In other news; I am taking the opportunity......

January 27, 2012

by sherry

Terence, January 27, 201

Not much to report lately; Terence still dealing with lymphedema, but we're finding ways to manage it.  It's terribly uncomfortable for him and he's still on bed rest orders (minimal exercise/no heavy lifting) and his new recliner is working out well!

Pure Adrenalin got him out of the house today- his friend Dean Taylor from Wyoming's "Best of the West TV show was in town (Puyallup hosted the"Washington Sportsman Expo") so Terence pulled up his boot straps (literally... he hasn't been able to get any shoes on for a week!!!), and braved the long walk from the parking lot to Dean's booth---it's a BIG expo.  He spent the day there- talking hunting and fishing.  He really enjoyed it, but when he got home his legs were really swollen  and they were painful, so he soaked in an salt bath. That seems to help somewhat.

Those boots are made for walkin'

The good news is that "Abby" (Abiaterone) seems to be doing something; no PSA results yet, but the cancer related pain in his abdomen has decreased quite a bit since he started 9 days ago. 

In other news; I am taking the opportunity (between Terence's chemotherapy and Abby and chemo again) to take care of my knee injuries- I am going in on Monday (Jan 30) for arthroscopic surgery on both my knees (!) I tore my meniscus  (inside and outside on both knees) and injured the cartilage under my knee cap.  I have to attribute the injuries to softball, racquetball and age, I've been living with it for about a year.  

Anyways, I am hoping to be up and about quickly.  Thank goodness my sister Charla cooked all those gourmet meals---Terence will have something (delicious) to eat!!!!

This time last year (one year to the day) I had my gall bladder removed- Terence was in-between his treatments so I took the opportunity to have the surgery, a dental check up and dental work done...this year---  I'll have my mammogram, my dental check up and knee surgery all in one week!!!!  It's tough dealing with personal issues like this when you're a care taker to this degree.  But you find ways~ or fall apart!

Terence will get new blood tests next Thursday to check his kidney (and other) functions- there are tumors surrounding his kidney ureters that concern the docs.  So they are keeping a specific eye on them.  

Of course, we're hoping the 'Abby' will shrink the tumors which will ease everyone's mind- as well as ease the kidney function and also relieve T of the lymphedema problem. 

So, there goes us for the next week or two!!!

Have a nice week end!

Sherry

Lymphedema=a really fat leg (among other things), by Terence

January 24, 2012
by terence

House arrest!  That's what this feels like. Lymphedema- due to the damage to the lymph system, and tumors on my kidney ureters, my body is struggling to rid itself of excess fluids. The fluids are collecting in my lower limbs. It started last Friday, when I noticed some swelling.
 

Right knee cap on Saturday

My right leg was twice the size of my left leg and my toes looked like  mini sausages! The skin was tight and puffy.  We called our doc. and  immediately needed to rule out  a blood clot, but I didn't have any pain, and I could move it pretty easily. I went into the  ER to have an ultrasound done to eliminate the blood clot possibility (I waited all night for the radiologist to show up- we were n the midst of a huge snow storm- so hospital staff was limited).  The ultrasound did not show a clot, just a really fat leg!!!!

As of today, the swelling has gone to my left leg and groin.  Lymphedema is a high protein swelling that may develop when cancer cells invade lymph nodes (as it has in my case). This type of swelling can occur in one or both legs, the abdomen or genital region after prostate cancer.

More blood work to be done to watch my kidney function, hemoglobin, etc.  Massage, Epson salt baths, (minor) trampoline work (to get the fluids moving- Sherry bought a mini tramp on Saturday!) and major leg elevation (she bought a recliner on Sunday! ), small walks to the mail box, leg compression (socks purchased yesterday), skin care regimens, no heavy lifting but lots and lots of rest.  Like I said, house arrest! 

My new recliner: ready for the Super Bowl.

Sherry has always wanted to buy me a recliner but I have always resisted - believing that recliners are for old men (coincidentally,  my father-in law recently got one for his 90th birthday so that sort of proves my point). .... well at least  the Super Bowl will be a little more enjoyable in a new recliner (along with my new thigh highs and scrotum sling)!!!!!!!

More than anything, I am mad. I really *dislike* what cancer is doing. I  read other blogs of men who are fighting prostate cancer at this stage and it seems that cancer runs it's course- it's no respecter of persons.  Man, it makes my blood boil.  Prostate cancer works overtime to strip a man of  identity and dignity.

Zech. 9;12 "Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope;
   even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you"

I stayed in prayer most of the morning today.  As Sherry always reminds me, "we need to become prisoners of hope".  

Prayer, reading the promises in the bible and surrounding myself with others who have become prisoners of hope is one way  to keep discouragement and frustration away, especially when under 'house arrest'!

Thanks for your prayers, phone calls,

emails and cards.

Terence

                                                                                     

Lymphedema

*Relief*  No DVT (blood clot) in his leg- but Lymphedema instead.

An evening of E.R./ Urgent care and radiation confusion!

Lymphedema occurs when the lymph system is damaged or blocked. Fluid builds up in soft body tissues and causes swelling. It is a common problem that is caused by cancer and cancer treatment.

The new tumors and growth in Terence's pelvic area has compromised his lymphatic system.

So Terence is finally home from the E.R. and was told to stay off his feet, at least until Monday (it's Friday)- when we speak with his oncology nurse.  I suppose we'll get some tutoring then.

Meanwhile, I've been doing some research on how to manage it.....

We're both resting today, we've spent every day this week at the hospital and we're both tired.  Good timing too- we've been in the middle of a snow storm- it's been snowing here since last Sunday and has increased since Wednesday; the bridge is closed today (due to falling ice from the cables)- so we're peninsula bound tucked away at home next to the fire place- and it's fine with us!

Sherry & Terence