6 Feb 2022 Progressing

 I've been meaning to update this for awhile as things have continued to improve and I'm making progress with healing and recovering. Christmas and New Years came and went and now we are well into February just like that! I have a PET Scan (full body scan that looks for areas that may be afflicted with cancer) on the 22 Feb and then follow up assessment for my speech and swallowing on the 23rd. I will see the Doctor (primary surgeon) back in Edmonton at beginning of March to review results from my tests.

I have been keeping really active despite some bitterly cold temperatures here by going on the treadmill and I also bought a exercise bike. I have been using iFit and really enjoy it for the different workouts around the world (it's no substitute for travel that Richelle and I enjoy but it is fun!) and plenty of variety. I also have daily physio exercises/stretches to help rebuild functionality of my shoulder. Progress in that has been slow but I was told that it could take quite awhile. I am pleased with fitness improvement and want to be prepared for future adventures and my military fitness test once my medical assessment allows.

My eating has been going well and I can practically eat most things however many things take a little longer to eat and I frequently need lots of water to help. My taste is mostly back to normal and I think my speech is too. If I talk for too long or as Richelle says if I'm talking passionately about something I notice fatigue in my throat and I start to gag. A good sign to "shut-up" and take a break! LOL

I can't say enough of how appreciative I am of all the support and care that everyone has expressed and especially all the love and care of my primary caregiver/motivator Richelle!!! I have been relatively fortunate with my treatments and progress so far and I hope it continues with the follow up tests. I believe in the power of positive thinking and look forward to continuing forward with recovering and living life to the fullest.

Hope all is well with whomever may read this and I wish everyone a great year ahead!!

5 Nov - Healing

 November already as we get ready to "fall back" our clocks this weekend! Nothing much new but wanted to give an update on how things are going.

Throat is still a little sore but I do believe that swelling is going down. Fatigue is become less noticeable and I don't need as many naps as before. Swallowing is still challenging but fortunately my taste has improved. Some things still taste bland but not many things taste off or bad as they has when I was in radiation. 

Richelle noticed that the hair on the back of my head was not growing despite not having a haircut for many weeks. It looks like a poor attempt to clean up my neck before inspection! LOL

My beard has no hair growing in spots too under my chin.

I have been going to Physiotherapist on base and have a number of exercises and stretches that have carried on from the program at the Cross Cancer Clinic. My right arm has some limited motion above the waist due to my SAN (Spinal Accessory Nerve) being aggravated from the surgery and radiation. My neck has a fair amount of stiffness given the surgery and radiation as well, I noticed that it is fairly sensitive to cold temps as we go for walks and the winter weather is on the way! 

Take care everyone, don't forget to turn back clocks (if applicable), and please pay respects on Remembrance Day.

Lots of thanks and love!!

Carlisle 

23 Oct - Home

This week marked the end of my radiation treatments and our return home to Cold Lake! Looking forward to some healing over the next weeks. My side effects have been:

1) Back of throat is swollen and hurts a little bit when swallowing. Swallowing specialist is pleased with what I can eat although I do typically need lots of water and take my time (long time to eat!).

2) Taste changes. Most things just taste "off" and although things still smell good they just don't taste good. Some bland things like eggs, oatmeal, apple sauce taste okay!

3) Skin on my neck is quite red and irritated but fortunately I don't see any blistering but they did say it may get a bit worse before it gets better. Using a recommended cream and it works well!

4) Still some fatigue and weight loss (around 25 lbs since before my surgery at beginning of July). 

5) Some pain and limited mobility of my right arm from my SAN (Spinal Accessory Nerve) as it was in the area of surgery and radiation and has been "aggravated" but some physio and stretching exercises are helping and should improve over the longer term. 

That's pretty much it for the bad but on the positive side, I'm thankful for all the great care and attention the different medical experts have been able to help me. Saw alot of different people at the clinic who seemed to have greater challenges yet had inner fortitude and frequently a smile or acknowledgement that there was common bond. 

Have follow up appointments in Nov with surgeon, radiation oncologist, physiotherapist.

Here is quick but quite an impactful read that although dramatic is very real and hard hitting:

https://www.hopeafterbreastcancer.com/blog/this-is-what-it-s-like-to-be-diagnosed-with-cancer?fbclid=IwAR3suJ8vqqISZbDQwaEcOkKCV1okOl8s0PQ_QjwE4d8w1E_Z2WuvtGLl6KM

Thanks for reading all!!

Sep 30

 Hi All!!

Today was treatment 18 of 30 and when we arrived it seemed like there were substantially a lot more people at the Cross Cancer Clinic than usual. It turned out there was a server issue causing about an hour delay for everyone's appointments. Had a little bit of wait but the issue was resolved and everyone was getting looked after in no time. 

Yesterday I had my mask remade since I have lost some weight particularly around my neck and chin.

Not much else to report other than my diet is mostly liquid/pureed stuff and I have occasional gagging from swelling and irritation at back of throat. Fatigue has also increased a little but at least I sleep real well through the night. Doing more physiotherapy exercises for my neck and shoulders and am making some good progress!

Went to a pre-season Oilers game a couple of nights ago and won a signed by Zack Kassian hockey stick so that was fun. Couldn't eat/drink due to swelling so wasn't able to buy a 12 dollar beer or 8 dollar hot dog! LOL 

Very nice fall weather and the changing leaves are nice and walking through the dry leaves on the ground is fun for Richelle and I!

Take care everyone and sending lots of love!!

Carlisle

Sep 16, 8 of 30 Treatments

 Hi Everyone!

8 of 30 radiation treatments are behind me and fortunately not much to report on. Side effects have been some swelling and associated discomfort (no significant pain luckily) and some changes in taste where some things just don't taste the same. Not tasting bad just off slightly. Staff at the Cross are always so helpful and pleasant and so willing to assist. I notice fatigue also as I need some cat naps through the day but keeping active with walks and physio exercises. It's great to continually receive words from friends and family with positive thoughts and offers to help. Things are going well because we have a great support network and the amazing effect of positive vibes! Thank you all again!!! 

Lots of 💗

Carlisle

Sep 8

 Hi Again!

Just some photos of me in the machine with the plastic mesh mask. Everything went well again same as yesterday.

Kind of a funny story as we walked back to where we are staying, a man approached Richelle asking if she had a cigarette to give however he immediately said "I guess not" when he noticed her "Stand Up To Cancer" shirt she was wearing!

Have a good one!

💗

Sep 7, First Radiation Treatment

 Hi Everyone!

Thanks again for all the support and healing thoughts! Also thank you for your interest in my/our journey as it has numerous ups and downs and our collective focus towards a positive end state is the ultimate goal and gives value to the hurdles along the way.

Today we traveled to Edmonton to begin my radiation therapy, and number 1 of  30 treatments (6 weeks of daily M-F) has been completed. Everything went well and there were no issues. 

As I laid there with a plastic mesh mask that helps me remain still, I reflected on my many years in the military of working on numerous radar and radio equipment and always be cognizant of hazardous radiation zones and the need to exercise a high level of safety and here I was, as others left the room, directly in the path of radiation that is intended to help defeat any cancer still there after my extensive surgery.

As the treatments progress there is typically no side effects initially however after a week or two there may be some challenges with skin irritations, swallowing (due to swelling/irritiation), fatigue and other potential side effects. We just have to take it day by day and stay nourished, hydrated, well rested and good spirited!

While at Cross Cancer Institute (CCI), we have seen some familiar faces from my hospital stay as others and their loved ones carry on with various treatments to address individual cancer diagnosis'. It offers a chance to catch up and share common but somewhat unique experiences.

Staying near the CCI and it very apparent that University is back in session with the uptick of pedestrians. As you may be aware my daughter is at University of Saskatchewan so seeing the many people going to from their studies/activities I think of her and hope she is doing well and having a good time.

Will try to get photos of machine and setup with me in it.

 Take care everyone and sending our Love!

Carlisle