27 treatments down, 6 to go.
On Monday of this week I had my usual "Dr. Day" with the Radiologist. During our meeting we discussed my scar from surgery and the fact that it seemed to be more pronounced. The Radiologist gave me a perscription as a precaution, in case it was starting to get infected. He really didn't think it was but he wanted to be safe.
After meeting with the Oncologist the next day, he concurred that it was probably not infected but agreed I should take the medicine as a precaution. By the way the blood counts this week were again well within the good range. Also Marti supplied both the radiation office and the oncology staff with some of her chocolate chip cookies. The next day I was inundated with requests for the recipe.
I confess I am starting to get more tired by the end of the day. My after treatment naps gone from 5-10 minutes to 15-20 minutes. Also I have not run since Tuesday. However I WILL run this weekend. No more excuses about the weather or the treatments.
This week I had a couple of high school friends stop by. Steve Mather is definitely running in November and Dave DeMoss is undecided. It was a lot of fun seeing both of them.
The best news of the week is that our nephew Robert and his wife Shea have a new addition to the family. Caroline Shea Pollom was born yesterday in San Antonio. Congratulations Shea and Robert.
I am really looking forward to this time next week when I will have only one treatment left.
Thank you for caring.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Disclaimer.
No, my house was not egged. There were eggs lining our garden on the front of our home. When I went out for my early morning run, I was overcome with a horrendous stench (side note: Sam was at our house the night before, but I smelled him before I exited our home. Clearly, he was not running with me the subsequent morning, nor did it throw either of us off that his prize vehicle was spared from the yolk). When I returned from the run, it became obvious to me that the eggs were not maliciously tossed.
I am not (currently) in the running/consideration for Simpsonville mayor. Sure, I would like sidewalks, a farmers market and the occasional stoplight, but my aspirations are purely selfish. Even though multiple Hill family members felt comfortable with adding me as a write-in for the last election, I am happy with my current position.
The official 11/12 Run 13.1 Mini Marathon training started yesterday (click here). Feel free to update in the comment section how your first couple days went.
Finally, in the next few weeks two of my cousins are expecting their third child. They are both amazing and admirable women. Please send out your prayers and positive thoughts for these phenomenal women, the awaiting siblings, and the 3rd-time dads-to-be.
xoxo,
Sarah
I am not (currently) in the running/consideration for Simpsonville mayor. Sure, I would like sidewalks, a farmers market and the occasional stoplight, but my aspirations are purely selfish. Even though multiple Hill family members felt comfortable with adding me as a write-in for the last election, I am happy with my current position.
The official 11/12 Run 13.1 Mini Marathon training started yesterday (click here). Feel free to update in the comment section how your first couple days went.
Finally, in the next few weeks two of my cousins are expecting their third child. They are both amazing and admirable women. Please send out your prayers and positive thoughts for these phenomenal women, the awaiting siblings, and the 3rd-time dads-to-be.
xoxo,
Sarah
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Tired of hearing about Bill?
Consider this your update on the rest of the family.
We have received many compliments on our ability to keep you entertained. Awhile back, dear mom told us that we needed to have our own radio show (any takers?). Although we were somewhat flattered, our initial response was 'why not tv?' After some 'fumbling and bumbling (a favorite saying of Dad's) on Mom's part, we believe that our own mother decided that we posses a face for radio.
Bailey (Todd and Sarah's dog) loves her hedgehog.
John, the eldest Pollom child, is fine, but apparently not as funny as the two of us. He has posting privilages, but has failed to do so thus far. He is clearly humbled by our humor. John and Sarabeth are currently in Chicago, where they caught a Cubs game yesterday. They are to return home today (unless John scalps tickets to see the Cubs finally get their long deserved 3-game sweep)
Will is cute...and knows it. He is also starting to crawl.
Baxter (John and Sarabeth's dog) is a little dog trapped in a big dog's body.
Todd went out and played 18 holes of golf with Dad yesterday. Dad shot an 89 and Todd came in with a 76 (BY FAR the best he has ever shot at DCC). It was novel to see Dad be able to show pride in a family member's golf game. The pride, however, came with a dose of reality. The hole we heard most about from Todd's round was #18...where he double bogeyed.
Mom continues to save the day on multiple occasions. In the past few weeks she has: continued to take care of multiple family patients, babysat for Will (although I'm pretty sure she has kicked John and Sarabeth out of their house in order to do this), brought her car over to Lexington in order for Sam to use on his multiple excursions (more on this later), and has, quite literally, fed and clothed Todd and Sarah. If trouble should ever arise, don't be surprised to find Mom jumping into the nearest phone booth.
Wrigley (Mom and Dad's dog) is getting meaner as he gets older. His favorite activities include trying to get Bailey in trouble, hiding his bone from the rest of us, and biting our toes as we sit down at the kitchen table. If you are over at our house sometime soon, we recommend you keep your shoes on at all times.
And then there's Sam. For the sake of brevity (and because there must be a blog entry word limit), here are the highlights. Sam will soon begin applying for jobs next summer. He has informed us that he will not rule any location out. I can't wait to sit down with him in a few years and say "remember when you thought you would leave KY?" What Sam is beginning to realize is that working far away eliminates free laundry (which assumes he is even able to do his own laundry), being able to tell random people you love them, and most likely seeing your mom in the winter (unless he settles on Hawaii).
As part of her upcoming campaign for mayor of Simpsonville, KY (tell all your friends), Sarah has been doing her best to fight off crime in the town. For example, just last weekend Sarah woke up and discovered that eggs had been thrown at her house. Not going to take this lying down, Sarah launched a full-scale investigation into the matter. In the end, the investigation unearthed the real culprits; ducks from the local pond. Case closed.
Until next time.
Sarah and Sam
We have received many compliments on our ability to keep you entertained. Awhile back, dear mom told us that we needed to have our own radio show (any takers?). Although we were somewhat flattered, our initial response was 'why not tv?' After some 'fumbling and bumbling (a favorite saying of Dad's) on Mom's part, we believe that our own mother decided that we posses a face for radio.
Bailey (Todd and Sarah's dog) loves her hedgehog.
John, the eldest Pollom child, is fine, but apparently not as funny as the two of us. He has posting privilages, but has failed to do so thus far. He is clearly humbled by our humor. John and Sarabeth are currently in Chicago, where they caught a Cubs game yesterday. They are to return home today (unless John scalps tickets to see the Cubs finally get their long deserved 3-game sweep)
Will is cute...and knows it. He is also starting to crawl.
Baxter (John and Sarabeth's dog) is a little dog trapped in a big dog's body.
Todd went out and played 18 holes of golf with Dad yesterday. Dad shot an 89 and Todd came in with a 76 (BY FAR the best he has ever shot at DCC). It was novel to see Dad be able to show pride in a family member's golf game. The pride, however, came with a dose of reality. The hole we heard most about from Todd's round was #18...where he double bogeyed.
Mom continues to save the day on multiple occasions. In the past few weeks she has: continued to take care of multiple family patients, babysat for Will (although I'm pretty sure she has kicked John and Sarabeth out of their house in order to do this), brought her car over to Lexington in order for Sam to use on his multiple excursions (more on this later), and has, quite literally, fed and clothed Todd and Sarah. If trouble should ever arise, don't be surprised to find Mom jumping into the nearest phone booth.
Wrigley (Mom and Dad's dog) is getting meaner as he gets older. His favorite activities include trying to get Bailey in trouble, hiding his bone from the rest of us, and biting our toes as we sit down at the kitchen table. If you are over at our house sometime soon, we recommend you keep your shoes on at all times.
And then there's Sam. For the sake of brevity (and because there must be a blog entry word limit), here are the highlights. Sam will soon begin applying for jobs next summer. He has informed us that he will not rule any location out. I can't wait to sit down with him in a few years and say "remember when you thought you would leave KY?" What Sam is beginning to realize is that working far away eliminates free laundry (which assumes he is even able to do his own laundry), being able to tell random people you love them, and most likely seeing your mom in the winter (unless he settles on Hawaii).
As part of her upcoming campaign for mayor of Simpsonville, KY (tell all your friends), Sarah has been doing her best to fight off crime in the town. For example, just last weekend Sarah woke up and discovered that eggs had been thrown at her house. Not going to take this lying down, Sarah launched a full-scale investigation into the matter. In the end, the investigation unearthed the real culprits; ducks from the local pond. Case closed.
Until next time.
Sarah and Sam
Almost Weekly Update
The past week has been relatively normal. Radiation and chemo continue to progress with few side effects. I had hoped to run 7 miles this morning but I did not get out until 7:30 (this was Jean Crowley's fault) and it was already too hot and humid so I stopped after 5. I think it is possible the radiation is starting to play some part in this as well.
Both the visit with the radiologist and my weekly blood work were ok this week. White cell counts were down just a little but still in the good range. I am now 2/3 through the radiation with 22 treatments complete 11 to go. Also I have been completely off of steroids for about a week and a half. I am not sure if there is a correlation but I have been sleeping much better since I stopped taking them.
I did receive a couple of reality checks this week on the home front. Last Sunday I had a particularly easy project to do which ended up taking me most of the day to accomplish. When I finished I looked at Marti and said I believe if I do this enough times I am going to get good at it. Without missing a beat she responded "I doubt it".
Later in the week I came home to find 2 large bottles of shampoo in my bathroom. For whatever reason I decided to point out that while I appreciated her optimism it might be awhile before I really needed shampoo in bulk. I was informed it was on sale and we had a coupon. Needless to things are beginning to return to normal.
A quick update on Kari. She is home but still has challenges ahead of her. She continues on chemotherapy and is being very brave as she fights this disease.
There is another lady at work whose mom has been fighting ovarian cancer for quite some time. I know Amy and Linda would appreciate the same support this group has given to Kari and me.
Thank you for caring.
Both the visit with the radiologist and my weekly blood work were ok this week. White cell counts were down just a little but still in the good range. I am now 2/3 through the radiation with 22 treatments complete 11 to go. Also I have been completely off of steroids for about a week and a half. I am not sure if there is a correlation but I have been sleeping much better since I stopped taking them.
I did receive a couple of reality checks this week on the home front. Last Sunday I had a particularly easy project to do which ended up taking me most of the day to accomplish. When I finished I looked at Marti and said I believe if I do this enough times I am going to get good at it. Without missing a beat she responded "I doubt it".
Later in the week I came home to find 2 large bottles of shampoo in my bathroom. For whatever reason I decided to point out that while I appreciated her optimism it might be awhile before I really needed shampoo in bulk. I was informed it was on sale and we had a coupon. Needless to things are beginning to return to normal.
A quick update on Kari. She is home but still has challenges ahead of her. She continues on chemotherapy and is being very brave as she fights this disease.
There is another lady at work whose mom has been fighting ovarian cancer for quite some time. I know Amy and Linda would appreciate the same support this group has given to Kari and me.
Thank you for caring.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Half Way Done
I passed a milestone of sorts today in that I completed my 17th radiation treatment and I have 16 to go. I am still on target to finish on August 8th. I still feel good and am running 5 miles most days. However I (Marti) am making a point to get plenty of rest as well. After my morning run and before work I can sneak in a 10 - 15 minute nap. On the days I come home for lunch I can usually get another quick nap in and then after radiation each day I will come home for a third nap. I don't sleep very long but it really helps to re energize me.
I am finally completely off steroids. Already I can see a difference in that I am sleeping better at night.
The only side effect so far has been losing my hair pretty much completely from the top of my head. Family members and those that know our family, please refrain from commenting about how this will make me look even more like my brother. I have a decent chance that mine will eventually grow back.
I also met with my Oncologist today. Blood was drawn and the blood work continues to look good. My white cell count was down a bit from last week (5200 -4700) but apparently that is still well within the good range. I will have my normal blood draw again on Wednesday and meet with the Oncologist in three weeks.
For those of you running the mini with us in November, and I expect that to be large number of you, if you click on the link attached to this blogs' home page it will take you to the mini marathon home page. Here they have a daily training plan set up for Advance, intermediate and beginner runners. The training plan starts Sunday July 24th. I glanced at it long enough to see that for the beginners day one is a day of rest. How does that work?
Finally I have a favor to ask. A lady at work had her 5 year daughter diagnosed with leukemia this week. They have spent the last week in the hospital in Lexington and Kari has already begun chemotherapy. As bad as this potentially could be for me, I can't imagine it happening to one of my kids. Please add Kari to your prayer list. Thank you.
Have a great weekend.
Thank you for caring.
I am finally completely off steroids. Already I can see a difference in that I am sleeping better at night.
The only side effect so far has been losing my hair pretty much completely from the top of my head. Family members and those that know our family, please refrain from commenting about how this will make me look even more like my brother. I have a decent chance that mine will eventually grow back.
I also met with my Oncologist today. Blood was drawn and the blood work continues to look good. My white cell count was down a bit from last week (5200 -4700) but apparently that is still well within the good range. I will have my normal blood draw again on Wednesday and meet with the Oncologist in three weeks.
For those of you running the mini with us in November, and I expect that to be large number of you, if you click on the link attached to this blogs' home page it will take you to the mini marathon home page. Here they have a daily training plan set up for Advance, intermediate and beginner runners. The training plan starts Sunday July 24th. I glanced at it long enough to see that for the beginners day one is a day of rest. How does that work?
Finally I have a favor to ask. A lady at work had her 5 year daughter diagnosed with leukemia this week. They have spent the last week in the hospital in Lexington and Kari has already begun chemotherapy. As bad as this potentially could be for me, I can't imagine it happening to one of my kids. Please add Kari to your prayer list. Thank you.
Have a great weekend.
Thank you for caring.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Quick Update
I had an interesting start to the day today. I was 1 mile into my run and the brightest, sharpest lightening bolt I have ever seen was accompanied by the loudest thunder at the same time all of the street lights went out. (I checked radar before I went out and there was nothing.). Needless to say I turned around immediately and did speed work as I headed home. Fortunately the thunder was so loud it woke Marti up and she was in car to pick me up in no time.
The other interesting thing today is that once a week there is Dr Day with the radiologist. Today was the day this week and the report was good in that he indicated everything was going very well so far.
Friday I meet with the oncologist for a halfway report from his perspective.
Thank you for caring.
The other interesting thing today is that once a week there is Dr Day with the radiologist. Today was the day this week and the report was good in that he indicated everything was going very well so far.
Friday I meet with the oncologist for a halfway report from his perspective.
Thank you for caring.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
1/3 Of The Radition Treatments Complete
Today I finished treatment 11 of 33. One third of the way done and so far so good. Yesterday I had my weekly blood draw and all of the counts came out fine.
I was a little tired after my run this morning and was concerned that maybe the radiation was starting to wear me out. However I checked with another runner at work this morning and we agreed it was the humidity.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Thanks for caring.
I was a little tired after my run this morning and was concerned that maybe the radiation was starting to wear me out. However I checked with another runner at work this morning and we agreed it was the humidity.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Thanks for caring.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Good Weekend
This has been a really good weekend.
We started it off by going over to the Crowley's Friday night and spending a couple of hours on their back deck. It was great to catch up and just relax a little bit.
Saturday we got up early, I got a 5 mile run in and Marti got her 5 miles in also. I played 18 holes of golf, won $4, (my partner Ken Medaris shot 73 which helped) and I shot 86. Marti and I went to Lexington Saturday afternoon, babysat for our grandson Will, and then met Jonh and Sarabeth for dinner.
Sunday we went to church and then on to Cincinnati to watch the Reds and the Cleveland Indians. The only number I saw that was higher than the 93 degree temperature was Aroldis Chapman's 102 mph fastball.
Today was a repeat of Saturday with running and golf (lost $2, my partner Ken Medaris did not shoot 73 and I shot 91). Sam will be home to cookout and complete the weekend.
I hope you enjoyed the 3 day weekend as much as I did.
Thank you for caring.
We started it off by going over to the Crowley's Friday night and spending a couple of hours on their back deck. It was great to catch up and just relax a little bit.
Saturday we got up early, I got a 5 mile run in and Marti got her 5 miles in also. I played 18 holes of golf, won $4, (my partner Ken Medaris shot 73 which helped) and I shot 86. Marti and I went to Lexington Saturday afternoon, babysat for our grandson Will, and then met Jonh and Sarabeth for dinner.
Sunday we went to church and then on to Cincinnati to watch the Reds and the Cleveland Indians. The only number I saw that was higher than the 93 degree temperature was Aroldis Chapman's 102 mph fastball.
Today was a repeat of Saturday with running and golf (lost $2, my partner Ken Medaris did not shoot 73 and I shot 91). Sam will be home to cookout and complete the weekend.
I hope you enjoyed the 3 day weekend as much as I did.
Thank you for caring.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Weekly update
This week went by about the way we had hoped. Really pretty quiet for the most part. Duke did ask for a couple more stains which Commomwealth Cancer and UK were able to supply to them. I also received a letter from Duke asking if I would be part of a survey regarding brain tumors in the family. I guess they have focused on the fact that there has been one each side of my family. Roberta and Mark McClamroch I may be calling you with questions that I can't answer
Radiation and chemo have gone well this week. No side effects as of yet.
On Wednesday's I have blood drawn to make sure the white blood cell count and hemoglobin are ok. This week checked out fine.
The only other big news is I am finally being weened off of steroids. I have been on them since this was diagnosed over a month ago, to reduce swelling in the brain. I start 2mg every other day tomorrow and by this time next week I should be off them completely.
Given the blood doping (you remember the harvesting and enhancing of my white blood cells at Duke) and the steroid usage, I now know why I received a letter saying I had automatically qualified for the Tour De France.
However the good news for me is I will be off steroids in a week. The bad news for 38 of you all is you will no longer have a job holding a rope during the Macy's Christmas parade on Thanksgiving, as I believe I can avoid becoming a blimp now.
I hope you all have a terrific 4th of July weekend.
Thank you for caring.
Radiation and chemo have gone well this week. No side effects as of yet.
On Wednesday's I have blood drawn to make sure the white blood cell count and hemoglobin are ok. This week checked out fine.
The only other big news is I am finally being weened off of steroids. I have been on them since this was diagnosed over a month ago, to reduce swelling in the brain. I start 2mg every other day tomorrow and by this time next week I should be off them completely.
Given the blood doping (you remember the harvesting and enhancing of my white blood cells at Duke) and the steroid usage, I now know why I received a letter saying I had automatically qualified for the Tour De France.
However the good news for me is I will be off steroids in a week. The bad news for 38 of you all is you will no longer have a job holding a rope during the Macy's Christmas parade on Thanksgiving, as I believe I can avoid becoming a blimp now.
I hope you all have a terrific 4th of July weekend.
Thank you for caring.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)