Well, I had been working on a great post about Fort Worth, TX. Baby Chang and I got to spend a week with Prairie Dad in this jewel of a town. It even had photos!
Alas on Monday after arriving home I got hit with the sick stick, seriously hit. Monday night after putting Baby Chang to bed I sat down on the couch to relax and began to shiver and shiver and shiver. The fever started shortly after that and it wasn't long before the vomiting began. Prairie Grandpa came and "slept" on the couch until 5:00 a.m. just in case I had to make a trip to the ER.
Luckily this was a week of Doctor appointments. Prairie Grandpa was back Tuesday morning to take me to the Neurologist and hang with Baby Chang. After going through a nerve test (which I don't recommend unless necessary) and a viewing of my MRI he determined there was no swelling in my spinal cord. He diagnosed me with Lhermitte's Phenomenon (the Radiation Oncologist confirmed this on Wednesday) usually associated by MS but I DON'T have MS. So I still have tingling in my legs for the time being perhaps another 6 months to a year.
Later on Tuesday I saw my Cancer ENT (not to be confused with the other three ENT's I have). He said everything looks great and I have a reprieve from him for two months.
On Wednesday I was feeling a little more like myself starting to eat more than crackers. I went to see my Radiologist. He too confirmed that I was recovering nicely and quickly. He confirmed the Lhermitte's diagnosis and told me that genetic testing was not good for NPC so we shouldn't do anything yet. In a few years however we'll probably want to get Baby Chang tested.
Then Thursday at midnight I woke up with excruciating pain in my right ear. No fear however I have an appointment with the Ear Guy of Friday, a little Tylenol and I'll be fine. Thursday morning Baby Chang and I walked to the grocery store a rather normal thing. By the time we got home you'd have thought I ran a marathon I was EXHAUSTED so I called in reinforcements. The neighbors (more about them later) came and relieved me of Baby duty for a few hours.
Friday night was rough to say the least I spent the night dry heaving/vomiting every 30 - 40 minutes and the Tylenol was giving no pain relief. Finally I switched to Advil (4 at a time) and was able to get a little relief. I sent a text to the Future Triathlete who was coming to babysit later in the day and begged her to come early. My knight in shining armor showed up about 9:30. I made my way to the Ear Doc where he promptly made the decision to put in an ear tube. There hadn't been much change in the last three weeks and now there was an infection. Once again I'll be out of the pool this time for a year...
Monday I see the Oncologist who will hopefully also give me two thumbs up. Although I forsee a lecture about my weight as I've lost 5lbs this week from the illness and I wasn't up any from when I last saw him. I will hopefully get a reprieve from him for a few months as well.
Well, it's been a tough week but I've learned a lot about the Village I've surrounded myself with. Baby Chang and I have the most amazing support network and this week the troops rallied. Even Grandma and Grandpa Chang all the way from Alaska where they are taking a cruise for their anniversary.
Just a funny side note the word I most often spell wrong vomiting, you'd think when you are a pro at something you would know how it's spelled.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Cantonese Cancer
For some reason tonight I found it necessary to look for blogs that talked about Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. What I found is a number of articles (you can read a couple here and here) talking about a new study that has identified a genetic risk to NPC . I also learned that my cancer is also called the Cantonese Cancer. Once again reinforcing the fact that I may be an Asian Man in disguise...
Actually, what these articles really mean to me is the serious consideration of genetic testing. The Tri-Athlete Goddess who works down the hall from me has been going through the testing. I couldn't begin to describe what she has gone through in the past year that lead her to the testing. However, her experience made me consider my options. Until today I didn't feel the need, now I'm wondering if I need to reconsider for Baby Chang's health.
In addition to the articles about the recent genetic links I read about a Tenor living in NYC and a 17 year old girl living in the UK who were also diagnosed with NPC. I feel a weird connection to both the Tenor and the young girl (neither appear to be Asian Men living in China either). I find it odd that someone in the same business I'm in has been diagnosed with this obscure cancer and then my heart breaks for this young girl. At 35 I struggled to understand what was going on and had a few breakdowns when I couldn't take the treatment anymore. I know at 17 I would have been overwhelmed to put it mildly.
When I finished treatment my radiologist had two of his patients call me, both welcomed me to a club that none of us ever wanted any part of. One had just hit his five years, cancer free anniversary. Now that is a club I can't wait to join!
After my post about the new side effects that I'm dealing with, a friend reminded me to look at the bright side and celebrate life. Though some days that is impossible most days I only have to see Baby Chang's smile to be able to see what is good in life.
Actually, what these articles really mean to me is the serious consideration of genetic testing. The Tri-Athlete Goddess who works down the hall from me has been going through the testing. I couldn't begin to describe what she has gone through in the past year that lead her to the testing. However, her experience made me consider my options. Until today I didn't feel the need, now I'm wondering if I need to reconsider for Baby Chang's health.
In addition to the articles about the recent genetic links I read about a Tenor living in NYC and a 17 year old girl living in the UK who were also diagnosed with NPC. I feel a weird connection to both the Tenor and the young girl (neither appear to be Asian Men living in China either). I find it odd that someone in the same business I'm in has been diagnosed with this obscure cancer and then my heart breaks for this young girl. At 35 I struggled to understand what was going on and had a few breakdowns when I couldn't take the treatment anymore. I know at 17 I would have been overwhelmed to put it mildly.
When I finished treatment my radiologist had two of his patients call me, both welcomed me to a club that none of us ever wanted any part of. One had just hit his five years, cancer free anniversary. Now that is a club I can't wait to join!
After my post about the new side effects that I'm dealing with, a friend reminded me to look at the bright side and celebrate life. Though some days that is impossible most days I only have to see Baby Chang's smile to be able to see what is good in life.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Mermaids
I'm convinced I must have been a mermaid in a former life. Those genes have obviously passed onto Baby Chang.
All through my pregnancy I hit the pool to feel better. Just floating in the water made me feel better and lap swimming rejuvenated me in a way I can't describe. During treatments taking a long shower or bath was one of the few comforts and respites from the vomiting.
For the past week Baby Chang and I have been enjoying the pool at the Y almost daily. Often we are joined by by our favorite British Clan. Today we had our first play date at the pool. The kids weren't really sure how to play with each other but the moms had a good time. It was very nice to talk to someone with a baby about the same age as Baby Chang. We were able to compare notes and offer reassurance to one another. Hopefully there will be many Mommy play dates in the future.
It still amazes me how refreshed I feel after a little time in the pool. I'm sure the Mommy time didn't hurt either.
All through my pregnancy I hit the pool to feel better. Just floating in the water made me feel better and lap swimming rejuvenated me in a way I can't describe. During treatments taking a long shower or bath was one of the few comforts and respites from the vomiting.
For the past week Baby Chang and I have been enjoying the pool at the Y almost daily. Often we are joined by by our favorite British Clan. Today we had our first play date at the pool. The kids weren't really sure how to play with each other but the moms had a good time. It was very nice to talk to someone with a baby about the same age as Baby Chang. We were able to compare notes and offer reassurance to one another. Hopefully there will be many Mommy play dates in the future.
It still amazes me how refreshed I feel after a little time in the pool. I'm sure the Mommy time didn't hurt either.
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