This is my first try at creating a blog. Really the only reason I want a blog is to update all the friends and family who have been praying for me during my treatments for melanoma. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support through prayers, cards, letters, and phone calls.
I just returned from my first week of treatment at the University of Michigan hospital in Ann Arbor. I'm on a treatment called interleukin-2 which has shown good promise at ridding the body of stage 4 melanoma. I had to stay in the hospital from Monday to Friday this past week, receiving treatments every 8 hours or as often as my body would allow. I was able to receive 9 doses in total this week.
Side effects included heart racing, low blood pressure, and other general non-fun things. The doctors thought I tolerated the treatment quite well though. One of the more interesting things that happened during the week was that I turned a lovely shade of yellow. Maybe you didn't want to know this, but apparently I'll be getting rid of this yellow color through my urine. Pretty cool.
I'm supposed to be feeling better before I go in for my next treatment a week from Monday. I'm hoping I feel better tomorrow!
I've got some fun things to look forward to this week. My sister and brother-in-law will be stopping by to see me tomorrow. Also my fantasy football draft is tomorrow evening - pretty much the most exciting sports event to occur since March Madness. Thinking about going to a Tiger game on Monday if I feel up to it (up to seeing the Tigers lose, that is). Then heading down to my parents on Thursday after a doctor's appointment to see all my family for a couple of days.
Well, that's my blog for now. Please keep Jess and I in your thoughts and prayers - physically, spiritually, emotionally. I'll try to get this blog location distributed and keep it updated as much as possible.
Peace and love,
Brian
11 comments:
Am new to this blogger stuff. Am I getting a comment posted? And am I the first?
It's wonderful to hear from you--you sound so good :)
You keep on hanging in there, you hear? We're all pulling (and praying) for you. Love, Aunt Dorothy (& Dennie)(Uncle I mean)
hey brian-
phylis kindly forwarded your blog information to me-thanks for taking the time to keep us updated. your positive attitude and supportive family is inspirational and every bit as effective as the treatments i'm sure-and a lot more fun!
i had a weird medical event about a year ago and through getting to know my phlebotomist (not a good sign) i learned that a year before her entire chest was filled with cancer and that is now entirely gone. she read a book promoting a good diet (to organic, etc from her previous diet of chocolate and pizza for breakfast), exercise and most importantly a good attittude. she felt that the treatments are the reason for about 20% of her recovery and the rest was due to her change in attitude. extrapoliting from her experience and your great mindset, i'd say you are about 80% there.
please drop by when you make it back up north. a mug of green tea (organic, fair trade, etc etc) will be on me.
cheers,
randy swaty (TNC in marquette)
Dear Brian,
As yet we haven't met, and I didn't quite make my way over to say hello last winter at the biodiversity symposium. I just wanted to drop a brief line and wish you the best during your treatments and recovery.
I know that you're a Michigan Tech-er, but I just have to say "Go Blue!" The reason, you see, (beyond the fact that I'm a Wolverine alum), is that my father was at U-M hospital recently after becoming very ill, and during his several day stay my family was deeply impressed with the level of care he received from every doctor, nurse, and support staff member who was involved (and there was a wide cast). You are in good hands down there who are with you all the way.
If they let you out of the room, there's a great garden in the courtyard where lots of patients and visitors can take refuge, and where I found solace and peace during the long hours while visiting my dad (better cell phone reception too than the rooms..). If you need coffee smuggled in, tell Jessica that there's a pretty good dark roast in the Einstein bagel place next to the main cafeteria.
That's my two cents other than the good metaphysical vibes from Lansing.
Heal well,
Mike Penskar
Dear Brian,
Greetings Cuz! Never've done this blog thing, but I'll give it a whirl! Was GREAT to talk with you this past week! I also enjoyed reading your informative BLOG. It does help one to know what is up. Especially when you are hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away!
Keep lookin to Him for your strength! He is your and our rampart and support through this entire process! We will continue to pray for you!
Let all your fam know that we're behind them too 110%!
Blessings,
Burd
Hi Brian,
Your courage is remarkable! I am sending you healing thoughts and hope that you can find rays of sunshine in each day that you face. Thanks so much for keeping us posted. Hang in there.
Phyllis
Brian,
I was in Wi. this week and went past a certain casino that made me think of you and our time working over there setting up EAB traps. Keep on keeping on buddy and know that we are thinking of you.
Keith Martell (AKA Boots)
Hi Brian,
We have been following your situation keenly. It is reassuring that in all that you are going through you can still keep your spirits up. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers and pray that you beat this. We pray for strength for Jessica too so she can stay strong for you. Hang in there and stay positive. Others have between the odds no matter how slim and hope you do too.
Emmanuel and Nana Opuni-Frimpong
Brian-
So glad for the info- please know that all of us back in WNY ( Joe, Brad and Allison and families) are pulling for you and praying for you and Jess and a complete recovery. I keep checking in with your grandpa and mom and dad.
Hang on to HOPE!
Dear Brian and Jessica - Jessica, you know who I am, but Brian, you have no idea. I come along by way of long time best friend of your newly acquired Aunt Fran Fedolak. She has kept us all updated on your progress and we have a prayer circle going for you. I think of both of you daily and prayers are being lifted that this new series of treatments will work for you.
I would like you both to go to the following website and read: It's In The Valleys I Grow. I think you will both get a lot out of it. Keep this poem near and dear to your hearts. It is so very true.
http://www.llerrah.com/dreams.htm
Much love and God Speed to you both. May you have many more wonderful years ahead of you together.
Love, Debbie Thueme
Hi Brian & Jessica,
I'm finally getting around to sending a note to let you know that Wayne and I think of you frequently, read your blog, and pray for you both...praying for a recovery and for the strengh to get through the whole process.
We love you,
Wayne and Gerry
Brian,
This fresh hope is great news. We keep praying for you and we think of you all the time. You both are so courageous in all this. Keep fighting.
Love,
Tom and Jennifer
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