Petey, you have been missed by all of your web-friends. Please check in. I know that you are having a tough time right now, but you know that we love and miss you. Let us hear from you. OK?

XO

I second Colleen's post---cmon, I need to know you're still around and there's lots of us on here still need you---and need to know you're taking care of yourself!
Brenda

Hello Everyone

I needed a timeout. Thank You all for your concern and advice, which as usual was "spot on".

I have always felt that if you have half a brain, you can figure out most of your problems. You just have to use the other half of your brain, and be truthful with yourself.

I saw my MO Tuesday, and winced every time he touched me. He had "that look" if you know what I mean. He called Dr. Chemo, and told me to stay with next Monday's appointment for chemo and he gave me a RX for Oxycodone 40 mg without having to ask.

I woke up this morning (Thursday 7-12-07) with the left side of my face and entire neck extremely swollen. I looked like Alvin from the "The Chipmunks". I called the RO and told them I did not think it possible to put me in my mask.

I came in early to speak with RO's head nurse. After her examination and answering and explaining all questions, she felt I should be admitted to the hospital immediately and she went to get the RO.

After his examination, and a phone call to ???. He said since I was scheduled for Monday, stay with it (no insurance, I presume). He danced around the question of percentages (I know, I know) but I was dying to ask. (Pun intended)

He wrote a RX for steroids MethylPREDNISolone Tablets, USP (4 mg 21-pack). I took 6 tablets today all at once, 5 tomorrow, 4 the next day, etc.etc.

He also added more rads to my dosage.

They trimmed my mask and taped the 2 "boosters" that go over the new tumors to the outside of my mask. She said "that looks tight". I wanted to say "Ya think?" but I managed to "squeeze" out a smile.

I told the Rad tech my new nickname shall be "Sunshine".

Wishing you the best and praying for all. Sincerely, Petey

PS: When angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, a hundred.

Within 24 hours of starting the steroids robs face returned to normal Petey but a side affect of steroids is aggressive behaviour so take care if your mood alters darlin.

love liz

Petey (Sunshine), I am praying for you Buddy! Carol aka Crab Cakes

Yup, steriods can definitely mess with your mood. You may suddenly find you feel better and way more energetic but, as Cookey said, you may also find it harder to control your temper and find yourself irritated much more easily....so if that happens, take your own counting advice, Petey! I'm glad you got in to see the docs about all this finally.

Nelie

I will call you sunshine...but just so you know that is MY nickname..LOL... It is my name on my myspace !!! But you can use it now!! It is def a special name and you deserve it !!!

Petey, please, hang in there. You are going to be successful in your endeavors....ALL! of em.

I am very worried about Petey, as I'm sure many of you are. He will not respond to my e-mails. If anyone knows how to get in touch with him otherwise, and has done so, kindly post a line to let those of us who are interested know that he is okay. Thank you!

Petey just posted yesterday. He has been really outgoing and friendly up to now, but he has an awful lot on his plate and may be trying to get lots more done before the chemo starts. We've all been through this--maybe we could cut him a break in terms of expecting he will post here everyday and answer all our personal emails immediately while he's in treatment?