I have to wait a week for the final test results but the Dr. said nothing to worry about . Thanks!

Still prayin' that you get a good report 'Hop".

I'm startin' my 7th cycle (of 12) this week. The oxaliplatin is still the nastiest one that gives me the neuropathy, metalllic taste, mouth sores and a lot more that i won't mention and gross you out.

I've had symptoms similiar to walking pneumonia for the past 10 days or so that I'll have to talk with my oncologist about.

I'm hoping that it won't prolong the treatments. I'm still trying to keep a positive attitude, but it gets a little harder with each cycle.

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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, and you know my thoughts and prayers are with you everyday!

Hey Mike I can understand the urge not to feel positive when you are going through what you are going through. Just remember that you're family and friends are behind you 100% and are sending you the best vibes possible so soak those positive vibes in and feel better.

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

Thanks guys!

I just got in and that dang metallic taste is terrible!

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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,

I know it's tough in the middle when you've already been getting the chemo for a long time and it seems like forever. I've been there in your shoes. Mike, just try to keep in mind that every cycle is one less. You are really on the downhill side now and you're going to be finished with that chemo soon. In this world, we all suffer sooner or later. Now, I'm sad that it's your turn. But the suffering helps us understand what is reality a little better, and ever after you are done you are going to know. So there's good that comes from it, Mike, as well as a return to health cancer-free. People talk about fighting cancer but to me surviving cancer is not like a fight, because it's yourself. Cancer is more like a force of nature - like the ocean. It's like you're in the surf. You're not really swimming because it's the medication and the illness and you're getting knocked around by it. So then I think of it like body surfing. You just have to relax, stay centered, and flow through the water. Your belief in a higher power can really help to ease the way through that pipeline. Never give up and just surf through those treatments and you'll come out the other side soon!

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"Now, bring me that horizon."
-Capt. Jack Sparrow

Thanks strat58cat!

I've finished 7 cycle with 5 remaining. I have "that smell" of the chemo treatment rooms etched in my head. I'm still tolerating it all pretty was though. Thanks again for everyone's support, generosity and positive comments!

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

Don't leave home without it!

Courage, Mike. It sounds like your spirits are high even though you feel like crap. As always, all my best and my prayers are with you!

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Robin F. - Master of my own density.

Karaoke - the Japanese word for "death by music"

Thank you. 7 cycles are finished with 5 left to go.

If all goes well, I should finish around the beginning of the new year

After that, CEA blood checks, scans, the follow up scope check and then hopefully, having this catheter port implant removed.

I can't get ahead of myself though. Just keeping positive and taking it all in stride.

Thanks again for your all of your positive thoughts, prayers, mojo and comments. You might not realize how much it helps, but it's an amazing source for helping me to keep a positive mindset through this whole journey.

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

Don't leave home without it!

try fresh carrot juice for that metalic taste ,fresh beet juice is good too .keep fighting we are with you

Thanks gratz...barley flavored candies seem to help too.

I'm off in a few minutes to start my 8th cycle of 12. It's a little colder now than when I began this back in June/July, so need to dress warm. The infusions can feel like ice cold water runnin' through my veins at times.

I've been having a lot of congestion and coughing that I'm blaming the chemo for. Taking saline nasal spray and Delsym has helped some, but not much.

Other than that, the main cumulative side effects continue to be fatigue and neuropathy.

Thanks again for the mojo and positive comments! I'll update when I can.

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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!

Good luck this Week Mike. I'm sending Mojo and prayers your way. I was scoped last Saturday and everything looked fine no cysts which is good. I have a broncoscopy scheduled for this coming Saturday Hopefully that will go well too.

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

Just sat down and re-read this thread from start to present. Man, it's a long, long ride, isn't it?

As always, Mike, very best wishes coming to you from far away. Of course, in a lot of ways the later cycles are not "downhill" at all - but the end IS getting closer. I know you don't feel it, but you do look in amazing good shape in your recent pic on the other thread.

The time is approaching when you really will feel as good as you look, once more. Hang in there, buddy!

All the best to you - C

Best wishes with your broncoscopy, Pat!

Yes, it is a long, long ride, Ceri. It's the oxaliplatin that is the really nasty stuff...another thing I've noticed is the 'smell' of the infusion rooms. It makes that 'smell' of a dentist office rather pleasant.

This is the brand of oxaliplatin that I've been getting :

http://www.eloxatin.com/

I just hope that it's working after all of this!!!

Thanks a lot for the positive vibes and well wishes!

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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 the way your battling your problem im sure any medicine has no choice but to fall into line and join the fight too. Ask any boxer, even after a easy fight they feel terrible. From what i see mate you haven't left the ring between bout's. Your fighting a good fight.

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No no and no