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My Cancer Update – 8 Weeks Later

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my cancer updateI wanted to give everyone a quick update on my health and how things are going.

In case you didn’t know, I found out in January that I have cancer – specifically Type II Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

As you can probably guess that came as a HUGE shock to me to because I’m an otherwise pretty young, healthy guy.

However, as I’ve learned, cancer doesn’t discriminate its victims.   And so now this is just simply something I have to deal with and put behind me without hesitation.

Since when I first broke the news to you my dear readers, I’ve received my official regimen of treatments: No radiation and 12 rounds of chemo.

Believe it or not I was actually delighted when I first heard this because everything I’ve read so far suggested that the radiation was one of the toughest things for your body to deal with.  Chemotherapy isn’t exactly a walk in the park either, but at least I felt more mentally confident to battle through it.

As of this week I am now 25% of the way done with 3 treatments behind me.  I go every other week to receive chemo.  So basically this creates one “bad” week when I feel very tired and nauseous and one “good” week where my energy and appetite return, and I feel somewhat normal.

I say somewhat because I’m finding there are a lot of little what I’ll call “annoyances” that you would have never guessed come with the territory.  Basically things like:

  • Always feeling tired
  • Being unable to focus – what some people call “chemo brain” is real
  • Never really feeling 100% okay with the stomach; always slightly off
  • Having a very weird metallic taste in my mouth the first 4-5 days after chemo
  • Not really craving the same foods – or rather foods you used to like leave an undesirable taste in your mouth
  • Coffee doesn’t sound good anymore ….
  • Your beard doesn’t really grow as fast anymore
  • Having strange phantom aches in my upper legs / hips, sometimes so bad it hurts to walk up and down the stairs
  • Strange phantom pains in my chest

And then there’s the cosmetic damage – I’ve already lost all my hair!  Directly after Treatment #2, it simply started to fall out in small clumps when I’d take a shower.  When that happened, I turned to my wife and said “… it looks like its time”.  And so we buzzed it all off.

Despite all that, I’m continually reminding myself that this is all for the best.  Even though it is depressing to sleep all day or feel nauseous, it’s only temporary.  Before I know it we’ll be moving into July and I’ll be looking forward to receiving the all clear!

 

Image courtesy of WeKnowMemes.com

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brian @ Luke1428 says

    Thanks for sharing MMD. I can only imagine how difficult this must be. Despite the ups and downs your attitude remains positive…which I’m sure in itself will go a long way in beating this thing. Hang in there…

    Reply

  2. John @ Frugal Rules says

    Like Brian said, thanks so much for sharing MMD. Having seen my stepfather go through something similar a few years ago you’re attitude is great which is such a huge part of the process. Hang in there friend.

    Reply

    • MMD says

      Thanks Tonya. I’ll tell you – I can feel for your brother. That taste in the mouth is very bizarre. It makes everything you eat just not taste as good as it should.

      Reply

  6. Jayson @ Monster Piggy Bank says

    Aw MMD. Hope everything like the treatment and chemo turns out well. We are praying for you.

    Reply

  7. Mrs. MMD says

    What a whirlwind it’s been! You are so strong, positive, and amazing! We will get through this together! I’m sure years from now, we’ll look back and say, “wow….remember when….” and it’ll all seem like a distant memory. We’ve got this! I love you, Mr. MMD 🙂

    Reply

  8. Grace @ Total Investment says

    Mr MMD, you’re awesome. I wish you good health and more success to your online business. I am a fan of MMD but I just leave a comment rarely. Thanks for the advice in building niche sites.

    I don’t want you to feel bad about what is really happening to your health. As a friend, may I suggest to please stay positive by not talking and thinking about “cancer”. Beginning today, always think you are healthy and has a “perfect body” as if you are a champion in athletics.

    The idea was came from the book I read “THE SECRET” by Rhoda Byrne, please read it over and over. Watch the video on youtube and be amazed. And of course, ask Almighty God to grant you more years. Have a great day my friend.

    Reply

    • MMD says

      Thanks Grace! What’s funny is that during my “good week” I tend to almost forget that I even have cancer (until I look in the mirror and see my new super short haircut). Honestly I plan to take care of my body no matter what happens, and am actually looking forward to getting more serious about exercise and eating better. Thanks for the suggestion on The Secret. I’ll have to check that one out.

      Reply

  9. JC says

    Thanks for sharing your story. I think attitude plays a big part in fighting any form of cancer. Family/friends have received the news and some just kind of give up and others will fight as hard as they can. You’re taking the right attitude with this and I wish you all the best. I know the chemo sucks right now but it’ll all be worth it when you get the all clear.

    Reply

  10. ARB says

    Wow………just unbelievable. I think the saddest thing is that with all our technological advancements in the field of military warfare, our advancements in the field of medicine and healing are so far behind that what you described is the best we have against cancer.

    But I’m a lot more cynical than you, it seems. And it seems that you are a lot more optimistic than I am. Which I admire 100% and hope that you keep it up. It’s great that you have so much of your treatment behind you now. What’s next after the chemo is done? Will you have any more treatments and will your hair grow back?

    Reply

    • MMD says

      What I find funny about this whole thing is how much guessing and speculation there is when it comes to making medical decisions. Every time a doctor says something to me, it’s always appended with a “should work” or “we’re guessing that …”. I of course get it – nothing is ever 100% when it comes to health. But I would have thought there was a just a tad bit more certainty.

      I believe after all 12 treatments are behind me, I should only have to do a periodic check-up and scan. No further treatments. Yes my hair should grow back – I hope!!

      Reply

  11. Amos says

    Thanks for the updates!You only need to be strong and positive.I know chemo is never a good experience but i will pray for you to persevere.Thanks for sharing.Its really encouraging.

    Reply

  13. JLFSr says

    Thanks for the update MMD. I know you have a great family to support you. Please keep writing your a great advisor & inspiration. You can do this.

    Reply

  20. Karen says

    I haven’t been to your site in quite some time, so I was rather shocked (pretty much everyone’s natural reaction to the news) to hear you are going through this. My fiance’s father battled with lung cancer a couple years ago and it was quite stressful for everyone, so I can only imagine what your family is going through.

    Good for you for staying positive. That’s so sweet Mrs. MMD wrote something in the comments as well. 🙂

    Reply

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