starting chemo #3

Just a short update. Tomorrow I leave for Cottage Hospital again for my third round of chemo for 5 or 6 days. I've been feeling pretty good now for a few days so I'm not looking forward to getting slammed again. Right now I feel like I'm cured already, but I know I have to pay the piper to make sure and to keep it(the cancer) away. A few days after I get back I'm going to try and work 1/2 days. I hope it works out.....I'm pretty sure I can do it. Hopefully this week will be my last 5 day chemo in the hospital "gig" and I'll be able to do the last 3 courses as out patient in Solvang. Talk to you later, bye.

Rod

Finally had another ride day

After no Saturday ride days for over a month, we finally had a ride day on 4/17/10. The turn out was great. After all that has happened over the past month it was so nice to have all my motocross buddies and their families out to the track. It really recharged my batteries. Of course, I didn't ride, but I was able to work the track with the tractor the day before the ride and I managed to keep water on the track so everyone could have a great ride day. There is no other activity in my life that makes me feel more alive than motocross. The camaraderie and deep lasting friendships all enrich this special activity. I had a very special treat tonight. I got a phone call from Roger DeCoster!!! I was fortunate enough to establish a friendship with Roger some years ago. He has enriched my life ever since. For you nonmotorcycle guys, he is simply called "The Man." His current day job is team manager for Suzuki's motocross team but he also is the biggest ambassador of the sport of motocross in the world. He is probably the busiest guy on the planet but he still found time to make my day with a phone call when he heard of my illness. Talk about lifting my spirits. Wow!! Many thanks to Mark Trabuco and Key Symer for tipping him off. P.S. Janet, you're a peach. I'll come to say hi soon.

Rod

Five Days Post Second Round of Chemo

Well, I'm still here gang. I got four units of blood while I was in the hospital which boosted my energy level a bit. I'm still way under my red cell volume but I can do more things before I get tired as I still tire easily. I'm doing much better this time than I did after the first cycle of chemo. That pesky digestion problem returned so I guess this will be a normal thing for me after chemo. I'm trying to push myself just a little bit to try and get better but it's hard to find that fine line between pushing to much and being a slug. I am making progress though. Physically I feel like I am cured or at least in remission. I have to wait for one more chemo to get the confirmatory test. I continue to be amazed at all the good will pouring into me from all my friends, acquaintances, current and past patients. It's truly a source of strength to help me keep my attitude positive despite all the things that are happening on the sidelines. It is nice to have everybody pulling for me. I am hoping to get back to work soon. It's difficult not working while the rest of the world just keeps sailing along. Thanks again to everyone for your support. Check back later.

Rod

Round Two of Chemo

Hello everyone! We are back on track to keep you up-to-date with Rod's progress. He is back in the ring ready to take the next punch that comes his way. He is much healthier going into this second cycle of chemo. Rod's abnormal test results have now turned around. Most if not all of his test results are now normal or almost there. He had his kidney tube removed and his kidneys are doing really well. Also, one doctor said that he can no longer feel Rod's spleen which is a good sign that the tumor is dissolving quickly. He wants to thank his buddy Ken Symer for coming to his aid when his hospital food arrived late one night and for Ken's daily visits. Rod is very grateful for everyone who thinks and prays for his speedy recovery. Still unsure when Rod will be released to come home but it will be soon. Just to let you all know that Madelyn has been a very brave and understanding young daughter while her dad is undergoing a huge battle right now. We are so proud of her. Thanks everyone for your messages, phone calls, prayers, visits, laughs, hugs, etc. He also wanted me to tell everyone that he will be back in the office around the middle of May pending his doctor's approval. Good night.

Julie

Sliding Down the Chute to the Next Course of Chemo

Hi everyone. I've had a few good days now and I have been trying to build my strength and resolve to take on the next course of chemo. I'm hoping they get easier as the tumor decreases. I can't express how much strength and support I get from everyone. Of course, my family is my main support, not only Julie and Madelyn but also my grown children that alot of you out there don't know (Jennifer, April, Aleisha, Andria, Jed, Zack, spouses, and thirteen grand children). They're all great individuals and I love them all very much. Madelyn is lucky to have such great siblings to enrich her life as she grows up, way too fast. My older kids are one technology step from having pictures that I can put on this blog. I want them to all know how much I love them and how much that their love means to me. Getting a little gooey here so let me just say I am actually looking forward to the next chemo in about four days so that I can smack this stinkin' disease in the teeth one more time. I just want everyone out there to know how much I love and appreciate my wife Julie. She has really surprised me with her strength, endurance, and her coping ability. I am a very lucky man. Can't wait to get back to work and I'll be back before you know it.

Rod

Making Progress

Well, about 10 or 11 days after my first chemo, I've had two pretty good days. Plus, I've had, by my standards, two pretty good nights sleep which is about 5 to 6 hours of rest with no pain. My GI track is getting back to normal. I don't have pain. I'm almost feeling normal. It doesn't take much to exhaust me but I know I can attempt to increase my walking. Any kind of a hill is still challenging. I have a week to recoup before my next 4 day in hospital chemo. I am not looking forward to that but I know it is necessary. I'll be up to the task. I'm just itching to get back to work. My hair is starting to fall out. So I'll be displaying some very intersting looks over the next few weeks. If you see somebody out in town with sun glasses, a ball cap and a turned up collar kind of skulking along, it's probably me. Hope to get my kidney tube out this Monday. So to all my family and friends, I'm doing great. Be back before you know it.

Rod