A Quick In-and-Out

I did a quick in-and-out of the hospital yesterday in a (successful!) attempt to get my pain under control. The night before, the pain had spread to my chest and shoulder. I had a terrible time sleeping and couldn't control the pain with the drugs I had on hand. I had an appointment to see my oncologist the next morning so I thought I would just go in and tell her about it and see if she could sort it out. By the time I got to see her I was in excruciating pain, feeling fain and clammy and light headed. The nurse took one look at me and got me in a bed. The doctor got me on some hydromorphone (a concentrated derivative of morphine) which helped a lot with the pain. But there was some concern about the pain spread to my chest and shoulder so it was decided I would slide over to the ER and have some tests to rule out any nasty problems. I had a CT, ecg and a bunch of blood work that all ruled out all the really nasty stuff but they did find that I had a touch of pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart). This was good news as treatment simply involves controlling the pain until it goes away. So, after another dose of hydromorphone, I was sent on my way with strict directions to keep up with the percosets and anti-inflamatories and check in with my doctor again on Tuesday. I spent almost all day at the hospital but it was good to come away with an answer to what was wrong and a solution to the problem. I'm feeling fine now with the pain under control. I hope to be off the pain meds by next week entirely. We'll see how that goes...

Pain

It seems that the effects of the radiation I received this week are catching up with me. I have been in too much pain these past few days to go to work but I hope that will change soon. I'm sick of taking pain meds and hanging around the house on what is supposed to be my "good" week. Hopefully by the time I get my chemo next week I will be in good shape pain-wise so I can do my 50th cycle of chemo!

I spent a little time in the backyard with Brad last night. He likes to hang onto the chain link fence standing up and bounce around. He's good enough that I can leave him for a few seconds at a time (to take pictures) but when he decides he's done he just lets go and falls backwards like a plank. Luckily I was there to catch him.

Wednesday

I'm having more pain today in my hip than yesterday. Not unusual or unexpected given my radiation treatment Monday but my hope (and expectation) is that the pain gets better as the week goes on.  I stayed home from work today which turned out to be a good idea since sitting in one spot for more than a few minutes is uncomfortable.

Lots of kids playing here today. Dancing and singing and general merriment in the backyard. Good times.

Thanks...

Friends and family,
Thanks for all the supportive emails/texts/calls this week after the bad news. We haven't been able to talk to everyone, though we appreciate the support. So if you've called or texted and haven't received a reply, just know it's because we're overwhelmed in a good way.

This 49th cycle of chemo is on the ebb now and my pain is really very minimal which means life as usual this weekend and preparations for radiation Monday.
Love and thanks,
Dan and Penny

Bone Metastases

I got the results of my bone scan this morning and it's not good. It turns out I have 2 bone mets, one near my right hip in my pelvis and the other on my T8 vertebrae. I've been having pain in both areas so it's not really a surprise, just a disappointment. I'm already scheduled for radiation next Monday to help out with the pain but as with all my treatment, it's not a cure so I could be back in for more at some point.

Vacation and Back to Reality

We just got back from a great time on the island with my parents. The kids went out a week early while I did chemo and then Penny and Brad and I joined them. Penny and I were a little down so it was great to be waited on at the all-inclusive Mum and Dad resort. We had visits from a couple of Calgary families, and did lots of hanging out at the beach. I managed to get a night away with each of the older kids camping at Sidney Spit. It's in Gulf Islands national park just a 20 minute walk-on ferry ride from Sidney. We pack gear for a night and had a blissful evening in the sun on the beach before crashing in the tent. Both kids (and I!) had a blast and we we can't wait to do it again. We also got a chance to visit with my cousin Mike and his family from New Brunswick whom we hadn't seen in many years. Uncle Matt also made an effort to come and and visit and spend time with us. The kids sure love him. I think their favourite thing this time was Uncle Matt's remote controlled car that he let them try. Up island in Comox we saw Dave and Ashley and had a relaxing time there where Carly was introduced to Sig Star, a karaoke-like video game that she loved (I see one in our future…). As always our time there seemed too short and now it's back to the reality of life in Calgary.

Carly at Sidney Spit

Andrew at Sidney Spit

Family Portrait - fail

White bottom 

Penny and Brad

Uncle Matt and Brad

Grandparents and Grandson