Hello my name is Michael Kee,50 years old. I
was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal squamous cell
carcinoma On 5/2/08. I was told that I have to go through Seven
weeks of Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy To remove this
tumor. On 5/30/08 they removed 12 teeth, Becuse the
Radiation will kill the teeth. 6/9/08 I had the mask that I
will be wearing made.VERY INTENSE! Today 5/12/08 Im
going to have a feeding tube put in.
6/13/08 My first time over night in
the hospital, very noisy. I was surprised how easy
the surgery was. I have three days to heal till I go back
to work. (My wife suggested that I add what I,m feeling so
it’s not so black and white.) Here we go,
I’ve been flying hanggliders for 17 years. I have had a few
close calls.But I can’t beleave the wide range of emotions.
The fear is so intense at times.
6/16/08 First day back to work sense my Peg tube
was installed, was going just fine. Then I had slight
pressure around the tube. Then all of a sudden the pressure went a
way. So I look under the bandage and called the hospital I have a
small infection.Weeks worth of antibiotics. The waitting _ _ _ _ _
till treatment.
6/21/08 Two weeks and still nothing, this
waiting is driving me nuts. I wake up at 4:00am in a cold
sweat. My mind sure can wondor. Sunrisies sure are beautiful, A
pair of blue jays are getting use to me sharing there
mornning. I’ve been healing for the the last three
weeks. I need to get out! I’m going flying today.
Well I start treatment on Monday 6/30/08
6/27/08 I had the Technicians take some pictures
of me in my mask. Its pretty intense being bolted down to the table.
They are giving me meds to treat anxiety.
7/5/08 Chemotherapy kicked my ass! I have three
days off To heal. Laurie says my demeanor is comming back. I sleep
all the time. I’m eatting solid foods now. I feel pretty
puny.One week down!
Week two down! I’ve lost 12lbs and Im on the
feeding tube now. The Radiation damage
is starting. I’ve lost my taste buds. On the good side of
things the Doc said the tumor is getting smaller, and I was able to
get 24hrs lite duty at work.
7/19/08 Week three down. I’ve gain 5 of the
12lbs back. Tuesday I was scoped and the tumor was gone to the naked
eye." BUT" I still have to survive four more weeks of
treatment. Im unable to work any more,the mouth sores are to
bad and Im on pain Meds. I was able to mow my lawn yesterday It took
awhile but it made me feel good.Fallowed by a 2hr nap.
7/26/08 Mowing lawns are over! I had Chemo on the
7/21/08 I got out of the hospital today the 26/08 Im down to a
163lbs. I had to miss one radiation Treatment I was to
sick. Ya know I have not been sick in my life, of coarse
the flu and a cold here and there. But I have nothing to
compare this with. The look I saw in my wifes eyes I
don’t now to explain it. GOOD news I’v got three
cans of food in me now Im at 164.4lbs AND HOLDING Ya Hoo
8/5/08 Week five down. I’ve been adjusting to my
daily routine of food and naps, walks around the backyard,
I’m done with Radiation treatment. Now I have to heal
from treatment, thank you for pain meds.
8/28/08 Two weeks sense Radiation treatment I’m eatting food
and doing pretty darn good, Taking long walks. I have nine
weeks of Chemo comming up. They want my
weight up frist. Its weird teaching my body to eat food again.
9/05/08 Doing fantastic, eating three meals a day.
Still no taste buds. Walking a lot doing push ups and sit ups. It
feels good to mow my lawn. Trying to get back to work! One more
week till Chemo.