Treatment

Well, I've just finished my fourth treatment and everything seems to be going as planned. The only part I really mind, other than the 50 mile daily round trip, are those constricting, claustrophobic masks they put on your head to keep it immobilized. I mean, if you open your all all the way, it will catch your lashes on the way down and hold open your eyelid, keeps your mouth shut, and so makes it difficult to breath. But I'm grateful for the treatment and for all of you who have helped.

Grateful

I just want to thank all the people who have helped me in so many ways along the way, when they didn't have to. Special thanks go to my sister-in-law, Jeni, and my brother-in-law, Andy. I appreciate you guys, always. You mean more than you know to me. Also, to Myrna, I recognize you for the angel you've been to me.

Simulation

Well, I've got the green 'x' marks the spot on a few spots on my torso. I was thinking they would be aiming the radiation at where my tumors actually were, but apparently they radiate all or most of my lymph nodes, so they'll be hitting other areas as well. Fortunately, nothing below the belt so far. I'd like to have the option of having kids well into my 80's. You know, just like Charlie Chaplin! Course he was too old to pick 'em up.

Pray for me

I'm having a hard time lately, emotionally. I knew this would happen way, way before my chemo would be over. And my hunch was confirmed when I read other people's accounts on the web on various support websites.

I knew for a long time, that once I got my last chemo treatment, which was Feb. 18, there would people in my life, who, on Feb 20th or thereabouts, and onward, would be thinking, "what's wrong with you, get up and do something" since I was "done" with chemo. I knew that it takes anywhere from several days, to several years, yes years, depending on type of treatment, cancer, staging, etc. I knew if they had been pumping poison in my body for 6 1/2 months, it was going to take a while for it to be completely eliminated from my body. There is a reason why, almost 2 months after my last treatment, I still have no hair under my arms! I shaved the remnants of my hair of Christmas Eve. Some of my hair grew back fairly quickly, but I have not gotten a haircut yet. Before chemo, I needed a haircut every 3-4 weeks.

I just had to vent a little, but also thanks to all of you who have been so understanding.

Happy Belated Easter

Well, me and mine were too ill from a pretty severe infection to do much of anything for the last several days. After all the fluid in my body had escaped through all orifices save my ears, I was severely dehydrated,nauseous, yadda yadda. 36 hours after I got it, my wife got the same thing, I had to take her to the ER early Friday morning, still sick myself, but enough whining. We're back in the saddle, sort of. Hopefully, my daughter won't get it. Thank you Deanna, and others, especially those of you I haven't met. I appreciate all you're doing. It will help to rememdy the avalanche of mail I get on a daily basis for CAT scans, PET scans, surgical assistants and other costs related to my biopsy, bone marrow procedure (I wouldn't recommend having that done unless you display masochistic tendencies), biweekly Complete Blood Counts, radiologist fees, radiation treatment, and various and sundry other bills that sometimes feel like a daily kick in the stomach. I have to believe what Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me".

Help already

Well, the blessings of this website are already making themselves apparent, with the response of a couple of people I don't even know, trusting a stranger on the Web, and just giving out of the goodness of their hearts. My wife and I have said over and over again, there have been definite benefits, yes, that's right, to having cancer. It has restored our faith in humanity. We had forgotten how many good people there were in the world. I experienced some of this when my dad died, 18 years ago, but have too often forgotten.

Simulation

I'm playing phone tag with the lady who is supposed to set up my, as she calls it, "simulation", which should take about an hour and involves yet another CAT scan. Then, I think, they hang me upside down by my big toes, tickle me, and pour coffee into a part of my body it doesn't belong! Really, I read it on the Internet, so I'm sure it's true.

Set up

Hello, all, obviously I'm still in process of setting this up so please bare with me. Let me give you a little background on my situation.

I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma - NS, Stage IIA in July of '08. At
the time even though my wife and daughter both had health insurance, I did
not. I work for my family's small business and they do not offer "benefits"
such as health care, and I didn't think I could afford to pay for it yet.
Well, of course, it turned out I couldn't afford not to have it once the
bills started to arrive. It has been stressful enough just dealing with the
cancer and all that entails for anyone, but to go through it with no
insurance, has been doubly difficult. I am fortunate enough to have had
help from family and friends, but the total amount involved is so huge, it
hasn't paid for all of it. Now my credit has naken a nose dive; I'm hoping
we won't have to file for bankruptcy as I've heard so many have done in
similar circumstances. My wife, Theresa, and I have done our best to assure
our daughter, Madeleine, 11, that as she starts junior high (earlier this
year) she doesn't need to be concerned about Daddy's health. We tell her
I'll be just fine and not to worry, which is sort of "whistling in the dark"
for us. Also, this ordeal has introduced us to the best in our friends and
family, with their outpouring of generosity and love. It has restored our
faith in the goodness of most people that we may sometimes take for granted.

My first appointment for radiation treatment will be soon (I hope). I'll update as often as possible.
Rod

Looking for disciples, er, followers!

Donations for medical bills

Cure for Rod is accepting donations to assist the family in paying medical bills incurred during cancer treatments. They do not have health insurance and any assistance is greatly appreciated. We accept paypal, see button below.

Welcome!

Welcome to Cure for Rod. This website has been established for my brother inlaw, Rod, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in July of 2008. Here you can follow Rod's treatments and offer support for Rod and his family through this trying time.