Even though I was slightly peeved with the humidifier debate in the waiting room the other day, I am now thinking it might be a good idea because my mouth is getting really dry at night. If week one was hard because of the chemo, then week 2 was hard because of the radiation. My mouth and throat are constantly on fire, which even with the pain medication, makes it very hard to eat and sleep. I am still hoping to get through next week without having to use the feeding tube.
As far as humidifiers goes, the Air-O-Swiss Ultrasonic 7133 seems to be the Cadillac DeVille of Humidifiers, meaning you are not quite willing to pay enough for a luxury humidifier, have to be over 65 to purchase, and should expect to take it into the shop frequently; however, when it is performing well you should strap in for the ride of your life. Of course, you can never go wrong with the Vornado Vortex HU1-0013-11. It's obviously the industry classic.
It was Tuesday when I noticed my throat really started to hurt and Wednesday I developed a lot of sores in my mouth. From this, I constantly have a large amount of film in my mouth that I get rid of by rinsing with a water/sodium bicarbonate and a water/sodium solution. Also, the pain has made it too difficult to talk. So, I pretty much don't talk, but I seem to be put in more situations where I am expected to talk than before. I was hoping the mouth situation would improve from the two days off this weekend, but it really hasn't.
Still, once I get through this week, I am pretty much half way done! Also, I don't have to do chemo again until the week after next, so things are still looking good.
January in Sabino Canyon
just before radiation started- on Jen's birthday
Sabino Canyon on hike
Part of the Catalina Mountains
the cavalry on the attack
2001 emerald city invite
10 comments:
Git-er-done. I love you TT.
T - I'm assuming the reference to being put in more of a position to talk is because I came down to see you and have blasted you with questions. I got familiar with the writing out answers after your 1st surgery when you couldn't talk for a week, but was unprepared for how sore your throat got so fast. When I left last Monday there were no sores and your throat felt fine. I was listening to my Ipod Shuffle while running with Aunt Mary through the hills of Tucson and Our House came on by Crosby Stills and Nash. The line came on, "Life used to be so hard; now everything is easy cause of you." I thought of Jen being in your life and by your side through all this. This is for your after radiation/chemo song list. She has made this struggle so different for you than it would've been not having her here. I can only leave knowing she takes such great care of you and that when she tells you to drink you will listen to her! I will tell you if I get back here next weekend and that soup is still there you're in big trouble. Love you, Mom
I disagree with you on the "Vornado Vortex HU1-0013-11" as the industry classic. The more numbers in a product name are an indicator of poor quality -- that's like, basic Econ 025. To remind you, product names with charming, perky titles DO imply high quality. Thus, I suggest the Crane Adorable Ultrasonic Humidifier available at any Tucson corner store (aka "Walgreens"), Circle K, and most garage sales (large supply in the secondary market -- BIG indicator of high quality). Though it doesn't come in the form of an "adorable crane", you can choose among an adorable pig, adorable penguin, or your favorite, adorable Hello Kitty. If that's not industry classic, I don't know what is. No worries though, you are still my favorite Economist.
Hi Steve,
Just keep thinking forward! Yea, after this week almost halfway through!
Don't know much about the humidifer debate, but I would have to go with the adorable, but probably tacky, pig.
Hang in there!
As cute as the pig is, I am going to have to vote for the penguin. Who didn't love "Happy Feet?" It looks like you have a lot of songs to listen to and Ted's entry reminded me that I had a show to recommend to you. So, since I am not as hip as Breanne or as cultured as Jim in the music industry, I am going to move my recommendations on from music to other media. My first recommendation is “Rob and Big.” I wouldn’t say that they are particularly inspiring, but they are fun to watch over and over. I have seasons one and two. I’d be happy to bring them down to you (as long as we get to watch the Bobby Light episode) or send them with your mom.
As Big would say, “Do work, son!”
Steve,
You could always go old school with the humidifier and just have Jen throw buckets of water around the room every couple hours.
Our thoughts and prayers are still with you. Stay strong.
Kevin
I don't know much about humidifiers so I will trust your expertise. Enough to say you made me smile. As well as Jenny did. Cultural gap means I am not 100% sure I know what MOKE is but if my understanding is correct than the Romanian would be MAGARUS. Just to expand your vocabulary, I will not call you that since I don't posess a Manos ID. A poem for you again since I don't think I can add too much to what you've already got:
Last night, as I was sleeping
Antonio Machado
Last night, as I was sleeping,
I dreamt - marvellous error! -
that a spring was breaking
out in my heart
I said: Along which secret aqueduct,
Oh water, are you coming to me,
water of a new life
that I have never drunk?
Last night, as I was sleeping,
I dreamt - marvellous error! -
that I had a beehive
here inside my heart.
And the golden bees
were making white combs
and sweet honey
from my old failures.
Last night, as I was sleeping,
I dreamt - marvellous error! -
that a fiery sun was giving
light inside my heart.
It was fiery because I felt
warmth as from a hearth,
and sun because it gave light
and brought tears to my eyes.
Last night, as I slept,
I dreamt - marvellous error! -
that it was God I had
here inside my heart.
Oh, I think I have a song, probably not inspirational but it usually energizes me: The best, Tina Turner.
Hope this week will go fast and with minimum pain. And you should better eat that soup:-)
Adrian
I forgot to say I did yesterday the hike we did together in the fall of 06 in Sabino Canyon. Not the same without all those frogs, butterflies, flowers we were blessed to see and of course not the same without you.
hey moke its your most handsome cousin! It was good seeing you, and i will make it my personal responsabilty to bring What about Bob? next time! keep kickin ass and taking names, love you!
-wacky
Dear Steve,
As Mary's friend and co-worker in the Counseling Department here at Brophy, I have to share with you that you are MY HERO. No one should have to face what you are going through on a daily basis at your age with so much of life ahead of you. I wish I could trade places with you and take on your battle and pain. I do not know God's plan for you...I only know you are VERY SPECIAL. I also know from going through 2 kidney transplants, a year and one-half of Chemo with my daughter who had Lupus at 21, and the death of my 18 year old son, that you are literally in God's hands. No one on this pain-filled journey with you will ever be the same. After I lost my son, Danny, I became a counselor. When my daughter Jill recovered from Lupus, had Chemo (horrible) and got the Lupus into remission (Mrs. Jill Platt) she worked here at Brophy when you were here, Steve, I think...she recovered and is now an assistant Principal at a Catholic school in Chicago. I, personally, would not be here if it weren't for God, faith, and finally letting go and putting everything in God's hands. When the future was bleak and pain-filled many years ago, I literally "touched Jesus's garment and put Jill in his hands". Jill had the same experience listening to the Homily...she let go, trusted God, and was healed. The next Chemo treatment, I truly believe God healed her and she hasn't had a reoccurance since. I am praying for you and want God to heal you 100%...I know you are in God's hands. love and prayers, Julie Van Schoyck
Post a Comment