The Final Stand - Day 9

Hello world. Welcome back to my blog, where I am sharing with you my journey with cancer. At this point, it feels like our journey rather than my journey. I am in somewhat a state of shock knowing how many people are logging into this blog everyday. When I started this, I was certain there would be a handful of loyal followers, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would have between one hundred and two hundred visits a day. Thank you. Knowing I have an army of support behind me helps to keep me focused on being positive.

Well, allow me to report my day.

The anti-nausea meds I receive prior to my chemo treatment are full of steroids. These steroids tend to cause temporary insomnia, which prevented me from going to bed at my normal time. Luckily, if you recall from my last post, I had woke up at 2:30 in the morning and was too busy during the day to nap. SO... I was able to eventually crash from exhaustion, I just didn't receive as much sleep as I usually get.

Jess woke-up at 5:30. I woke-up as well, but not because I wanted to. I had a headache that was preventing me from going back to bed. Jess was kind enough to bring me fresh water and pain meds, but still I laid there unable to return to my slumber. I wasn't nauseous, so that was good. I got on my cellphone and started messing about on Facebook. Before I knew it, it was approaching 9 o'clock. I had to leave for my radiation appointment at 11:00, so I forced myself out of bed so I could grab myself a bite to eat.

Jess returned home to retrieve me and escort me to my radiation appointment. Luck was on our side today! We got to park in the lower lot, avoiding the dreaded parking structure.

When we walked into the radiation oncology clinic, we saw the faces of our new friends. We were early today, so we had more time to chat and get to know our new radiation friends. Come to find out, they live in Tombstone, which is an hour and a half away. They make the commute into Tucson five days a week for Sam's treatments (he's the one with colon cancer). I was both happy and sad to hear that Sam's last treatment would be this week. I guess Sam moving on means another warrior stepping into his place. I just hope the newbie and their family are as inviting as Sam and his.

I saw Doug from across the room, but I was unable to speak with him today. I was a bit upset by this, but hold on hopes of possible seeing him tomorrow. Jess said he was taken into the back to receive IV pain control treatments. I guess his pain was significant today that he would not be able to bear the mask without having some extra pain management. I fear this will be me someday soon.

After my appointment, I agreed to travel to base so Jess could go workout at the gym. I had her drop me off at the Fire Department so I could catch-up with the guys and check my e-mails. It was nice to be back at work, even if I spend most my time there sounding like a broken record. I think next time I'll page all personnel into the training room so I can have a single questions and answer session.

After our base visit, Jess and I headed home so we could meet-up with the kiddos as they returned from school. We relaxed for the remainder of the evening until it was time to decide on dinner. I told Jess I would like to get pizza one last time before it's too late. I had some serious indication earlier in the day that my taste was diminishing quicker than expected. I ordered and picked-up pizza from the Italian restaurant down the street. Would you believe... the Pizza was HORRIBLE! Everyone else thought it tasted just as good as it usually does, but to me, it was not good. In fact, I picked through each ingredient in both the pizza and my antipasti salad and found that there are many things I am now having a hard time tasting. For example... the banana pepper taste like dirty water with a kick of spice at the end. The only things that taste the way they should were both the black and green olives. The tomato sauce on the pizza was repulsive. The good news was that although not as appetizing as I would have liked, it was all still eatable. I have one last pint of my favorite ice cream: Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia. I'm really hoping for one last enjoyment with one of my favorite comfort foods.

So, aside from the headache and loss of taste, I can also tell my mouth gets dry even more so than it has been in the recent past. Connor also commented on my neck being red... which I noticed as well, but his confirmation sealed the deal. The burns are here. Not painful yet, but the hurt is soon to come. I really hope to hear some good news on Thursday regarding the Liquid Hope because I don't know if I can stomach eating nasty tasting food. I guess I can always blend everything and shot it into the PEG.