Monday, October 23, 2006

Third Week Treatments

You would think that I could come up with some creative title for these postings. But let's face it, I can't. Anyway, many of you are still interested in these postings, despite the poor titles.

First, before I get into the treatment stuff, just a humble request from me. So many of you are posting comments to the blog. Your comments are frequently funny and always inspirational. However, there are some of you that I can't seem to get into contact with in response to your comment. I can't seem to find email addresses of the person posting. I am just a rookie blogger, and probably just not smart enough to figure out the blog/comment system. If I don't have your email address, please add the email address to the text of your comment, so I can shoot an email out to you so we can catch up.

OK treatment fans, here is the update--I know that you are all on the edge of your seats. Week three went just about like the previous weeks. I have not yet been suffering any side effects from either the radiation treatments or the chemo that I am taking. The radiation oncologist did tell me that my hair would start falling out during week three. Turns out that the guy knows what he is talking about. My hair started falling out in clumps, which was pretty odd, but I could really care less about that. I don't even really count that as a side effect. They basically aim the radiation at three different spots: one on each side and one aimed down from the top. Hair in those three areas are falling out. It is a pretty good look for me.

My brother, Ben was kind enough to shave me down like a Yeti. Julie convinced us to just shave the sides and the back and leave some of the hair on the top. That looked good for about two days and then the top started falling out too. I will be shaving the whole noggin in the next day or so.

That is pretty much it on the radiation front and there is even less news on the chemo front. I am not feeling sick or anything. The neuro oncologist has been reviewing my weekly blood work and tells me that my blood work counts are all perfect. I have an appointment with the oncologist this Thurs and will be posing a bunch of questions as usual. I am approved to drive short local distances, but not longer/highway driving. Since the neuro oncologist prescribes all my mediations, he is the final answer on the driving question. I plan to discuss that with him on Thurs. His secretary has indicated that he will likely require an EEG test on me prior to approving that. I don't know exactly what the EEG entails, but I'll fill you all in when I know something about all that.

That is about all the info on treatments folks. I am feeling great though and I think that is due to all your support and prayers. Love you all for that.

Also, special thanks to a "Few Good Men" that played a couple rounds of golf with me this weekend. It was a guys weekend that we planned months ago. Many of you know that I am a terrible golfer, but always have fun playing, no matter how bad I play. However, the weather was perfect both days and the gods were smiling on me out there. I actually hit the ball straight on occasion (which is way beyond my normal game). We had a great time.

The Giants are coming on the TV against the Cowboys....so enough from me now....

Much love.
Scott

10 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:58 PM

    Hey cous- don't worry too much about the hair- I keep mine short all the time since I joined the Corps back in '97- let me tell you- it's so much easier to handle in the morning and I save a ton on shampoo! You might switch to something that promotes scalp health instead of hair care. I sometimes use a little bit of skin lotion on the head just to keep it moisturized after a shower.
    Keep up the great attitude- I can't imagine anything that would help you through all this more than that.
    Good luck and lots of love cous'!
    -Adam
    neweagle@hotmail.com

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  2. Anonymous12:56 AM

    Dearest Brother-in-Law,
    I'm an update junkie, so keep 'em coming...
    I'm in Vegas now, tell Julie all went much better than expected! I plan to come visit soon - I'm getting some serious Miss Paige & JJ withdrawal - give them hugs and smooches from me.
    I hear you have some stylish hats for that lid of yours, and really, you were going to lose the hair someday anyway. At least this way, Julie isn't subjected to the dreaded comb over...
    Love you all and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you.
    xoxo
    Jen

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  3. Anonymous1:01 AM

    P.S. I think you should call this blog "Spoerl on the brain"...

    xo
    J

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  4. Anonymous12:35 PM

    Scott -

    We are continually amazed at your good spirits and excellent progress. Just wanted to send you a little South Florida sunshine to warm you up!

    Stay well and lots of love & hugs to you, Julie & the kids.

    Love,
    Sandy (Harris's sister), Drew and Alex
    thearnells@bellsouth.net

    PS - I think we would all love to see the "latest and greatest" pics of the Chrome Dome. Would you want to post any on the blog? I'm sure that Julie loves your new sexy look - it's very South Beach! Anyway - it should make for a terrific Halloween costume....

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  5. Anonymous1:05 PM

    Scott - It's great to hear that you're doing so well. You've been in my prayers.

    Take care and best to Julie

    Whit
    melissaj07430@yahoo.com

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  6. Anonymous7:41 AM

    Scott-

    Glad to hear that your treatments are going so well and that your attitude is so great! You are truly an amazing person! With the new crome dome maybe you should try and host your own game show! One of these days when you are cleared Fritz you and me should plan a McGoo's reunion. You have been and will remain in our prayers.

    Your friend,

    Eric

    ehughes@mdmc-law.com

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  7. Anonymous2:12 PM

    Hey Scott,

    So glad to hear that you're feeling well and are continuing with your optimistic attitude. It's the best medicine, I'm sure. And, of course,the kids,Julie and your whole support system are equally as important as all of the doctors, chemo, etc. Glad to hear you're able to do the things you love throughout this ordeal. Hey, and look at it this way, you can probably come up with a pretty cool Halloween costume this year with the bald head and all! :-) Our thoughts are with all of you. Love, Vicki (vwithington@hotmail.com)

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  8. Anonymous8:51 PM

    Hey Scott, let me know if you want me to shave my head to.... I feel like you should have a partner in this somehow. I am glad to hear you are doing well. Elizabeth and I hope to be home sometime around new years, and would love to see you. Keep fighting the good fight. We love you.

    Bubba
    cmarche2ti@hotmail.com

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  9. Anonymous9:07 AM

    I'm so happy to read your positive progress. Sorry about the hair thing, but if that is the worst of your side effects right now, great!

    Thanks for your diligent updates.

    Love,
    Ryan

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  10. Anonymous9:09 PM

    Dear Scott,

    Reading the comments proves two incontestable truths: 1) You are loved by many; and 2) You are an inspiration to many.

    You are blessing a lot of lives brother. Hope to get together with you soon.

    In His Love,

    Steve

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