Man with a Mission

Redirect

2008-02-20T21:05:00.002-06:00

As most of you have noticed I have not updated my blog forever. I’m sorry the last 4 months have been very hard and draining on the body with being in and out of the hospital. I have decided to stop updating and redirect you over to Skye’s blog. Plus Skye's writing is so much better (no dirkisms) and bonus insights into the rest of our life (for all who enjoy the extras on the DVD's).

So enjoy.

Here is Skye's Blog http://dreamsofawildflower.blogspot.com/

Advice from a Tree

2007-08-18T15:09:00.000-05:00

Ok I have been slacking but what else would you expect from me. Actually at least I have good reason for it this time, I have been living life. I have now returned back to work full time and diving into my new position at Mark Travel. I have also been spending time with Alec and Skye. From playing with cars to reading Harry Potter with Skye. Yesterday we went to the Zoo's A'la Cart and had a blast. Alec loves the zoo and its always fun to try new foods plus the weather was perfect.

Also, Skye's back is killing her. She finlly went to the Dr. on Friday and got a muscle relaxer and pain pills. I must say her back caused a scare for her because it caused her to have sever headaches and of course anytime someone has a headache in our household the first thought is Tumor. But all is well, her med's make her a little more chatty if you can imagine Skye being any more chatty. The med's have a relaxer and caffine in it...a little Heckel and Jyde.

Otherwise not much else tonight. We are going out to a movie and dinner to celebrate 11 years of marriage. We also hope next week to turn on the kiln and start making some glass art. Plus next week the 24th the weight limit is officaly over I can then lift Alec. I must be honest, this weekend I have broken that rule a couple of times now but it's only 1 week away and Skye needs the break to let her back heal.

Until later take care everyone.

I wanted to share this little poem that was passed onto me from a friend...

"Advice from a Tree"

Dear Friend
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of your tru nature
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace the joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go like the leavbes in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet renewal of Winter

Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night
Sekk nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs away and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view

Until next time
David

Another Quick Update

2007-07-25T07:41:00.000-05:00

Well its been little over a week now on the new med's. No really side affects at this time. Yesterday was a little rough I have learned that I need to make sure I eat 3 balanced meals a day and little snacking in between. This seems to be the only side affect. It seems when I do not eat I get really tired quickly and food in gerneral does not sound good. Now I know you are suppose to eat 3 meals a day, it seems I'm a little more toucher on that now.

I did meet with the DR yesterday and has given me the go ahead to start driving again. I still have another month before I can lift Alec. The count down has started. I should find out today about returning back to work or not. Other then that we planted a garden (with a lot of help from some friends) last weekend and went to see the Brewers actually win against the SF Giants. I was almost impressed. I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the weather.

take care David

Quick Update

2007-07-11T06:53:00.000-05:00

Ok I saw the Doctor yesterday. I have been approved for the new study. I need to do some base line tests before I start but it looks like I will start taking the new med's early next week. One thing I'm happy about the new med's is I do not have to take on an empty stomach or wait a couple of hours before I can eat.

I have a follow up appt in about 2 weeks. At that point he believes I should be able to start basic driving again (I hope). But my weight restrictions have been lifted a little. By mid to end of Aug I should be able to pick up Alec (30lbs). I have been given the ok to carry about 10 - 15 lbs over the next couple of weeks.

A friend sent this article and wanted to share might have to move to Switzerland
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070709/hl_afp/britainswitzerlandus

I'm slacking...

2007-07-08T20:06:00.000-05:00

Ok I'm slacking already in keeping it up to date. I will have more to tell when I see the doctor next week in terms of getting approved for the new study. I also just want to say thank you to everyone who has sent the meals and food over. It has been a great help in so many ways and I apologize for not sending an email, for some reason I can not sign into my work account. But overall I'm feeling good, trying to relax, heal, and prepare for the new treatment. Just waiting for some of the restrictions to be let up from the doctor. It's amazing how many things we pick up that are over 5 lb's. This will pass and Alec will be nothing but happy again soon.

I have an interesting article that I thought some might find interesting, just new possible ways to cure cancer - frogs?

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/news/tm_headline=cancer--bullet-&method=full&objectid=19369056&siteid=66633-name_page.html

Here is another little article that I received in my cancer newsletters. I love the lore of Dragons so thought I would share. Please note i did not write any of this below but love the idea behind it.

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." ~Eleanor Roosevelt~

"According to legend, Shaolin temple monks had to endure an agonizing test of endurance and courage in order to achieve the level of master. They were made to strip naked and embrace a branding vessel that had been emblazoned with an image of a dragon. The resulting "dragon scar" was proof that the monk could face and overcome his fears.

Many people refer to cancer as "the beast," and being diagnosed is often compared to "facing the dragon." Cancer is indeed a terrifying diagnosis to receive, and it is little wonder that the first instinct for many of us is to turn away, to say I can't do this, to be paralyzed by fear.

But I wonder if we might do better to consciously employ a different technique, that of embracing the dragon, and by doing so, to tame the beast and finally defeat it.

One of the earliest stories in which someone who is threatened by a dragon makes use of this technique is the story of St. George. George, (not a saint yet, of course, but just a tribune in the Roman army) came across a maiden who was being held captive by a dragon. The dragon was hiding nearby (they're sneaky that way), and the maiden - quite understandably - was weeping. When George asked her why she was crying, she urged him to "quickly mount your horse and fly less you perish with me."

Of course, the brave tribune stood his ground and asked of what she was so afraid. Just then, the dragon emerged from its hiding place and the maiden screamed (maidens did a lot of that back then). George, however, made the sign of the cross, uttered a brief prayer (it is often necessary to be brief when facing dragons), and advanced on the dragon. Brandishing his lance (don't worry; you won't need one of these), he transfixed the beast and cast it to the ground. He instructed the maiden to pass her girdle (I don't think "girdle" meant the same thing in those days) around the dragon - note that she "embraced" the dragon! - and to fear nothing. When this had been done, the dragon followed her like a puppy!

George and the maiden then led the dragon into the town it had been terrorizing. The people fled, but George called them back and told them they no longer needed to fear the dragon because he had been sent to deliver them. After much celebrating and baptizing, George smote off the head of the dragon.

While we as cancer survivors are not required to face down a fiery dragon (and I for one am very thankful for that!) or do any actual smoting (again, grateful!), we can learn a powerful lesson from the Shaolin temple monks (no branding vessels required) and St. George. By turning and facing "the beast" head on, showing no fear ("fake it 'til you can make it") even when your knees are knocking and your heart is pounding, and maybe even shouting "Bring it on!" above the dragon's roar, we can tame it enough to embrace it, not with affection, mind you, but in an act of power and control.

In yet another bit of dragon lore, it is said that by embracing a dragon, you absorb a bit of its heart and its courage. And who among us couldn't use a little more of that?"

Well I’m back home already.

2007-06-27T21:03:00.000-05:00

The Doctors couldn’t find any reason to keep me any more so I’m able to rest in my own house/bed tonight and looking forward to not being bothered every 4hours in the middle of the night for vitals etc….

Its funny some things went easier this time then last time while other things did not. But the important part is that I’m out and stable.

We also received the results of what they removed from the surgery. They found scar tissue from radiation, dead cancer cells and a few active cancer cells. So over all it was a good thing we did go in and do a little clean up. With knowing that a few living ones were up there, we are going to try for a new study. This medication attacks on the proteins that cancer cells use to grow on.

I will be on light duty for a while and have a couple follow-up appointments next week to see how overall I’m doing and to have the staples removed. Until then take care everyone and thank you for all the thoughts and support.

~ David

"Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends" - The Beatles

2007-06-22T20:48:00.000-05:00

A couple friends at work asked me to post this on my blog to help get the information out there easily...Thanks you guys. This means more than you'll ever know.

"Let's all pitch in to help David and Skye so that they can concentrate on getting David well. Jean W and Karen S are coordinating meals. If some of you would like to make a meal for David but are unable to deliver it to his home, Jean and Karen are able to deliver it for you. David and Skye are open to most foods. If the dish includes meat, please make it chicken or pork. No fish! You can contact Jean at jwilde@triseptsolutions.com and Karen at ksolliday@triseptsolutions.com. You might want to include both of us on any messages, in case one or the other is out of the office. Please let us know what day you'd like to make a meal and also if you'll need us to assist with delivery."

We’re Going In

2007-06-20T22:50:00.000-05:00

Well I had the doctor’s appt today and another MRI. Again the MRI was not able to show us if there really is actual tumor growth, dead cancer cells or side affects of the radiation.

So I have opted to have surgery to find out what the hell is actually going on. I did not have to have surgery, but I don’t want to wait to find out that I have a full-blown tumor in my head again. I will be going in on Monday June 25th (go figure 1 year on the date of the original surgery). After the surgery they will biopsy the removed tissue to find out if it is or not cancer.

Otherwise everything is fine I feel fine no headaches or side affects. I will try to update once I’m out of the hospital to let everyone know how I’m feeling and the results of the surgery. This weekend we are just planning ahead to make next week a little easier on us (prepare food, cut the grass, laundry, give Alec lots of attention). That will be the hardest again, the weight and driving restrictions. I’m hoping Alec will understand when I cannot pick him up. And as I learned from last time, I need to ask for help. So I’m asking for help…from anybody who can spare it. It may not seem like much but it will help not only me, but Skye and Alec. Here is the laundry list of items that helped so much the last time, and again thank you all for your friendship in these times.

- Pre-made food
- Cutting Grass
- Car Pooling (Once I’m released to return back to work, I may need help getting there and home)
- Take Skye out to get her mind off things

Until then take care everyone
~ David

What a Month

2007-06-03T21:22:00.001-05:00

Well the old saying is the glass half full or half empty. In all honestly, it depends on how you like to view things. Ok you are wondering where the hell I’m going with this.

Well now to the point. The May 23rd MRI there was a slight change. I know what does a slight change mean. Nobody seems to know. The Dr ordered a PET scan the following week to see if we could see what this “slight change” means. The results of the PET scan did not help. They inject you with this lovely stuff to help when you have the scan for the cancer cells which will attach to them and show up on the scan. The PET scan came back and there was a little faint glow but then they said that the glowing could be due to the way they slice the images they take.

So 2 scans later and a lot of restless sleep in the household and nobody knows what it could be. It brings it down to 3 possibilities.

It could be a bad MRI scan as I did notice that this one was really quite, I could almost take a nap.
There could be cancer cells there but are dead and just floating up in my head.
Or it could be tumor activity

I go back to the Dr on June 20th for another MRI scan. The surgeon will be there to also view the MRI. Based on that we will have surgery done or not. If we do have the surgery we will also make the decision to have a balloon type device put in my head. This balloon will hold radiation allowing us to counteract the possibility of tumor growth. We looked into this when this whole thing began but the way the surgery was done we could not. I believe this will be a more effective approach then the chemo drug, as that has to travel through my body and break into the brain barrier before even getting to the tumor. Overall I feel great…no headaches, side affects from the drugs, nothing just living life and stopping to smell the flowers along the way as Alec has taught me to do.

Speaking of life, I have lost track on who knows and who does not but I have accepted a new position at Mark Travel. Yes I will be moving across the street from Trisept to Mark Travel. I’m looking forward as this is a new position and a new team. I can’t wait to build this new team and the challenges this new position holds. I will be starting June 18th.

March

2007-03-31T23:09:00.000-05:00

Well another month has gone by which means another MRI. To get too the point the MRI was clean not that I expected anything less. Now that we have talked about the cancer lets talk about life and what I have been up too lately.

Skye and I finally took advantage of a friends and family special from work. We went to Vegas for 3 nights 4 days. It was great Alec stayed with the grandparents which meant we were free to do what we wanted and when we wanted. Not to say I did not miss the little guy but it was great. Funny how the little moments standout the most in life, things that at the time don't seem important or life changing. So back here in Milwaukee, I think back to the warm weather of Vegas and how wonderful the trip was. The little moment that stands out was simply sitting at the Bellegio and sharing a cup of yummy coffee with Skye and just watching people walking by. It wasn't the 'O' show not that wasn't great or all the great food it was just sharing a quite moment with Skye. So enjoy every moment you never know how important it will be.

Speaking of warm weather I must say we have the spring bug. Skye and I are planting a flower garden in the front of the house this year. Last week when it was still warm I dug up the tree and bushes that were there. We cashed in our coins and went and bought 160 bricks to use for the edging. I have never been much of a gardener but I'm looking forward to seeing the flowers come up. If anybody has any hints on flower gardens or putting in a small retaining wall please leave a comment.

I will post Alec’s Easter photos when we get them back. The photos turned out great it was hard to choose which one we wanted. Speaking of photos keep an eye out next year from the zoo for the breakfast benefit. We went this year and the photographer snapped a lot of shots of Alec eating his pancakes. He is growing up so fast. We started him in preschool for 1 day a week for 5 hours. The first couple of weeks he did great but last week was a little tough. It will be interesting to see how he reacts after being off for spring break. The teachers tell us that he shares really well with the other kids and loves doing the art projects.

Well it is time to go and settle down for the night and have a glass of pomegranate juice.

Take care
David

The begining of a New Year 2007

2007-02-04T20:37:00.000-06:00

Ok I hve been slacking again. The end of Dec and the month of Jan has been a rollercoaster of fun, events and emotions. Let me first say that I'm healthy and the MRI for Dec and Jan were CLEAN. The holidays were great and Alec enjoyed the tree, lights and of course the gifts he recieved.

As we entered the new year we hoped that this year would bring a new begining for us. We figured we had our fair share of challanges in 2006. Skye and I knew this would somday happen but I must say it did not make it any easier. On Friday Jan 19th I got my first headache. For those of you who don't know this was the only sign something was wrong with me back in June of 06. I was able to take some advil and the headache was gone 1 hour later, the headaches in 06 never went away with meds. Plus I had a check up with one of my doctors who reassured me that everything was ok by looking at the Dec mri.

But to be honest it shook me up a little. As we head now into Feb 07 and as cold as it is I know that this year is going to be nothing but amazing. The winter will end and the spring will bring new life.

"Life is a gift woven of dreams"

"Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but how we react to what happens; not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst.... a spark that creates extraordinary results."

3rd MRI and preparing for the Holidays

2006-12-04T20:31:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone

Well I just had my 3rd MRI and everything was clean again. There was a little concern about my platelets as they dropped some based on the blood test after thanksgiving (November 24th). They were still normal but they were just a little worried. So they made me do a blood test the same day as my MRI (November 28th) and they were back up. I blame it on the wonderful turkey dinner I had with the family.

Ok so I'm a little late in putting a picture up but here it is alec at Halloween

Also for those of you who watch TV at night watch for the Farm and Fleet commercial. Skye was interviewed the day of the big xmas sale. I'm trying to upload the video but having a few problems with that. It has been the highlight of the holidays.

Well other things we are getting ready to celebrate Alec's 2 year birthday. We are doing a birthday with one of his playmates because their birthday's are so close. We are going to have it at Pump it up. It a place that has everything from a slide to a basketball court done in large blown up balloons. I'm sure he will sleep well that night.

Also we have done our first piece in the kilm I will try to take pictures of that too. It turn out beautifully.

take care everyone and have wonderful holidays

Second MRI update

2006-11-07T20:17:00.000-06:00

Ok, I know I have been really behind in keeping this up-to-date but October has been a very social month for us. Plus I had a work trip out to San Francisco for about 4 days.

Down to business. My second MRI came back clean. The scan shows very little scar tissue, which is awesome. For this months dosage of Chemo they increased it from 220 to 310 each day just because I'm doing that well. I must say with having to take it during the SFO trip, it left me a little weak and the stomach did not react as well as it normally does. I have a feeling large part was diet and the other the difference in time zone. But I'm doing fine now all is well again…not to worry.

So, in the month of October we took Alec Trick or Treating twice. Lets say he loved it, by the second house he had a system down for asking for more after the first handful of candy. Alec being cute as he is, knew how to work it. He was dressed as a giraffe, which he looked very cute in. We also took him pumpkin picking which took him a little bit more to get into but after awhile he was trying to pick up every pumpkin in the field.

Also in October we went and saw a tribute band for Genesis. The concerts were a blast. I would like to thank the friend who bought the tickets for us, allowing us to afford to go and enjoy both concerts. It was great to see what the band was like during the Peter Gabriel time.

Other then that we finally have the kiln up and running. We just need to vacuum it out and put a wash on the shelf, cut some glass, and let it do its thing. I hope to have pictures soon.

Until next time…take care everyone and thanks for all the support.

MRI update

2006-10-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

I just want to put a quick note up I will put more detail up maybe tonight.

Yesterdays MRI came back clean. The dr was very happy with what he saw.

take care everyone.

Hello...

2006-09-17T21:01:00.000-05:00

Well I have now been done with treatments almost 2 weeks now. All I can say is, I feel great. The redness around my head has just about gone and the scar is beginning to flaten. Still losing a little hair but it should start to grow back in about a week or week and half.

I have been spending lots of time with Skye and Alec. Alec is growing by leaps and bounds. The back molers are now coming in so he can be a little fussy, but he's still an amazing little kid. He just said his first string of words this weekend "more milk". We went apple picking this weekend with a couple of friends and their son. Alec loved seeing the animals and riding the train. And yes he did actually pull some apples off of the trees. Can't wait for punkin picking.

The wedding last week was wonderful and beautiful. The rain hit about 2 hours before the wedding but after that the night was clear. For their wedding cake, they had individual flavored cupcakes decorated with real flowers. Yummmmmmm..... It was great to see Brain and Kerri so happy.

This week is my last week before I start work (as long as the paper work is correct now, long story.) I'm looking forward to the challanges and getting to see everyone at Trisept again. I know it will be a adjustment again especially for Alec who has gotten used to seeing and having me around all day, but he will figure out the new routine. As we all will.

That's all for now...

An Update Finally...

2006-09-03T21:32:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone!

I know I have been slacking this week. Actually this has been a very long week. The doctor appointments have been taking longer. I guess they want to get their last words in. Yes that is right the count is now down to Monday and Tuesday (weeeeeeeeeeeeee…yes that is me jumping up and down and just smiling). I have also been fighting off a cold, not too bad just a running nose and a little congestion, lets hope it stays that way. My energy has also been a little low this week, but the cats do not seem to mind as they always argue on who will lay next to me for the morning and mid-afternoon nap.

Other updates:
For those of you I have not yet told, I will be returning back to work full-time on September 25th 2006. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at Trisept again and to the challenges of the every changing Internet/technology. By the way the new UV site looks great everyone, glad to see the site has launched.

I have also found out which group for the study I will be in. I will be in Group A. This will be the standard treatment. I will take the Chemo pill for 5 days each month for about 1 year. I will start this in early October.

Art update:
We drove down to Chicago about 1 ½ weeks ago now and picked up the kiln. I must say it’s a beautiful piece of machinery. I have a friend coming over to help set up the electrical outlet, so hopefully we will be fusing glass very soon. Once we have something done I will post a couple of pictures.

Well, that is all for now and it is getting a little late. Until next time.

Live to Inspire~ David

Restaurant review

2006-08-16T13:20:00.000-05:00

Well here is the restaurant review I promised. Basically Monsoons reminds me of eating Asian in a bar. Very loud and rushed even in the dinning area. Also as I’m partial to the little hole in the wall Asian places that offers lots of things to eat and good food I found at Monsoons menu sparse with only offering maybe 10 main dishes to choose from. We ordered the crispy honey chicken and shared. I found it not crispy and not very flavorful, no sauce so adding rice only made it dry.

So after the disappointment we ended the night at cheese cake factory for dessert and you cannot go wrong there. But please don’t take my word on Monsoons check it out for yourself but don’t say I did not warn you.

I also surprised my wife with a little movie. I scanned in a collection of photos of our last 10 or so years. Now all the photos are not just us being cute some are just capturing a moment in time. And for those at work you cannot use these photos against me when I get back and yes I was that young once.

Please note I have never used Microsoft moviemaker so the movie might take a while to open up.

Click here or paste the url in a new window http://www.skyestudio.com/blog/10years_0001.wmv

I have been reading a book I received for my birthday on glass fusion. Lovely book. The kiln has been put on hold as we try to figure out how they are going to ship it. They say they will drive the truck up but not take it off the truck or just dump it in the street. This would not be a problem if I could just lift 230 pounds myself. So we are looking into a couple other ways of getting our kiln. Should have it figured out by this week.

Update in the health department. I have been feeling fine the only side affect is a hair loss around the scar and behind the ear, but no need for a haircut even though my wife just keeps edging me on to shave all off as she finds bald men hot. But beyond that I feel fine.

Well take care everyone.

Inspiration

2006-08-10T11:20:00.000-05:00

Well were working on week #3 now and so far I feel fine. Alec is waking up in the middle the night the past couple so that has been making me a little tired. This week I will be celebrating my 10-year wedding anniversary with my beautiful wife. Nothing too fancy we want to try the new restaurant out in Brookfield call Monsoon (don't quote me on the spelling of the restaurant). I will let you know how the food is.

Also friend passed this morning pray onto me. I have found it very motivational. I thought I would pass it on in case others need somthing to help them through tough times.

Morning! Prayer by Stuart Wilde

I am eternal, immortal, universal and
infinite. My expectations are limitless. This
is my day. I am in control of each and
everything that comes to me. I accept
complete responsibility for my life for I
know that I am power.

May the beauty of this day unfold deeply
from within me. May there be energy and
strength at all times. May the freshness of
this day revitalize and heal my body. May I
be in balance and feel my power at all times.

This day I express love to each person that
I meet for I know that I am truly lovable.

The Universe is abundant. Therefore, I am
abundant. My expectations are without limit.

Each and every day I am becoming more
and more sensitive to my surroundings. I
am always in the right place at the right
time.

The beauty of this day will unfold strongly.
The creativity within me will manifest to its
highest possibility and potential.

I am power. I am eternal, immortal,
universal and infinite. I control my destiny.
I am in loving cooperation with every
aspect of my life.

Thank you for the beauty and completeness
of this day. It is so. Amen.

Its not all doctor's appoinments and medication

2006-08-07T07:46:00.000-05:00

Every week they take blood to check my white blood count and my platelets. (Platelets help your blood clot. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) means your body can't stop itself from bleeding, which could lead to dangerous blood loss.). The test last week left the Doctor and the resident scratching their head. My white blood count is very good but my platelets have increased since the week before. They were unsure on how to explain this. I get the feeling there unsure on how to deal with me half the time with my optimistic, energy filled attitude. The only thing they can say, as I basically drill back the answers to their questions before they ask, is that there will be hair loss in about the 4th to 6th week. I try to keep reminding them that I was losing my hair before but they don't get the joke.

Lets talk about something fun now. There is so much more to life then "Tumor Talk" as we like to call it at home. I hope everyone is now enjoying the lovely weather we had this weekend. I have been getting a lot of questions about what I have been doing in my spare time. So here goes the list.

We put our order in for our glass kiln. A friend of ours gave us a small loan to buy the kiln. She felt it was important that we continue to develop ourselves artistically. So we should hopefully have it soon. I will try to post our work from the class we did last fall.

Last week Thursday we received free tickets from another friend to go and see Billy Idol in concert at the Rave. He can still rock the stage it was a blast.

About 2 weeks ago my brother was in town. We went over to a friend’s house and had a chance to play in his music studio. It was a great time mixing and making our own song. My friend just finished the finally mixing on it so here it is. The name of the song is "IT". Listen (It might take a couple of minutes to open) http://www.skyestudio.com/blog/it.mp3

Other then that I have been spending time with Alec doing anything from building with his blocks to playing with cars and loving every second of it. I have been watching a few movies with Skye and reading "Holidays on Ice” by David Sedaris which lets say is an interesting view of the holidays. This week we are going to celebrate our 10-year anniversary not to sure what we are doing yet.

Until then take care everyone.

MRI update

2006-08-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone.
Sorry I have slacked again. I just wanted to say it's been now 1 week of treatments 5 weeks to go :) Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Last Friday I received the results of the MRI I had 3 days before treatments started. They compared them to the MRI right after surgery.

Drum roll please!!!

NO tumor growth. They only found a little swelling around the tumor. I'm putting a bell curve in their statistics already! Stay tuned...

2006-07-26T10:25:00.000-05:00

Well I had my first treatment. I had no side affects. The worst part of it is my appointment right now is at 11:15. I can't eat anything after 745 and if I do eat anything before then it has to be something very light. So by the time the appointment is done I'm starving for food and kind of weak from not eating. Next week my appointments move to 10 am which will be the standard time thank god. Well I have to leave for my second appointment but wanted to get this out there to let you know I'm doing fine.

take care

Quick Update

2006-07-24T21:39:00.000-05:00

Ok I'm a little behind already. Let's start with the fun stuff. It was great seeing everyone at work on Thursday. It was fun walking up and down the isles checking to see who's been slacking, just kidding. Thanks for taking a couple of minutes of your day to say hi and catching up.

Ok the other stuff. Last week I had my acupuncture appointment. I will be having acupuncture at least once a week to help fight off the nausea and fatigue due to the treatments. I also had an appointment last Friday to take more pictures of myself in the mask to insure the radiation hits the right spot. In case some of you are not sure what I mean. What they do is create a mask of your face. They lay a piece of meshed plastic over your face. The plastic has been warmed under hot water. The plastic molds itself to your face. For you artist’s I'm trying to find out if you can buy this plastic on the internet, it would be great for mold making. Anyways the mask is used too keep the head still for the treatments.

Well tomorrow is the first treatment and acupuncture appointment. I will try to update my blog to let you know how everything went.
Until then take care.

Overview

2006-07-17T10:57:00.000-05:00

Ok for those of you who are just now hearing this or for anybody who has missed out on anything here is an overview to date.

This whole thing starting around end of May early June with headaches that lasted about 3 weeks. I was lucky enough that the doctor had a feeling something more was going on besides the possible migran headaches. On June 24th the doctor sent me to get a MRI done. After he reviewed the results they found a golf ball size tumor on the right side of my head.
I had the surgery on June 25th to remove the tumor and was out of the hospital by June 28th. I have not been on any pain med's since the morning of June 26th. They diagnosed the tumor to be cancer.

On July 7th I returned to the doctor and had the staples removed and to check how I have been feeling. To be honest since the day after the surgery I have felt fine. I feel as though I went in for some routine surgery or a simple doctor check up. I think the hardest part to this point has been the weight restrictions (10lb's) and not being able to drive. Since the July 7th's check up some of this has been lifted. I can now drive short distance's no freeway driving and I can now lift my son Alec up.

After a lot of research and appointments we have decided to go to the Froedtert Medical Collage of Wisconsin. We have found Neurology’s and a Radiation Oncologists that specializes in brain tumors/cancer.

Next Steps

2006-07-17T10:39:00.000-05:00

Well now that I have healed from the surgery the next steps have been scheduled. I will begin chemo and radiation treatments on June 25th. I will have radiation treatments Monday through Friday and take the chemo pill 7 days a week. This treatment will last for 6 weeks so the count down can now begin. The last treatment will be Sept 5th. Just in time for Brian and Kerris wedding I'm standing up in. YEAH!!!!!

The side effects from what I hear will be fatigue, possible nausea, and about the 4 or 5th week loss of some hair, but should grow back. Ok yes I was losing my hair any ways you can stop laughing now. To be honest I believe I will have little to no side effects, besides the hair loss. My ability to heal quick and my stubborn streak to do anything besides sit on the couch will come in handy.

After the treatments are done I plan to return back to work around mid to late september. I will still have to contine the chemo for about 1 year. How much chemo I have to take will depend on which group I'm put in. I have regestered for a study at the Froedtert Hospital. The difference between the 2 groups is one group gets the standard chemo pill for 5 days every 4 weeks. The second group will recive the the chemo pill for 21 days every 3 or 4 weeks.

Well that is the game plan. I will try to update the blog at least once a week to let everyone know how the treatments are going and to let you know how I'm doing. Until then take care and talk/ see you soon.

Why a Blog

2006-07-17T10:18:00.000-05:00

Well I have decided to start a Blog. I have never before even thought of using a blog but with the current events I thought this would be a great way to keep everyone who has been great support for me and my family up to date on how I' am doing.