tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35989492201699823182024-03-13T06:26:50.134-04:00iBelieve<p>On February 11, 2011, I found out that I have Stage IV non-hodgkin's Lymphoma. This is my journey, which is motivated by the song I Believe by Diana Degarmo from American Idol Season 3.</p>
<p align="center">I believe in the impossible<br>
If I reach deep within my heart<br>
Overcome any obstacle<br>
Won't let this dream fall apart<br>
See I strive to be the very best<br>
Shine my light for all to see<br>
Cause anything is possible<br>
When YOU Believe</p>Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-25007042185597428702019-03-16T14:20:00.005-04:002019-03-16T14:20:55.159-04:00Time for a Boost!It has been a while since I have posted, but since things have been relatively uneventful, thats a good thing right? In mid 2018, I had a lump in my neck show up as a hot spot on my PET scan, and when it was removed and biopsied, it came back as negative, which was a very big shock to myself and my oncologist. But I will take it. Late in 2018, I got sick twice in a month and a half, so I started to watch things closer as my numbers were dropping. Beginning of February 2019, another illness hit me and the cough was brutal. Had bloodwork done so the Onc could see if a treatment of immunoglobulins (IVIG) was in order, bubbles as I call them, and on March 13th, I started again with a few months of treatment for my immune system. Looking forward to fighting these viruses better with a stronger immune system. For now, this is why I call them bubbles. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbles</td></tr>
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-43217154644204256642015-05-18T23:35:00.000-04:002015-05-18T23:35:05.357-04:00That's a wrap!This morning, a piece of me was removed that has been the conduit by which the drugs that put my cancer in remission flowed. 4 years and 85 days ago, seems just like yesterday, but today it was pulled. I asked to see the port after the procedure, and a sight it was. Smaller than I though, but something so powerful. I am now left with a new cut that closes out this amazing journey I have talked about, and hopefully, I will continue on with my remission for a long time.<br />
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For 2 years and 141 days, my cancer has been in remission and the spot found months ago seems to be doing nothing at all. So in 6 months, we'll see what is up, and I plan to keep on pushing. For now, a little over 4 years ago, this part of the journey ended today.<br />
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February 22, 2011 May 18, 2015<br />
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-26631108637590428262015-05-07T21:31:00.002-04:002015-05-07T21:31:53.759-04:00Port-tasticHard to believe that it has been a year since I have created a post here, but its been pretty steady with 3 month or 6 month checkups. So all was well until 3 months ago in February when they saw a new spot on the CT scan so this checkup was very important. But the spot did not do anything so they consider it just a spot right now, no reason for concern. Since this was great news, my oncologist decided that we could pull the port out if I wanted. On Feb 11, 2011, I received my port that would be the key to all the drugs pumping into my body for chemotherapy. Every 6 weeks I have had to flush it so that the socket would not dry up. <div>
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Ironically, I found out on 5/18/2011 that I was in remission, and on 5/18/2015 just 4 years later I will remove the most important piece of my chemotherapy. Has it really been 4 years. Man, this will be a great day, but also my birthday. Seems fitting to me. </div>
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I will post my favorite quote, because of this great day!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h2>
Never Give Up!</h2>
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Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-72819396208070139682014-04-21T21:34:00.004-04:002014-04-21T21:34:50.617-04:00Counts dropped again, looks like bubbles are in my future.Bloodwork came back, and I dropped a little more in the immune system counts. I believe that more bubbles will be in order. I call them bubbles because the immunoglobulins as they go out form bubbles in the bottle. But they will come right before my 7 day cruise which i am so looking forward to. All is well, just need a little boost to fight the fight with.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Defy</span></b></td></tr>
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-63010840002293186762014-04-17T23:12:00.002-04:002014-04-17T23:13:43.596-04:00All Clear yet again! Next checkup, 6 months!475 days ago I went into remission from my second battle with Stage IV Non-hodgkins Lymphoma. I have had two immune system crashes, and many months of immunoglobulins, AKA Bubbles, to help boost my immune system. Today was my second 3 month checkup since stopping the bubbles. I received an all clear, with no evidence of disease. I am still waiting on blood work to see where the immune system counts are, but all indications are that things are going well. If the counts are good, the onc has mentioned taking out the port, something that has been a symbol of all that I have gone though. It doesn't hurt, just kinda sits there, and is the catalyst to my recovery. Hope to get good news tomorrow, but for now, I am head to checkups every 6 months now. Couldn't be happier.<br />
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I couldn't have done this without the huge support system I have and I will always iBelieve, and never give up.<br />
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-20349887929832200772014-01-23T19:53:00.001-05:002014-01-23T19:53:09.943-05:00The numbers tell it allHad my 3 month check up today, initial counts are all good. Calcium is still a little low, but just barely. It will be a day or two before the immune system counts are in, but all indications are going well. I have avoided the crud that many have been posting about and those I hear in the office. So my plan is to stay away and not catch it, so as of today, everything is going great. Next up is a port flush in 6 weeks, and in 12 weeks we will do a CT Scan to look inside and see whats up.<br />
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All is well!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Didn't have bubbles to take a photo of, so I just grabbed one of the lab vials :)</td></tr>
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-60809710523326482722013-11-06T00:25:00.000-05:002013-11-06T00:25:28.009-05:00Come Sail AwayCruising right along. 2014 is just around the corner and mid year I will go on my first cruise with friends, and am very much looking forward to it. I had my appointment with the onc on Oct 31st, and for the first time forgot to post how it is going. Oooppssss. :) Talk about my numbers as this was my last round of Immunoglobulins, AKA bubbles. Everything is looking good and I won't go back for a checkup until late January. So lets see if I can cruise right on into 2014 with a good start and keep on moving forward. All is well, here we go sending off 2013 with a bang!<br />
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iBelieve.Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-70981646699784989972013-10-23T22:50:00.001-04:002013-10-23T22:50:13.377-04:00All Clear it is!Today was my CT Scan to see what my system has been up to. I checked in, drank the required lemonade flavored liquid, not real sure why that does, but I drank up. Instead of a PET scan, had a normal CT scan with contrast. I always look forward to getting finished so I can go eat, but since it was so close to lunchtime, I decided to get a snack and just wait for lunch. Had a busy day at work, and didn't get the text when it came in, but my oncologist texted me that all was clear. I cannot say how much that means to me that I get a text from my doctor telling me the results. Certainly a great feeling, especially for the continued good results.<div>
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iBelieve!</div>
Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-51434114032645626232013-10-03T22:49:00.000-04:002013-10-03T22:49:01.414-04:00One more round to go, then into the unknown....Today's round of bubbles went well. Did a good deal of napping, but probably needed it. Was told my calcium was low, and needed to get some to help build me up. I guess I haven't eaten the best, so thats my fault. If it isn't that, I will take some vitamins like they said and have that help me out. Last round of bubbles will be at the end of the month, and a PET scan coming up. Will see what it tells me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbles number 7</td></tr>
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Two weeks ago, my third ride in the Bike to Beat Cancer was a huge success. I had over $1500 in sponsorship, and rode the 35 mile course without any real problems. No flats, now that was a relief. The course was 36.5 miles, and what started as a rainy day ended with the sun out. Awesome day.<br />
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-50420059796937235442013-09-06T01:04:00.000-04:002013-09-06T01:04:04.478-04:00What is next?Another round of bubbles today, no problems, and so far the cough has not returned. Ironically, I still have a cough if I laugh, but that is better than what it was. I have two appointments in October. Just happens there is 5 weeks in October, and one appointment is the first week, and next is the last. I will have a scan in October, definitely anxious to see if everything is still all clear. Moving forward, no complaints. Looks like two more rounds of bubbles to go.<br />
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In a couple weeks I will ride my third Bike to Beat Cancer, looking forward to it! If you wish to donate to a great cause, please click the link below and support my ride :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.biketobeatcancer.org/site/TR/Events/General?px=1014265&pg=personal&fr_id=1070" target="_blank">Support My Ride</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something good for the system</td></tr>
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-4398679153343388002013-08-08T22:39:00.002-04:002013-08-08T22:39:38.555-04:00Bubbles Bubbles BubblesToday was appointment day for my next round of immunoglobulins, aka bubbles. Easy day, but I did sleep a bit of the day away. My onc did not see me today, but I had them ask about putting me back on meds due to the cough I cannot shake. This one was a bit different as it was mostly dry and I did not have the congestion or sinus problem like the last time. Allergies? Don't know, never been tested. Might be a consideration for the future though. We'll see how the cough goes, hoping that it goes away, I have to do some bike training! Next appointment in 4 weeks. Weeeeeeeeee<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggepODMZzvY1hsC5aC5NBZx08iKs7gMD7ouRyFS8h2hDHXlHtsxXehC829i1AP4tjOomI4Fs_vNKhhTK8q7VZdq2m1yx58MWBQHH8uef3ETVAcvtKxRTWTor9rtUzNLitLu6pvF9t04wQ/s1600/IMG_2044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggepODMZzvY1hsC5aC5NBZx08iKs7gMD7ouRyFS8h2hDHXlHtsxXehC829i1AP4tjOomI4Fs_vNKhhTK8q7VZdq2m1yx58MWBQHH8uef3ETVAcvtKxRTWTor9rtUzNLitLu6pvF9t04wQ/s640/IMG_2044.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That bottle went fast!</td></tr>
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-68548729113395108482013-06-13T22:56:00.002-04:002013-06-13T22:56:56.323-04:00Good results on counts, bubbles are doing their jobHad the latest round of bubbles today, which also meant I got to see my onc. Everything has gone up to good levels. I have had a tough time with getting sick this year, so the onc put me back on two meds to help my immune system fight and hopefully get rid of this cough I have been plagued with. Onc is also going to do my immunoglobulins every 8 weeks instead of 4 now. Next scan will be in October. All is looking good!! Anyone can give up!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbles</td></tr>
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-82510334686015379272013-06-08T00:31:00.000-04:002013-06-08T00:31:50.035-04:00All Clear!!!Had my CT scan yesterday, got an all clear in the results. Hope to sail on down this road for a while. Still dealing with a dreaded cough. Can't seem to shake it, just doing the best I can. But I'll take that with an all clear result, and see what happens next time.<br />
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iBelieve!Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-28962236282371634162013-05-17T23:54:00.000-04:002013-05-17T23:54:47.976-04:00Counts are up!Had my third round of bubbles, also know as immunoglobulins, and happy to say that my counts are up. Today I woke up with a bit of a cough/sore throat, hoping that it is just allergies or something else. This year has been a tough battle so far with being sick, but hopefully the counts will continue to go up and I will bounce back yet again. The onc said that was a good sign, and for now the marrow is still hanging in there. Next scan is in June, looking forward to more good news.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGvPofS_8nPix_8qN2nzpH25S8_pO8HITe38toSRX33zCwem4k24-9oLP4MiD6_KShUCfu1BGIYbROTV1HEYkxjjzYkisCDY4e1f38mb6uIcA9VVm6PAMeIP9FrsWslLsOGCBX9zJSIo/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGvPofS_8nPix_8qN2nzpH25S8_pO8HITe38toSRX33zCwem4k24-9oLP4MiD6_KShUCfu1BGIYbROTV1HEYkxjjzYkisCDY4e1f38mb6uIcA9VVm6PAMeIP9FrsWslLsOGCBX9zJSIo/s640/IMG_1854.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbles / Immunoglobulins / IVIg, the many names for the boost I need</td></tr>
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-35328334830452599422013-04-18T21:29:00.001-04:002013-04-18T21:29:40.878-04:00Bubbles Dos!Today was my second round of immunoglobulins, A.K.A. Bubbles, and the lab work showed a small increase in counts. Dealing with a 4th round of coughing and crud, hoping these bubbles will help get me over the hump. Was hoping for a bigger increase in counts, but time will tell, just need to get the helpers in my system to build my immune system back up. Next month I will meet with my oncologist and hopefully see how things are by then. Until then, just trying to keep on moving. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO0we2aq97V4J39QWAicwpnIUDrtYk9mTeBliZFYHbjcTINW8bOHwwjZH2ulKogYANEzUmwETn70gBERXyM0cWujg7B6EW5pxfn3MDScUQpzy2UB6jmkSfhBXGPAOw9CdgRkaV7-HTvQ/s1600/IMG_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirO0we2aq97V4J39QWAicwpnIUDrtYk9mTeBliZFYHbjcTINW8bOHwwjZH2ulKogYANEzUmwETn70gBERXyM0cWujg7B6EW5pxfn3MDScUQpzy2UB6jmkSfhBXGPAOw9CdgRkaV7-HTvQ/s640/IMG_1751.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They really do make interesting patterns</td></tr>
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-61038513559346794942013-03-22T20:10:00.002-04:002013-03-22T20:10:16.447-04:00Moving on up!Yesterday was the first round of immunoglobulins again. The bubbles don't really give me any side effect, so it was pretty easy. Just a slow drip going in, but had a relaxing time for a change. Second round next month, so hopefully the crud won't come back again. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPofUSc7Dwtc83fqgj7eAa7ntl0coeK2ib7Pep5c-CI2svtUnn_P93RKZbIRTfpExLuR4s-0E-LvN9RK5PFa5x3P9TyflY9jDvjQACHpXJIpdzJc8k86pnSNFJcealRvMe68PrEqjn-BM/s1600/IMG_1676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPofUSc7Dwtc83fqgj7eAa7ntl0coeK2ib7Pep5c-CI2svtUnn_P93RKZbIRTfpExLuR4s-0E-LvN9RK5PFa5x3P9TyflY9jDvjQACHpXJIpdzJc8k86pnSNFJcealRvMe68PrEqjn-BM/s640/IMG_1676.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of tiny bubbles</td></tr>
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-73383025171024612392013-03-16T12:35:00.002-04:002013-03-16T12:35:38.213-04:00Bubbles againMet with my onc yesterday, and had a great visit with great results. There is no evidence of disease (NED) which anyone knows is the best results you could get. While discussing how I feel, with everything going on for me, the two rounds of steroids and antibiotics for the flu that is going around has helped, but mostly caused me to gain weight. Now, heading into my third round with this crud, I find my counts low, so I am going back on the immunoglobulins, AKA Bubbles. Hopefully this will get my immune system a boost and get me feeling better. So, 2013 has started off with an All Clear and more bubbles, I will take it in a heartbeat. Let's see what else I can do in 2013.<br />
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Just iBelieve!Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-27147628745503416812013-03-13T23:24:00.003-04:002013-03-13T23:24:41.359-04:00All ClearToday was my first pet scan since the completion of radiation on the mass in my left side lymph nodes in my neck. Unfortunately this past Friday I wasn't able to do the scan due to my blood sugars, but the scan went off as planned this morning, and boy did I enjoy the relaxing moment while just laying there. ha. While I normally wouldn't know the outcome so fast, my oncologist called only a couple hours after the completion of the scan. All Clear. Great news, and back on the road of remission. Quite the great news for the day, and look forward to a long road ahead. :)<br />
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First Bike To Beat Cancer training ride this weekend, can't wait!!<br />
<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-65363271340454757872013-02-06T22:50:00.000-05:002013-02-06T22:50:00.054-05:00And so it begins......Had an awesome appointment with my onc. The radiation appears to have been effective. Onc wants to do a pet scan next month, and that will be the tell. I expect good results. So where to go from here. With the steady results and only the minor bump in the road when my immune system crashed, its time to progress to the next phase. End of maintenance. No more Rituxan maintenance. While this is good, it also means, lets hope that my system can fight the fight. All indications are that it will. So here we go, no more treatments, and hopefully just random pet scans, and eventually the port will probably come out. All things are good, so lets roll with it.<br />
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I could have done so well during these times without all the support and prayers from my family and friends. Thank you so much. Truly priceless!! I will end with my favorite quote:<br />
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-90584072721644623402013-02-05T23:32:00.000-05:002013-02-05T23:32:31.648-05:00Smooth Sailing aheadOn the 31st I met with my rad onc to see where things were. Most of the side affects have gone away, leaving only a little funny taste in my mouth. He checked my neck area to see if he felt any remnants of the mass, and said all seemed good. He said that we will do a pet scan in 2 months, if they did it earlier, it may give a false positive, so I am heading back to the onc to see where we go with maintenance. Will find out more tomorrow. All is good for now. :)<br />
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-88964838498698044832012-12-28T23:39:00.002-05:002012-12-28T23:39:49.044-05:00And so this journey comes to an endToday, the Christmas tree was down, the mistletoe was gone. But it was still the same place, and still the same awesome friends that I have come to enjoy talking to so much. It was the same drill, yep, that is my mug shot on the computer screen, but I was smiling, you know my birthday by now but it is required, and where are we treating. Check. My mistletoe friend was already in the room getting things ready. For the last time the shirt came off and my head comes to rest on the uncomfortable plastic head rest. The red eye in the ceiling shining bright. The handles fitted firmly in my hands, and in I go, the last time I hope to experience this mask. So they line up the lights on my marks on both sides, mask set, they say they'll be right back. The machine begins to spin. For the last time, the xray head comes out, and goes up like Number 5 Alive. I hear the zzzzzzz, then it spins 45 degrees, another zzzzzzz, and then it collapses. The table giggles as they make final alignment changes. The spin begins, which starts below me, but top right I can see the bottom leg of the machine. First zap complete. It rotates and comes into my left peripheral vision and then up to about 10 o'clock. Another zap complete. The tech comes in to move the table, final angle to the right a little, and the head at about 2 o'clock. The zap is over. In comes the techs clapping. I throw the hands and sigh a big relief. While none of this hurt, the mouth sores were dry and I needed water. Up I go for the last time. Almost forgot to take my photo, the red eye in the ceiling. It shined to my left just a little, but the red beam was there to line up one of the many points of reference. So I come out, and I get the certificate of completion. They also gave me some hugs and kisses chocolates, but what was more valuable was the hugs I received from the techs who do such an awesome job to make a situation that is so so real become something easy to complete. My hat is off to these technicians, what an awesome time they made this for me. So I rang the bell 3 times which told everyone someone graduated, and signified the end of my treatment. I brought some treats that an elf baked, and I left with a smile knowing it made them smile too. <br />
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This battle is not over, but I have survived twice now. There is no giving up. Thanks for all the prayers and support, this journey now ends and a new one begins. I find out more 31 Jan, so here's goodbye to 2012 in a few days, and hello to an awesome 2013.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLfTlAjTupRUGGX-eNkaC6aewq9KAOAAvfIBrKyTRRPgMB2zIbx8EbunKO1Ck9NXym4BvjqAAUsEjoOej9KeAtp0bsg4Yi199htvSw98xU1YNDXCEORYrbaSm2C0N3EvUa9v-9V957bc/s1600/IMG_1558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLfTlAjTupRUGGX-eNkaC6aewq9KAOAAvfIBrKyTRRPgMB2zIbx8EbunKO1Ck9NXym4BvjqAAUsEjoOej9KeAtp0bsg4Yi199htvSw98xU1YNDXCEORYrbaSm2C0N3EvUa9v-9V957bc/s640/IMG_1558.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red eye that beamed down on me each day</td></tr>
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-75430515129525689642012-12-27T19:32:00.004-05:002012-12-27T19:32:36.903-05:00White Flag, one to go!!!!Today was bittersweet as I hit number 9 out of 10 treatments. But the mistletoe was pulled down and packed away. So ends the storytelling. Ha. Today's treatment went extremely fast, and uneventful. I am so close to finishing it kinda stinks that the mouth sores are causing a lot of discomfort for me, but I will take it as that is really all that has popped up. I got a prescription to help counter the discomfort of the two sores that make it no fun to eat. Moving forward, and looking forward to 2013, gonna ring it in and look forward to a new year and surviving yet again!<br />
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This photo is the bottom side of the machine that pushes out the radiation therapy. While you cannot see the panels that form the beam in the black area, I always new where it was aiming based on the angle as it rotates. and yes, if you look close enough you can see the alignment marks that mean something when assembling/deassembling in the upper left corner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-Uma7UIecWI8MQBc0uvVpzNNEi0uNTJShcLqLZEBDGJ3gA7VEHYdshXEkH6waTT0nciZBYr-M8sRtNbWBtCPvTaMQVg34yjLVGgWawTnA9q5EGm-GS2Pzi-DpXApAeyx41ZtQeiSsj0/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR-Uma7UIecWI8MQBc0uvVpzNNEi0uNTJShcLqLZEBDGJ3gA7VEHYdshXEkH6waTT0nciZBYr-M8sRtNbWBtCPvTaMQVg34yjLVGgWawTnA9q5EGm-GS2Pzi-DpXApAeyx41ZtQeiSsj0/s640/IMG_1548.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Krypton's Beam</td></tr>
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<br />Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-56272497746519599392012-12-26T19:01:00.002-05:002012-12-26T22:17:13.602-05:00The countdown has begun..... 3....Another great day in the radiation mask, though it was a bit hard to keep from laughing while they were getting the xray portion complete. Being that I caught the crud this weekend, I wanted them to know that if the cough starts, I might have to stop. So got me aligned and left the room, did the X-rays, but seemed to take a bit longer before the machine started to move. Since all I could do was sit and imagine what they were doing, the voice comes over the speaker and says they are watching me and not gonna give up. This made me laugh, cause I knew why she said that. I had a snowflake ornament made that has the green lymphoma ribbon on the back, and my favorite quote I post here often on the other side. Part of that quote talks about not giving up. Then she said it a second time and I knew she was just trying to keep me preoccupied while they finished the setup, who knows, maybe they needed to reboot the system. The first series of clicks started and I knew it was time. 3 shots and that was all she wrote. Because I mentioned the mouth sore that has formed, and the need to see the doctor again this week, I was finished and snapped a photo for my memories, and up I went to wait for the doc. This is a photo from the control room where they setup all the numbers on where the radiation is applied. Sometimes it is hard to take a photo as some information may be displayed on the monitors, so I am always careful to ask before snapping. But its pretty cool!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe1-h5b39f8lP8feZ2V_JJlbZpUqgIFa5_KTs2QQQNMwrU2mjFGxTYucKaoWavht9crrIMkroVBPLujy0ERbx0OfCfsn3I64YBaGPlSGNW8Er2sJpTNjSiVmcez87koI8PUR8eJKJ4dA/s1600/IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe1-h5b39f8lP8feZ2V_JJlbZpUqgIFa5_KTs2QQQNMwrU2mjFGxTYucKaoWavht9crrIMkroVBPLujy0ERbx0OfCfsn3I64YBaGPlSGNW8Er2sJpTNjSiVmcez87koI8PUR8eJKJ4dA/s640/IMG_1545.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the control</td></tr>
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Met with the nurse first to talk about how I am doing. Of course, the flu hit me, a mouth sore, sore throat you name it. Lost about 9 pounds which they don't want happening, but when you are sick you are sick. All in all, a quick visit and off I went. Follow-up will be 31 January, so we'll see how things go and I am sure I will be back in to see my onc at some point too. <br />
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2 days to go for treatment<br />
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1 day post Christmas celebration<br />
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5 days to New Years Eve!!<br />
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6 in a row, the mistletoe did work. Priceless!Rob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-8322370137972703892012-12-21T23:38:00.001-05:002012-12-21T23:38:57.576-05:00After two weeks, we're heading into the final stretch5 days straight, the throat is a little sore, but more importantly the dry mouth makes it feel like a hair ball is in my throat or a nice coating of flim. The skin isn't showing much change, maybe a little dry, and I can tell where the hair is not growing, but all in all, I feel fine. Each day this week I have taken a photo to show a little bit of what this experience is like. Todays is the magic to the beams. All these numbers represent how the radiation is going to be focused onto my mass. No I cannot explain them, but I see them every treatment. 3 more treatments to go, gotta take a break so everyone can enjoy Christmas, and then we'll finish up and cruise on into the new year. So for now, I am doing great. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcsiG06ITrMoG17TNA6vCTV9Zf6yh2-xbShUZ545vhcKSIShjRxogkqt0CNDXtjVQ_WqBlF3-P4uAVELOU5G0Yg1t_w6QEyPETfrJVKdznCQiFh1lCEs-WRPVTn1qCNzZ6tSBAoRx_10/s1600/IMG_1534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcsiG06ITrMoG17TNA6vCTV9Zf6yh2-xbShUZ545vhcKSIShjRxogkqt0CNDXtjVQ_WqBlF3-P4uAVELOU5G0Yg1t_w6QEyPETfrJVKdznCQiFh1lCEs-WRPVTn1qCNzZ6tSBAoRx_10/s640/IMG_1534.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Today, I got two hugs, and two kisses on the cheeks at the same time from my awesome radiation therapists. One wore a head band that had mistletoe hanging, so I had to return the favor. That mistletoe sure worked well today :) :)<br />
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4 Days til Christmas<br />
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5 days til traffic starts to clear upRob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3598949220169982318.post-84232633987208143002012-12-20T23:33:00.001-05:002012-12-20T23:33:20.634-05:00Time moves fast with it all lines upToday was treatment number 6, and ended with a visit with the rad onc. I was in and out of the mask in about 10 minutes today, treatments are going so much more smoother now, and it is all based on alignment. When my xrays match up with my original CT scan, the radiation treatment is started and finished in no time. I have shown photos of the markings that make that alignment possible, and today, it was right one and in no time I was out. So today, I wanted to capture a photo before my mask was removed. Wanted to see what the red light I stare at looked like from the outside. So I took a photo and one of the techs took a side shot for me also. I have the most incredible team that I put my treatment in their hands. They mean so much to me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuk015nXKcDt8HgJaYpDpgXVu8YxH87DXAoIowIQ_tH0SdNyOhqRUzVfl2Re_n9PF2TVRaj4uWstC3MJVTl1ddi79UGQ6coi7C1HRAx9lyjZ4QwqC6P2TOAzlqM9cjtEQGHow16yQ3xQ/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbuk015nXKcDt8HgJaYpDpgXVu8YxH87DXAoIowIQ_tH0SdNyOhqRUzVfl2Re_n9PF2TVRaj4uWstC3MJVTl1ddi79UGQ6coi7C1HRAx9lyjZ4QwqC6P2TOAzlqM9cjtEQGHow16yQ3xQ/s400/IMG_1527.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHMq2NF_8DbxNFAFunpsPJFDYZb_kzXNw4cS8Rn8l8ymn7Ky4R_gwHitPm4nXH6FC4gbw35oiBTyepbgcnd7ZBZSUC6dRukjcNT_V14waD6WNEJmP7R6i1qskanMSBR4OKnTzt3dRTtM/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgHMq2NF_8DbxNFAFunpsPJFDYZb_kzXNw4cS8Rn8l8ymn7Ky4R_gwHitPm4nXH6FC4gbw35oiBTyepbgcnd7ZBZSUC6dRukjcNT_V14waD6WNEJmP7R6i1qskanMSBR4OKnTzt3dRTtM/s400/IMG_1529.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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Many have asked how I do it. These are the first shots I have taken where it shows me in the mask. The one the right leaves nothing to wonder. The mask is very form fitting, and keeps me aligned so the radiation treatment is directed at the mass for optimum destruction. :) Once everything is aligned, the computer takes over and the three doses accurately treat me as planned. So when I am laying there, with a small dose of medication to help me relax, you just close your eyes and wait. But hearing the machine noises, I can't help but open my eyes and look where it is turning and what it is doing. So far, I can tell when they are using the xray portion to check my alignment, and when they are rotating for the first radiation. I hear the clicks and adjustments and can almost predict when the radiation starts. After the second treatment, I know that the techs will come in, rotate the table, and measure the markings sometime, then one more treatment and they come in to release me. I can say that after 4 or 5, the mask doesn't bother me. Sure it feels tight, sometimes much tighter, but its what will help me be cancer free so I just deal with it. I have spent a bit of time thinking about how I want to photograph my mask after I am done. I will enjoy that project for sure. While many people have told me they could not do it, but I bet you can. When you understand the benefits of any challenge, you would be surprised at what you can accomplish!<br />
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4 treatments to go. Doc says we are on schedule and all looks good. <br />
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5 days to Christmas<br />
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9 days, actually 8, I will be a second time survivor<br />
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PricelessRob Metzgerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17904875910558381092noreply@blogger.com0