Chemo ? (Round ?)

Ok, so here it is. Blood work was fine, urine protein was normal, weight was sort of stable at 146lbs and blood pressure was good. I did not get the Alimta or the Avastin but I did get the Zometa. It's a bone strengthening drug that I have been receiving for the past few months.

I had a good chat with Dr. Schraeder. The consensus is that I get into a phase II trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NY. It's too involved to explain so check out this link:

http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/trial/12-097

I will know more next week when I hopefully get in touch with the Doctors at MSKCC.

Carpe Diem.

And the results are.............

NOT what I wanted! The word progression usually means something good. But in my case it's not.

While the cancer in the lung appears stable there is progression in the liver and the bones. It will mean a change in the chemo protocol but at this stage I am not sure what plan B is yet. I will still go to the "spa" on Friday but will not get the Alimta and the Avastin. Only the Zometa which is a bone strengthening drug.

I am getting in touch with all my consultant doctors and I'm sure a plan B will be formulated. I'm feeling ok but obviously a bit disappointed. Also a bit afraid of the new unknown.

Carpe Diem.

Scan day

Oh joy. PET scan this morning and then hurry up and wait for the results.

Then off to the Spa (chemo) on Friday. What a lovely week.

Carpe Diem.

One very content and happy man

At dinner with Diana, Rob and Mike. Yes, that is Tiramisu cake.

I want to thank each and everyone of you who wished me happy birthday. Screw you if you forgot or didn't care  I have tried to personally reply to all of you. If i missed you I am truly sorry. As I said before, I kind of like getting older because the alternative sucks. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your love and support these past few years. Need I say more?

Carpe Diem.

My birthday wish

OK, so you are not supposed to tell anyone about the wish you made or it won't come true but here goes anyway.

I ask everyone that wishes me a happy birthday today to please do a stranger a small favor. Or do something or anything good today. Not in my name or anyone's name.

I count my blessings every day and am happy to "age" and celebrate my birthdays for obvious reasons.

Carpe Diem.

P.S. The picture is my daily reminder.

Back from Zim to my reality

What a wonderful and fruitful trip back to Zim. Got to see and spend time with so many good friends and was able to accomplish a lot of positive things. The proof is in the Facebook picture albums.

Carpe Diem

Chemo 7 (Round 9) and off to Zimbabwe

All went relatively smoothly but things seemed to take forever. The protein in my urine was "normal" this time. Go figure. So I was able to get all the poisons.

My vitals were ok. The blood work was ok. But my weight is down again. I think I may have cancer :-) I know that I have to eat more frequently and hopefully they will fatten me up in Zimbabwe. How ironic that I have to go to Zim to fatten up.

I'm looking forward to this trip. I have lots of small projects that I am involved in as well as my continued support for Zimkids. I am taking two suitcases full of medical stuff, gifts and clothing.

I will of course be visiting Vic Falls with some of my very close friends. I know that will be a special time. Needless to say, I will be also spending a couple of days doing my favorite thing. Time in the bush with the animals.

So now I sit in the lounge waiting for my flight to be announced and a 17 hour flight to enjoy.

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 6 (Round 9)

I'm at the "Spa" again today. Not one of my finer visits! 

My weight is down slightly, my blood pressure is a tad high and the protein in my urine is high. So, I will not be getting the Avastin this round but I will be getting the Alimta. 

I’m generally feeling fine so what the…….? 

Carpe Diem.

Need I say more......

Carpe Diem.

World Cup day

The weather was fantastic so we went to copacabana beach in the morning! The beach wasbeautiful and not too crowded and the weather was perfect! The waves were massive and    the water was a bit cold so we didn't do much (any) swimming. The "views" were fantastic (wink   wink). We tried the famous beach drink Caipirinha. Absolutely gross!

Then we headed down early to the Maracanã. The metro was offering free trips. The           stadium looked beautiful. Our seats were at the very top but the view was fantastic. An        exciting game that was very tense, with a lot of missed chances. We were ecstatic when    Mario Gotze scored and were biting our nails off for the remaining 5-10 minutes! Very glad   to see the Germans lift the trophy! Did I mention that the Argy fans were vile!!!

Carpe Diem.