June 10th is coming up fast and our efforts for the Canadian Cancer society Relay for Life is well underway. Participating in this event has become very important to me, as I embark on my own battle of making cancer history for me. Being able to contribute to the greater cause and doing a little bit to help make the same true for everyone has really had an impact on me. As captain of the team the goal of raising $5001 dollars was set to achieve the Bronze level of team supporters. Reaching this goal is 90 days is going to be an outstanding accomplishment all on its own. Thank in advance for your support to help us reach our goals as part of the stepping stones to Making Cancer History.
Initiatives you can participate in:
1) Make a monetary pledge for a member of the J-TEAM Relay for Life event team.
J-TEAM Relay for Life page
You may email jteamfundraising@gmail.com to make alternate arrangements if you prefer not enter a Credit Card online. (example Email transfer through most major banks)
2) Locally you may attend the Steak Night at the Hub - tickets available please email or contact through this link. Facebook Event Details
3) Purchasing Raffle tickets to WIN $500 Mastercard, a home entertainment media player, home depot certificates and other prizes. Details to follow in the upcoming days. Ticket booklets will be sent to select people through out Ontario who will be promoting and you will also be able to email request for Digital Tickets and pay through email transfer. The Raffle draw will be broadcast LIVE - yes Live from Regina on June 8th. Tickets Sales will end June 1.
Thank you everyone for your support.
Keep Smilin.
Jason
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Almost treatment Day
Fish joke: (Could be considered my reasoning for not ice fishing) What do you catch when you go ice fishing? A cold
What a hectic week this has been. Last week we had an issue with water in our basement, which was caused by a leak in our main waterline. Being a century home some of the home structure is older then old. This would include the main water line, an old lead pipe running in from the street beside it's cast iron brother sewer line. So upon discovery of the severe leak in the lead pipe our water was shut off on Monday and the process of dealing with Insurance and contractors begins. Friday - new lines should be done and back in business of running water, just in time to be home with my bottle and frequent facility visits.
I have had a good week. I am feeling stronger then before going in for my first treatment. I have been eating more and resting more then the weeks leading upto the start of treatments. I have been keeping my calorie intake high, and think I might have actually put a couple of pounds back on this week. Hmmmm.
So looking forward to treatment this week and monitoring the side effects to compare with the first week.
Keep Smilin everyone, summer is almost here and brighter days on the horizon.
Jason
What a hectic week this has been. Last week we had an issue with water in our basement, which was caused by a leak in our main waterline. Being a century home some of the home structure is older then old. This would include the main water line, an old lead pipe running in from the street beside it's cast iron brother sewer line. So upon discovery of the severe leak in the lead pipe our water was shut off on Monday and the process of dealing with Insurance and contractors begins. Friday - new lines should be done and back in business of running water, just in time to be home with my bottle and frequent facility visits.
I have had a good week. I am feeling stronger then before going in for my first treatment. I have been eating more and resting more then the weeks leading upto the start of treatments. I have been keeping my calorie intake high, and think I might have actually put a couple of pounds back on this week. Hmmmm.
So looking forward to treatment this week and monitoring the side effects to compare with the first week.
Keep Smilin everyone, summer is almost here and brighter days on the horizon.
Jason
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Fish Joke
Here is a good one. Enjoy.
A man was stopped by a game warden in Northern Michigan recently with two buckets of fish leaving a lake well known for its fishing. The game warden asked the man, "Do you have a license to catch those fish?"
The man replied to the game warden, "No, sir. These are my pet fish."
"Pet fish?" the warden replied.
"Yes, sir. Every night I take these here fish down to the lake and let them swim around for a while. I whistle and they jump back into their buckets, and I take em home."
"That's a bunch of hooey! Fish can't do that!"
The man looked at the game warden for a moment, and then said, "Here, I'll show you. It really works."
"O.K. I've GOT to see this!" The game warden was curious now.
The man poured the fish in to the lake and stood and waited. After several minutes, the game warden turned to the man and said: "Well?"
"Well, What?" the man responded.
"When are you going to call them back?" the game warden prompted.
"Call who back?" the man asked.
"The FISH."
"What fish?" the man asked.
Keep Smilin
Jason
A man was stopped by a game warden in Northern Michigan recently with two buckets of fish leaving a lake well known for its fishing. The game warden asked the man, "Do you have a license to catch those fish?"
The man replied to the game warden, "No, sir. These are my pet fish."
"Pet fish?" the warden replied.
"Yes, sir. Every night I take these here fish down to the lake and let them swim around for a while. I whistle and they jump back into their buckets, and I take em home."
"That's a bunch of hooey! Fish can't do that!"
The man looked at the game warden for a moment, and then said, "Here, I'll show you. It really works."
"O.K. I've GOT to see this!" The game warden was curious now.
The man poured the fish in to the lake and stood and waited. After several minutes, the game warden turned to the man and said: "Well?"
"Well, What?" the man responded.
"When are you going to call them back?" the game warden prompted.
"Call who back?" the man asked.
"The FISH."
"What fish?" the man asked.
Keep Smilin
Jason
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Happy Saturday
Happy Saturday everyone. Sorry been a tough week to post and keep in touch. I am feeling good though. Some of you must be getting annoyed with me always posting "I am feeling good", as there has to be times when I am not. Most of the bad days are when I am not posting as some of the discomfort and pain prevent me from being able to sit or limit mobility. This week I spent a couple of days in bed taking strong medications and being knocked out. Those bad days will be assumed moving forward and my focus is on the good days events leading us on this journey of recovery.
Thursday I started to feel better and was able to get out of the house for a quick walk. It is still chilly so no great outdoor adventures yet. Yesterday feeling pretty good as well, another quick walk and some venturing out for shopping and say hi to some friends. When these good days are 1 in 7, you really learn to appreciate them and squeeze every second out of the day. This weekend is low white blood count time so limit interaction with the public is planned so had to fit in as much as I could Thursday and Friday. Have to limit the risk of catching a cold or other virus. So movies and eating at home it is.
Speaking of food. I am eating well and enjoy almost everything my mouth comes in contact with. The tough part is getting my nose to tell my mouth it is ok. As mentioned previously some scents are way off and can discourage eating particular foods. Cravings are strong for the "not so good for you" stuff. Kraft dinner - good anytime of day. Manwich Sloppy Joes - oh yeah. Sweets of any sort. Soups and Sandwiches (loads of mayo) are also a fav these days. The biggest taste change I have noted is food has to be juicy or have a sauce. I am not on a restrictive diet, just have to be sure lots of calories, the more the better, healthy calories of course. Limiting red meat is the only diet change, so we are creative at substituting chicken and turkey. Otherwise Bon Appetit.
Not to worry I did not forget the fish joke:
Why are fish cleverer than humans?…Ever seen a fish spend a fortune trying to hook a human?
Keep Smilin, enjoy your weekend.
Jason
Thursday I started to feel better and was able to get out of the house for a quick walk. It is still chilly so no great outdoor adventures yet. Yesterday feeling pretty good as well, another quick walk and some venturing out for shopping and say hi to some friends. When these good days are 1 in 7, you really learn to appreciate them and squeeze every second out of the day. This weekend is low white blood count time so limit interaction with the public is planned so had to fit in as much as I could Thursday and Friday. Have to limit the risk of catching a cold or other virus. So movies and eating at home it is.
Speaking of food. I am eating well and enjoy almost everything my mouth comes in contact with. The tough part is getting my nose to tell my mouth it is ok. As mentioned previously some scents are way off and can discourage eating particular foods. Cravings are strong for the "not so good for you" stuff. Kraft dinner - good anytime of day. Manwich Sloppy Joes - oh yeah. Sweets of any sort. Soups and Sandwiches (loads of mayo) are also a fav these days. The biggest taste change I have noted is food has to be juicy or have a sauce. I am not on a restrictive diet, just have to be sure lots of calories, the more the better, healthy calories of course. Limiting red meat is the only diet change, so we are creative at substituting chicken and turkey. Otherwise Bon Appetit.
Not to worry I did not forget the fish joke:
Why are fish cleverer than humans?…Ever seen a fish spend a fortune trying to hook a human?
Keep Smilin, enjoy your weekend.
Jason
Monday, March 21, 2011
Still Feeling Good
Fish joke: Why did the fish cross the road? Someone threw it.
So the weekend has gone by. Went through the take home medications and all is going well. No major side effect symptoms at this time. Smells and certain scents though, can be different. Especially hand sanitizer, blah., completely turns the stomach. Opening the fridge is tough as well. The biggest disappointment though was discovering the scent of beer to be very repulsive.
Writing has been tough since sitting for more then a couple of minutes most days is not possible. So getting this far can take some time to do.
So today off to the hospital to have my bottle disconnected and have most of my chest hairs ripped out. Yeah fun. Hopefully they are kind. Chat soon.
Keep smilin
Jason
So the weekend has gone by. Went through the take home medications and all is going well. No major side effect symptoms at this time. Smells and certain scents though, can be different. Especially hand sanitizer, blah., completely turns the stomach. Opening the fridge is tough as well. The biggest disappointment though was discovering the scent of beer to be very repulsive.
Writing has been tough since sitting for more then a couple of minutes most days is not possible. So getting this far can take some time to do.
So today off to the hospital to have my bottle disconnected and have most of my chest hairs ripped out. Yeah fun. Hopefully they are kind. Chat soon.
Keep smilin
Jason
Friday, March 18, 2011
First Treatment Day
Fish joke: What do fish watch in their extra time? Telefishon (hmm wonder if jaws and flipper would be popular shows?)
Summary of the day: Today is the best I have been feeling, physically, in long time.
The day started off early, having to be up 6am ish as our appt was for 8am. Yes these days that is early. For a hospital environment the atmosphere in the Chemo Treatment room was very upbeat and pleasant when compared to previous areas we have visited. The biggest component were the nurses, they are extremely friendly, knowledgeable comforting and reassuring. To start the treatment one of the nurses reviewed the medications they would be administering and recapping the side effect information previously discussed weeks earlier to be sure all was covered. Then we went through the counts from my blood tests, that were taken earlier in the week, to which all were in line for us to begin treatment. Next onto plugging in the Power Port - Yeah finally.
Due to some swelling there were some troubles lining up the needle, though after the 2 nurses spent a few minutes crushing my chest plate all was done. Hey - 1 needle prick and we are plugged in with fluids flowing inches from the heart and rushing around the body doing their job. (instead of an arm IV connection for the weekend - much better)
Now this is the weird part. You would think with these newly introduced fluids, I would feel something, perhaps some burning or cooling, something similar to a needle you have gotten in the past. I mean this is a fairly large volume of liquids hitting the blood stream quickly in a major artery. There were no unique feelings or experiences. Just the beeping of the IV rack as the pouches came close to emptying.
Teresa and I watched some TV, played a Yahtzee card game. I had time for a quick nap and then it was time to go. 12:30 the last of the treatments were being connected to the Power Port for the 46 hour drip at home and then off we were. So here is my Captain Morgan Pose. The bottle in my hand is the meds and the stuff on my chest is all the Tape used to keep the IV line from moving or kinking. Now I spent 35 years growing 35 chest hairs which will be lost - not to fall out - but to be ripped out due to some unfortunate taping locations. :( March 14 I shall be shaving what remains for chest hair.
I will post some quick updates as the weekend goes on.
Keep smilin
Jason
Summary of the day: Today is the best I have been feeling, physically, in long time.
 |
| Sitting in my comfy chair waiting for Power Port Plug in. |
Due to some swelling there were some troubles lining up the needle, though after the 2 nurses spent a few minutes crushing my chest plate all was done. Hey - 1 needle prick and we are plugged in with fluids flowing inches from the heart and rushing around the body doing their job. (instead of an arm IV connection for the weekend - much better)
Now this is the weird part. You would think with these newly introduced fluids, I would feel something, perhaps some burning or cooling, something similar to a needle you have gotten in the past. I mean this is a fairly large volume of liquids hitting the blood stream quickly in a major artery. There were no unique feelings or experiences. Just the beeping of the IV rack as the pouches came close to emptying.
 |
| Look out Captain Morgan |
I will post some quick updates as the weekend goes on.
Keep smilin
Jason
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The beginning of getting better.
Fish joke: What to you call a fish with no eyes? FSH
Hello everyone, I have been away for the past couple of days getting ready, as tomorrow Friday March 18th is the day when the healing process begins. Due to getting almost non stop sleep for the past 2 days I am well rested and ready to go. We are really looking forward to getting treatment started and monitoring progress. There are some nervous feelings going around but nothing of great importance or concern. We will be taking all the positive thoughts, prayers and wishes everyone has sent our way in our pockets to help ease the day and bring positive results.
I will try to update over the weekend, I won't take to long.
On the aquarium front we added 2 fish this week - 2 Dwarf Blue Gourami
In a couple of weeks we will be adding a pleco or some other algae eating fish.
Then the core fish for the tank - 4 angle fish.
Keep smilin
Jason
Hello everyone, I have been away for the past couple of days getting ready, as tomorrow Friday March 18th is the day when the healing process begins. Due to getting almost non stop sleep for the past 2 days I am well rested and ready to go. We are really looking forward to getting treatment started and monitoring progress. There are some nervous feelings going around but nothing of great importance or concern. We will be taking all the positive thoughts, prayers and wishes everyone has sent our way in our pockets to help ease the day and bring positive results.
I will try to update over the weekend, I won't take to long.
On the aquarium front we added 2 fish this week - 2 Dwarf Blue Gourami
In a couple of weeks we will be adding a pleco or some other algae eating fish.
Then the core fish for the tank - 4 angle fish.
Keep smilin
Jason
Monday, March 14, 2011
Disappointing day
Fish Joke: What did the sardine call the submarine? A can of people.
Today I was advised I am not eligible for the clinical trial. I am feeling rather disappointed as participating and helping to provide data would have been nice.
So Friday, 4 more sleeps, treatments will start as prescribed and we go from there. Potentially there may be another clinical trial down the road to participate in. And I will still be helping fund-raise and build awareness of Colorectal Cancer through the Relay for Life.
Keep smiling – even today I can crack a smile.
Jason
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Movie update
Classic Fish Joke: Two fish in a tank - one fish turns to the other - I'll drive you handle the guns. :)
In a previous post, Enjoying These Days, I mentioned I was looking for some inspirational movie suggestions. Alot of recommendations were received and added to my recent viewing enjoyment. Even though I have seen many of these movies more then once, some an absurd number of times. Watching them lately is like watching them for the first time all over again. There seems to be alittle bit more in the story and characters this time around.
Here are a couple of suggestions I received
.
My brother Dan had suggested The Goonies. - still a timeless classic to enjoy.
Colleen threw in a big hitter - Men of Honour, Robert DeNiro and Cuba Gooding (what ever happened to that guy) If you have not seen it - it recommended for overall entertainment.
My Beer buddy from the southern parts suggested Big Fish - which I have started to watch and enjoying so far will let you know in the end.
Deanna and Eric Major League is always good and have watched it more then once. Especially with the recent Sheen episodes going on. The other suggested sport movies are on the roster to watch in the upcoming weeks.
Debra from work also suggested a variety of sports movies, some I have watched and other are on the added list. The Pursuit of Happyness can really help to keep a person focused on moving forward and looking for a way to overcome the obstacles presented.
Always open for suggestions.
Keep Smilin
Jason
In a previous post, Enjoying These Days, I mentioned I was looking for some inspirational movie suggestions. Alot of recommendations were received and added to my recent viewing enjoyment. Even though I have seen many of these movies more then once, some an absurd number of times. Watching them lately is like watching them for the first time all over again. There seems to be alittle bit more in the story and characters this time around.
Here are a couple of suggestions I received
.
My brother Dan had suggested The Goonies. - still a timeless classic to enjoy.
Colleen threw in a big hitter - Men of Honour, Robert DeNiro and Cuba Gooding (what ever happened to that guy) If you have not seen it - it recommended for overall entertainment.
My Beer buddy from the southern parts suggested Big Fish - which I have started to watch and enjoying so far will let you know in the end.
Deanna and Eric Major League is always good and have watched it more then once. Especially with the recent Sheen episodes going on. The other suggested sport movies are on the roster to watch in the upcoming weeks.
Debra from work also suggested a variety of sports movies, some I have watched and other are on the added list. The Pursuit of Happyness can really help to keep a person focused on moving forward and looking for a way to overcome the obstacles presented.
Always open for suggestions.
Keep Smilin
Jason
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Keeping busy.
Fish Joke: What is the fastest fish in water? The one that got away.
Anyone who has been off work for a period of time can most likely relate to sometimes having a feeling of "I need to do something". There are only so many hours that can be spent napping, maybe cleaning the house, reading, and other tasks to keep busy. Between going to doctor appointments, trying to get actual proper amount of daily sleep and dealing with the knock out effect of some of my meds there is not alot of available time. Though there are some hours when the urge to do something productive pops in or just need to get my mind off things. When this occurs so does pacing the main floor, picking at things around the house and bugging Teresa. ;) So to help I have a couple of lengthy projects to satisfy this need.
1) this blog.
2) purchased a new 35 gallon aquarium and in the process of designing / developing the new Eco system.
3) Can I actually grow a beard? (stop laughing) To answer this question and take a real run at it I will be trimming what facial hair grows in to start and attempting to fill in between the patches.
4) Relay for Life
Keep Smilin
Jason
 |
| New Aquarium soon to be filled with fish. |
1) this blog.
2) purchased a new 35 gallon aquarium and in the process of designing / developing the new Eco system.
 |
| Start of my new beard. |
4) Relay for Life
Keep Smilin
Jason
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A month gone by.
Fish Joke: What is the best way to communicate with a Fish? - Drop it a line.
Today marks the 1 month point since my diagnosis. What a crazy 4 weeks it has been. We have gone through some physical discomfort, an astounding number of doctor appointments and an emotional roller-coaster unlike anything either of us have experienced before.. In the end we are Ok though. Physically I am good - able to control discomfort and maintain somewhat of a regular lifestyle. The doctors appointments have all been productive and they are an important part of the process. Another important part of this process has been how amazingly wonderful our family and friends are. Teresa and I appreciate and cherish every word of encouragement and support sent our way. Thank you to everyone and we send our love right back.
In this battle against Cancer we know we are not alone and it effects those close to us in other ways as well.. There is fear. There is emotional uncertainty for the unknown and some people have even expressed anger. Perhaps is just tough to know what to say when we talk or visit or perhaps the feeling of being a pest by calling / emailing. There perhaps are thoughts of doing something but not sure how it will effect me and the big C. We understand and we are here for you as well, to answer questions provide information, point you in the right direction or simply to share with you how we are feeling or thinking about this challenge.
Otherwise hey call, email or be a pest to the regular guy you all know. I may not be the most informed sports guy out there but I love a great chat which can be just about anything.
For those out of town. Feel free to checkout visit options in the upcoming months.
J-TEAM Relay for Life updates coming up later this week.
Keep smilin
Jason
Today marks the 1 month point since my diagnosis. What a crazy 4 weeks it has been. We have gone through some physical discomfort, an astounding number of doctor appointments and an emotional roller-coaster unlike anything either of us have experienced before.. In the end we are Ok though. Physically I am good - able to control discomfort and maintain somewhat of a regular lifestyle. The doctors appointments have all been productive and they are an important part of the process. Another important part of this process has been how amazingly wonderful our family and friends are. Teresa and I appreciate and cherish every word of encouragement and support sent our way. Thank you to everyone and we send our love right back.
In this battle against Cancer we know we are not alone and it effects those close to us in other ways as well.. There is fear. There is emotional uncertainty for the unknown and some people have even expressed anger. Perhaps is just tough to know what to say when we talk or visit or perhaps the feeling of being a pest by calling / emailing. There perhaps are thoughts of doing something but not sure how it will effect me and the big C. We understand and we are here for you as well, to answer questions provide information, point you in the right direction or simply to share with you how we are feeling or thinking about this challenge.
Otherwise hey call, email or be a pest to the regular guy you all know. I may not be the most informed sports guy out there but I love a great chat which can be just about anything.
For those out of town. Feel free to checkout visit options in the upcoming months.
J-TEAM Relay for Life updates coming up later this week.
Keep smilin
Jason
Friday, March 4, 2011
Empowered by the clinical Trial
I must say researching and investigating the clinical trial has really left me with a new sense of empowerment. Preparing for treatment is no longer just about getting better, but making a small difference to a global problem. Providing data and research information from my rare situation means alot to fighting this disease. With 3% of Colorectal Cancer diagnosis being between the ages of 35 - 40 collecting data in this age group would be tough. In the end I am happy my unfortunate situation can be helpful somehow.
Participating in the local Relay for life is also providing a sense of purpose and different light on things. Not to worry you all will receive alot more information about how you can participate and help sponsor the event in upcoming days. The J-TEAM will be a strong contender for the most funds raised here in Regina. Even as the underdog since most teams started their campaigns months ago.
With all that being said the only disappointing thought I have is - why has it taken this situation for me to participate in a cause or fund-raising or bringing awareness. Sure I have given money to help out here and there. But questions have risen upon reflection:
Have I ever been a participate or raised funds myself for a cause? No
Why is that? - not sure - I have always been fully capable.
Have I volunteered for an organization or cause to help out? No
Why is that? same answer as above.
In the end we must ask ourselves 2 basic questions and then taking action on the answer. Participation will bring rewards you can never imagine possible.
1) What have I done recently to help out those in need or to help a cause?
2) Is there anything else I can do which will make a difference? even the smallest bit will matter!
Thank you for reading and I look forward to anyone sharing how they have taken action to start making a contribution to a cause. It may not be Cancer, though contributing to any cause will make a difference..
Keep smilin - have a great weekend.
Jason
Participating in the local Relay for life is also providing a sense of purpose and different light on things. Not to worry you all will receive alot more information about how you can participate and help sponsor the event in upcoming days. The J-TEAM will be a strong contender for the most funds raised here in Regina. Even as the underdog since most teams started their campaigns months ago.
With all that being said the only disappointing thought I have is - why has it taken this situation for me to participate in a cause or fund-raising or bringing awareness. Sure I have given money to help out here and there. But questions have risen upon reflection:
Have I ever been a participate or raised funds myself for a cause? No
Why is that? - not sure - I have always been fully capable.
Have I volunteered for an organization or cause to help out? No
Why is that? same answer as above.
In the end we must ask ourselves 2 basic questions and then taking action on the answer. Participation will bring rewards you can never imagine possible.
1) What have I done recently to help out those in need or to help a cause?
2) Is there anything else I can do which will make a difference? even the smallest bit will matter!
Thank you for reading and I look forward to anyone sharing how they have taken action to start making a contribution to a cause. It may not be Cancer, though contributing to any cause will make a difference..
Keep smilin - have a great weekend.
Jason
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Clinical Trial potential.
So after reviewing the Clinical Trial information and meeting with the Clinical Trial Nurse I have decided to volunteer as a participant. So far I am a good candidate for the trial though some final testing is required to qualify and complete enrollment. The testing is in progress as you read this. Another CT Scan has been scheduled for next week
Now what is the clinical trial all about you may ask?
The trial is intended to gather data and compare the results of 2 medications when combined with the FOLFIRI and FU5 treatments (which were already prescribed to me). There are 2 complimenting drugs to this treatment, Avestatin (A) which was mentioned in a previous post and Cetuximab (C), not yet approved by Health Canada. One or the other will included as part of the treatment and results compared from all across North America using 2900 subjects. Deciding which subjects receive which complimenting drug is used will be randomly decided through an automated computer program, the doctors nor I can choose. (we are hoping for the C regiment as I can receive the A treatment afterwards as well - but not the other way around) As treatment is being administered monitoring and testing is going to be very thorough and some additional testing. The trial results will take 8-10 years and they will be monitoring me for up to 5 years.
Now the benefits of the study?
Taking part may or may not have a direct benefit to me getting better. There is hope these additional treatments will have a positive effect compared to the standard treatment, though there is no proof yet. Being able to help provide data and information for researchers to help with future treatments of patients is the real benefit. I can only hope that my unfortunate diagnosis will help someone else in a similar situation down the road. There may even be other doors open for additional trials or treatments. You never know.
I am excited to take part and finally feel there is something positive to come from this process.
Keep smilin everyone. Sunny days ahead.
Coming soon: J-TEAM (insert A-TEAM theme song) Relay for Life updates.
Jason
Now what is the clinical trial all about you may ask?
The trial is intended to gather data and compare the results of 2 medications when combined with the FOLFIRI and FU5 treatments (which were already prescribed to me). There are 2 complimenting drugs to this treatment, Avestatin (A) which was mentioned in a previous post and Cetuximab (C), not yet approved by Health Canada. One or the other will included as part of the treatment and results compared from all across North America using 2900 subjects. Deciding which subjects receive which complimenting drug is used will be randomly decided through an automated computer program, the doctors nor I can choose. (we are hoping for the C regiment as I can receive the A treatment afterwards as well - but not the other way around) As treatment is being administered monitoring and testing is going to be very thorough and some additional testing. The trial results will take 8-10 years and they will be monitoring me for up to 5 years.
Now the benefits of the study?
Taking part may or may not have a direct benefit to me getting better. There is hope these additional treatments will have a positive effect compared to the standard treatment, though there is no proof yet. Being able to help provide data and information for researchers to help with future treatments of patients is the real benefit. I can only hope that my unfortunate diagnosis will help someone else in a similar situation down the road. There may even be other doors open for additional trials or treatments. You never know.
I am excited to take part and finally feel there is something positive to come from this process.
Keep smilin everyone. Sunny days ahead.
Coming soon: J-TEAM (insert A-TEAM theme song) Relay for Life updates.
Jason
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Happy Tuesday
New fish joke - you are going to love. Why is it good to tell a fish a joke? They fall for it hook, line and sinker. :)
The recovery from my surgery has gone well. I have full use of my right side again. Was back to sleeping on that side Saturday night. The small bump in the chest is still kinda creepy. My third inny nipple.
Now we just have to get both Teresa and Caity better as they have a nasty cold they are combating which has to be gone soon. Lots of meds flowing at our place.
Met with another doctor yesterday at the Cancer Clinic for a second opinion. Basically he confirmed everything we already discussed. Now that we have had time to actually digest what is going on and review the information provided, it was nice to have the situation discussed again. The first week was an emotional roller coaster and a bombardment of information. Trying to listen to what the doctor has to say and decipher what he has said, as they really don't commit to much as everything is really unknown. Summary. I have Cancer and will be receiving treatment.
We did discover a Clinical trial though which is for Colonrectal Cancer. The only downfall is the potential delay in starting Chemo - could be another 2 weeks. Here is a link for some medical lingo Clinical Trial
Tomorrow I will follow up with some greater detail as we meet with the Clinical Trial nurse today to discuss and begin weighing out the options.
Keep smilin.
Jason
The recovery from my surgery has gone well. I have full use of my right side again. Was back to sleeping on that side Saturday night. The small bump in the chest is still kinda creepy. My third inny nipple.
Now we just have to get both Teresa and Caity better as they have a nasty cold they are combating which has to be gone soon. Lots of meds flowing at our place.
Met with another doctor yesterday at the Cancer Clinic for a second opinion. Basically he confirmed everything we already discussed. Now that we have had time to actually digest what is going on and review the information provided, it was nice to have the situation discussed again. The first week was an emotional roller coaster and a bombardment of information. Trying to listen to what the doctor has to say and decipher what he has said, as they really don't commit to much as everything is really unknown. Summary. I have Cancer and will be receiving treatment.
We did discover a Clinical trial though which is for Colonrectal Cancer. The only downfall is the potential delay in starting Chemo - could be another 2 weeks. Here is a link for some medical lingo Clinical Trial
Tomorrow I will follow up with some greater detail as we meet with the Clinical Trial nurse today to discuss and begin weighing out the options.
Keep smilin.
Jason
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)