Some Good News

Colon cancer has a marker (CEA) that can be used to track cancer levels in the body. When I was diagnosed my CEA level was 73, which apparently is to be expected for someone with some but limited metastases. I just received the first CEA test result after four weeks of treatment and it has gone from 73 to 15. My sister the oncologist said she would have been happy with something in the fifties let alone half of 73. This shows that the chemotherapy is proving effective on this cancer. This definitely made the day for Luisa and I and is answered prayers. This also gives me strength to continue to persevere because with each treatment the side effects are accumulating and become more difficult to deal with.

My typical caveat - things can change but for now it is WONDERFUL news. For reference, normal levels are <= 3.

In the 3rd cycle, and it shows

Before you get chemo they do a full blood panel to examine numbers that chemo therapy typically affects - red blood cell count, platelet count, and white blood cell count. If these numbers get too low they may advise or insist on delaying treatment for a week so that your body recovers while giving the person a medicine that directs the body to make more white blood cells (how awesome is that!). Going into the visit I felt great but it turns out my white blood cell count is lower than they would like - 1500 being the cutoff and mine was 1100. This is common with the treatment. But because I am otherwise healthy the risk of infection is pretty low. The consensus of the doctor, Margie, and me was to proceed with chemo and to go in on Saturday for the white blood cell booster (which must be after pump disconnection). A week's delay would not have been medically significant and having another week of feeling good and strong would have wonderful, but it would have thrown off the bi-weekly schedule we have working our lives around, including Luisa's business travel, and the doctor is very aware of how this schedule change can be disruptive for patients.

Bottom line - I got chemo along with my snazzy take-home pump that gives me small doses for 46 hours, but I need to watch for a fever. I will likely staying away from work part of these next two days to avoid the germ pool that it can be.

It Feels Like...

I have been asked what chemotherapy is like. My understanding is that the range and severity of side effects tend to differ for each person, but for me, it is like getting the flu every two weeks - generally feel like crap, taste and appetite are diminished, stomach can be in turmoil, I'm tired and requires naps, and at the worst of it, I'm in a bit of a mental fog. Apparently the side effects to be much less if I were old, a smoker, or a heavy drinker - but that isn't me.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is the last day of the second chemo cycle, and I'm feeling really quite good and hoping to get in another bike ride. The 3rd cycle starts on Wednesday with another 3 cycles to go before the liver surgery.

Hawaii

We are having a great time in Hawaii and I felt pretty good today (Monday). The chemo in the 2nd round hit me a little harder than the first and I slept most of the flight but I'm feeling better sooner which is great since we are in beautiful Mauii.

Gratitude

I have mentioned this to some, but I want to share what Luisa and I truly feel. Aside from this bastard disease I am battling, we are profoundly blessed in every other aspect of our lives. We have been moved, humbled, and buoyed by the love, support, and encouragement from family and friends. My sister the oncologist is truly a Godsend in this situation to whom we are forever indebted. Our employers have been nothing but wonderful and amazingly supportive and my medical benefits are great. We go into this fight with a truly powerful and amazing support system.

I am first and foremost blessed by Luisa - my amazing wife. Come on - have you seen my wife and spent time around her, and likewise my kids Gavin and Kate? Yup - one lucky guy.   :-)

End of 1st Cycle

I start my 2nd chemo cycle tomorrow, and on Saturday we travel to Hawaii for six days (yea!). I have felt quite good recently and was able to get in a ~20 mile ride Friday and a ride up to Crown Point on Saturday. I can't say I'm 100% but given I'm in chemo treatment, I'm quite pleased.

Not to get into bodily function specifics, but I'm convinced that the first round of chemo has actually shrunk my tumor. A positive sign that the chemo is doing its job!

Better

So chemo fatigue definitely hit me during the weekend especially Saturday (day 5). There was a party at our house to view pictures of our August Europe trip followed by wine tasting, but by 7:30pm I had to excuse myself and fall asleep. On Monday I was better and by today (day 9 of the 14 day cycle) I am much better. The nurses mentioned that day 7 is typically the nadir for energy levels. I anticipate that with each chemo cycle the fatigue will be deeper and longer in duration. I believe the plan is 6 chemo cycles then rebuild strength then the first surgery.

Emotionally I am I also much better. A relative sense of peace has returned, and with it the ability to appreciate the joys of living. I am very happy about this.

One side effect I did not anticipate - I have lost my taste for wine (the humanity). This appears to be easing as I reach the end of the chemo cycle.

Adjustments

So I had the pump removed Thursday (yea!) but was pretty wiped out most of the day either the chemo and/or the anti-nausea drug that I took in the middle of the night. I slept pretty well last night and I'm doing better today (Friday), and the foggy head feeling is starting to clear up.

The reality of side effects and not feeling 100% all of the time is starting to sink in...and this is an adjustment for me as I have been very blessed with great health most all of my life. First the adjustment to the shock of the news, and with the help of the awesome people around me (Lu, family, friends) and prayer I was able to rebound. Now I have this adjustment to the new "normal" of chemotherapy. I will get there...

As Luisa reminds me...what would Honey Badger Do?