Our hearts and prayers go out this morning to those who have lost loved ones, are hurting, and who have suffered unimaginable loss from the horrific tornados that have crossed our nation's southern and mid-western states this week. Just incomprehensible power and damage from mother nature. Thankfully these storms have not affected us here on Edisto. We are experiencing unusually warm weather for early March with temps in the upper 70s and lower 80s. The daffodils are done blooming, the tulips are up, the azaleas are in full bloom and the island is definitely greening up quickly for spring! Early arrival of the sea pine's yellow pollen has many folks sneezing
down here (ugh!). Our lettuce seeds have germinated and our sole cherry tomato plant is planted and growing
well. No more 40' x 60' garden to tend ... just a few planted containers on the deck!
Chemo round 16 went well on Wednesday (February 29th). Cumulative effect of the chemo has me a bit whooped but I should recover in a few days. Next CT scan to assess progress is scheduled for March 20th. Have encountered a (hopefully small) bump in the road associated with a side effect of XGEVA, one of the drugs administered monthly to strengthen my bones. A known side effect of XGEVA (affecting roughly 2% of patients) is a condition called "osteonecrosis of the jaw". Unfortunately it appears I now have this condition where the drugs has worked too well and caused the jaw bone to grow and break through the soft tissue in the back of my mouth.
Some discomfort but manageable by taking some pain killing pills each day. My oncologist doesn't seem overly concerned but has taken me off XGEVA as a precaution for now. I'll consult with an oral surgeon in Charleston this coming Wednesday who will determine whether or not intervention is required at this juncture to remove some of the excess jaw bone. Ugh!
We thoroughly enjoyed Lindsay's return visit in late February. It was a great, relaxing visit with most of our time together spent enjoying the natural beauty of the island. She returned safely to Rochester with a bit of sunshine induced color! We're looking forward to Derek, Carrie and grandson Jack's visit this coming week. Bought a "Little Tikes" swing for Jack and with Derek's help we'll get it hanging from the "crooked oak" in the back yard. Can't wait to give the little guy a few pushes in the new swing in the back yard and hear him say "wow"! Jack's mobile now (walking!) and it will be fun to see him walk a bit of the beach with us as well. Just one of the many precious simple joys of being a grandparent!
Sending all our best and may God Bless ...
Dan
down here (ugh!). Our lettuce seeds have germinated and our sole cherry tomato plant is planted and growing
well. No more 40' x 60' garden to tend ... just a few planted containers on the deck!
Chemo round 16 went well on Wednesday (February 29th). Cumulative effect of the chemo has me a bit whooped but I should recover in a few days. Next CT scan to assess progress is scheduled for March 20th. Have encountered a (hopefully small) bump in the road associated with a side effect of XGEVA, one of the drugs administered monthly to strengthen my bones. A known side effect of XGEVA (affecting roughly 2% of patients) is a condition called "osteonecrosis of the jaw". Unfortunately it appears I now have this condition where the drugs has worked too well and caused the jaw bone to grow and break through the soft tissue in the back of my mouth.
Some discomfort but manageable by taking some pain killing pills each day. My oncologist doesn't seem overly concerned but has taken me off XGEVA as a precaution for now. I'll consult with an oral surgeon in Charleston this coming Wednesday who will determine whether or not intervention is required at this juncture to remove some of the excess jaw bone. Ugh!
We thoroughly enjoyed Lindsay's return visit in late February. It was a great, relaxing visit with most of our time together spent enjoying the natural beauty of the island. She returned safely to Rochester with a bit of sunshine induced color! We're looking forward to Derek, Carrie and grandson Jack's visit this coming week. Bought a "Little Tikes" swing for Jack and with Derek's help we'll get it hanging from the "crooked oak" in the back yard. Can't wait to give the little guy a few pushes in the new swing in the back yard and hear him say "wow"! Jack's mobile now (walking!) and it will be fun to see him walk a bit of the beach with us as well. Just one of the many precious simple joys of being a grandparent!
Sending all our best and may God Bless ...
Dan