Clinical Trial Update

nick770
nick770 Member Posts: 195
edited October 2013 in Head and Neck Cancer #1

image

Here is a picture of my chemo pills. wicked cool huh? They are actually pretty big and I have to keep them cold. I take 4 a day. Ya’ know compared to my last chemo pills, every time I took them I felt like I was poisoning myself. With these I feel like I’m kicking some cancer butt!

So I’m on day 9 of my clinical trial. I am happy to report that I haven’t had any significant side effects.

I have been drinking lots of water per my Doctor so is it probably helping.

I went to the James yesterday with some great friends; it was absolutely packed at the cancer clinic. Seeing all of those people can be depressing, but we had a good time and laughed a lot (why not?).

I remember days of barely making it into the building and days I felt like I was dying. SO I get it. However,  since I’m not in the condition (thank GOD) I’m going to try to figure out a way to bring happiness/hope to them, so if anyone has ideas let me know. Most of the folks there are 60+ so magic tricks & balloons aren’t going to cut it (although I know a few really good ones). Anyway if you have ideas let me know. I’m thinking something classy and/or practical.

I was there to get my weekly checkup and labs completed. They want to make sure the clinical trial drugs aren’t doing more harm than good..lol . I should know the results Monday or Tuesday.

Oh and we actually parked on the 7th floor of the garage and I walked down all of the 7 flights stairs and to the clinic. I couldn’t have done that a few weeks ago, so I’ll chalk that up as a WIN!

 

Thanks everyone for your prayers & thoughts. It means so much to know you guys are in in my corner.

P.S. This is an update I posted on FB If you want to Theyfind/friend me, here is my link www.facebook.com/NickColumbusOhio

 

Comments

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    Hi Nick

     

    Just glad to hear you are doing better, I hope and pray the trials will work for you and you get a good report. Keep on keeping positive and focus on the good part of life sometimes that is all we can do. The doctor ordered some antibiotics for me to spray up in my nose twice a day for the next 30 days. I have a lot of problems with infections and just can’t get rid of it, so she wants me to try this. When I got them they came in a little form container packed in Ice. On the label it said if they got to room temperature for more then a day don’t use. Wow I said that must be some bad stuff, oh well I started using it so lets see what happens.

     

    Praying for you my friend God Bless

    Hondo   

  • donfoo
    donfoo Member Posts: 1,771 Member
    in your corner

    Nick,

    You are amazing and one bad **** dude! Keep up the great spirit and fight this MOFO disease. You know we are all rooting and cheering for a great outcome. don

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    BELIEVE...

    And I know that you do.....

    I was just up your way a few weeks ago, wish I would have had time to get together...

    We are going to try and get back there this coming fall...., maybe we cab get to gether.

    Annnnd, you have my thoughts and prayers bro...

    John

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,722 Member
    update

    Hi Nick,

    I guess the pills beat infusion?  Yes, drink lots of water or just enough water, I wouldn’t want to overdo it.  I credit drinking lots of water with some of my success in this fight.

    I agree a little humor is good, when left alone my mind travels to good places and not dark.  You know, a good Gary Larson “Far Side” book might do the trick.  Every time, I pick one up I chuckle.   It might be a good ticket.

    You parked on the 7th floor and walked, that will make you feel alive.  The simplest things can mean a lot.  I just returned from an estate sale 40 miles out of Eugene and up the Cascades and it was a beautiful ride.

    Well, got to go have some coffee or something.

    Love your post Nick,

    Matt

  • j4mie
    j4mie Member Posts: 218
    You are amazing!

    Nick, I love reading your posts and comments. You always seem so upbeat and optimistic, it's really fantastic! I truly believe that focusing on the positve, laughing when you feel like crying,  and never giving up or giving in is the key to getting through these times that are really tough, you seem to have that all figured out. Wanting to bring some laughter to the people you see at the clinic you attend is awesome (although I am at a loss for any ideas of what you could do. Sending best wishes for you as you continue on with the clinical trial, and in bringing some sunshine into the lives of the people who are lucky enough to be around you!

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    nick, u r such a SPECIAL

    nick, u r such a SPECIAL human being!!  we could all learn from you and ur positive attitude.  u r always thinking of others even tho u r n the middle of ur own battle and that is remarkable!  i am so glad i got to know.  when i have a bad day, i think of u and my day gets better.  i make myself follow ur example!  thank you 4 be'n the wonderful person u r and sharing with us.  May God bless u and make this trial be the answer u've been looking 4.

    God bless you,

    dj

  • louhou13
    louhou13 Member Posts: 46
    May I please have more information?

    Hi Nick, great post! Can you please post more information on the clinical trial you are participating in? If you would prefer email let me know and I'll send you my address. Thanks!

  • nick770
    nick770 Member Posts: 195
    Thanks guys for fighting this

    Thanks guys for fighting this along side of me. I will never forget how you guys helped carriy me through last year when i was going through rads/chemo.

    I am in this to win! I have to constantly make the decision to stay strong and be positive or else the darkness creeps into my mind. I am constantly searching to be that way, sometimes rather selfishly.

     I’m just thankful I don't suffer daily, to those that do my hat is off to you. I'm too much of wimp.

    Hondo- I hope those antibiotics work well for you. it sounds like they are some type of live cultures. I have some probiotics that I have to keep cold, i think they are like a Ultimate Flora 50 BILLION ..lol it wasn't cheap, but it works. I imagine you tried honey (the real good stuff like manuka)?

    Don - thanks for that comment :) I like that a lot. haha i might have to put that on my shirt if I start doing sports.

    John- If you make it near Columbus, let me know I'll do my best to connect. I owe you a hug.

    Matt- You’re my bro, you are among the most upbeat people I know. And you gift of encouraging everyone is quite admirable. I'm doing about 2000ml of water per day. Hey, I'm glad you are getting out. Coffee sounds good to me.

    j4mie- You are too kind. I agree " focusing on the positive,". Hey we are rooting for your husband. Keep your brightness.

    debbiejeanne- Wow, I'm honored to be thought of but,  I'm just a broken guy doing what I can. I will admit though the disease knocked me off of myself made pedestal. (It's what I needed).

     

    louhou13- sending you a PM

  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    nick770 said:

    Thanks guys for fighting this

    Thanks guys for fighting this along side of me. I will never forget how you guys helped carriy me through last year when i was going through rads/chemo.

    I am in this to win! I have to constantly make the decision to stay strong and be positive or else the darkness creeps into my mind. I am constantly searching to be that way, sometimes rather selfishly.

     I’m just thankful I don't suffer daily, to those that do my hat is off to you. I'm too much of wimp.

    Hondo- I hope those antibiotics work well for you. it sounds like they are some type of live cultures. I have some probiotics that I have to keep cold, i think they are like a Ultimate Flora 50 BILLION ..lol it wasn't cheap, but it works. I imagine you tried honey (the real good stuff like manuka)?

    Don - thanks for that comment :) I like that a lot. haha i might have to put that on my shirt if I start doing sports.

    John- If you make it near Columbus, let me know I'll do my best to connect. I owe you a hug.

    Matt- You’re my bro, you are among the most upbeat people I know. And you gift of encouraging everyone is quite admirable. I'm doing about 2000ml of water per day. Hey, I'm glad you are getting out. Coffee sounds good to me.

    j4mie- You are too kind. I agree " focusing on the positive,". Hey we are rooting for your husband. Keep your brightness.

    debbiejeanne- Wow, I'm honored to be thought of but,  I'm just a broken guy doing what I can. I will admit though the disease knocked me off of myself made pedestal. (It's what I needed).

     

    louhou13- sending you a PM

    Hello Nick !

    The picture of the pills says it all !  You are one strong young man !  The spirit of fight in you is amazing....and positively radiating from your post here.  As far as doing something special at your clinic ?  Just be you, with that beautiful smile.  Reaching out to others and sharing when others are down and scared is the best gift you can give !  I'll look you up on FB next time also.  Continued success with the trial, keep us posted Nick.  Hugs sent !  Katie 

  • hwt
    hwt Member Posts: 2,328 Member

    Hello Nick !

    The picture of the pills says it all !  You are one strong young man !  The spirit of fight in you is amazing....and positively radiating from your post here.  As far as doing something special at your clinic ?  Just be you, with that beautiful smile.  Reaching out to others and sharing when others are down and scared is the best gift you can give !  I'll look you up on FB next time also.  Continued success with the trial, keep us posted Nick.  Hugs sent !  Katie 

    Nick

    A kind smile and sharing your story and optimism can go a long way with others in the clinic. You just have to get a read on people, you know, some days we wanted to talk and other days not so much. Volunteers continaully did food items at my center. Homemade goodies. One day they had a cart with Mexican fare and they dressed the part to serve the food. You might want to check with a local sub shop or similar and see if they would be interested in making a platter of small samples to donate. Maybe a local grocer would donate a fruit platter or a donut shop. My center also had trained dogs that came in to cheer people up.  If your center doesn't have something like that, maybe you could try to organize it to serve people long term. Bottom line is your great smile...that will go far! 

  • TracyLynn72
    TracyLynn72 Member Posts: 839
    Facebook friends!

    Yay!  Facebook friends!!

     

    You are incredibly tough and strong.  Many prayers for you that this clinical will work and you'll not experience side effects.  Keep fighting..you're inspiring others and motivating people every single day!