I WORE A MASK

I had to wear a mask. A real mask, a serious mask. 5 times a week, for 7 weeks, bolted to a table, while they pumped focused radiation into my neck and jaw. Each time for 20 minutes I had to hold absolutely still during the treatment. I couldn’t flinch or even scratch an itch. All the time screaming inside because of the inevitable claustrophobia and the fear that the radiation would probably just cause more cancer (maybe irrational).

Yea, I wore a mask because I had to in order to try and save my life. So let's all wear the silly little masks.

BROTHER'S ENT SCAN

My brother had an appointment with his ENT doctor and was scoped.  Everything looks good.

He is still not able to eat.  Says he can't get used to his false teeth and food still does not taste right.

BROKEN TOOTH

One of my teeth broke off yesterday.  I was told that this might happen because of the radiation.  It's been almost 3 years since I completed treatment and I guess it's starting to happen.  I can't have any extractions without hyperbaric treatment.  Don't know what the dentist will say when I call him on Monday.  

BROTHER EATING

My brother has finally eaten his second meal.  It was pancake and syrup.  He said it felt weird.  I know what he means.  If he keeps this up he'll have that PEG tube out soon.

He has an appointment with the Physical Therapy office to have lymphatic massage on his face and neck.  I asked him not to go as it is not safe during this pandemic.  He's having second thoughts.

BROTHER'S DENTURES

My brother finally got his dentures and they look great.  He has gone so long without teeth since they all had to be pulled prior to his chemo and radiation treatments.  Yesterday he sent me a photo of him smiling showing his new pearly whites.  It was great.

He said he was afraid to eat cause he didn't know what he could swallow.  I explained to him that he should start slow with small bites of something wet and slippery like pancakes with syrup or scrambled eggs with butter.

Then last night he texted me that he had eaten grits and eggs.  I was so happy to hear that.

 

MY 3 MONTH ENT FOLLOWUP

Got scoped yesterday and everything looks good down my throat.  Because I am 2 1/2 years out of treatment, I don't have to be seen again for 6 months.   

Today had appointment with my Cardiologist.  Had an EKG which was fine.  My blood pressure was high and had it taken several times during my stay in the exam room.  160/75

Was told to monitor at home and call in if it gets higher.

BROTHER HAS TUMOR ON LEFT KIDNEY

Transported my brother to his appointment with the Medical Oncologist.  He went over the results of his recent CAT Scans and Blood Work.  It was not good news.

My brother has a tumor on his left kidney the size of a nickel.  He has been referred to a Urologist.  The Oncologist said that they usually just keep an eye on this type of tumor and if it grows then they would do surgery to remove the tumor and not the whole kidney.  This is a much easier surgery to do on the patient.  Solid kidney tumors can be benign, but most often are found to be cancer.  About 90 percent of kidney cancers are a type called renal cell carcinoma.  

There are four stages: Stages 1 and 2 describe cancers in which the tumor is still in the kidney. Stage 2 means that the tumor is growing and is larger than seven centimeters across (2.7 inches). Stages 3 and 4 mean the cancer has spread either into a major vein, to lymph nodes, or to other organs.  My brother would be considered in Stage 1 as his tumor is about an inch in size.

His blood work showed that he is dehydrated, malnourished, and anemic.  He is not getting enough protein.  He has ordered 3 infusions a week for the next month.  I was glad to hear him say that.

He also encouraged my brother to begin eating and teaching his taste buds to taste again.  He also said to increase his water intake between tube feedings.

He mentioned something about his lungs but did not elaborate on this.

I always felt that his weakness was due to his diet not being sufficient.  Now if we can get this rectified he will have the strength to continue with his physical therapy and build up his muscle strength.  

My brother feels that he will  not survive a major surgery on his kidney.  He is so run down and weak and has so many other health issues so I can understand his fear.

He will be seeing Dr. Alexander for his tumor on the kidney.