If y'all see Rich roaming the halls

[ETLS]

I am going to try to get some rest. I need it badly

It took me several hours to finally get to sleep. I streamed numerous episodes of a show I came to enjoy several years ago, that eventually slips me into nap readiness where my mind shuts off, eyes close, breathing eases into a steady rhythm.

It's not beautiful what a tracheostomy and throat cancer does to sinuses, the mouth, and throat. The clean up is fine with me. This shows just how deep of a sleep I got. My face a soaking mess, my pillowcase too.

Now I'm boiling up a full pot of hot water for some hot tea, and I have a pail I'll utilize in the bed with a washcloth and towel to wash away the sleep.
My portable washing machine has finally arrived, so today I can begin to utilize it's size for these items that are soiled.

Not the most perfect plan but it sure fits this bill.

Without further ado:

And I feel great.

 

[cason]

Hey Rob,
Another day, praise God. Your photos were both good and bad— you’re in the land of the living, but what an ickey mess to clean up. I’m really happy you got the washing machine. That will be a great help.

I’ll be praying for you and the surgical team. I’m sure it will be rough on you, but it’s the way to progress. May God grant you peace and mercy, comfort and healing.
Bob

 

[bobsvinyl]

Rob- Here is my self-portrait I'm working on as you requested. It is titled "Bob", but the first B will be crossed off and a J added, making it Job. I have felt like Job last year because I had so many tests, operations and procedures done.

 

[ETLS]

Brother, during all three of my hospitalizations since December, there had to be at least four moments I crossed over from human to Turnip. They clicked one finger for sugar readings, it finally stopped.

They never figured out what "Great, now I have a turnip finger" meant.

 

[ETLS]

Who said you can't take it all with you?

I'm not letting @Bill Ferris get any advantage on my beard....View attachment 3652753

I'll bet I lost 7 pounds of hair.

 

[rBuckner]

Thanks for your missive on life on page 13. Full of truth!

 

[mrswakka]

Since we don’t know have an handicap bathroom, I’ve been using these for years..

Just get them wet, they suds up, wash up, towel off. Toss em.

 

[ETLS]

Not been around much this week. I am past chemo myself and feeling pretty good.

Enough about me. I have tears of joy this morning.

You hang in there. F^&k cancer. You got this friend.

We will both toast something on the other side of this.

Frannie

Congratulations on successfully entering this stage. I look forward to learning from your experience through what I'm about to enter, providing you feel up to sharing with us. I've heard stories, but those were just that, stories.

No pressure, only if you're up to the task. Same holds for others with personal experience, I'm kind of nervous, but I know I'm going there.

 

[ETLS]

Sorry to report, I won't be on much this next week

 

[pustelniakr]

Just remember that you are not alone. We are with you...pulling for you. And your Creator, blessed be He, is as near as the mention of His Name.

Rich P

 

[buglegirl]

No pressure, only if you're up to the task. Same holds for others with personal experience, I'm kind of nervous, but I know I'm going there.

I am entering the "Radiation" phase of this. As far as Chemo. Lots of horror stories but most of them don't apply. My brother who went through about the same as you reported the usual things. Fatigue , Neuropathy , Nausea. About the same as me. Nothing that keeps you bed ridden. But mostly what I call annoying. Like that common cold annoying if that makes sense. Just enough to take the edge off life. But all these symptoms vanish within a week or so of completing chemo. In my case and my brother. Well the tumor's shrank big time. Enough so in my case all the symptoms that brought me to the hospital and diagnosis have mostly vanished. And Chemo has a side effect of being around mostly positive people where you feel part of a big friendly family.

Keep sloughing along (Trust me its an at times frustrating journey) and you will kick this things ass in good time.

Think of that iced tea on your porch on that nice summer day after this is all done.

Frannie

 

[Quadman2]

I am going to try to get some rest. I need it badly

Somehow, I just can't picture you slowing down. You seems to be a perpetual motion machine, sir!

But, you must try to conserve your energy, which seems limitless at times and get that "sleep".


I guess "melatonin" is outta the question to aid in sleep? I would think the 1gm wouldn't affect anything...but ask.

Been following your med path, and trying to keep up with you. You leave us all in the dust, man!


Looking forward to your book when it comes out...and want it autographed.

Q

 

[ETLS]

I have a lot of decompression to do this weekend, so much to process. The BAD seed ALWAYS finds a crevasse to embed itself. Good try.

I will be back, treatment canceled for today, but next week will be better. I'm in a great place, it is in the proper HANDS, and you know what I mean. Surrounded by HIS love, I'm still their warrior, all BAD SEED cannot take root.

Once again, failure.

Once all details have become clear as this battleground's dust settles, we will be back to visit.

Thank you for sharing your experience BugleGirl.

Thank you.

 

[cason]

Rob, rest well! Tomorrow you can give us an outline of your upcoming schedule regarding surgery. I believe we are all interested and I encourage all here who are so inclined to pray especially for you and the surgical team. Be strong and come through this in the Father’s hands.
Bob

 

[ETLS]

Somehow, I just can't picture you slowing down. You seems to be a perpetual motion machine, sir!

But, you must try to conserve your energy, which seems limitless at times and get that "sleep".


I guess "melatonin" is outta the question to aid in sleep? I would think the 1gm wouldn't affect anything...but ask.

Been following your med path, and trying to keep up with you. You leave us all in the dust, man!


Looking forward to your book when it comes out...and want it autographed.

Q

Young man, great friend, and kindred spirit.

My book will be here among these forum walls. Every word to be available for folks to draw strength, or comfort and even inspiration as we all eventually go through the multiple stages of life.

It will hopefully remain open far past my departure. A civil, supportive and hopefully a place where humor can thrive.

What I would not want to see is the de-evolution into snark, or personal attacks or negativity to anyone including their story, their feelings/experiences period..as for signed absolutely! Every single word here is my living testament (as well as all others who may collect here to feel not so alone as they too suddenly find their life has b!tch-slapped them into a dire life altering chaos that doesn't heal in a week, or wash off in a day.

Be 100% respectful of:

1. All of AudioKarma.org rules within this thread or the moderation staff may step in to nudge those who are not in the spirit this thread began.

2. EACH AND EVERYONE past or present. It would be my hope that (miss you Sandy) curmudgeons are silenced and removed for being out of line.

This is a place to not be alone as you or a loved one finds this path. KINDRED SPIRITS illuminating our newfound mysterious paths together.

It would be my honor if @hjames would add those words I have come to understand and admire, permanently attached somewhere, Title, first post....

WE ARE ALL JUST WALKING EACH OTHER HOME.
Such eloquent truth.

I remain in awe of those who have found a place to gather that which wraps them as a comforting blanket, or helps them not be afraid of their path, or gives them the courage to share their experiences.

Out of the shadows and unknown into the community of "we are with you".

I return soon as I begin to unpack this quickly evolving nightmare that GOOD has again triumphed..)

GIG.

 

[ETLS]

What a beautiful night/morning. I woke up like snot/slobber factory in full production.

Normal bodily self cleansing that unfortunately is in full gear trying to wash this tumor right out of my hair. Oops, wrong commercial

Got my inner cannula cleaned/sanitized and stuck two yoo-hoo chocolate drinks in the freezer beforehand. Yum, nice treat.

I started getting my portable washing machine ready for action, close to having it all buttoned up.

Currently binging episodes of Hot Bench while my extra inner cannula is going through the clean/sanitize process.

Going to the restaurant yesterday showed just how well my sense of smell and taste have magnified. "Oh all those smells are magnificent, I smell great" I said as clearly possible which nobody but myself can understand. Once at the table, I wrote in my text the same thing and showed it to Jamie. She smiled. Then I typed another line out to show her: "But to others, I probably smell like HELL."

 

[mrswakka]

Laugh at cancer. It hates that!

 

[ETLS]

I'll just drop this little nugget out from my brother, the retired Navy pilot who I have not only as a spokesman, but is Hippa approved and is a certified burr in my saddle.

I love ya brother for all you have done for me so far.

 

[Apreggiator]

Your courage (I'm talking about several who contribute here) to share what's happening in life -and often humor about it- is a source of strength and inspiration to me!
Keep it coming please.
And strength to you.

 

[buglegirl]

I will be back, treatment canceled for today, but next week will be better. I'm in a great place, it is in the proper HANDS, and you know what I mean. Surrounded by HIS love, I'm still their warrior, all BAD SEED cannot take root.

You are surrounded by "Our" love as well.

Frannie