Living It Up Young with Cancer and Hospital Roommates

Well, I for one have had my fair share of hospital roommates over the past five years. Not always is a young cancer patient able to get a private room, let alone a room where one is not freaking out over what’s happening to them at their age, of all things.  Major surgery is not the easiest procedure for one to experience but, as survivors, it’s something that we sometimes have to go through on a regular basis unfortunately. I have had four major surgeries over these past five years as a young adult, and have experienced many “memorable” roommates so I figured what better way to share some of these stories with you than through this blog. Please keep in mind that my stories are not meant to be offensive or disregarding the health issues of others, just expressing my experiences from my point of view.

Story 1: First diagnosis and the guy with the bad appendix

I was first diagnosed when I was 32 years old and, before I even had a biopsy done, the doctor told me 9 chances out of 10 it was cancer. I was going to have a colostomy, which may possibly be reversed down the road, but my life at that moment was never going to be the same again. So here I was, a young guy with a new odd life situation, and looking over at me was a much older man who had feeding tubes coming out of him all over the place, a guy to the left of me that had part of his leg amputated, and then an empty bed. This empty bed is where the lovely 20 year old with appendicitis came in. Oh my god, the world was over for the poor young gentleman. Heaven forbid that anyone else around him had a dire circumstance. On the day of his surgery, right after he has his surgery and he had awoken, he demanded to go out for a smoke. The nurse stressed how important it was for him to stay in his room and not tear his stitches, but no, he had to go. He ended up forcing his way out of the room to get a lovely puff of his cigarette, despite all warnings. Luckily enough for him, nothing happened, but the disregard this guy had for his well-being, and for being so persistent to have that cigarette, was definitely extreme. So for the next few days he recovered, while the rest of us wondered what his problem was because he never realized how lucky he really was to simply have his appendix removed and be done with it. I should mention that they also took my appendix while they were in there anyway, because hey, why not? :)

Story 2: The guy with the Popsicle

During my lung surgery back in 2013, there was an older gentleman, I’m guessing around 50+ at the time who made quite the impression on me and all the nurses on the ward for the week stay that I had. Besides the constant ripping out of his IV’s in the middle of the night, flinging of ‘waste’ at all hours, he had made my stay in the lovely hospital quite a difficult one. There was one day that he was slightly agitated with all of his family there at the time, and was demanding a specific treat. “I want a GREEN PINEAPPLE POPSICLE!” he bellowed over and over again. Oh he had his heart set on such an item yet, as one knows, there is no such thing as a ‘green pineapple’ Popsicle. So this set his family scrambling for some type of frozen treat that they could get the guy in order to calm him down. Finally they ended up with something; thank the lord that put his mind at ease, for a little while anyway. :)

Story 3: The “Mom” guy

My first TACE procedure was different than anything else I’ve been through to say the least. I was on an actual “Cancer” ward but was 15-20 years younger than anyone in the room I was sharing. There was one guy who I never saw, but heard all the time. I will have to assume the gentleman was quite old, yet everyone, no matter their gender, was “Mom.” He called out for his mother at every opportunity, it didn’t matter what time of day or who it was, he repeatedly said, “Mom, help me” over and over throughout the days and nights. For some reason, he wasn’t able to understand that he could push his buzzer to get a nurse to help him, so I took it upon myself to do all the pushing for him. Nurses would come to me and I’d just point in his direction and they would know to go over to see him. One day when he was in his ‘help me’ mode, he wanted a drink. So of course I buzzed the nurse and she came in. He said, “Mom, I needs a drink.” So of course the nurse obliged and brought him some water. “Oh this drink is some pissy,” he said…. I can’t go drinking such a pissy drink, Mom.” To the mainlanders out there, a “pissy” drink is one that is somewhat warm, and he didn’t want any part of such a drink. Oh, he caused some fuss over such as ‘pissy’ drink for a few hours to say the least.

Story 4: The Odd guy who came in.

Last, but not least, is the story from just a few weeks ago. After my craniotomy, I was placed into a private room which is standard for anyone going through such a procedure. I was in my bed one evening and my girlfriend, Cavell, was sitting next to me in the chair when a gentleman patient, sporting his pajamas, opened my door and popped his head in. He asked where his brother was, and I explained to him that I have been in here for the past three days and that he must be mistaken. Upon that, he waltzed in, styrofoam glass full of ice in hand. He asked me what my name was and what my surname was, which threw me for a loop at first.  Then he filled up his glass from the sink in my room and looked out the window, pausing for a few awkward moments. “Some lights”, he said, to which I replied, “yeah, either ambulances or police out there.” Then he took a swig out of his cup and looked again and said, “The red lights came from behind me pretty quick, they never told me how fast I was going and I never asked.” He took another swig of his drink, poured it out in my sink, laid his cup on the counter and left. Cavell and I looked at each other having no clue what was on the go. It turns out that this guy was a wanderer, and had been in other rooms as well. The nurse told me that if he decided to come in again, that I should buzz them. All that kept going through my mind was that I might wake up in the middle of the night with this dude staring down at me, asking if I knew where his brother was…  *Shudders*

Hospital stays are never easy. From the diagnosis, to the trauma of the surgery, and recovery, it can take a toll on one for sure. Having some of these experiences over the years has made my stays quite interesting to say the least. Sure, cancer isn’t the coolest or funniest thing to have surgery for, but it can certainly make for some interesting stories to say the least.

Cancer and Fear.

For anyone who has had cancer or is metastatic like me, life isn’t normal by any stretch. There are many facets of life that happen through it all but fear is a big part.

There is a fear of re-occurrence or fear of it showing up in a different place. Anytime one feels something odd, a pain, or a period of discomfort, there is a thought in our minds that cancer has come back or in a different place this time. Of course, nine chances out of ten, it isn’t the dreaded C-word that is causing it, but that notion that there is a potential for it is always there. It’s something that we have to live with; besides the disease that fear of not knowing is always an issue. I’m not an exception to the rule, but I’m one of the few that can put it in the back of one’s mind and leave it there. It doesn’t bother me constantly that I’m metastatic, it’s just one of the things in life that I live with every day that is my new normal. In order to be ‘clear,’ you need to be free of the disease for at least seven years. Of course that means repeated tests, scans and lord knows what else over that time that ‘scanxiety’ kicks in. To those who aren’t familiar with that word, it’s the uneasiness for ones scans after cancer treatment. It’s a word that we become all too familiar with sadly but it’s a thing, trust me on that, especially now I’m on the ‘wait and see’ approach.

There isn’t a feeling you can associate with it in the world then when the doctor tells you that the cancer has come back.  It’s one of those things you have in the back of your mind at all times but wishful thinking that it’s not it. I remember the day that the doctor told me that the cancer was back and wasn’t going anywhere. Hit me like a ton of bricks but then I recomposed myself, pushed it into the back of my mind and seen what was our next step. Again, I’m an odd bird when it comes to these types of situations. It’s not the easiest feeling to have but it’s one that we may have to face some day. Cancer can be a sneaky thing from time to time, believe you me. :)

It’s not just health with respect to fear and scaniexty, there’s finances, work, caregivers/supporters, and the list goes on. Everything seems to jump out at you at once. Sure, people without the disease have to worry about some of those things too, but when your health is compromised, it makes all of them a little more immediate. The last thing that we want to have to worry about is other things when our health is on the line.

Everyone has fears, it’s inevitable, it’s just how we deal with them is the main thing. Whether it’s like me and stick them in the back of one’s head or having to get someone to help them immediately. Deal with them the best that you can and get back to most important part, healing.

Recipe: Parmeasan-Herb Baked Salmon

Parmesan-Herb Baked Salmon

Ingredients:

• 1 salmon filet, about 2 pounds, left whole (or just buy 2 small fillets of your own personal size)

Parmesan Herb Crust:

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley (I tend to use the fresh one pre-chopped up in a tube)
• 2/3 cup chopped Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 425º F. Put parchment paper down on your baking sheet (easier for clean-up).
• Place salmon, skin side down, onto said baking sheet. Cover salmon with another piece of parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and remove top piece of parchment paper. Top with garlic, Parmesan, and parsley mixture. Return to oven uncovered and allow to bake for another 10-12 minutes until cooked thoroughly. The Parmesan cheese should have melted and lightly browned.
• Allow to rest about 5 minutes and serve.

We tend to either have a fresh chopped salad, quinoa or sweet potatoes as a side.

Time flies during summer......

Hello All,

I find it quite hard to believe it's over six weeks since my surgery. I am now able to lift over five pounds again which is more of a relief than anything. 5 pounds is nothing so not being able to lift that for a month and a half is quite the pain to say the least, less than the operation. I had to get Cavell to buy me a small bottle of laundry detergent as I couldn't lift the Costco size bottle that we had so I felt that at least I was doing something. :)

Now that being said, 10 rounds of radiation are now done and I still am not being allowed to drive for another 6-8 weeks, until a follow-up scan has been completed. University days, no license for me and didn't mind it at all but now, having poor Cavell shuttling me around all summer is a bitch, not that I need to go anywhere in particular but having to ask someone all the time can get tedious. I know she doesn't mind at all but still. Some of the simple things now I can walk to Sobeys if needed and actually carry items home. Can't go there for under five pounds worth of stuff, what would I get? Just cheese? :)

I see the oncologist next week. First time I have seen him since my diagnosis. Rumor has it that I may go back on the penitumatab chemo I was on last fall but primarily it will to be to see what the next course of action is. I do enjoy not having to the Clinic every two weeks but if I have to, it's definitely better than the alternative. 

The month of July/beginning of August flew by. I got to see some friends I haven't seen in a while, went to that awesome cabin, celebrated the missus' birthday, got to share my story with Brews and Bowls and stuffed myself, over and over again. The summer hasn't 'exactly' went according to plan to say the least. Cancer has a way to throw a wrench into things but it doesn't mean that it has to control you either. Life is what you make of it so for the last few weeks of summer remember that. 

Hope everyone has a great day!

Over half way there..... Viewer Discretion Advised.

So I have six of ten radiation sessions done. It hasn't been as easy as the chest radiation. There are side effects that are quicker than previous for sure. When I had my chest done, it took about a week or two after the treatments when I developed a cough in my chest. This time though fatigue, headaches and for a first, some nausea comes into play. All fun and games when they zap your head. :)

At Brews and Bowls, a charity event, last night, I was a guest speaker there for Young Adult Cancer Canada. As I was feeling off most of the day, I took a nap for an hour before the event to make sure I had enough energy to get through it all. The event was great, nice food appetizers, Iceberg beer and everyone was dolled up for the dress up event. It was extremely warm there, sun splitting the Rocks to say the least. So the players had some food and I did my little speech which went fine. Cavell and I stuck around to get some of the food afterwards as it was about 6:30 at the time. So when all was said and done, we went over to my Supreme Commander at YACC, Geoff, to say our good-byes before we went home. After a little chat, I totally wasn't feeling well, so I casually said good-bye and started my dash outside the field. No dice. Back to the garbage can and there went my free food. Please note, it was not the foods fault and I told Geoff so. :) After dismissing another lot of free food, I was feeling somewhat normal. Cavell and Geoff were great about the whole thing and got me some napkins, water and ice for it all helped. No more sickness for me luckily that day and no one really noticed as they were all playing lawn bowling at the time. Superman had a chink in his armour for sure last night and it wasn't Kryptonite in his food. :)

It was the first public viewing of food since back in my university days. My friend, Erin, had a party at her house and I drank my flask of rum particularly fast. I was out in her kitchen in front of about 10-15 people when the urge came on that I shouldn't have partaken in any alcoholic beverage at the time. Wasn't pretty at all, had to call my roommates at the time to come get me. So there I was, sitting on her step, head in my hands awaiting my generous friend's arrival. They showed up and I got in the back, Cass started talking to me and I cut her off, told her to shut up and I couldn't talk as I was afraid to get sick again.  Oh the good times that I don't miss now. Again, sorry Jamie and Cass. :)

Let's see how round 7 and all the rest goes, hopefully better. :)

New Recipe - Jody’s Awesome Super Mexican Chicken Casserole

Jody’s Awesome Super Mexican Chicken Casserole

This is something that I dreamt up and put together which came out pretty damn good. It does take a while to prepare are there are multiple recipes involved but the patience is totally worth it. I got the idea from an episode of Drive In's, Diners and Dives from the Food Network (best channel ever!) and they did a chicken recipe that I didn't quite catch but came up with this. I did test it out on unsuspecting Mainlanders and fellow Newfs and went over great. Enjoy!!!

Total Ingredients:

Mexican Rice – recipe attached

1.5 Cups of Medium Salsa (we use organic from Costco)

3-4 Cups of shredded cheese (we use organic medium cheddar, of course)

1 package of 8 medium sized Tortilla wraps (we use Ancient Grain ones)

2 Chicken Breasts shredded with Frank’s Hot Sauce Cooked throughout, attached.

2 Cups of Spinach (to add some healthy to it)

As a side, homemade guacamole and salsa, for which I can add those recipes another time if interested. :) 

 

To do FIRST:

Mexican Rice

Ingredients:

·         ½ Tsp of vegetable oil (we use Avocado oil)

·         ½ Cup of chopped onion

·         2 Cloves of garlic, minced

·         1 Tsp of ground ancho chili pepper (can’t find it so I use adobe peppers instead)

·         ¼ Tsp of salt

·         1 Cup of long grain rice (I use a wild blend)

·         1 14.5 ounce can of salt reduced chicken broth

·         ¾ Cup of Medium Salsa

·         ¼ Cup of Water

Description:

·         In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium high heat.

·         Add onion, garlic, adobe pepper and salt, cook for 2 minutes.

·         Stir in rice, cook and stir for 1 minute.

·         Add broth, salsa and the water.

·         Bring to boiling and reduce heat to simmer.

·         NOTE: you may need to cook rice longer, all depends on what you choose to use.

·         Remove saucepan from heat, remove lid. Cover saucepan with clean kitchen towel and replace lid.

·         Let stand for 5 minutes to let the towel absorb any excess moisture. Remove towel and lid. Fluff with fork.

Shredded Frank’s Chicken Breasts

Ingredients:

2 Chicken Breasts, boiled

1 Cup (or more) Frank’s Hot Sauce

Description:

·         Boil chicken breasts

·         Shred chicken breasts with fork and place in frying pan

·         Add a cup or more of Frank’s depending on how hot you want it and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

·         You’re done and you’re welcome. So simple to do and it works on so many levels for different food options, sandwiches, wraps, etc.

Assembly of dish:

In a 13” x 19” casserole dish

·         Cover bottom of dish with salsa first and then layer of spinach.

·         Use tortilla’s to cover over the mixture, takes 2 full ones and a cut up part of a 3^rd.

·         Add shredded Frank’s chicken breasts. Put shredded cheese on top of chicken.

·         Layer of tortilla’s

·         Add layer of Mexican Rice and add more shredded cheese on top of that.

·         Bake at 375 degrees for about 15 minutes covered with tin foil, then remove tin foil and cook for another 15 or so until cheese gets all goey goodness.

·         Let sit for 5 minutes and serve with guacamole and salsa.

Note: This is a concoction that I came up with so feel free if the dish is deep enough to add a layer or two of maybe refried beans or something Spanish to set it off a bit more.

29 Days Later.......

29 days later….. yes, I should have wrote this yesterday for the movie title, totally blew it, my bad. :)

I got Cavell to take this snazzy new photo of my most recent scar. It’s coming along nicely if I do say so myself. The first picture is the day after my surgery, I got the nurse to take it for me so I could look at it and the second of course is of today. Time flies when you're having brain surgery!

It's hard to believe that it's been a tad over four weeks since my surgery. At a minimum five weeks since my cancer "officially" metastized to my brain and yet I'm still here doing all the things that I am, barring some fun restrictions of course. From all the appointments with doctors about treatment to the actual targeted radiation, a lot has come to pass for sure. I have started this blog for which I find is a great vent and wondered why I never did one sooner. 

I was never much of a writer at all, ever. My sister has always been the writer in the family but since I started doing a lot more with Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC), it has seemed to open up a few of the ole flood gates and I can't seem to stop. I do have an interesting take on life to say the least. Anyone who has or has had this disease does. It changes life completely around with all the 'new normals” but there is a therapeutic way about sharing life's opinions, experiences and outlook that can potentially change a person's way of living which is in fact quite amazing. 

Sure, there's no pressure in doing something along these lines. Everyone pretty much knows my whole story with respect to cancer and how it evolved my current outlook. Remember, I didn't chew on asbestos as a kid as I state in my YACC profile. I may tend to ramble a bit from time to time but let's just blame that on the most recent of surgeries. :)

Overall, coming out of my shell with respect to many things like cancer or work has opened up a lot for me. It's made my life a whole lot simpler for sure. It doesn't take much to give yourself the once-over and just take a look at the things in your life that really doesn't amount to much but takes up so much of our time. Yes of course money, bills, taxes, etc will always be an issue for us all; there are a lot of ways to take some of the madness out of our lives. You just need to take that 10 to 15 minutes and do that once-over and just see how minor some of the worry full things really are. It's not much, but it's a start. 

Have an awesome weekend!