Radiation Round 20

Round 20 went smoothly today but I am really starting to feel the cumulative effects on my swallowing. That combined with the worst acid reflux. What a combo. I am also taking longer naps in the afternoons. I guess it's all part of growing up (eerr getting old).

I went to yoga today with my Mom. It happened again........... The same (rather large) lady farted once again. It was a beaut. This time everyone cracked up. Nothing like a bit of comic relief mixed in with yoga. The lady next to her was in hysterics so that just goaded me on. The instructor added that any sound in yoga is OK so maybe next week I'll light 'em up. See how long it takes for me to get booted out of yoga. Just like back in school!!

***TO ALL***

I absolutely love to hear from everyone.

But if you wouldn't mind, please post stuff as comments and not as "new titles". If you have a picture or link then send it to me and I will post it. If you are having a tough time posting then simply send me the email and I will post the comment to the correct place. Thanks.

Nothing has been deleted. Just moved into a comment. The name of the commenter is always at the end of the comment even when it says anonymous.

I really am enjoying this "blog" thing. It helps me out tremendously.

Radiation Round 19

The Passover service went on til well after midnight. We stayed until just before midnight. It was a really wonderful experience. Very informative. The rabbi was amazing.

The xray techs just called from Sinai to tell me the machine is down (broken). They said they would call as soon as it's fixed. On the one hand I am really looking forward to being done with the treatments. On the other hand, I do not want to miss any days. I just want to move through this on a regular consistent basis. I know it makes no sense but then what the hell does with this!

Got called about an hour later. The machine was up and running and I had round 19. Quick and easy.

Second night Passover

Phil and How left at lunch time today to go back to NY. Hannah had to leave first thing this morning for the airport. Brief but really nice visit.

For the second night Passover (Seder) dinner we are invited out. One of Dr. Erlich's nurse practitioners invited our family to their Synagogue for a communal Seder (dinner). It's an orthodox synagogue so it should be quite an interesting service. So far I'm doing OK eating matza. Drinking lots of liquids with it.

The battle/war resumes tomorrow. I have had a pretty decent weekend so far. Physically and mentally.

Passover begins

To all my friends and family, I would like to wish you all a chag sameach (happy holiday) from all of us.

Phil, How, Han and Luca (dog) drove down from New York to be with us. A bit of a nightmare drive. What should have been just over 3 hours took closer to 5 hours.

It was like a birthday for me. Presents galore. A very cool 1000 piece jungle puzzle which we are all helping with (phew). An amazing but simple remote control helicopter which I have proceeded to crash numerous times. But it's still intact!. Lastly Phil insisted on teaching me needle point. Yes, needle point. I feel I am in a comfortable enough place with my masculinity that I am actually trying it. Catching on quite well. I was thinking of showing a picture of me doing the needle point but sanity prevailed.

Diana, my mom and Phil did an amazing job preparing everything for the first night (seder) of Passover. It was wonderful all being together. The dinner was fantastic. Yes, I still have an appetite. Now eating Matzo for the next 8 days may pose a bit of a challenge. I don't think I need to elaborate!

Radiation Round 18

Today Rob came with me to radiation round 18. It was really important for her to see exactly what goes on everyday with me. She met Dr. Brenner and the xray techs gave her a really cool tour while I was having the treatment. It was quick and painless. It's just the cumulative effects on my swallowing that is still tough to deal with.

We then went over to the infusion center in the hospital. Again, she got to see where I go every week. She got to meet Mary and also Brittany (one of Dr. Erlich's PA's). All in all, I think it was a really good thing for her. I know it must be really tough on her being away from us at school.

Not to take anything away from Mike. But being at home with us and seeing me every day probably helps him a lot. I'm sure my incessant nagging shows him that I'm still the same Dad, in spite of all this.

Radiation Round 17

Round 17 went smoothly. I'm feeling quite well today. Maybe the new meds are kicking in.

My good friend Dean (fellow UPS pilot) visited with us today. It was cool to catch up about UPS stuff with him. Good to see him. Went for a forest walk with him and Max. Spring is definitely here.

Rob came back home from college for the weekend. It's always nice to have her home with us. We have a big game to watch this weekend with Man Utd. Yea, I know. Any game is a big game!

It's also the start of Passover this weekend. Phil, How, Han and Luca (the dog) are coming to visit from New York. Hopefully the nice weather will hold up.

Radiation Round 16 Chemo Round 4

What person in their right mind looks forward to Chemotherapy? Me.

Radiation round 16 was a bit slow today as they had to reboot the xray computer a couple of times. Must be Windows! I had a nice chat with this fellow radiation patient who has stage 4 lung cancer. Believe it or not, she has still not totally quit smoking. Wow!

I went to chemo about 20 minutes late today. You have no idea how much these two following things make such a positive difference to me. The fact that Mary was my nurse and the room/cubicle was the same one as last week was all I needed to see. The treatments went well and I came out of there feeling really good. We discussed the throat and swallowing issues with the nurses and I am now on a pain patch and some other meds to help with this. The weather is simply magnificent. It adds to the whole positive mixture.

My mom got to meet the whole medical team. All of them. She, like us, was totally blown away.

Radiation Round 15

Let me describe, if I may, how it feels to swallow right now. It's like eating really dry toast and getting it stuck half way down your gullet.

Round 15 went pretty quick today. I feel a little better today. It must be the fact that my mom arrives today. Yes, "Bobba Bear" (Jeanette/Bokkie, all the same person) arrives at lunch time today. She will stay a couple of weeks. We are all really looking forward to this visit. The last couple of days I have lost a few lbs. I'm sure between my mom and Diana they will try (and probably succeed) in fattening up this Thanksgiving turkey (me).

I'm off to yoga this morning at Hopewell House.

Radiation Round 14

Shit, my throat hurts. It's also just a little bit tough talking. I can see that being a problem for me. Ha ha. So if I can't talk too much on the phone then maybe email me. Had radiation round 14 this morning and then met with Dr. Brenner and Suki. The throat discomfort is very normal for this stage of the treatment. So none of this is unexpected. Oh well.

Went for a walk in the forest with Diana and Max. Had to try out the new camera. Simply amazing. I will post some pictures to bore the hell out of all of you.

For those who want an update on the situation in Zim this cartoon sums it all up.



Thanks Keith.