Next week, the first week of April, will present a two opportunities for me to return to a more normal life. On Tuesday, I will have my first outpatient surgery to stretch my throat. I'm anxious to learn how my swallowing will improve after this procedure. I'm told it may take several procedures to achieve normal swallowing. Even if this initial attempt allows me to eat some foods, it will be a win. Another benefit I'm looking forward to is the ability to sleep in a lying position. I still must sleep in a sitting position due to the pooling of fluids in the back of my throat.
Then on Thursday I meet with my oncologist. I am going to request his permission to return to work up to 30 hours a week beginning April 7th. I look forward to getting into the flow of life again. For me, working with my co-workers at American Century Investments is a big part of that.
I will target next Thursday evening for my next post. At that time, I will be able to provide an update on both my surgery and visit with my oncologist. Until then, take care.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Reclaiming My Independence
During this battle with cancer, my reliance on others, especially my wife Theresa has been significant. I’ve always been independent… maybe too independent. Part of the reason my sentimental emotions have been so acute is directly related to receiving the love and support from so many of my friends and family.
My energy level continues to improve, and that has led to me reclaiming normal daily activities. Last Thursday I decided it was time to drive again. The look on Theresa’s face was priceless when I told her I was going out for a short drive. It may sound trivial, but to drive down the street, fill the car with gas, or drive my daughter to the nearby shopping district makes me feel like I’m part of society again. It’s a great feeling!
Early this week we received more good news regarding the result of treatments to destroy the cancer in my body. The lab results taken from the lump in my neck demonstrated no evidence of cancer. However, my ENT did not see any lymph cells either. So, he cannot be 100% sure the cancer is gone from the lymph node. There are one of two possibilities. First, only scar tissue is left. Second, he missed the target when he took four samples. I feel like I’m clean, but there is a slight chance the result could be a false positive.
When I visit the ENT again in early April, he will palpate my neck to determine whether the lump is smaller. If it is, then there will be no follow up. As the doc said, "We aren't concerned about lumps that are shrinking." If it is the same size, he will arrange to draw another sample, but this time in a radiology room so he can visually validate the sample he draws is indeed from the lymph node.
The gastroenterologist to whom I was referred is on vacation this week. I would like to begin sessions to mechanically stretch my throat next week. Theresa contacted his scheduling nurse. but we have not yet received a confirmation.
Now that I am driving and beginning to get out and about, the next big hurdle to returning to a more normal life is the ability to eat and swallow in a normal fashion. If all goes well, that may be only weeks away.
My energy level continues to improve, and that has led to me reclaiming normal daily activities. Last Thursday I decided it was time to drive again. The look on Theresa’s face was priceless when I told her I was going out for a short drive. It may sound trivial, but to drive down the street, fill the car with gas, or drive my daughter to the nearby shopping district makes me feel like I’m part of society again. It’s a great feeling!
Early this week we received more good news regarding the result of treatments to destroy the cancer in my body. The lab results taken from the lump in my neck demonstrated no evidence of cancer. However, my ENT did not see any lymph cells either. So, he cannot be 100% sure the cancer is gone from the lymph node. There are one of two possibilities. First, only scar tissue is left. Second, he missed the target when he took four samples. I feel like I’m clean, but there is a slight chance the result could be a false positive.
When I visit the ENT again in early April, he will palpate my neck to determine whether the lump is smaller. If it is, then there will be no follow up. As the doc said, "We aren't concerned about lumps that are shrinking." If it is the same size, he will arrange to draw another sample, but this time in a radiology room so he can visually validate the sample he draws is indeed from the lymph node.
The gastroenterologist to whom I was referred is on vacation this week. I would like to begin sessions to mechanically stretch my throat next week. Theresa contacted his scheduling nurse. but we have not yet received a confirmation.
Now that I am driving and beginning to get out and about, the next big hurdle to returning to a more normal life is the ability to eat and swallow in a normal fashion. If all goes well, that may be only weeks away.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
A Great Day In Kansas City
Today the temperature reached the upper 70’s in Kansas City. The great weather, a good appointment with my ENT and a visit to American Century to celebrate the launch of a new web site made this one of the best days I’ve had in a very long time. Yes, my spirits are high, and that feels great.
My health continued to improve over the past week. I am beginning to feel more energy and I’m gaining confidence to participate in life events again. My tongue was the big winner this past week. The white on my tongue went away the middle of last week, and I no longer have stinging sensations on my tongue. My tongue looks and feels new. Probably because it is. The process of replacing radiation damaged cells with new cells is nearing completion. Movement is also better, but still weak on the right side. However, the additional movement makes it easier for me to pronounce words. Several people have commented that I am sounding more and more like myself. Hooray!
The visit to my ENT was also positive. He provided me with some medication to manage dry mouth. This drug will stimulate my salivary glands to produce the moisture my mouth needs to be healthy. I still have three to five months for my salivary glands to repair themselves. However, I’ve been told not to expect my mouth to ever again be as moist as it was before radiation, but I’m still hopeful to be an exception to the rule.
My ENT referred me to a GI doctor to have my throat stretched. As I mentioned last week, I’m now able to drink fluids. However, I am still unable to swallow anything more dense than the consistency of a thick fruit juice. Scar tissue built up from the radiation treatment blocks my ability to swallow in a normal fashion. I will undergo a series of treatments to mechanically stretch the scar tissue, which will promote a normal swallow. Some patients are set after this series of sessions, while others must schedule regular "maintenance" sessions a few times a year.
My visit with the ENT doctor closed with him taking a sample of my enlarged lymph node. Unlike the event in Pittsburgh where the three lab technicians performed fine needle aspiration on my neck without anesthesia, I received treatment to deaden the area before the fine needles were inserted to pull out samples of the mass in my neck. If you are ever given the option --- insist the area is deadened first. Much easier! ;-) I will know early next week if there are any remaining cancer cells. If so, I will have surgery. If not, it will be just one more piece of evidence pointing toward the successful defeat of the cancer that invaded my body.
Visiting American Century Investments and seeing my team members and business partners was uplifting. I tried to say a few words to the group, but couldn’t. Theresa stepped in when I found it difficult to speak. I tear up when I speak about my condition or thank people for the support they have provided me. I have spent so much of my life giving and now that I’m on the receiving end it is very humbling and touching. The eCommerce team and our IT business partners are such great people. I can hardly wait to once again work with them daily to meet the business challenges with which we are faced.
Next week I will report the results of the biopsy and hopefully have more information about stretching my throat. I can’t tell you how anxious I am to be able to eat food by my mouth again. There are way too many food commercials on TV. When even the fast food spots look good, you know its been too long since your last normal meal… 119 days… not that I’m counting. ;-)
My health continued to improve over the past week. I am beginning to feel more energy and I’m gaining confidence to participate in life events again. My tongue was the big winner this past week. The white on my tongue went away the middle of last week, and I no longer have stinging sensations on my tongue. My tongue looks and feels new. Probably because it is. The process of replacing radiation damaged cells with new cells is nearing completion. Movement is also better, but still weak on the right side. However, the additional movement makes it easier for me to pronounce words. Several people have commented that I am sounding more and more like myself. Hooray!
The visit to my ENT was also positive. He provided me with some medication to manage dry mouth. This drug will stimulate my salivary glands to produce the moisture my mouth needs to be healthy. I still have three to five months for my salivary glands to repair themselves. However, I’ve been told not to expect my mouth to ever again be as moist as it was before radiation, but I’m still hopeful to be an exception to the rule.
My ENT referred me to a GI doctor to have my throat stretched. As I mentioned last week, I’m now able to drink fluids. However, I am still unable to swallow anything more dense than the consistency of a thick fruit juice. Scar tissue built up from the radiation treatment blocks my ability to swallow in a normal fashion. I will undergo a series of treatments to mechanically stretch the scar tissue, which will promote a normal swallow. Some patients are set after this series of sessions, while others must schedule regular "maintenance" sessions a few times a year.
My visit with the ENT doctor closed with him taking a sample of my enlarged lymph node. Unlike the event in Pittsburgh where the three lab technicians performed fine needle aspiration on my neck without anesthesia, I received treatment to deaden the area before the fine needles were inserted to pull out samples of the mass in my neck. If you are ever given the option --- insist the area is deadened first. Much easier! ;-) I will know early next week if there are any remaining cancer cells. If so, I will have surgery. If not, it will be just one more piece of evidence pointing toward the successful defeat of the cancer that invaded my body.
Visiting American Century Investments and seeing my team members and business partners was uplifting. I tried to say a few words to the group, but couldn’t. Theresa stepped in when I found it difficult to speak. I tear up when I speak about my condition or thank people for the support they have provided me. I have spent so much of my life giving and now that I’m on the receiving end it is very humbling and touching. The eCommerce team and our IT business partners are such great people. I can hardly wait to once again work with them daily to meet the business challenges with which we are faced.
Next week I will report the results of the biopsy and hopefully have more information about stretching my throat. I can’t tell you how anxious I am to be able to eat food by my mouth again. There are way too many food commercials on TV. When even the fast food spots look good, you know its been too long since your last normal meal… 119 days… not that I’m counting. ;-)
Monday, March 3, 2008
Life is in the Details
A week ago my spirits were high following good news from my doctors. My attitude was perfect to push the envelope on several fronts, and I did. I was also reminded of how far I still have to go.
Recovery from cancer in the base of one’s tongue presents several challenges. A healthy oral cavity is critical for speech, eating, drinking and in my case, playing the trumpet. Each oral cancer patient’s recovery is different as the treatment pattern and effects of radiation vary depending on the location and size of the cancerous tumor. My doctors continue to remind me it is not uncommon for patients to take a year to recover. As you can imagine, I do not want accept this. However, I’m finding there are some parts of this recovery I can’t push.
Last week, I made good progress in my ability to swallow. From early December until early February, I was not even able to swallow my own saliva. Last weekend, I sipped Arizona Green Tea in one ounce servings once or twice a day. Now, a week later I’m sipping two to three ounces of fluids about every hour. I also began to sip some soup, but I’m not yet able to take in much more than one or two ounces.
The main obstacle to my swallowing is a damaged area between the base of my tongue and the top of my esophagus on my right side. I am told some patients have to have this area stretched several times a year to maintain adequate swallowing capability. Time will tell on how this will play out for me.
My tongue also continues to improve. The stinging sensation from radiation burns is fading. During more intense periods, I was given a “magic mouthwash” that contained lidocaine to dull the discomfort. My tongue’s mobility is also improving, but I still cannot move my tongue to touch my teeth or cheek on the right side of my mouth.
Two other areas damaged by radiation include my salivary glands and facial hair. Theresa says she wouldn’t mind it if my facial hair didn’t return. My cheeks are much smoother! Right now my whiskers have returned for my moustache and a one-inch strip from my lower lip to my chin. My salivary glands, on the other hand, I hope will recover. Now that the blisters have healed, I’m left with radiation damaged salivary glands to moisten my mouth. They don’t produce enough moisture resulting in dry mouth. I swish with water regularly to keep my mouth from getting too dry. Finally, I’m happy to report my taste buds have recovered. So when I sip sweet tea or salty chicken broth, the taste is just as it should be. Whew!
While I will continue to strive to regain as much normalcy to my life as possible, I know the gift of life itself is blessing enough. So while I remained focused on returning to health, I thank God for each and every day of life I’m given.
Recovery from cancer in the base of one’s tongue presents several challenges. A healthy oral cavity is critical for speech, eating, drinking and in my case, playing the trumpet. Each oral cancer patient’s recovery is different as the treatment pattern and effects of radiation vary depending on the location and size of the cancerous tumor. My doctors continue to remind me it is not uncommon for patients to take a year to recover. As you can imagine, I do not want accept this. However, I’m finding there are some parts of this recovery I can’t push.
Last week, I made good progress in my ability to swallow. From early December until early February, I was not even able to swallow my own saliva. Last weekend, I sipped Arizona Green Tea in one ounce servings once or twice a day. Now, a week later I’m sipping two to three ounces of fluids about every hour. I also began to sip some soup, but I’m not yet able to take in much more than one or two ounces.
The main obstacle to my swallowing is a damaged area between the base of my tongue and the top of my esophagus on my right side. I am told some patients have to have this area stretched several times a year to maintain adequate swallowing capability. Time will tell on how this will play out for me.
My tongue also continues to improve. The stinging sensation from radiation burns is fading. During more intense periods, I was given a “magic mouthwash” that contained lidocaine to dull the discomfort. My tongue’s mobility is also improving, but I still cannot move my tongue to touch my teeth or cheek on the right side of my mouth.
Two other areas damaged by radiation include my salivary glands and facial hair. Theresa says she wouldn’t mind it if my facial hair didn’t return. My cheeks are much smoother! Right now my whiskers have returned for my moustache and a one-inch strip from my lower lip to my chin. My salivary glands, on the other hand, I hope will recover. Now that the blisters have healed, I’m left with radiation damaged salivary glands to moisten my mouth. They don’t produce enough moisture resulting in dry mouth. I swish with water regularly to keep my mouth from getting too dry. Finally, I’m happy to report my taste buds have recovered. So when I sip sweet tea or salty chicken broth, the taste is just as it should be. Whew!
While I will continue to strive to regain as much normalcy to my life as possible, I know the gift of life itself is blessing enough. So while I remained focused on returning to health, I thank God for each and every day of life I’m given.
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