Chemo 20 (Round 8)

Had a good chemo session today. Blood work was normal and protein in my urine was normal. Phew! I got both the Alimta and Avastin today. I have lost a few pounds (weight wise) but nothing a couple of "good" restaurants won't cure.

I plan to get re-scaned on December 9th and my next chemo here in Baltimore will be on December 12th. Hopefully, somewhere between these dates I will get a needle biopsy done of the tumor and send the specimen away for exome sequencing (genetic testing).

Someone has to tame these lions!

Carpe Diem.

Lest you think I have run away!

How is this for timing! Taken in October 2013 at Hwange National Game Park , Zimbabwe.

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 19 (Round 8)

Just had my chemo done here in Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday and am heading back to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe today Friday November 1st.

The treatment went fine but once again, the protein in my urine was very elevated. I am at a total loss to understand why the figure is so high as I have been off the Avastin since July 19th! I did get the Alimta and my blood work was fine and my weight stable.

My Zim plans have changed because of these medical developments. I will need to have a needle biopsy fairly soon and then get a full gene sequence done with the tumor sample obtained. From there they will be able to determine the next round of drugs that will be ideal for me.

I will follow up this post with a few more details about why I need to put my Africa plans on hold but for now, enjoy this sunset.

Carpe Diem.

Into Africa

It's that time again. I am off to Zimbabwe and Southern Africa today. I could be there 3 weeks or longer...

I am pretty excited as I have now rented my own place. It's on a really nice quiet street in Hillside. It comes fully furnished with domestic help and I have inherited 2 Bullmastiff dogs named Insiza (named after a Zim river) and Towla (named after a Zim village).

I'm looking forward to seeing my friends there and visiting the Zimkids Center. I also plan to check out a few new bush lodges. Maybe even head to the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe.

I will be having my next chemo treatment in Johannesburg on October 31st.

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 18 (Round 8)

Today went smoothly. My blood work was good and more importantly, the urine protein test showed a marked improvement. I still only received the Alimta and next treatment (October 30th) I will be getting both the Alimta and the Avastin.

Speaking of next treatment, It will be in Johannesburg, South Africa. I leave for Southern Africa October 16th and plan to stay a couple of weeks.

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 17 (Round 8)

Yes indeed, it’s that time again. If you are keeping score here is the summary:

35  radiation treatments
89  chemo treatments
28  various scans
2  port installations
1  port uninstall
2  “talc” procedures
Numerous hospital visits both routine and non routine and…still around after 5 ½ years.

Carpe Diem.

Bulawayo accommodation

With regards Bulawayo, Zimbabwe accommodation I am looking for a well appointed/ luxury/ up class townhouse in a secure community. Two bedroom, two bathroom, located in the Khumalo/Suburbs general area for year long rental. Furnishings a plus. Top dollar paid for right rental. 

If you have a property in mind or know of anything available please let me know. I would really appreciate it. Feel free to spread the word.

I am also looking for a car. Something like a Honda CRV 4WD.


Email me at: asuskin@hotmail.com

Carpe Diem.

And the word is……….

from my oncologist following my latest scans; “Scans overall stable. No significant change”. While I am truly thrilled with this I just wish this shit would go away! However, the alternative to all of this is worse.

There is also an ongoing issue with the elevated protein levels in my urine. This is as a result of the side effects of Avastin. My last dose of Avastin was July 19th. My past 2 chemo sessions I have only received the Alimta and will also skip the Avastin at my next chemo session on September 18th. While this is not ideal, it is the only way for the protein levels to return to normal. The other downside to continued  elevated levels of protein in my urine is kidney damage. Not great!

Now, which way is New York City?

Carpe Diem.

And now for something completely different……….

Mike started his new job today here in Baltimore.

Robyn started her Masters in Occupational Therapy today at NYU in New York City.

I will be moving to New York City in the not too distant future.

So there!

Carpe Diem.

I’m baaaack for Chemo 16 Round 8

Wow, 2 wonderful months in Southern Africa and I was able to throw in 3 chemo treatments while I was there.

Off to my USA poisoning now and what a poisoning it was. Things went more or less ok. The protein in my urine is still elevated so I never got the Avastin again. Just the Alimta. I have to do another 24hr wee wee test next week and then my scans September 4th.

Carpe Diem.