Week1-Day1

...Here it is, I'm all plugged up and ready to roll...lol

All went well - The radiation (4 beams) was done in approx 15-20 min overall. Not intimidating at all. You somewhat feel that you are in another world (trecky) with this thing going around you and stopping here and stopping there. Little noises but not scary.

The nurse met me afterwards to review the possible side effects and advised me to book an appointment with the nutritionist later on this week.

More papers to look at and read - I guess they know deep down how bored I am.

Went to the Chemo Center and again they reviewed all the possible side effects and how the process will work. The fanny pack weighs about 5 lbs and I'm getting .6ml/hr 24/7. It's a little cumbersome but I will get used to it.

Now (2:32pm) I'm at home and a little tired. So off I go to nap.

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...The home nurse saw me tonight to check up on me and to ensure all checks ok.

No side effects to report yet although I have to take some motion sickness meds.

I will probably write my Blog around the same time every day - so stay tuned.

PS: They have puzzles available for the patients. I was able to put together about 10-12 pieces. I hope to beat my score tomorow and go for 25 pieces.

Tis for now/ciao/mlb

History and update

Jan2007 - doctor physical with a variety of tests (several dates)
Mar2007 - tests results - blood work, ECG, ultrasound (found something) etc.
May2007 - CT scan to verify an anomaly requiring further exploration
Jun2007 - CT results proving a cyst, growth, tumor - no name for it yet.
Aug2007 - Endoscopy day-op proving a blockage to be removed
Sep2007 - operation - distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy surgery -90%

Seo2007 - recovery from operation expected (6-8 weeks)
Oct2007 - confirmation of Pancreatic Cancer
Nov2007 - informed that I have to undergo radiation and chemo therapy
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Here it is, we are 14 hours away where I will have my first radiation treatment followed with my first chemotherapy through a picc line. (smaller regular dosage 24/7). I have to admit this does not seem or sound pleasant and I'm not looking forward to it. Truth be known, it is for the best and should make me a healthier person.

I most certainly appreciate all the support I have received thus far from everyone. Ironically, I had someone say "my sympathy" and I found that funny as if anything was ever to happen to me, someone would have already told me instead of telling my family at that time.

The comfort I have at present, is from Sylvie (my wife) who is always there by my side to help me and has been my best recourse of inspiration through this. Although I have a very positive attitude, she has always been able to see ahead and has been very patient with my denial, disbelief and cynical views. Sadly for me, I'm a very realistic person and stats are stats...

With a successful operation and recovery, the survival rate of this cancer is at 45%-5 years when you undergo chemo/radiation treatments. So I guess that tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life and I most certainly intend to live this at it's fullest. I have been reading so much about this Cancer and although most information repeats itself, at times, it gets confusing - the good thing is that I now understand some of their lingo - So I'm still learning

I'm anxious to see my kids 15 and 17 grow to their full potential in life and hope they make good choices all around. I will be there for them each and every day.

I stopped working since Sep2007 to fix this and my returning date so far should be Jan2008. Being a workaholic by nature, I find it very difficult and feel useless at times. You can just imaging doing your 10-14 hours/day and then finding you have to stop. BANG - you now have to take care of yourself and nothing else.

Anyways, I have never had a BLOG before and this will be useful for all to see where I am with my situation. I thought of sending emails but soon realized the workload this would create. With the BLOG, you can forward the link to your friends or family and let them get the facts at their own pace.

Note that I intend to post everyday (where possible) but this may get interrupted if I do not feel well enough to write. I would appreciate that no panic be taken as I probably would require my rest at the time.

The show must go on and we are at the first curtain... I somewhat feel like as if I was being punished but I will get over that. Stay tuned for more...

Tis for now/ciao/mlb