Fish Joke How many fishermen does it take to change a light bulb? One, but you should have seen the bulb, it must have been THIS big.
Eearly yesterday morning, was CT scan time starting with yucky tasting fluid to drink. The scan it self went well. The results so far are good and brought to light another situation which is now being treated. The initial results have indicated the spots in my left lung and liver have shrunk to almost half the size of what they were in March. It is tough to translate what exactly the report has said - but to sum it up as the on call doctor put it - it is working. We do have an upcoming review on July 7th, or perhaps before, to discuss the results with my assigned Oncologist and look at what the next stages are or could be. The positive terms in the report were regression and shrinkage.
Now with the positive results or this scan came some additional unexpected results which are being dealt with. It turns out there are some minor blood clots in my right lung, a side effect of treatment or caused by the power port - no direct cause to pin point. So yesterday afternoon back to the Cancer Clinic to receive a shot in the arm and pick up my new daily dose to resolve or maintain the situation. Now Teresa gets to poke me on a daily basis with a lovely larger then desired needle. Not one of these little pricks for just into the skin, nope, a large diameter 1 inch poker for the arm, legs or stomach. We have to rotate the location as it cannot be the same exact spot for 6-7 weeks. No time frame for how long this will go on, my surprise was when the doc said a couple of months. Good news, not a major concern and it is treatable - so daily poke is good and I get an ice cream for not screaming about the needle. (dont like them at all)
That is it for now.
Keep smilin everyone - mine is from ear to ear right now.
Jason
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
At home screening program.
Happy no rain day.
Fish joke: Today I think the joke is on me. All this time on my hands and I have not been out fishing yet? I dont even have a fishing rod nor tackle in the Province to go fishing with. What the........ I should be out fishing. Silly me. This could be my new project. What better way to relax and rest then sitting on the lake, fishing rod in hand, attempting to catch something bigger then my bait?
After resting alot over the past 2 weeks I am feeling much better now, just in time to start the process all over again. Though the coutdown is on. We are at number 9 of 12. CT Scan next week and then progress review the following week. There will be updates as progress is made.
In the past I have spoken of stool testing for Colorectal Cancer and have not been supportive of this process due to the low accuracy rate, the complex collection process and the dietary restrictions during the collection days. The short form for this typical testing process is FOBT. There has been a new screening process introduced in Canada to improve this process. The short form for this is FIT. Saskatchewan has started a program here in Regina and after reviewing the differences between the tests I have to adjust my view here. The FIT at home test is a great idea and simple process. Now with this simple to complete home test for the high risk age group and potential of a simple blood test, early detection on a mass scale will improve. The possible relief this could provide to the Cancer Treatment Clinics and overall medical care is immense. Not to mention the number of lives which could be saved.
Screening Comparison from the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada.
Complete Leaderpost Article
Some Regina residents will now be screened for colorectal cancer using a test that gets mailed to people's homes. Health officials hope those who receive the kit will take part, noting that catching colorectal cancer early is key to overcoming the disease. The fecal immunochemical test, commonly called the FIT, can detect blood in the stool that's not visible to the human eye. Leaderpost Article
Keep Smilin
Jason
Fish joke: Today I think the joke is on me. All this time on my hands and I have not been out fishing yet? I dont even have a fishing rod nor tackle in the Province to go fishing with. What the........ I should be out fishing. Silly me. This could be my new project. What better way to relax and rest then sitting on the lake, fishing rod in hand, attempting to catch something bigger then my bait?
After resting alot over the past 2 weeks I am feeling much better now, just in time to start the process all over again. Though the coutdown is on. We are at number 9 of 12. CT Scan next week and then progress review the following week. There will be updates as progress is made.
In the past I have spoken of stool testing for Colorectal Cancer and have not been supportive of this process due to the low accuracy rate, the complex collection process and the dietary restrictions during the collection days. The short form for this typical testing process is FOBT. There has been a new screening process introduced in Canada to improve this process. The short form for this is FIT. Saskatchewan has started a program here in Regina and after reviewing the differences between the tests I have to adjust my view here. The FIT at home test is a great idea and simple process. Now with this simple to complete home test for the high risk age group and potential of a simple blood test, early detection on a mass scale will improve. The possible relief this could provide to the Cancer Treatment Clinics and overall medical care is immense. Not to mention the number of lives which could be saved.
Screening Comparison from the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada.
Complete Leaderpost Article
Some Regina residents will now be screened for colorectal cancer using a test that gets mailed to people's homes. Health officials hope those who receive the kit will take part, noting that catching colorectal cancer early is key to overcoming the disease. The fecal immunochemical test, commonly called the FIT, can detect blood in the stool that's not visible to the human eye. Leaderpost Article
Keep Smilin
Jason
Monday, June 20, 2011
Putting along.
Happy Monday everyone
Fish Joke
2 brothers, Chris and Dan rent a boat and head out fishing a lake they have not been to before . They catch a lot of fish and return to the shore. Chris says to Dan I hope you remember the spot where we caught all those fish. Dan says - Yes, I made an 'X' on the side of the boat to mark the spot. Chris responds You idiot! How do you know we'll get the same boat again? :)
Well not sure where last week went, seems to have snoozed on by. Fatigue hit me pretty hard and there was very little energy to do much of anything. Though I am starting to feel some energy coming back today. So heading into this weeks treatment I should be good. Teresa and I are very excited for Monday as I have a CatScan scheduled, to which we will get to really understand the progress treatments are making. Our next review meeting is the following week before treatment. This will start the discussion to the next steps and where I stand in terms of remission etc. Keep up the good thoughts, prayers and support everyone this is the time we need the most positive outcome. We are feeling good about where we are at and the next step.
Hopefully this week the weather is a bit co-operative and stops raining for a couple of days so things can dry out. The patio is covered in wet tree fallings and mosquito infested. Picked up a fogger the other week so the mosquitoes will be taken care of. But we need the stuff to dry out. Being a very shady spot this is tough to do. And the lawn is growing extremely fast. with all this water. Glad the sod took, but man - seems every 2-3 days has to be cut. So off to mow the lawn and I will touch base again later in the week.
Keep Smilin
Jason
Fish Joke
2 brothers, Chris and Dan rent a boat and head out fishing a lake they have not been to before . They catch a lot of fish and return to the shore. Chris says to Dan I hope you remember the spot where we caught all those fish. Dan says - Yes, I made an 'X' on the side of the boat to mark the spot. Chris responds You idiot! How do you know we'll get the same boat again? :)
Well not sure where last week went, seems to have snoozed on by. Fatigue hit me pretty hard and there was very little energy to do much of anything. Though I am starting to feel some energy coming back today. So heading into this weeks treatment I should be good. Teresa and I are very excited for Monday as I have a CatScan scheduled, to which we will get to really understand the progress treatments are making. Our next review meeting is the following week before treatment. This will start the discussion to the next steps and where I stand in terms of remission etc. Keep up the good thoughts, prayers and support everyone this is the time we need the most positive outcome. We are feeling good about where we are at and the next step.
Hopefully this week the weather is a bit co-operative and stops raining for a couple of days so things can dry out. The patio is covered in wet tree fallings and mosquito infested. Picked up a fogger the other week so the mosquitoes will be taken care of. But we need the stuff to dry out. Being a very shady spot this is tough to do. And the lawn is growing extremely fast. with all this water. Glad the sod took, but man - seems every 2-3 days has to be cut. So off to mow the lawn and I will touch base again later in the week.
Keep Smilin
Jason
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Surprise Party Video
Good Day
A few weeks ago Teresa and I received a wonderful surprise and the new a party was held in Kitchener earlier in May in our honour. Here is a video which captured some of the evening which I want to share with everyone.
Click here for the video.
Thank you again to those who made all this happen. I am still at a level of speechlessness when the topic come up.
Keep smilin
Jason
A few weeks ago Teresa and I received a wonderful surprise and the new a party was held in Kitchener earlier in May in our honour. Here is a video which captured some of the evening which I want to share with everyone.
Click here for the video.
Thank you again to those who made all this happen. I am still at a level of speechlessness when the topic come up.
Keep smilin
Jason
Saturday, June 11, 2011
A great surprise and Relay Day
So after treatment on Friday and I arrive home - pulling into our back yard parking spot there were 4 unexpected and very welcomed guest hanging out in out new favorite backyard hangout. Tony & Barb along with Ryan and Barb traveled to the great plains to join in the Relay for Life night. I was once again set to a speechless state, partial was also the sedatives and medications, mostly the utter shock of once again an astounding level of support. I have been over joyed to be able to share the relay experience with some great friends. With Erin in town that is 5 friends traveling over 2000KM to us. Words don't come easy.
Now on to Relay for Life Regina.
Here is the team and our Bronze Plaque for raising more then $5000.
What an amazing, inspirational and heart felt night. The evening started off with the Survivor lap which brought hope and inspiration. Seeing the number of yellow shirts and hearing the years of beating the disease, 20 years+ 30 years+ 40 and even 50+ plus and then someone first time 53 years and a second time at 3 years. That is some positive reinforcement to fight hard, fight smart and just to keep fighting. My yellow shirt is going to have many years of wear and tear.
The luminaries truly a beautiful moment to be sharing with everyone was profound. The pictures will speak for themselves to how astounding this part of the Relay was.
Most of the team lasted over night. I headed home around 1am to sleep. The site was to noisy to sleep in the tent with the band playing and plenty of people milling about. Next year all night it is.
Keep Smilin
Jason
Now on to Relay for Life Regina.
Here is the team and our Bronze Plaque for raising more then $5000.
What an amazing, inspirational and heart felt night. The evening started off with the Survivor lap which brought hope and inspiration. Seeing the number of yellow shirts and hearing the years of beating the disease, 20 years+ 30 years+ 40 and even 50+ plus and then someone first time 53 years and a second time at 3 years. That is some positive reinforcement to fight hard, fight smart and just to keep fighting. My yellow shirt is going to have many years of wear and tear.
The luminaries truly a beautiful moment to be sharing with everyone was profound. The pictures will speak for themselves to how astounding this part of the Relay was.
Most of the team lasted over night. I headed home around 1am to sleep. The site was to noisy to sleep in the tent with the band playing and plenty of people milling about. Next year all night it is.
Keep Smilin
Jason
Friday, June 10, 2011
The Treatment Cycle
Good Day
Today is treatment day - off to the hospital I go.
Over the weeks I have described treatments, side effects and what the 2 weeks between treatments entails. So heading into my 8th treatment (or finishing my 4th month) I thought I might share what the next 8 weeks will be broken into. Treatment cycles are based on 14 days.
Day 1 - Friday is Treatment day - starts at 830 am and goes to aprox 1:30 - 2pm. During which time bags of medications are administered intravenously using my Power Port. They do provide a light sedative to ease the nerves and set things at ease. Fatigue starts to set in and some nausea.
Day 2-3 - Fatigue, nausea and overall "ill" feelings are in full force.
Day 4 - return to the hospital to have the take home bottle disconnected. Fatigue and nausea are still there. I do have an appectite and no real problem eating. Just have to eat frequently. Every 2-3 hours.
Day 5 - 7 - each day I start to feel better and naps become less frequent. Mood swings and very little patience are typical during these days leading up to the end stretch.
Days 8- 10 - low immune system and have to be careful of exposure to people germs. We try to stay home during these days. Start to have energy again.
Days 11 - 14 - Getting back to normal energy levels. Can most times go a whole day without a nap or 1 small afternoon nap. Appetite is strong and start to have strength again. High energy levels.
so that is the 2 weeks. Today is the start of the process.
Keep smilin
Jason
Today is treatment day - off to the hospital I go.
Over the weeks I have described treatments, side effects and what the 2 weeks between treatments entails. So heading into my 8th treatment (or finishing my 4th month) I thought I might share what the next 8 weeks will be broken into. Treatment cycles are based on 14 days.
Day 1 - Friday is Treatment day - starts at 830 am and goes to aprox 1:30 - 2pm. During which time bags of medications are administered intravenously using my Power Port. They do provide a light sedative to ease the nerves and set things at ease. Fatigue starts to set in and some nausea.
Day 2-3 - Fatigue, nausea and overall "ill" feelings are in full force.
Day 4 - return to the hospital to have the take home bottle disconnected. Fatigue and nausea are still there. I do have an appectite and no real problem eating. Just have to eat frequently. Every 2-3 hours.
Day 5 - 7 - each day I start to feel better and naps become less frequent. Mood swings and very little patience are typical during these days leading up to the end stretch.
Days 8- 10 - low immune system and have to be careful of exposure to people germs. We try to stay home during these days. Start to have energy again.
Days 11 - 14 - Getting back to normal energy levels. Can most times go a whole day without a nap or 1 small afternoon nap. Appetite is strong and start to have strength again. High energy levels.
so that is the 2 weeks. Today is the start of the process.
Keep smilin
Jason
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Congratulations Raffle Winners
Congratulations to the winners of the Raffle. 1st prize has a new winner, as the initial winner asked to throw it back in for a redraw. Then won a 2nd time. So on the 3rd Draw there was a new winner - Congratulations to all and thank you. for your support.
1st Prize $500 Matercard Erin Kalau
2nd Prize WD 1TB Media Player Scott Huxley
3rd Prize $100 Rona Gift Certificate Aime and Troy Huber
4th Prize $50 Best Buy Gift Certificate Ian Kalau
5th Prize $50 Canadian Tire Gift Certificate Tony Varriano
Thank you everyone for participating and making this raffle such a success. The proceeds will be added to our total of over $5000 raised in less then 90 days for this great cause. Besides raising money during this event we also brought greater awareness of the uncomfortable topic of Colorectal Cancer, screening practices and the idea that this type of Cancer is serious enough to not shy away from it - that is a priceless positive. On Friday we will walk through the night in support of those who have fallen from this disease, show support to survivors and bring encouragement to those, like my self and my wife, going through the battle. Friday is a good day.
Have a great weekend
Keep smilin
Jason
1st Prize $500 Matercard Erin Kalau
2nd Prize WD 1TB Media Player Scott Huxley
3rd Prize $100 Rona Gift Certificate Aime and Troy Huber
4th Prize $50 Best Buy Gift Certificate Ian Kalau
5th Prize $50 Canadian Tire Gift Certificate Tony Varriano
Thank you everyone for participating and making this raffle such a success. The proceeds will be added to our total of over $5000 raised in less then 90 days for this great cause. Besides raising money during this event we also brought greater awareness of the uncomfortable topic of Colorectal Cancer, screening practices and the idea that this type of Cancer is serious enough to not shy away from it - that is a priceless positive. On Friday we will walk through the night in support of those who have fallen from this disease, show support to survivors and bring encouragement to those, like my self and my wife, going through the battle. Friday is a good day.
Have a great weekend
Keep smilin
Jason
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