Friday, December 4, 2015

Out of the hospital and back to work

Well, after 17 days I busted out of the hospital on Sunday, 11/29. No more IV's, blood draw, etc. I jumped back into work on Monday, 11/30 and it's been a productive week. Still in pain and bloated from the surgery and I go back for a follow up visit on 12/10. I'll be interested to hear their opinion on how I'm doing. In the meantime, taking it one day at a time. Cheers

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

What a journey - too close to a deadly situation for my comfort

For what I thought was food poisoning of gas from a bad mean turned out to 'life in the balance' twice in one week. 11/13 - checked into the emergency room. Bloated, painful stomach, X-rays and CT scan taken. It's confirmed I have a Small Bowel Obstruction. NG Tube inserted to help relieve pressure from stomach contents,'above' the blockage Transferred from Emregeny facility to main hospital, CMC Main 11/14-18 - goal is to 'walk off' the gas, help my bowels relax and move things naturally from small bowel to large intestine and out the back door. 11/19 - due to no improvement, we go into surgery. 3 hours of surgery to untangle and eliminate blockage. 11/20 - what did we learn? Had I not gone into the emergency room and then ultimately have surgery, I was less than 24 hours away from one of my stricture to cause my small intestine to burst. Once it bursts, minutes count until you die. 11/20-25 - slow but steady progress, problems all week with my IV's....currently I'm on my 11th and 12th. My veins are revolting. 11/25 - thirteen days in a hospital, I'm going nuts

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Another major surgery, didn't see this one coming

6 unsuccessful days in the hospital trying to get my twisted bowels to relax let things flow...no luck. Surgery at 1pm on 11/19, approx 7-8 days hospital recovery, then 2 more at home. Major

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Bowel obstruction...5 days and counting

And VERY uncomfortable. Woke up early Friday morning, in the Emergency Roomtgey told me ~70-80% gets cleared with the bowel breaking loose. I'll know this afternoon if there will be surgery. Send good thoughts about me having a movement soon, thx 🚽

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Movember is On!

Movember is in full force and our Splunk team is doing great! It's all about raising awareness around men's health. Health update: all side effects have kicked in....doing my best to manage the effects. Next Oncologist appointment is 11/11, look for an update afterwards. Go Mo!

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

It's almost Movember time!!!

If you're inclined to support me early, here's my web page - more coming soon...

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Updated PSA

Well, after being on Adrogen Deprivation a Therapy for 6 weeks, bingo! The PSA went from 2.0 down to 0.1. The meds are working and we're beating my cancer into remission again. Woo Hoo Now we need to determine whether I do this for 6 months or 9 months. Just have to see how the side effects impact my quality of life. Until next time

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Did I mention the side effects are back?

Wow, the hot flashes are back in full force, it's amazing how much it Zaps my energy. It certainly beats the alternative of course. Keeping a positive attitude and a sense of humor is key. Looking forward to a vacation coming up in October, should be fun. Speaking of fun, make every day great!

Thursday, August 27, 2015

They're back...

Working on 3 hours of sleep....the hot flashes are back big time Cancer meds are kickin in 😕 Chin is up

Thursday, August 13, 2015

No Lurpon, doing Eligard instead

Well, today was my first shot of Eligard, starting my Androgren Deprivation Therapy. Back on the hormone meds to starve out the cancer. Hope the side effects aren't too bad as they were before. Stay tuned! Thx for all the support.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

PSA results are in......and quickly

I guessed correctly 6 weeks ago and did it again. When I met with my Oncologist yesterday I asked him "at what level would you start me back on ADT or Androgen Deprivation Therapy' 2.0?" You guessed it, my PSA has risen now to 2.0 and I'll go in on Thursday for my Lupron shot. Here we go, beating down the cancer again

My Mocha is getting old

Went to the vet today with Kathy and Mocha...he's starting to show his age. We're not ready to say goodbye and it's amazing how he perks up when he gets in the vets office. Love my puppy and hope he has more good years in front of him.

Monday, August 10, 2015

Blood work today

Met with my Oncologist today, blood work taken and I'll get the results most likely on Wednesday. My last Lupron shot was Dec,2013 so the cancer has been in remission for a good spell. Last PSA 6 weeks ago was 1.2 so we'll see what it is 6 weeks later. Fingers crossed it didn't increase. Update on Wednesday

Friday, July 24, 2015

the scan results are in....

Woo Hoo!!!! The scans are CLEAN....what a relief. Next step, follow up meeting with my Oncologist on August 10 for another PSA test. thanks for all the prayers

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Scans this week

Based on my rising PSA, it looks like I'll be going back on hormone treatment. Before that happens, we need to have a bone scan and a CT scan to see if the cancer shows up on the bone or in some lymph nodes. Stay tuned

Friday, July 10, 2015

Bradley is my hero

My son Bradley had jaw surgery today and it was a major surgery and I'm happy to say all went very well. Bradley was and continues to be very brave, I'm very proud of him. He's facing several rough days of recovery and I know he'll be brave and put his best effort by not this recovery. Again, all went well according to the surgeon and I'm extremely proud of how brave my son Bradley has been and continues to be.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

The plumbing is good, PSA not so good

I had my 1 year check up with my surgeon who did the reconstructive surgery. The Ultrasound showed everything looking very good. Plumbing, kidneys, etc Great news. PSA climbed by 50% during the past 6 weeks so I'm in the process of scheduling a CT Scan and a bone Scan. Precautionary, just to check if the cancer has metastasized to the bone or lymph nodes. Then I'll most likely go back on hormone treatment for 1 year. Next update coming soon Make it a great day!

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

My guess was correct

Well, my guess was correct. My last PSA 6 weeks ago was .8 which was up from .5 just 6 weeks earlier. I had a number in my mind of 1.2 since the Monday appointment. Sure enough, 1.2 and so now I will be having a bone scan and CT scan to see if the cancer has metastasized. Then it's most likely back on hormone ablation meds for 1 year. Scans to happen soon.....frickin cancer.

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

PSA test yesterday

I had my 6 week checkup yesterday and awaiting results. My oncologist wants to see me every 6 weeks so we can closely monitor the cancer. If my PSA has gone up again, we will discuss next steps which could include a CT Scan and maybe a bone scan. Another update tomorrow or Thursday.

Friday, May 15, 2015

Rising PSA

Well, I had my 6 week check up and my PSA climbed up slightly. It went from .5 to .8 which isn't a big increase but it was over a shorter period of time. I expect to hear from my oncologist on Monday to determine the next steps. Wish me luck. Thx

Friday, May 1, 2015

UnitedHealthcare sucks

It's a shame that an insurance company can try to dictate what Dr.s I see. It's been 6 years that I've been seeing and been treated by my Oncologist. Now UnitedHealthcare says my medical condition is not covered by their continuity of health coverage. Really? Cancer?

Friday, April 3, 2015

PSA is climbing a little

Had my Oncologist appointment on Monday,PSA results came back Tuesday. It climbed slightly so instead of coming back in 3 months, come back in 6 weeks. Combine that with some hip pain, it's cause for a little concern. Stay tuned, mentally I'm in a good place and that's a good thing. Happy Easter

Monday, March 30, 2015

Oncologist appointment today

Well, it's been 3 months, another PSA test today. My Oncologist, Dr. Reza is optimistic I'll have another great result. Some hip pain, he wants me to call him if it persists for another month. It's been bothering me for about 1 month. He challenged me to increase my walk/jog pace and to add strength training. If I need to go back on hormone oblation treatment again, he wants me at my best physical condition. I'll have an update in a couple of days. cheers.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

6 year anniversary

It will be 6 years on 3/6 that I was told "you have cancer, the aggressive kind, the real deal" After 2 major surgeries, 5 minor surgeries, on and off meds, hyperbaric oxygen treatments....I sit here and happily say, it's in remission. Every day is a good day. Enjoy

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Good vibes?

Things happen for a reason and right now I could turn a big negative into a positive. I'm going to need some luck but I have faith. Watched my son and the indoor drum line put on a great performance tonight, great job. Very proud of my son. The next 5 business days should be interesting. Health is good Until next time

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Drawing strength

It's a difficult time, emotionally and mentally. Most people can juggle at most, two life changing events at one time and both not very well. Today I have 4 major things afloat and need extra effort and support to get through this,period. It really does take massive amounts of energy so here's my ask. Please send your positive thoughts and prayers if you can and I'll return the favor. Thanks to everyone who reads this and understands. All the best

Monday, January 19, 2015

PSA came in low again

PSA is still low, came in at 0.1 and I've been off meds for more than 1 year. It feels great to know the cancer is still in remission. Let's just hope it stays low. Overall feeling good, lost a little weight (which I needed to)still have about 5-7 more lbs to go. Hope you all are doing great! until next time

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Annual sales kickoff

Looking forward to next week, Annual sales kickoff. Getting an infusion of best practices from top performers. Also looking forward to going to Austin and meeting up with some former coworkers, my friends. Double win week.