Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Meeting with Dr. Erlich

The good news is, I'm off the Sutent. The not as good news is, I will be starting a new regimen of chemotherapy starting next week. Dr. Erlich explained a lot of things to us and answered a lot of our questions. For all you doctors and aspiring doctors out there, the chemo cocktail will be:
Avastin, Oxaliplatin and Alimta every 2 weeks.
Throw in a couple of other shots and various drugs and there you have it!

Also, I will have another lung tap next week to remove the fluid from the pleura. Dr. Skaryak will determine, at that time, whether to do a procedure to seal the gap that the fluid has left or install a small catheter to drain the fluid over time. Sorry if this is gross or I'm not explaining it very well. I'm just a pilot!

There was no alarm in Dr. Erlich's voice nor was there any doom and gloom talk. They are treating this as a chronic disease albeit cancer. It's merely the word cancer that flips everyone out, including myself. We will eventually find the combo that gets ride of this crap once and for all.

Carpe Diem.

4 comments:

  1. Wow, Ade. There was so much to catch up on. Somehow I think I missed a lot of your recent entries despite checking the blog. First things first. Your latest medical results. I know it's a bummer--a real tough one. But, Dr. Erlich's approach is a great one. He is not an alarmist, and is very reassuring, which, I hope helps you a lot. As you said, you've hit a speed bump in the road. There's a game plan now, and we, your friends and family, will stick by you and help you through it. Meantime, checking out all the pics of you, you look damn good! Downright handsome! Your trip to S.Africa looked absolutely amazing. Going through all the photos you've posted over time, I realize you've been out there, Buddy! Traveling a lot! Just know Moose and I are thinking of you--you'll do what ya gotta do, and get on with it. XXX

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  2. You explained it absolutely clearly and succinctly. You and your doctor have an amazing attitude. We are with you all the way and so appreciate the time you take to give us updates. Just becasue we don't call everyday, doesn't mean we're not thinking of you every hour of every day.

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  3. Adrian, just got caught up, but was thinking of you, Diana, and your family often. The pics from SA are amazing! Did you take them, or were they from a postcard pak at the resort? ;-) Every time I read your blog, I am impressed with your grace under fire, and so thankful you are sharing this very personal journey with those near and dear. You've hit some moderate chop, and the ride is going to be unpleasant, but it sounds like you have one great Doc who has a good battle plan mapped out. You have many friends thinking about you and praying for you - stay strong! Canuck boy.

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  4. Skin, You have great mental attitude, terrific family support and the love of all your friends. Not to mention the best of the best medically. Your through the front with just a couple of buildup's to snake around. Hang in and keep the faith! Yoda

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