My 8th round of the new chemotherapy had normal side effects and I was able to float the Boise River and do a little gold prospecting at Grimes Creek with the help of Sharette and my father in law, Don. Then the 9th round was awful. After about 5 days I really started getting sick. Let’s just say the back door was flowing. It lasted 5 days and then I went to the hospital. My blood pressure was high, I lost 9 pounds, and I was dehydrated. I was given meds to try and eliminate the flowing bowels but I was still sick and nothing was working. I was so sick two days later that I went back to the hospital and I was in worse shape. I lost another 5 pounds and I was given about 1/2 gallon of IV fluids and that helped. A few days later I was feeling better.
I saw my local oncologist and he put me on an extra two week chemo break. I don't know how well the chemo is holding back the cancer as my CEA markers went up another point in the past 2 months. It discouraging but I will continue to fight this cancer.
I was able to attend a men's fly fishing retreat this weekend (Oct 9-11) where men with cancer could learn to fly fish and also meet and discuss and understand that we are not alone. Idaho2fly puts it on with donations and the resort owner invites everyone at no cost. I found the generosity of people to be amazing. It was an emotional experience at all times. Two experienced fly fishermen took me under their wing and taught me how to fly fish. Their names were Alex and Steve. They are very nice and patient gentlemen. By the first day I learned enough and caught two fish. The second day (morning only) I caught 9 fish including the largest rainbow trout I ever caught in my life. I was so excited that Alex took several pictures of me and the fish and then we high fived and hugged afterwards. I was 99% wiped out when I returned for lunch but what a great time. After lunch it was time to head home. The resort staff worked all weekend to take care of us all, over 30 men and one woman selflessly volunteered their time to spend with the 15 of us each in our own battle, get a chance to confront our cancer issues and then go fishing and forget about cancer for just a short time. It is something I will not forget and I would do again if ever invited. I look forward to seeing any and all of the people from the trip if I ever get that opportunity. They are all amazing.
I am hoping the next chemo treatment goes well. It starts tomorrow morning at 8am.
I saw my local oncologist and he put me on an extra two week chemo break. I don't know how well the chemo is holding back the cancer as my CEA markers went up another point in the past 2 months. It discouraging but I will continue to fight this cancer.
I was able to attend a men's fly fishing retreat this weekend (Oct 9-11) where men with cancer could learn to fly fish and also meet and discuss and understand that we are not alone. Idaho2fly puts it on with donations and the resort owner invites everyone at no cost. I found the generosity of people to be amazing. It was an emotional experience at all times. Two experienced fly fishermen took me under their wing and taught me how to fly fish. Their names were Alex and Steve. They are very nice and patient gentlemen. By the first day I learned enough and caught two fish. The second day (morning only) I caught 9 fish including the largest rainbow trout I ever caught in my life. I was so excited that Alex took several pictures of me and the fish and then we high fived and hugged afterwards. I was 99% wiped out when I returned for lunch but what a great time. After lunch it was time to head home. The resort staff worked all weekend to take care of us all, over 30 men and one woman selflessly volunteered their time to spend with the 15 of us each in our own battle, get a chance to confront our cancer issues and then go fishing and forget about cancer for just a short time. It is something I will not forget and I would do again if ever invited. I look forward to seeing any and all of the people from the trip if I ever get that opportunity. They are all amazing.
I am hoping the next chemo treatment goes well. It starts tomorrow morning at 8am.