Thinking positively
Thursday, May 26, 2011
This past week has been a good one for Martin. He is eating well and his voice has come back stronger since the radiation of his throat and chest. We are waiting to see what effects there will be from the radiation of his brain. So far he has not lost any hair as was expected but it is just over a week since then. What we have noticed is that Martin seems to have more energy and is doing more on his own. He still gets tired and has the odd pain break throughs but mostly in the early morning and they are dealt with quickly with his pain meds. His spirits are up especially when his friend Carolyn comes to visit. We are so thankful for each day!
good days
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Martin came home this past Weds May 18th from Vancouver, where he received 5 radiation treatments to his head and eyes over the previous week. He appears to have tolerated these treatments well so far. The trip home went fine and he was free of pain during the car ride.
The next day (Thursday) was a beautiful, sunny day. His parents suggested he rest from the journey but Marty was keen to get in the garden and feeling good after getting over some pain in the morning. We went to his community garden plot in the afternoon and did several hours of work there. We planted pretty much the whole thing so now it's just watering and waiting for the magic to happen. It was a great day for Marty in terms of energy and mobility. He felt comfortable later that night so he didn't seem to have overdone it.
The day after that, we took a trip to his friends Rob and Erin's place which is about a half-hour drive away. It was another hot sunny day. Rob was in his bee suit as they just got bees. We had a walking tour of their property, on trails they had made, and Marty was able to do the whole thing, which was about a half hour of gentle walking with lots of stops to look at things and rest. He had some pain in the night and next morning so may have overdone it a bit, but felt it was worth it as well. Right now it is about finding a balance between rest and activities, enjoying what he is able to do, and having some fun.
Certain things have improved from the last radiation treatment to his shoulder, in that he is breathing more comfortably now, coughing a lot less, and having no pain in that area. He has gotten used to his pain medications so they no longer sedate him so much. He is still having frequent pain in his hips/legs/lower back, which often disrupts his sleep. His vision in his left eye is still compromised by dark areas in his field of vision and some distortion. But on the whole he has reached a plateau at the moment it seems where he's doing and feeling relatively well. Because this could change at any time, we appreciate it all the more and focus on the beauty of the present moment.
Carolyn
The next day (Thursday) was a beautiful, sunny day. His parents suggested he rest from the journey but Marty was keen to get in the garden and feeling good after getting over some pain in the morning. We went to his community garden plot in the afternoon and did several hours of work there. We planted pretty much the whole thing so now it's just watering and waiting for the magic to happen. It was a great day for Marty in terms of energy and mobility. He felt comfortable later that night so he didn't seem to have overdone it.
The day after that, we took a trip to his friends Rob and Erin's place which is about a half-hour drive away. It was another hot sunny day. Rob was in his bee suit as they just got bees. We had a walking tour of their property, on trails they had made, and Marty was able to do the whole thing, which was about a half hour of gentle walking with lots of stops to look at things and rest. He had some pain in the night and next morning so may have overdone it a bit, but felt it was worth it as well. Right now it is about finding a balance between rest and activities, enjoying what he is able to do, and having some fun.
Certain things have improved from the last radiation treatment to his shoulder, in that he is breathing more comfortably now, coughing a lot less, and having no pain in that area. He has gotten used to his pain medications so they no longer sedate him so much. He is still having frequent pain in his hips/legs/lower back, which often disrupts his sleep. His vision in his left eye is still compromised by dark areas in his field of vision and some distortion. But on the whole he has reached a plateau at the moment it seems where he's doing and feeling relatively well. Because this could change at any time, we appreciate it all the more and focus on the beauty of the present moment.
Carolyn
New developments
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Martin continues to be challanged with pain! The radiation of Martin's chest and neck was a success as he no longer has pain in this area .. it has also helped with his breathing and coughing. The new challenge has been pain in his sacral and hip area. This has kept him up many nights recently. On May 11th we travelled to Vancouver for Martin's check up with the oncologist. We were informed the cancer drug Afinitor is not working. The next cancer drug to try will be Nexovar. We also met with Dr Sugar who is a palliative care doctor Martin has been seeing at the Loins gate hospital (extremely nice guy) to review medications. Several of the medications have been increased which is helping to control the pain. Martin has recently been having a problem with his left eye, so we had arranged for an appointment with a specialist the same day. After examination it was discovered that there are some masses in both of Martin's eyes and we were sent back to the oncologist who suggested Martin have some ratiation on these , and sent us for a scan. So all in all it was not a good day. We went home very tired, and emotionally drained.
The next day we got a call from the radiation oncologist Dr Sing ( Martin says she is the Julia Child of radiation oncology..... asian with an english accent, and a really nice lady) to arrange an appointment for the next day (friday 13th) to review the scan and to have the first of five radiation treatments. Martin`s cancer is unusual in that it has spread through the lymphatic system which has affected the lining of the brain and also the tissue behind the eyes. Therefore the whole brain has to be radiated. Her expectation is that the eyesight will not get any worse at best but may not improve, but if he did nothing he would eventually go blind. A special mask was made and he had his first treatment that day. It is truely amazing what they can do these days with all the specialized equipment! He had a second treatment Saturday morning (fortunately we had gone prepared to stay over) then returned to Pemberton. Martin will have three more treatments starting on Monday so we will be staying in Vancouver for those.
Martin also mentioned to Dr Sing about the pain in his hips and she sent him for an exray ..... she may also do some radiation there as well, at the same time, but it will only take one treatment.
The change in medications seems to be making Martin more comfortable but the radiation makes him very tired. We continue to go along day by day, thankful for the time we spend with Martin.
Anne Holloway (MOM)
The next day we got a call from the radiation oncologist Dr Sing ( Martin says she is the Julia Child of radiation oncology..... asian with an english accent, and a really nice lady) to arrange an appointment for the next day (friday 13th) to review the scan and to have the first of five radiation treatments. Martin`s cancer is unusual in that it has spread through the lymphatic system which has affected the lining of the brain and also the tissue behind the eyes. Therefore the whole brain has to be radiated. Her expectation is that the eyesight will not get any worse at best but may not improve, but if he did nothing he would eventually go blind. A special mask was made and he had his first treatment that day. It is truely amazing what they can do these days with all the specialized equipment! He had a second treatment Saturday morning (fortunately we had gone prepared to stay over) then returned to Pemberton. Martin will have three more treatments starting on Monday so we will be staying in Vancouver for those.
Martin also mentioned to Dr Sing about the pain in his hips and she sent him for an exray ..... she may also do some radiation there as well, at the same time, but it will only take one treatment.
The change in medications seems to be making Martin more comfortable but the radiation makes him very tired. We continue to go along day by day, thankful for the time we spend with Martin.
Anne Holloway (MOM)
Fine tuning for pain
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Hi
Martin has had a few days of pain again. Lower back and sacril area radiating up the spine and into the neck. With the help of Dr. Sugar we have been adjusting some of Martins meds to make him more comfortable. Martin is also having a problem with his left eye. We are planning to have this checked out on May 11th our next visit with the oncologist in North Vancouver. Martin has an amazing resiliancy. He continues to remain positive, and quietly enjoys the things he can. He looks forward to planting his garden and seeing it grow.
He had a visit from his Uncle Dave and cousins Greg and Matt yesterday. Fortunately he was haveing a good day. Today we are expecting his brother Phil and grand daughter Ainsley.
Anne Holloway (MOM)
Martin has had a few days of pain again. Lower back and sacril area radiating up the spine and into the neck. With the help of Dr. Sugar we have been adjusting some of Martins meds to make him more comfortable. Martin is also having a problem with his left eye. We are planning to have this checked out on May 11th our next visit with the oncologist in North Vancouver. Martin has an amazing resiliancy. He continues to remain positive, and quietly enjoys the things he can. He looks forward to planting his garden and seeing it grow.
He had a visit from his Uncle Dave and cousins Greg and Matt yesterday. Fortunately he was haveing a good day. Today we are expecting his brother Phil and grand daughter Ainsley.
Anne Holloway (MOM)
Sunday May 1
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Things were better today. Pain was okay and we went out on a walk/wheel around 1-mile Lake, watched paragliders drift through the sky and visited Marty and Oni's community garden plot. Martin was able to walk quite a bit which was great!! It was sunny and beautiful out. M's dad Don is planning to go turn over the garden bed in the next few days. Amy's staying over tonight and M's uncle Dave will arrive on May 3rd and his brother Phil and neice Ainsley will arrive for a week's visit on May 4th.
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