Sid Bacon

I am scheduled to go to Piper tomorrow morning for chemo, blood work willing.  I am so glad the procedure at Mayo could be moved up and they can start chemo right away.  We all know I need the cancer-fighting drugs in me, and the sooner the better.
 

Cathy and I went on a nice walk this morning. It was a bit chilly, but I was dressed warmly.  Cathy then went on a run.  She had to cut it a bit short because it was getting close to the time we needed to leave for Mayo. 
 

I’m back home from Mayo.  There wasn’t much of a procedure at all.  After waiting for several hours, they wheeled me into the surgical suite.  The surgeon inspected my existing tube using a contrast and determined that things are looking good. He said that the CT scan indicated that there is still an abscess in the biliary duct area.  It is smaller than it was a few weeks ago, but he wants it to be all gone before considering the possibility of completely internalizing the tube.  He was comfortable capping the tube coming out my side so that I no longer am draining externally into a bag. This is a quality of life issue for me … it is nice not to have the bag. So, I guess this was mildly disappointing, but I appreciate the surgeon’s caution in moving forward. I’m not sure we will proceed with a procedure in a month or so, given that I will be on chemo. We’ll see.
 

I am looking forward to starting chemo tomorrow. If it is like last time, I’ll start losing my hair after a couple rounds.  It has been nice to have hair again, but losing my hair is a small price to pay for getting those cancer-fighting drugs in my system.  Plus, bald is “in”. 
 

I so appreciate the tremendous support you are giving me, as evidenced by your guestbook entries.  Your love, prayers, and positive thoughts make a difference.  I feel better knowing that Team Bacon is actively supporting me in this fight.  I really can’t thank you enough.

Cathy and I are in Piper.  They’ve drawn my blood and given me an exam. We are just waiting to see the results of the blood work to make sure we are a go for chemo.  For most of the six months I was on this chemo cocktail previously, I had a reduced dose because I tolerated it better and we were able to treat more regularly.  Today, the plan is to give me a full dose.  I think they want to get as many full doses in as possible, to be most effective in fighting the cancer.  I’m ok with that, even if it means more severe side effects.  I am ready to fight, and this is perhaps one of my best treatments, giving me my best shot.  We are optimistic that I’ll respond as well as I did the first time. If not, they have other treatments to try.  I’m willing to fight in whatever arena I find myself.  I have too much to live for.

I’ve been off TPN since last Friday night.  I did lose a couple pounds since last Thursday, but part of that could be fluid (I was getting a lot fluids with the TPN) and maybe a little bit could be due to the fact that I had to fast most of yesterday, so I didn’t get the full bit of calories that I normally would get. Who knows?  One thing for sure, is that I’ll keep eating as much as possible. I’ll do my best to gain those pounds back.  My friend Cheryl is bringing me this afternoon a pie that she recently baked.  That is going to help add some calories!  There is nothing like adding calories with something so yummy.

Cathy and I went on a brisk, fast-paced walk this morning.  It was cool, but not too cold (especially when wearing a heavy coat and gloves).  I was glad to be able to walk at such a good pace.

My pain patches are keeping my “typical” back pain at bay.  I have, however, developed a sharp pain on my right side, that radiates from my stomach to my back. It isn’t too bad, except when I take a deep breath.  Something must be interfering with my diaphragm.  It could be the pancreas or possibly even the drainage tube.  We’ll see if it changes once I start having chemo.

I’m feeling more hopeful today than I was last Thursday when we received the results of the CT scan. Nothing has changed except my attitude.  Cathy and I are both hopeful, though it doesn’t mean we don’t still want to spend as much time as possible together. You just never know what the future will bring.  And that is true for everyone, not just someone with advanced-stage cancer. So, we all need to enjoy each day, because each day we have is a blessing. 

As always, I want to thank you for your love and support. It means so very much to Cathy and me.  Fight on!

P.S. The blood work looks good. I get chemo!

Twenty-four hours post full-dose chemo and I’m feeling good.  I am hopeful that I’ll make it without any side effects, or at least any severe side effects.  I’m determined to feel good.
 

Cathy and I went on a great walk in the desert this morning.  I got a little winded on the uphill climbs, which I am writing off to the chemo.  It is the first time I have felt that way … I’ll pay attention to that on future walks to make sure it goes away.  After our walk, Cathy went on a 7-mile run; she is in great shape.  She needs to be, as taking such good care of me is a marathon.  She assures me she is in this for the whole race. I am thankful for that, as I couldn’t do this without her. That much is perfectly clear.
 

We are having some strange internet problems today.  They are so strange and inconsistent that I doubt it is a problem with our new modem or wireless router. I am at a loss, however, for what it could be. I sure hope I am able to post this …
 

I am so incredibly grateful to ASU and in particular my compassionate boss there.  I am lucky to be able to work from home.  It allows me such flexibility and really helps me battle this disease. 
 

Chemo is now scheduled for the next two Wednesdays, and then we’ll have one week off.  Three weeks on and one week off defines a cycle.  After two cycles we’ll have another CT scan and tumor marker test (CA19-9). In the meantime, we’ll take in the drugs and visualize shrinking tumors.  I know this chemo cocktail can work, and I am very optimistic that it will work just as well this time as it did the last time. Last time it was incredibly successful, shrinking my tumors and turning off the cancer.
 

I appreciate all the support you have given me through this journey and especially most recently when the news has not been particularly uplifting. You’ve helped me change my attitude to one that is more positive, more optimistic, more hopeful. Cathy and I have hope.  That is so important.
 

Here is to a successful round of chemotherapy!