We only have thirteen more trips we have to make up to Portland. Kath and I are getting really tired of the commute, we don't know how anyone does it. I've been fortunate in the fact that I have not lost any weight, which is a typical side effect and I have not had any radiation burns either which is also a major and typical side effect. I lay on the couch and Kath puts lotion on my back that does not absorb at all. It is to keep the moisture in so I have to lie on the couch for hours and hours to make sure it does the job, and so far it has. I think why other people get burns is that they put clothes on immediately after and it wipes off, so I have been good to keep things off of it. I have not lost my appetite, which is another typical side effect. The only thing that is very typical is the depression and fatigue, but I fight through that to get a walk in every day. The major obstacle is that I can not sleep at night, I go days without sleeping, Medications work occasionally. I will be seeing a psychiatrist this week. They can prescribe other medications that are more symptom specific than the other doctors could give me. I had a real good day Wednesday, Kath, Tiff and I rode the tram down OHSU, caught the street car, rode into Portland into the Pearl district and walked to 23rd and then rode back for a total of walking 50 minutes. Then I had BK...haven't had the stomach for that in a long time. Haven't been there for months. Also, I can't see it, but my family sees my peach fuzz on my head. I can't wait for it to grow back so my internal thermometer can get back on track.
We arrive at OHSU about 8:55 and they have gotten me in the minute I arrive most days, but one. So to beat the fatigue, Kath and I walk right after the appt. at Lake Oswego. I am pretty exhausted by the afternoon so I haven't been taking my usual walks with friends. I look forward to not being on this schedule so I can resume the walks once more. It is bizarre, but my taste and appetite are back for everything but the donuts.
I have never appreciated my wife and kids more than I have over the last couple of months. They really have helped me through this.
Finally, Tiff wanted to wish Sport Happy birthday!
Who's gonna run, who's gonna bike?
Trouble...
Who wears shorts in the snow?
Mom & Dad
Dad skiing into a lake
Dad and Michael
Beaver fan or Duck fan?
Go Beavs!
The 4 "original" kids
Boys & their mom
Friends for life
Who needs a tent?
Dad at Hunts Cove 2005
Dad atop yet another mountain
This is the life....
MAT program
MAT program
Dad & Michael camping
Close up
Dad breaking trail
The great outdoors
The Fam - Christmas 2002
Black Butte 2006
Relaxing Ron
Hunts Cove
6 comments:
Dear Ron,
I like to see all the postings, but it's really special when you write your own words. By the way, your typing has improved during the past few months. Keep up the good work.
It's easy for me to see your travels thus far as being full of positive steps toward the eventual goal of complete recovery from your disease. As I read between the lines, I realize there are also times when you must feel tested, ignored, or understandably upset at life for putting you through this path. Well...that's OK.
Because you are my Hero. Don't get me wrong, I still like girls.
What I mean to say is this...I can't think of anyone I know who was more prepared to tackle this thing head-on than you. Your health, your attitude, your determination and your stubborness alone would probably have been all you needed to get through this. But you got the ace-in-the-hole card, too. Your Family...
So, Hero, keep up the postings, keep staying strong for the last treatments, keep rooting for the Beavers, and remember that sleep is vastly orverrated.
All my best,
Tom Cutsforth
Hey Buddy! It's so good to read a blog in your own words. It's like I can hear your voice in every syllable. I miss hanging out with you buddy!
You are so tough. I am impressed with your attitude, your determination, and your drive. You will beat this and already have in so many ways. Stay tough and positive.
Jefferson
I really like the picture of you and Michael. How neat is that?!?! I am so glad you are doing well Ron (that is so strange not to call you Mr. Carey by the way!) I am going to be down your way for Slade's tennis matches with some frequency over the next month. I would love to come for a walk and chat if you are up to it.
I was wondering.......are you competitive about everything in your life? Good thing you don't like to lose for sure.
Remember you cannot give back my tenacity until you don't need it any longer. It will help your competive edge. Ha!
Much love, hugs and kisses to Kath
Tami
Hey, Buddy! On the home stretch of those treatments, and I'm so glad that you are not experiencing the burns on your skin, loss of appetite, or weight loss. I know that you have been fatigued and fighting the depression, and I'm glad that you are going to the psychiatrist for some ideas re: medications to help you to deal with that.
I'm looking forward to walking with you again when you are able. I won't be holding your hand when we do that (Kath's job!), but at least it's a great chance to re-connect and catch up and help you to keep getting stronger!
Bet you never thought that even the Beavs would end up hiring Obama's brother-in-law for the new coach! If anyone says that they saw that coming...they're lying! As much as this will be a "wait and see" deal, I'm not sure that we could have gotten any "name" guy to be willing to put his career on the line by taking over the shambles that Jay John created. Of course, I already see two major improvements - the new coach can put together complete sentences in an interview, and actually has a SYSTEM in mind! I heard that the Ducks were so jealous when they heard of this savvy political move that they are now in negotiations with Hillary's nephew to be their new coach after they can Ernie!
Take care, friend. I'm thinking of and praying for you and your family EVERY day!
Carl
Hi Ron,
We are anxiously awaiting your next "blog entry." With the good weather on the way, surely longer walks are in store for you, as well as an uplifting feeling for your soul.
Hang in there just a while longer.
Lindell and Ernie Johnson
Ron and Kathy, This road has been so LONG, but you are almost there. Hang in there. Think bike trips across Oregon, fishing, OSU basketball. Thinking of you every day!!!! Harold
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