Oxicoden

Whoa, where did that come from??

Advanced Prostate Cancer, David Emerson, Oxicoden, Warrior Combines -

I have to start this post with a recap of the Warrior Combine event. Although the video link in my previous post did a great job of recapping the event, there are of course a few things I would like to say.

First, I need to thank Jason for bringing this idea to me in June of 2010. If it weren’t for Jason, the Warrior Combine event would have never have happened last year or this year.  Next, I need to thank the participants. The video only begins to capture what these guys put into this event. I am envious of their abilities! Next my appreciation goes out to the FLHW Board and the other volunteers, I tip my hat to you as well. I appreciate your generousity to our mission and withstanding the exceptionally warm morning of July 23rd.  Finally, to Fox4-KC and John Holt, I am sincerely grateful for the coverage we received! It is personally so important to me to reach out to the men of the community regarding the importance of being tested, and through the time we were given on Fox4 news this Saturday, I am confident that our message reached many!

Jason and I had big plans for this year’s event and although twenty three participants is not huge, we nearly doubled the participation from last year. Additionally, the event raised over $2,000! Jason and I talked yesterday and both agreed, it’s not just about raising money…the publicity we received was priceless. There is no telling how many men we impacted with the message.

It’s not too late to help out. We still have a few shirts left (Sizes range from medium to XL and XXL) and we have Warrior hats available as well.  Pictures of both are on the order page, available at:
http://www.flhw.org/2011-events/105-warrior-combines.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now to the title of this post. Sunday I began to experience a lot of pain in my lower back and left hip again. It was nearly identical to last month, only more intense. By yesterday and through Monday I was taking four Advil every four to five hours and taking several Percocet in order to sleep. Even with the meds, sleep was rough. The good news is last night I slept much better and as of now, I haven’t taken anything in over eight hours.

This is very similar to what happened after I saw the doctor in June. Five days after the appointment and injections, I experienced back and leg pain. Again, this month it was much more severe, but I really think I  have turned the corner!

Ooops, where does the time go?

Advanced Prostate Cancer, David Emerson, Oxicoden, PCa, radiation -

Sitting here watching the US Open, it suddenly dawned on me that it had been awhile since I posted. Not only had it been nine days, but so much has happened. Once I explain it all, my negligence will be understandable.

After my first three radiation treatments, basically over last weekend, I found myself once again in some considerable pain. The odd thing is that the pain on my right side, which initiated the radiation treatments was completely gone and now it was my left hip and femur that were causing discomfort. It was not nearly as bad as what I had been experiencing with the right side, but it was pretty darn close. Sleep was tough because I could only get slightly comfortable on my back. Using the Oxycodone every 4 to 5 hours, I was able to get through the weekend. On Monday I went in for my 4th radiation treatment and met with the Radiology Oncologist. I left with a prescription for 12 hour, time released Oxycontin. What a God send! I’ve been sleeping great since and was even able to return sleeping on my side that first night. Two days later I completely stopped taking the other pain medication during the day, so I now only need it at night to get some sleep without interruptions from pain.

Today I spent most of the day in the yard. My contribution was minimal, but I was able to pull a few weeds, stake and tie up the tomatoes and provided a slight bit of help to my brother in law as he worked feverishly through the heat of the day to replace some wood trim on the house.

On a related note I discovered something today; there are times when you just have to step back, face the facts and let people help you. I have always been the type to help friends, family, etc. Whether it be with a project in the yard, repairing a computer or whatever, I really take pride in lending people a hand. I however find it difficult to ask for help. Rich taught me something today, other people like to lend a hand as well! As I sat in the shade and watched him work like a horse, I knew how he was feeling. I truly appreciate his time, hard work and support.

Tomorrow is Father’s Day, and I think I’ll take some time to enjoy it! Brad is back from camp, Monday I have my monthly check up with the oncologist (hoping for another decline in the PSA!), a Lupron shot, and a Zometa infusion. After we have the visit at KU Cancer Center, Mary will take me over for my 9th of 13 radiation treatments.

Here are a few lyrics of a song I was listening to while writing this post ~

Life is a carnival
It’s in the book
Life is a carnival
Take another look