January 10/08 - I feel I’m slowly on the mend. Ann and I have been going “out” a little more often. Yesterday, we attended Murray Hatfield’s Magic ‘n Miracles at the Royal Theatre (terrific show). This afternoon, we went for “tea” at the home of Jim & Galina Lewis (fly fishing buddy). I’m feeling good…
January 11/08 – Ann and I went to Glenwarren Lodge (Seniors Home) to perform a 30 minute magic show for the residents. No cramps and not tired…
January 14/08 – The doctor has started to “cut back” on my medicine. e.g. My Prednisone was originally at 50mg and now it’s been cut down to 5mg. Also had a chemo treatment today.
January 18/08 – We went for “tea” at the home of Case & Doris Emke. Case (retired baker) made his famous Cinnamon Buns. They were deliciously awesome. I’m the President of our Good Sam Victoria Wanderers and the Emkes are members of the same Chapter. I did have a rest before heading out for this visit …. Didn’t feel tired all…
January 19/08 – I was feeling very good and Ann & I built a “feature wall” made of knotty cedar in our laundry room, downstairs in our basement. We cut, nailed and oiled the wall (7’ x7’). Looks great!
January 21/08 – Ann and I drove to Whistler, BC. I performed a close up show for a group of Financial Planners (Western theme – Rawhide & Rhinestones). We stayed at the Fairmont Whistler Chateau. I was feeling good but my nurse phoned long distance and said my white blood count was very low and not to rush back for my Chemo Treatment, as it had been postponed. I was a little disappointed as I wanted to keep a steady continuation on my treatments…
January 25/08 – I finally found my dream ¾ size guitar through “Used Victoria”… it’s called a “Baby Taylor” guitar. It’s perfect for traveling. I was very happy… made me feel really good…
January 26/08 – Mike & Nicole Norden came from Vancouver (President of the Vancouver Magic Circle) to stay with us for the weekend. We attended the Victoria Magic Circle’s annual Dinner/show, at the Edelweiss Hall. I even performed close up magic at this event. Again, I rested up before going out. I wasn’t tired at all.
January 26/08 – Mike Norden and I attended a magic lecture given by John Kaplan at the Langford Fire Hall. To our surprise, after the lecture, we had a snow fall of 4-5 inches. Ann was working, so I cooked supper for the Nordens and myself… again, I didn’t feel tired or sleepy…
January 28/08 – I went in for my tri-weekly blood tests. Again, my white blood count was low. At that time, my white blood count somehow dropped down to 2.5, which is extremely and dangerously low (average is 4-10). My medical team goes crazy when I’m NOT in the “average”. Ann had to give me a shot of Neupogen, a drug which brings my white blood cells up.
January 30/08 – Again, I went in for the tri-weekly blood tests. I had an 11:40am appointment with Dr. Yee (My Hematogist). Later, I had a 2:00pm Chemo appointment. After two sessions with Neupogen. This drug brought my white blood count up to 9.0 (again, average is 4-10). Nurse Ann Eng does it again. She’s the one who punctures my arm to administer this medication. Everything went very well with the chemo session. Doctor Yee put me back on 100mg of Prednisone (which periodically makes my hands and feet cramp up). Apparently, I need this drug on these “double whammy” chemo sessions… part of the over all treatment. Other than the cramps, I feel great…
January 31/08 – I had another Chemo session at 9:30am (2nd part of the “double whammy”). Neighbour Fred Allen dropped me off at Cancer Clinic. This is the “long Chemo treatment” following up session from yesterday. I brought down some books and 4 DVDs to watch during the treatment to amuse myself. The reason for the “long day is so that the medical team can monitor how I react to these medications (Vincristin aka Oncovin; Cyclophosphamide; Prednisone and Rituximab aka Rituxan). Sometimes, these drugs may cause the patients to become nauseous, get fatigue and/or sleepy, itchy, fever, hair loss or break out with hives. Ann picked me up after the treatments, to bring me home. Other than the fact it was a long session (6 hours)… so far, I’m feeling good… no side effects what-so-ever.
The bottom line is that I’m ON THE MEND!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
HEALTH IMPROVING ...
Well, today is Thursday, January 10/08….
My radiation specialist Dr. Larrson, finally gave me a clean bill of health on my Merkel Cell Skin Cancer. I saw him on January 4/08, when he made this synopsis official. I can now wear that pin proudly that says “CANCER SURVIOUR”. Yay!
I went into the hospital 3 days prior to Christmas Eve for a Pre-chemo "check up".... Dr. Margaret Smith (Oncologist) ended up hospitalizing me for those 3 days (due to a "fever"... and I was only 2-3 degrees over normal and they really jumped on me, for this). They did let me go home to enjoy Christmas with my family.... My two “little girls” came home for a month. It's been GREAT having Julie and Sandra, visit. They’ve both since gone home…
I thought my last chemo was going to be on Christmas eve BUT they ended up doing this treatment on New years eve, instead. This Leukemia situation is still in its "beginning stages"... My medical team is just starting to get aggressive with my chemo treatments.
Now, I will be doing Chemo sessions for 5 weeks (every Monday) for January 2008. Then in February 2008, they will increase my dosage but slow down t
he time frame... only ONCE, every three weeks, thereafter, but spread over 24 weeks. This will take me into the summer (groan….)
I will be glad when these Chemo sessions are through. Right now, I’m taking a drug called Prednisone. They call it the "wonder drug" but it gives me cramps in my hands, especially when I'm tired. I'm GREAT from about 8:00am until about 3:00pm. Then, I must take a nap otherwise, in the early evening, I get these cramps (at least this is what I tell Ann, LOL). When I'm able to catch a "few winks" in the afternoon, I'm good for the rest of the night.
re: YMCA
I was really hoping to enter the Y Open racquetball (my partner Steve Hendry and I are the defending “B” Open champions) at the end of February 2008, but that's not going to happen...
Right now, I'm feeling fine. I was very ambitious, the other day. I helped take down the Christmas Tree; lights around the windows, etc; even vacuumed the front room; made lunch; did two loads of laundry. Then I took Ann to work and went to the Golf Range to knock a couple bucket of balls. Later, went home for a nap...
Saturday, January 5/08, Ann and I treated the girls to the Blethering Place for supper... we stayed for the Brit comedy show with the "two characters" (Eric & Mike). We had lots of fun and laughs.
Sometimes with my daily scheduling, I get choices “back to back”… as an example, I had to choose between attending a magic meeting; a Fly Fishing meeting or to Murray Hatfield’s Illusion Show. My choice this time was going to the Royal Theatre to enjoy Murray’s show. I can’t do everything as I’ve done in the past. With my White Blood count so low, I have to be very selective with my public outings ... but I will slowly get back into the swing of things...
The way I see it, I figure I’m about 5/8 of the way through these health issues and the outlook is still very positive and promising.
Julie, Sandra and especially Ann, have been very supportive with me through this whole ordeal. I certainly realize the importance of having loved ones being around to care and look after me… and just being there…
I really appreciate every ones concern with my health. I’d like to take this time to thank everybody for their continued support. Your emails, phone calls, cards, thoughts and prayers have really lifted my spirits and taken a huge weight off my shoulders.
My radiation specialist Dr. Larrson, finally gave me a clean bill of health on my Merkel Cell Skin Cancer. I saw him on January 4/08, when he made this synopsis official. I can now wear that pin proudly that says “CANCER SURVIOUR”. Yay!
I went into the hospital 3 days prior to Christmas Eve for a Pre-chemo "check up".... Dr. Margaret Smith (Oncologist) ended up hospitalizing me for those 3 days (due to a "fever"... and I was only 2-3 degrees over normal and they really jumped on me, for this). They did let me go home to enjoy Christmas with my family.... My two “little girls” came home for a month. It's been GREAT having Julie and Sandra, visit. They’ve both since gone home…
I thought my last chemo was going to be on Christmas eve BUT they ended up doing this treatment on New years eve, instead. This Leukemia situation is still in its "beginning stages"... My medical team is just starting to get aggressive with my chemo treatments.
Now, I will be doing Chemo sessions for 5 weeks (every Monday) for January 2008. Then in February 2008, they will increase my dosage but slow down t
he time frame... only ONCE, every three weeks, thereafter, but spread over 24 weeks. This will take me into the summer (groan….)I will be glad when these Chemo sessions are through. Right now, I’m taking a drug called Prednisone. They call it the "wonder drug" but it gives me cramps in my hands, especially when I'm tired. I'm GREAT from about 8:00am until about 3:00pm. Then, I must take a nap otherwise, in the early evening, I get these cramps (at least this is what I tell Ann, LOL). When I'm able to catch a "few winks" in the afternoon, I'm good for the rest of the night.
re: YMCA
I was really hoping to enter the Y Open racquetball (my partner Steve Hendry and I are the defending “B” Open champions) at the end of February 2008, but that's not going to happen...
Right now, I'm feeling fine. I was very ambitious, the other day. I helped take down the Christmas Tree; lights around the windows, etc; even vacuumed the front room; made lunch; did two loads of laundry. Then I took Ann to work and went to the Golf Range to knock a couple bucket of balls. Later, went home for a nap...
Saturday, January 5/08, Ann and I treated the girls to the Blethering Place for supper... we stayed for the Brit comedy show with the "two characters" (Eric & Mike). We had lots of fun and laughs.
Sometimes with my daily scheduling, I get choices “back to back”… as an example, I had to choose between attending a magic meeting; a Fly Fishing meeting or to Murray Hatfield’s Illusion Show. My choice this time was going to the Royal Theatre to enjoy Murray’s show. I can’t do everything as I’ve done in the past. With my White Blood count so low, I have to be very selective with my public outings ... but I will slowly get back into the swing of things...
The way I see it, I figure I’m about 5/8 of the way through these health issues and the outlook is still very positive and promising.
Julie, Sandra and especially Ann, have been very supportive with me through this whole ordeal. I certainly realize the importance of having loved ones being around to care and look after me… and just being there…
I really appreciate every ones concern with my health. I’d like to take this time to thank everybody for their continued support. Your emails, phone calls, cards, thoughts and prayers have really lifted my spirits and taken a huge weight off my shoulders.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
MORE ON TONY'S HEALTH ...
Well, today is Thursday, December 19/07…. My last radiation treatment was on Monday, December 3/07. My radiation specialist Dr. Larrson, has unofficially given me a clean bill of health on my Merkel Cell Skin Cancer. I will see him on January 4/08, when he will hopefully make this official. I will then be able to wear the pin that says “CANCER SURVIOUR”. Yay!! That is great news!
Here’s the latest news... My bone marrow is not doing its full job and the oral chemo treatment I was taking, “Fludarabine”, didn’t work successfully. So, to fight back, I am now on an IV chemotherapy (for you technical people) called Cyclophosphamide. It’s far more aggressive chemo treatment so, unfortunately, I might loose my hair… yes, yes, whatever I have left…. (LOL)… so it will be correct for you to say “soon Yul look like Kojak” (LOL). My goatee is thinning but it’s still there - some of you have never seen my face without a goatee or mustache. Yep, get your cameras ready, because it’ll be your “2nd chance” to catch a glimpse of my face…. That is, your first and last chance!! (LOL). Even Ann hasn’t seen my face naked, for so long.
My two daughters, Julie and Sandra, have come home for Christmas. They’ve been cooking/baking a storm. I musta’ put on some 5lbs!
Hopefully… my last Chemo Treatment is scheduled for December 24/07. Yep, Santa didn’t forget me(LOL)…
My White Blood cells are continually dropping and I have to do a “self-injection” (actually, Ann does this for me) of Neupogen, a drug that brings my white blood back up to normal levels. Without this drug, my immune system drops far below a safe level.
I still have many doctor appointments, blood tests (3 x a week), daily pills, etc. to deal with but it’s all a manageable routine.
The bottom line is that through all this, I still feel very good. The Chemo (and Prednisone) makes my finger tips tingle and I occasionally get cramps in my hands and feet. The cramping is not the greatest for my close up magic, but I deal with it… You try hiding a card or coin in your hand for one minute, and you’ll know what I mean…
The way I see it, I figure I’m about 2/3 of the way through these health problems and the outlook is very positive and promising.
I’ve been practicing my magic and playing my guitar which keeps me occupied; I’ve also used the time at home to putt in my workshop, to play on my lathes and to work on other various projects. Though I haven’t been fly fishing lately… I plan to in the new year. I’m also planning to re-join the YMCA in February 2008.
I’d like to take this time to thank everyone for their continued support. Your emails, phone calls, cards, thoughts and prayers have really lifted my spirits and taken a huge weight off my shoulders.
From my family (Ann, Julie & Suley, Sandra & Ted) to yours…..
Our Christmas wish is for EVERYONE to have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Here’s the latest news... My bone marrow is not doing its full job and the oral chemo treatment I was taking, “Fludarabine”, didn’t work successfully. So, to fight back, I am now on an IV chemotherapy (for you technical people) called Cyclophosphamide. It’s far more aggressive chemo treatment so, unfortunately, I might loose my hair… yes, yes, whatever I have left…. (LOL)… so it will be correct for you to say “soon Yul look like Kojak” (LOL). My goatee is thinning but it’s still there - some of you have never seen my face without a goatee or mustache. Yep, get your cameras ready, because it’ll be your “2nd chance” to catch a glimpse of my face…. That is, your first and last chance!! (LOL). Even Ann hasn’t seen my face naked, for so long.
My two daughters, Julie and Sandra, have come home for Christmas. They’ve been cooking/baking a storm. I musta’ put on some 5lbs!
Hopefully… my last Chemo Treatment is scheduled for December 24/07. Yep, Santa didn’t forget me(LOL)…
My White Blood cells are continually dropping and I have to do a “self-injection” (actually, Ann does this for me) of Neupogen, a drug that brings my white blood back up to normal levels. Without this drug, my immune system drops far below a safe level.
I still have many doctor appointments, blood tests (3 x a week), daily pills, etc. to deal with but it’s all a manageable routine.
The bottom line is that through all this, I still feel very good. The Chemo (and Prednisone) makes my finger tips tingle and I occasionally get cramps in my hands and feet. The cramping is not the greatest for my close up magic, but I deal with it… You try hiding a card or coin in your hand for one minute, and you’ll know what I mean…
The way I see it, I figure I’m about 2/3 of the way through these health problems and the outlook is very positive and promising.
I’ve been practicing my magic and playing my guitar which keeps me occupied; I’ve also used the time at home to putt in my workshop, to play on my lathes and to work on other various projects. Though I haven’t been fly fishing lately… I plan to in the new year. I’m also planning to re-join the YMCA in February 2008.
I’d like to take this time to thank everyone for their continued support. Your emails, phone calls, cards, thoughts and prayers have really lifted my spirits and taken a huge weight off my shoulders.
From my family (Ann, Julie & Suley, Sandra & Ted) to yours…..
Our Christmas wish is for EVERYONE to have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
CONTINUING SAGA ...
Today, is Tuesday, November 20/07.
Every day is a good day… no, GREAT day(s)! Being a nocturnal person all my life… I’m starting to really enjoy getting up early in the morning. Sometimes, I stand by the window staring at the beautiful water view as the sun starts to peek over the horizon. Sometimes, I just sit in my big lounge/rocker; sip on my Hot Chocolate and get this warm, fuzzy feeling that I’ve truly been blessed. Blessed with terrific friends and family who have supported me through a very difficult time in my life. Ann, Julie, Suley and Sandra have been on top of me all the way through ordeal…
Although I have been inundated with phone calls and emails, I really appreciate the efforts by the respective people to get in touch with me to make sure I’m OK.
I’m writing this message to up date and let you know that I’m doing EXCELLENT.
I am now approximately 1/3 of the way through with my Radiation Treatments. I have completed 5 treatments and I have a total of 15 sessions, altogether. The treatments are swift and I’m literally in and out of the clinic, within minutes. The Cancer Clinic is amazing. They’re very caring and extremely efficient. My cancer cell has shrunk considerably.
During these Radiation Treatments, I haven’t been tired, sleepy, itchy, or sore. I haven’t lost any hair; nor do I have any “branches” growing outta’ my ears. I have no complaints, what-so-ever. I feel GREAT!
I feel 100% they (my medical team) will beat this Merkel Cell Skin cancer.
As for my second health situation… I’m doing “blood tests” every Tuesdays and Fridays. This is for my Hematologist, to keep on top of my Leukemia problem.
I will be seeing my Hematologist this Thursday to find out when my next Chemo Treatment will be…. There’s a possibility that we might wait until after all the Radiation sessions are completed.
Meanwhile, I’m back to exercising (lightly). I’m trying to tone up those muscles… I’m taking Prednisone Pills, which is supposed to make you gain weight. At least, that’s my excuse (LOL) and I’m sticking with it. Actually, I’m keeping my weight down. Right now, I’m at a lean and mean, 144lbs, and feeling GREAT.
That’s about all I have to report for now….
Every day is a good day… no, GREAT day(s)! Being a nocturnal person all my life… I’m starting to really enjoy getting up early in the morning. Sometimes, I stand by the window staring at the beautiful water view as the sun starts to peek over the horizon. Sometimes, I just sit in my big lounge/rocker; sip on my Hot Chocolate and get this warm, fuzzy feeling that I’ve truly been blessed. Blessed with terrific friends and family who have supported me through a very difficult time in my life. Ann, Julie, Suley and Sandra have been on top of me all the way through ordeal…
Although I have been inundated with phone calls and emails, I really appreciate the efforts by the respective people to get in touch with me to make sure I’m OK.
I’m writing this message to up date and let you know that I’m doing EXCELLENT.
I am now approximately 1/3 of the way through with my Radiation Treatments. I have completed 5 treatments and I have a total of 15 sessions, altogether. The treatments are swift and I’m literally in and out of the clinic, within minutes. The Cancer Clinic is amazing. They’re very caring and extremely efficient. My cancer cell has shrunk considerably.
During these Radiation Treatments, I haven’t been tired, sleepy, itchy, or sore. I haven’t lost any hair; nor do I have any “branches” growing outta’ my ears. I have no complaints, what-so-ever. I feel GREAT!
I feel 100% they (my medical team) will beat this Merkel Cell Skin cancer.
As for my second health situation… I’m doing “blood tests” every Tuesdays and Fridays. This is for my Hematologist, to keep on top of my Leukemia problem.
I will be seeing my Hematologist this Thursday to find out when my next Chemo Treatment will be…. There’s a possibility that we might wait until after all the Radiation sessions are completed.
Meanwhile, I’m back to exercising (lightly). I’m trying to tone up those muscles… I’m taking Prednisone Pills, which is supposed to make you gain weight. At least, that’s my excuse (LOL) and I’m sticking with it. Actually, I’m keeping my weight down. Right now, I’m at a lean and mean, 144lbs, and feeling GREAT.
That’s about all I have to report for now….
Friday, November 2, 2007
TONY'S HEALTH
Everyone's been asking... so here's what I know so far...
Ann and I will NOT be going down to Arizona, this year. At least, we have cancelled all plans to head south for the winter. Just when I thought things were starting to turn around in my favor....
I received a rather disturbing phone call from my GP. Dr. Houston phoned me and reported that I have Chronic Lymphoytic Leukemia (CLL)
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7059#blood
He is sending me to see a Hematologist, Dr. Yee re: this matter. Dr. Yee will be checking my blood and perhaps do some bone marrow tests to find the root of the Leukemia problem. Here's the down and dirty.... My White Blood cells should be less than 10 (I'm currently at 19).... too high.... My Red Blood cells should be around 130 (I'm currently at 84).... far too low... that's why I'm tired and easily winded....
We're dealing with two separate issues..... my first problem is: Merkel Cell Carcinoma (I have a big "cancer tumor" on my back) It's the size of 4-5 silver dollars stacked on my back.
http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cancernet/210847.html
I'm going ahead with my original plans and that is...
1. I have a consultation appointment with Dr. Djurickovic (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon) on November 8/07. I have the date of November 30/07 planned to remove the tumor from my back. He will be the surgeon that will be removing the cancerous tumor and repair my back.
2. I have another consultation appointment with Dr. S. Larson (Radiation Specialist) at the Cancer Clinic, on November 6/07. He will be filling me in as to when radiation (perhaps Chemo) treatments will commence. He might shrink this "tumor" before the operation or he might "burn" this tumor after the operation. That's why the consultation.
My dermatologist, Dr. Patrick Kenny was pleased when I told him I was cancelling my trip to Arizona. This way, there's no pressure on the medical team or on us. The bottom line is I don't know how long these medical treatments will take. There is no cure for CLL, but if I'm careful, I can keep an eye on my blood levels... and can live a fairly normal and active life. I will have to keep watchful eye on the Merkel Skin Cancer too. It can come back any time.
Jeez, a total of SIX doctors all poking me, like a prized beef (LOL). When does this end??
Ann and I had really wanted to go down south this winter and had made plans to leave on November 1/07. The "waiting" to hear from the various doctors has been soooooo draining and time consuming.
I want to be healthy going down "south" and certainly don't want to have any medical problems down there.
Trust you have a better understanding of my health situation up this point.... I will make an official announcement to the general family and some close friends, in a couple of weeks, when I get some concrete answers myself.
Ah, life's a bummer when you start getting old.... On the bright side, modern medicine is at its BEST, right now. While I'm easily tired and winded, I do feel strong and I do have a good feeling that doctors will come up some answers to remedy this delicate situation.
I appreciate you thinking of me and my concerns.
Ann and I will NOT be going down to Arizona, this year. At least, we have cancelled all plans to head south for the winter. Just when I thought things were starting to turn around in my favor....
I received a rather disturbing phone call from my GP. Dr. Houston phoned me and reported that I have Chronic Lymphoytic Leukemia (CLL)
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7059#blood
He is sending me to see a Hematologist, Dr. Yee re: this matter. Dr. Yee will be checking my blood and perhaps do some bone marrow tests to find the root of the Leukemia problem. Here's the down and dirty.... My White Blood cells should be less than 10 (I'm currently at 19).... too high.... My Red Blood cells should be around 130 (I'm currently at 84).... far too low... that's why I'm tired and easily winded....
We're dealing with two separate issues..... my first problem is: Merkel Cell Carcinoma (I have a big "cancer tumor" on my back) It's the size of 4-5 silver dollars stacked on my back.
http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cancernet/210847.html
I'm going ahead with my original plans and that is...
1. I have a consultation appointment with Dr. Djurickovic (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon) on November 8/07. I have the date of November 30/07 planned to remove the tumor from my back. He will be the surgeon that will be removing the cancerous tumor and repair my back.
2. I have another consultation appointment with Dr. S. Larson (Radiation Specialist) at the Cancer Clinic, on November 6/07. He will be filling me in as to when radiation (perhaps Chemo) treatments will commence. He might shrink this "tumor" before the operation or he might "burn" this tumor after the operation. That's why the consultation.
My dermatologist, Dr. Patrick Kenny was pleased when I told him I was cancelling my trip to Arizona. This way, there's no pressure on the medical team or on us. The bottom line is I don't know how long these medical treatments will take. There is no cure for CLL, but if I'm careful, I can keep an eye on my blood levels... and can live a fairly normal and active life. I will have to keep watchful eye on the Merkel Skin Cancer too. It can come back any time.
Jeez, a total of SIX doctors all poking me, like a prized beef (LOL). When does this end??
Ann and I had really wanted to go down south this winter and had made plans to leave on November 1/07. The "waiting" to hear from the various doctors has been soooooo draining and time consuming.
I want to be healthy going down "south" and certainly don't want to have any medical problems down there.
Trust you have a better understanding of my health situation up this point.... I will make an official announcement to the general family and some close friends, in a couple of weeks, when I get some concrete answers myself.
Ah, life's a bummer when you start getting old.... On the bright side, modern medicine is at its BEST, right now. While I'm easily tired and winded, I do feel strong and I do have a good feeling that doctors will come up some answers to remedy this delicate situation.
I appreciate you thinking of me and my concerns.
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