I saw Dr. Z today. He showed me a great Web site, actually a blog on this very service, and during the visit also went over my CT results.
"No news is good news," he said at one point. That's because the scans were fine and he said I'm looking great. That was after my three-month checkup, and I don't need another for four months.
What a relief!
He agreed that if there were a problem he'd have called, thus the "No news" comment.
But there was other news. It seems the good doctor is in the running for Man of the Year by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You can go to this link and vote for Dr. Z, and by vote I mean donate to the organization to give him points toward the nomination. http://www.active.com/donate/cflmwoy/mwoyDZehnge
I can point to many of his qualities, such as his depth as a doctor, his bedside manner, his good humor and, of course, the fact he helped save my life, as reasons to help him and the society out. Don't hold his affection for all products Mac against him. He also pitched a wonderful blog my way that spoofs his hero, Steve Jobs. So how bad can he be? The site is actually a blog, and it's at http://fakesteve.blogspot.com/.
Again, whew!
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Keith Kohn
Newsman Keith Kohn, husband, dad of six, cousin and nephew to many and former night editor at the Orlando Sentinel who's now at The Post and Courier, chronicles his journey from diagnosis with esophageal cancer through his treatments. He offers insights, tips and anecdotes to help others beginning a similar path. Feel free to submit helpful hints, clarifications and corrections with the goal of helping others.
Keith Kohn
Disclaimer
Please remember that I'm not a doctor and any advice given from me or those who write me are not intended to replace your doctor's directions. They are tips to use -- or to not use -- as you see fit and judge for yourself. Please do so wisely.
Please note, too, that I encourage donations to Florida Hospital Cancer Institute.
Please note, too, that I encourage donations to Florida Hospital Cancer Institute.
Contributors
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Tips mentioned in this blog
- Avoid drinks with a lot of electrolytes, such as GatorAde and the like. I can't swear the GatorAde I've been drinking caused my urinary tract infections, but they coincidentally appeared within a day of my drinking the popular sports drink. Might just be how it affects me, but might be how it interacts with chemo.
- Keep a box of alcohol pads nearby. When you're nauseous, the smell of alcohol halts the nausea.
- Don't stop being you. Allow yourself to be angry and upset, but also allow yourself twice as much to be happy and positive and encouraged. Don't feel sorry for yourself and don't allow people to feel sorry for you. And do not, under any circumstances, allow toxic, negative people to cloud your mind or your space with their negativity.
- Allow yourself to get angry, upset, frustrated ... and don't ever feel bad about it. The people around you will understand.
- Don't just stay away from the chocolate. Definitely and absolutely no coffee! No caffeine at all. It dehydrates. You need as much water as you can drink. Chicken broth sounds boring and not very appetizing, but it's important that you drink it as well. Also, apple juice is extremely acidic, so no apple juice if you're nauseous. In fact, nothing acidic.
- Don't feel like you have to be 'on' all the time. It takes its toll, and you need all the strength you can get. You'll figure it out for yourself, what your comfort levels are, but just try not to feel that pressure.
A good source
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2 comments:
Keith,
It's wonderful to hear of your progress and good news!! I am so happy that your scans are clear and life is getting back to "normal" for you and your family. I have read your blog and followed your progress from beginning to present and have been wondering how you have been!! As a nurse, I marvel at your courage and strength and truly believe your attitude has been a major contributor to your success in defeating this terrible disease. As I told you before, my dad was diagnosed in Oct with esophageal CA as well, but unfortunately lost his battle on Jan 19 due to complications. Ironically enough, the surgeon who would have operated on him called the day before he died to tell us that all of his scans were clear after the chemo and radiation. But, the circle of life continues on as my son was born on Feb 23. He kinda looks like dad and I know he sees him:) I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers and know you will continue to thrive. I'm sorry for the loss of your mother, but happy for your new family!!
Sincerely,
Kendra
Kendra,
I am so, so sorry to hear about your loss. I know you cared so much about your father and had very high hopes. I know exactly what you're going through.
But, on the happier side, mazel tov -- congratulations -- on the birth of your son. I'm sure you will tell him all about your father and that your father's influence on you will show up in him.
Thanks for all of your inspiration during my ordeal, and I hope you keep in touch in the future. My email is newsy01@earthlink.net.
You'll be in my thoughts as well.
Keith
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