On Monday I met with my medical oncologist. We actually spent most of the time discussing faith, hope, and spirituality. He commented that I must have someone working in my favor. I assured him that even if I did not make it that I still had someone working in my favor. Then we talked about how spirituality has helped me with this process. He also shared with me how he understood the often dual focus of religion/spirituality and science/medicine. It was a good conversation and I am glad to know that my doctor feels the way he does about some of the subject matter. Not that I would hold it against him if he felt differently, but it was comforting to know that we both felt comfortable to speak openly about how the crossroads of spirituality and cancer have affected our lives.
On the topic of chemo, he wants to see me back on February 4th. I will have recuperated from surgery and will begin my first treatment that day. The good news is that I am only receiving two infusions of the medication that makes me extremely sick. The rest of the three months will be the medication that I previously took that was in pill form. Unfortunately, however, is that my second infusion (the one most likely to make me the sickest) will be the day before my birthday. So, I am potentially looking at Christmas in the hospital and a chemo hangover for my birthday. But I will have plenty more Christmases and birthdays to celebrate after my chemotherapy is complete.
Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I move closer to surgery. I am certain that this is a routine procedure for the surgeon and his residents, but I am still nervous. I have never had a major surgery and most of you who know me can understand why I am a little nervous about anaesthesia.
Hope to talk to everyone soon!
Josh
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Weight Loss
When I was meeting with the doctor on Thursday he was explaining to me the risk factors which make it difficult for reattachment. He said, "the good thing is you are skinny." That's right folks, you heard it here first. Thirty years old and someone seriously looked at me and said the good thing is you are skinny. I needed a recorder to capture the moment.
In fact, loosing weight has been one of the experiences I have had to go through. Since January 2007 I have lost around 50 pounds. I have lost around 35-40 since the cancer diagnosis and treatment. Although this is a well documented experience of most cancer patients, there is a small consequence which is often overlooked through all the other mess. I HAVE NO CLOTHES THAT FIT!!! I went from a 44 waist to a 36. I have dropped from a 17 1/2 in a shirt to a 15 1/2.
I got some new pants around Thanksgiving, but I have nothing formal to wear to nice events. Also, Kimberly's friend Savannah is getting married in a couple of weeks in Athens, GA. So, Kimberly treated me to an early Christmas present. She bought me a new suit. In fact, this is the first suit that I have ever owned. It is super nice, black, and feels great. I have lost so much weight I can pull off the three button coat (athletic style) versus the two button. So, now I have a really nice suit that I can wear in a few weeks when we attend the wedding.
Well, just thought I would share my excitement about my new suit and the fact that I have reached my target weight for the first time in my life. Not that I recommend the diet; but hey, just let me enjoy it while it lasts.
Peace
Josh
In fact, loosing weight has been one of the experiences I have had to go through. Since January 2007 I have lost around 50 pounds. I have lost around 35-40 since the cancer diagnosis and treatment. Although this is a well documented experience of most cancer patients, there is a small consequence which is often overlooked through all the other mess. I HAVE NO CLOTHES THAT FIT!!! I went from a 44 waist to a 36. I have dropped from a 17 1/2 in a shirt to a 15 1/2.
I got some new pants around Thanksgiving, but I have nothing formal to wear to nice events. Also, Kimberly's friend Savannah is getting married in a couple of weeks in Athens, GA. So, Kimberly treated me to an early Christmas present. She bought me a new suit. In fact, this is the first suit that I have ever owned. It is super nice, black, and feels great. I have lost so much weight I can pull off the three button coat (athletic style) versus the two button. So, now I have a really nice suit that I can wear in a few weeks when we attend the wedding.
Well, just thought I would share my excitement about my new suit and the fact that I have reached my target weight for the first time in my life. Not that I recommend the diet; but hey, just let me enjoy it while it lasts.
Peace
Josh
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