have my sincere prayers it doesn't come to that.
:banghead:
Well, the computer seems to have given up the ghost. Laptop still works, but I am locked away from all those odd little skins and meshes I collect.
Sheesh! Sorry man! That's so frustrating. Is it just not booting, or what?
It boots over and over and over and...
Bah! Well, that's not very helpful, is it?
Chemo is kicking my @$$.
Ahh, I'm sorry man. I saw one of my best friends go through that, and I have some small idea of how rough it can be. Is there anything you need?
The Lord be with you in this dark time, my friend.
Same. Even if you just need to vent you know where. Just about to pick up the phone, stepdad is at Mayo right now starting the oral procedure himself. He's of pretty spirits though all things considered. Dude is tough as Lobo.
Yesterday was the one-month visit with the oncologist. He is happy with the present progress, and wants to continue the present treatments. The epidural I had the week before treatment started seems to have done a number on the tumors that I could feel (and probably the one snuggled down in my pelvis) which he said showed that it was sensitive to the treatment. I have a week off from the thalidomide, and have had something I suspected confirmed: it makes me sick. I've been waking up and feeling... okay... then take all my pills, and by 11 or so I am back in bed. Of course, tonight or tomorrow I will have to crawl in bed and probably stay there 'til Monday (but the last two weeks I haven't been able to get up until Wednesday). I have to drink Gatorade overnight to avoid the cramps the steroids are aggravating (the pickle juice quit working), have to take aspirin because my blood is turning into syrup, and have added Metamucil to my diet because the chemo is slowing down my digestion. To top it off, my hair is falling out, and about half of each eyebrow is missing making me look like one of those weird Japanese cartoon characters with dots for eyebrows.
And how much fun is it to know that as the Corona virus creeps into the country, those most at risk include asthmatic old farts with compromised immune systems?
Well, there's a lot of lousy in this, which is to be expected from a battle with cancer, but it sounds like you got some good news, so that's awesome! I'm sorry that the medicine for this stuff is so awful itself.
As for the Corona virus, just make sure you keep germs at bay, avoid the plague-ridden public when you can, and I'm sure you'll be fine. Just take care of yourself, my friend! I'm glad you're getting a break from the medicine. I hope it helps you catch your breath.
That's bloody hell dude. I pray for a day sooner than later were you get a respite from that misery. Hear hear about the virus. Compromised immune system is pretty much the basis of my own disorder. I wear gloves in public, especially stores. It looks silly but I don't care. Also have a set of cloth doctors masks, if it spreads any more I'm not going to hesitate to wear one. I wouldn't be able to sustain that strong of a virus.
The thalidomide is making me look like an extra from The Walking Dead, so they decided that I could stop taking it for awhile.
Yikes! Careful, you'll steal DJ's thunder.
Hope the rest is beneficial, man.
I got the adapter from my brother, and am copying my Freedom Force drive to the backup. I have been looking at the 'C' drive, and it looks good, so things may be alright. I intend to put all the meshes on the laptop so I will, at least, be able to get to them easily. Something good.
My daughter and ex-wife went out and braved the craziness at the stores to try and get me enough food to last through a two week quarantine, so I wouldn't have to go out myself.
Glad that there's some good news on the computer front, DG!
That's awesome! I'm really glad your family is supporting you, my friend. You stay safe and far away from all that craziness.
Argh! One of the side effects of the chemo seems to be shingles.
Well... everything is proceeding apace. Since the thalidomide triggered the shingles, I will be off that for the rest of the month. Next month they may start again on a lower dose. This week I was sick all week, and only have today to get things done, and I'm slowing down now. Funny, I had figured on staying at home or in bed most of the 16 weeks of treatment (half way through), but didn't really foresee it being a forced quarantine. Anyway it could be worse: I met a gentleman in the Cancer Center last week who had had to have a large portion of his facial bones and jaw removed. And he was still kicking... and still positive.
I know people in my situation try to ask what they did to deserve it, but I wonder: how many of us are intended as lessons... to other people. I met my lesson last week.
Glad you found some inspiration but imo would rather you be having better days cause you certainly don't deserve it. I hope you reach that point and this is all a distant bad dream then.
Since shingles is basically chicken pox, I don't get to see my granddaughter his weekend.
Since the shingles is supposed to be non-contagious at this point, my granddaughter came over Sunday and brought me Easter candy and some boiled eggs. Then she fixed me hamburger steaks with tomato gravy and mushrooms, and oven roasted vegetables.
I'm sorry you didn't get to see your granddaughter, my friend, but it sounds like you had got a pretty good deal out of your daughter's visit! :)
I took Tramadol for my back several years ago, and it did pretty much nothing, however, they prescribed some for the leftover nerve pain from the shingles, and it does a lot. The floor keeps shifting back and forth, and the room moves in and out when you look at it. And keeping awake is almost as hard as walking. Dunno if this is "new and improved" Tramadol, or what. I definitely can't drive like this. Kind of amusing.
I've had that stuff. Actually I experience the other thing normally too. Not to dive into it here but I have AIWS. Basically my sense of spatial awareness is shot, really it's my bodies interpretation of it's own proportions relative to everything else that is. At any rate that's what's going on there with you. Probably the new enhanced effect due to being mixed with something else currently and/or your biology is likely very different now after all the treatments you've been through.
Yeah, the neuropathy in my feet has taken out the kinesic sensing. If I have them off the ground for too long, I have no idea where they are. Each step is a little more off-balance, and running is pretty near impossible. On the other hand, I'm still here.
Man, I'm sorry y'all are having to deal with all of this stuff, but I'm glad y'all are indeed still here!
Quote from: daglob on April 20, 2020, 12:55:01 AM
Yeah, the neuropathy in my feet has taken out the kinesic sensing. If I have them off the ground for too long, I have no idea where they are.
That's almost like a superpower, isn't it? :D
Yesterday was the monthly meeting with the oncologist, along with the shot in the stomach, the one in my behind, and half an hour hooked up to a drip. The doctor likes the way stuff is going, and he wants me to start back up on the thalidomide at the end of the month. I believe this will extend my time on chemotherapy, so when y'all get to run loose, I'll still be stuck here with no immune system.
He thinks the numbness in my hands is probably not creeping neropathy, but carpal tunnel syndrome, which may be right since I switched to the laptop, and the mouse has been bothering me (so I guess I need one of those mouse pads with the padded edge).
still strong! I also need one of those pads
Apparently, I have reached some kind of saturation point, and am having even more side effects. I'm sick longer each week and the numbness in my hands may be neurapathy after all, just a pinched nerve is making it asymmetrical. I know I kept track last time, but is this time worse? It seems like it.
I'm sorry my friend. That sounds really rough. I hope and pray it will get better soon.
Apparently, the "fever blisters" on my face are some kind of pre-cancerous lesion caused by the chemo. I thought the cancer was supposed to be killed by the chemo...
Anyway, the dermatologist froze them off, and, curse the luck, I didn't spontaneously frost up all over and start shooting ice beams. :angry:
It really seems like ONE of these procedures would give you superpowers. Have comics been lying to us all these years?
Man, that stinks, DG. I'm sorry you're having to deal with that.
:wacko:
You're really having a hard time, a lot of strength brother
I'm getting a 2-week break from the chemo. The side effects are accumulating too fast.
Well, at least you'll get a chance to catch your breath. I hope you'll get to feeling better soon.
I am so sorry to hear about his DG. I have a family member battling chemo as well. I hope you can feel better soon.
You know the usual, can't wait to read about the day you're on the other end of this struggle and get some relief. My parents are still up at Mayo but they're getting pensive. Stepdad got the terminal diagnosis so to them it sort of feels like theirs no point. I imagine and from memory of my own trials the routine is getting to them more and you as well. I was at a point myself where whenever I filled out my job on a form, which at that point was always one for a hospital or another, I wrote "occupational patient". Just don't let yourself lose sight of what you're fighting for buddy and that is again to get to the day where things a little easier.
That's right: doctors. I've seen a dermatologist and a neurologist during my chemo hiatus. The dermatologist said that the fever blisters were actually cancerous, so she froze the worst of them and gave me a cream to kill the others. So far that worked. The neurologist says that the effects in my hands are neuropathy, and my feet are probably worse; he will set up tests to see how bad.
The problem with my feet is that they hurt. They feel like the bones are broken, and putting weight on them causes them to shift. Sometimes they hurt worse, sometimes they hurt less, but they always hurt. This may pass, and they will just be even number than before. The numbness was also heading up my legs towards my knees, and that was making it a strain to actually walk. The step up on a curb and even the one step into my house were getting harder and harder. Fortunately, I live in one-level house, although the cats are a bit of a trip hazard. I realized after the first time I had chemo that I was feeling the pressure of the gas pedal and brake in my ankles, but if they go numb...
The problem with my hands is that they quit working. Y'all may have noticed that I comment in a text less and less frequently. Usually responding with an emoticon if we had one that would do. I could barely touch type, and still can't type if I don't at least look at the keyboard, and my pinky and ring fingers felt like they were asleep. They trembled all the time, and the other fingers would occasionally twitch, and if I was holding anything it head for the floor. I had no grip strength, and it was affecting my lower arms. I also couldn't feel a pencil, and could barely write. Art was out of the question besides Photoshop being contrary. After I stopped the chemo, most of the feeling came back to my hands (and my legs), but my pinkies are still asleep (if more usable).
The oncologist started me back on both the chemo's, on lower doses. He hopes that this will give my body a chance to fight off the side effects. I guess we'll see. Now I'd like to know why my PSA is up for the first time in years...
I can't imagine the strength you need to go through all of this Dag, i hope you could feel better, don't give up.
Have noticed you're less responsive and tend to type shorthand but figured what was up. I don't envy you. I do have to do the whole derm/cut/burn thing myself but am taking a bit of time about it and granted issues with getting into a doctor during these times. Mostly just not anxious to be in your shoes again there.
That's really rough, Daglob. I hope things get easier with the lower dosage.
Man, yeah, that is really tough, DG. Everyone else has already said it. You always amaze me, man. The way you keep going and keep your head up is inspiring. As Pod said, I hope that the lower dose is easier to handle. You're always in my prayers, my friend.
You can't. :angry:
Oh, great... waterspouts off Dauphin Island (about 30 miles south)...
I saw a waterspout out at sea once, years ago. That's a sight I'm in no hurry to see again. Stay safe, my friend.
Hurricanes .... the reason for the season.
Stating more of the obvious as usual I know but that does not bode well at all. I finished reading FEMA's outline for an active storm season plus pandemic on top of strained public and resource and it's rocky, mostly details the issue with little resolution to offer. In their defense this isn't something one general get's ready for and is equally difficult to come up with solutions to as a hurricane season itself already is on it's own. I worry for everyone in the South and most especially a person in your compromised situation.
My daughter got me enough groceries to be sure I can weather the storm, and my son-in-law came by and filled up my car (which I shouldn't drive until I can feel my feet). All in all, I am relatively safe from flooding, since I am 10 feet higher than the road to the south, and there is nothing higher between there and The Gulf. At elevation 175, it is doubtful I will have those problems. Trees falling on the house and wind damage, though...I had to cancel my wind damage policy since they wanted $50K worth of improvements to the house to continue coverage. Oh, I could continue to pay, but they said flat out that they would deny any claim that came in unless I made the improvements. Fat chance...
The tide came in around noon and the wind didn't let it out again. The Causeway is flooded, and they are having alligators washing out of the delta and getting hung up on the road. Poor little 'gators. A lot of the streets around town are closed, "just in case", because if a spring shower pops up in the afternoon, these places are submerged. Roads on Dauphin Island have closed, and no one is allowed on the Island unless they have property or business there. That will stop eventually and no one will be allowed on or off. Gulf Shores is pretty much the same.
I haven't lost power the past few storms, but it is possible that You might not hear from me for a couple of days; I'll see if my daughter can drop a message from her phone, but I don't know. I'm not worried (much), but Diego seems to be. Of course, not long ago he would have been out in this.
And it is worse the further west you go...
(waves) Made it!
A reluctance to being in the Mohave. Sand is the forecast, always more or less. Brown outs during monsoon season of course, trying my tail off to get a gas genny here with some of the left over stimulus check. One of those saved my bacon more times than not during brown outs in winter when we lived in the Smokey's.
Glad you pulled through, also that you got people who help you out. My neighbors grandson helps her after the stroke, good kid. It's nice to see and read stuff like that in contrast to all the news focused on people doing bad things.
* edit: Jeez loiz that storm is hitting my mom and stepdad...in NE Wisconsin?!
Quote from: SickAlice on June 08, 2020, 04:54:53 PM
A reluctance to being in the Mohave. Sand is the forecast, always more or less. Brown outs during monsoon season of course, trying my tail off to get a gas genny here with some of the left over stimulus check. One of those saved my bacon more times than not during brown outs in winter when we lived in the Smokey's.
Glad you pulled through, also that you got people who help you out. My neighbors grandson helps her after the stroke, good kid. It's nice to see and read stuff like that in contrast to all the news focused on people doing bad things.
* edit: Jeez loiz that storm is hitting my mom and stepdad...in NE Wisconsin?!
Fredrick, which was the worst storm I ever experienced, flattened Mobile then went up around West Virginia and killed a bunch of people.
I look a bit like I'm starting to rot away again. I almost wish one of those idiots who wander around maskless, gets in your face, and shout insults at you would decide to scream at me. I'd pull down my mask and say "What makes you think the mask is to protect
me?
I haven't been in any serious hurricane action, tornado though major ones.
I had a man who was obnoxiously drunk the other day in my face and hanging on me, I fake coughed to get him to back off. I guess we have a new and easier deterrent for muggers now.
Yeah, the fake cough has taken on a whole new significance.
Glad you're safe, DG!
Last night's Windows Update disabled my BRAND NEW GRAPHICS TABLET. I haven't rolled back the update yet, because the computer seems to be running reeeaaaallllyyy ssslllooowww, and I expect another update is in the works (I can't be the only one). One reason I got this tablet was that you went to their website and had to download WX compatible drivers, whereas WACOM has no plans to update any of their older tablets. When I get the desktop running (I just can't keep using this laptop), I will look back into getting a WACOM. However, some of the ones I looked at before the whole global pandemic have recently added warning that they were not compatible with WX. Seems the cut-off point is around $300.
CTool also quit. Fortunately, CTool2 is still working. For now.
Yeah I got that update too. Had a bunch of issues right after, could barely start the thing. I jiggered some settings and what not and got mine up to snub. That's expensive for a Wacom by the way given they're obsolete. This laptop is touch screen and started at $450 and came with a top of the line graphics card, so only $150 over the Wacom's going rate. Might as well just grab a touch screen laptop for $400 or less from Best Buy or Walmart if you have to get down like that.
...all these sores on my face: I'M TURNING INTO DEADPOOL!
Without the enhanced reflexes, healing factor, and gorgeous gals... :(
Sorry to here it bud.
... which is extremely high for someone without a prostate.
... that the prostate cancer is back. Since it was stage 4 when it went into remission, it is stage 4 now. While they don't have a real location of it, the pain in my back and shoulders seems to be a clue of where it might be. I am off the thalidomide-based treatment, while they find a new treatment for the prostate cancer that won't interfere with the myeloma treatment. The fact that I lost 30 pounds is probably not good news.
So sorry to here this DG. Hope they find something soon!
Well, it was bound to happen. the Alabama board of health says we are 8th in infections and deaths (we were #1). I also live in the zip code with the highest occurrence of cases in the county. And my brother told me he tested positive yesterday, and he was over here 11 days ago. So I get tested tomorrow.
Chances of he casual short contact we had causing infection are small, and he believes he was exposed last week (after he was here). He went back to onsite work June 22, though, and could have been hit any time after that. He works in the IT department at one of the local hospitals, and he thought people were taking precautions (instead of some of the guys in the the department just talking about it). Now, most of the IT departments in either quarantine, or actually in the hospital. One further problem: my granddaughter was here when he stopped by, and, while unlikely, it could have been spread to my daughter's family, including my "essential personnel" son-in-law.
And I learned that Medicare doesn't want to pay for my prostate cancer treatment. I guess the figure that one cancer at a time is enough. I agree with them, but I can't control what happened.
On the other hand, there is fairly good news from the neurologist: the tests show that there is probably SOME permanent damage, most of it will be recoverable. I've been off the thalidomide for a week, and some of the feeling has come back to my hands. I have some new meds to try and relieve the pain in my feet (which feels like walking on broken glass these days).
And the annoying thing is that while I was hooked up to a machine that shot electric charges along my nerves to check their conductivity,there were thunderstorms moving through the area. AND NOT A SINGLE LIGHTNING BOLT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD!
That is the bad and silly part of this. The really ugly part is that my baby brother has coronavirus.
Hemorrhoids.
We shall not discuss this.
We shall all be mature about it and make sure you're not the butt of any jokes.
... Just letting y'all know.
Great news DG! :thumbup:
Glad the test was negative, man. I'm sorry that there's so much stuff hitting you. Stay strong, my friend. We love you and continue to pray for you and root for you.
The title pretty much says it all.
Man, I'm sorry DG. Hang in there. 'This too shall pass,' which I know doesn't help as much as we'd like it too, but it is important to remember. How much more do you have in this set?
I was supposed to be done in May, but they reduced the dosage, and now have stopped the thalidomide, the prostate cancer is back, so there is no end in site.
However, I have discovered that most cookies still taste good, So I can live on coffee, ice cream, corn puffs with milk, bacon, and cookies. But I have lost 35 pounds and discovered yet another thing they don't tell you about: crepey skin. That, and right now even my tongue tastes bad.
Same as always bud, I pray for a break for you here.
Gah, that's awful, DG. At least you still have cookies. It would be a sad thing to live without cookies. I pray that it becomes more tolerable and that it will be effective and short.
Prayers my friend hope things get better for you soon.
Well chemo is still doing this, but my brother is over the coronavirus, and only had a mild case. My sister-in-law and her 92 year old mother also survived with minor cases. We knew Miss Sarah would, though; we're pretty sure she intimidated the virus into good behavior.
I'm keeping you in my prayers daglob. Gosh man, I'm sorry that you have to deal with the chemo. Keeping hanging in there man.
Some good news with the bad. Glad to hear it, man.
... they start showing "spaghetti tracks" for the hurricanes and at least one looks like it comes up my street and turns into my driveway.
I was watching that friend, hope this steers away from you.
Just had my first haboob the other day, not something most people would be excited for but it's on my bucket list as an amateur storm chaser, well retired from but it came to me. Got some good money shots, also got nailed in the head by flying debris for being reckless lol. Don't do as I do kids, I am not a trained professional and often act the fool.
Edit: sorry, I meant steer East into the ocean.
... and can we send him someplace far away from here?
Earthquakes? Really?
Just shaking things up, you know? :P
Haven’t done this in awhile; there has been all sorts of bad and ugly and very little good.
However, I survived Hurricane Sally with only the top of a cedar tree falling on the car port, and no power for 40 hours (my little alpha female cat is still annoyed; 40 hours, why, that is eternity in cat years). After hearing about it for awhile, I found out a couple of day ago that a tornado really did touch down two blocks away. It was the cause of the power outage.
Now, Delta’s causing a lot of beach erosion in places that sere already eroded from the last hurricane. They say we will get a lot of rain on Saturday, so keep away from all the usual places that flood. They predict 4-5 feet higher tides through the weekend, and here are places where the local elevation is 4-5 feet.
A couple of weeks back I got an infusion of immunoglobulin, so I get to borrow someone else’s immune system because I don’t have one these days. And, since I’m running three cancers simultaneously, my prognosis is 5 years instead of 15. Still, I intend to approach that deadline the same way as the 15 year prognosis, and keep on going. They have managed to modify some of the drugs so I have less pain, but at the cost of occasionally having a "nap attack".
DG, glad you came through the storm okay. I'm sorry that there hasn't been better news for you, but keep at it, man. Your endurance is amazing. We love you and pray for you, my friend.
Definitely keeping you in prayer daglob. You've gone through a lot and I find your perseverance amazing. Good grief man.
Spent all day at the doctor, got injected with radioactive chemicals and zapped in weird machines, and not one single thing happened. Not even glow-in-the-dark urine...
Well that hardly seems fair. You'd think that would be the least they could do!
Sorry DG. I hope that these procedures will do you some good.
Have you turned off the lights? Otherwise is difficult to see the glow ... this must be really hard to endure, i too hope this stuff could at least help you also a little, don't give up man.
I'm also losing my hair (again) and my finger and toe nails hurt (I didn't lose them last time).
... now they are talking about RADIATION ...
And we all know that means super-powers, mutation, or something, especially with the cocktail of other things you've already got floating around inside you. See if you can get them to stick to just the gamma range, at least at first.
Don't know where to start, since the whole time FR was shutdown everything seemed all sorts of good, bad, and ugly. No radiation, though.
Glad you're around, my friend. I hope the good has outweighed the bad, though there's plenty of ugly to go around.
Benton put it perfectly, so glad you're around DaGlob <3
On the first day of November, my leg hurt. I mentioned it to my daughter, who wanted to look at it. It was a little red. The same way a fire truck is a little red. I ended up at an emergency clinic shortly before it closed for the day, and they said it was cellulitus, and I needed to go in the hospital. The mayor says "Everything's fine, the corona virus threat is blown all out of proportion. Don't wear your masks, go out and spend that money. We've turned the corner." But, some people who work in those hospitals me or my daughter know say the hospitals are close to full, so I said no. Last time I had this, I went in the hospital, and was home four days later-no sweat (it did take Lenore almost a week to forgive me).
Anyway, I got an assortment of shots, oral antibiotics (must have been strong... both yogurt and buttermilk had a hard time stopping the side effects). then I got intravenous antibiotics, piped right into my chemotherapy port. All this makes me somewhat drowsy, so I tend to have a Nap Attack a couple of times a day. The original cellulitis has cleared up, but I have blisters on the other leg, and the Wound Care center wants to make that they don't get worse. They are caused by sugar (or made worse by sugar), so it will be a couple of weeks before I get all of the Christmas goodies out of my system.
You know, wanting people to keep spending money is one thing; telling people NOT to wear masks when they do, that's something else. We've made this so much harder on ourselves than it has to be.
I'm sorry that you've had all that trouble, DG. I'm glad that you're getting treatment for the issues. I don't blame you for not going to the hospital, given our current crisis. Let's hope that things stay manageable enough that you don't need to!
Gah, on top of all of that, you can't enjoy Christmas goodies! That's just not fair!
Yo, your mayor is whack.
Where I come from masks are legally enforced, with a fine. The fine was actually ASKED for by businesses, so it would be easier for them to kick non mask wearers out.
That's so crazy! Anti-maskers are crazy!
Beyond that, whoa that sucks, man! Not being able to get into the hospital because it's full of covid patients? So scary.
I hope it's the same as last time and you get better from this particular bit soon!
Okay, I broke a tooth. Since I can't do things in half measures, it is broken in several pieces and a hunk (or maybe shard) sticks out and cuts into my tongue when I talk, drink, or try to eat. I went to the dentist who said something like "Woah! That's beyond what I can do" and sent me to an oral surgeon. He took a look and said he would have to get in touch with my oncologist, because one of my cancer meds when combined with oral surgery can cause something called "necrotizing bone disease" or something like that (the pictures are not pretty). So, I may have to come off chemotherapy for the process (I have an oral surgeon, a dentist, and an oncologist working on what the process will be; probably what the construction industry calls "abandon in place"), which means food will start tasting like food again instead of a paper mill.
And I can't chew on anything!
Ow.... Ow.... and fracking OWWWW!!!
I feel your pain, back in my youth (20+ years ago) I got caught in the jaw by a piece of falling timber and and caused a cracked/shattered tooth. But I didn't have to deal with the extras you have to. I hope everything gets better, that is rough.
BTW, when my Mom was taken off Chemo, we all found out one weird aftereffect was her tastes in food changed. Some foods she used to love, she couldn't stand anymore, and others she craved. Like yogurt, she used to hate it, and suddenly she loved it. It was strange going through foods to find what her tastebuds enjoyed now.
Again, my thoughts are with you to have things getting better as speedily as possible.
One "good" thing about it: milkshakes for lunch.
My mother has been having the same skin issues you mentioned for your legs, with the rash, sugar blisters and med-induced drowsiness. Pretty much the textbook definition of "not fun"; I hope things are better for you now!
Well, I have three dental types and my oncologist working on my tooth (I’m waiting for them to get my orthopedic doctor in on it). The last dental specialist looked at the x-rays and said that it looked to him like the tooth was broken in several places and had been for some time. He believes it was the filling that held it together this long. The filling is over 50 years old. In his opinion (and his was apparently the one that counted) the “abandon in place” method wouldn’t work; all the pieces will need to be removed. So, I’m off the chemical that fought the osteoporosis for 90 days (60 to go), then can’t take it again or 90 more days. The oncologist says it was about time to stop the drug anyway for awhile, and if things look good, he may stop it for awhile longer than six months. It is also the drug that causes the necrotic bone disease.
That is some strong arsed filling! Again I hope things goas painless as possible with the removal.
And I hope that things do look good for you on the osteo-drug and you can get off it for longer then their saying.
Man, DG, all of this stuff with the tooth has sounded awful. But, it sounds like there might be something positive in there, and I hope that the news is indeed good and you get a break from some of the heavier stuff!
... a staff infection when you have no immune system is no fun.
Beat it up, Glob! Overpower your attacks!
:D
You've gotta' use the right attack type to get extra damage. What material type is a staff infection anyway?
Seriously man, that stinks. I hope you knock it out quickly! As always, you're in my prayers, my friend.
Radioactive chemicals+big zappy machine +thunderstorm=... nothing... not a blessed thing...
Time delay..... you might wake up after a good night's sleep floating above the bed. Keep the windows closed so you don't wind up in the airlanes as a flight hazard.
Ruby Jackson has died. None of you know her, but she was my stepmother v.2.0 (which was a big improvement over v1.pbbbt). Living with my father without killing him alone is worth sainthood, and she well deserved that.
But, along with my ex-mother in law, she was one of my "other mothers", and I will miss her.
Very sorry for your loss daglob.
Same here. I've lost some close family over the years, and there's not much that can said at such a time.
Thoughts and prayers to you and yours right now DG.
Very sorry to hear that DG.
Cyber Burn's death is all sorts of Bad and Ugly. I don't see anything good about it.
This is Bill's daughter. He is in the hospital and wanted me to let y'all know. He'll be okay in the long run, but he's a bit of a mess right now. He's looking forward to filling y'all in on all of his adventures this past week once he is back home, and he's trying to keep his sense of humor about everything. As is usual, I am amused by none of the shenanigans that he's trying so hard to look on the bright side of.
And he wanted me to let y'all know, that while all that is the bad, the good is still his family.
He's OUR good, too.
Please send him my prayers and hopes for his speedy recovery!
Get better and come back to us when you're feeling well again, DG. Our thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes are all heading your way!
He is our good as well. Thank you for sharing this with us. He has spoken of you and the rest of his family often as he's fought this long battle. As others have said, please pass our love and prayers on to him. We're pulling for him, always.
I echo what Benton said as well. Daglob is one of the most helpful honest people here, and I hope he gets better soon.
Thanks for keeping us in the loop. I wish Daglob a speedy recovery!
Same here. Hope he recovers soon and stays with us into the far future.
RD
I hope he could recover soon he is another great hero of this community.
Get better, mate, and avoid the green jello...it's secretly alive...
I pray you get well soon, Bill
This is one of those moments were you feel you know someone just abit even if you have never spoken. Ive been lurking these forums for well over 10 years. I used to have a different nick just lost password. Idont post much. Im very much introverted. However i do really care about this man. Ive been following him for a long time. So please get well Glob. Hugs
I'm late to hear this, but wishing Bill the best for a recovery! He's one of the good ones.
Home now for some extended recovery. As always, my greatest Good is my family, followed by you guys.
Welcome back, DG! So glad your back home, both in RL and here. Many many wishes for a continued recovery.
We missed you, as Nyte said, hope you recover soon.
(https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/001/769/143/506.png)
Nice one Yank!
Welcome back DG
RD
Excellent and apt, Yank! Welcome back, DG! This is good news indeed!
The return of the king indeed!
Good to hear you're doing ok Daglob.
I bow to the King! (and to Yank!) Welcome back DG!
Welcome homes, Sire.
Glad you're home DG.
Tooth gone.
Did you get any money from the Tooth Fairy for it?
Tooth fairy said the time on the tooth had expired. Besides, it was broken.
You want abject terror, have a dental surgery stitch come out the absolute earliest it can.
Really weird happenstance: I missed my original appointment for dental surgery because of being in the hospital. then when I got out, I couldn't get an appointment because the surgeon was at a convention. At the convention, he learned new techniques for handling my problem. I got to be his first guinea pig.
Well, I guess that worked out in a weird way. Sheesh! This stuff sounds rough, DG. Hang in there, man!
Well at least a blood vessel didn't pop when the stitch came out. Had that happen to me right after having one side of my wisdom teeth out - stitch popped an hour after the surgery followed by a blood vessel...was drooling blood for two days before i could get into the surgeon to resew me.
Yeesh!
Quote from: Deaths Jester on May 22, 2021, 10:12:10 PM
Well at least a blood vessel didn't pop when the stitch came out. Had that happen to me right after having one side of my wisdom teeth out - stitch popped an hour after the surgery followed by a blood vessel...was drooling blood for two days before i could get into the surgeon to resew me.
Okay, you got me beat.
Nah, just different is all...better than the first time I had surgery and they put me under general knockout - beyond the twilight sleep one gets for dental surgery. That was...different to say the least.
Because I don't want to threadjack this topic...
To DJ (http://www.freedomreborn.net/forums/index.php?topic=60704)
:angry:
Hurricanes in 2021...good heavens, one can only imagine. Sorry DG.
The only good hurricanes are the ones that come in tall glasses that make you forget the last year.
I hear electrical transformers buzzing in the distance. I may lose power this time too.
They say it's half over. Made it so far.
So far, so good!
So the Titans discussed this a bit, but no one's really up to it. I'm not really either, but here we go.
As soon as one of the admins/mods sees this, we'll be locking this thread as a memorial to Bill "DaGlob" Jackson. His battle with cancer is finally over, and he is at peace.
Thread locked.
Go with the angels DG, your fight is over and your rest is well deserved.