Wednesday, February 27, 2013

February 27, 2013

Day 3, in the books.

All fun and games down here ay Sloany Ketts, as one could expect. Making moves on this chemo, which is now officially over halfway done woohoooo. My reward? The neutropenic diet for like 10 days. Sounds like heaven right about now, considering any food right now is a no-go. Ew food. Nausea...a fickle beast.

Currently relaxing at the Ronald McDonald House, like a boss. Back in tomorrow; getting after day 4. Giddy up. Catch you later, all.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

February 26, 2013

Missed a day of blawgging. Darn it. Well I'm doin' okay everyone so have no fear.

Was asleep all day yesterday (or just about), which was relatively nice because it meant I didn't have to deal with the chemo while it was pumping. Did just about the same thing today, but since it was going earlier, I've awoken and am now here writing to the blogosphere. Lucky you.

What's new? Nothin. Zip, zilch. Workin' on not getting the nausea bug via the proper cocktail of meds; we'll see how that goes later this week. So far, so good. Yesterday I woke up a bit woozy from my nap, but other than that it's been okay. That awful taste that accompanies this is slowly making its return, rearing it's ugly head much to my chagrin. No known antidote for that one that I've heard of. Jolly Ranchers and mints it is until that goes away, which could be a long while.

Hope all is well wherever you may be. After tomorrow, we're halfway through round SIX. Wooooohooooo. Later everyone.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

February 24, 2013

Honestly people, I thought the introduction by MacFarlane at the Oscars was pretty well done - possessed the necessary edgy humor. Talented dude.

Mentally and physically preparing to head in tomorrow for round 6. Woooooo so psyched. Okay you caught me, so not psyched, but hey only 2 more of these high dose rounds of chemo left according to the plan. Still can't believe five are already in the books. Powering through. Giddy up.

Again, hopefully no one is let down by the probably brief/possibly incoherent blog posts coming this week. Heck, they may even be enjoyably humorous. I'll do my best.

Hang in there everybody. Catch you all later.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

February 23, 2013

Almost forgot to blog! No worries all, I'm still kickin'.

This rain is the worst. Nearly as bad as the Rangers....but let's not get into that.

I've been boring the past few days. Really laying low, relaxing, and eating like a champ. I think I've put on 20 pounds since this thing began. But seriously. Holyyyy stomach. Wooooooooweee. The docs love it though, gives the body energy to fight back. And if the docs love it, then I love it. And I'm just sure the ladies love it (oh heyyyyy there ladies, you into the smooth cranium/pot belly/no eyebrows look hmmm? I know I know can't handle the cuteness either dang). 

Well everyone have a solid weekend. Later!

Friday, February 22, 2013

February 22, 2013

Another full day.

The thing about getting up really early for radiation everyday is that I'm awake for that much longer. That makes for really long days, to be filled with much activity - if possible. In this third week I try to get a ton of stuff done. It's a wonderful week.

Speaking of radiation, we're halfway there! Well, nearly. Fifteen of thirty-one treatments are in the books. Moving right along here.

And so chemo round six looms. It'll be a tough one, without doubt, and so my blog posts during the week may be a bit shorter and sweeter...or even less coherent given the cognitive issues the drugs gave me last time. No worries though, it shall be powered through just like the rest.

Here's a shout out to all my friends up at BC heading out to the 100 Days (until graduation) Dance. Enjoy it children. I'll um....skype in or something. Later everyone!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

February 21, 2013

Surprise - I'm ready for my close up. Today, I became a star. Apparently I'm such a cool patient, one of my docs asked me to be in a training video for him. Naturally we negotiated terms, conditions, and compensation. I feel I received the raw end of the deal, getting another 2 rounds of high dose chemo in return for my efforts. I think I'll fire my agent.

Counts are looking good, platelets need to come up a bit for chemo to start on Monday but everyone has the same feeling that they will indeed bounce back up by then. Really looking forward to it...

Had another wonderful day of enjoying all that this life as to offer around here, including getting some of my favorite grub, Chinese food, for dinner. Naturally, I selected the correct fortune cookie. Couldn't be any more accurate, and I'm sure you couldn't agree more.


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

February 20, 2013

Thirteen of thirty-one radiation treatments...complete. Apparently messing with my platelet counts a little, but we'll see how this one plays out.

So busy these days. Gotta make the most of every good hour I've got here! Eating good, putting on some weight, chillin' out with friends/mutts, and joy riding whenever possible. The good life. It'll be an early night though, time to grab a ton of Z's before doing it all again tomorrow.

Praying for some good counts tomorrow...got a little surprise occurring tomorrow down at Sloany that I'll fill you all in on tomorrow. Nothing too serious, or even health-related. We shall see how it goes! Catch you tomorrow, all.




Tuesday, February 19, 2013

February 19, 2013

Another great day. Waking up was a bit tough though. One of those mornings where the bed was just so cozy that I just didn't want to move...but of course I did. Who can pass up the opportunity to grab photons?

Good week means I'm getting out as much as possible. Given that my immune system is up and running, I made my way over to a high school basketball playoff game. Nice to be out and witness an intense game like that, get the juices flowing again. Saw some old friends as well. Good stuff.

Hoping I get some good driving weather tomorrow, think it's about time to get out for a joy ride. There are few things I enjoy more in this world of ours than good food and a good joy ride; perhaps I'll go for the double tomorrow. Gotta get all the good things together in this last week before cheems round six. Can you believe we're already up to round six? Time flies when you're having fun!

Katie's still mad at us for the bath. We had a moment today, I apologized for my harsh words of "haha, wet stanky butt", and we have moved forward. Figured I'd update you all. Stay well world.

Monday, February 18, 2013

February 18, 2013

Ahh yes, the third week, the wonderful third week, has arrived. Counts are coming back strong, and that's nothing but good news.

It's a beautiful thing: heading down to Sloan, expecting to be there for a solid 6 hours and only ending up being there for two. I went to catch some photons real quick, then check in with the sarcoma team and get the numbers from my CBC. At this point, I'm expecting the counts to be a bit low for their likes, necessitating a transfusion. The magic number is ten, so when I get called in I'm saying, "Show me a ten, baby!" The doc actually messed with me, saying, "Nope no ten.......I'll do you one better. 11.7." From the doldrums to ecstasy, I knew I was home free. Any time you catch a break like this, even though it may be small, it's something to behold.

So I spent another nearly whole day at home. And what a day it was - got to witness the wondermutt get a bath. Poor thing...but so enjoyable. At one point she was totally upset about it, then the next minute she's laying down in the tub in either defiance or laziness - still not sure. You guys tell me your interpretation. Catch you later!


Sunday, February 17, 2013

February 17, 2013

Some gross weather outside, wind and ice cold. Stayed inside despite wanting to get some fresh air, being out of the hospital and all.

Having a great day at home. Hanging out, bettin' horses, and eating like a champ. Also, of course, bro-ing out with Katie; she's been quite the character today. We'll get some good sleep and head right back to Sloan tomorrow for radiation and a visit with the team of doctors for a quick check-up.

Hope everyone had a quiet Sunday and maybe even a nice day off for Presidents' Day tomorrow. Catch you later.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

February 16, 2013

Greetings all, on this fine mid-February day.

I, Nicky Mo, am to be sprung from this Sloany Ketts joint in a matter of hours. This...is a great, great day. With the immune system clawing its way back to sheer and utter dominance of bacteria and the like, there's simply no stopping this guy.

So once I get in the car and make my way back to the compound, it'll be a bee-line to the mutt to thank her for her stunning good looks which won me a dog showing off contest with the doctors here. Like taking candy from a baby. Katie trumps all.

Platelets and I'm free. So close...I can taste home. Farewell, minions.

Friday, February 15, 2013

February 15, 2013

Ah yes, past the Ides of February.

Unfortunately I was unable to keep the temp in check and landed back here, admitted, at Sloany Ketts. Since I'm neutropenic, I'm stuck here until my white blood cells come up to acceptable levels. Luckily, this should be soon, sometime around Saturday or Sunday.

Let's just talk about the men and women of Team Nicky Mo for a second or two. What a group: over $6,000 raised for the American Cancer Society. Just amazing stuff; making moves up the fundraising leaderboard. Thank you to all the donors out there and to the team members relaying tonight; it's truly an honor to have you all on my team. Like Team Nicky Mo in its fundraising efforts, we can't be stopped and won't be stopped in our fight against cancer.

Much love to all out there. Fight on.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

February 14, 2013

Valentine's Day, eh? Things are getting hot around here! That's not good though, could land me in the  hospital again. Bleh.

Was down at the Ketts all day today already! Rads and a little transfusion to bump up the hemoglobin numbers. As I tweeted earlier, only fitting that I would be getting some extra reds on Valentine's Day. That was, of course, a load of fun: wait for blood, receive blood, leave. Lots of waiting around.

Trying to relax and get this body temperature to simmer down; hope everyone out there is enjoying the holiday in their own way!

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

February 13, 2013

Almost went to bed without blogging - nearly a nightmare of epic proportions. Fear not all, I'm still kickin' woooooo. Barely after the Rangers gave me a heart attack last night...so unnecessary. They're lucky they pulled out the win in the shootout or I was going to go up there and tell Tortorella, "Step aside, I got this one Chief," and give the team the business.

Went down to Sizzler today as always, Doc says I'm lookin' good gettin' a bit of a tan where the beam hits. This is a first, I've never tanned in the nude nor have I ever tanned the booty. This thing is gonna look niiiiiice. People simmer down, no pictures today.

The Relay for Life team is making me real proud. All your donations have been unreal; the team is currently ranked 6th of 115 teams in fundraising. Unbelievable stuff, cannot thank you all enough! Such a great event for a great cause. Nothing like having all of your support and fighting this together. Thank you again, and stay well everyone.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

February 12, 2013

Radiating like it's nobody's business. But then again I always shine ;) ehhhh? ehhhh? K fine don't laugh. Immediately knocked out by this whole radiation scheme. Just like mush as I sit here on the couch. But a nap and a hearty lunch later, and I'll be in tip-top form (relatively speaking).

For those not in the vicinity of Boston, my Boston College Eagles hockey team captured the Beanpot (4-team tournament of Boston's college hockey teams) for the fourth consecutive year last night. Undefeated in the Nicky Mo Era some may say. Or none. Maybe just me. Pretty pumped about that, big fan.

Also, speaking of the great Boston College, there will be a Relay for Life event on campus to benefit the American Cancer Society this Friday, February 15th. My roommates and friends have formed an incredibly solid team, and impeccably named if I may say so myself, to raise money for the cause. If you would like to support us in the fight against cancer, you can find the information here. Every donation counts!!

Everyone don't get too crazy with your State of the Union drinking games tonight. Later folks.

Monday, February 11, 2013

February 11, 2013

I'm starting to consider possibly throwing in some secretive or cryptic messages, or even something along the lines of "Hidden Mickeys" in the blog to jazz it up a bit. Maybe make it Dan Brown Da Vinci Code-esque. Maybe I'm deluding myself if I truly believe I have the talent/skill to pull off such a feat...or am I? Maybe that was the first clue...hmmmm? Maybe I'm losing my mind...hmmmmm? (This is highly likely.)

Grabbed some rays this morning, nooooo big deal. A little zap here and there and out the door I went - tired as could be. Makes for a great nap, let me tell you - hence this blog being quite late in the day. I'll be recommending it to folks rather than risking them going the Elvis route. "Lunesta? Nah, nahhhh, try some photons!"

Probably shouldn't promote that I guess. Though it could be all the rage. I'll deliberate. Hope everyone had good fun with the snow this weekend. Catch ya later.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

February 10, 2013

Minions. Greetings.

These drugs are the real deal. I had a "Groundhog Day"-like recurring nightmare about a horse race last night. Real tough. Woke up in a cold sweat - twice! Combine that with not remembering certain things from chemo week...yeesh.

So these past couple of chemo rounds have decided they want to take my eyebrows from me. I hadn't really noticed, or cared, until water started going into my eyes in the shower after rolling off the shiny dome. I would've never even thought of that function of the brows until this event. People: treat your eyebrows well. They serve a valiant purpose.

Feeling weak and tired - to be expected. Stay away from infection and keeping cool (body temperature-wise); you all do the same now.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

February 9, 2013

Finally home. What a tundra, had to be like 18 inches of snow here. Katie is clearly unamused with this bathroom interference the snow is running.  Wrinkles shoveled out a nice spot or two for her; she's taken to them quite well for all of you truly concerned parties.

Now that we've updated on Katie's bathroom logistics, let's cut to the chase. Cycle 5 was tough. Got some interesting meds that got me to a point where I said stuff about other appointments to Dad that I don't remember saying, at all. I would make a terrible CIA agent. But we are through it! Radiation has been all they cooked it up to be, and more! (See what I did there, cooked? Radiation? Microwave...No? Yes!?)

Anywho it's been real. No relief - struggle week coming up, combined with returning everyday for radiation, and throw in a couple of likely transfusion days, and we've got a long week ahead of us. But not as long as this week, which is swell. Stupendous, even.

Here's to an excellent weekend first, though. Can't be getting ahead of ourselves...one day at a time. Take care folks.


Friday, February 8, 2013

February 9, 2013

Day 5 in the books. Praise the sweet, sweet Lord. These 5 day chemos are brutal.

Stuck in the city thanks to "Nemo". Not a mettling clownfish, or captain of the Nautilus, but a blizzard named such. Highly interesting name choice. Not really digging it to be completely honest.

Passing out, thanks to nausea meds, and will take my tush home tomorrow. Feeling like moosh, but back to the living room grind tomorrow. Love it. Talk to you later all.


Thursday, February 7, 2013

February 7, 2013

Nearly there...day 4 complete. Kickin' my butt with fatigue and nausea but as I've been saying: gotta keep on keepin' on.

Which happens to now be my advice to you fellow Nor'easterners as "Winter Storm Nemo" comes our way. Since when did we start naming winter storms like they're Hurricanes? What's next, categories? Personally, I think they should get a little better about predicting what's actually going to happen out there before they get the nerve to name the storm.

Gonna grab some more sleep and hopefully get back to the homestead before the snow, but doubtful. Another snow storm passes without me being at the compound to see it. Perhaps the next blizzard...later everyone.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

February 6, 2013

Battlin' the nausea bug. It's just enough to be annoying rather than gruesome so far, which is good. The docs have decided to be kind enough to consider giving me adult anti-nausea medications, which is really swell of their part given the fact that I'm bigger than most of them.

Chillin' down here at Sloany Ketts. The days don't get shorter that's for sure. Nevertheless, cranking through them. Already on my 3rd radiation treatment woohoo! Okay maybe it's too early to be counting those. Back to the original comment tho, kinda chilly down here. I would be situated right below a vent...

So what's the good word for today? Well, not feeling all too tired considering actually slept pretty well last night. Only up about every 3 hours...what a deal. These meds will continue to knock me out, which is good by me. I love me some sleep.

Here's to a great Wednesday folks. Later.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

February 5, 2013

Day deuce of the cheemin scheemin'. The awful taste in the mouth has already reared its ugly, ugly head. Uncalled for, truly.

Crushed a real solid nap earlier, so my apologies for the late post. It was all too rich, considering the lack of sleep, of course. The nurses got in a fight about who was going to be my nurse today...don't you worry ladies, there's enough Nicky Mo to go around.

Already nearly done with the chemo for today, at which point we'll continue hydration and get some radiation in, why not? Nothing like glowing at night....just kidding I don't glow. Maybe I do. Might be my halo. Beyonce, is it my halo? Good. Good.

Now that a day has passed, any thoughts on the Super Bowl commercials? I thought they were overall lackluster - but the Budweiser Clydesdale and Audi ones definitely duke it out for top prize. But that's just me. Love to hear your thoughts in the comments below...if you can figure out how to leave a comment. Later!

Monday, February 4, 2013

February 4, 2012

Lame game. Well, actually it got interesting in the second half, but the outcome never really felt in doubt. Good for the Ravens I guess. Bad for us for having to hear about Ray Lewis for the next month.

Currently crushing round 5 of chemo, in a casual manner. Trying to figure out the best position to accept said chemo: bed vs. chair vs. standing (has as much of a shot of winning this battle as that Bar Rafaeli commercial from the Super Bowl has of actually being enjoyed.....bughhh). Scheming about cheeming some may say.

Hanging out down here with some screaming babies, though they've quieted down a bit over the past hour or so. Which is nice. Got my needles in and tubes connected...there's no stopping me now. Lookin' a bit like this. Feeling a bit chilly as well.

Radiation starts today too - these are truly exciting times. But alas, parting is such sweet sorrow...later everyone.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

February 3, 2013

Bowl of Superiority Sunday. Apparently the second biggest eating day of the year, according to Old Man Wrinkles. Brings me back to last year, nice little W over the cheaters...

Getting ready to head back down to the Clown House for the week. Crushing water like it's nobody's business today; they tell you at least 4 liters the day before you start the next cycle of chemo. Holy bloat. Almost as bad as competing in a Beer Olympics (I'm looking at you, residents of 30B). Shout out to my favorite nation, Vatican City, for their bronze medal performance in said Beer Olympics yesterday. A couple more prayers to St. Michael for some help in battle may have done you some good.

Currently having my own little Super Bowl party at the compound before having to leave - the usual: lining up my numbers for boxes, eating some pepperoni and cheese, and bettin' some ponies before round 5 starts tomorrow. Giddy up.

Hope everyone has a great Super Bowl Sunday out there. Enjoy!

Saturday, February 2, 2013

February 2, 2013

So apparently the groundhog didn't see his shadow. Short winter, eh? I could ride that train. The baldness is not conducive to warmth, as one could imagine.

Great visit with the gents, what a crew. Rounding out the last week of the chemo cycle quite nicely. Four full cycles down, three more to go, and radiation on the way. I keep sayin': more than halfway there.

Eating all the good stuff before cruising back in to Sloaney Ketts on Monday. All the even slightly acidic foods go by the wayside starting then, so the half Italian side is really getting the prime treatment with some pasta and marinara action tomorrow. Mezzi Rigatoni as well...simply the best.

Grab a little fresh air, relax, and watch the snow fall this evening everyone (if you're a Nor'easter); I know I will be doing all of the above today. Catch you all later.

Friday, February 1, 2013

February 1, 2013

Forgive me for my tardiness, truly a whirlwind day.

Went for the walk-through of my radiation treatment today. Quite the time. I hope the various people I mooned had as good of a time as I did mooning them (oops, sort of? Hey you told me the gown's opening goes in the back - you get what you asked for.) Luckily for them, as we all know, I have one heck of a tushion.

Most of the gentlemen of Modular 30B (my former place of residence on Boston College's Main Campus) are currently en route to the compound. What a crew.

Catch you later everybody.