It’s been a while since I wrote my last post but wanted to get back on track as a lot has happened over the last few weeks.

Most importantly I have completed my chemotherapy treatments! I couldn’t be happier to have that behind me. It was by far one of the toughest experiences of my life thus far. Lots of people have asked me if it hurts and the answer is no. There is no direct pain with chemo although it does impact people in different ways. As part of my goal to help educate people below is a list of all the side effects I had during and after my treatments with a sales of how intense they were. Again, not everyone has the same reaction so this is not a definitive guide or indication how others might react and is solely based on my experience.

Nausea – intense
Fatigue – intense
Hearing loss – mild
Mind fogginess – intense
Bone pain – mild
Indigestion – moderate
Hiccups – mild
Mouth sores – moderate
Throat sore – intense
Fever – mild
Hair loss – intense
Loss of appetite – mild

On the bright side, the medications the doctors give nowadays really can help manage most if not all of these extremely well to the point where they really only last a couple of days or at least begin to improve significantly over a weeks time.

I sit here almost three weeks after my final treatment and all my side effects above have stopped. I can’t drive by the infusion center or even think about it with getting nauseous and I am still waiting for hair to start to grow back but don’t expect that to happen for a couple of months. I am also working on building back my stamina which is clearly down from where I was back in April. I just keep reminding myself that I had the hardest course of chemo they give (as my doctor tells me), so the fact that I was still somewhat active, working, and engaged during a good portion of my treatment schedule is pretty amazing. I am proud of myself for keeping a positive attitude and not letting it overwhelm me and appreciative for all the support from my friends and family.

I also had a follow up MRI which came back as showing no new signs of tumors in the bladder or surrounding areas which is great news! Kidney tumor is still there but hasn’t grown and they aren’t going to worry about that until next year. The next big milestone will be when they run pathology on the bladder and lymph nodes after surgery so until then we will have to wait.

So now that chemo is done, what’s next? First is a well deserved vacation with Aimee. For as much as I have been through, Aimee has been there right along side me. I don’t think people generally understand how hard it can be for a loved one, partner, family member, etc to experience this along side you. All they can do is watch and comfort but its a helpless and often thankless role. Aimee has been there with me every step of the way (as she always has) and I am forever grateful for that. I could not and would not be able to do this without her which is exactly why we need that vacation!

I write this post with her by my side as we sit by an indoor pool in northern Belgium. We are on an 11 day European adventure which started a few days ago in the UK where we picked up a car we have been having restored since February and are driving through Belgium, Luxembourg and France with no real plans but to take each day and road as they come. So far the trip has been amazing. We have seen beautiful cities and countryside, enjoyed the company of some friends here in Belgium, ate some amazing food, and done it all while experiencing Europe from behind the wheel of our own car. This is exactly what I needed, what we needed. To get away and leave it all behind even if just for a little bit. To focus on the moment versus the future and most importantly to enjoy each others company and live life to the fullest because tomorrow is never guaranteed.

Anyway, I will write again sooner I promise but for now I am doing well. I am happy, I feel good, getting back into shape and enjoying life. Next up is a research study on pre-surgery fitness I begin on August 2nd and then surgery on September 1st but more on that later.

In the meantime, the pool is calling me. I hope you all have a great day as mine has been for sure!