Saturday, June 20, 2009

The "MouseSkin" update

For those that don't know or forgot, I had some pretty extensive (expensive) genetic and molecular studies done on my Tumor. The info they come up with is pretty remarkable. I briefly spoke to Dr. Sidransky (the Doc in charge) and he told me that he had a good discussion with Dr. Schraeder about my next course of treatment. It seems the drugs that I am and should respond positively to are Alimta and Avastin. I have had both these drugs before and seemed to tolerate them OK.

The MouseSkin family is doing fine. Because my Tumor seems to be slow growing it could take about another 5 months until we see results from these tests. I will keep you up to date. In the mean time.

Carpe Diem.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

My meeting with Dennis

Let me introduce Dennis. I can now honestly say that he is a good friend of the family. The best way to describe Dennis is to have you go to this web site:


http://www.zimkids.com (NOT.ORG)


A number of years ago Dennis (along with Phil) was instrumental in setting up a sculpture competition in Zimbabwe in honor of our late Dad. He did all the leg work in Zimbabwe by travelling the country to gather info and pictures from all the prospective competitors. He did an amazing job. But what stuck out most was his honesty and dedication to our cause.


Recently, I have been working with Dennis to do my small part in helping ZimKids. Having realised that it was a logistical nightmare trying to establish an orphanage I did the best thing I could do. I accepted a position as Trustee with ZimKids. I am honored and grateful to be an intricate part of this very worthwhile cause. If you have a moment please look at our website. We are not associated with any religious organization but we do have a number of churches that collect and forward the donations to us in Zimbabwe. We are not a registered charity here in the USA as it would be cost prohibitive to set it up and we want 100% of the funds to go to the kids. We are, however, a registered charitable trust within in Zimbabwe and we even have the ability to wire funds to our account there. I know I'm repeating my self but 100% of funds collected go to helping the kids. Please look at the web site and tell me what you think by commenting on the blog or emailing me. Thanks.

http://www.zimkids.com

Carpe Diem.

Home again

I'm home after a really nice break. I say this for all of us, understanding how difficult it must be for those around me. Especially Diana.

Boca was wonderful. Maybe a tad hot at times. But being completely spoilt and cared for by my Mom made it very special. Not to outdone, Phil arrived from New York. Between her and my Mom it was like being at a spa/psychotherapist 24 hours a day. Throw in a number of calls a day from Russ in London and there you have it. Wow.

Walks on the beach, massages, movies, Jumba Juices. Visiting with Cuz Martin and one of my best mates Ilan and Robin usually lifted my spirits. I'll be honest. At times it was really tough both mentally and physically.

On Wednesday June 17th Phil and I flew to New York. We did this because of course Phil had to eventually get back to work! It was great to see my nieces with a special thanks to nurse Gish. But more importantly one of the Ladies that works in her office invited us aboard her sail boat (64 ft.). It was magnificent. The next morning I was off back to Baltimore. Home at last. But more importantly, to finally meet Dennis.

Carpe Diem.