Chemo treatment #2

My dad had his second chemo treatment yesterday and will have his third in three weeks. Here’s an update, in his own words:

Thanks so much for your wonderful responses to the Blog, and yes, I'm very fortunate to have a loving daughter that's talented in ways that continue to fill me with pride and happiness. I finished my second Chemo yesterday along with one of my Zometa treatments. The Zometa is for strengthening the bones which are weakened by taking Lupron, the anti-testerone stuff that's got me looking forward to the AARP Magazine more than the Sports Illustrated Swim Suit issue. I’m every three months on that stuff, and it keeps me VERY save in all female circles. The Chemo went well. I had three people that were there at the last treatment and it was like old home week. We laughed a lot, and they commented about the amount of hair I had on the first treatment. I wore my French beret, and they welcomed me to the "Hat Club". Good people. I am encouraged by the strength I've been feeling. No pain at all which was quite intrusive prior to the radiation last fall. So far, it's been absent and I've had a great appetite, even gaining weight. I’m walking the dogs and extending the length of time, and even breaking out a sweat. Hot flashes have subsided since taking some type of medicine for that. I have the same empathy for women that I discovered when I forgot to put the toilet seat down one evening years ago. At a 3:00 AM urge, I damn near settled in the water as I sat on the porcelain. I have dutifully replaced the toilet seat since. Didn't realize what hot flashes were like but do now, and have a new found respect for what women go through.

A high School buddy called me the other day and suggested we go to a place to hit golf balls. I love golf, as you know, and hadn't had a club in my hands for 5 months, so I agreed immediately. It was at an indoor Junior Golf School where you hit into a net some 15-20 yards away. Half hour for $5.00, unbelievable price. We shared the range with two 5-year-olds, and two 8-year-olds. I am going to take my grand-daughters there for a lesson. I tried to give them a lesson last summer in Colorado, by myself, and it lasted around 4 minutes before they lost interest in the sage wisdom I was attempting to pass on. Back to my visit, I was golfed-out after 25 minutes, but shots were pretty impressive. Ball didn't have much time to hook or slice, so I felt every shot was straight, far, and accurate. Love that place. Am looking forward to next visit and to spring season.

Some things have changed, some remain the same. When I was at it full time, and had a project, presentation, task, negotiation, etc. the next day, my mind was always active in my dreams. I'd go over the presentation, often getting up early and making last minute tweaks. I'd play 18 holes in my mind on the course, and often had many pars and birdies (this didn't really transfer to my game unfortunately, but my mind was always active). The change now is I think of what I'm going to fix Babs and me for food the next day - planning out breakfast, lunch and dinner. The same is that the mind is such a wonderful thing. Had an old college buddy send me an email calling me Jubilation T. Fleabone. That struck a memory of my first year in college where I played a flea in a play and sang a song, "Just blew in from the windy city, the windy city is mighty pretty but they ain't got what we got, no siree. They got stacks up to seven stories but they don't have any morning glories, no they ain't got what we got, no siree." Ah yes the mind is a wonderful thing. I'm blessed to have mine flash back on many pleasant memories of all of you which give me great pleasure and joy. Thanks for them all.

With Love,
Howard

The new look!

About a week ago my dad told me his hair was falling out. It was all over the inside of his hat, it was coming out in large quantities in his brush, and occasionally it would fall out and tickle his nose. I encouraged him to take a picture of his long, curly locks (he was hoping for a pony tail but didn't quite make it) before he shaved it off. He sequenced the progression of his new look for all of our pleasure!

A First

Hey all who want to spend a few minutes following my joyous journey to well-being. I thought it would be appropriate that I write one of the first posts. So here goes.....

I love Firsts, always have and suppose I always will. From my first solo singing experience in Mrs. Jones 2nd grade class with a fine rendition of "I am a Utah Cowboy"; to my first base hit; my first home run; my first touchdown; my first date; my first sale; my first love; my first college day; my first son; my first speaking event where I was paid; my first grandson; my first granddaughter; and yesterday I had another first: my first Chemo treatment. I think Babs was preparing for the worst and hoping for the best which is the way we've planned to approach our future. We journeyed to the Huntsman Center where a staff of fine doctors and support people, whom we'd met on prior visits, prepared us for out first injection of Chemo (Docetaxel for those of you who might be hearing it for the first time...so I could give you a First).

As you arrive for these visits, you first have blood drawn (a First from a new attendant) for a number of things; you then get a visit by an attending doctor or your main doctor, plus four nurses who seem dedicated to serving that primary doctor. I'm engaged in a base-line Chemo that will run for 12 visits occurring every three weeks. In addition, I'm engaged in two studies: 1) a new wonder drug for the treatment of bone cancer that has metastasized from the prostrate I'll either get the drug or a placebo (sugar pill). I expect to be one of the miracle people in the study who improve with either! 2) A study for the future cure for those with Prostrate cancer. It won't help me but allows me to help others, so a no brainer.

Babs accompanied me. I had gum to chew and had taken pills during prior 12 hours to prepare for Chemo infusion (in my arm by an IV). Room was lined with recliners, and filled to capacity with other Chemo recipients and their spouses, children, and grandchildren (one per patient). As soon as one's treatment finishes, another is there to fill the chair, and each is at a different stage of illness. Reminded me of the adage of my loving mother who said, no matter how bad you think your situation is there is always someone who's going through a tougher time. An example was a young fellow (30's) who has to have treatment seven days a week for five weeks.....and he's on his second round of treatments. I immediately thought of the book "Gratitude" given me by Orly Steinberg with the bottom-line message being, no matter what happens to you, you can find multiple reasons to be grateful for everything around you. Seeing the many patients at different stages of severity caused me to be so grateful for the two quiches and chicken noodle soup I made prior to going in, my lovely Babs at my side, the grandson whose innocence is so pure and beautiful, and this list could go on and on. I was grateful for the continued offering of juices and snacks, the warm blanket laid over me, the pillow, and the wit of those going through the same process. One lady departing said, "Enjoy your cocktail" and I looked up and it did look like a nice brand of Vodka, so I ordered a couple of V-8 juices and envisioned a Bloody Mary. There was a woman and her son from Wyoming who'd just buried their husband/father, sold their 2,800 Cattle Ranch, and were now facing new challenges. Another thing I'm grateful for is the learning of the salutation, "Super fantastic" when someone asks me how I’m doing? It does put those around me into a fresh frame of mind, and uplifts their spirits.

The nurse covered all the repercussions and side affects of the Chemo. She spoke of hair loss (giving me two weeks) which will be another First to look forward to. (Geoff Davis, my wonderful son in law, asked me if I wanted him to shave off his head when I do mine. While touched by the support, I declined as I think his scalp is much more attractive than mine). Then there's all the normal list of diarrhea and constipation (hopefully not at the same time), nail deterioration (so I'm getting a pedicure from Babs), nausea, fatigue, mouth stuff....and when she was finished I said, "The only thing I didn't see on here was what to do if I get a four hour erection." That got a good laugh.

So this is my First blog post, hope you enjoyed. Feeling strong. Know I'll have some adjustments. Will tackle them with a Super Fantastic attitude and spirit.

Thanks for all your love and support.....we feel it and it's working.

Best always,
Howard J. Brinton

Hello and welcome!

My dad asked me to maintain a blog in an attempt to keep friends and family updated on his health and treatment. This blog will be by invitation only, and we would appreciate if you would not forward or share access.

My dad and Babs are overwhelmed with your kindness. They acknowledge and are grateful for all of your calls of encouragement and support; they feel your love and concern. My dad is pretty lousy at being sick, and most of Babs’ time and limited energy is wrapped up in the care of him. With that in mind, they have asked for the next six months or so, that all communication be written –either by leaving a comment on this blog (they’ll get a copy of it), or by email or a card. Please understand if neither he nor Babs respond.

I know that many of you want to DO something to show your love. When I asked my dad what people could do, he asked simply for your prayers.

If you have any questions please email me directly at darciedavis@yahoo.com and I will do my best to answer them in a timely manner.

Long live Howard!

Darcie Brinton Davis
President, Howard Brinton Fan Club