Checking-In

On Monday, I had my last radiation treatment. I cannot believe it has been seven months from the time of my diagnosis. At one point, I never knew if the treatment would end. I never knew what to expect... or, if there would even be an end of the road to this battle. I guess, this isn't necessarily the end of the road, but I have hopefully gone through the bumpy parts and uphill climbs. I offically started remission on Monday. Now, I will get scanned every three months for the first year after diagnosis. The first year is the most important. If you can get through the first year or so without a reoccurence, then you are much more likely to actually get rid of Hodgkins forever.

Reflecting

Well, it has been awhile. Over the past week or so, I have been doing a lot of personal reflection. I finally decided to write again after a moment during my drive in to work today. As I drove on the highway, I looked into the cars on my left and right. Each person I saw had their own life. Each person had their own plan for the day. Each person had their own destination. Nearly 7 months ago, I was just like them. I guess what I am trying to say is that more than ever, I have learned that you cannot take anything for granted. And, all the small things we overlook on a daily basis are often the most important parts of our life. I never felt so excited just driving into work.

(Now, a quick health update. I have completed chemotherapy. I had a choice of 4 more chemo treatments or 17 radiation treatments. After further review and analysis, I choose the radiation treatments. Thus far, they have been short and easy. Each weekday morning, I stop at the radiologist oncolgist's office around 8 before heading into work. In addition, I had surgery to have my port removed last Friday.)

Coming soon... an update on the fundraiser results!



As you can tell, I have kind of gotten away from thinking about my situation too much over the past few months.

First Results Back

Well, we have the official results back from my first chest scan. Keep in mind, this was the first time I was scanned since February. When we arrived at the radiology office, I already had my stuff not ready- not out of anticipation, but out of custom of doing it so many times. The lady laughed and said "so, you've done this before?" Anyways, fortunately this test did not involve drinking that milky, chalkish solution. They simply hooked up an IV and shot some solution into my body. I have had this scan a couple of times now.

Let me give you a summarization of the radiologist's report: There has been significant decrease in size of enlarged lymph nodes since the prior exam. The February scan showed particular lymph node measurements of 3.7 cm- now, the measurements were 1.8 and 1.9 cm. Another set of lymph nodes went from 2 cm to 1.3 and 1.2. Lastly, there appears to be no new growth in other areas. The lungs are clear. The abdomen is clear. My neck is clear. He sums up the report with this statement: "marked improvement in adenopathy since the prior exam of 2/08/06."

Tomorrow, I have another scan that analyzes all the way down to the cell level. I hope to get those results soon as well. I will try my best to update you!

Obviously, I feel blessed to have such positive results. However, I guess it is not the sort of reaction that one might expect. I have not become numb to the situation, but I have developed a certain mindset through all of these trials. I guess I know that there is still a long road ahead of me. Hopefully, the end is much closer than months past!

One of the parents from the baseball team was able to capture my mind set. His sister battled cancer and eventually passed. However, during the process, he noted that his sister's attitude was this: "Just let me know the facts and God and I will deal with them." I do not think I could have said it any better.

Thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers.

Treatment and the Day After

So, Casey dropped me off at the hospital yesterday morning around 8:30. (I got him an internship at the lobbying firm, and my mom I had to go into work early). Anyways, around 8:45, we come to find out that they do not have my appointment down for the day. As you can imagine, I did not have too big of a problem with the possibility of rescheduling... say for another few weeks down the road! Well, they ended up telling me to come in around 1:30 for treatment.

So, let me give you the scenario. I did not drive. My mom had some work to do at the hospital. By the time we would have gone back and forth from the hospital to our home, it would have been a waste of time. So, we wound up getting some breakfast. Afterwards, my mom let me sleep in a physician waiting room for a couple of hours. Around 1:15, I went over for my treatment. Well, I took another hour or so before I actually started my treatment.

By the time my treatment ended, we were running right up to the baseball team's pregame warm ups for the evening. We had one of our toughest opponents for the first game, the Olentangy Braves. For one reason another, the boys seem to be playing without enthusiasm and intensity lately. Well, we gave up 5 runs in the first inning, mostly due to a lack of execution and using our brains. The first inning carried over into a couple of the following innings. I do not think I have ever been so upset during my coaching career. This is such a talented group of boys, but they just do not realize their potential at times. Somehow, someway... the boys managed to pick it up mid-way through the game. As poorly as we started the game, we ended it just as well. After tieing the game in the 5th inning, we held the Braves in the top of the 6th and managed to win the game in bottom of the 6th. If it were not for the great comeback, the boys would have had a heck of a speech at the end!!!

Today, I have been relaxing in bed. I do not feel terrible- just the typical lack of energy and blah feeling. If I had to point one bad thing out, it would be the burning of my eyes. My doctor prescribed me some eye drops, but they still burn quite a bit. Just the little inconveniences. My mom laughs at my odd food cravings during chemo. She compares me to a pregnant woman. Today, my cravings led me to salads with ranch dressing, drumsticks (ice cream), and a cold Bud Light. It is too strange to explain or even comprehend!

My grandparents came into town today. This is the first time they have seen me since being diagnosed. Typically, they live down in Florida through the winter and then spend most of their time in Ohio and West Virginia during the spring and summer.

Well, I am being somewhat active for the rest of the week- health cooperating. Tomorrow, I am going to the Dublin Relay for Life Event from 6:00-7:00. I will eat dinner with the group, and then give a short speech at the opening ceremonies (since I am the honorary chair). Then, we have a baseball tournament this weekend in Upper Arlington. On Saturday, we have games at 9:00 and 3:00. At night, I am going to a celebration party for Alex, my friend I met in the chemo room. He had his final treatment two weeks ago. Then, I will pick up with baseball again on Sunday.

Thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers.

Hours Before Next Treatment

Well, I get my 8th treatment in 8 hours or so. I feel like I am on a work-release program from prison haha... I get some time in the free world, and then I get sent back into my cell. Weird way of looking at it, but if you go through it, you will know what I mean. Anyways, hopefully only 4 more treatments after tomorrow.

You know, as bad as cancer sucks, I have learned that in-grown toe nails suck more! ... I have never had an in-grown toe nail in my life, but somehow, I got one over the past few days. It hurts to the touch. On top of that, it is obviously difficult to walk. The doctor put me on an antibiotic- for the simple fact that we cannot risk the infection getting into my blood, etc. Today, I went into the doctor, but I was told that I need to wait until next week until they can do anything to it. For now, I am left to soaking my toe in hot water and epson salt. Anyone have any other good recommendations?

Well, I am off to bed. I should have some more time in bed over the next few days, so I will try to write more! Thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers!

Aftermath of 7th Treatment

Well, I am hanging in there after my seventh treatment. Since my first couple of treatments, I have not been experiencing the mouth sores. However, I still get a "cotton mouth" during the days following my treatments. Fatigue still plays a factor. Lately, the two most annoying by-products of the chemo are burning eyes and stomach pains.

During my visit on Wednesday, I met with my Doctor. Originally, I thought we were going to decide about further treatments after my scans (which will occur during the 3rd week of June). However, he told me that regardless of the outcome of my scans, I will be receiving at least four more treatments. I guess I knew this was possible, but I did not think it was for certain. Needless to say, I was not particuarly excited to hear the plans. As you can tell from my previous post, I just want to get back to normal. Now, I have at least three more months.

In the midst of this news, I needed a pick me-up. I would have to say that hearing that news was probably the lowest point I have had since being diagnosed. Well, my mom gave me the mail this evening. As I was sifting through the difference letters, I almost through out an envelope from the OSU Alumni Council. I figured it was just a letter from the OSU Alumni Council asking for money. For some reason, I decided to open the envelope. As I began to read the letter, I noticed it was personalized. The text read as follows:
Dear Chris:

I just finished reading your profile piece that appeared in the May issue of Columbus Monthly. You are an amazing person, and you can add me to your list of supporters. I admire your stamina, focus, and dedication to the issues you hold dear. Having faith and a loyal group of supporters to rely on are indeed fundamental to a happy and productive life, and you are blessed to have both.

I encourage you to remain strong, and I look forward to hearing of your return to Ohio State when the time is right for you. You have my very best wishes for all that you put your heart and mind to. God bless you.

Sincerely,
Archie Griffin
President/CEO

Call me crazy, but this felt like some divine intervention. As I try to sort through my thoughts right now, I needed that extra boost. Thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers.

I Am Back

Alright, I have been thinking about why I have not written lately. After much thought, I am still not sure of a sound reason. More than anything, I think that writing makes me think about my situation. I am getting to the point where I just want to live a normal life. The more I have been able to get out, the more I am able to feel normal again. All in all, I know that it is kind of selfish.

I have come to learn that so many people read this blog. Some people are close to me. Some people are not. No matter the person, it seems that so many are genuinely concerned about my well being. I cannot thank everyone enough for their continual thoughts and prayers. I will try my best to stay on top of things from here forward.

Here is a quick update...

First, baseball has been up and down as of late. Like I mentioned earlier, I do not care as much about the wins and losses as I do about the continual improvement of the boys. As of late, we have hit a plateau. It has been disappointing, but we had a team talk, and I think we are headed in an upward direction.

Second, the golf/dinner charity event seems to be going well. People are starting to sign up to either attend or serve as sponsors. Please be sure to spread the word about the event. Outside of the golf event, Ryan Prestel has also started a goal meter to measure contributions from individuals. If you are interested in contributing, the site is http://www.active.com/donate/ktfgolf.

Third, Memorial Day is one of my favorite holidays. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for all the troops who have served our country. One of the biggest honors in my life was being selected to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier in Arlington Cemetery during our 8th grade trip to D.C. No matter if you agree or disagree with going into war, our troops deserve our love, respect, and admiration. This past week, I was sent a great link to one of the most "memorable plays in baseball" that combines patriotism and the game. Please take the time to watch the video here:

Finally, I receive my 7th of hopefully 8 chemo treatments tomorrow. During the third week of June, I will undergo tests again to check my progress. I just want to finish the chemo. I cannot wait to return back to a normal life. You know all those small things people complain about like getting up early for work, mowing the lawn, exercising, etc? Well, I would give a lot of money right now to be able to do those without question.

My faith continues to remain strong. I would be lieing if I said that this does not continue to challenge me on a daily basis. While I do not always understand the reason I am in this situation, I am confident that God is with me all the time.

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.

James 5:15