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Dec 19, 1996
I see that it's been a month since I last updated my diary. Not
much
happened in the first 2 weeks and then I started my last chemo-therapy
and I have felt and done very poorly ever since. I developed a sore
mouth
and throat that has prevented me from eating any solid food. I have
been
existing on Ensure and the like for 2 weeks. I lost 9 pounds in 1 week
and the Dr. has decided to stop my treatment for 10-14 days so I can
get
some weight and strength back. I am down to 137 pounds (from a
normal 155
in August.) I am also very weak and sleep 12 - 14 hours a day. A month
ago I was only sleeping about 4-6 hours a day. What a change. Last
Friday
was to be, I thought, a major mark in my treatment. I finished my last
chemo-therapy, marked the halfway point of my radiation therapy and
have
the tube in my chest removed. All that happened and I also started
some
new therapy at the University of Washington. I also threw up and
started
feeling miserable. I was ok that weekend but threw up again on Monday.
Tuesday, when I had my weight taken I was down 9 pounds and feeling
rather
poorly. I am feeling better, however I cannot eat any solids yet.
Hopefully,
In another day or 2 I will be able to eat. And when I start back on
treatment
I will have some of my weight back. THE last stint will will only be 9
days at Overlake Hospital and 5 days at the U. I will do the
University
treatments in the afternoon and the other treatments in the morning.
The
reason for this is because I am going to receive a higher, and more
concentrated
treatment in my neck. It will not get the lymph nodes but the
University
has a treatment that is less powerful and will get the lymph nodes
without
hitting my spinal column. The side effects from the radiation are as I
mentioned, sore throat and mouth, plus the skin around my neck and
face
is the color and consistency of old dry leather. I have a lotion to
help
this. Emotionally I am feeling quite well and upbeat. Kinda looking
forward
to Christmas, but disappointed that I can't eat all the goodies that
are
popping up around the house.Oh well, next year. I was told that my
taste
buds will come back 3 months after treatment ends. My birthday is in
May,
so I am hoping for a birthday dinner of turkey with all the trimmings.
dickcr@yahoo.com