Seems a couple months have slipped by since I last posted. Health-wise it is still the status quo ante. I have still not shaken whatever it is that continues to involve my lungs. A brief synopsis: I developed some bronchial pneumonia last June and a course of antibiotics got rid of that just fine. Then come September--allergy season for me--I started to get some more bronchial involvement. Another course of antibiotics at that time did not seem to provide complete reversal of the condition, so I am in the middle of a second course. I cannot tell if it is working. There is still phlegm. Not so much coughing with all of this as there was with the pneumonia. My doc is making noises about bronchiactisis or chronic bronchitis. A possible visit with a pulmonologist looms with a concomitant visit with a bronchoscopy. Doesn't sound like fun. And, of course, this arises right when we are readying a trip south for the winter.
I don't want to make this sound like any more than it is. I am fully functional--at least as my 76-yr-old body allows me to be. I can do pretty much all I want to do. So we will just cruise along and see what happens. Being 5 minutes away from the Mayo Clinic in a few weeks might allow me to pursue a pulmonology referral should that be necessary from a pretty good diagnostic institution.
I detest having to continue down the antibiotic path as that seemingly keeps my immune system from repairing itself, post chemo-therapy. On the bright side, my cancer is still in the rear view mirror.
Winter has arrived here in spades. January cold in November. Some snow. But we are not quite fully in our inversion season so the air is breathable. But the warning signs--valley haze of most mornings--is there, and will worsen. Trying to get Jan past all her social obligations--and to refuse more--so that we can head south sooner rather than later.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Interesting cancer news...
There is an interesting article in last week's (Sept. 15, 2014) New Yorker magazine entitled, "The Transformation" by Jerome Groopman, who is not only a writer, but a physician. It is quite interesting in re progress in the fight against certain cancers, particularly those of the blood (i.e., leukemias). I will try to summarize:
1. Cancer cells are typically immature cells that deviate from their usual course of maturation and replicate themselves repeatedly. Were they to become mature, they wouldn't do this (i.e., replicate repeatedly).
2. The traditional medical response to these cells is to kill them and/or remove them via, respectively chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Well known bad news: Often some cancer cells escape this approach
3. A new approach discussed in the article is to apply newly developed drugs which have the effect of making the cancer cells go down their usual path, that is, to maturity. When this happens the cell no longer replicates repeatedly.
4. For some leukemia patients experimental therapies using these drugs have produced complete, lasting remissions after all else has failed; and, controlled trials are showing high percentages of remissions.
5. Where the cancer is more specifically located, this approach seems to stop, but not reverse the development of tumors. Unfortunately, the effect of the drugs on specific tumors appears to wane over time. Researchers are looking at combinations of these drugs along with the more general, earlier approaches.
6. Stem cells are involved theoretically and empirically in some of this, but I don't understand enough about them to relate their roles.
Fall has brought out my allergies but I am, at this time, coping, and will continue to do so.
1. Cancer cells are typically immature cells that deviate from their usual course of maturation and replicate themselves repeatedly. Were they to become mature, they wouldn't do this (i.e., replicate repeatedly).
2. The traditional medical response to these cells is to kill them and/or remove them via, respectively chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Well known bad news: Often some cancer cells escape this approach
3. A new approach discussed in the article is to apply newly developed drugs which have the effect of making the cancer cells go down their usual path, that is, to maturity. When this happens the cell no longer replicates repeatedly.
4. For some leukemia patients experimental therapies using these drugs have produced complete, lasting remissions after all else has failed; and, controlled trials are showing high percentages of remissions.
5. Where the cancer is more specifically located, this approach seems to stop, but not reverse the development of tumors. Unfortunately, the effect of the drugs on specific tumors appears to wane over time. Researchers are looking at combinations of these drugs along with the more general, earlier approaches.
6. Stem cells are involved theoretically and empirically in some of this, but I don't understand enough about them to relate their roles.
Fall has brought out my allergies but I am, at this time, coping, and will continue to do so.
Monday, September 8, 2014
the neglectful one
OMG, a call from a blog follower, wondering what condition my condition is in! Mea culpa. I guess I am feeling well enough that the blog posts are not at the top of my list. Bad Grayson! So I am reminded to check in, in case any of you were wondering. Clearly, one of you was.
I am well. I seem to be staving off further upper respiratory difficulty while those around me are sniffling and coughing. I can only hope that my beaten-upon immune system has recovered sufficiently to do business this winter. As previously reported, I am on no extra meds for anything except what I have always taken meds for (acalasia, A-fib, cholesterol).
I just finished a demanding week of music: a 90-min Las Vegas type review followed by a set of dance music for five nights. With rehearsals, this was a week's involvement and always--while I really dig it--let's me know that my decision to not make music my very existence 50+ yrs ago is still a valid decision. But, for the week, I had a ball. There is nothing like being in the center of a screaming, wailing, big band playing swinging music. Okay, maybe there are comparable experiences out there, but this one's mine. And it is to be followed immediately by rehearsals for the fall concert of the same big band where the music will be jazz rather than dance. It don't get no better.
Plus on Wed after our first Tues rehearsal we will decamp for Grand Junction CO to meet fun friends all there to taste this year's vintages, and, mayhap, purchase a case or three. What's not to like about this picture? Then, shortly after returning from GJ I will repair to Lake Powell in the annual search for the wily striped bass. Again, what's not to like?
So, you can see, dear reader, that I am hale and hearty, and plan to make the most of it given the time I have. You will pardon me if I occasionally miss the opportunity to regale you further.
Luv you all madly.
I am well. I seem to be staving off further upper respiratory difficulty while those around me are sniffling and coughing. I can only hope that my beaten-upon immune system has recovered sufficiently to do business this winter. As previously reported, I am on no extra meds for anything except what I have always taken meds for (acalasia, A-fib, cholesterol).
I just finished a demanding week of music: a 90-min Las Vegas type review followed by a set of dance music for five nights. With rehearsals, this was a week's involvement and always--while I really dig it--let's me know that my decision to not make music my very existence 50+ yrs ago is still a valid decision. But, for the week, I had a ball. There is nothing like being in the center of a screaming, wailing, big band playing swinging music. Okay, maybe there are comparable experiences out there, but this one's mine. And it is to be followed immediately by rehearsals for the fall concert of the same big band where the music will be jazz rather than dance. It don't get no better.
Plus on Wed after our first Tues rehearsal we will decamp for Grand Junction CO to meet fun friends all there to taste this year's vintages, and, mayhap, purchase a case or three. What's not to like about this picture? Then, shortly after returning from GJ I will repair to Lake Powell in the annual search for the wily striped bass. Again, what's not to like?
So, you can see, dear reader, that I am hale and hearty, and plan to make the most of it given the time I have. You will pardon me if I occasionally miss the opportunity to regale you further.
Luv you all madly.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Independence at last!
When I get healthy, I forget to report to the several of you interested in such trivia. And, I believe right now that I am reasonably healthy. The anti-biotics are in the rear-view mirror having successfully done their thing. I am within a day or two of finishing a steroidal inhaler of 60 doses total at two per day. I don't really feel the need for it anymore. My cough rate is one tenth of what it was, and expectoration is at a minimum. My rescue inhaler (albuterol sulfate) I virtually never use. I am sleeping wonderfully well and I have a modicum more energy. I have my usual allergies, which seem to come to the fore whenever the rest of my upper respiratory difficulties are under control. But OTC meds seem to suffice.
I am hedging a little on the Mantle Cell Lymphoma by keeping in my Power Port. I will revisit its removal--a simple office procedure, they say--in August, which is 3 yrs from initial diagnosis. Nothing symptomatic apparent since I am virtually sleeping like a baby. All that is left is the usual old age crap of arthritis, and a failing lower back.
It seems there is no escaping the foul air here in Utah. This summer we are beset by high ozone numbers which the authorities claim are also significant for peeps with upper respiratory ills. Perhaps one should live on the ocean?
Suffice to say then that I am back playing my horn, fishing several days per week, reading up a storm and enjoying my family. I also have not missed much of the World Cup. We are also looking forward to a NW venture toward the homeland in a few weeks for music, food and camaraderie.
I am hedging a little on the Mantle Cell Lymphoma by keeping in my Power Port. I will revisit its removal--a simple office procedure, they say--in August, which is 3 yrs from initial diagnosis. Nothing symptomatic apparent since I am virtually sleeping like a baby. All that is left is the usual old age crap of arthritis, and a failing lower back.
It seems there is no escaping the foul air here in Utah. This summer we are beset by high ozone numbers which the authorities claim are also significant for peeps with upper respiratory ills. Perhaps one should live on the ocean?
Suffice to say then that I am back playing my horn, fishing several days per week, reading up a storm and enjoying my family. I also have not missed much of the World Cup. We are also looking forward to a NW venture toward the homeland in a few weeks for music, food and camaraderie.
Monday, June 9, 2014
the good, the bad, the ugly
Answers. A chest x-ray is definitive for pneumonia. The definitiveness of the diagnosis is the good. The bad is that it is, indeed, pneumonia. We'll figure out the ugly in a moment.
So, Levaquin is prescribed, a 10-day course--already begun. Also some cough medicine with codeine for maybe a good night's sleep tonight. And a wee blast of O2 directed through the CPAP machine will be the icing on the cake. Three or 4 days should bring evidence of progress.
They are culturing blood to determine the bugs though this seems after the fact of the anti-biotic. I suppose they are most broad of spectrum anyway.
I was given the choice of hospitalization or home treatment. My doc and I both agree the bugs at home will be much less virulent than those in the hospital. But I still have to see him everyday for a few days--as though I were in the hospital--to ensure that progress is being made.
So, Levaquin is prescribed, a 10-day course--already begun. Also some cough medicine with codeine for maybe a good night's sleep tonight. And a wee blast of O2 directed through the CPAP machine will be the icing on the cake. Three or 4 days should bring evidence of progress.
They are culturing blood to determine the bugs though this seems after the fact of the anti-biotic. I suppose they are most broad of spectrum anyway.
I was given the choice of hospitalization or home treatment. My doc and I both agree the bugs at home will be much less virulent than those in the hospital. But I still have to see him everyday for a few days--as though I were in the hospital--to ensure that progress is being made.
the struggle continues
We just returned from a 1-week cruise on the mighty Mississippi on a new paddle wheeler. (Actually, the paddle wheel is just for show.) Met some truly interesting people and had great service and a fine time. Weather was a drawback as we spent several days on the tours attached to the cruise walking in the rain and getting wet, But it was warm, so no hypothermia.
In our well appointed cabin, the ac blew on my head all night, every night, and, of course, I didn't think to look and see whether I could put the fan on a slower speed. (I could and did.) Moreover, with the touring (on shank's mare mostly) my usual activity level was raised.
Upshot: my chronic upper respiratory syndrome flared on return home this past week. My internist has me on Prednisone and Symbi-cort. Both are steroids. He is trying to prod my probably messed up, post-chemo, immune system. But my lungs have filled and I am expectorating lots of green mucus. I have reached out to see what the next step will be. The problem is that I cannot sleep well because I am short of breath and the change in O2 level wakes me up. Before now my CPAP machine would handle this problem by stuffing my lungs full of air, but this past couple nights, that is no longer happening. So, I expect that I am now dealing with a full-fledged bronchitis.
Moreover, I think that I am probably responsible for infecting our newfound friends from the cruise as a number have reported upper respiratory symptoms. For them, however, it is apparently a 1-week deal, not chronicity. I'll update when I find out more...
In our well appointed cabin, the ac blew on my head all night, every night, and, of course, I didn't think to look and see whether I could put the fan on a slower speed. (I could and did.) Moreover, with the touring (on shank's mare mostly) my usual activity level was raised.
Upshot: my chronic upper respiratory syndrome flared on return home this past week. My internist has me on Prednisone and Symbi-cort. Both are steroids. He is trying to prod my probably messed up, post-chemo, immune system. But my lungs have filled and I am expectorating lots of green mucus. I have reached out to see what the next step will be. The problem is that I cannot sleep well because I am short of breath and the change in O2 level wakes me up. Before now my CPAP machine would handle this problem by stuffing my lungs full of air, but this past couple nights, that is no longer happening. So, I expect that I am now dealing with a full-fledged bronchitis.
Moreover, I think that I am probably responsible for infecting our newfound friends from the cruise as a number have reported upper respiratory symptoms. For them, however, it is apparently a 1-week deal, not chronicity. I'll update when I find out more...
Saturday, April 26, 2014
hallelujah; hallelujah; hallay-loo-yah
Scans are clear. No evidence of any lymphoma! Brain, sinuses, lungs unremarkable. (Damn I thought my brain was remarkable.) Some athersclerosis--knew that. So, I am cut loose of the cancer folk for now and hopefully for a long while.
But the upper respiratory stuff persists in the absence of anything a scan might show. So, back into the court of my regular internist for what's next. I have queried him in re next steps.
But for now--goin' fishin'.
But the upper respiratory stuff persists in the absence of anything a scan might show. So, back into the court of my regular internist for what's next. I have queried him in re next steps.
But for now--goin' fishin'.
Monday, April 21, 2014
last day tomorrow!
Maintenance chemo ends with an infusion tomorrow. I will miss the camaraderie of the nursing staff at the Cache Valley Cancer Center. They have been fabulous. Then what?
Results of my semi-annual physical last week were good. My core physiology is fine. The concern of the nagging upper respiratory gombu pends. My regular physician would like to see some scan results of the upper body, including chest and head (where the damn sinuses are!). That doesn't really interfere with plans to scan the remainder of my body for cancers so I have put the word out that, instead of waiting until Aug to do this, we should do it now, in a full-body scan. Then my regular doc will decide how we proceed with the upper respiratory stuff with this additional information.
The stuff is firmly locked in my sinuses, eyes, and chest. But it is sneaky. It takes a bunch of hacking and clearing when I arise, but retreats during the day for the most part. It may return at night, particularly if I recline. Then an additional bout of coughing, hacking, and clearing occurs. Occasionally there are bouts of sneezing and what appear to be more allergy-driven itchy eyes, and hacking during the day, but not so much. My throat is dry much of the time and lately coughing during the day is not-productive of mucus. So we'll see.
I am not alone in this. A friend, and musician colleague appears to have similar symptoms. His is also resistant to anti-biotics (several courses). With his fully functioning immune system, it will be interesting to compare notes with him on his progress. When my sister-in-law appeared to have the same stuff in AZ--mea culpa for her infection--a Vitamin B shot appeared to cure her.
Results of my semi-annual physical last week were good. My core physiology is fine. The concern of the nagging upper respiratory gombu pends. My regular physician would like to see some scan results of the upper body, including chest and head (where the damn sinuses are!). That doesn't really interfere with plans to scan the remainder of my body for cancers so I have put the word out that, instead of waiting until Aug to do this, we should do it now, in a full-body scan. Then my regular doc will decide how we proceed with the upper respiratory stuff with this additional information.
The stuff is firmly locked in my sinuses, eyes, and chest. But it is sneaky. It takes a bunch of hacking and clearing when I arise, but retreats during the day for the most part. It may return at night, particularly if I recline. Then an additional bout of coughing, hacking, and clearing occurs. Occasionally there are bouts of sneezing and what appear to be more allergy-driven itchy eyes, and hacking during the day, but not so much. My throat is dry much of the time and lately coughing during the day is not-productive of mucus. So we'll see.
I am not alone in this. A friend, and musician colleague appears to have similar symptoms. His is also resistant to anti-biotics (several courses). With his fully functioning immune system, it will be interesting to compare notes with him on his progress. When my sister-in-law appeared to have the same stuff in AZ--mea culpa for her infection--a Vitamin B shot appeared to cure her.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
how time flies...
We arrived home in the third week of March after a pleasant diversion to Albuquerque, NM and found all to be in reasonable order. Of course, it snowed the day we arrived! And, typical of spring weather in N Utah it has continued to do so off and on since. Indeed, March seemed to go out like the proverbial lion. But, between the storms, the weather has been fantastic and the snow when it occurs makes little impact. That is, here today, gone tomorrow. N Utah has been so fortunate that the snow pack is slightly above average insuring minimal grumbling from the farmers and happy noises from the fisherfolk (moi!). Finally, on the weather topic, the continuing weather changes have provided for clean air. Thus, all is well on this front.
I am in my fourth of four sets of maintenance chemo, having had two of the four infusions at this writing. The usual results: I feel a bit more neuropathy (is this real, or just anticipated?): embouchure a little stiff after minimal trumpet playing, more tingling (discomfort) in hands and feet. But this is more or less de rigeur. So two more weeks and I am cut loose! In discussion with my onc doc (ABJ), I find that I could have my power port removed right away (simple in-office procedure), but since average survival with my disease is 3 yrs, arbitrarily we have decided to wait until Aug which will be 3 yrs since diagnosis. At that time we will also do some scans.
Some news on recurrence: One of the reasons for taking the port out--other than the continued hassle of maintenance flushes wherever I am--is that should next steps be required, they could involve an autologous stem cell transplant. For that, apparently, the port would not be necessary. But ABJ reports that since my diagnosis there has been the successful development of a couple new drugs that target mantle cell lymphoma. Apparently these are appropriate for recurrence whereas the CNS impact of the original R-CHOP is not. So, this is good news, but may argue in favor of continuing to keep the port in.
Phoenix in winter was too good to me. Too many fine lunches and dinners out accompanied by cocktails (evening), IPAs (lunch) and the general social facilitation that comes from convivial, communal dining. Result: an 8-lb weight gain (250 lbs!). Not good. Being abstinent now during the chemo process, and watching the diet a little I have shed that 8 lbs. But more is necessary and I hope to report some success on that front in the future. Again, however, I have the enviable duty of gathering during the week with friends for good lunches.....we'll see.
It has been a tough time psychologically this last while as a good friend and colleague quickly ended his life and just in the last 24-hrs there is more. Thoughts of mortality rise and cannot be denied. Yet, I am optimistic. I just spent some bucks on a couple new rods and reels and put the charger to the boat's batteries. Spring fishing cannot be far in the future. Carpe diem.
I am in my fourth of four sets of maintenance chemo, having had two of the four infusions at this writing. The usual results: I feel a bit more neuropathy (is this real, or just anticipated?): embouchure a little stiff after minimal trumpet playing, more tingling (discomfort) in hands and feet. But this is more or less de rigeur. So two more weeks and I am cut loose! In discussion with my onc doc (ABJ), I find that I could have my power port removed right away (simple in-office procedure), but since average survival with my disease is 3 yrs, arbitrarily we have decided to wait until Aug which will be 3 yrs since diagnosis. At that time we will also do some scans.
Some news on recurrence: One of the reasons for taking the port out--other than the continued hassle of maintenance flushes wherever I am--is that should next steps be required, they could involve an autologous stem cell transplant. For that, apparently, the port would not be necessary. But ABJ reports that since my diagnosis there has been the successful development of a couple new drugs that target mantle cell lymphoma. Apparently these are appropriate for recurrence whereas the CNS impact of the original R-CHOP is not. So, this is good news, but may argue in favor of continuing to keep the port in.
Phoenix in winter was too good to me. Too many fine lunches and dinners out accompanied by cocktails (evening), IPAs (lunch) and the general social facilitation that comes from convivial, communal dining. Result: an 8-lb weight gain (250 lbs!). Not good. Being abstinent now during the chemo process, and watching the diet a little I have shed that 8 lbs. But more is necessary and I hope to report some success on that front in the future. Again, however, I have the enviable duty of gathering during the week with friends for good lunches.....we'll see.
It has been a tough time psychologically this last while as a good friend and colleague quickly ended his life and just in the last 24-hrs there is more. Thoughts of mortality rise and cannot be denied. Yet, I am optimistic. I just spent some bucks on a couple new rods and reels and put the charger to the boat's batteries. Spring fishing cannot be far in the future. Carpe diem.
Saturday, February 15, 2014
by popular demand
I have been remiss. About 6 weeks since the last post. Probably because I haven't had much to report, but more likely because I am having too good a time to sit down and write. There have been a couple pointed reminders, and I keep coming across those who read the blog but are not attached to it, per se, so that there really is no record of their visits. So to rectify....
We are on the downslope of our time here in the Valley of the Sun. And sun it has been. Phoenix has had the warmest January on record and had zero precipitation. Contrast that with the heavy snows that are finally inundating N. Utah. Today may be a record high here in the upper 80s. We still have a month or so before travel time, for which I am thankful. We have taken side trips to Death Valley, and historic Florence AZ and Casa Grande, so I feel full of travel.
My health has improved. I still have some upper respiratory goings-on but that is primarily an upon-arising phenomenon. Hacking, clearing, blowing, etc, taken care of during rising and I seem to be good tor the day thereafter. Food tastes great. Unfortunately there is still lung involvement but not so much that I am short of breath during the day. My stamina has improved somewhat and I seem to be able to walk (on the flat) for much of what I need to do during the day and while travelling. In short, things are fine. I am not looking forward to my last chemo maintenance sessions in April in case they set me back again. But, hey, they are probably keeping me in remission, so who's going to complain? I am successfully in the Mayo system and have had my port flushed there.
Our social circle here is continually broadening and keeping us quite busy. My sis-in-llaw is happy to have peeps to accompany her on the theater scene. My brother and sis-in-law are nearby in Mesa. A cousin resides in Casa Grande. Two long-time, university colleagues are in Mesa, concurrently. We have several pairs of good friends in Tucson. Taken together this equates to much lunching at very good places.(I am afraid to weigh!) We are also alert to jazz happenings here and that scene is flourishing too. And the topper, a friend from Logan brought his alto sax and another friend from CA is coming over to play a little so that my music scene is alive as well.
So to those who have missed this, I apologize and hope this updates all several of you.
We are on the downslope of our time here in the Valley of the Sun. And sun it has been. Phoenix has had the warmest January on record and had zero precipitation. Contrast that with the heavy snows that are finally inundating N. Utah. Today may be a record high here in the upper 80s. We still have a month or so before travel time, for which I am thankful. We have taken side trips to Death Valley, and historic Florence AZ and Casa Grande, so I feel full of travel.
My health has improved. I still have some upper respiratory goings-on but that is primarily an upon-arising phenomenon. Hacking, clearing, blowing, etc, taken care of during rising and I seem to be good tor the day thereafter. Food tastes great. Unfortunately there is still lung involvement but not so much that I am short of breath during the day. My stamina has improved somewhat and I seem to be able to walk (on the flat) for much of what I need to do during the day and while travelling. In short, things are fine. I am not looking forward to my last chemo maintenance sessions in April in case they set me back again. But, hey, they are probably keeping me in remission, so who's going to complain? I am successfully in the Mayo system and have had my port flushed there.
Our social circle here is continually broadening and keeping us quite busy. My sis-in-llaw is happy to have peeps to accompany her on the theater scene. My brother and sis-in-law are nearby in Mesa. A cousin resides in Casa Grande. Two long-time, university colleagues are in Mesa, concurrently. We have several pairs of good friends in Tucson. Taken together this equates to much lunching at very good places.(I am afraid to weigh!) We are also alert to jazz happenings here and that scene is flourishing too. And the topper, a friend from Logan brought his alto sax and another friend from CA is coming over to play a little so that my music scene is alive as well.
So to those who have missed this, I apologize and hope this updates all several of you.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
updates
Well, the upper respiratory gombu has not lifted on its own. In fact, it has sunk firmly into my lungs. My family has prevailed and I went this week to a local insta-care facility. Not surprisingly, they are everywhere here, given the average age of the population.
I was well pleased with the experience. It matched the service in Cache Valley to a T. The magic of an almost single payer system--turn over your ID cards, see a PA, then a doc, get a script and go. All in an hour with no appointment. Course we played the odds by arriving before 9 a.m. so that may have skewed the picture. And the doc wasn't a doc, but a very competent Nurse Family Practitioner (NFP).
I like what she guessed. She immediately tumbled to the possibility of my compromised immune system allowing something else to be happening. She described my symptoms almost perfectly: antibiotic, symptoms retreat, only to return a couple weeks later. She wondered whether I have a fungus which is making a "bed" for new bacteria to grow on.(There was an allusion to a husband apparently also in remission undergoing similar experiences.)
So I am on a 4th generation antibiotic called cephalo-sporin which is very broad spectrum and may have properties to smack any fungus among us. Moreover, she has prescribed 3 days of prednisone--which I experienced during chemo--to goose (her word) the antibiotic along. The steroidal prednisone is having its usual effect on me--shortening my sleep cycle by a third. (While the time stamp on this post is not unreasonable I have been up a couple hours already,) In addition, it loads up on edema but in doing so ameliorates my arthritis. The antibiotic appears to be doing its thing. I am fully appreciating the taste of food again for the first time in a few weeks. The proof of the pudding will be in the aftermath of the 10-day course. Thankfully, the last of the Prednisone goes down today. (Aside: total copay on the drugs = $10.18 and Walgreens had them done in 20 min.)
Then I need to think about what is generating the fungus. Immediately springing to mind is my cavalier attitude to the cleanliness of my CPAP machine for my sleep apnea. It is supposed to use distilled H2O. I use reverse osmosed water which is the same as most bottled waters. It does build up a film in the reservoir over time, ergo, is a medium for something. And, of course, I huff that thing 8 hours a night. Can you say bleach? Can you say hydrogen peroxide? Sanitization of that and its associated tubing is in order.
More as we see how this shakes out...
I was well pleased with the experience. It matched the service in Cache Valley to a T. The magic of an almost single payer system--turn over your ID cards, see a PA, then a doc, get a script and go. All in an hour with no appointment. Course we played the odds by arriving before 9 a.m. so that may have skewed the picture. And the doc wasn't a doc, but a very competent Nurse Family Practitioner (NFP).
I like what she guessed. She immediately tumbled to the possibility of my compromised immune system allowing something else to be happening. She described my symptoms almost perfectly: antibiotic, symptoms retreat, only to return a couple weeks later. She wondered whether I have a fungus which is making a "bed" for new bacteria to grow on.(There was an allusion to a husband apparently also in remission undergoing similar experiences.)
So I am on a 4th generation antibiotic called cephalo-sporin which is very broad spectrum and may have properties to smack any fungus among us. Moreover, she has prescribed 3 days of prednisone--which I experienced during chemo--to goose (her word) the antibiotic along. The steroidal prednisone is having its usual effect on me--shortening my sleep cycle by a third. (While the time stamp on this post is not unreasonable I have been up a couple hours already,) In addition, it loads up on edema but in doing so ameliorates my arthritis. The antibiotic appears to be doing its thing. I am fully appreciating the taste of food again for the first time in a few weeks. The proof of the pudding will be in the aftermath of the 10-day course. Thankfully, the last of the Prednisone goes down today. (Aside: total copay on the drugs = $10.18 and Walgreens had them done in 20 min.)
Then I need to think about what is generating the fungus. Immediately springing to mind is my cavalier attitude to the cleanliness of my CPAP machine for my sleep apnea. It is supposed to use distilled H2O. I use reverse osmosed water which is the same as most bottled waters. It does build up a film in the reservoir over time, ergo, is a medium for something. And, of course, I huff that thing 8 hours a night. Can you say bleach? Can you say hydrogen peroxide? Sanitization of that and its associated tubing is in order.
More as we see how this shakes out...
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