Fatigue

Hi everyone, welcome to my blog. I hope you find it fascinating, funny, and sometimes just a little bit off the hook. Mostly, it's about my trial through life. But it's sometimes just silly little stories and goof-ball antics of my friends and I. The reason I'm giving you a briefing on what what my blog is all about is because I've added a few NEW members to my mailing list. One, is a fellow cancer survivor who went through the horrible ordeal the exact same time I did. I remember running into her in Walla Walla a few times during treatments. She's a very cool and loving human being who has become a hero of mine. The other two members I've added are a husband and wife of my best friend. They've been good close friends of mine and have kept me lifted in times when I needed it the most. I wanted to share what I've been going through with them.

I also want my blog to be an open discussion area. If any of you wish to share something, please send it on and I will be happy to post. Plus, you are ALWAYS welcome to click on the comment button below the post to share your thoughts. Additionally, if any of you ever become annoyed, gratified, or wish to add or withdraw from my list, just send me an e-mail, okay? No hard feelings either way! :) Take care.

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(PHOTO CREDIT: My parent's house... the west side is being repainted and bushes being trimmed. The bushes don't look that pretty right now as they have been trimmed way back.)

This cancer is finally starting to show it's ugly side. For the past couple weeks now (at least) I have been suffering from severe fatigue. Yes, the pain medication is a huge part of it, but even when I back off from taking as much I feel tired. The only difference is I have lots of pain. Yesterday, was the first day I felt nauseous. It was very odd, I had lunch an hour previously, and then I started to feel very sick. I almost had to visit the bathroom (if you know what I mean), but I took some deep breaths and got through the feeling. So, tomorrow (Monday), couldn't come soon enough when I visit my new oncologist at Salem Hospital. He and my OHSU oncologist have a working relationship that will allow me to be under his care and so I don't have to drive as far every week. I thank Bill Courtney for driving last week. It was a big relief not having to drive that distance with my bad leg. I would have to rely on people every week if I couldn't go to Salem. I didn't want to put that sort of burden on my friends. It also sounds like that Salem has a very nice Cancer Institute. It also will be just minutes from my house.

I went to work two days last week and I expect to hopefully go more this week -- maybe 3-4 days. My new manager has been very understanding.

I'll admit -- I feel sick and tired. My activity is at an all time low right now. This mostly has to do with the cancer, but also some personal matters on the side. But with friends keeping my spirits lifted, I have no worries. My friend Michele came to visit for the day yesterday -- that was pretty cool. She is helping me get a new pet (probably a kitten). I am excited for that. Then last week, my pal Jonathan and I went to a pub and got a bit to eat, played some guitar hero. Later in the week I went to his place and we enjoyed some brews and watched Hancock -- a pretty good Will Smith flick.

So, all in all I am staying alive here. Yeah, life could be much better for me right now... but I am doing my best to stay afloat.

-LB