More Drama

This morning Bill had a chemo infusion.  One of the chemo nurses, Stacey, was informed that the PET scan was not done.  She confronted Bill about it. Yesterday, he has his pre-chemo blood work done which always include a sugar test.  She looked at the sugar level from yesterday, and it was very high as well.  Stacey scheduled an appointment for  Bill to see an endocrinologist this afternoon.  


Bill started to feel defeated.  It's been one thing after another lately and now this.  I tried to reassure him everything will be OK.  If he watches his diet, walk, and maybe take a pill he will be fine.  I gave him a Xanax, fixed him some lunch, and encouraged him to  lay down for a bit.


When we get to the appointment the nurse taught him to check his blood sugar. Not a big deal.  Then the doctor came in and looked at his past sugar levels.  It seems that the new chemo regiment might be causing his blood sugars to be elevated. There is a family history of diabetes.  So maybe the combination of family history and the new chemo medication has caused him to be diabetic now.  


Dr. Kimm examines Bill and casually mentions that Bill will need insulin.  I know there is insulin and I know there are pills that help carry insulin.  I was hoping she was referring to the pills.  It wasn't so.  Bill has to give himself insulin injections 4 times a day now.  I was proud of the way he handled the news.  It's going to take him a few days to get use to the testing and injections.  He has the weekend off and I am sure he will have adjusted by the time he goes back to work on Monday.


He has to see a dietian next week.  He mentioned to Dr. Kimm I have a degree in nutrition. She asked me if Bill would need to see a dietitian.  I figured he would be better off talking to someone else since he doesn't listen to me. 


He gave himself two injections earlier this evening.  His blood sugar is still high. I called Dr. Kimm and she increased his dosage.  He had to do two more injections and test again at midnight.  I have to call her back after that.  I feel guilty calling her that late.  She is trying to get his sugar levels down so he will be able to have the PET scan in the morning.  


After all of this, I hope he will be able to have the scan.  I am crossing my fingers and my toes.  

Saturday

Bill's PET scan is scheduled for this Saturday at 8am.  Hopefully all goes well this time.  There is only so much a person can take. The stress of this is taking a toll on him.  He is having it done at a different hospital.  I am hoping we can find some one to watch the 2 little ones so I can go with.  I know he is going to be nervous how it is and trying to find a new place on top of that well.... He won't be a happy guy to say the least.  

Not This Time Either

PET scan was for this evening.  Bill left work at 5, showered and left for the scan.  Same thing as last week. Except for this time I gave him a Xanax to help relax him.  We get there and have paper work to fill out. A few minutes later the tech came out to get Bill. He talked to us for a few minutes and answered my questions. This was the first time someone ever took the time to explain the  scan.  


About 30 minutes later, both Bill and the tech came walking out.  The tech said that Bill's sugar was elevated and he was not able to have the PET scan because of it.


We have to wait until tomorrow for a phone call to reschedule the appointment.  We are hoping he can have it done early Saturday morning.    Bill is doing OK.  He had a long day and is beat.  Hopefully the third time in a charm.  

Oops

No PETscan today.  I feel so bad for Bill.  He was a bag of nerves this morning when he came home from work.  Rushed and took a shower and we left for the scan. When we got there he was tired and nervous. I went to register him and the receptionist looked confused.  She pulled out a stack of papers and said his appointment is for 8pm tonight.  I didn't think to ask am or pm when they called yesterday to remind us of the appointment.   Especially, since the clinic closes at 8pm and we are usually there over 2 hours for this.  The scan is done from an outside agency and they were the ones who made the appointment.  I felt bad for the receptionist since she had nothing to do with the  confusion. 


Needless to say, Bill was very perturbed with good reason. He calmed down quickly on the way to breakfast. He was upset about being late for work tonight without giving them a notice.  So he decided to go in next week instead.  I called the company to reschedule the scan.  I waited on hold for 10 minutes.  When I finally got through, he said he would call me back.  I waited and waited and finally after 2 hours he called back. In a way it was good he didn't go today.  Since, he was never given the complete prep instructions.  He is having the scan next Tuesday at 6pm. 


I really hate to see him go through all this stress again next week.  The good thing though.  He has an appointment to see the oncologist next Friday, and hopefully we can get the results then. Instead of waiting and worrying for a week or two for the results. 
Sally 

PET scan in the morning

I just found out I have a PET scan scheduled for tomorrow morning.  I have to be there at 8.  I will be cutting it close since I work until 7am.  UIC is requesting this.  It's routine to have it done after a S.I.R.T. procedure.  http://www.uwhealth.org/radiology/selective-internal-radiation-therapy-sirt/10503

Even though it's routine, it is still going to be worrisome.  More so now then ever.  The results maybe another life changing event in my life. I can only think of 4 possibilities it could be.  The first one, there is no change. Wouldn't be the greatest news but at least the cancer is being contained and not growing.  The second possibility the cancer activity has lesson.  Which I will be dancing the jig if I hear this news.  The 3rd possibility could be a miracle has happened and I am cancer free.  Anything is possible and I do believe in the power of prayer but God's will may not allow this.  The forth and most dreadful possibility could be chemo is not working.  Cancer is growing and there for chemo treatments will be discontinue.  This is my biggest fear.  No one wants to hear they are doomed.  Especially me.  


Whatever the results, I know by the grace of God and the help of family and friends I will be able to handle it.  It frightening knowing that this time could be it.  Since there are no other treatment options, scans are scarier then a scary horror flick.  Not a good comparison since I love horror flicks. Let's  just say I am about to be scared out of my britches, waiting for the results.  

I or Sally will update with the results as soon as we know.  As for those who encounter me in their daily lives, I might not be my chipper self.  This is why.  Please understand and avoid me if I am a grump.  Thanks.  

Sometimes life gives you a few twist and turns.

I feel guilty to gripe. I am grateful for the life I have, my family, my job and my health. Yep, that is right.  I am grateful for my health.  I am not laying in a hospital not being able to function so even though I had much better days I am happy for my heath.  


I try to be positive and go along with life as if nothing is wrong.  I try, but that doesn't always happens that way. I feel like I have no choice but to get out of bed, put on a happy face (even though I always look grumpy)  and continue with my life no matter how I feel.  To be honest though, this has been a difficult summer for me.  I have had some good days but I mainly feel like crap.  If it's not one thing it's another.  I try to push myself and still do things especially with the wife and kids. I don't complain but I know when Sally knows I am not feeling well.  She will ask numerous  times if I feel OK and I can tell she is worried so I put a damper on her day as well.  I am so tired of feeling tired and like crap all the time. I wish I could have more good days then bad.  


Chemo itself is getting more depressing for me.  I was told 30 months ago I would need 12 rounds of chemo.  30 months later I am still in chemo.  I will probably be in chemo until the day I croak or the day they tell me chemo isn't working and to go home and die.  Yes, it's a depressing thought but it's my reality.  Not sure if it would have been better to know the truth from the start. I might have given up before I even began.  Dealing with chemo side effects for 6 months or even a year isn't so bad knowing it won't be forever.  Dealing with side effects knowing it will be a way of life forever, is really getting to me. Some days more so then others.  


The truth isn't always so pretty.  It's easier for me to act like everything is fine then to admit it really sucks.  The thing about life and bad days is that there is tomorrow.  Sometimes, a day makes an entire difference.  This is how I feel today but tomorrow I might wake up and love life.  That is what usually happens.  But as for lately, my life is nothing but whats it going to be today? Maybe I am just feeling sorry for myself. Actually that's not it. The hot weather we had this summer I know knocked me down as well as my stomach ulcer I been feuding with . I know that each day can change like the weather. I will have to deal with it and make the most of it. Not just for myself, but for my family and friends. This has been a rough summer, but I still had a lot of fun with my family and friends. Went to Indiana Beach, a few concerts , a couple of Ball games and went to my brothers with my kids to name a few. He lives off a lake and has a pool. The kids love it there, wish we could go more often. That helps me through the rougher patches. So things aren't actually that bad. Just have to adapt to the more unpleasant days. This is all for now. God Bless you all and thanks for reading and being a part of my journey to getting better.

The last two weeks of awesomeness!

I want to mention that I am doing very well. Not having any stomach issues. Been watching my caffeine intake and seems to be working. I still get slight irritation but nothing that keeps me down. I had chemo today (Friday) Everything went well just have some minor fatigue and same muscle tightness in my legs.

Last week, I was invited to go to The House of  Blues from my bestest Brother in law John and his brother Josh to see Tesla. It was me the two of them and another dude named Skippy (The Peanut Butter lover, or "Family Ties" groupie, or maybe the combination of the two? The world may never know because I didn't ask.) When we got there we went to the ticket window to pick up our tickets. Josh gotten them free because he is a really cool dude and was a big part of my benefit. I will be forever grateful to him. As soon as Josh walked up to the window we were escorted to another line. A man in dapper threads was standing there. We knew then we were in the VIP line. Obviously they noticed me and immediately moved us up.That's my story and I am sticking to it. I was  walking around like a peacock (or was it a pecan since they are both the same according to Zac) the rest of the night. The opening act was  the Steepwater Band. The lead singer taught Josh guitar lessons. The group was very good and I highly recommend getting a copy of there CD. Tesla as well didn't disappoint. This is the second time I seen them. I have never been to the House of Blues and that in itself was an experience.


Sally and I went to a Cubs game on the roof top (Beyond the Ivy). Sally my bestest wife won the tickets through a 101.9 The Mix drawing (a radio station SHE likes to listen to). There Road Crew was in front of Walmart one sunny Sunday afternoon.  Before they drew names, I had the weirdest feeling Sally was going to win honest to God I did. We had to be present for the drawing and we had about 15 minutes to wait for the drawing. She and the kids went in side the store. I became nervous because it was almost time for the drawing and she still wasn't back. She likes to torture me. She finally came back outside with 10 seconds to spare They pulled out a name and announced  Sally Cieagay. What the Hell was that, totally butchered my name. I almost left, almost I said they are Cubs tickets, the holy grail of Baseball( even though they suck this year), I had to correct them of course, you mean Ceiga.I forgave them.  We had to have our picture taken for their web site.  Except our picture never ended up there. I guess we do look that scary.

The game day itself  was a fun time. A lot of stair climbing up to the top and getting free food and beverages. It was a toasty day to say the least. Sally did get a little sick and stayed in the club house towards the end of the game. I was going back and forth checking on her, taking the coolest pics.of the friendly confines, getting food and beverages again and again.Then towards the last 30 minutes of the game they came out with a huge tray of brownies and cookies. That totally made my day.  Surprisingly those brownies were scrumptious.  I could have died a happy man and went to Heaven right then and there.  The Cubs did win the game in the 10th on a Jeff Baker walk off hit with the bases loaded. The Cubs bull pen did almost blow the game again. Great experience, but can't beat the felling actually being in the ball park.

This past Thursday, Sally and I  went to see Heart and Def Leppard concerts.We got the tickets from my favorite son at the time Micheal and our friend Ron (Michael's fairy God Father). Michael helped Ron get his house ready for a birthday party for his 3 adorable kids. Ron usually gives Michael a few dollars for helping him.  This year Michael and Ron decided instead of paying Michael, Ron would get Michael's most amazing, coolest, awesome parents, tickets to see Heart and Def Leppard.. The shows were excellent. First time I saw Heart and this was the 5th time I saw  Def Leppard. It's great going to these shows when you know 99% of the songs. I have to admit I am a rocker. Saw a lot of rock groups like Ozzy, Motely Crue, Jackyl, Alice Cooper, Metalica, Kid Rock etc. I  would name a few others but that would make certain friends and family members toes curl and make there hair stand on end . I saw these bands and I turned out fine. Well sorta, kinda, maybe a little bit.That's better then not at all. Sally on the other hand is messed up now.Although she wasn't with me at all those concerts but was at few of them with me, may need help. The hardest core bands she saw until I warped her was the Monkeys and Weird Al Yankovic. I like a lot of different flavors of music but like I said I am a rocker at heart. A 46 year old rocker that doesn't look the part. So don't be fooled. On a side note, Sally and our friend Lynn (Ron's wife) spent most of the time commenting on people's attire.  When Sally wasn't commenting on that, Ron and her kept making little comments on mine and Lynn's age.  I still can't see how she has everyone fooled and everyone thinks she is so sweet.

GOD Bless you all and I am still a nice guy. So don't be afraid to approach me.Although everyone says I look mad. That's just the way I look, thanks to my mom!

I Had Cancer (review)

There is a new web site about to be launched. It's called "I Had Cancer". It's different from the other cancer support web sites I have found. This one is a social support for anyone who is or has been effected by cancer.  


Unfortunately,the majority of us has been effected by cancer in one way or another. This web site offers a great support system whether you are a fighter, survival, or supporter.   It's always great to be able to talk to someone who is specifically experiencing what you are or had gone through.  Everyone needs someone to talk to.  You might not be able to find that with people you encounter in the every day life. This is a great way to meet people who may understand you experiences, feelings and thoughts.   It is a very cool concept and I believe many people will benefit from it.


Like I said in the beginning, this web site is about to be launched.  Right now it's in beta.  However, there is a way to get access before it is launched.  Go to beta.ihadcancer.com, enter this code 7E776D, and create an account.


Let me know what you think.  I would like to give a special thank you to Liz.  She was the one who found me through this blog and shared the new web site with me.  

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy day.  I am happy to announce no polyps or tumors.  The worse part of it was prepping the day before and having to deal with Sally.  She always thinks it's funny when I am at my worse.  Well, she thinks she is  humorous but I find her to be annoying.  Just a big sigh of relief it's over with and everything in that area is OK.  It really isn't as bad as it sounds.  Having cancer is must worse than having a colonoscopy, so make sure you go in for yours.  

The warm weather is taking a toll on me.  I am really tired and having a hard time handling the heat at times,  For that reason, I am glad we are only working 40 hour shifts at work right now. It's a great time for the air in the car not to be working too.  Nothing like arriving somewhere covered in sweat. At least I can come home to a cool house. 

My stomach issues are much better.  I had a  flair up recently.  I drank  Mountain Dew and the next day I spent the entire day in bed due to pain.  I never drink Mountain Dew but for some strange reason I was craving it. I won't admit that Sally was right when she said I have an ulcer and to stay away from alcohol and caffeine.  It's just a coincidence. What does my wife know anyways.  She is studying to be a teacher not a doctor.   


The pictures that are attached are from a day when we went to the park.  If you noticed I was less then thrilled having my picture taken and I think the kids were as well.  I wanted to enjoy the scenery and Sally kept making us stop every 5 feet to snap pictures.  I am just thankful she left the camera at home today.  If not, I am sure there would have been a lot of moon shots.


Hope to write soon.  Thank you for following my blog.
God Bless, Bill

Birds of a Feather Flock Together.

Birds of a feather flock together.

I just wanted to make a quick mention about whats going on with me. For the most part I have been feeling more tired and fatigued more then usual. Trying to go to sleep a little earlier to help get more rest but, enjoy my alone time with Sally. Still having stomach issues. My last one was last Thursday that lasted until Friday afternoon but, tapper-ed off by than, so I still went to work (I left work Thursday at 11:30 it was so severe). Our family doctor believes its an ulcer. I am inclined to agree. So I am doing what he is telling me to do, so far so good. Other than this all is good


As some of you may know, our daughter has been going to speech therapy for almost a year because she is speech delayed.  In the last couple of months she can carry a conversation with us.  Sally and I still are amazed and proud when we hear her talk. The things she comes up with often leaves us in stitches.  


With that said, tonight Sally made a salad for dinner.  I immediately told her I was full from all the liquids I drank through out the day to stay cool.  Surprisingly the kids ate the salad and didn't complain which is a first.  Usually, there is someone who has to make a negative comment when it comes to dinner time.  I don't think Sally cared for dinner all that much either. Because after dinner, she mentioned going for ice cream.  Of course I was the first one in the car waiting with a smile.  Kaity told me she was going to get a pink ice cream with blueberries.  She ended up with a hot fudge sundae with whip cream.  Zachary ordered a chunky monkey just like his dear old dad.  


The following is the conversation between Zach and Kaity while they were eating their ice cream treats.


Zach "I have peacocks in mine.  Kaity do you want a bite?" Kaity, "I don't eat birds." Zachary said you eat chickens right?  Kaity "I like chicken but I do not eat birds." Zach "You eat birds." Kaity "I DON't EAT BIRDS!".  A couple seconds went by "Yuck, Zach you farted."  Zach "No, I didn't", as he scooted away from where he was sitting.  "Zach you did to fart and it smells", as she plugged her nose.  Then Kaity continues to work on eating her ice cream and Zach stopped eating and said "I don't like the peacocks.  I need to a drink of water.  They are stuck in my throat."  Sally said you mean pecans.  Zach replied "pecans peacocks sounds the same and are the same thing."  Kaity said "Zach next time you should get what I have there are no peacocks in mine."  A couple seconds later "Oh, I have peacocks in mine too." then there was a pause "I am kidding I have no peacocks in mine."  and finished her ice cream while Zachary stared at her.