The Struggle Has Ended

Greg Hewlett passed away on January 17th after nearly eight years of battling colon cancer. While we grieve his loss, we are comforted to know that he is with his Lord.

If you would like to leave your thoughts on Greg, please see this thread.

If you would like to make a charitable donation in Greg's honor, please see this thread.

Thursday, July 10, 2003

Side effects minimal so far

Yesterday, Dr. Xiong called to check up on me. We had a good conversation about future plans and current chemo side effects. He said he was quite encouraged that I am not experiencing very serious side effects. Serious side effects require temporarily delaying the chemo. Apparently, I'm on the good side of the bell curve of typical response. Currently, the worst effect is that I get an upset stomach after taking Xeloda (just after breakfast and dinner). The feeling is similar to how I feel after eating a plate of three-alarm buffalo wings at Jack Astors. The difference is that after a couple of those wing experiences, I vowed never to eat another. But with chemo, I keep taking the drug every day. With each dose, Christine and I pray for its effectiveness against the cancer. One person told me to imagine Pac-man munching tumor cells when I take chemo. But that just reminds me of those annoying little Pac-man sound effects.

Dr. Xiong also told me he thinks the increased physical weakness is simply due to the chemo rather than the low RBC. It's inconvenient, as I'm not good for much physical activity, but it's really nothing intolerable. As long as Dr. X isn't concerned about this, then I'm not.

I'm glad to be back at work today, catching up on activites that I just left hanging a few weeks ago. I'm working at home to conserve physical strength.



5 comments:

Sarah said...

Greg - I think you are bringing out the best in Dr. Xiong! Soon you will be on a first-name basis. Keep up the positive energy and thanks for keeping us up to date even when you are tired. You probably have no idea how many people are following this website and waiting for every bit of news. Don't work too hard and get lots of rest! Love, Sarah, Margus & Mati

Wes and Cindy Hauser said...

Greg we are so glad that you are not experiencing any serious side affects! We have been keeping up with your posts and have been blessed through your obvious faith in these trials. It's good to see that you still have your good sense of humor! You and Christine are continually in our prayers.

BoB & Sandra said...

Good Evening Greg;
Just a note to let you know Sandra and I are tracking with you and Christine. And, that you both are in our prayers, as well as on the church pray list.
God Bless,
BoB E & Sandra

curtis frodge said...

youre a funny guy greg but i dont know why you would like the pac man sound effects. haha it was really wonderfull to see you at church yesturday!! i wondered if maybe you would tell me what time of day you took your pill so i might take a few mins around that time to pray for its effectiveness as you and christine pray also?
God bless you brother you are constantly in my prayers! :)
-curtis

Josh Geiger said...

Hello Greg and Christine,
We have been praying for both of you, and we will continue to do so! With you in His grace, Josh & Shannon