hansrue ([info]hansrue) wrote,
@ 2005-11-09 21:07:00
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It's trying to kick my butt...
After 17 treatments of radiation, they decided to switch the angles around to spare my spine from too much exposure to the stuff. Sounds good, and I appreciate them thinking about my spine, but this new 'off cord' treatment sucks. Instead of zapping me from 2 angles now, they are hitting me from 18. The total amount of radiation hasn't changed, but I now have to lay flat on my back for almost an hour. The result of that is massive acid reflux that leaves my already painful esophagus feeling like a burn victim. To make things worse, they made me listen to an hour of the best of Whitney Houston! That alone should scare the cancer out of me...

I've had a handful of really rough days since my last post. I told Amy that I think these treatments are trying to break me now (not that I'm allowing that to happen). Only 6 more radiation treatments to go and 3 weeks of Chemo...I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. The hardest part mentally is that I'm just sick of being sick. I'm constantly in a state of pain or overwhelming discomfort, though the actual symptoms vary from day to day, from hour to hour. I go from being nauseated to having cramps to having my surgery site hurt like hell to sleeplessness, etc., etc., etc. I'm just not comfortable. I don't even remember comfortable...

A little 8 year old girl named Alina died today in Germany from Leukemia. I didn't know her, but I've been following her story through my cousin Tobi and his girlfriend Meike. Meike is a reporter in their town and followed little Alina's story as the whole community searched for a suitable blood donor. Over 2500 people turned out in the search, but it was too late. When you have cancer, you really want to hear success stories, but of course you can't hide from the ones that don't succeed. Alina's story was exceptionally sad, but she managed to touch the lives of over 2500 people in her short life. Yet another all-too-real reminder that life is short, don't take it for granted. Don't take anything for granted.

I'm unnaturally sleepy...no nap today and I'm running on fumes. Thank you all so much for keeping up with me and for your continued support.

Hans



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(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 03:01 am UTC (link)
Hang in there, Hans. Think you can, think you can, think you can. . . and you WILL! I've been following your story almost from day one. I learned about you from my family who lives in Jasper (where I'm from!). I have dined at the Woodbridge Inn a few times in the past and saw you as a little boy. I'm looking forward to dining there again soon when I visit my family and hope to run into you there. You are an amazing person, as is your wife, and you are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I know that it must be very tough at times, but you will persevere; I have every confidence. I believe that you are over the worst hurdles and when all is said and done you will be stronger and healthier than ever. Please know that you have thousands of people cheering for you. We hurt when you hurt and we will triumph when you soon beat this thing.

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Know You Can!
(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 03:09 am UTC (link)
Like the little train, I know you can. You haven't been through all the things you have already not to make it to the end of that tunnel and bright, bright sunshine. Glad to hear you say you won't let it beat you and I really hurt for you when you don't feel up to posting. I do hope an pray that when the radiation is finished that the chemo will not be so bad. So, continued prayers for you and ALL your family. Mary Smith

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(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 03:55 am UTC (link)
I can only say how so very sorry I am for you to be feeling so badly. It hurts my heart to read of such discomfort for you...and I know how your wife and family must feel as well.

Hans, you are loved,cared for and many prayers go up for you, and your entire family. May the days ahead bring you some relief from the pain,laughter, and sleep!

Sincerely, J Bauer

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Good Evening!
(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 04:38 am UTC (link)
Hansy,
I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know we're thinking about you and pray for daily. Please hang in there and try to stay as positive as possible. I can't even imagine how hard it is, but please keep trying. I know your going to be back to yourself(except for the 1/2 of your stomach that is missing)before long and back with us on the side walk trying to figure out where the heck we're gonna eat for lunch. Davis House, White Columns, Junction(and their wonderful cookies), Poole's????? We really really miss you there!! I know I've said it all before but I want you & Amy to know that we think of you both often. And if you need anything please let us know.

Hugs -n- Kisses for Finn and Ella from me!

Ta ta 4 now...
He he...

Karena

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God can
(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 04:39 am UTC (link)
With God's help you can! Praying for you daily. Don't ever give up.

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(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 05:48 am UTC (link)
Although I haven't commented lately, the last thing I do each night is check my e-mails and your live journal. You are doing a wonderful job writing and sharing your ordeal with us. Think of all the lives you are touching. I marvel at your strength and determination to fight this disease. I whole heartedly agree with your thoughts on taking nothing for granted. My latest motto is live each day as though it is my last and garden as though I will live forever! You and your family are daily in our thoughts and prayers. We all hope you will be feeling stronger and better soon. Much love from the Jones Family.
Maurya

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(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 07:20 am UTC (link)
Hans, You are a fighter and that is what makes the difference. My heart goes out to you and all your pain.I don't post on your sight very much, but I do keep up with yours. God promised never to give us more than we could handle,at times it seems like he just might, but he doesn't. When you get down and out, just look around and you can see someone in worse shape than you and just maybe that will make the pain seem a little better. My father had cancer of the stomach and colon, they opened him up and took a tumor out the size of a football. They told us that he would never come back for his checkup in two months, so no treatment at all was given. Well let me tell you he lived for another 15 years. In and out of the hospital, mostly in,for over 6 months. So the bad medicine they are putting in you will give you another 60 years. :) Pauline and William Sandersville and Jasper

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[info]robertsearcy
2005-11-10 01:14 pm UTC (link)
Hey there Hans. I'm probably just repeating what everyone has said, but it's so true.........hang in there, don't give up. You have fought all of this so far, and I have faith and confidence in ya that you can overcome this. We're all still thinking about ya Hans!

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Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.....
(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 01:44 pm UTC (link)
You continue to be in my daily thoughts and prayers. I know that you will find the strength to get through these next few weeks, and I'm looking forward to happier (and more comfortable) days for you in the very near future. Big hugs and all my love to you, Amy and the kids.

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(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 01:59 pm UTC (link)
You are in my thoughts and prayers! My mother in law had colon cancer last year, and now she is back to her old self...probably more so :)

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Morning from Susannah
(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 02:18 pm UTC (link)
Good day Hans. I am thinking of you every day. Evan asks if his picture cheers you up at all...I am sorry to hear you are in pain. Stay strong...any books you are in the mood for that I could help you out with?
All my love!
Susannah, Chip, Evan and Aidan

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Stay positive, stay focused
(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 03:16 pm UTC (link)
You can do it Hans. You are going to be that positive happy ending that will give so much inspiration to others who come after you. God put you on this planet for a purpose, and every key moment in your life leads you through the next one. How exciting to be on the FoodTV show - and look at the thousands of people who learned about you through one connection or another (I'm here from a soap opera board!) And from that we will continue to raise you up in prayer and give you strength to get through this very difficult time.

You don't know me from another stranger on the street, but if you had needed someone in Houston, I would gladly have been there to help. You didn't - you have a very wide support system already in place. Your personality attracts people - a natural leader. I pray for you often and for your children (who are almost the same age as my own children) and your wife. I think often of you as that George Bailey character and when this is all over in your life you're going to be ringing that bell loud and clear for all the angels lifting you up through this. (Here in Houston they ring a bell to signal the end of chemo treatments, I don't know if you have that in the GA hospital.)

May God continue to bless you and hold you up during this trial of body and spirit. You will prevail. I have no doubt at all.

Shelly

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You Deserve Better Than Butt-Kicking
(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 04:44 pm UTC (link)
So sorry things are going so rough. Hopefully, you are down one more on the radiation today with only 5 more to go. When you just get to chemo and only have to go on Monday and Friday hopefully that will be better too, just not having to go everyday. We just hurt for you when we hear about all of this pain.

The butt kicking reminded me of a funny story though. We go to Destin most summers for a few days with our kids and grandkids. We went to a restaurant there and while waiting on our food my daughter and I went up to a case with T-Shirts to see what they had. It was close to the kitchen door and a waiter came out with a big tray of food and evidently couldn't talk and kicked me in the butt to ask me to get out of his way. I was so mad I was in tears and asked for the manager, the manager kept saying he would take care of that waiter. Two teenagers standing nearby confirmed what happened also. The manager just kept talking and finally after about 15 minutes asked if I would like a free T-Shirt so I took it. He never mentioned free food or anything like that. So everytime I wear that shirt everyone mentions to me getting kicked in the butt to get it. Needless to say, we don't go to that restarant anymore. Sounds like you deserve a lot more than a free T-Shirt for what you have been going through.

Marty and Dave "Cad Club"

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(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 05:31 pm UTC (link)
Well the good news is your little train is on the downhill track now with the treatments, each time you cross one off the calendar you're that much closer to sunny days in Jasper.

Prayers to you and your family and hope for brighter days for all of you soon. Christmas this year I'm sure will be a wonderful time for family and friends as you look forward to a new year without pain and treatments.

Yankee Doodle

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Hugs Guys
(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 05:59 pm UTC (link)
Just wanted to give ya'll some cyber hugs. I've been reading your journal. I feel as if I know you even though we have never met. I'm from Amy's January 2000 message board. I watch the food network because of you, LOL.
I love reading about your German cousin and his girlfriend(should be wife) I too have cousins in germany that are like that, maybe it's the culture of the people our age. I love the candy too. My grandmother came here from the black forest. I call her Oma too! she's 98 now.
I know that you can do this (the little engine that could)6 more! I'm glad too that you felt so go when you were best man!
You are very articulate (unlike myself) I think that this would make a wonderful biography when it's all said and done.
Hugs,
Angela (and Colton 1-10-00)

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(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 07:35 pm UTC (link)
Hans.... You don't know me, but I'm an online friend of Amy's. We both have 5 year old sons that were born in January. I've been following your journey with the Food Network and now with your cancer. I've been praying for you and Amy and your two beautiful children. I just wanted you to know that you've got friends in Virginia that care. Sending you a cyber (((((((((HUG)))))))). Keep us updated.

Kristin (mammamack)

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Prayers for you
(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 08:40 pm UTC (link)
Hans, I'm sending extra prayers of comfort, strength, mercy, and grace your way today. I don't know you personally, but I feel so connected to you through your journal. May God bless you.

Michelle

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Good News
[info]mamatonic
2005-11-10 08:44 pm UTC (link)
Remember as a teenager being kind of "artificially depressed?" I don't know you, Hans, but if you're a fan of the Smiths, then you probably fall into this category. If you were like me, there were some afternoons after school of listening to the saddest music I could find and just getting really really down. The ridiculous thing is that I had absolutely no reason to be down (except for all those pre pubescent hormones confusing he hell out of me).

My point is, surround yourself with life and happiness and success stories and your kids and Amy and silly jokes right now. Whatever you do, do not turn on Morrissey. That goes double for Whitney Houston OR Celine Dion.

I say bring in your own CD next time and insist they play it. Some suggestions: The B-52s, They Might Be Giants or anything from Brittney Spears :)

And if you are the one person in the world who hasn't seen this-cut and paste it into your browser because it will cheer you up in 2 seconds:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6739710473912337648&q=chinese&p

We're thinking of you all one street over.
The Cobourns
xxx

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(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 09:25 pm UTC (link)
Sending you even more love and prayers and well wishes Hans.
xxx
lyn

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Glad to hear you are getting along with your treatment
(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 11:17 pm UTC (link)
sounds like a very hard time of it though. Keeping you and the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Glad to hear the kids had so much fun with Halloween. Amy- you should swing by the Jan 2000 moms board and post some pics!!
We think of you often and hope you know that we are all over on the board to lean on, listen and vent to- we are your family too!
Hugs and strength!
JA

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Bless you in your fight
(Anonymous)
2005-11-10 11:54 pm UTC (link)
I am one of Jenn's posters, and have followed your journey. You and your family have been in my prayers for months. I love reading your comments on life, movies, your kids... even the insanity of hospital events. Keep on finding the humor, if you can. It keeps you strong.

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Keep hanging in there Hans!
(Anonymous)
2005-11-11 12:05 am UTC (link)
I haven't seen your journal in a while, but you and Amy are still in my prayers. Sure hope you get to feeling better soon.

Love and hugs to you both!

Mary & Chip

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(Anonymous)
2005-11-11 12:52 am UTC (link)
Hey Hans-

Sorry to hear that things have been rough lately. If nothing else, just keep remembering that you are more than halfway through with the treatments. That's how I manage to get through my swimming classes-1/8 of the way, 1/6 of the way, 1/4 of the way, 1/2 way... then when you get to the downhill side, it gets much easier knowing that you have less to do then you have already done.

Keep on keepin' on.

Rich in VA

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hang on
(Anonymous)
2005-11-11 02:08 am UTC (link)
I recently watched oprah and she had a guy who had wrote a book about his kicking the drug habit. His favorite moto was "hang on" so I say to you "HANG ON " there is much life to be lived and much family time to have ... Maybe we will see you at the toms amusement chirstmas party at the inn ( we have it there every year ) well it's my husbands compnay he works for not mine lol .... things are tuff right now but with toughness comes joy !!! like i said "HANG ON "
Johna Barnes

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Breaking Point
(Anonymous)
2005-11-11 05:05 pm UTC (link)
Hans, So sorry to hear of all the discomfort you're having with your treatments. You mentioned that you felt like the treatments were trying to "break" you. I know that as a Christian, God will often put things in our lives that seem unbearable, but the reason for this is to make us totally depend on Him and His incredible healing power. A lot of people say "yeah, right" but don't discard the possibility. God loves you and He hates to see His kids go thru suffering, but He's also a jealous God who wants His kids to trust and depend on Him! It's something to think about. I know when I've had to go thru a really tough time....I had cervical cancer that was fortunately treated just by surgery....the only way I could exist and get thru each day was knowing that God had my life in His hands and He could take care of it a lot better than I could. And we become a better, stronger person because of it. Praying that you can trust in God to get you through.
Sunny in WV
Pam

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Hang in there Hans
[info]jim1411165
2005-11-12 01:32 pm UTC (link)
Hey Hans,

Don't let it kick your butt! Sorry to hear you've had that string of rough days, but you're getting thru it. Just keep looking at the light at the end of the tunnel getting brighter and bigger. You'll bounce back soon.

Jim

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Definitely ready for better days
(Anonymous)
2005-11-13 12:36 am UTC (link)
So glad to hear from you although I read through tears. Wish we could do more to help but will continue to pray for your strength and comfort and CURE. Love and prayers from your home town.

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Positive thoughts...
(Anonymous)
2005-11-13 10:25 pm UTC (link)
Praying for continued strength in your extreme times of need, Hans and Amy. Surround yourself with laughter and positive energy...the light is definitely on and shining at the end of the tunnel. Hugs from us Down Under & from the Mothers of 2000 Babies board. ~Deborah C and Matthew

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Kick Its Butt
(Anonymous)
2005-11-14 01:42 am UTC (link)
Hans, hope you are feeling better since your last posting. We all want to hear from you but know it is a struggle with all that is going on with you. Your friends and fans all hope you get through the treatments and kick the treatments butts.

Lynda Dockery
Kennesaw

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Support
(Anonymous)
2005-11-14 02:13 pm UTC (link)
Hans:

Sorry you are in pain, just a note to say our thoughts are with you.

Respectfully,
Linda Downes

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(Anonymous)
2005-11-14 03:11 pm UTC (link)
Hans, we pray for you daily. You can beat this thing. Knew you must be having a hard time right now since you've not posted lately. We're so sorry you're having such a rough time, but there HAVE to be sunny days ahead for you. Thinking of you, Lois & D'Wayne Fowler, Ellijay

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Perseverance
(Anonymous)
2005-11-16 01:36 pm UTC (link)
Hans--

That's what comes to mind when I think of you and your battle with this disease. You have truly persevered. I know that the same gracious God Who has brought you this far will see you through to the end of this process.

If I have the calendar figured out correctly, this week should see the end of the radiation treatments, with the chemo to be wrapped up soon. My prayer for you is that things get a little better each day, until you look around sometime soon and realize that you ARE feeling comfortable, and whole again.

Continued blessings on you and your family.

David Stuart

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kicking
(Anonymous)
2005-11-16 03:11 pm UTC (link)
Hans, you are doing great. Remember to keep your eye on the brass ring.

I didn't have radiation but I did have chemo. It does have a cumulative effect. By the end of the treatment I was wiped out.
However, almost one year to the date after diagnosis, I drove my Mom and me from Talking Rock to Las Vegas with several stops in between. It was a great feeling to know that one year after a diagnosis and treatment for Non Hodgkins Lymphoma for me and almost one year after a diagnosis of leukemia for my Mom, we were driving across the country. Folks thought we were nuts, but we just looked at it as getting on the merry go round and grabbing that brass ring.

Continued good wishes and prayer for you and your family
Gena

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(Anonymous)
2005-11-17 03:38 am UTC (link)
Hey Hans & family

You haven't updated in a while - I hope it's because you are having lots of good days and are too busy enjoying your family & having a good time. Just wanted to say hi and that I'm still crossing my fingers and other bits for you. Commiserations on having to listen to Whitney - my dentist likes her too. I tell him that I'd rather listen to the drill, thanks all the same!

hugs - Sharon from Oz.

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So, is the radiation finished?
(Anonymous)
2005-11-18 12:10 am UTC (link)
By my count (and math was never my thang) it should be. I do hope so!

I hope you update us soon - all the best - many prayers!

Cindy<>

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