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