MOUTHWASH, SHAMROCKS, AND BASKETBALL

Finally it looks like we may have a good week, and just in time for St. Patty’s Day.  For each chemo treatment, at least in Mr. FOG’s mind, we have the hospital week, a recovery week, and a good week.  This is our 21 day cycle.  For Chemo #2 we were short changed and did not have a “good week”, only a “good weekend”.   Let’s keep our fingers crossed for Chemo #3, which perhaps fortuitously also numerically matches St. Patrick’s three sided shamrock used to explain the Trinity. 

There are always new things to battle in this cancer war, often it is not the cancer, but the cancer treatment symptoms.  Once you have one thing under control, something else comes up.  Early on in Chemo #3, we had the bad nausea, and last week the Laird was battling the recurring fever which starts usually on Wednesday and comes under control, if we are lucky, by Saturday.  However, “no rest for the weary” may become our motto.  Mario’s new symptom for Chemo Treatment # 3 is mouth soreness.  It sound simple, but unfortunately it has affected his eating.  We have tried shakes and smoothies with whey protein, and this has helped; but the bottom line is that he has eaten very little in the last two weeks. 

Good Week #3  On Monday morning, Butler and Lord went to see Mario’s oncologist to discuss the latest blood work and the mouth sensitivity.   On the blood work, Mario’s white blood cells were on the low side but on the rebound.  Mario’s oncologist calculated that he had enough lymphocytes (a specific type of white blood cells) to ward off most ailments his co-workers could give him.  The Laird could go into work for a short while.  The red blood cells had dropped some from last time, and this was a possible concern.  Mario got cross matched for a blood transfusion, and may need one; contingent on another blood test to be done on our next visit on Wednesday.

Mr. FOG and Mario both hope that we can avoid the blood transfusion.  A transfusion helps the red blood cell count, but it did not help much last time to improve his energy levels.  Also Mr. FOG believes that the Laird had some reactions to the transfusion itself, leaving him sluggish most of the supposedly “#2 good  week”.  Our #3 good week could turn sour if we have to get a blood transfusion and have the same reaction as last time.  However, thinking positively, we are reasonably happy with the cards we have been dealt so far and the week may be a good one, everything considered, transfussion or not.  

After the doctor’s appointment, Mario went to work and had a good day.  We got a mouth wash that has already begun helping with the mouth sensitivity issues.  He had tried the mouthwash immediately, and it has helped.  On the way home he got a McDouble which is soft and small vanilla shake.  This is perhaps the most he has had to eat at one time for two weeks. 

That evening Lord, Nurse and Butler had mashed potatoes and a bit of meatloaf, a leftover from Mr. FOG’s weekend meal at the West Cobb Diner  http://www.yelp.com/biz/west-cobb-diner-marietta  The homemade mashed potatoes were very  good. 

On Tuesday morning the Laird went off to work by himself.  Mr. FOG decided that Lord Mario was well-enough that he could drive himself.  Mr. FOG would stay home and do his own things.  Independence and getting back to normal life are all part of having having a good week.  All said and done, the week was off to a good start, largely due to the mouthwash.  Funny how a mouthwash could make such a difference. 

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler  Some faithful readers may remember, Mario’s goal was be able to follow through on his job duties and go to the Final Four in New Orleans.  http://www.ncaa.com/championships/basketball-men/d1    See January 10 blog "Final Four or Bust" 

The Final Four was an important project he was responsible for. Given his health, it seems that he will be able to go to New Orleans.  Chemo Treatment #4 will be delayed for two weeks and start in early April, just before Easter.  Mario’s doctor thought that the cancer treatment would not be jeopardized by this two-week delay.  A delay will also give him two to three good weeks to regroup and gain strength for the remaining cancer battles ahead.  Both physically and mentally this should be a good break for the Laird.  Mr. FOG will also pack his bags and head to New Orleans with the Laird to make sure he stays healthy.  Perhaps it will the Laird who will take care of Mr. FOG, who after so many weeks of dutiful service, goes wild in the French Quarter.  If college students can go wild, why not a butler??? In any event, what happens in New Orleans will surely make it to the blog.

Shamrock Day Goodies   Mr. FOG hopes to  be at home in Asheville for St. Patrick’s Day, but Nurse Sherry is already planning for the day at Vinings Mountain Castle with green plates and napkins.  Marylou and Jim sent some wonderful cookies and Bobbie, Jeff and Brandon sent their ever faithful get well card.  Mario and Sherry appreciate that so many of their family friends remember them, almost weekly, with a card, a prayer, or a phone call.  They are doing well and making progress in the cancer war.