Independence Day Activities

The 4th of July week was a busy one! Family came to visit; besides my sister's family from Greensburg PA, we also had the Lucci's from VA and the Higgins from CO so the house in PA was filled with much activity. We did some BBQ, horseshoes and fireworks...it was fun and tiresome.

Progress with chemo has been a bit of a roller coaster the past 3 weeks. I've gotten better at managing the pain but chemo side effects of nausea has had the upper hand until this past weekend. Last week I tossed my cookies so much I wasn't sure if anything would ever stay down again. The new nausea medicine I got this week seems to be doing the job at keeping my stomach contents down. I've begun the next round of chemo treatment which consists of 3 weeks of chemo and one week of erbitux. Dr. Sherry would like for me to complete a total of 9 weeks on chemo and plans to do a CT scan at the end of that time. So for now my routine is to spend Friday's at the oncologists with treatment and the other days are mine to do what ever I want :-)

Last week the peg tube was replaced which I knew would happen but the new tube is not the same type as my previous tube and is much more of a nuisance than I would prefer. The new tube protrudes about 6 inches out of my abdomen and is less "user friendly" than the previous one which was more flush with the abdomen. Needless to say this new tube will interfere with my golf stroke so chances of qualifying for the PGA is non-existent (ha,ha!) I'm working to get back the old peg tube version so I can head out to the links asap.

My ability to speak has gone away almost entirely due to the tumor growth occluding the throat. I cannot swallow anything, even my own saliva, and breathing through my nose is extremely restricted as well and so I rely on the trach tube and the feeding tube for air and nutrient intake. The feeding tube has been critical in allowing me to get the nutrition I need to maintain an energy level to fight this battle. I'm completely on liquid nutrition and since the food enters directly into the stomach from the tube I do not have to worry much about flavor...

Finally, I've established a home health care connection with a palliative/hospice program that provides visiting nurses, counselors and other extended services. This service will allow a visiting nurse to come by 2 times a week to check on my well being, assist with pain management, and assist with communications with doctors and service providers. This service not only brings a new level to my care but also support that I and my family appreciate tremendously.

Thanks to all who have shared warm regards, well wishes and prayers...I am grateful for all the support!

Bye for now....
Tom