The last couple of weeks have been difficult for Myron. All of his pains (abdominal, back, and chest)continue at varying times throughout the day, but there is rarely a time when he isn't in some kind of pain. While he does his best to hide it, it is starting to wear on him. He is on pain medication, and we return to see the doctor at the pain clinic tomorrow. We are hoping that the doctor will up the dosage of his pain meds, to make his life more comfortable for him. I am fairly certain that the back pain is caused by the cancer, the abdominal pain is probably caused by a combination of the cancer and his bowel issues, and the chest pain, we are still unsure about. I tend to think that the stent they inserted into his bile duct last February is becoming blocked again (as Myron says the pain is identical to the pain he had at that time), but the doctors remain uncertain of that since he isn't jaundiced. Just as an FYI, he was not jaundiced last January or February either, just in great pain. In the past couple of weeks Myron has made a couple visits in Emergency, first with the bladder infection (which we think is now cleared up), and secondly with chest pains. They check him out and send him home, but we still don't know the cause of the pain. All we do know for sure is that it is not caused by his heart - his heart is healthy. Myron continues to be very tired, both physically fatigued and sleepy, and all told he is probably only awake about 6 hours out of each 24 hour day. This total exhaustion is caused by a combination of both the cancer and side effects to his chemo. He completed his second round of his new chemo on Tuesday of this week. The chemo nurses are very good, and they listen and respond well when we tell them how Myron is feeling and notify his oncologist accordingly. He has had 2 x-rays in the last couple weeks and we are awaiting a phone call to let us know when he is to go in for another CTscan. The hope is that this scan will help to determine the cause of his chest pains. His appetite continues to be poor, but he is still eating the meals I prepare for him, so that is good. I am currently cooking a roast of beef for him as that is what he wants to eat today. Even though it feels wrong on a Thursday as we have traditionally had our roasts on Sunday, I will do whatever is necessary to tempt his appetite and keep him eating. Unfortunately, he is eating much less than he used to eat, so he is losing weight. This weight loss is most noticeable in his arms, legs, and face. We have an appointment with his haematologist on the 14th, and we are hoping that he will decrease the dosage of Myron's blood thinners since he is bleeding so easily these days. We are thinking perhaps the dosage is too much for him now that he has lost weight, and his blood clots are under control (at least we think they are).
Left to Right: Myron at chemo, Sitting in the family room watching the hockey game with the heating pad on his aching back, Out grocery shopping.
Because of both the mega doses of blood thinners Myron is on, and the side effects of his chemotherapy, Myron is frequently cold and shivering. As a result, the quilt his sister Betty made for him is frequently put to use, and Myron cuddles beneath it while watching television. Thanks so much Betty, you have no idea how much this quilt is both used and appreciated. Unfortunately, he also turns the furnace up high (78-79 degrees F) to get warmer and I am in dire danger of melting away like the Wicked Witch of the West. A small price to pay if it keeps Myron feeling better, but I honestly feel like I am living in a sauna.
Myron cuddling in his quilt while visiting with our friend and neighbour, Derrick.
On the home front, we still try to keep as busy as possible when Myron feels up to it. We are still going to our bowling league, running errands to pick up things we need, groceries, and Myron's never-ending medications. We still welcome people to come and visit, Myron does enjoy the conversations and it distracts him somewhat from his problems. Our niece Joy was by for a visit yesterday evening, Sadie and Maggie came over for a visit and dinner yesterday after school. We also played a few games of Sequence with them. Lissy stopped by with her Dad (Chris) one night this week to pick up their November cookies. The entire family (minus Sadie who couldn't make it) gathered on Sunday and we went to Mitches Park to get family photos taken. Our friend Heather drove down from Goderich to take the pictures for us. Thanks so much, Heather. We have had many other visitors too, and Myron enjoys the company of each and every one of them.
This is my favourite of all the photos so far, our two kids with their Dad!
The Whole Lot of Us (less Sadie)
Sadie with her Grandpa (taken yesterday in our yard)
While I spend most of my time with Myron, I do try to get out once in a while to give myself a bit of a break, to renew my energy so I can continue to care for my darling Myron. Naturally I go to the library every few weeks to get my books to read (I somehow cannot imagine life without books and reading). I went out for breakfast on Monday this week with my friends Karen and Dianne. I am hoping to go out to dinner to celebrate another friend Diane's birthday on Tuesday of next week, and my friend Sue is coming down to London to join me for lunch in the next week or so too. I think that is about all the news for now. Please keep in touch, give Myron a call or stop in for a visit. You'll make his day! Thanks again for all your love, support, and prayers. We'll keep in touch.
love, Myron and Wendy
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