...though you wouldn't know it from the posting action going on.
Had my third chemo, 11th RT treatment today.
Been busy trying to figure out how to work my updates into work, sleep, life, sleep, play, sleep and extra sleep because of the chemo. I AM keeping daily track of what's going on in the daily log, just not publishing it. Will hopefully have enough energy to post something more substantial tomorrow night, but yeah, I'm still here, just not real verbose.
Here's what you're in for...
This is a chronicle of my experiences, observations, and feelings as I experience treatment for Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). The goal is to give anyone going through chemotherapy and radiation for MCC (or any other cancer for that matter) an idea of what to expect. Of course I'm a unique individual just like everyone else, so what happens to me may or may not happen to you. Your mileage may vary.
I'm a pretty reserved guy, so most of these posts will be straightforward, just-the-facts-ma'am entries. I may occasionally get maudlin, but cut me some slack -- I could die from this.
Paul: Nan contacted me and asked me to share with you my experience. I was diagnosed with stage IV throat cancer (non-smoker) in October 2006. I was operated on 10/29/06 and a tumor that stretched from the top of my ear (behind) to the middle of my throat (was about the size of a fist when totally removed) was taken out along with a number of lymph nodes in my chest. I was given a prognosis of about six months. After my surgery, I went through six weeks of aggressive chemo and seven weeks of radiation with the usual side effects (loss of hair, saliva and taste buds compromised, and loss of 70 lbs in weight from 215 to 145). On most days, I experienced a lack of energy; however, I forced myself, despite lethargy, to remain upbeat and do some form of physical activity (just walking from park bench to park bench for a few hours each day) and maintain a morning continuity of meeting with a coffee group (despite my appearance and energy level and the fact that I couldn't drink coffee). Fortunately, my cancer went into remission (probably luck of the draw since we all get pretty much the same drugs or treatment and still some live and some die) and now, four years later, I am still alive. My hair and some of the weight returned, along with about 80% of previous energy level. My taste buds leave a lot to be desired, although since the sweet taste bud is pretty much gone, I eat less desserts than I used to. The saliva issue is about 70% which means I go in every month for a teeth cleaning. Hopefully, you are hanging in there and, if at all possible, remaining upbeat and positive.
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