Sorry we didn't get to the blog last night...Ric went to the Flames game, and I was home making Halloween treats for the girls to take to school. 

Ric had a good day yesterday and today.  Still trying to manage energy levels, and getting headaches from time to time.  Ric and I went out for a speedy walk today.  It was nice to get out today, as the weather was very pleasant.   

Tomorrow is the MRI...to make the event more memorable we will be going to Peter's afterward for a grape milkshake...Ric's favourite.

Ric's Pic:  The Commodores - Sail On

Today was just a mediocre day for Ric.  He had a couple of headaches today...nothing too severe, just slightly bothersome.  His energy levels were low this morning.  He did feel better when we walked Carly to school...the fresh air helped him.  This afternoon Ric had his fitness test, he did feel good doing this...and he did well.  He was tired afterwards though.  Came home and rested...watched some baseball...the Giants took game 1...remarkably Ric feels better!!  I guess he just needs to watch some baseball every day...or at least some form of sport with his favourite teams winning.

Ric's Pic:  The Whisperers - It's A Love Thing

Done with the first month round of chemo last night and had a pretty good day. Again, a bit tired in the AM, but generally found some more energy as the day went on. Looking forward to the next few days as the chemo works it's way out of my system to get a gauge on how I'll be feeling in the months to come after the "5 day cycle". I'll also be done the Decadron in a couple of weeks on the "new" work down plan in very low decreasing doses.
Tomorrow is the second part of the fitness study that I am participating in through the Cancer Ctr and University. As reported earlier, I did an initial assessment prior to starting radiation/ chemo treatment to check cardio and strength levels at that point. The intention of the study is to check the same levels now that initial treatment has been completed and then later on during the year during chemo treatment only.


Ric's Pic : The Spinners - Baby I Need Your Lovin'

 

Today is the last day of the 5 days for month 1 of Chemo.  Ric has had a bit of "low energy" these days.  The mornings are a bit more "sluggish" then usual.  The exercise does however help...after he is done.  During exercise, especially weights, the energy wanes.  Around 11am, Ric is starting to feel himself again.  I am proud of Ric to include exercise, when he really doesn't have the energy.  But in the long run...this does help him. 

Ric still does not have much new hair growth...he does have a very unique pattern right now remaining from the radiation sites.  We expect the hair growth to re-appear eventually.  In the meantime...the girls love daddy's fuzzy head.

Ric's Pic: Al Jarreau - Mornin'

Well just to let you all know Ric had a much better day.  He woke this morning feeling totally normal, again.  Yesterday was just a crash from phasing out the meds a bit too quickly.  Today no side effects were evident from the Chemo...lets hope this continues throughout!  We are hoping for a restful and relaxing weekend.  So far Ric doesn't need a chauffeur this weekend, as I don't think I would be taking him any where!!  Ric went out for his walk around Tuscany this morning, and was singing up a storm again.  Went to Ric's work this afternoon, visited with the gang for a while, which was nice.

Have a great weekend, as we will be chilling at home...for a change!

Ric's Pic : Malo - Suavecito

Today was a frustrating day...Ric woke in the night with a headache, which progressively got worse. He ended up getting sick a couple times in the morning. We figure the headache was from the tapering off of the Decadron. We had the doctors appointment with the oncology team this A.M.  Lets just say, by the time anyone saw us this morning it was P.M. We were very frustrated! We waited about 2 hours before we got to see a doctor!! Poor Ric was not feeling well...I had to leave him, to bring Carly to school. Came back to the cancer centre, the doctor decided to give Ric some fluids (intravenously). He believes the headache and nausea are from the tapering of the Decadron.  Ric is now back on the Decadron for a couple weeks...taking very small doses, tapering from .5mg instead of 2 mg...which he had before.  Hope this won't cause such a crash.  After he had his fluids, he is feeling much better, not full of energy though, like yesterday.

Ric will also start taking his Chemo again tonight...I know it was a bit of a surprise to us too!!  We were only expecting a discussion on when to start up again.  Anyway the way the chemo will be taken this time round will be in the night, before Ric goes to sleep.  They figure the nausea should wear off over night.  This Chemo is a much higher dosage then previously taken.  Ric will be on this Chemo for 5 days of each month.  Will not take any Chemo until the next month... when it will be another 5 days...and so on.  Will start again to blog more often, to keep you all up to date with the progress. 

Ric's Pic : Chicago - Saturday In The Park

I feel it necessary to post a formal apology to the residents of Tuscany. It appears that I have involuntarily taken to singing along to my music on my daily walks. We are not talking about some casual humming here, but rather full voice warbling. As any of my old band mates will attest to, my singing ability leaves something to be desired so for this, I felt it necessary to issue this apology. Had a great walk today on one of my favourite routes which is actually out of the city limits towards the mountains.
Today was the day that I dropped the last of the Decadron so it will be a day or so for it to clear my system and then I'll be "clean". Tomorrow is the visit with the oncology team to discuss treatment thus far and next steps.
A quick recap for those catching up now:
Image on the right showing walnut in the coconut is the "before" and image on the left is the MRI after the surgery July 9. These angles would be pointing up showing that the tumour was in the right temporal lobe. Next MRI is scheduled for Oct 30. Hopefully no bats will show up in the belfry.....

 We would like to thank the organizers of the steak dinner held this week in Regina. As I understand it, the event was fun and was also a reunion of sorts for many.

Ric's Pic : War - Summer

Back again from another weekend getaway.
This past weekend, we went to Great Falls for a little R&R and it was very nice. Did some shopping and exploring some historical sites there which was quite interesting for us and the kids. Checked out the falls also. It's quite a nice little place actually.
I am still dealing with some low energy bouts generally later in the day, but I expect that is partially from the fact that I'm still working down on these meds for a another week or so. This should get straightened out soon. I am continuing to do my daily exercise in the AM and that definitely still feels good to do. I hope to step this up to add some more jogging in to the mix soon.
Next week is more blood work on Monday and then the meeting with the Oncology team on Thursday. This is with the radiation team AND the chemo team to discuss progress so far and next steps to start in November.

Ric's Pic : Boz Scaggs - Lowdown

We just went on a little get away...to Swift Current.  Ric's dad just celebrated his 70th, so we drove down to surprise him.  Ric had a good trip.  He did get tired...but I think under the circumstances he did very well.  He is now finished with treatments...and we are thankful for this.  Will be moving into the next phase of treatment in November...until then we are just enjoying some travel and family time.  Will be heading the Montana next weekend...should be relaxing. 

Ric and I went out to lunch today to celebrate his last day of treatments...last week.  I know a bit delayed!!  What can we say, we have family obligations...better late then never.  It was a nice lunch, just the two of us.  We are looking forward to spending a bit more time together over the next little while...as we have all kids in school now, although Carly is in school only half a day (21/2 hours).

Ric is tired in the afternoons...but this is to be expected.  All in all he is going about his regular routine. 

I am sure everyone missed Ric's Pic...well here it is:

Ric's Pic:  Stevie Wonder - Another Star