Give a BIG warm welcome to Spring

Good Day


  Well the snow has finally gone and made way for the April showers which should bring us some May flowers.   One of our neighbours already has a flower bed full of Daffodils.  They look wonderful and brighten my day when I see this big bunch of hope.  

I am looking forward to having a great summer, lots to do.  A new fishing rod and gear to break in, some craft beers to sample, lazy days in the sun to be had and some washer games to win.   Sounds pretty good to me - all are welcome to join in! 

                                                                                                                              

 The trial treatment is going well.  Driving from KW to Princess Margaret downtown Toronto can be llllloooonnnngggg some days.  Soon the travel will be cut from 1-2 times per week to once every 2 weeks.  I can handle that.   

    Some of the side effects have been tough.  One of the side effects is a acne like rash which of course hit me full force.  For a while there looked like a teenager with an extreme dermatological skin problem.  Then it spread to cover pretty much the entire torso.  Though after a rough weekend of being sick the doc decided to suspend treatment for a week.  Skin cleared up nicely (90% better) and energy levels returned.  Once treatment resumed the rash has returned just not as bad.  At least I get lots of rest, plenty of sleep.  Fatigue is another side effect and is there in full swing as well.  Just taking it all day to day.  Hopeful for the future and looking forward to the upcoming CT Scan.  Going in tonight for the test and should have results within the next 2 weeks.   Will update as soon as we know something.  Fingers crossed and prayers for either stable or reductions - just as long as there is no progression. 


Relay for life this year for me is going to be basic, I will be attending the Kitchener event as a survivor and participating in the survivor lap.  Next year we will look at having Smiley's Sidekicks get together to raise some funds, bring about some awareness and have some fun. 

Donations to the Cancer Society are always needed so if you wish to still do so, as around I am sure there is someone close to you participating in a Relay for Life fundraiser or click  DONATE to connect directly to the Canadian Cancer Society. 

DONATE

Keep smilin eveyone

Jtee

The trial has begun.

Good Day

Spring is almost here how about some jokes to warm ya up.   Some good chuckles always work for me.

Q. When do monkeys fall from the sky? 

A. During Ape-ril showers!

Q: What flowers grow on faces? 

A: Tulips (Two-lips)!

Q: What does the Easter Rabbit get for making a basket? 

A: Two points just like everybody!

Monday March 10th was day 1 of the clinical trial.   Arrived at 930 and out at 4pm, considering treatment is actually only an hour a long day of waiting around.  Lots of waiting around then more waiting while trying to leave downtown Toronto.  Right after treatment was nice to not have to coup with nausea or deal with totting a "bottle" around for 3 days.  The minor side effects I have started to experience is a skin rash - on my face - starting to look like a 13 year old covered in pimples.  Yupp pizza face once again.  Went back on March 17th for a routine check up and all looks good so far.  There are some odd side effects for us to watch for and some severe rare side effects.  And by severe there could be blindness, fluffing of skin (skin falling off) and liver failure.   Now those are rare side effects and no need to be worried.  This risk is worth the reward. 

That is really it for now.  Treatments will now go on for now - no defined end as of yet.  That is the hope that this trial will bring us.  Another step forward.  

For now - thanks for checking in and looking forward to summer.

Bye for now and keep on smilin.  

Jason

Crazy couple of weeks.

Good Day

Here are some obvious one liners for your enjoyment.

How many sides does a circle have? Two: an inside and an outside.

What cruises down the riverbed at 60 mph? A motorpike with two side carps.

And to go along with the past couple of weeks and events:
What did Tarzan say to his wife? "Jane, it's a jungle out there!"


 CT Results:  in summary - crappy.    The scan showed progression in the liver spots and spots in the lung.  Which means the chemo treatment being administered has stopped working allowing the cancer cells to grow.   Now that this has happened the Doc will stop this first line treatment and look at another standard treatment - short form name FolFox.  Similar to the first treatment FolFuri the main drug is just changed.  So that is the standard process and treatments.  Once first line stops working move to second line.  Then once second line stops working move to third line.  Once third line stops working - well hope there is something else out there.   

The opportunity I have though is slightly different.  Because of the genetic testing performed back in October I am able to participate in a clinical trial at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.  This will begin on March 10th.  Had to go through a number of tests and exams before being approved and all appears to be good.  Was a long day of 5 apts some lasting almost 2 hours.  

Not only did the scan show cancer cell progression, it also showed some obstructions to the right kidney causing improper function.  So the specialist has recommended having a stent (a tube) inserted between the bladder and kidney to prevent the pinching or blockage.  So this was done on March 4th.  Non invasive procedure which I was extremely happy to be knocked out completely for. Cause the only way to gain access to your bladder without making an incision is to up through exit already there.    Stent is done - beside a little discomfort - recovering quickly.

Then between all that there is an issue with high blood pressure - so now I am on blood pressure medication.  This chemo stuff is really making a mess of me.  Skin irritations, bad blood veins, and now high blood pressure.  What else is there to do though.  Nothing - gotta do what needs to be done.        

Other News  We were planing a trip for the end of March to visit Dallas for a few days, spend some time with Ryan and Barb and my cousin Kathy and Ron.  Then we were off to New Orleans for a few days. where we were meeting up with some friends from Kitchener.  Now with the clinical trial I had to cancel. The Doc will not allow me to leave the country during the initial cycles of the trail.  I have encouraged Teresa to go to New Orleans with everyone else and enjoy herself.   She deserves it.  It has been rough since the CT results.  


That is it for now.   

Still smilin and hanging in there.  and encouraging you all to keep smilin - it will brighten any gloomy day.  Try it.  

Jt

 

About time - an update.

Good day

Yupp has been way too long since my last post with an update to what is going on.  Have had some writers block, some medical issues and just some plan old forgetfulness to post.   So going to try over the next couple weeks to get back on track with my blog.  Lets start with a couple of jokes that will make you go brrrrr.   

 

What do you get from sitting on the ice too long?       Polaroids! 

What's an ig?        A snow house without a loo!

Getting a job in the Arctic in the winter is great! Why?      When the days get short, you only have to work a 30 minute work week.



Living back in KW has been great and glad we did the move - sure find ways to keep busy.  Sometimes to busy which we have recognized and are working on slowing down abit - as I get run down easily.  I do miss the great city of Regina though still and all the wonderful people out there.  I look forward to going for a visit at some point.  Nothing in the plans yet.  (I will not bore you with wintery weather discussion - cold is cold and this year it is everywhere- yuck)

Medical update
Genetic Test:  Results are in and for the tests performed to qualify for trials - well I dont have the right stuff.  How frustrating - this cancer crap is the wrong stuff all around.  The mutation of the genes that I have are just not what is needed.  So there are no trials at this time for me.

December was a tough month as I fell ill with a blood infection and ended up spending 10 days in hospital.   Was a close call - could have gone real bad.  But all is good recovered and getting back on my feet alittle more each day.  Yeah it has taken this long to recoup.   There was an interruption in treatments and some issues with my new Hicman central line (IV access) as it appears that is what caused the infection.  Oh and let me tell ya if you have not spent a few days in hospital and shared a room with a unruly patient - you have not experienced ALL that a hospital stay has to offer.  When security has to restrain your roommate at 1am and again at 6am. There is plenty of excitement and entertainment to be had.  or as they may say - some hats to taken off and coats to be taken. 

What is next in this saga?
Well right now taking it easy and looking forward to the upcoming CT scan results.  The request will be sent in Tuesday and hopefully done in the next 2 weeks.

We also found a clinic in Maple ON which offers the Integrated Treatment we were looking at in BC. The big difference with it now just outside Toronto is the reduced cost and logistically making it happen.  Reduced cost as we dont have to relocate to another province for 3 months.  So as long as the Oncologist is onboard and the CT Scan shows proper results - this could actually happen sooner the later.  (previous post with info about Hypothermia Treatment)

Submitting my case to Duke again for review now that we have the genetic results - see if they have suggestions or options available South of the border which we may not.  

Though we are not getting the best of results - there are still some options.   

Will keep you posted to what is happening in the next couple of weeks as there is some exciting and scary stuff.  But all is positive in its own way. 

Thank you for reading and hanging in there with me.     

Cheers and keep smlin  - 2014 will be a bright and shiny year.

Jt

Plenty to be Thankful For

Good Day

Happy thanks giving everyone.  Here are a couple of jokes for you to have a giggle giggle.  Then I will share with you what I am thankful for - including some CT Scan results. 


*     If you think Octoberfest can't fix the economy, it's because you have not drunk enough beer.  

 
*    A man buys a parrot, only to have it constantly insult him. He tries everything to make the parrot stop, but nothing works. Frustrated, the man puts the parrot in the freezer. After a few minutes the insults stop. The man thinks he might have killed the parrot, so he opens the freezer and takes the parrot out. The parrot is shivering. It stammers, “S-s-sorry for being r-r-rude. Please f-f-forgive me.” Then, after a moment, the parrot softly asks, “W-w-what exactly d-d-did the turkey do?” 




Wow what an action packed weekend and so much to be thankful for.  To start with I am thankful for everyday, especially since I am able to spend them with my beautiful wife Teresa.  She makes me smile, brightens my world and helps keep us in check with not sweating the small things.  This perspective helps to lead a much happier life and stress less especially when hosting 15 people for a turkey dinner.  There are many small things to go wrong, though they are small in comparison to spending the day with family.  We had a great time on Sunday and a wonderful meal.  Mom`s desert was excellent and having grandma with us was wonderful.  I am thankful that there is family and friends we can spend these days with and be alone. 

I am also thankful for the work our doctors and clinical trial patients who have done the research to develop the medications we have.   Without them the results from treatments may not be what they have been.  The latest CT Scan results show great progress.  The spot in the lung seems to have cleared up, there are 2 spots in the liver which have been identified, all other organs look good.  Lymph nodes appear to be ok and all other areas stable.    More treatments to follow. 

There is so much to be thankful for it is hard to put out there in 1 blog post or remember everything in 1 day.  So I find myself reflecting often all year round and reminding myself what is important, and what to be thankful for.   

Keep on Smilin everyone - you will have a brighter day by doing so.

jtee

Settling in and moving forward

Good Day






Yupp this guys needs a change of clothes.  Seems to be fitting from a conversation we had on the weekend about a guy who built a Bear Suit and then tested it - and was beat up pretty bad yet lived.  Cant imagine fishing or hiking in such a thing.  










 Moved in:  Thank you to everyone, especially Devin, Ian and Harry for helping unload the moving bin on such short notice.  3 days to load and less then 3 hours to unload.  Chris and Tim were also a great help to unload and then help move stuff around and paint.  Teresa and I are truly appreciative and thankful to have such great family and friends on both sides of the country.

 This is week 2 of unpacking and almost all done.  Wish I could find the power supply to my bedroom TV though - would be handy.  Since the power cord had a transformer in it - it is not that easy to replace and most likely will end up buying a new TV.  Darn.

Treatments: Since we have  been here I have gone through 3 treatments and all is going well.  The Cancer Center is incredible, those who designed the facility did a great job.  Open and comfortable.  The nurses are great and  volunteers are very helpful.  I am very comfortable and confident with the new facility.  Some processes are different - though good.

The great news is Genetic testing has already begun.  That is 1 of the main objectives to moving was to have this form of testing done.  Was certainly not expecting to have the referral on the first meeting with my new Oncologist.  That has reinforced our decision to move since we were only hoping for additional testing and clinical trials to happen.  It is nice to see we were thinking in the right direction.   Right now there are no clinical trials but hopeful something will be available with the testing in progress.

 With the upcoming CT Scan next week we hope to see more shrinkage and stability.  Will keep you posted as we have progress.  For now treatments will continue as we seek alternatives to beating this SOB disease. 

In the mean time eveyone - keep on smilin and having fun.  I will.

Jtee

Thank you

Good day

Over the next week I am going to have a couple posts to update to what is going on - as there is lots.

 









Something we can relate to......








As most of you know we are close to being settled in, in K - town.   Was a weird and stressful start but all worked out in the end.  For now Teresa and I have a place we can make a home .... though we are missing Regina, our second home, especially Mom and Dad Hallett.....    Without them I am not sure how we could have made the move possible or gotten through the past couple of years.  There are no words to express how appreciative I am for all they have done.  The emotional support and help has been absolutely outstanding.  They truly helped me feel as part of the family and enabled me to focus on what mattered - working on getting better.  (and the odd fishing adventure) 

Thank you John and Cathy for everything, drives to treatments, dinners, help with "house" stuff, and some great fun filled afternoons playing games.  Except for that Domino game - dont like that one much or that you never let me win ALL the time.Though we are not that far away - it still feels like galaxies apart.  Sure we will visit soon and vice versa.  In the mean time - Skype Farkel might be in order. 

Keep on  smilin eveyone.

JT