Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Chemo Update -- Good News/Bad News

I had  my third chemo treatment today and talked to the doctor. The good news is that my PSA is down somewhat.  The bad news is that one of the hormones I’m taking has pushed my blood sugar into the danger zone, so now I have to see a doctor about that problem.  I might be put on a diabetes medication, or I might not.  I’ll find out when I see the doctor.  The hormone is also known to cause brain problems, so I have to see yet another doctor about that.  [Insert your own Bill Crider's brain joke here.]  I don’t think I have any problems, but then I’d be the last to know, wouldn’t I.  I’ll probably have to do some kind of tests to test my cognition.  What fun.

35 comments:

Kevin R. Tipple said...

Sandi is an insulin resistant diabetic and chemo does a real number on her. One of the ways she gets her numbers down is by drinking lost of water after she finishes chemo. It helps flush her out.

Debra H. Goldstein said...

Don't worry -- the VBKs will tell you if you're slipping. They appear very wise... and seem to know you well :).

Gerard Saylor said...

Bad with the good. Thanks for sharing these updates. We are all hoping you do well.

Unknown said...

Well, I know that's a scary thing on both counts. The other good news is that you've got a LOT of brain to spare--much more than most--so I don't think you'll have to worry so much about that side of things. Hang in there, man.

Dylan

pattinase (abbott) said...

Every doctor visit is a challenge. The things that worry you, don't worry them. The things that worry them become your new worry.

Janet Rudolph said...

So many doctor visits, so many opinions. Sending positive thoughts for an easy time on this new path. Hugs..

Kay Kendall said...

I agree with Mr. Powell above. You have brain capacity to spare and that helps. You keep on keepin' on, Bill. Our world needs you.

Unknown said...

The diabetes thing is pretty easily controlled -- I can give you the name of the world's best diabetes educator ever should it come to that. As for the brain part...is there an alternative to the hormone they're using? Sometimes a wee adjustment here and there an make all the difference. Thanks for the updates! Go hug a cat and all will be well.

Unknown said...

Hoping for the best for you, as always, Bill! Pat a VBK for me...

J. Kingston Pierce said...

My best wishes are with you, Bill.

Lesa said...

Bill, Continuing to say prayers for you. Thank you for the courage you show to update us.

Erin said...

Thank you for the update, Bill. Sending every good wish, thought, and prayer your way. If I can help at all with info on the diabetes stuff (I've had T1 for almost 40 years), will be standing by.

Rick Robinson said...

I've been taking diabetes meds in pill form for years, with no harmful effects. No sweat. Eventually, in my case, it became not enough, and now I take insulin, but for a decade or more it was just the pills (Metformin) with good effect.

Karin said...

I never thought hormones affected the brain--until I got pregnant. Those hormones are everywhere. Good luck getting everything under control.

Susan C Shea said...

As if writing full-length novels isn't proof of cognition! Fight on, Bill!

Unknown said...

Good to hear your numbers are down, and hoping the possible diabetes will not materialize. If it does you will cross that bridge with positivity like you have with everything else that's happened to you the past year or so. Our Texas Legend will persevere.

judyalter said...

Once you get into the system, Bill, it's never-ending. They keep finding other things wrong with you, including some caused by the first things they did. Modern medicine is wonderful, but there are pitfalls. Hang in there.

Denise Z. said...

I know this is inadequate, but hang in ther. You have a lot of people rooting for you. I wish you only good luck as you face these new challenges. I will hold a good thought for you. Xo

Jeff Baker said...

Very glad for the good news! Hang tough, Bill!

Jeff Meyerson said...

What Patti said is so true. What worries us and what worries the doctors, not the same.

Earl Staggs said...

You have to hang in and get through all this, Bill. You still have a lot of books to write. Best wishes.

Larry Chavis said...

Prayers and best wishes for you, Bill. Hang in there.

Richard said...

Best wishes on horses to you, Bill. Thank you for keeping us posted.

Lee Goldberg said...

I'm not on that hormone and I'm certain I would fail those cognition test. So don't worry.

Kathi Appelt said...

Thinking about you, my friend. Hang in there.

Howard said...

Hang in there, buddy.

Dick Lochte said...

Praying for you, pal.

Jerry House said...

As always, best wishes.

And I sure there's no problem with your cognition or your memory. You do remember you promised to mail me $50 next week, right?

Terrie Farley Moran said...

Prayers and lots of love to you.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear your numbers are down! The diabetes thing seems to go with chemo. (Auto correct just inserted hemp for chemo...interesting choice.) My mom takes a pill to control it and is fine. Hope that's the case with you. Zooming hugs from your fans at Bedlington Cottage, xx Lucy, Ivy, and Nan. Woof and mini woof!

Max Allan Collins said...

I was pushed in the diabetes range, too. Not that my experience necessarily has anything to do with your situation, but I was able to bring mine down into the acceptable range strictly with diet. I just watch starches (it's not just sugar, but the stuff that turns into sugar). I haven't cut them out, I just eat a lot less of it.

Linda Pendleton said...

Having gone through 6 treatments of chemo, it did affect my blood to a degree, but it has basically recovered now. I was told not to worry about the AIC levels as it will raise them some. Maybe I was lucky that my numbers never got too high. Hang in there, Bill.

Lisa said...

Thinking of you, hang in there!

Catherine Cavendish said...

All the best to you, Bob

Kathleen Delaney said...

Glad the chemo seems to be working, as for the cognition, I wouldn't worry. As Debra said, the VBK's will let you know if that starts to happen, which I doubt. Take care, we're all rooting for you.