Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Switching Gears

Unfortunately, Dan's cough has become persisently worse. It's unclear what the cause is- possible infection? pneumonia? reaction to Tarceva? Whatever the cause, this week has been the first time in a long while that we've been living with the physical presence of cancer. It's no fun. It stinks. Not only is it tough to sleep more than a few hours, but it's even worse for Dan b/c he hasn't been able to do much but relax because the cough is so disruptive. As I write this, Dan is off to pick up more cough medicine. Hopefully it works well enough to get him back on a more normal schedule.

Next steps- back to the oncologist on Tuesday. Chances are, the treatment will change. But right now, we are more anxious to find some relief from the cough. On the plus side, it has given us a chance to try some new soup recipes since soup seems to help. So if anyone has any good ones, send them our way. On tap tonight- stuffed green pepper soup. And yes, I do cook!

Sorry we don't have better news- such is life sometimes in cancer world. At least we get 2 installments of the Biggest Loser this week! So we'll be hunkered down tonight with Loser and the finale of Project Runway and soup!- not too bad.

In case you're wondering, Dan is picking Jerrell to take Runway. Note that his pre-season picks were booted off the show in the first 3 weeks. My pick- Kenley- made it all the way to the finale. Dan's TV picks are usually about as good as his football picks- and he was out of his football pool in week 4.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you guys...stay strong and enjoy the soup!!

Love, Kris

Anonymous said...

I've been following your blog for about 2 months. I am 49 and was diagnosed with an aggressive form of multiple myeloma this past summer. It's a bone marrow cancer and it caused a lesion in my hip and fractured it. I'm enjoying my new hip now - which is getting stronger and more flexible from physical therapy and I complete my 4th cycle of chemo tomorrow. Waiting to learn if a bone marrow donor can be located for a potential (but risky) stem cell transplant. Spirits remain positive, sense of humor remains intact. I greatly admire your strength and resolve. I just came down with my first sore throat/cold post diagnosis (I was trying so hard to stay away from germs!) and I just made this hearty and delicious soup for my husband and me today (my vegan daughter - who is away at college would love it without the turkey sausage!). It's from the current issue of Gourmet Magazine. I hope you might give it a try. And I hope you get positive news regarding the cough.

Anita

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Lentil-Soup-with-Italian-Sausage-and-Escarole-350257

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys-
Sorry to hear the cough is not getting better - I have a few soup recipes I like - here is one:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Spicy-Pasta-Bean-and-Sausage-Soup-104698

I am going to make some homemade chicken soup over the next few days - and if you want, I'd be happy to make some for you guys-
Love, Nikki

Anonymous said...

Meg and Dan

My cough remains, but I think is less frequent. I've been taking an over-the-counter decongestant, having a scotch nightcap before bed, and getting 8 hours of sleep with my chest and head elevated about 18 inches.

Nikki's chicken soup suggestion also sounds good.

It can take a long time to overcome bronchitis. Mine started at the same time as Dan's cough and its still with me, but perhaps abated a bit from its most severe symptoms

DTB

Anonymous said...

Tough break about Jerrell, Dan. I've got my fingers crossed for Korto or Leanne (I can't decide).

Anonymous said...

Meg and Dan, it stinks that the cough is still there. I was really hoping the antibiotics would clear it up for you. It's good that you have another appoinment on Tuesday to see what's going on. I'll be thinking of you. Rest up and enjoy your soup! Katie

Anonymous said...

Hi you guys...
I'm home this weekend and loves to cook soups, let me konw what kind you want and your wish will be my command !!
Enjoy the nice weather outdoor and think only good thoughts.
Love, Judy

Anonymous said...

Dan & Meg,

We're related in a distant way. I'm EJ's cousin (actually, first cousin of EJ's mother). Another relative - also on EJ's branch of the tree - has a blog where she recently posted a recipe for soup that's supposed to be good for our lungs. I thought it might be helpful. Here's the link: http://snipurl.com/49d0m [jubbyplace_blogspot_com]

Scott Montgomery

Unknown said...

You are going to be like the soup nazi on Seinfeld. "No soup for you". When I read your post and the other comments that kept popping into my head. You might have to set up a side blog with just all the soup recipes you have gotten and tried!! I hope the cough is getting better and you guys are enjoying the time just to rest. I am sure you are watching the Sox late night (late night for me). I remember last year getting text messages updating us on the game during Legally Blonde. Hard to believe that was a year ago already!! Have a great weekend.