Done with Radiation

Had my last day of Radiation today and finished my chemo last night. I now have 4 weeks off, then will start chemo again, will take for 5 days, then off 28. Going to celebrate next week by going to Madox in Bringham city. Have been looking forward to that for a while now. Thanks again for all the support, prayers and thoughts!! I have been feeling pretty good. Just returned home from a good walk with Lynette, trying to build up my strength again.

-Kyle

Only 2 weeks left

The reason why we have not posted recently was because there hasn't been much news to report, but yesterday I received some more details from the radiation doctor. I am now on the home stretch-- my last day of chemo and radiation will be June 3, 2010. I am counting down the days.

They initially told me that I would have a couple of weeks off after the radiation treatment before I would need to start the chemo again. But the truth is I get a month off. I am going to party the whole month of June. Send me your ideas of how I can make the most of this month.

Since this picture (about a week ago) I have lost all of my hair on both sides. It was falling out everywhere so Lynette took the clippers and shaved everything off. The right side of my head is very red and radiated. The left side is stark white. The radiation doctor said the white side is because it is the out bound radiation. There is hair loss but not the burnt look.

I really like the results of a radiation lotion that my sister, Melanie, discovered. It has been working to reverse the skin damage. It is called DermaRad by Therametics. 1-800-990-6552 or http://www.therametics.com/ I would highly recommend it if you know someone going this.

Friday, April 30, 2010-Nauseous (the new buzz word)

Kyle has been doing chemo and radiation for one week now. He has done pretty good, but "nauseous" is the way he feels most of the time. Last weekend and yesterday were probably his worst days. It really helps that he can go to work and to ball games to help take him mind off the fact that his stomach is turning. Only five more weeks until radiation will be done. The time will go by quickly-- then he will also get a two week break from the chemo. That will be a blessing.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010--Start chemo and radiation

Kyle starts radiation and chemo tomorrow. They made a mesh mask last week that goes over Kyle's face to protect him from the radiation and also to secure his head to the table. They preformed a dry run on Monday and today to make sure that everything was lined up perfectly. We don't want to radiate anything that doesn't need to be radiated. The whole proceedure lasts about 10 minutes. He will go every Monday thru Friday for six weeks. The chemo medicine is in the form of an oral pill. He will take an anti-nausea pill at 9:00 p.m. and then two 100 mg Temodar pills at 10:00 p.m. right before he goes to bed. Kyle has always had the gift to be able to sleep anywhere, anytime, and under any circumstance--so let's hope that his luck continues. He will take the Temodar everyday for 42 days. After 42 days he will have a two week break. Then he will double the dose of Tenodar to 400 mg, taking it five days out of every 28 days. This regiment will continue for six months and possibly up to a year. Alot of people continue to use it for maintainence.

After getting over a deep chest last week that literally wiped him out, Kyle went to work on Friday, April 16. He has also worked all of this week so far. It sure helps him to be productive and to challenge his mind.

Thurs, April 15, 2010, Getting back to Normal

Finally getting back to normal. I was able to go and attend my sons baseball game yesterday. It felt great to be outside in the sunshine and watch the game. I am feeling stronger everyday, and will start chemo and radiation treatment in another week or so. The radiation treatment will last 6 weeks. I will go everyday for about 30 minutes. The nice part is that I can do this here in Orem/Provo, so I will not need to travel to have it done. I did get a bad chest cold, which is a bummer, as it makes me cough which hurts my head. I am getting over the cold, and feeling better today. I am hopeful that next week I can head back to work. I did get all 82 stiches removed from my head, which feels great to have those out. Thanks again for all he kind thoughts and deeds on my behalf and for my family during this trial in our lives. As of now, all indicators are good that I will be over this soon, and back to a "Normal" life.

Monday, April 5, 2010--Life is good!

Being home has been wonderful. We have slept great in our own bed and rejoiced in the reunion of being with our family. Our hearts are full as we have celebrated Easter and the love of our Savior. Kyle has been very weepy all weekend. He has humbly exclaimed that, "LIFE IS GOOD!"

He felt well enough to take all three of his boys to the priesthood session of conference on Saturday night. They also enjoyed the tradition of eating a feast at Wallaby's after the session. Keeping up with traditions is very important-- it makes life feel more normal.

Talking about normal--he is anxious to get back to work. But before I will allow him to go to work he has to complete a few tasks for me--our taxes and Shayne and friends dance pictures.