UPDATE FROM AARON. TREATMENT OVER, HEALING BEGINS
Posted: Wed Sep 12, 2012 3:34 am
well after 6 weeks, it's over. finally the treatment is over. before my last radiation session, i had another physical. i lost two pounds during the course of the treatment, but, it's given me a building block for the gym when i get some strength back. maybe, just maybe, i'll get my 6 pack again!!! 
***the first thing i did when i got home was remove the plastic 'targets'. the less physical reminders, the better!!***
blood pressure.... 122/76, body mass index..... good, platelet levels........unchanged, as in no anemia (rare in this case! in fact, my team stated that hey had never seen anyone go through chemo and radiation without a drop in red cells. ever. i'm an oddity in that instance. good/bad, who knows), appetite..... ravenous. in fact, i'm eating roughly 5 to 6 small meals daily, even when in pain. again, the team remarked that it is most unusual for someones appetite to not drop off. mine never did. not once.
tumor..... shrank another 1.12mm for a total 2.75 loss in both length, mass and volume. the area that broke through the skin is shedding dead tumor cells left and right. in other words, according to my team, '' text book case of response.''
now, going forward, i'm still dealing with these nasty radiation burns, but, as time expands beyond the radiation, there will be healing. god knows i could use it as these burns are unlike anything i've ever dealt with pain wise ever. again, i know why burn victims are put in a coma. follow up PET scan is slated for 25 october to see 'the results.' fingers crossed folks. fingers crossed.
so, here is the plan. i'm going to return to work the second week of november. i figure that will give me time to heal mentally and physically.
ENTERPRISE will be launched either late this week or early next. i cannot wait to run her up and stretch her legs. then, before the winter layup, i'm just going to enjoy the early/late fall weather and my boat. after the winter layup, well, heck, i'll enjoy her too, like i did for the last two winters. the center cabin warms up quickly using a ceramic electric heat cube.
on a personal note, i am again, truly humbled and honored to be a part of this group. you all have shown such compassion and concern towards me it is nothing short of amazing. you all have played a HUGE part of my stability during this time of uncertainty and,yes, at times, genuine fear.
sure, we may disagree with each other on the forum, and some of us have stronger opinions than others. we will argue and then agree to disagree. but, when the chips are down, and one of us is in distress, you all rally around like a navy seal team. again, i'm honored to be a part of this amazing group.
for that, i'm forever grateful. i'll continue to keep you fine folks updated if anything arises. and yes, look for pics of the team, including amy, to be posted to this thread when i can upload the pics.
cheers folks.
aaron, now ready to move forward.
***the first thing i did when i got home was remove the plastic 'targets'. the less physical reminders, the better!!***
blood pressure.... 122/76, body mass index..... good, platelet levels........unchanged, as in no anemia (rare in this case! in fact, my team stated that hey had never seen anyone go through chemo and radiation without a drop in red cells. ever. i'm an oddity in that instance. good/bad, who knows), appetite..... ravenous. in fact, i'm eating roughly 5 to 6 small meals daily, even when in pain. again, the team remarked that it is most unusual for someones appetite to not drop off. mine never did. not once.
tumor..... shrank another 1.12mm for a total 2.75 loss in both length, mass and volume. the area that broke through the skin is shedding dead tumor cells left and right. in other words, according to my team, '' text book case of response.''
now, going forward, i'm still dealing with these nasty radiation burns, but, as time expands beyond the radiation, there will be healing. god knows i could use it as these burns are unlike anything i've ever dealt with pain wise ever. again, i know why burn victims are put in a coma. follow up PET scan is slated for 25 october to see 'the results.' fingers crossed folks. fingers crossed.
so, here is the plan. i'm going to return to work the second week of november. i figure that will give me time to heal mentally and physically.
ENTERPRISE will be launched either late this week or early next. i cannot wait to run her up and stretch her legs. then, before the winter layup, i'm just going to enjoy the early/late fall weather and my boat. after the winter layup, well, heck, i'll enjoy her too, like i did for the last two winters. the center cabin warms up quickly using a ceramic electric heat cube.
on a personal note, i am again, truly humbled and honored to be a part of this group. you all have shown such compassion and concern towards me it is nothing short of amazing. you all have played a HUGE part of my stability during this time of uncertainty and,yes, at times, genuine fear.
sure, we may disagree with each other on the forum, and some of us have stronger opinions than others. we will argue and then agree to disagree. but, when the chips are down, and one of us is in distress, you all rally around like a navy seal team. again, i'm honored to be a part of this amazing group.
for that, i'm forever grateful. i'll continue to keep you fine folks updated if anything arises. and yes, look for pics of the team, including amy, to be posted to this thread when i can upload the pics.
cheers folks.
aaron, now ready to move forward.