Not too much to report. Its been a fairly rough week. The first few days he was pretty sick, and of course he tried to do too much. Then the side effects from the "shot" kicked in. He was in constant pain. He couldn't even be hugged. I locked him in the bedroom a couple of nights, so he could get some good nights rest for once. The dogs, of course, stayed outside his door. I found him "free" fudgecycles. They are fat free, sugar free, lactose free and "something else"free. Sounds disgusting, but since his taste buds are messed up he doesn't know, and at least its something he can eat.
He tried to go to work so he could "earn his keep", that didn't go over well. He barely made the ride home in one piece. I raced home expecting to find him unconscious in the middle of the floor. He did make it to the bed, but he was shot. Slowly he is learning his limitations, yet he continues to fight them.
We had a nice dinner out with Tom and Vicky last night. It was the first meal he has been able to "taste" in quite some time. It is also the first time we haven't brought half of his dinner home to the dogs! (they were NOT pleased)
Just like his physical state is a roller coaster of ups and downs, so is his mental state. If any of you have come across this yet, here is my advice... Hang in there, he needs to vent and get it all off his chest, the good, the bad and quite often the ugly. Remember the "bad stuff" is often the cancer talking. Im know sometimes he feals as if he is the only one who "fears the worst". It is important that we all continue to keep those thoughts and comments to ourselves. Cry and shout in private, thats what I do. The added pressure and stresses are too much to add on him right now.
On a good note, his blood count was on point today. :) Next week, we will be at the half way point of chemo... cross your fingers, he gets his favorite nurse. Apparently the donuts and bagels he brings for the nurses isnt enough to keep them from their acts of revenge on him!
Vicky in Washington sent a website for some chemo t-shirts. I have to stay off the site, or I will become broke! I did get the shirt that you now see at the top of the web page. thanks vicky!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Something rather amazing took place on Saturday night that I wanted to share with you all. Many of my good friends decided to run a charity Texas Holdem poker tournament in my behalf to raise funds and support my cause. It was catered, organized and in my eyes a complete success. Afterwards I learned that these "knuckleheads" were able to raise several thousand dollars for my fight.....a staggering amount to say the least.
This was extremy humbling for me and difficult to accept but I am grateful beyond words.In addition my company for which I work joined the cause and collected another amount of money from my co-workers and owner Gene...again leaving me humbled and eternally grateful.
I am an old school kind of guy and have trouble accepting charity from people. I was told to swallow my pride or as Chez and Rocky put it "tough shit jerkoff you're taking it now shut up". They know how to put me in my place, always have and thats not easy I'm quite stubborn for those who haven't noticed.
In addition the get well cards keep coming and so do the well wishes and I thank you all so much. To my co-workers I thank you. To the card players I hope you all had a good time I know I did. The monies raised have changed my life and eased our burden at home and I can only hope to repay all of sometime when you need my help.. This alone gives me extra incentive to hang around this place for awhile so cancer better take a step back because I don't plan on going anywhere soon.
Finally while I thank you all a special mention needs to be made to Michael Byrne who donated so many raffle items at his own expense, to Franny Vitelli and his entire family for running card night at the church, to Rocky for recruiting his entire family for the game, to Duke for his extended generosity and Sal Sr and Jr for running the game, to my boy Chez for all the phone calls and Tony P for the racquets club donations and Sue from the pro-shop as well....and to everyone else involved.
To my brother Michael I love you man your my mentor and I look up to you and of course Wendy and Zill there are no words I'd be lost without you.
I wish everyone a great summer and hope to see you all along the way.
Humbled and Grateful, Thank you
Billy Scott
This was extremy humbling for me and difficult to accept but I am grateful beyond words.In addition my company for which I work joined the cause and collected another amount of money from my co-workers and owner Gene...again leaving me humbled and eternally grateful.
I am an old school kind of guy and have trouble accepting charity from people. I was told to swallow my pride or as Chez and Rocky put it "tough shit jerkoff you're taking it now shut up". They know how to put me in my place, always have and thats not easy I'm quite stubborn for those who haven't noticed.
In addition the get well cards keep coming and so do the well wishes and I thank you all so much. To my co-workers I thank you. To the card players I hope you all had a good time I know I did. The monies raised have changed my life and eased our burden at home and I can only hope to repay all of sometime when you need my help.. This alone gives me extra incentive to hang around this place for awhile so cancer better take a step back because I don't plan on going anywhere soon.
Finally while I thank you all a special mention needs to be made to Michael Byrne who donated so many raffle items at his own expense, to Franny Vitelli and his entire family for running card night at the church, to Rocky for recruiting his entire family for the game, to Duke for his extended generosity and Sal Sr and Jr for running the game, to my boy Chez for all the phone calls and Tony P for the racquets club donations and Sue from the pro-shop as well....and to everyone else involved.
To my brother Michael I love you man your my mentor and I look up to you and of course Wendy and Zill there are no words I'd be lost without you.
I wish everyone a great summer and hope to see you all along the way.
Humbled and Grateful, Thank you
Billy Scott
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
3 down - 5 to go
Well, here we are again. Billy got his favorite nurse today, so the iv insertion went well. (I think the other nurses are afraid of him. ) He was out of there just about before 1 and slept through a lot of it. They gave him extra "relaxing" medicine so he was fairly pleasant. I stayed until about noon, then Tom Zilly took over.
He did receive some bad news. It appears as though the doctor wants him to get the steroid shot the day after every chemo session. I am not sure which one he hates more. Hopefully, since the white cells don't have to come up so much, the pain wont be as bad as before... at least that's what we are hoping for. The other bad news, was that most likely Zilly will have more hair than him after this week...but as you all know, Billy will still be better looking.
Its about 12:30am, and he is wide awake. Yes, he has sleep aids, and NO, he wont take them. He has had enough drugs for one day! With all of the "rest" he got today, and the queasiness in his stomach, he just cant fall asleep.. I think we need more rain to relax him. He was able to eat dinner, so that's a good thing. (He skipped lunch because after chemo he made Zilly take him shopping so he could buy bird food...priorities....)
He does read every message y'all right, so keep them coming. I am sure he will send a message here soon.
He did receive some bad news. It appears as though the doctor wants him to get the steroid shot the day after every chemo session. I am not sure which one he hates more. Hopefully, since the white cells don't have to come up so much, the pain wont be as bad as before... at least that's what we are hoping for. The other bad news, was that most likely Zilly will have more hair than him after this week...but as you all know, Billy will still be better looking.
Its about 12:30am, and he is wide awake. Yes, he has sleep aids, and NO, he wont take them. He has had enough drugs for one day! With all of the "rest" he got today, and the queasiness in his stomach, he just cant fall asleep.. I think we need more rain to relax him. He was able to eat dinner, so that's a good thing. (He skipped lunch because after chemo he made Zilly take him shopping so he could buy bird food...priorities....)
He does read every message y'all right, so keep them coming. I am sure he will send a message here soon.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
chemo two 2nd update
Well, it's been a rough week so far. The shot they gave him for the "low blood count" has proven to have more intense side effects then the chemo itself. They gave him a shot that will help grow the white blood cells faster. He has intense pain in his joints, the bones and as of today his spine. Its very strange. Kind of like when you induce labor, it speeds up the process making everything more intense and painful. So, not to downplay in anyway, I think its like growing pains. They are speeding up the growth process and it makes the pain more intense. It is actually "worse" than that sounds, but its the only way I can describe it. He has many more side effects going on, but he is trying pretty hard to hide them.
It has been hard for someone so independent to have to rely on others, and so he still tries to do everything himself, then pays dearly for it. The dogs dont leave his side when he is home. Even when he naps in the guest room, they sleep outside his door.
He goes for his blood test tomorrow, but has nothing else until next week when he gets the chemo again. He is still hanging on to all of his hair, and is even sporting the ugliest little beard. I looked it up on the internet and it is called a "soul patch, or mouche"... If you see him, tell him how much you LOVE it, so he will shave it off! As he has told us all, several times.... "he just gets better looking every day"!
Next weeks' chemo will be Wednesday from 730am til 1 or 2ish.
If anyone needs info about this coming "saturday" email Chez. Or let me know and I will forward the info I have.... thanks as always!
It has been hard for someone so independent to have to rely on others, and so he still tries to do everything himself, then pays dearly for it. The dogs dont leave his side when he is home. Even when he naps in the guest room, they sleep outside his door.
He goes for his blood test tomorrow, but has nothing else until next week when he gets the chemo again. He is still hanging on to all of his hair, and is even sporting the ugliest little beard. I looked it up on the internet and it is called a "soul patch, or mouche"... If you see him, tell him how much you LOVE it, so he will shave it off! As he has told us all, several times.... "he just gets better looking every day"!
Next weeks' chemo will be Wednesday from 730am til 1 or 2ish.
If anyone needs info about this coming "saturday" email Chez. Or let me know and I will forward the info I have.... thanks as always!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
2nd round of chemo 06/04
I apologise for not updating this sooner. Billy had his second round of chemo today. It wasn't a good one. When he arrived, it took the nurse 3 trys to get the IV in before he scared her out of the room. His nurse from last time came in and "finally" got it in on her first try. Needless to say, Billy was NOT pleased. For those of you who don't know, Billy doesn't exactly have a fondness for needles. I wouldn't be surprised if he brought a bag of oranges next time for the nurse to practice on , especially since he told her he would.....
This last weekend Billy felt pretty good. He got the "OK" from the doctor to play a little softball, and on Monday he was able to play with Phoenix Tube. What a great moment it was to see the light back in his eyes, and the true joy he gets from being on a ball field. He was able to pitch, made a few outs, and hit in the winning run. Unfortunaltey, as we have noticed, he does get very tired easily and it does take a physical toll on him. I will post a picture of it shortly. ... fast forward back to the present.
His day in the hospital was about 5 1/2 hours this time. As I was unable to be with him, Tom Zilly stayed with him the entire time along with a visit from Lisa and her mother. He also had several phone calls from friends to help take his mind off of things. "Thanks guys, for being there with and for him."
With the exception of sneaking off to take the dogs to the park, he has been home and in bed. He is not taking it as well as he did last time. But, I guess each time and person are different. Last time he was very out of it, and unable to really eat for a few days. This time he is in more misery, still somewhat "out" but was able to finally eat. Hopefully tomorrow will be a little easier.
**please take note** Billy's blood work revealed very low white blood cells this time around. He was put on an antibiotic, and will be going back tomorrow for some type of steroid or something. If you are going to be around him, please make sure you are not sick in anyway. He needs to try and avoid the sun, avoid infections and avoid illness... Your help is very appreciated.
as always, thank you for your "comments" and continued support.
wendy
This last weekend Billy felt pretty good. He got the "OK" from the doctor to play a little softball, and on Monday he was able to play with Phoenix Tube. What a great moment it was to see the light back in his eyes, and the true joy he gets from being on a ball field. He was able to pitch, made a few outs, and hit in the winning run. Unfortunaltey, as we have noticed, he does get very tired easily and it does take a physical toll on him. I will post a picture of it shortly. ... fast forward back to the present.
His day in the hospital was about 5 1/2 hours this time. As I was unable to be with him, Tom Zilly stayed with him the entire time along with a visit from Lisa and her mother. He also had several phone calls from friends to help take his mind off of things. "Thanks guys, for being there with and for him."
With the exception of sneaking off to take the dogs to the park, he has been home and in bed. He is not taking it as well as he did last time. But, I guess each time and person are different. Last time he was very out of it, and unable to really eat for a few days. This time he is in more misery, still somewhat "out" but was able to finally eat. Hopefully tomorrow will be a little easier.
**please take note** Billy's blood work revealed very low white blood cells this time around. He was put on an antibiotic, and will be going back tomorrow for some type of steroid or something. If you are going to be around him, please make sure you are not sick in anyway. He needs to try and avoid the sun, avoid infections and avoid illness... Your help is very appreciated.
as always, thank you for your "comments" and continued support.
wendy
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