Thursday afternoon I began to have really bad pain in my lower back. Hours later, the pain had shifted to my legs - mostly in/around my knees. I was up throughout the night because it hurt so bad, and Friday morning all my bones and muscles ached... except my back and knees were the worst. We called to make sure this is normal - and it is. All the chemo drugs, and the steroid, cause muscle weakness which strains the joints. They have been having me do squats at the visits to make sure my muscles weren't too weak. It appears as though it all hit me on Thursday.
Friday was rough, but the weakness and pain weren't as bad as they had been through the night. I went out to lunch with family and that took a lot out of me- I felt really exhausted and nauseated halfway through and we left early. I rested the rest of Friday and finally got a full night's sleep.
Saturday I woke up feeling much better, but with some weak knees and pain in my legs still. I was able to attend my brother's graduation party and after parties with both families without getting sick. I was worn out by last night and took a break, but had a really good day!
This morning I woke up and went to breakfast with family before they left. Aside from some knee pain and bad neck pain, I was feeling fine and took some tylenol. During breakfast, though, I started feeling nauseated and clammy. My mom brought us home and I immediately threw up. My stomach felt better after that, and I slept for four hours. I ate lunch and my stomach feels good now... although my neck pain is awful and I have a headache. Hopefully I can see the chiropractor tomorrow.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Done with "Induction"
This morning I completed the first phase of Induction which lasted 28 days. I had a procedure where they gave me some chemo in a spinal tap and took a bone marrow aspiration to check for leukemia cells - we should hopefully have the results, that I'm officially in remission, tomorrow. They also removed the PICC line, which means I can shower normally now and not have tubes hanging out of my arm... yay!
I'm really exhausted from the past week, have no energy, and my muscles are really weak. Other than that, feeling good. My arms are so weak that when I lifted a magazine up to read earlier, my hands were shaking. This is from the steroids still in me, or the anastesia from this morning, or both. My uncle is coming over to shave my head again since I haven't lost any hair... I'd rather look bald than have a little hair that you can't do anything with.
Family is all arriving tomorrow for Cheyne's graduation this weekend. Hopefully I'll get a good night's rest and have a bunch of energy by the morning! I'm off from chemo or any procedures until Monday June 8 and have a ton of plans for next week because I should be feeling really good! Movies, lunch and dinner dates with everyone, getting to the gym, a day trip to Flag...
I'm really exhausted from the past week, have no energy, and my muscles are really weak. Other than that, feeling good. My arms are so weak that when I lifted a magazine up to read earlier, my hands were shaking. This is from the steroids still in me, or the anastesia from this morning, or both. My uncle is coming over to shave my head again since I haven't lost any hair... I'd rather look bald than have a little hair that you can't do anything with.
Family is all arriving tomorrow for Cheyne's graduation this weekend. Hopefully I'll get a good night's rest and have a bunch of energy by the morning! I'm off from chemo or any procedures until Monday June 8 and have a ton of plans for next week because I should be feeling really good! Movies, lunch and dinner dates with everyone, getting to the gym, a day trip to Flag...
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Last dose
Just had my last dose of prednisone this evening. It will take a few days for the steroid to leave my system... but hallelujah! I made it!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Back at home
Well yesterdays prediction was correct. I was released this afternoon from the hospital: feeling good still, and the doctor said my heart sounds healthy and strong again. Hospitals don't lend themselves to a good night's sleep, though, so I suspect tonight I'll get some rest! I go Thursday early morning for another bone marrow check, and a little dose of chemo in a spinal tap. Last time they did that, besides being knocked out most of the day, I didn't really have any side effects. The doc said I should be feeling pretty good the next couple weeks, and that I can visit Flagstaff without any trouble. Let's hope that this is the case - no more bumps in the road - and that the next two weeks (and the rest of this year wouldn't be bad, either) are smooth sailing. I start the next phase Monday June 8.
The prednisone steroid that I have been on for the past 28 days will end tomorrow, and that is going to make me one happy guy. I will finally stop eating enough for 17 people, and I will stop having insomnia and the other mental things that have come with this drug. My muscles have disappeared since I have been pretty immobile for nearly the past two months now, since I became ill. My torso and face are enormous but this will all go away soon, too! I can get back to the gym and eat a normal diet within the next week. I know this shouldn't be my biggest concern - you know, the whole 'I have cancer', thing - but it has been. I guess that is a blessing and proves my first month - besides these past three days - wasn't too bad, after all.
The prednisone steroid that I have been on for the past 28 days will end tomorrow, and that is going to make me one happy guy. I will finally stop eating enough for 17 people, and I will stop having insomnia and the other mental things that have come with this drug. My muscles have disappeared since I have been pretty immobile for nearly the past two months now, since I became ill. My torso and face are enormous but this will all go away soon, too! I can get back to the gym and eat a normal diet within the next week. I know this shouldn't be my biggest concern - you know, the whole 'I have cancer', thing - but it has been. I guess that is a blessing and proves my first month - besides these past three days - wasn't too bad, after all.
Monday, May 25, 2009
In the hospital
Yesterday morning I had to come to the emergency room because my heart was beating irregularly and I was having chest pain when I stood up. My mom and I were in the ER for five hours, and they determined that I had a blood clot in my lung. Clotting is a rare side effect from one of the chemo drugs, usually seen in older leukemia patients like me. They started me on a shot in my stomach that I have to take twice a day pretty much the rest of this year, to thin my blood to prevent the clotting. I'm in the Peds Oncology unit now where I was the first week of treatment. Around 6:30 last night my heart finally settled down and has been beating normally since, and my pulse has come down. I also am able to stand up without any chest pain, and am feeling good like I was on Saturday. I had a bunch of tests done this morning, and will be in the hospital for observation until tomorrow - They originally thought until Thursday, but if all of the tests come back OK I will hopefully leave. Everything should be back to normal now, and I will give a better update from home.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Saturday
I had a good and productive day - let's see... I got one school assignment done, went on a walk, only had four meals and didn't overdo any of them (I call this progress!), spoke with several people on the phone, got back to people in e-mails, read through NAU's Masters in Education program/application, helped my mom put up all of my wall stuff so my room is now complete, watched a movie, took a little nap, and read a bunch of my book. I only got a headache today, which was solved with two tylenol. Take that, cancer!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Mind over... mind.
I had another decent day despite receiving chemo yesterday! I didn't sleep well, but that's from the steroids. Very little energy, but little nausea and only a brief headache today. It's too bad I can't stay on these drugs the entire treatment, since I'm doing so well on them! I mean, the steroid sucks, but that's my only real complaint.
Recent developments: still have my hair (it's growing back since we buzzed it two weeks ago)... losing more sensation in my fingers - but still have enough to type!... losing taste in my buds, which means adding salt or salsa or garlic to everything :)... my facial hair is growing but very slowly.
My body is still dramatically changed from the prednisone steroid - 5 more days of this crap. The cravings make me eat so much, that I often get stomach pain from eating too much. So today I've decided that my goal for the next five days will be to have enough of my own mind power to conquer the mind being controlled by the steroids. I'm sick of looking like an oompa-loompa, and I'm sick of feeling incredibly full all day. I can do this!!!!
Recent developments: still have my hair (it's growing back since we buzzed it two weeks ago)... losing more sensation in my fingers - but still have enough to type!... losing taste in my buds, which means adding salt or salsa or garlic to everything :)... my facial hair is growing but very slowly.
My body is still dramatically changed from the prednisone steroid - 5 more days of this crap. The cravings make me eat so much, that I often get stomach pain from eating too much. So today I've decided that my goal for the next five days will be to have enough of my own mind power to conquer the mind being controlled by the steroids. I'm sick of looking like an oompa-loompa, and I'm sick of feeling incredibly full all day. I can do this!!!!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Chemo day
My last treatment of the first phase, Induction, was this morning. We spoke to the doctors about yesterday's events... they told us that all of my heart issues are related to the steroids and to anxiety. My heart is strong and healthy, and should be back to feeling normal after I'm off prednisone (Wed). I get a break now until Monday June 8 from chemo, and should feel pretty good after this weekend. I don't know if this means I will be able to travel to Flagstaff for a day to visit friends and eat at my favorite places (Martannes & Burritos Fiesta)... but we will see. I will start to lose the fat I've been storing, lose my crazy appetite, and lose all of the other crazy symptoms associated with the steroid. The next phase is a bunch of different drugs and protocol, so while they tell you what to expect... we really won't know how I do until it happens.
So far today I feel good and hopefully I don't have a rough weekend - like last weekend! My counts were up again today even more and I FINALLY can have fruits and vegetables! I'm so excited... I haven't had lettuce in a month - so we got my Subway sandwhich on the way home from the clinic today. I also can go out once I feel up to it - the movies! And I should be looking/feeling good for next weekend when my brother graduates and all of our family and friends are in town.
Overall good news for today!
So far today I feel good and hopefully I don't have a rough weekend - like last weekend! My counts were up again today even more and I FINALLY can have fruits and vegetables! I'm so excited... I haven't had lettuce in a month - so we got my Subway sandwhich on the way home from the clinic today. I also can go out once I feel up to it - the movies! And I should be looking/feeling good for next weekend when my brother graduates and all of our family and friends are in town.
Overall good news for today!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Hospital today... for nothing
Since the beginning of my illness, I have had heart 'issues' - namely a fast pulse, high blood pressure, and occasional palpitations. On Monday the doctor issued a prescription for a medicine to help this - he said it is most likely a side effect from the steroids - but insurance has taken their sweet time authorizing it. I was having palpitations today, really wanting to finally get this pill. My mom called the doctor's office to let them know, and their strong advice was to go to the Emergency Room to make sure everything was OK with my heart. I really didn't want to go to the hospital - I have been feeling relatively good since last Thursday's chemo - but my mom and I followed the recommendation. My EKG was normal but my cancer doc told the ER doc he wanted to admit me overnight to monitor me! I'm getting chemo in the morning and have an appointment at 9 AM. We were so frustrated. I told the doctor that I was fine, I wanted to go home, I just needed the medicine! Long story, short: we were in the hospital for four hours today and my heart is fine. I got the prescription approved, finally, and took it as soon as I got home. Now I am at home, will watch American Idol, go to sleep, and be back tomorrow first thing in the morning for chemo. It was a giant waste of time, and now we have learned our lesson about calling the doctor!
On another note, my body is still changing dramatically. My face, waist, stomach, and chest are all ballooning up - I look like I'm a pregnant woman. It's really gross... but I'm only on this stupid steroid for one more week...
On another note, my body is still changing dramatically. My face, waist, stomach, and chest are all ballooning up - I look like I'm a pregnant woman. It's really gross... but I'm only on this stupid steroid for one more week...
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Counts are up
Yesterday at my doctor's visit, my blood counts were up enough for the doctors to grant me one of my wishes - I can go to the movies today! Kelly and I are going to see Star Trek at a matinee, before the theatre gets busy. Still no fresh fruits or veggies until my ANC goes above 500, but I'm super excited to be able to leave and see this film! I have been feeling good, and we're still rearranging my room back to where it feels like "mine" again. It should be done this weekend. Mrs Britton came by yesterday for a visit, and it was nice to chat with her.
The steroid I am on, predisone, has made my eat like crazy (I've mentioned this before). But, very surprisingly, I have lost about 15 pounds in the last three weeks despite my insane appetite. I have noticed the effects of the steroid on my body shape - my arms and legs have been getting skinnier but all of my body fat is surrounding my stomach and butt... I'm starting to look a bit preggers! Not to worry, though, I only have to take the steroid for 9 more days... and I'll be able to join the gym again, too :)
They gave us the 'road map' for the second phase of treatment yesterday as well. I will be done with this first phase next Thursday (May 28) and will get my PICC line out of my arm. I basically get a week break then - no chemo, no steroids, no blood draws. This is perfect timing for my brothers graduation on Saturday the 30 when all of our family and friends will be in town... I should be feeling pretty good that weekend. The following week is when I will have the port put in my chest and begin the 9-week (ish) second phase of chemotherapy called Consolidation. This phase has different drugs, a different regimen, and will have different side effects. But that is weeks away--- and it sounds like the next two weeks will be fairly good for me and my family.
The steroid I am on, predisone, has made my eat like crazy (I've mentioned this before). But, very surprisingly, I have lost about 15 pounds in the last three weeks despite my insane appetite. I have noticed the effects of the steroid on my body shape - my arms and legs have been getting skinnier but all of my body fat is surrounding my stomach and butt... I'm starting to look a bit preggers! Not to worry, though, I only have to take the steroid for 9 more days... and I'll be able to join the gym again, too :)
They gave us the 'road map' for the second phase of treatment yesterday as well. I will be done with this first phase next Thursday (May 28) and will get my PICC line out of my arm. I basically get a week break then - no chemo, no steroids, no blood draws. This is perfect timing for my brothers graduation on Saturday the 30 when all of our family and friends will be in town... I should be feeling pretty good that weekend. The following week is when I will have the port put in my chest and begin the 9-week (ish) second phase of chemotherapy called Consolidation. This phase has different drugs, a different regimen, and will have different side effects. But that is weeks away--- and it sounds like the next two weeks will be fairly good for me and my family.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Things to be thankful for
Yesterday, Auntie Dawn, TJ and PJ came by and brought me some pizza - which I have been craving!! I ate the whole thing. It was awesome to spend some time with them, too.
Had many visits today - Lydia & Michael, my grandparents, and Dad & Abby.
Feeling decent again - we must have really figured out this round of chemo's anti-nausea meds. I still get fatigued very easily, and my fingers are more tingly... but I can't complain too much.
I made a lot of calls today, too. I like staying in touch with everyone, making sure everyone knows I am doing well. Took a couple cat naps, and I am reading Harvey Milk's biography "The Mayor of Castro Street."
This week's goals are to maintain my energy level, take some walks, and finish one of my spring courses.
Thanks again to everyone for their continual love, support, prayers, good wishes, gifts, food, visits, ETC! I have an amazing support system.
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE VILLALOBOS FAMILY, owners of Burritos Fiesta in Flagstaff. Anytime anyone is passing through Flagstaff, stop on by and grab some amazing fresh Mexican from Oscar & his family. They sent down an ice-chest filled of great meals for me and my family. I worked there for nearly two years, and their gift was amazing. Once I am able to leave into the real world, I will be visiting my Burritos Fiesta family ASAP!! They are located at 1530 S. Riordan Ranch St. #405C, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001 *between Hastings and Bookmans* Phone: 928-774-3600... Tell them 'Jacobo' sent you...
Had many visits today - Lydia & Michael, my grandparents, and Dad & Abby.
Feeling decent again - we must have really figured out this round of chemo's anti-nausea meds. I still get fatigued very easily, and my fingers are more tingly... but I can't complain too much.
I made a lot of calls today, too. I like staying in touch with everyone, making sure everyone knows I am doing well. Took a couple cat naps, and I am reading Harvey Milk's biography "The Mayor of Castro Street."
This week's goals are to maintain my energy level, take some walks, and finish one of my spring courses.
Thanks again to everyone for their continual love, support, prayers, good wishes, gifts, food, visits, ETC! I have an amazing support system.
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE VILLALOBOS FAMILY, owners of Burritos Fiesta in Flagstaff. Anytime anyone is passing through Flagstaff, stop on by and grab some amazing fresh Mexican from Oscar & his family. They sent down an ice-chest filled of great meals for me and my family. I worked there for nearly two years, and their gift was amazing. Once I am able to leave into the real world, I will be visiting my Burritos Fiesta family ASAP!! They are located at 1530 S. Riordan Ranch St. #405C, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001 *between Hastings and Bookmans* Phone: 928-774-3600... Tell them 'Jacobo' sent you...
Friday, May 15, 2009
Prednisone
One of the drugs I am on this first month of Induction is called prednisone. It is a steroid and helps the chemo do its job.
It has been in part responsible for my difficulty sleeping and crazy dreams.
Additional effects: swelling, rapid weight gain, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and *my favorite* changes in the shape or location of body fat.
Thankfully, I only have to be on this for a couple more weeks. Until then - I'm looking more and more like an Oompa Loompa!
It has been in part responsible for my difficulty sleeping and crazy dreams.
Additional effects: swelling, rapid weight gain, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and *my favorite* changes in the shape or location of body fat.
Thankfully, I only have to be on this for a couple more weeks. Until then - I'm looking more and more like an Oompa Loompa!
Side effects
I have lost more of the sensation in the tips of my fingers - sometimes it's hard to open a bottle of pills, but so far it's not bad. I have new mouth sores, but again, they do not bother me yet. My head is shaven, but I haven't noticed hair falling out.
So far, I have been able to keep nausea under control this first 24 hours post-chemo. Let's hope it stays this way!
Wanna help leukemia patients like me by donating blood? Visit:
http://www.unitedbloodservices.org/donatelocations/az.html
So far, I have been able to keep nausea under control this first 24 hours post-chemo. Let's hope it stays this way!
Wanna help leukemia patients like me by donating blood? Visit:
http://www.unitedbloodservices.org/donatelocations/az.html
Thursday, May 14, 2009
5.14
Today was a chemo day - my mom and I were at the outpatient clinic for 8 hours today. Doctors visit, chemo, then two units of blood transfusions. I am on a lot of medications so I'm feeling OK this evening. My cytogenetic report came back and I do not have any of the 'bad' things they were looking for in my DNA... another 'blessing' as my mom says.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
5.13
A new side effect from the chemo started today - I'm losing the feeling in the tips of my fingers. Besides that - I had a great day with several visitors. My dad, Kelly, Cassie, and Jessica all came by the house today and broke up the monotony.
Kris & Adam are in the Idol finale! :)
Tomorrow morning is my third chemo session so I'll most likely be under the weather for the next several days - I am grateful for these past upbeat days.
Kris & Adam are in the Idol finale! :)
Tomorrow morning is my third chemo session so I'll most likely be under the weather for the next several days - I am grateful for these past upbeat days.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Be a hero - donate!
Please remember to ask about platelet donations... they are the donations you can indirectly help me by helping all leukemia patients in need of this vital part of our blood.
** I also have to say a special thank you to my stepmom Rhonda and little sister Abby for their continual amazing meals which helps me and my mom out at home. In addition, my mom's co-workers have been awesome and have provided our family with food,too! You guys are incredible **
To schedule an appointment to donate blood, please call 1-877-448-GIVE (4483)
Appointments are recommended.
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday and Monday: Closed
Days and hours for platelet donations vary.
visit for more information: http://www.unitedbloodservices.org/donatelocations/az.html
Chandler
1989 W. Elliot Road, Suite 32
Chandler, AZ 85224
(Dobson & Elliot Rd.)
Mesa
East Valley Center
1337 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 101-104
Mesa, AZ 85204
(Gilbert & Hampton)
Scottsdale
1405 N. Hayden Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85257
(Hayden & McDowell)
** I also have to say a special thank you to my stepmom Rhonda and little sister Abby for their continual amazing meals which helps me and my mom out at home. In addition, my mom's co-workers have been awesome and have provided our family with food,too! You guys are incredible **
Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday 5.11
Had another better day today... really fatigued but no pain or nausea! Some energy enough this afternoon to finally get back to reading for school. I take a lot of naps and have crazy dreams (from the steroids, apparently..)
Doc's appt this morning - everything is looking good right now, chemo is on thursday and I will only have to leave the house if I get a fever or something crazy like that.
Lauren, Ian, and Kelly are bringing me good company and great food tomorrow... Cassie and Jessica are doing the same on Wednesday. I have great friends!!
OH and Uncle Todd should be by tonight to give me a short buzz - my hair should start falling out this next two week period, and having a tight buzz will make the experience a lot less... 'hairy.'
Doc's appt this morning - everything is looking good right now, chemo is on thursday and I will only have to leave the house if I get a fever or something crazy like that.
Lauren, Ian, and Kelly are bringing me good company and great food tomorrow... Cassie and Jessica are doing the same on Wednesday. I have great friends!!
OH and Uncle Todd should be by tonight to give me a short buzz - my hair should start falling out this next two week period, and having a tight buzz will make the experience a lot less... 'hairy.'
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mom's Day
I woke up this morning with enough energy and spunk to make (if I say so, myself) an amazing breakfast for mom, rob, cheyne and I. Cheesy scrambled eggs, seasoned potatoes, tortillas, and apple sauce! By the time I was done cooking, I had to lay down again... although-- it was totally worth it.
I knew how special my mom and family was before this part of my life, but I can't imagine living day-to-day with cancer without such a fantastic and loving mother!
I knew how special my mom and family was before this part of my life, but I can't imagine living day-to-day with cancer without such a fantastic and loving mother!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Read this
http://thinkprogress.org/2007/05/23/fda-blood/
Still trying to get some answers about donating platelets in the Chandler area. Go to The Red Cross's website if you live outside of Phoenix, they may have a clinic near you. Hopefully I'll have some concrete answer about donating platelets and blood by Monday...
Still trying to get some answers about donating platelets in the Chandler area. Go to The Red Cross's website if you live outside of Phoenix, they may have a clinic near you. Hopefully I'll have some concrete answer about donating platelets and blood by Monday...
Friday, May 8, 2009
Good news
Today the docs called - my bone marrow biopsy from yesterday showed NO leukemia cells in my bone marrow! This is very good news and ensures that I won't need an extra phase of chemotherapy next year.
I have been fighting some pretty bad nausea and no energy since yesterday's chemo treatment. Tomorrow shall be a better day...
I have been fighting some pretty bad nausea and no energy since yesterday's chemo treatment. Tomorrow shall be a better day...
Jake is Online!
Thanks to my Auntie Dawn, everyone can keep track of my life with cancer with this blog.
I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Tuesday, April 28, 2009. I have since received countless loving messages in the mail, e-mail, through texts, calls, and facebook messages. It is difficult to appropriately update everyone in a quick time, so I thought for all things Jake & Health related, I will refer family and friends to this site.
I was released from the hospital on Monday, May 3. It is highly likely I will end up in the hospital again before my first four-weeks of "Induction" will be over - although I'm shooting to be in the minority on this statistic.
My family and I cannot say Thank You enough to everyone who has sent food, gifts, and good wishes to us this past two weeks. If anyone is wondering what they can do to help, I strongly encourage you to donate platelets! Donating blood is crucial, and I needed some during my stay at the hospital. But I needed much more platelet transfusions - donating them is similar to donating blood, it just takes a bit longer and it is not as popular. Please donate platelets and help other leukemia patients like me. After all, we are all in this together!
I will hopefully have more information as far as groups and centers to donate to, websites to go educate yourself, etc... but this is it for today! Thanks for stoppying by and sending positive thoughts!
Yes, We Can!
I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on Tuesday, April 28, 2009. I have since received countless loving messages in the mail, e-mail, through texts, calls, and facebook messages. It is difficult to appropriately update everyone in a quick time, so I thought for all things Jake & Health related, I will refer family and friends to this site.
I was released from the hospital on Monday, May 3. It is highly likely I will end up in the hospital again before my first four-weeks of "Induction" will be over - although I'm shooting to be in the minority on this statistic.
My family and I cannot say Thank You enough to everyone who has sent food, gifts, and good wishes to us this past two weeks. If anyone is wondering what they can do to help, I strongly encourage you to donate platelets! Donating blood is crucial, and I needed some during my stay at the hospital. But I needed much more platelet transfusions - donating them is similar to donating blood, it just takes a bit longer and it is not as popular. Please donate platelets and help other leukemia patients like me. After all, we are all in this together!
I will hopefully have more information as far as groups and centers to donate to, websites to go educate yourself, etc... but this is it for today! Thanks for stoppying by and sending positive thoughts!
Yes, We Can!
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