I had a surgery back in September up at the Huntsman. The surgery went quick, well, and I had a fast recovery. BUT a few weeks later, after a check-up, we were told that there is still a positive margin for the cancer, meaning that it's still there.
We talked with the Huntsman, and we talked with the doctors here at the Cancer Center here in Cedar. After much prayer and decisions, I felt that Cedar was the best option and the best way to go, especially with the plan they had set up.
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So here's the real kick... I'm starting chemo and radiation treatments THIS Monday, Nov 10th. Yep. Treatments will last six weeks. Radiation five times a week (30 total treatments), with chemo once a week (6 total treatments). The chemo will in essence aid the radiation, and with both treatments together, the hope is good for success. I had been told before that chemo is not very successful with my type of cancer. However, it's purpose is to help the radiation. It can be compared to washing a pot... either scrubbing it, or letting it soak in water and soap, and then scrubbing it. Both treatments will be stronger together.
Radiation: Last time, the radiation covered basically from ear to ear on my neck. This time it will be more localized. It's at the same facility that I had it before, at the Cancer Center in Cedar City. I'm blessed to have an old scout leader and friend as the radiation therapist, so I'll get to see him every day (except I wish I saw him in a different place!)
Chemo: Chemo will start on Monday, and be administered once a week, every Monday, through an IV. I'll have some "before and after" IV's as well, and total it will take about four to five hours. The technical name of the chemo is Cisplatin. It's a lower dose, so I won't be feeling AS crappy as you might think when you hear the word chemo. One of our nurses, Cheryl, explained that I will be probably have some nausea, slight hair loss, and some throat pain. The biggest thing I can do is stay hydrated and keep my weight where it's at.
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I thought I couldn't be radiated again? I thought so, too. It's been almost five years since I've had radiation- February and March of 2010. The question of why that changed... I don't know. I just know that the doctors are planning to be really careful of my voice box, mandible (jaw bone), and the risks that come from 2nd time radiation.
What does this mean for my mission? To feel the full effects from the radiation will take about two weeks. For the chemo, probably less than a week. After last time's radiation, I know I need to take at least some time off from my mission at the temple. If it was just the radiation I was receiving, I would go for maybe two more weeks. For the sake of less worrying, full concentration on my health, and just in case I start to feel really crappy and I'm stuck down in St George, along with some prayer and talking with doctors and my priesthood leaders, I've decided it to be best if I am done at the temple after this week. I'll go into my treatments fully focused on letting my body heal. It's hard. It was a hard choice. I want to stay at the temple, but I feel peace about how everything is set up. I'm still set-apart as a "service missionary." It's upsetting because I have wanted to serve for a while, get to, and now this. Let's be honest. Cancer sucks. Once all the treatments are over, and I'm feeling back to normal, I'll go back to the temple.
What about Immune system? Blood counts? As you may or may not know, chemo kills off the fast growing cells, cancer cells, blood cells, the lot. Every person is different, so my blood levels will be monitored every week, and if my levels are too low, the doc will probably postpone a treatment. We'll kind of see how we go on this one. Cheryl recommended that we make sure bathrooms and the kitchen are clean here at the house, and to stay away from places that have a lot of germs, like a buffet. Crowds I could handle, meaning that I'll still be able to go to church, but if my levels start to drop, I'll be pulling away from crowds more.
Can I have visitors? By all means, YES. PLEASE come hang out with me. Come visit. :) The only requirement is that one, I am feeling okay; and two, you are healthy. Be up for washing your hands or a little Germ-X here. If you've had a vaccine in the last two weeks, wait a little while to come. You can stop by, or shoot me a text, or call the house. And if you want/need any of those numbers, I'll let you decide how to reach me for them.
Just a word of warning... Do not give me the puppy dog eyes, or I'll hurt you. Ha ha. I know it sucks that I have to go through this. Trust me. And you can talk to me about that kind of stuff if you want. Don't be afraid to keep any questions or anything from me. Nothing's taboo to talk about, but don't you dare say, "Erik, I'm so so SO sorry that you have to go through this." Got it? Good.
Spiritual-wise, emotional-wise, I'm doing good. I've felt peace at doctors appointments. I've even humored the doctors and nurses. I know that the Lord has his hand in this, and that I'm going to be okay. I know that blessings will come out of this, sometime or another. I know that the trials I seem to be having on a continual basis will ultimately make me a better person. That's what we all want, right? I've got an amazing support system of family, friends, ward family, and even some now temple family!It's because of the ups- in spite of the downs- that I choose to fight; I know that life is a gift, our Heavenly Father is in charge, and that we are not given any trial or test we can't handle. Faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel- no matter how hard or trying- will make it worth it in the end.
I was introduced to this song a couple months ago, and it has such a good message. Especially when hard times hit.
Keep running.
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