Just a short note to give an update regarding Buzz:
Yesterday had #28 of 33 IMRT; #6 of 6 chemo (carbo/taxol)

He has almost totally lost his voice now, and can barely whisper. He's taking 2-3 PEG feedings to supplement his soft-scrambled eggs, creamed potatoes & lots of gravy. Can you believe this dear man is STILL eating! He also drinks 3-4 BOOST and lots of water and sweet tea...can no longer tolerate the Gatorade because it 'burns'...he does choke easily, and has lots of mucous, but nothing unmanageable..N&V has been minimal following chemo..

He has driven himself to every radiation treatment - 90 miles roundtrip!

The negatives are: fatigue, ongoing yeast and his skin from the cheeks down to his chest on BOTH sides is burned beyond belief! The leathery skin has now begun to literally break open, 'run' and bleed. Rad dr. gave him new rx for this yesterday, but the pharmacy had to ORDER it, so he'll suffer til Monday night!

Buzz still walks with a limp, and has not had any PT. I wonder if it will be too late to get some therapy when he finally gets better?

He takes Ambien for sleep, and one Oxycodene early in the evening, as they cause nightmares if taken at bedtime.

Keep in mind that Buzz will be 77 in about 8 weeks. He has certainly been an inspiration to me, and I hope that his experience will encourage others who have fears of surviving rad & chemo following bilateral modified radical neck disection..

Kindly continue to remember BOTH of us in your prayers...only FIVE more IMRTS!

When we pray every night, we call each of you by name, and know that the Lord hears our petitions on your behalf!

If anyone has specific questions that you'd like to ask, please feel free to email me at: [email protected]

God bless each of you!

Lois & Buzz in NC

Hi Lois that man of yours is sure a tough 'un and an inspiration to all newcomers and those still struggling through their treatment.I feel sure a lot of that is down to your strength love and support you have been amazing.

Not long to go now before you round the bend into the home straight which as you know can be a rocky road as well,but together i am sure you will make it.

love liz

Lois,
just 5 more treatments before the rad ends!! and the driving falls away.
This will be a big relief but it is also a strange experience because all of a sudden the activities cease, including the constant interactions with the medical people..... and that just when things get more difficult.

Best

Markus

I am so glad to hear how well Buzz is doing Lois. I will continue to keep him and you in my prayers.

Billy

This must be Buzz's LAST week of rads! Let us know how that last treatment goes. You are a very sweet couple and you are indeed, in our steadfast prayers for a speedy recovery and demolition of this awful disease. HUGS to both of you. Warmly, JaneP

Lois,

Glad to hear you guys are doing pretty well. I think about you a lot and pray that you can get thru this stuff fairly uneventfully. Very glad to hear that Buzz is still eating...keeps some of your worry about his swallow mechanism working.

Keep up the good work. If Buzz does as well as Bill is doing post treatment, you are in good shape!

Fingers crossed and prayers being said, Deb

UPDATE OCTOBER 29:
Haven't posted since Buzz had #28 radiation...just a short update:

On that following Monday, Buzz reported for IMRT #29, but tech called MD because the burns were so extreme. MD asked that we return to radiation in 48 hours for a recheck. At that time, the decision was made NOT to continue the radiation. Buzz's burns reminded me of my youth, when we would roast marshmellows on wire clothes hangers over an open fire..when your marshmellow got too close to the flame, it would catch on fire, the marshmellow would turn black and fall off the wire. I know it's a disgusting visual, but this is exactly what Buzz' neck looked like...black...and disgusting. No amount of SSD would stop the burning.
Three times a day, I dressed the massive burns with SSD and loose gauze bandages. He lost his voice completely, and could only whisper.
Now, for the good news! As of today, Buzz' neck is totally and utterly clear! Baby-pink skin has replaced the charred mess. His lovely baritone voice has returned; his beautiful full-head of gray hair has thinned, but only a little!
There have only been two days during this entire ordeal when he could not eat anything by mouth.
Although he has lost almost 40 lbs, his appetite is intact. He actually ate a plateful of swedish meatballs/noodles for dinner tonight. There were only TWO trips to Pinehurst (60+ miles round trip)that Buzz did not drive himself.
Buzz continues to be my HERO! I pray that his story will inspire others.
Yes, he gets depressed, but he makes an effort every day to go outside and sit in the sunshine!
Tomorrow, we see the hemo oncologist, next week we return to Baptist for a check up, then back to rad oncologist in December.
We credit Buzz' success to the mercy of our Lord, and the PRAYERS of other believers.
In six weeks, Buzz will be 77 yrs old! Thanks to EACH and EVERY ONE of you for your support these past few months. There is NO WAY we could have made it thus far without you!

Love, Lois & Buzz

Lois,

So glad to hear that your hubby is doing so well...you are right, our guys are tough but I am so amazed that as well as Bill has done, Buzz is really a miracle at 14 years Bill's senior! I do know that it is due to the prayers of our family and friends...their positive energy and well wishes.
Bill had some really rough days, but he is almost back to normal...eating fairly well, and working. He was able to hang with me all day Sunday working on the lanai, replanting and mulching...actually doing more physical labor than me. I am just so surprised at his stamina at this point after treatment. Bill's head of beautiful silver hair is finally filling back in...his beard is only appearing in one little spot above his left lip. So, I think you will see your guy do the same...what a miracle!

So glad that you made it thru treatments and hope that Buzz's depression lifts quickly...it will, I think, as he gets back to more of the "normal." Best of luck to both of you as you try to recover from this terrible ordeal!

Love, Deb (and Bill)

Lois,
You must be feeling SO thankful.
What a lovely post and it will cheer up so many here.
Any chance you could send Bill to do my garden
Deb? I think you should get people to have a bet on the regrowth of Bill's beard--could raise a few dollars for charity and make a statement--'Hey, I lived through cancer treatment'!

Brenda

Hi Lois

its good to hear that someone has had their prayers answered.

I am very happy for you and at the same time very envious.Enjoy those birthday celebrations and many more to come.

lots of love Liz