I’m still here
I has been really good to hear from a number of readers concerned about my whereabouts. I am sorry that I have not kept things better updated. Generally, when the health gets really shitty, I tend to shut down. I don’t read or pursue other intellectual pursuits, but, rather, sit and watch a wealth of daytime tv. In fact, I have been telling the office that “I am working at home” which generally means that I am sitting back in my recliner and criticizing Judge Judy’s evidentiary rulings.
Since I last posted I have really hit a downward spiral. The abdominal pain has become so intense that I cannot hardly eat at all. I am unable to work any meaningful hours and have become so weak from not eating that I cannot hardly care for my self. I mean, I have always been lazy and out of shape. But it is so extreme that I could not get out of the bathtub on my own. If I get down to a knee I will not be getting back up without help. This weakness is unlike anything I have ever experienced. I can just see my self on one of those commercials for Medic Alert. “Help I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!.” I have been making fun of that poor old lady on TV for years and here I sit.
A few weeks a go I pulled off a Trifecta. On a tuesday an MRI of the liver, wednesday a CT Scan of full body, and thursday a PET. The good news is that the Sir Sphere thereapy on one-half of my liver shows essentially no evidence of disease which is really amazing. The downside is that during all the shitting around getting ready for that therapy I have been off chem and, my onc believes, allowing advancement of my disease and thus pain. The doc wants me to do the other half of my liver, but can’t do it until I get some weight and health back on.
My onc wants more chemo. We started Folfiri last week. I felt great the day after, but that has really been my only good day. I had been having some serious constipation problems and have finally found the answer! Irenotecan! That stuff cleared out shit that had been rolling around my intestines since childhood. BEST laxitive ever.
I am sitting here on home IV hydration therapy as I type this and see my number one goal at present to get some nurishment. My doc suggests protein powder with ice cream, chocolate syryp, and anything else that I can cram in there to gain obscene wieght. Strange directions in that docs have always told me to take off a few pounds.
Thanks again for the well wishes. I’ll try to keep you posted.
July 13th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Hello!! Glad you posted… I know lots of us were really concerend. Folfiri - or just Irinotecan sucks. But, it works. My DH had 5 tx before he told them to shove it. The next scan he had showed SUBSTANTIAL improvement! Hope it helps you in some-way to make it all worth it!
Take care!! Kathy (in Utah!)
July 13th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Welcome to the chemo train, you are now riding first class. Or coach more likely. Yup, it sucks…but it sounds like it’s working. Ain’t nothing wrong with daytime TV but please, do something to really help humanity, like memorizing the entire “The Big Lebowski” script by watching it continuously. Or just count the uses of the word “dude” or “f*ck”. I did all that while I was bottoming out. The Foley abides…
Hang in there brother
Aloha
RH
July 14th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Well, this just sucks. I am glad to hear from you - I was among those concerned. I figured if you weren’t posting, you were probably pretty wiped from the treatment. Great news on the liver - I’m holding onto that thought. And to be advised by a doc to gain weight - wow, NEVER in my wildest dreams would THAT happen to me! I’ve recently given up all dairy (eggs are not dairy) and have dropped about 10 lbs. because of it. So eat dairy - lots. I know, if you could you would.
If you run out of “grown up” daytime TV options, Spongebob is a nice alternative. Jimmy Neutron isn’t bad either. By all means avoid Barney, Mr. Rogers and unless you have completely run out of options, Sesame Street - although they occasionally have pretty impressive guests on there.
Thanks again for posting. I hope the FOLFIRI gives you some good results. Hang in there.
July 14th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
After the shitty day at the VA To-day I have to say other than a hug from my daughter, seeing your post has pushed my positive energy level beyond any I can use (or abuse). My choice is to send it to you to help Sir Spheres suck the juice out of the rest of your tumors. As far as daytime TV, every time I hear Oprah’s voice I have prostate biopsy flashbacks.
Thanks for the update! Irenotecan? Any chance that was named after one of Montezuma’s daughters? They were selling chocolate covered bacon here in Tampa at the Florida Fair. Maybe you can get some online.
All kidding aside, there are a lot of people pulling for you. Great to hear from you!
July 30th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Hey Matt - just wanted to let you know I’ve been thinking about you. Sending warm thoughts your way and all that good stuff. Seriously - I just hope you’re feeling better.
July 31st, 2010 at 7:14 pm
Well said Belle. your recovery and comfort is a daily hope for a lot of people you have touched.
That being said, may the spirit of Karen Carpenter leave you and Chris Farley occupy those spaces only he can fill. The van by the river is calorie driven and motivationally steered.
August 1st, 2010 at 9:33 am
Thinking about you! Hope you’re well.
Kathy
August 14th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
Hey Matt!
Your cult following is awaiting your monthly update. kind of a Forrest Gump thing. Thea had a biopsy yesterday of her thyroid, some activity there. Got some good vibes from your last post, stay strong!
August 15th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Hoping to hear from you soon. There’s so much I’d love to hear your take on - the mosque they want to build near ground zero, the new “Big C” show on Showtime, the toxic oil spill in the gulf; heck - anything. We miss you dude!!!