Why do I write about all of this...

...The main reason is of course to keep some kind of trail log. Sometimes just to write makes someone feel better about whatever the course of life has to offer. Some may think it is self pity and others would think it is to convey the information. I, on the other hand, write about this because it has to get out of my system and it is a wonderful way of coping and sharing this journey.

The diabetes is under control for approximately 2 weeks now and I finally accepted the fact as well as the routine. It is a bummer but it is required to keep my body in balance. I have a good range and only had one occurrence of an extreme low. I'm glad this has happened as I now know what to expect but mostly what to do.

On the GEM*Chemo, I have been sick a few times already and the fatigue is the bug. I also figured out that the day after the Chemo is a write off and that it takes approximately 6-7 days for my low white cell count. (that would be the low peak) Gladly, it's all uphill from there even if there is a needle (picc line hook) waiting for me around the corner from that point.

I have an eye doctor appointment today as my vision has diminished and they (diabetes) need to know the exact situation with my eyes before my next appointment (Apr 21st). I often get a headache with excruciating pain around the left eye. This needs to get fixed ASAP.

I take medication to enable a full night sleep. Quite an oxymoron when you think that I'm always tired. I had numerous night roaming the house without sleep so far.

So on average, I'm on target with my treatments and although it seems that the doctors are all over me (which they are), I do not want to leave anything unturned about my health. I therefore welcome any preventive tests they have. Quite a timetable though.

Tis for now/ciao/mlb

Go with the "GEM" flow...

...Hum this is powerful stuff. Received my Gem*Chemo on Friday and slept most of the week-end. I now find myself caught between 2 fires (chemo & diabetes). I blame the side effects to one or the other not knowing which is which.

Because I have so much to learn about diabetes, I get confuse at best with the side effects. (better explanation).

I have been only sick once (nausea) since this phase2 of the chemo.

The smoking side of things did not work. I was on the Champix and 4 weeks later, I still smoke. Some say it's will power where others say I have too much on my slate - to that, I say it's a freaking addiction that doesn't want to go away.

The family is doing great, and guess what... spring is around the corner. To that, I suggest in order to help with the snow removal budget, that everyone takes their hairblower and attack their snow banks.

Tis for now/ciao/mlb

Good Team Looking Over My Shoulders...

...Well although I was annoyed last Friday, I understand they are looking for my well being after all.

I had gone to receive my 2nd treatment for the Gem*Chemo and had to get blood work done first. The reading was not favorable on the white cell count (0.8 should be at least 1.5), so they did not give me anything and sent me on my way. (this of course will be added to the end run).

On the Diabetes side, the specialist liked my readings and advised me to only take some insulin at night. There are some high reading through the course of the day but any insulin for that has been canned for another 6 weeks when I see her again. They will probably give me another type of insulin for the day (adjustable in dosage).

It was recommended that I see an eye doctor for testing at an early stage to see (no pun) where that is going. (has to do with the diabetes).

Anyways, as always I am high spirited and the show must go on.

Tis for now/ciao/mlb

Bonus - Diabetes Type 2 (not really)

...I was mislead; it is of Type2 and not Type1. I still have to inject myself twice and take count at least 4 or more times daily. Quite a regiment, there are so many thing you have to know about sugar/glucose and having diabetes. The effects or counter effects are numerous. It is annoying at first, but I guess I will get use to it rapidly given no other choices.

The Chemo seems to be doing well at this time with nothing to report. Being busy with the diabetes that keeps my mind away from the Chemo - might be good, might not !!! There is so much reading.

The core of my diet will not change drastically as first expected. It is more in the balance of nutrition and frequency of it. So if you have chocolate fudge cake to offer me, best to just send a picture by email.

Tis for now/ciao/mlb

There is a first to everything

...Got my first GEM treatment through the port. Wow 1/2 hour later it was done. Makes you wonder why there are still people out there who do not elect to have this small procedure done. It makes the chemo treatment so much more livable.

So Monday is the big day for the diabetes learning process. I have a 2 hour session to learn the facts and figures and on how to administer the insulin drug.

Not much to say at this time as the Chemo is fresh with no reporting issues yet.

Tis for now/ciao/mlb