Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Wednesday

All going well, I'm pleased to be able to report again).

About now is when the white blood cell count will be pretty munted by the chemo. Trying to avoid infections, despite those around me having succumbed. So far so good.

Last two days I've had to get dressed for work (shock, horror) and make sproadic appearances which would tend to suggest to selected members of the public that I was indeed at work! Next two days, that pattern will also be repeated (sadly!). Never mind, a man has to make a dollar once in a while.

I'll recommence the intra venous high-dose vitamin C in the next day or two to help the white cell and general re-build phase.

Cheers
Bruce
bbremner@ihug.co.nz

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Sunday...

Having a rather lazy day today. Yesterday was a nice and happy birthday, dramatised somewhat by the awful double murder yesterday morning in a city apartment building almost next door to the restuarant we went to for lunch.

When we arrived about 1:00, there were cops and reporters and bystanders all blocking the way. They were trying to talk the knife wielding perpertraitor down from the 11th floor without further mishap. Eventually they did apparently. Life went on regardless inside the restaurant, which was slightly odd!

Jeanette is battling a rather nasty cold/flu type deal at the moment, which I'm trying not to fall prey to as well. Definitely not 'a good look' for anyone at the moment. Hopefully she can bounce back without too much more discomfort.

Cheers
Bruce
bbremner@ihug.co.nz

Friday, July 18, 2008

Friday

All going well. This time around, I'm more aware of the metalic taste in the mouth than previously. Still no temperature problems or infections. Energy levels surprisingly 'reasonable'.

Yesterday helped (only a little, really) with Claire's house move. She is now only 5 minutes away from our place which is nice and handy. Hopefully we can loan her Jeanette's car more easily from this distance.

Have been continuing to do some work stuff from home via VPN hook-up (VERY efficient time-wise) and I was in there in person earlier today. Going fine.

Tomorrow we're doing a birthday lunch for your's-truly. It was funny at work today (where I have kept my birthday date under the radar for years - I figure it keeps you years younger!) I had two of my workmates who'd somehow twigged it was either yesterday, today or tomorrow. No confirmations or denials from me! When I got home, Nicki had thought to check on Facebook where there it was in black and white. DOH! Potted!

Thanks for your support,

Bruce
bbremner@ihug.co.nz

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

R-CHOP Cocktail Hour(s) - Chemo #3 all done!

Today went very smoothly and with no hitches that I was aware of. Tracey got a great 1st strike with the IV lure and it was all on. Got a nice close park (yet again - PTL) and just got on with the business of the cocktail hour(s) which Haemotolgy serve us (by special invitation only).

The first offering is just good old saline (English Channel 1969, unless I was mistaken). Then comes the Rituximab and a litre and a half of Waitemata Harbour to wash it down the veins with. The Cyclophoshamide then slipped down rather easily, followed by the red Hydroxydaunomycin (which shows red in your urine in a surprisingly short space of time!).

The the Vincristine (which for acronymic reasons is also called Oncovin R so the R-CHOP tag is much easier to say than R-CHVP!). The dose of this brew is only a measly 2mls washed down with (just guessing again) Tory Channel 1986. A particularly good year. (Sounds like a tire!)

The P part of the combo is the somewhat ubiquitus steroid, Prednosone. I have 100mg each day starting today and for the next 4 days. That is the one that messes with my insulin requirements, but I think we've got that sorted now - almost doubling the insulin seems to work out about right.

Thanks again for all the help and support and prayers etc.

Cheers
Bruce
bbremner@ihug.co.nz

Monday, July 14, 2008

Monday Monday

Went for my blood test this morning. Just had a call from Haemotology Dept to say that the results came in, saying I'd passed it! (Even though it wasn't even a urine test!).

That means that I can go in tomorrow morning without having to see a Dr beforehand and go ahead with 3rd round of Chemo as I'd expected to last Thursday.

The picture of 'Lamb Lion Chops' ended up on the NZ Herald's Sideswipe column this morning which was a laugh.

Hopefully tomorrow's Chemo all goes well.

Cheers
Bruce
bbremner@ihug.co.nz

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Chemo 3rd round deferred until Tuesday

Got a great park at the Hospital today, right by the Haemotology/Oncology building. Had my pre-treatment appointment with one of the Drs who was very happy with progress thus far, and my general state of health etc. Said my white cell blood count was a little low (from Monday's test) so they did another one on the spot to see if count had improved sufficiently.

This is exactly what happened before the 2nd round, however, unlike that one, my count was still below the required threshhold before administering another dose. They have re-scheduled for Tuesday to give my bone marrow some more time to replenish the white cell numbers. Hopefully it will more than sufficient by then. Apparently today's situation is not very unusual and isn't a cause for alarm. Roll-on Tuesday.

Did some repairs on our trusty old Smeg dryer yesterday and am relieved to see that it is working fine again (meanwhile). We've had it 10 years and given it a caning over that time. If it lasts a little longer, that will be more convenient from this end.

I have posted a new picture today - "Lamb LION Chops". Mum bought these 'loin' chops at a local Chinese supermarket and was rather amused, especially considering the Biblical references!

Anyway, that's about it for now!
Cheers
Bruce
bbremner@ihug.co.nz

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Tuesday night...

Had the remnant of Albert Cluster around tonight. Good time had by all.

All on track for this Thursday and 3rd round of chemo. Still trying to avoid colds/infections etc - so far so good.

Went to 7:45am meeting at work this morning and did stuff there unitl the middle of the day (including a site visit to Papatoetoe Library). Still seems to be plenty happening.

More news after Thursday's session.

Cheers
Bruce
bbremner@ihug.co.nz

Saturday, July 5, 2008

A wet and stormy Saturday...

So much for doing the lawns today! I'd need a mower with Caterpillar tracks and possibly a floatation device.

Health-wise, nothing of any particular interest or intrigue to report. Everything still going well, and on track for next (3rd) round of chemo this coming Thursday.

Went and picked up battery for Jeanette's car, which has been getting very little use lately since she started at Hampton Jones and travels by bus.

Picked up Hannah and Claire who have come here for the day. Hannah did her usual routine of greeting as many of the animals as she could muster: primarily Blue (large dog) and Ella (small cat) who she seems to enjoy interacting with. Not entirely sure how mutual that is for Ella.

David Burt is coming over this afternoon to watch my latest bargain-bin purchase, a DVD on Steely Dan's AJA album - which I must say was certainly $10 well spent. Has interesting stories, interviews and processes used in recording the album. Also some fascinating bits with Becker and Fagan at the mixing desk soloing and/or dropping in/out various tracks and parts. Good stuff. Particularly like hearing Michael McDonald's very tight BVs soloed on 'Peg'.

Tonight is the All Blacks 1st real test match of the season, against the Springboks. I think watching it in front of a nice fire will be slightly more pleasant than live - with bitterly strong southerlies and sleet etc forecast, a bit like for their match against the Irish a few weeks back.

Thanks again for the support.

Bruce
bbremner@ihug.co.nz

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Ahhh, work!

Yesterday I went into the office (briefly) at about 9:30 and didn't leave until around 3:00. One thing leads to another! Busy, but productive. Had to then trip around the town on several errands which got me home around 5:30. It was good to catch up with the Albert crowd last night.

Today I logged onto the office system in the morning and ended up doing a pretty full day's work. I don't think I would have achieved what I did if I was in the office! Again, quite productive! However, I do feel a bit drained asa a result!

Health still going pretty well, with no adverse complications or infections etc.

The new pic was taken by Claire the other day when she and Hannah and I went out to Muriwai during the very stormy weather. Not that that in any way explains the tongue poking!

Thanks again for your (answered) prayers and many expressions of support!

Cheers
Bruce
bbremner@ihug.co.nz