Well, I went to the doctor again yesterday in Ann Arbor. Everything checked out ok and I'm starting my next cycle of Sutent today. After 14 off the drug I'm back to the 28 day cycle of taking it.
Now I get to look forward to the fatigue and other great side effects. Mouth sores, sore hands and feet, loss of taste. It's still better than the alternative. Wish me luck.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
I'm Still Here
It's been a while since my last post so I thought I'd try to be a little more active on this blog.
The treatments I received in Jan/Feb at the U of M Hospital had mixed results. Some of the spots shrank and others grew a little. Since then I've started taking a chemo type of targeted drug. It's a pill that is taken for a 28 day cycle followed by a 14 day cycle with no pills. This cycle is repeated over and over if it is working. So far I've been through two rounds of taking the pills and enjoying the wonderful side effects. A couple of weeks ago I had more scans to check out whether the drugs are doing anything or not. The doctor said that some of the spots had shrunk significantly and it didn't look like there were any that had grown. Good news.
Now I just continue to take this treatment and have regular check ups and scans. I also have to check my blood pressure daily and have an EKG scheduled in a few weeks to see if there are any heart related side effects. The other side effects change with each round of pill taking too. I get severe heartburn. My mouth and tongue feel like they are burned and certain foods are painful to eat or drink. My palms get tender along with the bottom of my feet. Some foods that normally taste good don't taste good anymore.
Overall, I feel pretty good. I try not to whine too much and don't want sympathy. I just want people to understand a little about what's going on. I'm not done yet. I also refuse to go quietly.
The treatments I received in Jan/Feb at the U of M Hospital had mixed results. Some of the spots shrank and others grew a little. Since then I've started taking a chemo type of targeted drug. It's a pill that is taken for a 28 day cycle followed by a 14 day cycle with no pills. This cycle is repeated over and over if it is working. So far I've been through two rounds of taking the pills and enjoying the wonderful side effects. A couple of weeks ago I had more scans to check out whether the drugs are doing anything or not. The doctor said that some of the spots had shrunk significantly and it didn't look like there were any that had grown. Good news.
Now I just continue to take this treatment and have regular check ups and scans. I also have to check my blood pressure daily and have an EKG scheduled in a few weeks to see if there are any heart related side effects. The other side effects change with each round of pill taking too. I get severe heartburn. My mouth and tongue feel like they are burned and certain foods are painful to eat or drink. My palms get tender along with the bottom of my feet. Some foods that normally taste good don't taste good anymore.
Overall, I feel pretty good. I try not to whine too much and don't want sympathy. I just want people to understand a little about what's going on. I'm not done yet. I also refuse to go quietly.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Home Again
We made it home again on Friday after my second week of treatment at the U of M Hospital. The first few days home are kind of rough as the side effects wear off. I'm still moving a little slow today but I'm getting around OK.
I really have appreciated all the calls and texts and e-mails. It's nice and humbling to know so many people care. It helps me get through the hard times.
Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon and spending some time in the garage.
I really have appreciated all the calls and texts and e-mails. It's nice and humbling to know so many people care. It helps me get through the hard times.
Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. I look forward to seeing everyone again soon and spending some time in the garage.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Tomorrow
Tomorrow I head back to Ann Arbor for my second week of treatments. I'm not looking forward to any part of it. Next weekend I should be back home and will get some rest.
Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers. Keep them coming.
Dave
Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers. Keep them coming.
Dave
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Home Again
Well, I made it through thr first week of treatments and came home Friday evening. Saturday was a lost day. I was in pretty rough shape. Today is a lot better so far.
On Monday the 30th I go back for the second week of hell. I'm not looking forward to it.
On Monday the 30th I go back for the second week of hell. I'm not looking forward to it.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Day Three
I'm well into day three the of the abuse. I'm already up to 235lbs. I stared around 225. I'll probably gain another 10 or more when I'm done. I'll probably look like Fat Bastard in Austin Powers movies.
I also have the added advantage of some diarrhea and my least favorite, vomiting.
Two more days of all this fun and I get to go home and wait a week for the next treatment. Whoo hoo.
I see some guys are reading this and i want you to feel free to share it with other Rice Burners.
Thanks for the well wishes and we'll be riding together soon enough.
Dave
I also have the added advantage of some diarrhea and my least favorite, vomiting.
Two more days of all this fun and I get to go home and wait a week for the next treatment. Whoo hoo.
I see some guys are reading this and i want you to feel free to share it with other Rice Burners.
Thanks for the well wishes and we'll be riding together soon enough.
Dave
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Next Chapter
After being diagnosed with cancer in November I have been directed to the University of Michigan Cancer Center for treatment. Tomorrow I begin the first week of these treatments. I'm not looking forward to it but I'm also anxious to get something done to treat the cancer. Hopefully, it works. After one week of treatments I come home for a week and then go back for a second week of the same treatment.
I just want to get on with it and get it over with.
I just want to get on with it and get it over with.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Davecycleman
I've decided to start a discussion about myself and the elements in my life, motorcycle related and not.
In the begining of November, after several months of doctor visits and testing, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. I had surgery to remove my left kidney a few days after being diagnosed. Unfortunately the cancer had already spread. Not the kind of news anyone would want to hear and certainly not something I would have predicted for myself. I've led a pretty healthy life and didn't think I would be in danger of getting cancer. Obviously you just never know.
I'm not writing this to drum up sympathy or pity. I just know some people have been wondering what's going on with me and I wanted to just quell any rumors. I just want everyone to know my status.
I'd like to use this blog to express my hopes and fears with my health issues and to share some of my motorcycle stories from the past. Please join me on my journey.
Dave
In the begining of November, after several months of doctor visits and testing, I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. I had surgery to remove my left kidney a few days after being diagnosed. Unfortunately the cancer had already spread. Not the kind of news anyone would want to hear and certainly not something I would have predicted for myself. I've led a pretty healthy life and didn't think I would be in danger of getting cancer. Obviously you just never know.
I'm not writing this to drum up sympathy or pity. I just know some people have been wondering what's going on with me and I wanted to just quell any rumors. I just want everyone to know my status.
I'd like to use this blog to express my hopes and fears with my health issues and to share some of my motorcycle stories from the past. Please join me on my journey.
Dave
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