The first day of chemo is history. I can't tell you it isn't a bit scary watching that kool-aid colored fluid work its way into your body but feels so good to get started. The only real difference I have noticed is that some food has a kind of metallic taste. My friend Jennie, who visited me yesterday, said that what she read in the Livestrong book too. I need to get a copy of that as it is getting REALLY boring watching basic cable all day long :)
I had a really encouraging discussion with the cardiac thoracic surgeon yesterday. He feels pretty good about getting into my chest and removing the tumor that is moving into my heart. He is literally the top cardiac surgeon in the area and has specific experience removing sarcomas. It is open heart surgery (which sounds really scary) but anymore it is a pretty routine surgery. He thoughts the risks were in the 2% range which is good enough for me :) I am hoping to have that done when this initial chemo is finished and my immunity has recovered. His guess was two weeks but hadn't conferred with the oncologist yet. More news on Monday.
Otherwise, just wanted to let everyone know that I feel great and appreciate everything that you have done for my family. It means so much to me that they are being well taken care of so I can fight through this. Thank you so much!
3.15.2009
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Wayne, thanks for blogging. So good to hear you've begun the journey. I am sure the waiting was the hardest part. You continue to be on our thoughts and prayers. We're rooting for you and know that you will make it through this! You're a fighter!
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping us updated. We look forward to more.
Much love from Texas,
The Lanes
Hey Wayne! Allen, Sharon, Greg and Heather were telling me what was going on with you!
ReplyDeleteI am Allen and Gregs dad. You take care of yourself!
I have an employee experiencing what you are as well, she is doing chemotherapy as well, in concert with MD Anderson in TX.
I want you to know you and your family are in our prayers, daily.
Thanks for the blog!
Good on ya!!
John LaBrune
HI Wayne! :) I am SOOO glad you have this site and we can keep in touch and stay informed. I am SO sorry you have to deal with such a monster but I have a VERY good feeling about the treatment you are getting! My husband was DX with brain and spine cancer 2 years ago. At the time Px looked bleak.... however we got out of RC (whew..) and he had AWESOME medical care. He is actually doing VERY well. He is actually taking chemo RIGHT now as well (minor setback) so I just had to tell you because... the metal taste... yeah... that isn't good BUT... IT DOES GO away rather quickly after the round is over. YAYYY! So, he eats ALOT of ice cream (NOW is your TIME for ICE CREAM woo hoooo)
ReplyDeleteYour going to do great Wayne!!! You have zillions of peeps around you praying FT. That is our job to do. If you ever want to talk to Byron or I we would LOVE to visit!!! Hang in there buddy, sounds like you have the ABSOLUTE perfect attitude to kick this thing in the rear!!!! Let's GET'R done!!!!! xoxoxxox
take care!!!
Lisa Crown (Baker)
lisa002crown@yahoo.com
Wayne
ReplyDeleteSounds like you got some great, encouraging news. That is wonderful ! We all are praying for you and know YOU WILL GET THRU THIS ! Sounds like you need some good reading material too. I hear ya on the TV thing - it really gets boring FAST ! Take care - we will keep in touch. Thanks for the blog - we all love to hear how you are doing. Are your parents still there ? And Brian and Des ? Love the pics with the kids too - cute ! Love to all of you. Tom and Pam
Go Wayne! Thinking about you!!
ReplyDeleteKellie
Wayne and Val,
ReplyDeleteYou are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless,
Tim and Shannon Matthew
Wayne - This is good news! We continue to pray for you guys every day! Stay strong and keep fightin!
ReplyDeleteThe Schulz's
Hi Wayne. You don't know me but Val and I went to school together in Gillette. I just wanted to tell yout that your attitude is awesome. Stay positive and focused and pray. A good friend of mine who is in our Bible study was just diagnosed with stage three testicular cancer and your attitude sounds so much like his. He has been so positive and upbeat, trying to keep his life as normal as possible and it has paid in spades. Effects of the chemo wasn't as bad for him as it has been for others in his position, lung capacity has improved (the cancer had moved to his lungs as well). He has two short rounds of chemo left and then is possibly looking at another surgery in Indiana. I know situations and the type of cancer are different for you two, but I tell you this story to offer you some hope and encouragement. Just keep fighting and stay as positive as you can.
ReplyDeleteAs always, we continue to pray for you, Val and your family.
Sincerely,
Carisa Knox
Wayne, Just remember on those hard chemo/feeling sick days, it is doing what it is supposed to be doing! You have no idea how many people you have touched. We are all rooting for you! You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteKellie
So you get to drink the Kool-Aid again. :-) Well, I guess you had pretty good luck the first time. Thinking about you my friend. Steven in Hotlanta.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and keep you.My prayers to you and your family as this journey begins.
ReplyDeleteFrom Albert in TX