Wednesday's weigh in

Well I got to excited to get to work on Tuesday because I had a lot to do. So Tuesday's weigh in got put off until this morning ------ 151 lbs. It's nice to show a slight gain and certainly not a loss. I can tell a big difference because I get cravings quite a bit, so the food intake has been high. Most of the time I am taking second portions like my old self would. Thank God the chemo has left the appetite alone. I somewhat feel normal again and everyone tells me I have color again and don't look so sick. The only thing I have really noticed is the lack of strength in my hands and fingers. Opening chip bags was more of a challenge than it should be. I haven't started working out yet-------slacking obviously.

Mom and Dad got here Monday and it was really nice to see them. They were as worn out as I was Monday so the conversation time wasn't much longer than dinner, but still it was nice to have to have the whole family there. Tuesday the girls went to a witch fest at Gardener Village, so dad and I went out to Chili's and had dinner. It was good to have a serious conversation about the "C" word and still take time to cover the important stuff like fishing, racing, and our stupid football teams playing like crap.

Well I better get going to bed, I still get up so many times in the night, that it takes 9 hours of sleep to get 5 it seems.

Good night all and best wishes for all of you and your families,

Jeff

Utes post-game post

We were able to go to yesterday's game and stay relatively dry. And mostly warm. Jeff woke up this am with an empty chemo ball so we were able to be disconnected a little early. He has been tired today but nothing like 2 weeks ago. We had a rough nite as Paige had some nightmares and kept waking us up (unrelated to the current situation) and I' m sure sitting outside yesterday took it's toll.

Mom and Dad Curtis made it as far as Green River, WY so they will be here tomorrow afternoon sometime. We probably won't post a whole lot in the next little while as they will be here until the 10th.  We have chemo again on the 5th.

Thanks for the thoughts and well wishes.  We really appreciate it. We know we have a great  support system in our families and friends and grateful for each of you.

Cheryl, Jeff, and Paige

Utes vs Colorado pregame post

Hello and good morning,

Yesterday was chemo day. All went well, but I had quite the social hour. I had two wonderful people just walk up and introduce themselves. Dov has quite the similar cancers as I do, but slightly more widespread with a couple of other organs tossed in. He is 3 years into this process and answered many questions and volunteered a lot of info that I wouldn't have asked just meeting a stranger for the first time. He was training for an Iron Man competition when he found out. He has a little group of people that all have/had cancer and now they train and run together in 1/2 to whole marathons. They call themselves Team Tumor and their motto is "Fuck cancer - we are going running". I don't see the point in running unless it's for ones life, but the point from both of them was to exercise and stay busy as it fights off the fatigue and keeps the fight going inside.

Today I am feeling fine and keeping a close eye on the weather. I really want to go watch the Utes play tonight, but it's supposed to rain starting at noon and keep going. I will tailgate with friends, but I am really nervous about sitting to long in the rain to watch the whole game. Something about cold, rain, and the chance of getting sick makes me flinch. It's on tv so I will record it just in case I need to come home.

This weekend we are also cleaning house as my mom and dad are driving out to see me and will probably be here Sunday night or more than likely Monday. I am trying to get most of my stuff done today as last time I had chemo, Sunday kicked me square in the ass. No fever so far though and maybe that will help. I also slept really good last night with my chemo bag and that's got to help.

Back to chores - GO UTES!!!!!!

Jeff

Late night post

I have showered,ate well, had desert and I am hoping to get a good nights sleep. Tomorrows the next round of chemo and I am a bit nervous as I never feel comfortable in any hospital even if it's not for my own care. At the same time I am a bit excited to kill some more cancer. I had a good 11 days after the last round and hope for the same results for the next go around. 

I was on job sites today and let another couple of co workers know that the "C" word had gotten me. I haven't been able to tell everyone because I can't make it to work at 6:30 when everybody is loading up with supplies. Cheryl says I am embarrassed about having the "C" word, but I think it's just that I hate getting emotional so much and who wants to do that in front of a bunch of dudes anyways. I have already shed more tears in the last 6 weeks than in my entire life and it pisses me off that something so rotten could do that. It makes me angry and I get mad at having the "C" word everyday, but I that's the attitude that makes me get up and enjoy working.

I came up with a goal because I thought I needed something short term to look forward to doing and something that I can take away from the "C" word. This crap has me down to a scrawny 147 pounds and it makes me mad that I don't have the strength to shoot my bow. Starting this weekend, even with my chemo bag, I want to start lifting small weights to get my arms, chest and shoulders strong enough to target practice again. Shooting targets could be a good way to get focused and maybe I can hunt next year without just taking up a chair around the camp fire.

Thanks for letting me rant and good night to all,

Jeff

Tuesdays Weigh in

Well here it is, yet another Tuesday and the bone crushing weight is holding at an intimidating 147 lbs.

Both yesterday and today have been great days for me. I have worked full hours, did a little yardwork, changed out a door handle and had a little energy to spare. Nice. I also have been working hard on bringing in calories and I hit a bit of a milestone today. I did eat a combo macho burrito and a classic soft shell taco for lunch today at Del Taco. Tonight Cheryl made some tasty lasagna and I ate a good portion of it. The stomach may be stretching a bit and hopefully that will help me stay healthy by being able to eat like I used to.

I am knocking on wood, but these last two days I have felt better than most of the late summer. I am not saying that one treatment can be noticed, but it's nice to finally expect to be able to tell a customer or even make some personal plans maybe one day in advance rather than having to wait for the current moment. I am already looking forward to Saturdays game at the U, but watching the weather. Sitting in rain won't be on my list of healthy things to do. I'd rather watch the game on the MTN and stare at an open beer that I cannot drink.

Good night everyone and thank you for the comments - you making me laugh helps a lot,

Jeff

a great weekend

A brief check-in....
Paige thought her field trip was "fun, in a weird, complicated way".  She watched Jeff have blood drawn from the PortaCath, met Cindi the APRN (Dr. Sharma's RN), and Mary the Infusion RN.  Jeff's blood levels have remained stable and unless something comes up we are good to go on Friday for our next treatment.  Cindi tells us that Jeff's response to the first treatment is a good sign and usually indicates how well he will tolerate further treatments.
The beautiful weather this weekend allowed us to get quite a bit done outside--cut down roses, weeded and tore out the garden, edged, mowed and fertilized the yard, put away the patio furniture, blew out the sprinkler system; generally wore us out.  It was the most activity Jeff had done consecutively and he did phenom; had to keep his fluids and food intake high but overall impressive.  All this when his blood count is supposed to be at its lowest.
We are looking forward to next weekend as we have tickets to the U vs. Colorado State game and will be doing a little tailgating, virgin-style.  Jeff will packing his chemo ball (which BTW is some cooool technology) so hopefully we will not have security complications.  Our Infusion RN is also a season ticket holder and she has given us some good advice of how to manage it in public.  Mom W. will be customizing a new bag to make it a little more user-friendly.
We are hoping that Mom and Dad C. will be here next weekend to spend Halloween with us.  They will stay until Carl's b'day.  Maybe we can get them in costume....

Cheryl, Jeff and Paige

Something new, something old, and something changing

Yesterday and today were about the same. Pretty good for a sick guy. Still sleeping in because I have to get up in the night so much for the bathroom, but a lot of fluids will do that. I am eating normal except for the portions, I don't seem to be stretching out my stomach much. Tonight we did go for a walk, still trying to enjoy the last days of warm temps. I am trying to increase my speed because I can't stand how slow I walk. I have always walked fast and since I have been sick the speed rivals turtles and old people. It slightly bothers me because I am not used to people walking up on me and passing. Now I find it unnerving to have people walking up on me. Cheryl meanwhile is trying to increase my distance, so we added on another circle to walk through. I was breathing hard tonight, but got both accomplished. I will have to repeat until I pass people or at least they don't pass me anyways. The something new was seeing how much hair I lost in today's shower. This was the first time there were lots of short brown hairs rather than the normal long red ones. They say my hair is supposed to thin, but it was just the shock of it all. I am starting to have my toes ache, but I only notice it during rest.

Tomorrow I take Paige with me to Huntsman. She is curious to see this place I visit quite often. I have to go and see my Dr.'s assistant to talk about my first week of treatment and get some blood work to check out levels. I am reaching the point of all my red bloods cells taking maximum death and I need to keep eating to rebuild during the next week to get ready for round 2. Paige wants to see the blood pulled from the porta-cath and see the room where I get the treatment. She is obviously much more excited than I am, she is on a field trip and I have to go to the vampire club. I will post tomorrow to let everyone know how Paige did with the "field trip" and the blood draw.

Good night,

Jeff

Tuesdays Weigh in

Well I had better catch everyone up on the blog. Just as much as Saturday was fun and full of activity, Sunday sucked. I was so wiped out and so tired I just sat in the chair and watched my race. It was difficult to get food, water as I really wanted none of it. Cheryl got home from work and made me go for a walk. The doctors told us exercise fights off fatigue and that is a big side effect of this cheemo. To make matters worse I struggled with a fever close to 101°F and I am sure that was not helping, but this is also a side effect. A lot of sleep Sunday and into Monday found me ready to go and get going (although gettting up at 6am with Cheryl is not going to happen, my body likes 7:30). I was cramped all day like I had done a 1000 situps, but without the bod to show for it. I had to double day it on the miralax because I hadn't had a bowel movement in several days and that always gets me concerned. Monday we went on full flow and that was a relief, staying out of a bag is a major goal to getting me better, losing 4 weeks due to surgery recovery would really kill my cheemo time.

Today I feel better and I am moving around much better and going to get some more work done so I can start catching up on some projects.

The big weigh in number finds me at 147, this is the lowest yet. I maybe looking for some 32" pants here soon.

Talk to you later,

Jeff

tolerating chemo

Hello all---

Thus far Jeff is tolerating chemo quite well with no nausea or side effects.  He is quite tired as he didn't get much sleep as he had to sleep on his back or upright cuz he was afraid of dislodging the port/ball.  He was able to get up this am and mow the lawn (hopefully for the last time) and then go run some errands with me and Paige after we got our hair done.  Let's hope that this is the trend for all future treatments.

Right now he's watching the Utes play Iowa State yelling and cheering just like he was at a live game.  Some things never change.

Based on how long the treatment took on Friday we have rescheduled his chemo to the afternoons every other Friday. Originally we were told it would take about 6-1/2 hrs but we were in and out in about 4-1/2. By rescheduling it we will both be able to work a few hours in the am before heading up to Huntsman. Requires someone bringing Jeff to me at work or Jeff to take me to work in the am but well worth it as we are trying to minimize time off work as much as possible.

The nurse will be here approx 10:30 tomorrow am to disconnect him.  He meets with the oncology nurse next Friday and we repeat the whole cycle again in 11 days.

Cheryl and Jeff

chemo

Got here about 8am and got moving quite quickly. First they give about a 1/2 bag of fluids, then some Zofran while the pharmacy mixes up the day's cocktail. Then chemo starts. Chemo started about 10:30 with an expected done time of 12:30.  No nausea and we have been going about 1 hour.

The home drugs have been delivered  here to Huntsman along with a real cute ball to infuse them via.  The home health agency will make contact with us when we get home tonight to introduce themselves and schedule the disconnect time. Thanks to Alpine Home Health and Sherry for making that as smooth as possible.

We'll post later tonite after we get everything situated and we are relaxed.(hahahahha)  Jeff is now hungry and sending me for some food.  Thank goodness The Point is a good restaurant as we will be eating here quite a bit.

Cheryl and Jeff

today's events

We met with the oncologist and others today to finalize the chemo schedule and whether Jeff will participate in the drug study.  We will be starting on Friday this week with the piggy back running this weekend. One day at Huntsman, 2 days at home, 11 days off and then we start again.  This will be repeated approx 4 times and then Jeff will undergo another PET scan to determine if the chemo is reducing the tumor size at all.  Wish us all well this weekend....
Grandpa and Grandma Curtis will be coming our way soon to spend some time with Paige while she is off track and to take her trick or treating.  Jeff normally does this but the effects of the chemo can often be worse 1 week after infusion which unfortunately is Halloween.  Makes all of us sad that Jeff might not be able to do this but it is very important that Paige's life stay as normal as possible.  Having another set of drivers and adult helpers will be beneficial as things get more complicated.

Cheryl, Jeff and Paige

Weigh-In Tuesday

This week is even more unpredictable, I really had no bad days and my appetite was good. Every day this week felt like Thanksgiving and I ate a lot. We went out and had fish tacos with the Cary family on Friday nite and had a big nite out at Famous Dave's BBQ on Sunday for Cyndi's birthday dinner.----------- 151 lbs.

Maybe this means my metabolism is kicking in gear finally and that would be a good thing. A constant hunger will be needed during the chemo days to eat whatever I can even if its a lot of saltines.

Talk to you later,

Jeff

The weekend of work

With the unknown of chemo starting potentially this upcoming week, I spent the weekend trying to get some chores done. I felt good all weekend long and got some quality stuff done. The big chore was putting a cover on the 5th wheel. Rusty came over to help (thank you again Rusty) and of course there were no instructions. They said to go to the website and see a streaming video to get the know how. LIARS. The only thing I cound find was in the FAQ section that had a picture of an 88 year man being quoted as saying it only took him 20 mins. to put his on and he stood in front of 35' class A motorhome. As you can now guess, the laughing started. It took us at least 20 mins to get the cover unwrapped from hundreds of yards of plastic wrap. Once Rusty humped it up the ladder and got it rolled out, I was able to go up and help, but it still took us about 30 mins to get it figured out and completed. The banter about the 20 mins and the 88 year old man gave us lots of humor and we had fun.

Sunday I took down the wind/dirt guard off of my garage doors. They were so brittle and were always breaking off. I am getting new (insulated) garage doors and hopefully they can install the doors tighter. I can always add the stripping if the fit is not tight enough. The south wind always blows dirt, rain, and snow into the garage where the pieces were missing. The goal is to help keep the house warmer for me during this winter without having to take stock in the gas company. The rest of the time was spent catching up on filing, paying, and overall decluttering.

Tonight was Cyndi's birthday and we went to Famous Dave's BBQ. I ate a lot and it felt good.

Goodnight everyone,

Jeff

Something fun for once

Derek, my business partner and great friend came up with the idea to play in golf tourney. He thought that would be something fun to do and not think about the cancer. He was right. The first hole was tough on the shoulder where the porta-cath is at. I kind of expected that only 3 days out of surgery. Amazing though after a few shots that loosened up and I was able to swing normal. The tough part was getting used to new distances for my clubs because of the muscle attrition. Rather than using a 7 I would have to use a 5, it was that much of a difference. Another friend, Jeremy drove the cart and he is easy to talk to and I always feel more positive after being with him.

The only thing bad about today was riding in the golf cart, all those bumps and tree stumps that we drove over shook all my guts and that hurt the worst.

Well I had to put something positive on this blog, we always cover doctor info, but I wanted to let you know that I am still trying to get out and do something with the limited energy I have.

Goodnight.