Saturday, November 8, 2008

Weekend update

Saturday morning, bright and early, all the soccer lads met at an English pub in Boca to watch the Man U vs. Arsenal game. I was not able to participate in the Guiness consumption but the rest of the guys seemed to do quite well without me. One of the positives (or possibly one of the negatives, depending on how you look at it) is I am not able to drink because of the meds I am on. The rest of the gang seems to make up my shortfall adequately. The result of the game was quite disappointing...........we (Man U) lost. I must say that the pub patrons were equally divided between Man U and Arsehole supporters but everyone was well behaved and very civil. How terribly British wot!

The Pub food looked pretty marginal so we all buggered off to one of the local hotels for a good English (sort of) breakfast.

Saturday evening we went to a 50th birthday bash for our good friend Robin Elkaim, Ilan's wife. It was a lot of fun. Great food, good company and pretty decent music. I was privileged to escort my mom to the party and my brother-in-law Howard came with us as well. Now let me explain something about an observation I made. Howard and I look very much alike and the two of us together, with my mom in tow, looked really funny. Like some middle aged gay couple with their mommy. "Not that there is anything wrong with that" - thank you Jerry Seinfeld. I guess I am comfortable in my meterosexuality!!! Oh yea, I was able to negotiate a triple dessert. Birthday cake, Tiramisu and flan. What a pig.

Sunday morning cousin Hilary and cousin Martin came to the apartment for breakfast. After breakfast I took my partner :) (Howard) to the airport and then met up another good friends' son to discuss his flying career. Dean is at Embry Riddle University studying to become a commercial pilot. He is about to complete his private licence test. We had a really good conversation and I will be following his progress with keen interest. I certainly remember what it was like for me in the same position many years ago.

The afternoon and evening was spent shuttling between the apartment and Ilan and Robin's house saying goodbye to all the close friends who had come in for the party. We consumed square meat pies from Selfridges, left over oxtail and cottage pie for diner. Yummy.

Carpe Diem.

Remission, success and living

"Remission means there is no evidence of disease . . that's all . . there is no way of knowing if I am in complete remission or if the cancer will relapse. I will have PET/CT scans to monitor for relapse every two months for at least the next short while and then they will spread out in time until 5 years. To the best of my knowledge, I believe the standard for remission is 5 years. The longer I remain in remission the better chance I have that the cancer will not recur. If after 5 years I am still in remission there is a good chance the cancer may be gone......... however, there is no guarantee as cancer can remain dormant in the body for an undetermined amount of time and then reappear. I will need to stay vigilant about my health for a long time.........but at least, right now, things look promising and that is all that is important to know. I'm celebrating."
Adapted by me.

"Everyone is born with a limited amount of time. Every moment we live - whether we're working, playing, complaining, or being thankful - is time that we've spent. Nothing is more valuable than the time we have left. When we're pursuing our passion, it isn't just getting to the goal, because the journey is as rewarding as the end result. At the end of our lives we can say 'I've loved my life' - the ultimate definition of success."
Cynthia Kersey.

"Every person will die. But few people will really live."
?

Carpe Diem.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Fishing expedition


This is Howard here, blogging for Adrian about the great fishing expedition. Ade would be blogging but he is in the hospital getting the hook removed from his hand. JUST KIDDING.

It was the perfect day and six of us went….including Jack, Ilan, Ilan’s brother in law from Chicago, and Tracy from the Boca Resort & Club, the obligatory mystery blond on the fishing boat. Best news: no one puked. Best news part II: everyone caught a fish. Lots of snapper…..kinda weenie but within the law. I caught at big mutton snapper at 170 feet and it took forever to bring it up. Adrian snagged a French Gunt (never heard of it), and there were the obligatory rude comments about it (i.e. , a French grunt is what happens in an alley in Paris). Nutrition was supplied by Bokkie in the form of corned beef and salami sambos. We wound up doing most of our fishing in spot about 500 yards off the coast of….OUR BUILDING! Here is the special YouTube video of our adventure under Fish City Pride.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JFQSlpTsaY

Carpe Diem.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

House hunting

After a pretty good nights sleep it was off to go house hunting with our agent, Fred. We had a productive morning looking at different properties. There was one in particular that we may pursue. Very nice indeed. After lunch we briefly looked at a few other areas and then home to my mom's place so I could absorb all of the information. Had a couple of good chats with Diana about all that went on and what I saw.

In the afternoon I did the obligatory Jamba Juice stop with my mom. Threw in Whole Foods and Publix Supermarket stops to pick up supplies (food) for the fishing trip.

After another dinner with my mom I went to the airport to pick up Howard (my brother-in-law). No, my mom didn't bugger off to play cards again. When we got back to the apartment we set up a sandwich production line for the fishing trip. Some of you may think that I am obsessed with food and that's all I think about. Well, you could be onto something.

Carpe Diem.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Wednesday in Boca

The flight to Boca was once again quick and easy. It's tough getting used to airports, security and all the other associated crap again. I'm just not doing it often enough. Phew. Ilan picked me up at the airport and then it was back to my mom's place to for an oxtail lunch and watch Man U play play Celtic to a 1-1 draw. Ilan was more than happy to pick me up once he knew he was going to get some of my mom's oxtail. Oxtail sounds gross but what an amazing dish. At least I think so.

In the evening I had dinner with my mom and then she left to play cards with her mates. Basically, she abandoned me. Cousin Hilary came over to see me and the two of us went to Jamba Juice and then Barnes & Nobles. So far I have had a Jamba Juice Acai supercharger every day I have been here. Do you think that I'm overdoing it!!! I also think I may be looking a little chunky. Yes me. Oh well, off to eat.

Carpe Diem.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Election day

I seldom, if ever, will discuss religion or politics here on my blog. Having said that, I will tell you that Rob and I voted today. I was really proud to be able to vote with her and see how seriously she took her obligation and right to vote. Hopefully, all of you out there that are able to vote, vote.

Our meeting with Dr. Erlich went really well. He reiterated what he had told us on the phone about the scan results, which was all good. I can only hope for this kind of result in all future scans. I will be staying on the same dosage of Sutent for now but the blood work will only be done monthly and not bi-weekly. The scans will continue every two months with the next one scheduled in early January. I will also be having another MUGA scan (for the heart) around the same time.

It is quite amazing when you get medical test results. When the news is good or bad you seem to mentally question it! Are you sure they are my test results? Could they have missed something? Did they read or interpret the scans incorrectly or correctly? And on, and on, and on............I think you get the picture. Somehow you need to enjoy and relish the positive and good news and if the news is not so good, deal with it!

Congratulations to President Elect Obama. Thank you to John McCain. The country has spoken and now we move on. No tanks or troops in the streets. Life goes on and hopefully in a positive and good direction for all.

Carpe Diem.

What does this all mean?

As I have stressed before, this battle/war is far from over. I am not out of the woods yet. Still wondering about the forest! That's not to diminish the great news I got yesterday. I know there will be lots of scans in my future and I'm sure I will be somewhat anxious and nervous for each and everyone of them. But I have to deal with what comes my way because I have no choice. Or better said, the other option (or choice) is not a good one!!! The overwhelming love and support from you all has certainly helped and sustained me through this. I am eternally grateful.

Carpe Diem.

Monday, November 3, 2008

PET/CAT Scan with great news

This morning I went for my PET/CAT Scan. I am so used to the whole procedure and what's required of me that I should now be working there! Diana came with me and we got there at 8am and were done by 9:30am.

Fast forward 7 hours. Dr. Erlich just called. He had some great news - there were no signs of cancer anywhere - nodes, lungs, what's left of my brain etc. The only thing that lit up on the scan was the radiation pneumonitis in my lung, which has vastly improved with the steroids. That is what is still causing me to cough and sound like an asthmatic! We were thrilled with this development. Tomorrow, when we meet with Dr. Erlich, we will get more info and ask all our questions then. Phew!!!

We picked Rob up from College Park this afternoon. She is home to vote and, of course, get her laundry done. Typical college kid.

Carpe Diem.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Weekend update

Tomorrow (Monday November 3rd) I am scheduled for my PET/CT scan and Tuesday (November 4th) I will be meeting with Dr. Erlich (my oncologist). I will keep you all updated as to my medical news. I would be a liar if I said I wasn't a tad nervous! Hopefully, all will be stable and fine. I am feeling ok right now. My appetite is good and my weight is up and stable.

Saturday we watched Man U beat Hull 4-3. A very entertaining game. It was not on TV but Rob sent me the internet link to watch the game live on the computer. Don't ask how she found these links! In the evening Diana and I went to Fuddruckers for dinner. Nothing but the finest dinning for the two of us. I did have the ostrich burger and it was very good. Just like eating a giant chicken that tastes like steak. Now there is a change...........instead of everything tasting like chicken. We then went to see Pride and Glory with Ed Norton and Colin Farrell. It was entertaining but not great. Interesting story.

Oh, I actually remembered to change the clocks back. Sleep well.

You all know that Sunday for us is an eating day. So what else is new. Chef Mike, my loving son, made me a really nice omelet for breakfast.

Everyone needs to look good. Even Max, our dog. He went to get groomed Sunday afternoon. Rather handsome upon his arrival back home.

Sunday evening Chef was at it again. This time it was Thai Satay chicken in peanut sauce complemented with a cucumber and vegetable salad and edamame. No peanut allergies here! Excellent as usual.

Carpe Diem.