Thanks Gil, jayro, Stephen, kephelps, Birdman82 and all.

Tomorrow (if all goes well) I will finish the first half of my chemo treatments. That means 6 cycles down and six left to go! Each cycle is 14 days long.

This week it has hit me a bit harder than previously and I developed some kind of virus a few days ago as well. I was able to control the fever with tylenol and resume treatments. The usual side effects are more pronounced (skin blotches/mouth sores/neuropathy/fatigue).

I have the portable pump of 5-FU hooked up to me now and tomorrow that gets disconnected, they flush the mediport and if temp is stable, they'll give me a flu shot.

I wish all of you the best in your upcoming health procedures. Early detection is certainly important. Because I was diagnosed with cancer, our son gets to look forward to having his first screening when he's about 30, or 9 years from now.

fhopkins, you will be in my thoughts and prayers as well and I hope that you get a good report from your scope on Monday!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Thanks Mike! As always our prayers are with you!!

Thanks 'Hop' and best wishes on Monday! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm halfway through my treatments now, but this past cycle has been tough. I hope that it's all downhill from here. The key is to stay positive and focused and when it knocks you down...keep gettin' back up.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Mike, It's good to hear that you are halfway through this ordeal hopefully it will be down hill. Sending possitive Mojo and prayers your way. Also extending a hand to help you back up if you need it.

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I played on stage once, they kicked me off when the band arrived

I've seen videos and stuff and it's just wierd! Where the hell does cancer come from? I wish I would know... Anyways, I wish you much luck with the treatment.

......basically, and for a variety of causes....aberrations in the normal life cycle of cells..........

Doc

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"Another day in paradise!"

The good Doc nails it!

I'm doing much better this afternoon and thanks again for the well wishes and positive comments. I read this whole thread last night. I thank all of you and when the book becomes a best seller....hmm....

Seriously, thanks to all for the support!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

One the strange things that I've noticed about fighting cancer with chemotherapy is that you take many fatigue induced naps and when you wake up you never really know what you're going to feel like and you always seems to notice some new "issues" from the chemo meds and/or side effects.

My thoughts and prayers are with fhopkins today and tomorrow. He's probably doing the prep today and has his scope procedure scheduled for tomorrow. Best wishes my friend!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Sending good mojo your way Mike, and to all others that are in need!

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http://twitter.com/cu_jarrett

[quote="Miami Mike"]One the strange things that I've noticed about fighting cancer with chemotherapy is that you take many fatigue induced naps and when you wake up you never really know what you're going to feel like and you always seems to notice some new "issues" from the chemo meds and/or side effects.

When science discovers the right switches, all that will be a thing of the past. Meanwhile, you just keep talking and we'll be here a'listening.

Good thoughts to 'Hop'. The prep is definitely not the world's favorite beverage but with Propofol as an anesthetic, the procedure is a piece of cake. We wish him a great ride and an unremarkable outcome.

Doc

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"Another day in paradise!"

Thanks for thinking about me Mike & Doc. I've just finished having my last glass of that wonderful drink! So the rest is a piece of cake huh Doc?

Thanks for thinking about me Mike & Doc. I've just finished having my last glass of that wonderful drink! So the rest is a piece of cake huh Doc? [/quote]

Once you've fully 'exhausted' what you've ingested, you' ll likely remain on the intake restrictions you've been given. Propofol is a relatively new, short-acting anesthetic being used for these procedures. I have undergone this study both with Propofol twice and twice with other agents which rendered me relaxed but conscious enough to have been able to watch the entire study on the screen my endoscopist was viewing.

Now please don't use me as a standard. I'm cut from a different bolt and can cope with these in a different fashion. I know and understand what I am looking at and can separate myself easily, standing away from it and viewing it clinically. (I've seen "inside "my heart at least 3 times in my life.)

From a standpoint of total comfort, management with Profol is preferred. The emergence and post-anesthetic period with it are not unlike having had 8 hours of restorative sleep. It's a great drug.

I trust you will do fine in any event. I usually follow the study with some orange juce, a bagel, (what's a bagel?????) and strong coffee, after I've been released.

Doc

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"Another day in paradise!"

Thanks Doc, I feel better already! Can't talk long!!!!!!!!!!

My sympathies...

Yes....8 oz. of that stuff every 15 minutes until finished is quite a pass through.
What I usually do is go on full fluids about 36 hours before the prep using 'non-red colored' foods such as Jello and a clear protein beverage I use.

Have a great day.

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"Another day in paradise!"

Hang in there. I have done it twice. The worst is almost over...

Tomorrow will be a breeze...

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Ignorance IS bliss - and I am the happiest person here!