[TMIC] New Medications
Readers of my postings will remember that I saw Dr Kerr in July and we decided to wean myself off of 2 of my medications. The first one I went off of was 4-Aminopyridine (a Potassium channel blocker) and the second med is Lyrica. Anyway I did not notice any change in my banding going off of the 4-AP however once I reduced the Lyrica from 450 mg per day (3 pills) to 150 mg per day (1 pill) the banding in both legs became much worse. Per Dr. Kerr I went back to 300 mg of Lyrica but the banding is still much worse. The new approach is to go back to my original meds and original dosagesbut before Dr Kerr has me go back on the 4-AP he wants me to try adding Cymbalta to the Lyrica and see if that will reduce the banding. Question...do any of you take both Lyrica and Cymbalta and if so with what kind of results. If you only take Cymbalta has it helped and if so in what waylastly what dosage do you take and are there negative side effects. Rob in New Jersey
Re: [TMIC] New Medications
*Hi Robert, * ** *I took 60 mgs of Cymbalta per day for about two years. It didn't really help with the banding, pain, or sensory symptoms, but it was great for depression. I didn't have any side effects.* ** *Gracie*
RE: [TMIC] Digital
HEY JUDE I LIKE THE NEW NAME. IT SAYS IT ALL. PATTI - WISCONSIN From: heyjude48...@aol.com [mailto:heyjude48...@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 2009 11:20 PM To: cakal...@embarqmail.com; tmic-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [TMIC] Digital Or, how about the TMBM ASS.? LOL, Jude In a message dated 9/1/2009 1:05:27 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, cakal...@embarqmail.com writes: Frank - I LOVE that come back! I'll have to remember it! Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably . And never regret anything that made you smile. Prayers and thoughts for you and yours, Candy K. - Original Message - From: fr...@franksheldon.com To: Grace M. grace...@gmail.com, Laurie Zissimos lziss...@aol.com Cc: tmic-list@eskimo.com Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2009 11:50:16 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [TMIC] Digital Removal *Guys, I was just so happy to see that others have to use the digi-stim method. It gets real lonely out here. We gotta start a club! ;-)* You are never alone. Let's call it the TMIC- BM We'd all be Bowel members or BM. A long time ago. Some person on the playground called me a piece of sh*t, an Ass H*le. I retorted, At least I have a function, a purpose- You're just a swollen Hemorrhoid !! F _
RE: [TMIC] Swine flu vaccine
JUDE I THINK EVERYONE, WITH THEIR DOCTOR, WILL HAVE TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISION ON FLU SHOTS. IT’S TOO BAD WE CAN’T GET DEFINITE INFORMATION, BUT THEN AGAIN EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT AND HAS DIFFERENT PROBLEMS WITH TM. I BELIEVE MY DAUGHTER WILL HAVE HER TWO GIRLS GET THE SHOT AFTER SHE TALKS TO THEIR DOCTOR. AGAIN, THAT IS HER DECISION BUT I THINK I WOULD TOO. PATTI - WISCONSIN From: heyjude48...@aol.com [mailto:heyjude48...@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 2009 11:06 PM To: tracey.bl...@hnoins.com; TMIC-LIST@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [TMIC] Swine flu vaccine You find yourself in a confusing situation with regard to your children with and without TM and whether or not they ought to get the flu shot, and which ones? I, personally, with only my not well researched opinion, would not have my children not get the flu shot, only because I would be afraid that they would get the flu...let alone anything else. Love to you all, Jude In a message dated 9/2/2009 1:26:17 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, tracey.bl...@hnoins.com writes: Has anyone talked with Dr. Kerr to see how he feels about the Flu Vaccine and the Swine Flu Vaccine? I am just curious to see if he would tell everyone to get it or if he would tell everyone with TM to stay away from it……. I really don’t want to have my daughter, Ashlee, get either vaccine b/c of her having TM. I don’t want my other children to get the shots either b/c I don’t want to chance another child with TM. Tracey L. Black Certified Insurance Service Representative Hockley O'Donnell Insurance Agency Phone- 717-334-6741, x 29 Fax-717-334-3414 My hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thank you for providing information to us. Please be aware that no coverage is bound and no change to your insurance program is confirmed until verified by a licensed agent during regular business hours. If you do not hear from us within 1 business day, please re-contact us in case your information has not been retained From: roseofr...@aol.com [mailto:roseofr...@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 2009 1:21 PM To: jan...@centurytel.net; cakal...@embarqmail.com; tmic-list@eskimo.com Subject: Re: [TMIC] Swine flu vaccine I am totally convinced it was the preservative (Thimerosol) in the vaccine that caused my TMand my neuro concurs. It's a very difficult thing to actually prove since there are so many things that can cause TM. I remember the day I got the shotthe nurse was extolling the virtues of that vaccine...telling me how it was going to prevent me from getting ALL of the strains of flu viruses out there . After I got the shot she handed me a copy of the paperwork I had signed..when I got home I read it and one of the side effects listed was Transverse Myelitis. That day I didn't know what TM was so didn't think much of it until I was hit, paralyzed and diagnosed. Wish I'd read the paperwork FIRST but we tend to believe whatever our health care providers tell us. My suggestion to anyone considering getting the swine flu vaccine or the seasonal flu vaccine is this: insist on a preservative-free vaccine. ~ Lynn In a message dated 9/1/2009 7:46:33 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, jan...@centurytel.net writes: Lyn, Are you saying that your flu shot gave you TM?Have they proven that? Janice - Original Message - From: roseofr...@aol.com To: cakal...@embarqmail.com ; tmic-list@eskimo.com Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 11:40 AM Subject: Re: [TMIC] Swine flu vaccine I'm with Laura and Candy. I wound up paralyzed from the flu shot I received 12 years ago so I won't be getting the swine flu vaccine either...! By the way, I haven't had the flu or a cold for 12 years. I take supplements and really keep up my levels of Vitamin D3that stuff is a gold mine and it's not expensive. The reason people get the flu in the winter is not because of the cold weatherit's because they don't get enough sunshinethat's what it takes for our bodies to make vitamin D3. Hugs, Lynn _ _ _
Re: [TMIC] New Medications
Same here, I could NOT take Lyrica and Cymbalta at the same time.. just Lyrcia alone made me loopy, and lathargic, From: Grace M. grace...@gmail.com To: Robert Pall rp...@neillsupply.com Cc: tmic-list@eskimo.com Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2009 9:58:46 AM Subject: Re: [TMIC] New Medications Hi Robert, I took 60 mgs of Cymbalta per day for about two years. It didn't really help with the banding, pain, or sensory symptoms, but it was great for depression. I didn't have any side effects. Gracie
[TMIC] Need info---does anyone have a port?
*Hi Guys, * ** *My infusion nurse discussed the possibility of having a port inserted for my Rituximab infusions. Does anyone here have one, and if so, what has your experience been? My veins are a really hard stick and blow easily. I've read about using a port, and it sounds quite innocuous but I'd like some first hand input. * ** *Thanks, * *Gracie*
Re: [TMIC] New Medications
I was on both Lyrica and 40 mg Cymbalta, I found that Cymbalta helped with the pain though I don't suffer from banding so I can't speak to that. It also helped with my anger and depression. As for side effects it made me want to sleep 16 hrs a day and I had difficulty multi-tracking my thoughts. After a major improvement in pain I weaned off Cymbalta this past spring. 100mg of Amantadine helps counteract the drowsiness. I would go back on Cymbalta if things got worse. Mindy the Artisan On Sep 3, 2009, at 9:35 AM, Robert Pall wrote: Readers of my postings will remember that I saw Dr Kerr in July and we decided to wean myself off of 2 of my medications. The first one I went off of was 4-Aminopyridine (a Potassium channel blocker) and the second med is Lyrica. Anyway I did not notice any change in my banding going off of the 4-AP however once I reduced the Lyrica from 450 mg per day (3 pills) to 150 mg per day (1 pill) the banding in both legs became much worse. Per Dr. Kerr I went back to 300 mg of Lyrica but the banding is still much worse. The new approach is to go back to my original meds and original dosages….but before Dr Kerr has me go back on the 4-AP he wants me to try adding Cymbalta to the Lyrica and see if that will reduce the banding. Question…do any of you take both Lyrica and Cymbalta and if so with what kind of results. If you only take Cymbalta has it helped and if so in what way….lastly what dosage do you take and are there negative side effects. Rob in New Jersey
Re: [TMIC] Swine flu vaccine
Hi Cheryl ~ To answer your question.I would have asked that nurse what TM was I guess it would have depended on her answer at the time. If she had told me it was a paralyzing eventthen my answer would be, No way do I want the shot. Bill and I were discussing all of these emails this morning regarding whether or not to get these shots (Bill is my significant other of 20 years and has been through it all with me). anywayhe said, Honey, I don't think it was the Thimerosol that caused your TM. it was the half dead virus in that shot that caused your TM. Your immune system went crazy trying to erradicate that virus and attacked your spine and killed nerves and caused your lesion. So now I'm wondering. is there a half dead virus in the swine flu vaccine..? I'm scared for my five grandbabies. ~ Lynn In a message dated 9/2/2009 2:56:02 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, rn11...@yahoo.com writes: Hi Lynn, I have a question.Since you had never heard of tm at the time of the flu shot,do you think you would have refused the shot? ( By the way,that nurse was an idiot; NO vaccine prevents all flu strains.) I was an RN for 22 yrs before getting tm,and I had never heard of it.I worked in a hospital respiratory care unit and got a flu shot every yr.I always read the paper they give me prior to getting the shot.Mine had never mentioned tm,just Guillain-Barre syndrome. I got a pneumonia vaccine several yrs ago,and a repeat about 3 yrs ago.I also get a flu shot every year.Since I have diabetes as well as tm,I'm at higher risk of complications if I get the flu.Plus,the tight banding around my trunk makes it very difficult to deep breathe or cough. I'm terrified of getting a simple cold,nevermind the flu. Cheryl in Easthampton,MA. --- On Wed, 9/2/09, roseofr...@aol.com roseofr...@aol.com wrote: From: roseofr...@aol.com roseofr...@aol.com Subject: Re: [TMIC] Swine flu vaccine To: jan...@centurytel.net, cakal...@embarqmail.com, tmic-list@eskimo.com Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 1:21 PM I am totally convinced it was the preservative (Thimerosol) in the vaccine that caused my TMand my neuro concurs. It's a very difficult thing to actually prove since there are so many things that can cause TM. I remember the day I got the shotthe nurse was extolling the virtues of that vaccine...telling me how it was going to prevent me from getting ALL of the strains of flu viruses out there . After I got the shot she handed me a copy of the paperwork I had signed..when I got home I read it and one of the side effects listed was Transverse Myelitis. That day I didn't know what TM was so didn't think much of it until I was hit, paralyzed and diagnosed. Wish I'd read the paperwork FIRST but we tend to believe whatever our health care providers tell us. My suggestion to anyone considering getting the swine flu vaccine or the seasonal flu vaccine is this: insist on a preservative-free vaccine. ~ Lynn In a message dated 9/1/2009 7:46:33 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, jan...@centurytel.net writes: Lyn, Are you saying that your flu shot gave you TM?Have they proven that? Janice - Original Message - From: _roseofr...@aol.com_ (http://us.mc581.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=roseofr...@aol.com) To: _cakal...@embarqmail.com_ (http://us.mc581.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=cakal...@embarqmail.com) ; _tmic-l...@eskimo.com_ (http://us.mc581.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=tmic-l...@eskimo.com) Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 11:40 AM Subject: Re: [TMIC] Swine flu vaccine I'm with Laura and Candy. I wound up paralyzed from the flu shot I received 12 years ago so I won't be getting the swine flu vaccine either...! By the way, I haven't had the flu or a cold for 12 years. I take supplements and really keep up my levels of Vitamin D3that stuff is a gold mine and it's not expensive. The reason people get the flu in the winter is not because of the cold weatherit's because they don't get enough sunshinethat's what it takes for our bodies to make vitamin D3. Hugs, Lynn
Re: [TMIC] New Medications
I take both, Rob, and the Cymbalta does help with the pain. The Lyrica 75mg 8AM and noon, I take with Tramadol and together they really help with taking the bad edge of the pain away. I tried taking something different than Cymbalta because it is so horribly expensive $150+/month but it didn't work ridding me of the pain at all. I don't notice any side effects from it. The Lyrica itself is $75/month just for a month's supply. The main side effect I found is weight gain. Adding the Tramadol was one of the best things my doctor did. Where the Lyrica didn't quite make the grade, adding the Tramadol really did help! Hope this helps??? Everyone is different, right?? Jeanne ---Original Message--- From: Robert Pall Date: 9/3/2009 8:35:31 AM To: tmic-list@eskimo.com Subject: [TMIC] New Medications Readers of my postings will remember that I saw Dr Kerr in July and we decided to wean myself off of 2 of my medications. The first one I went off of was 4-Aminopyridine (a Potassium channel blocker) and the second med is Lyrica. Anyway I did not notice any change in my banding going off of the 4-AP however once I reduced the Lyrica from 450 mg per day (3 pills) to 150 mg per day (1 pill) the banding in both legs became much worse. Per Dr. Kerr I went back to 300 mg of Lyrica but the banding is still much worse. The new approach is to go back to my original meds and original dosages .but before Dr Kerr has me go back on the 4-AP he wants me to try adding Cymbalta to the Lyrica and see if that will reduce the banding. Question do any of you take both Lyrica and Cymbalta and if so with what kind of results. If you only take Cymbalta has it helped and if so in what way .lastly what dosage do you take and are there negative side effects. Rob in New Jersey 01_tile.jpg01_side.gif
[TMIC] BMer's Club and new medication
I note no one has said anything about being treasurer?? I will be glad to serve as same.? Please send dues to me. Rob I tried Cymbalta and the only effect it had on me was I could not pee.? Decided I sitll had to put up with the banding. Ann in Virginia
[TMIC] Gunny's book
1 The newcomers may not be aware that Gunny, aka Richard Boyle, is the author of Living With Spinal Cord Injury. 2 Gunny, how well did that book sell? Alton
Re: [TMIC] Swine flu vaccine
I was hit by the episode of TM in October 2005 Me too--- and then again in December leaving me paralyzed the FIRST question they asked was if I had a flu shot. The only repeated questions were about the flu shot. I too, was deemed idiopathic but I too am nervous about getting a flu shot because of those questions. I have gotten a pneumonia shot in the intervening years with no observable ill effect. Akua --
Re: [TMIC] Swine flu vaccine
is there a half dead virus in the swine flu vaccine..? Lynn, I've never thought of IT that way...a half dead virus. Something like a Zombi movie, night of the LIVING DEAD. What does a Half dead virus look like ? Is it like being Partially Pregnant?? I think it's against the law to have vaccines made from a Half dead virus. I wouldn't worry. Try hard not to have bad dreams tonight. I will pray for you, as I always do. pH
[TMIC] spousal support
I stumbled upon this old note, posted to the list a decade ago, and decided to post it again. Subject: spousal support Date: Mon, 29 Mar 1999 I'm ready to carve a piece of granite with my fingernails or do something else as difficult to show my appreciation for my wife. I have before stated my appreciation for her support during this malady, but the recent sharing of tales of less spousal support has heightened my gratitude. When I first came home from the hospital, I had neither the strength nor the flexibility to attend to my own needs. I was in bed, in diapers, and wearing a Texas catheter. All of which needed frequent changes. I could recognize an impending bowel movement, but I could not resist it. I remember Betty answering my call in the middle of the night to come attend to the bedpan and to clean me afterward. I wonder if I could have been so uncomplaining if she were the one who was ill. Even now, almost two years later, her support and her willingness have not diminished. Thankfully, the need for such support has almost gone away. I am so lucky to have married her. Alton, who intends no hurt to those less fortunate
[TMIC] Update on Mike
Well, everyone, here is your first update. Before I begin, however, I would like to thank all of you who have kept me and my family in your prayers, it means a lot. Don't stop, though, as the next 7 weeks or so are going to be a little rough. I especially want to thank my family, without their help and support; I cannot imagine where I would be. For those that like to be very specific, I found out I do not have what I told you last time. What I have is a tumor in the Maxillary Sinus. This tumor is a Neuro-endocrine type (small cell) of cancer. There, that should make it clear as mud. Went in yesterday to the Chemo doc, and when he heard that we had to wait until next Thursday for our radiation Doc appointment, left the room, came back and told us as soon as we were through with him, we could go downstairs and talk to the radiation doctor. The right people and a little help from above just cut off another 8 days of waiting. I can start fighting back. Today I went in to the doctor's office and got fitted for my Hannibal Lector mask. This mask ensures that you do not move your head at all while receiving radiation. Radiation for this is received from a Tomography machine which produces the rays electronically. I will tell you that I could not even open my eyes while wearing the mask.. Very claustrophobic, so a little Xanac helped. Now, I go back in for my very first radiation treatment next Thursday. During this 7 week, five day a week treatment, I will receive at least 6,000 RAD (Radiation Absorbed Dose) to the cancer. For those who are not aware, just let me say that 6,000 RAD is a LOT. Unfortunately, my right optic nerve may receive much of this. The optic nerve begins to show damage at 4,500 RAD, So, I may loose some, or all, vision in my right eye. There are a lot of other little complications like loss of salivary glands, loss of taste (Have that already), possible teeth problems, and hair loss (time for a Kojack shave). The Chemotherapy introduction session is tomorrow and I learn what I get, when it will start, if I will need a port and lots of other questions I am sure. So another update in a week or so. Take care and be talking with you soon. God bless us, everyone, Mike and Coach Jill.
Re: [TMIC] Update on Mike
Thanks for the update, Mike. I am so very sorry you have to go through all of this. I will be praying for you and your family. Barbara H. On Thu, Sep 3, 2009 at 7:40 PM, Jill Hammond 3jmhamm...@clearwire.netwrote: Well, everyone, here is your first update. Before I begin, however, I would like to thank all of you who have kept me and my family in your prayers, it means a lot. Don’t stop, though, as the next 7 weeks or so are going to be a little rough. I especially want to thank my family, without their help and support; I cannot imagine where I would be. For those that like to be very specific, I found out I do not have what I told you last time. What I have is a tumor in the Maxillary Sinus. This tumor is a Neuro-endocrine type (small cell) of cancer. There, that should make it clear as mud. Went in yesterday to the Chemo doc, and when he heard that we had to wait until next Thursday for our radiation Doc appointment, left the room, came back and told us as soon as we were through with him, we could go downstairs and talk to the radiation doctor. The right people and a little help from above just cut off another 8 days of waiting. I can start fighting back. Today I went in to the doctor’s office and got fitted for my “Hannibal Lector” mask. This mask ensures that you do not move your head at all while receiving radiation. Radiation for this is received from a Tomography machine which produces the rays electronically. I will tell you that I could not even open my eyes while wearing the mask.. Very claustrophobic, so a little Xanac helped. Now, I go back in for my very first radiation treatment next Thursday. During this 7 week, five day a week treatment, I will receive at least 6,000 RAD (Radiation Absorbed Dose) to the cancer. For those who are not aware, just let me say that 6,000 RAD is a LOT. Unfortunately, my right optic nerve may receive much of this. The optic nerve begins to show damage at 4,500 RAD, So, I may loose some, or all, vision in my right eye. There are a lot of other little complications like loss of salivary glands, loss of taste (Have that already), possible teeth problems, and hair loss (time for a Kojack shave). The Chemotherapy introduction session is tomorrow and I learn what I get, when it will start, if I will need a port and lots of other questions I am sure. So another update in a week or so. Take care and be talking with you soon. God bless us, everyone, Mike and Coach Jill.
Re: [TMIC] Update on Mike
Bless your hearts, Mike and Jill.. We will all be holding you in our hearts, minds, and prayers. I wish we could be close to help you with other things...Jeanne ---Original Message--- From: Jill Hammond Date: 9/3/2009 6:47:19 PM To: tmic-list@eskimo.com Subject: [TMIC] Update on Mike Well, everyone, here is your first update. Before I begin, however, I would like to thank all of you who have kept me and my family in your prayers, it means a lot. Dont stop, though, as the next 7 weeks or so are going to be a little rough. I especially want to thank my family, without their help and support; I cannot imagine where I would be. For those that like to be very specific, I found out I do not have what I told you last time. What I have is a tumor in the Maxillary Sinus. This tumor is a Neuro-endocrine type (small cell) of cancer. There, that should make it clear as mud. Went in yesterday to the Chemo doc, and when he heard that we had to wait until next Thursday for our radiation Doc appointment, left the room, came back and told us as soon as we were through with him, we could go downstairs and talk to the radiation doctor. The right people and a little help from above just cut off another 8 days of waiting. I can start fighting back. Today I went in to the doctors office and got fitted for my Hannibal Lector mask. This mask ensures that you do not move your head at all while receiving radiation. Radiation for this is received from a Tomography machine which produces the rays electronically. I will tell you that I could not even open my eyes while wearing the mask.. Very claustrophobic, so a little Xanac helped. Now, I go back in for my very first radiation treatment next Thursday. During this 7 week, five day a week treatment, I will receive at least 6,000 RAD (Radiation Absorbed Dose) to the cancer. For those who are not aware, just let me say that 6,000 RAD is a LOT. Unfortunately, my right optic nerve may receive much of this. The optic nerve begins to show damage at 4,500 RAD, So, I may loose some, or all, vision in my right eye. There are a lot of other little complications like loss of salivary glands, loss of taste (Have that already), possible teeth problems, and hair loss (time for a Kojack shave). The Chemotherapy introduction session is tomorrow and I learn what I get, when it will start, if I will need a port and lots of other questions I am sure. So another update in a week or so. Take care and be talking with you soon. God bless us, everyone, Mike and Coach Jill. 01_tile.jpg01_side.gif
Re: [TMIC] BMer's Club and new medication
I'll work in PR... That should be fun??!! Jeanne :D ---Original Message--- From: anndil...@aol.com Date: 9/3/2009 1:27:46 PM To: tmic-list@eskimo.com Subject: [TMIC] BMer's Club and new medication I note no one has said anything about being treasurer I will be glad to serve as same. Please send dues to me. Rob I tried Cymbalta and the only effect it had on me was I could not pee. Decided I sitll had to put up with the banding. Ann in Virginia 01_tile.jpg01_side.gif
Re: [TMIC] Update on Mike
Mike and Jill Through every trial and moment of pain, we stand together to help one another. Sometimes the hand of a stranger comes along and lifts up our hearts.. Our responsibility is to continue that selfless act of love and pass on the comfort. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. ~ Mathew 5:4 From: jrushton jrush...@columbiaenergyllc.com To: Jill Hammond 3jmhamm...@clearwire.net; tmic tmic-list@eskimo.com Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2009 7:21:20 PM Subject: Re: [TMIC] Update on Mike Bless your hearts, Mike and Jill.. We will all be holding you in our hearts, minds, and prayers. I wish we could be close to help you with other things...Jeanne ---Original Message--- From: Jill Hammond Date: 9/3/2009 6:47:19 PM To: tmic-list@eskimo.com Subject: [TMIC] Update on Mike Well, everyone, here is your first update. Before I begin, however, I would like to thank all of you who have kept me and my family in your prayers, it means a lot. Don’t stop, though, as the next 7 weeks or so are going to be a little rough. I especially want to thank my family, without their help and support; I cannot imagine where I would be. For those that like to be very specific, I found out I do not have what I told you last time. What I have is a tumor in the Maxillary Sinus. This tumor is a Neuro-endocrine type (small cell) of cancer. There, that should make it clear as mud. Went in yesterday to the Chemo doc, and when he heard that we had to wait until next Thursday for our radiation Doc appointment, left the room, came back and told us as soon as we were through with him, we could go downstairs and talk to the radiation doctor. The right people and a little help from above just cut off another 8 days of waiting. I can start fighting back. Today I went in to the doctor’s office and got fitted for my “Hannibal Lector” mask. This mask ensures that you do not move your head at all while receiving radiation. Radiation for this is received from a Tomography machine which produces the rays electronically. I will tell you that I could not even open my eyes while wearing the mask.. Very claustrophobic, so a little Xanac helped. Now, I go back in for my very first radiation treatment next Thursday. During this 7 week, five day a week treatment, I will receive at least 6,000 RAD (Radiation Absorbed Dose) to the cancer. For those who are not aware, just let me say that 6,000 RAD is a LOT. Unfortunately, my right optic nerve may receive much of this. The optic nerve begins to show damage at 4,500 RAD, So, I may loose some, or all, vision in my right eye. There are a lot of other little complications like loss of salivary glands, loss of taste (Have that already), possible teeth problems, and hair loss (time for a Kojack shave). The Chemotherapy introduction session is tomorrow and I learn what I get, when it will start, if I will need a port and lots of other questions I am sure. So another update in a week or so. Take care and be talking with you soon. God bless us, everyone, Mike and Coach Jill.
Re: [TMIC] Update on Mike
Heal Fast! Know Peace! Heal and be Well! Wishing you strength and perseverance, Akua --
