Sunday, November 05, 2006

Week Five Treatments


Hey gang--just the usual weekly update:

First and most importantly, Halloween. Paige was a Princess, as expected. However, JJ changed his mind again (must get that from his mother). Despite the Thomas the Train costume and the two elephant costumes we bought, he decided at the last minute that he wanted to wear the Bunny costume that Paige wore two years ago. So he was the Bunny. For the record, he wore the hood part with the ears for about 30 seconds, went to about 4 houses and then was ready to go home. We sent him home to hang at our house with his Grandmothers. About an hour later, the Bunny made a comeback and joined us for the last couple houses. It was some sort of Halloween miracle....

Now to the boring treatment stuff--not nearly as much fun as trick or treating--

Treatments are still going pretty well. Radiation first--things are still going pretty well. There are only 8 remaining radiation treatment sessions. As you know from previous posts, these final 8 treatments are a little different from the first 25 treatments. The last 8 will probably feel exactly like the first 25, but they do them on a different piece of equipment. The only difference is that they are aiming at a smaller area of my brain for the last 8 treatments.

Side effects from radiation--as you can see from the recent pictures Julie posted, my head is bald. Paige still tells me that I look "handsome without my hair"...but then again, that girl could tell me anything and I would believe her (and love her). JJ doesn't seem to even notice that I don't have any hair anymore.

Other than my hair falling out, the skin on my head is also getting very dry (which is another nice side effect). Not really painful like sunburn or anything, just annoying. Given that there are only 8 treatments left, this should be short term.

Also, I was a little tired a few nights this week. I'm not tired during the day, just falling asleep on the couch early in the evening. Let's face it, it may have nothing to do with radiation, but it is a darn good excuse. All you men out there--you know you would want to fall asleep in front of the TV at 8:00 too, you just can't get away with it. Of course, Julie is being to kind to me as usual. She lets me fall asleep and wakes me up in time to take all my medicine. She is the best...but you all already know that.

Chemo treatments are over at about the same time. I still am feeling pretty good on the chemo. I haven't really been sick at all, so I am very thankful for that. The doctors seem to be happy enough with my blood counts etc. According to the neuro oncologist, after this chemo/radiation overlapping treatment, I will get a month or so off, but then will likely go back on a different series of chemo cycles. Those new cycles will likely be 5 days on (higher dose I think) and then 23 days off. These cycles will likely run for 6 months or so. Those details will be developed with the neuro oncologist.

All of you (my family, friends, colleagues, etc. etc.) are really remarkable people. You never cease to amaze me with your love, support, care and offers to do just about anything to help us. You guys actually inspire me. Everyone in this world should be as caring and compassionate as all of you. Thank you. I absolutely can't wait to "pay it forward" to others.

Much love--
Scott

5 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:59 PM

    Scott: Glad to hear you're doing well. I scrolled down to your picture last week. You're as handsome as ever! And your kids are beautiful too! Be well. Donna McBarron (Sisco)

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  2. Anonymous10:33 PM

    Hey Scott. I haven't seen you since my brother's wedding....you still look great! I'm so happy to hear that you're feeling well. You are a strong man. Your family was so supportive during my mom's illness, please let us Marchetti's know if we can be of any help!! I hope all continues to be well. Enjoy the holidays and keep posting pics.
    -Love and Support,
    Dee Gwinn (Marchetti)
    P.S. This is the first I've seen of the kiddies, they are beautiful!

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  3. Anonymous10:56 PM

    Hmm, maybe I should get Johan to shave his head, too...I agree with Paige - you are handsome!

    Can't wait to see you guys later this month...

    xoxo
    Jen

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  4. Anonymous1:02 PM

    Hey Scott!

    You look great but not as bald as I thought you would be...you still have eyebrows and that rugged, manly goatee!

    I'm glad to hear that you are feeling good. Thanks for sharing your progress.

    Love,
    Ryan

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  5. Anonymous10:09 PM

    hey scott,
    it's me alison, kurt's sister. my mother has been keeping me updated about everything and this is my first opportunity to contact you, my sincere appologies for that. my work laptop won't let me view blogs and i'm not computer literate enough to have a computer at home. yes, i'm still blonde, evident i guess...your kids are gorgeous, so are you with that beautiful bald head!!!! i mean that. you haven't changed a bit!!! tell julie i said hi, don;t know if she remembers me or not, but you are a lucky guy to have such a wonderful woman by your side, most specifically about the sleepin by 8pm thing, ha ha, seriously, awesome woman, you're lucky to have that kind of support behind you, i'm sure that has so much to so with your recovery!!!! please know that i'm thinking about you, my e-mail address is
    alisonpaigechase@gmail.com. luv you always!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    alison

    ReplyDelete