Tuesday, March 9, 2010

My therapy

Over the past couple of months I have written about and spoken to a number of different people who are battling and suffering from various forms of cancer. I have found this very therapeutic for me and certainly very enlightening and eye opening. I am simply amazed at how the same specific disease can have such differing outcomes. Some stories are truly heartbreaking but honestly, which ones aren't? I'm not implying that my lot in life is now to comfort the ill because that would be a load of "bollocks". But I do know that there are times that I have been through certain procedures and drug therapies and I can give my point of view and experiences.

There are so many days that go by that I wished I was completely ignorant about any of this and that my life was plugging along normally. Well, that ain't the reality. So I deal with the reality anyway I can. What all cancer patients endure is the unknown. Will it spread, will it come back, will I suffer, what am I leaving behind. You have to have a combination of faith, optimism and hope. Surround yourself with the best medical advice and treatment (if possible), the most supportive and loving family and friends and throw in a loving and faithful pet (Max) and voila. And always remember, that your life is better defined by not the quantity of years but the quality. So far I believe that I have had 53 quality years (for the most part :)).

Carpe Diem.

Visit with the cardiologist

Today I had an echo cardiogram (ultrasound) and an EEG. The cardiologist was very pleased with both tests. The only slight downside is that since my diagnosis 2 years ago, my heart rate has been faster then normal. High normal. Go figure! He is going to keep me on some meds that slow down the rate and I will be checked again in 3 months. He also said I was looking well and was very pleased with my overall condition. Wow. Again, I prefer all this to the alternative.

Carpe Diem.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Bio 2 (Round 1)

Another smooth round. The blood work and vitals were good. I've porked out and gained 2 more lbs and I'm tolerating the Avastin well. It's kind of weird because you don't want to jinx yourself with all the good news but the truth is I'll take it! The combination of good medical results, feeling good and looking good have to account for something so I'm enjoying it while I can.

Carpe Diem.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

The Oscars

Wonderful news about a friend of ours. She won an Oscar for best documentary short called "Music by Prudence". Elinor Burkett is married to Dennis Gaboury. Dennis is the person that I am involved with in ZimKids. I am so thrilled for Elli. She and Dennis are two of the most wonderful and giving people I know. I have included a couple of links for you to look at. Let all the information guide you before you formulate any opinion as to what occurred during the Oscars broadcast.

http://www.liyanatour.com/index.cfm

http://oscar.go.com/nominations/nominees/music-by-prudence/3226

Carpe Diem.