I sometimes give thanks to the inventors of toilet paper. When I was a kid a handful of leaves in the woods served as an acceptable substitute. Leaves are some what difficult to wield, often came apart in your hand transferring the offending substance to your fingers. If you were still eating a candy bar or sandwich it made the whole experience unappetizing. However, you did not have to worry about the toilet clogging up or the flush handle breaking. All in all it was not a very rewarding experience.
Besides it creates a whole new dynamic in this world if we did not have TP. I can just imagine people climbing precariously into tree tops to fetch the last few leaves in a densely populated area. What about at night, the trees might appear to be invaded by huge lightening bugs as individuals went in search of nightly relief. Plus what happens if someone couldn't hold it whilst searching for the appropriate bunch of leaves. It wouldn't be just bird shit falling from the skies. So thank you inventors of the TP, we are all in awe of your creativity.
There are several categories of TP that bear discussion. First of all we see the label "Strong." This means it doesn't tear under duress. I find technique has a lot to do with this issue. Because I encounter chronic diarrhea. Do not confuse the term diarrhea with the explosive watery output we get when we are sick or preping for a colonoscopy. Diarrhea has to do with frequency. On a bad day I may go to the bathroom 25 times or more. On a good day, maybe once, sometimes I even miss a day, oh do I enjoy that.
Back to the "Strong" classification. Well, actually one needs to discuss technique here before getting into the classifications of TP. My preferred method would be blotting. This involves folding the TP neatly into a square shape and then blotting the anal area instead of scrubbing. I find that if you are in the midst of an episode, repeated visits to the porcelain shrine, that scrubbing can give you an RA (raw ass). This becomes painful with each succeeding visit and can end up very painful indeed. While a lubricant may help, you actually scrub it off on the next visit and just further exacerbate the situation. So blotting is my preferred method.
"Strong" holds up to blotting quite well. Once and a while on the way to the site the paper may fold on you leaving your fingers to bear the brunt of the blot, but other than washing your hands thoroughly it does not present too big of a problem other than mental.
The consistency of the stool may vary. When it is firm and torpedo shaped things are going well. In fact, I get into a state of "TA." Teflon Ass, this is when nothing sticks. Usually I can get away with two blots, the first to clean up any residual the second to insure the first was effective. This is primo! Too rich a diet, too much fat over a period of time, or some particular food that may upset the system causes the consistency of the "stool" to deteriorate. It isn't too bad if it gets on the thin side like pudding. Easily blotted it takes quite a bit of TP, but it is not too bad. I have been known to go through an entire roll of TP in under two hours.
The problem begins as the stool begins to reconstitute and becomes the consistency of 90 weight gear oil, or lubricating grease. Now "Strong" becomes a bit of a problem as it moves the stool around as opposed to picking it up. This smearing effect has a distinct feeling and can be uncomfortable to the uninitiated. Beware of moving to "Soft" TP as this can create a very ugly scene. I have been blotting with "Soft" paper only to have it shred under my fingers exposing me to direct contact with the putty like stool. This does not wipe of the fingers to well leaving one reaching for the wash basin with perhaps a bit of paper hanging from their crack.
So, from this expert I recommend Strong. Now one manufacturer has come out with Strong & Soft, I don't trust it. Stay with Strong. I also find that four sheets are enough for any situation, I fold them flat. I find wadding them up to be uncomfortable for blotting and increases the smearing potential.
So all you rec-to-files here some information you can really get into. Here's wishing you successful blots and clean fingers. Go to it! In another installment I will discuss the aspects of public toilets and the TP used in their sterile appearing stalls.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Now I feel like a survivor
The first occurrence of colon cancer was in January 2007. I had a bowel resection. I was told by the oncologist that I was cured, the polyp had no signs of entering the colon wall and appeared to be confined to just the polyp itself. Recovery was tough. I had a lot of things happen that I have documented in a blog that appeared in Meandering Thoughts, and I copied to this blog.
I never felt like a survivor. I had bowel issues but did not think of them as a recurrence of colon cancer. In fact, I was treated for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. So when people talked about having cancer I kind of considered myself outside that horrible sphere.
When three of the people that work for me came down with cancer and we lost two, I still thought of myself as not really having had cancer. That all changed April 18, 2012 when a colonoscopy revealed a large suspicious mass in my lower colon. Over a year has gone by and I still have not documented that ordeal in detail. I intend to do that before I forget some of the details.
I will say though, I now feel like a survivor. What my wife and I went through was not only tough, it was mean. Terry was there with me every step of the way. She cleaned up messes that are almost beyond description. She held my up when it was difficult to stand, she learned how to replace a collection bag when I had a stoma that was creating it's own level of distress. If I ever wondered about Terry's commitment, any question I had was answered.
My daughters played a great role with their support. My oldest daughter at one point picked up and drove eight hours to take care of me when I had a very intense pain episode. Terry had just about seen enough and you could see a break was a possibility. Kristi came, took over for about five days and Terry got some much need alone time and rest and I reconnected with my wonderful daughter on a whole new level. We even relearned cribbage and had long hours of being together.
No, this time I do feel like a survivor. Could I go through it again, Yes. Unless the prognosis was grim I could do it again. It would not be a cakewalk, but I think I could handle it. Terry could handle it. But, I never want to go through that again. With vigilance from the surgeon and the oncologist perhaps if anything happens it will be caught so early that I won't go through hell on earth.
Thanks to all whole have express words of love and support. I at a good place right now and I intend to stay here for a while.
I never felt like a survivor. I had bowel issues but did not think of them as a recurrence of colon cancer. In fact, I was treated for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. So when people talked about having cancer I kind of considered myself outside that horrible sphere.
When three of the people that work for me came down with cancer and we lost two, I still thought of myself as not really having had cancer. That all changed April 18, 2012 when a colonoscopy revealed a large suspicious mass in my lower colon. Over a year has gone by and I still have not documented that ordeal in detail. I intend to do that before I forget some of the details.
I will say though, I now feel like a survivor. What my wife and I went through was not only tough, it was mean. Terry was there with me every step of the way. She cleaned up messes that are almost beyond description. She held my up when it was difficult to stand, she learned how to replace a collection bag when I had a stoma that was creating it's own level of distress. If I ever wondered about Terry's commitment, any question I had was answered.
My daughters played a great role with their support. My oldest daughter at one point picked up and drove eight hours to take care of me when I had a very intense pain episode. Terry had just about seen enough and you could see a break was a possibility. Kristi came, took over for about five days and Terry got some much need alone time and rest and I reconnected with my wonderful daughter on a whole new level. We even relearned cribbage and had long hours of being together.
No, this time I do feel like a survivor. Could I go through it again, Yes. Unless the prognosis was grim I could do it again. It would not be a cakewalk, but I think I could handle it. Terry could handle it. But, I never want to go through that again. With vigilance from the surgeon and the oncologist perhaps if anything happens it will be caught so early that I won't go through hell on earth.
Thanks to all whole have express words of love and support. I at a good place right now and I intend to stay here for a while.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Some confusion
I am now almost six months from reversal surgery. I am still fiddling around with maintenance chemo. I had an experience about three weeks ago that stopped me cold. I awoke one Sunday morning about 1:30 AM having to use the bathroom. I began an endless procession of about every fifteen minutes having to go. And I was gong quite a bit. It culminated about 10 hours later with a burst of watery diarrhea and when I sipped some water to prevent dehydration I got violently ill and through up twice.
I had just started the chemo on that Saturday. I stopped taking the chemo on Sunday when I was not sure if I was having a reaction from the chemo or I was experiencing a short lived bug. By Sunday afternoon I had that general achy feeling, week, tired and restless that I associate with a virus. Monday I felt fine and resumed the chemo. Terry also seemed to come down with her own version of the bug on Monday so we both thought it was viral.
However, my system did not seem to want to straighten out. I get going a lot, the stools were quite loose, I had accidents, I reverted to wearing pads and it was kind of frustrating. I had a pretty bad accident at work and had to change underclothing, but could not change my stained slacks so I was force to walk around backwards much of the afternoon.
On Friday, no let up in the activity had taken place so I called the Dr. because I was worried about the weekend. I was told to stop the chemo and not to begin it again until the end of the month. My system has straightened out some what, but still not back to the way it was before chemo. I started taking the chemo pills yesterday and we'll see what happens.
I had just started the chemo on that Saturday. I stopped taking the chemo on Sunday when I was not sure if I was having a reaction from the chemo or I was experiencing a short lived bug. By Sunday afternoon I had that general achy feeling, week, tired and restless that I associate with a virus. Monday I felt fine and resumed the chemo. Terry also seemed to come down with her own version of the bug on Monday so we both thought it was viral.
However, my system did not seem to want to straighten out. I get going a lot, the stools were quite loose, I had accidents, I reverted to wearing pads and it was kind of frustrating. I had a pretty bad accident at work and had to change underclothing, but could not change my stained slacks so I was force to walk around backwards much of the afternoon.
On Friday, no let up in the activity had taken place so I called the Dr. because I was worried about the weekend. I was told to stop the chemo and not to begin it again until the end of the month. My system has straightened out some what, but still not back to the way it was before chemo. I started taking the chemo pills yesterday and we'll see what happens.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Current Happenings 3-11-12
A week ago I woke up early Sunday morning having to go to the bathroom. I then started a parade back and forth for almost 10 hours. At first I went rather normally, just often, pretty soon I did not feel too well, my stomach was cramping slightly and I would feel weak. About 11 AM, I thought I may be getting dehydrated so I downed a glass of cool water, went upstairs and promptly threw it up. Then the output changed to a watery liquid and was just like a colonoscopy prep. The diarrhea stopped early afternoon but I felt weak, achy and lethargic. I came to realize Sunday evening it was probably a bug.
I had started my third week of chemo on Saturday and had stopped Sunday when I was going to the bathroom an abnormal number of times. By Monday morning I felt pretty good so I restarted my chemo. However, Monday afternoon at work was not good. After lunch I began going, and one of the problems I encountered was loss of control. I ended of staining my pants and having to change underwear. I had no change of clothing. I was finishing up a budget proposal so I had to stay and get it done. I went home, ate some dinner and later that evening the frequent trips to the bathroom began again. with very loose stools.
Tuesday was quiet, but I was empty.
Wednesday the same until night. I experienced frequent trips and had to wear briefs with a pad to bed to prevent accidents. Immodium seemed to slow the tide but my stomach felt bloated and I had a lot of gas. I also couldn't control the gas and had several embarrassing events in front of colleagues.
Thursday was peaceful until night came and then a real strong repeat of previous frequent trips and loose stools.
Friday I called the oncologist and spoke to the nurse. Friday was a very peaceful day. I was told to stop the chemo and not begin again until I had seen the Dr. which will happen in a couple of weeks. Yesterday was pretty good and I slept peacefully last night. This morning I can feel some pressure in my abdomen which I take to mean I am filling up. This afternoon I have gone several times and it is very soft, but the stool if formed which is a good sign. Perhaps with the chemo stopped for now I will go back to my previous way which though often was comfortable.
I had started my third week of chemo on Saturday and had stopped Sunday when I was going to the bathroom an abnormal number of times. By Monday morning I felt pretty good so I restarted my chemo. However, Monday afternoon at work was not good. After lunch I began going, and one of the problems I encountered was loss of control. I ended of staining my pants and having to change underwear. I had no change of clothing. I was finishing up a budget proposal so I had to stay and get it done. I went home, ate some dinner and later that evening the frequent trips to the bathroom began again. with very loose stools.
Tuesday was quiet, but I was empty.
Wednesday the same until night. I experienced frequent trips and had to wear briefs with a pad to bed to prevent accidents. Immodium seemed to slow the tide but my stomach felt bloated and I had a lot of gas. I also couldn't control the gas and had several embarrassing events in front of colleagues.
Thursday was peaceful until night came and then a real strong repeat of previous frequent trips and loose stools.
Friday I called the oncologist and spoke to the nurse. Friday was a very peaceful day. I was told to stop the chemo and not begin again until I had seen the Dr. which will happen in a couple of weeks. Yesterday was pretty good and I slept peacefully last night. This morning I can feel some pressure in my abdomen which I take to mean I am filling up. This afternoon I have gone several times and it is very soft, but the stool if formed which is a good sign. Perhaps with the chemo stopped for now I will go back to my previous way which though often was comfortable.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
First week of maintenance chemo
I just finished my first week of maintenance chemo. I am taking a drug called Xeloda, pronounce Zeloda. It is in pill form and I take eight pills a day, four in the morning and four at night. The body converts the drug to 5FU which is a standard drug used in the treatment of colon cancer. The oncologist wanted to add another drug to the regime but the insurance company would not pay for it and I did not qualify for help from the drug company. So I guess from one standpoint I am received a less than recommended treatment, but then the cancer recurred in the same sight at the previous surgery so if it is there this drug ought to do it.
The side effects are numerous and range from diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, aching bones, to sores in the mouth. So far I have experienced none. I take the drug for one week then stop for a week. I do have some Dr. visits in the meantime to measure my blood count as these drugs can lower you immune system.
I still feel very good. I have frequent bowel movements, maybe 10+ a day, but there is no pain or inflammation.. I do not bleed and am for the most part comfortable. The consistency of the stool is like a heavy glue which makes cleaning tedious and uses a lot of toilet paper. However, it is a long way from what is was a year ago, a long way and I am grateful. Life is good right now.
The side effects are numerous and range from diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, aching bones, to sores in the mouth. So far I have experienced none. I take the drug for one week then stop for a week. I do have some Dr. visits in the meantime to measure my blood count as these drugs can lower you immune system.
I still feel very good. I have frequent bowel movements, maybe 10+ a day, but there is no pain or inflammation.. I do not bleed and am for the most part comfortable. The consistency of the stool is like a heavy glue which makes cleaning tedious and uses a lot of toilet paper. However, it is a long way from what is was a year ago, a long way and I am grateful. Life is good right now.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Maintenance
Today, February 4 I began my chemo maintenance. It has been a long road. I had major surgery five months ago after enduring almost two months of radiation and chemo therapy at the same time. I have detailed the effects of that and will do so no more. In October I went through a reversal surgery to reattach my small intestine to the large intestine. I work a iliostomy bag for over ten weeks. That in itself was an adventure.
The reversal surgery was good, I recovered swiftly and feel as good as I've felt in years.
The oncologist recommended I have follow up chemo to kill any guerrillas. At first the insurance company refused to pay for it saying it was not necessary and that chemo maintenance for recurring colorectal cancer is experimental. Then the oncologist had his financial person contact the drug companies to see if they would donate the medicine. I was to take two types of drug, oxyplatin and Xeloda. One of the most often used drugs in fighting my type of colon cancer, which is a basal cell or Sauamous cell, a drug called 5 FU. It was the drug used in my initial round of chemo because it works in conjunction with radiation to make the radiation more deadly. It also is used in treatment of metastasized colorectal cancer. So that was one drug. The other drug is used when the cancer has spread and if more effective for that type. There is no indication that the cancer has spread anywhere, however, it did recur when I was pronounced "cured." I did not qualify for the second drug. So I am taking only Xeloda.
I take four 500mg tablets twice a day Today, day 1 I have no effects that I can tell. The side effects are numerous but the Dr. told me this drug is well tolerated so I hope things will go OK.
The reversal surgery was good, I recovered swiftly and feel as good as I've felt in years.
The oncologist recommended I have follow up chemo to kill any guerrillas. At first the insurance company refused to pay for it saying it was not necessary and that chemo maintenance for recurring colorectal cancer is experimental. Then the oncologist had his financial person contact the drug companies to see if they would donate the medicine. I was to take two types of drug, oxyplatin and Xeloda. One of the most often used drugs in fighting my type of colon cancer, which is a basal cell or Sauamous cell, a drug called 5 FU. It was the drug used in my initial round of chemo because it works in conjunction with radiation to make the radiation more deadly. It also is used in treatment of metastasized colorectal cancer. So that was one drug. The other drug is used when the cancer has spread and if more effective for that type. There is no indication that the cancer has spread anywhere, however, it did recur when I was pronounced "cured." I did not qualify for the second drug. So I am taking only Xeloda.
I take four 500mg tablets twice a day Today, day 1 I have no effects that I can tell. The side effects are numerous but the Dr. told me this drug is well tolerated so I hope things will go OK.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Three months since reversal
Tuesday the 24th I am going in to the hospital for a sigmoidoscopy. It is a look at the first 12 inches of your colon. The surgeon wants to see how the anastomosis looks and if there is any recurrence of cancer. He said he does not expect to find anything but if there is something this he can just burn if off so I don't have to go through chemo/radiation again. I don't expect anything either. I am feeling fine, I have no pain, no uncomfortable sensation when I have a BM, no bleeding, just pure comfort. I do vary between stools that are easy to pass with little cleaning issues and gluey stools that have cleaning issues, but aside from the aggravation it is no problem.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoy going shopping with my wife and not having to search for a bathroom every fifteen or twenty minutes. We get to enjoy dinners out without me being absent holed up in the bathroom experiencing cramps, pain and discomfort. Life is good.
I still have not begun the chemo maintenance program and wonder if I will. According to the medical community that regime is not necessary, however according to my doctors they believe it was be a good thing to do. We are still at a standoff about who pays. The insurance company refuses. I have applied to the drug companies for their help but have not heard back yet. I am a little concerned but not too.
I hope everyone who has a bowel resection has the success that I am enjoying. This is the best I have felt in years.
I cannot tell you how much I enjoy going shopping with my wife and not having to search for a bathroom every fifteen or twenty minutes. We get to enjoy dinners out without me being absent holed up in the bathroom experiencing cramps, pain and discomfort. Life is good.
I still have not begun the chemo maintenance program and wonder if I will. According to the medical community that regime is not necessary, however according to my doctors they believe it was be a good thing to do. We are still at a standoff about who pays. The insurance company refuses. I have applied to the drug companies for their help but have not heard back yet. I am a little concerned but not too.
I hope everyone who has a bowel resection has the success that I am enjoying. This is the best I have felt in years.
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