Just can't sit still

After arriving home this past Saturday from a fantastic trip to Israel, we are off again to Boca today. Diana and the gang will be staying in Boca while I fly off to Puerto Rico to join up with a cruise ship that my mom, Phil and the gang are already on. Even though the timing is a bit sketchy with regards my lousy chemo days, how can you not relax and chill on a luxury ship with your own state room and butler. Awesome.

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 10 (Round 6)

Wow. I've been on this round (6) of maintenance therapy for 30 weeks now. The good thing is it seems to working and the side effects have been somewhat tolerable. When I say working, there is no growth or spread. When we reach the stage where the drugs that I'm on now loose effectiveness then we have other options as well as Dr. Sidransky and the MouseSkins.

My check up with Dr. Schraeder went well and we have decided to go with a treatment schedule of 4 weeks, 3 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks etc. etc. This will give me somewhat of a break every third cycle. My scans will still be on a 2-3 month schedule. The next scan is January 18th, 2010. My weight is stable at 150 lbs and the blood work was all fine. The treatment went well and I'm loving my new port.

Carpe Diem.

Merry Christmas

To all my friends celebrating Christmas. I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

Carpe Diem.

Coming soon

No, I haven't vanished off the face of the earth! I will update the blog as soon as I return from Israel on December 26th.

Carpe Diem.

Off again - bloody hell !

Since chemo, 8 days ago, I have had a couple of rough days and now things are getting better. Just in time.


Tomorrow Diana and I are off to Israel. We are primarily going for the daughter of one of our best friends wedding. They are very special friends and she is one really special young lady. It's going to be like a major reunion and a lot of fun.

Carpe Diem.

My doggie

Well, Max is really Robyn's dog but I have claimed him as Alpha!!! This past Wednesday, when I got home, I gave Max a really good greeting and he reciprocated as usual. After the re-introduction he walked off a few steps and collapsed (passed out). He peed himself and I sort of panicked. As soon as I got my wits about me I picked him up and by that time he was coming around. Phew. He seemed fine afterwards. I just had to clean up the piss.

I took him to the vet this morning and after a thorough examination his Doctor concluded that he had just fainted from excitement. I guess I'm going to have to tone down my home arrivals. Sorry Max.

Carpe Diem.

The MouseSkin update

Sorry if this disturbs anyone. Just skip this post! Here is the latest update on the MouseSkin family.

"We have a total of 12 mice. From the initial implantation, there are 9 mice with measurable tumors and another with a palpable tumor. The two mice that were propagated into the next generation are growing tumors but one has not been growing as well. As I mentioned before, we have also propagated additional mice in our facility in Texas. One of these mice had a small tumor starting to grow and last week, it was excised and reimplanted using a process we are hopeful will stimulate faster growth. It is still too early to estimate the timing of when the testing will begin."

From Sara Parkerson.

Thank you MouseSkin family.

Carpe Diem.

Still here

I'm still in New York. Hanging out with Luca (the dog) who has a buggered foot. It's bloody cold out but I still managed to venture out for a bite to eat and a haircut. What a combo! As you can see from the picture, it looks like I'm wearing the latest in a NY designed crotch warmer. It's actually Luca's head.
You're not supposed to text while crotch warming in NY state!!!

In the evening Phil arranged for my niece Hannah, and me to go to see this really cool magician by the name of Steve Cohen. Google him, he is quite famous. The show was really entertaining and quite impressive.

What mundane lives we live in Baltimore. Over the past couple of days I have met some pretty amazing and interesting people. Shakers and movers!!!

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 9 (Round 6) and more.........

Oh joy. But I got to use my new port. No more arm wounds and macheteing. All went well. The vitals and blood work were ok. I'm just slightly anemic and there was a very small amount of protein in my urine ("piss" for my close illiterate friends). I say ignorance is bliss. My doctors weren't concerned at all and the chemo was given as planned.

And then it was off to New York to surprise Phil for her birthday. It was a dual celebration - office holiday party and low key birthday celebration. Well, the surprise worked. Hiding my face behind a dozen red roses (stolen from a blind street vendor - just kidding) I went right up to her and wished her happy birthday. All I can say is, pictures to follow. It was a great party. I met so many amazing and interesting people. Not to mention all the really nice office staff.

Happy birthday Phil.

Carpe Diem.

What the....................

It just snowed 3 inches. What the f%#K.

Carpe Diem.

GlobalGiving challenge

Once again, to all those incredibly generous family members and friends, a million heartfelt thank yous. We did quite well on the latest GlobalGiving challenge ending up in 4th place. Our results were:

177 unique donors
US$24,085 in donations
US$10,860 in GlobalGiving matching funds
US$1,000 in GlobalGiving bonus funds
US$35,945 raised in total

These funds should really help us with the content and quality of the meals the kids are currently getting and help with medical expenses. Hopefully, we will be able to get a small second hand truck. This would be a tremendous asset for us. Eventually, these funds will also help with adding to the number of kids we already assist.

Carpe Diem.

The Power Port

Sounds like something you would find on a computer. Well, not quite. I had my power port "re-installed" yesterday. They tried to use the original site in my left upper chest but the veins were not cooperating so they had to go with the right upper chest. The post op pain is a little rough but as my son says "man up sissy". So I did "man up". Except I used pain meds. I'm looking forward to giving my arms a rest from all the needle poking and prodding.

Carpe Diem.

Thanksgiving

Belated happy Thanksgiving to all those celebrating or enjoying the day. We had a really nice day as we had guests from Connecticut. Yes, the Trapplers made the alternate yearly trip to the Suskins. I say alternate, as we go there every other year. Huh! Does that make sense? They arrived Wednesday evening and left Friday morning.

The dinner was fantastic. Thanks Diana and Donna. Oh yea, I am still very thankful and grateful to still be here surrounded by such incredible family and friends.

Carpe Diem.

A note to the Grim Reaper

Dear Grim Reaper,
So far this year you have taken away my favourite dancer Michael Jackson,

My favourite actor Patrick Swayze,

My favourite actress Farrah Fawcett and

my favourite singer Stephen Gatelly.

Just so you know, my favourite politician is Robert Mugabe!!!

Carpe Diem.

Watch out for SCAMS

If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and looks like a duck then it's a duck. If emails look or feel suspicious then go with your gut and delete or report them. I have reprinted the email below, verbatim, allegedly from Dennis Gaboury, The founder of ZimKids. What do you think?


"Hope you get this on time,sorry I didn't inform you about my trip in UK for a programm in , I'm presently in UK and am having some difficulties here because i misplaced my wallet on my way to the hotel where my money and other valuable things were kept. presently i have limited access to internet,I will like you to assist me with a loan of 1500$ to sort-out my hotel bills and to get myself back home.

i have spoken to the embassy here but they are not responding to the matter effectively,I will appreciate whatever you can afford to assist me with,I'll Refund the money back to you as soon as i return,let me know if you can be of any help.I don't have a phone where i can be reached.

Please let me know immediately."

Let me say first and foremost that the reason I got involved with ZimKids was because of Dennis and the wonderful work he was doing with kids in Bulawayo. Dennis Gaboury is an incredibly honest, decent and generous individual. Secondly , and just as important, at no time were any funds or donations compromised at ZimKids or GlogalGiving. They just hijacked Dennis's email and tried this idiotic scam that no one fell for. Dennis has since changed his email and has been in touch with Yahoo security.

Once again, to all you wonderful and generous donors out there, thank you. Just be careful!

Carpe Diem.

The Doctors visits

Both went well. The infectious diseases Doc wants to keep me on the antibiotics until May 2010. It's basically cheap insurance to fend off any recurrence of MRSA.

The heart Doc was very pleased with the results of the 24 hour heart monitor that I wore last week. He has cut back on one of the two meds I'm taking now (the tougher of the two) and I'm also on a minimal dose for both. I could be off both meds in about 4 months. Yea ha ole.

Both Docs have also cleared me to have the port reinserted. I will probably be doing it before my next chemo on December 7th.

Max and I are now on our best behaviour as Diana came back from London this past Monday evening. She had a really nice time except for a couple of days of gale force winds. Alas, no tennis!

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 8 (Round 6)

Aah, a morning with Katie (Jen was away). Kind of sounds like an expensive bordello. I got "poked" and prodded, was asked tons of medical questions and then given drugs. This all took about 5 hours and for that I was charged lots of thousands of $$$.

It took this long because my veins were not cooperating and I had to get "poked" 5 times. Sometimes the veins behave and sometimes they act like fishing worms about to get baited. Mine were fishing worms on steroids.

Something about 5's today!

The blood work was fine, the checkup was good and I'm feeling OK and I put on a couple of lbs. Just full of holes. I am contemplating having the latest and greatest portacath reinstalled. Here is the info about the portacath:

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In medicine, a port (or portacath) is a small medical appliance that is installed beneath the skin. A catheter connects the port to a vein. Under the skin, the port has a septum through which drugs can be injected and blood samples can be drawn many times, usually with less discomfort for the patient than a more typical "needle stick".

Ports are used mostly to treat hematology and oncology patients, but recently ports have been adapted also for hemodialysis patients.

The port is usually inserted in the upper chest, just below the clavicle or collar bone, leaving the patient's hands free.

Carpe Diem.

Escape from the "Madness Of King Luca"

After spending a really nice 2 days with the Polskin family it was time for Trechtobal Gomez (Max) and me to head back to Baltimore. It was a relatively ok drive back. Max was exhausted from his playtime with King Luca the Bazooka so I had to do all the driving. Thanks Phil and How for the always wonderful time spent with you. I think my Oncologist may have to put me on a diet soon!!!

Carpe Diem.

T.I.A.

This Is Africa. To anyone that has grown up or lived in Africa you either know or are aware of this expression. It was made somewhat understandable by Leonardo DiCaprio in Blood Diamond. There are two meanings to this acronym.

Quite simply put, it explains the beauty, simplicity and tranquility of Africa. Well, most of it. You can gaze at sights like Victoria Falls or Kilimanjaro and say "ooo This is Africa". You can spend time amongst the people and say, "wow, This Is Africa". You can watch lion bring down and eat a buffalo and say "geez This Is Africa".

Consequently, you can listen to the politicians of Africa and exclaim "now This Is Africa". You can go to the store to get milk and only have two choices. Milk or nothing. "This Is Africa". Or you could deal with the bureaucracy and corruption and say "s#!t This Is Africa".

This leads to my next point. Some of you have voiced concern about using credit cards to make donations because it seems that there are an abnormal amount of internet scams that seem to originate out of Africa. Please do what makes you comfortable. If that means not donating because of your concern for internet scams then I fully understand. Please also understand that GlobalGiving is a Virginia, USA based organization. Our link with them is purely to give us global exposure. We can still accept donations the old fashioned way (not trying to be condescending) by sending the check donation directly to me and I will forward the funds in their entirety to our people in Zim. If you are considering this method then make the checks out to Adrian Suskin with a memo note "For ZimKids". Thank you all.

Carpe Diem.

While the cats away......................

The mice (Max and me) will play. So we drove to New Yaawk to spend time with the Polskin family. The drive was ok but it's really tough for Max when he drives, as he has no thumbs and consequently, it's tough for him to steer.

Parking in Manhattan is absurd. Really expensive and difficult to find. So when you do get a spot you never want to leave. The problem is when you find something it may have a no parking street cleaning day. There was a Seinfeld episode that showed that very problem. Hilarious. Well, I lived this very episode. It was like synchronized car parking. Bloody funny to watch but equally funny to be a part of.

Max and Luca (the Polskin family dog) have been getting on famously. They have really been having a grand time together. Sort of rejuvenated Max. Or nearly killed him!

Carpe Diem.

Social butterfly

Lunch with Larry, dinner with Dan and breakfast with "Basil" (Max). And the reason is, Diana left for London on Tuesday night so who the hell wants to eat at home alone. Of course Max (Basil) is good company, it's just that he doesn't say much! Diana is spending time with the Bass family and I'm sure playing tennis and eating copious amounts of English chocolates. She will be home this coming Monday afternoon just in time to miss my next chemo session.

Oh yea, they removed the 24 hour heart monitor yesterday after.............you guessed it, 24 hours. Results pending. Nurse Torquemada (from the Spanish Inquisition) removed the tape and the 7 glued on leads and in the process also removed copious amounts of hair and skin. Why in the hell would anyone want a waxing!!!

Carpe Diem.

Sorry to bug you again

Please would you consider donating to:

Feed Zimbabwean Orphans, Body and Soul

http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/zimkids-feeds-zimbabwean-orphans-body-and-soul/

Put as little as $10 (or whatever) on your credit card. We need unique (different credit card or check numbers) donors as well as the $$$ to win this challenge. You can read about this at the link below and you will understand more. The matching funds can pay for infrastructure like a vehicle and the donations go straight to the kids. At this point we can expand programs and numbers (helping more kids).

http://www.globalgiving.com/leaderboards/givemore-getmore/

Thanks in advance.

Carpe Diem

Veterans day

Thank you to all those Veterans out there both past and present.

Carpe Diem.

Heart monitor and meds

Today I had a 24 hour heart monitor attached to me. No, I'm not in imminent danger. But because I was put on two different heart meds during my MRSA hospital stay back in May the cardiologist is thinking of taking me off the meds. Probably a good idea to check me out before the meds are stopped. I will see the him next Tuesday to get the scoop.

I will also be seeing the "infectious diseases" doctor next Tuesday to see if I can also stop taking the antibiotics I've been on since May. You gotta love that title.

If all goes well it will be great to get off these three meds. Three down and a gazillion to go!

Carpe Diem.

How do I feel you ask?

Well even if you didn't ask here goes. Generally, pretty good. Like I have said a number of times, out of the 21 days between chemo treatments if I have 15 good days I'm way ahead of the game. The other days are not all terrible but there are some days that I have no energy and get tired pretty quickly. My breathing , for the most part, is OK. With all the radiation caused fibrosis and the two talc procedures, it's obviously not like it used to be. I'm doing light workouts every other day (sort of) and doing more stuff around the house. Two words that help with this recovery. Home Depot.

I still have days when I go through the "why me?" thoughts. And the answer is always the same. Who else did you have in mind? There are so many others battling this lousy disease and doing much worse than I am. So, for that I'm grateful.

I just want to say how lucky I feel to be surrounded and supported by so many good friends and wonderful family members. For this alone, I am one of the luckiest people around. I am forever in your debt.

To my flying friends (family), I cannot begin to tell you all how much I miss your company and camaraderie. Thank you for keeping in touch and keeping me in your thoughts. There isn't a day go by that I don't think of all the amazing sights and places we visited. It's been almost two years since I last flew (worked)and do I miss it? You bet.

Carpe Diem.

Max got a new bed

The MouseSkin update

The information that follows is from Sara, the nurse that is directly involved with this program. As you can see, even the MouseSkin family travels:

As I said on the phone yesterday, there are now a total of 12 mice in Maryland. From the initial implantation, there are 9 mice with measurable tumors and one more with a palpable tumor. There are 2 mice that were propagated into the next generation and both of these have measureable tumors. In addition, when these mice were propagated, tissue was sent to our facility in Texas to propagate additional mice there. There has been no change in these tumors. A few weeks ago, one of the mice in Maryland was found to have a cyst growing, and not a tumor and that mouse was euthanized according to protocol.

I will keep you posted as to the timing of the drug studies, but we need the mice to keep on growing a bit more so we can generate enough to study.

Take care.

Carpe Diem.

My weekend near Bernie's (Palm Beach house)

After trekking to Miami to see the Fontainbleau, Howard and I spent the rest of the weekend in Boca. Saturday morning we went for massages and then to Ilan's house to watch Man U (they won) and a few other matches. Ilan cooked a beautiful braii (BBQ) of borevors (farmer sausage) and it was a real treat. Jack, Bunda, Wayne and Howard Palte also stopped by. Howard and I went to a tiny hole-in-the-wall sushi joint for supper that seemed like it was popular with nearby Florida Atlantic University students. (Let's put it this way....this was not the cotton head crowd.....) I ordered some octopus, which Howard said reminded him of cold linoleum only linoleum tastes better. Then we came home and watched the World Series. I asked Howard a million questions about baseball rules and I'm happy to report that he only threw his shoe at me twice. The man is very patient and understanding and knows the game. I now know a hell of a lot more about baseball. Alas, I am still a huge footy fan but for Howard's sake......Go Yankees.

Sunday morning, I met Ilan, Robin, Bunda and Ellen for breakfast in West Boca (ie....inland). The company was great but the food was such drek (crap). I had been there before and should have learned my lesson. Robin came back to the apartment and Howard took her out snorkeling along the jetty. Conditions were good and they spotted a lot of fish. Sunday night, cousin Martin invited us to dinner with Lauren, her mother Marsha and his two daughters. First we stopped at his new house right on the golf course (see photo of me that Howard snapped at sunset). It's a fantastic place with a 100 inch TV in the middle of the living room. It's like being in a movie theater. Additionally, Martin has a TV in each room. Yes, each room. He took all of us to this great Italian restaurant off Federal Highway called Matteos. He ordered for all of us and got enough food for to feed a small army, but we ate well and cleaned out plates. It was delicious. Love that calamari.

Monday morning, Howard drove me to the airport at 7 a.m. and I caught the 8:15 flight to Baltimore. It was a great couple of days spent with my brother inlaw and some old Zim mates. The only thing I regret was that I never went for my usual overdose of Jamba juices. Oh well. Till next time.

Carpe Diem.

Fishing and a night at the Fontainbleau

I am down in Boca Raton with Howard and we are having something of a boy’s weekend. We kicked things off Friday morning with an 8 a.m. 4-hour fishing expedition Pompano Beach. Conditions were good; seas calm and the skies blue without a cloud. Temps were unusually warm. Howard pulled in a beautiful mutton snapper (although why a fish is named after a lamb confuses me) and two yellow tail. I caught a tiny fish called a French Grunt, which they let me keep. The only good thing for me was that I caught the first fish of the day! Howard’s snapper took second prize in the pool and he won a whopping $28. (Please don’t try to borrow from him….he already doled it out on tips.) I got a little flambeed by the sun. Kind of dumb. Our fish were the ones in the picture foreground.


We rested in the afternoon from the rigors of battling the behemoths from the deep and then drove down to the Fontainbleau Hotel in Miami where Howard had a business appointment with the National Sales Director, Louis. A few words about pulling into the driveway of the ultra-chic
Fontainbleau Hotel, which just completed a billion dollar renovation and is now the outpost for all that is hip and happening in South Florida, which is to say the world. There are Beamers, there are Porches, there are Bentleys, there are Hummers. And then there is Adrian and Howard puttering up to valet parking in the Bobba-mobile, my mom's 10-year-old Toyota Camry that was covered fender to fender with God-awful dust from the relentless construction taking place at her building. They almost made us take the servants’ entrance. But we met Louis in the lobby and he showed us this unbelievably stunning hotel that is famous the world over for its sweeping and curving facade (remember the pool scene in Goldfinger at the opening…..it was shot at the hotel). Louis then took us to dinner at the hotel’s premiere Italian restaurant, where we had a outdoor table overlooking the ocean and the pool. The waiter was pushing the goat very hard but Howard said he had a goat sandwich for lunch before he left NY so we passed. Dessert was a delicious gold guava soup with custard and a sweet biscuit. Just perfect. Thanks How and Louis.

Carpe Diem.

A pain in the arse

I really enjoy traveling but I gotta tell you, it's a real pain in the arse. Shoes off, laptop out, jacket off, hip metal blaring yada yada yada. I think you get the picture. Don't I look trustworthy? Can't I just tell the security people that I'm really OK. No, you say!

The rest of the trip to Boca was fine. Nothing like Southwest Airlines business class and their fine cuisine. After landing and exiting the terminal, it was like getting smacked in the face by a toaster. Hot as hell. If only we could average the temperatures out. It would be nice to borrow a few degrees for January and February in Baltimore. Yea, I know. Move to San Diego.

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 7 (Round 6)

The maintenance therapy continues. Jen (the nurse) was back working with me. What a pleasure. Once again, my vitals were good, the blood work was good and my check up with Dr. Schraeder went well. What more could I ask for? Well, let me see.........

I'm still receiving the Alimta and the Avastin and as long as they are keeping things at bay we continue. It's kind of weird because the first couple of days I feel good and then I have a few rough days. Fatigue and slight nausea. Nothing a nap and a few good drugs can't take care of. I try and keep a journal every couple of months to see if the symptoms remain more or less constant. They seem to. Post chemo days 3-6 are tough and then sometimes days 7-10. Diana seems to know my schedule and symptoms before I do!

Carpe Diem.

What's coming up

This coming Monday is Chemo day. Tuesday I am going to see my Pulmonologist. I am trying to get some help with my breathing. Because of the fibrosis in the right lung it sometimes gets a little tough with the breathing/out of breath thing. No biggie.

The MouseSkin family continues on their merry tumor ridden way. I will get an update next week. It still seems like we will be on schedule to start testing them early next year. The good thing is that as long as the current drugs are keeping things more or less under control then the sense of urgency is somewhat diminished. But with this disease you just never know.

From a traveling perspective, there is loads coming up. Next week in Boca. November in London. December in Israel and Boca. And new years on a boat cruise. I love it. 2010 brings us to South Africa for world cup and somewhere before that, a possible trip to Zim to catch up with ZimKids. If anyone has any trip suggestions please let me know :)
I hope this weather is through Cape Town before we get there. This is a pilot's worst nightmare!

Carpe Diem.

OK say it

OK, say it. I've been a very naughty boy. Jeez, you know how many times I've heard that one!

Yes, I have been remiss in keeping up with the blog but maybe it's a good thing. I have been feeling fairly well lately. People tell me I look good. But in all honesty, who would walk up to someone with a known illness and tell them they look like crap. Come to think of it. Maybe I would. No, not really.

What I'm trying to say in a very round about convoluted way is I am grateful for what I have and how I am doing. I know this sounds weird but I obviously have no choice. There are so many family and friends enduring all sorts of awful stuff. Like I said before, If I have 5 lousy days and 21 good days between treatment I am ahead of the game. Sadly, there is always someone else worse off than me!

Carpe Diem.

What the Toronto trip was aboot

We (Diana and I) spent a couple of days in Toronto and had a jolly good time what. It's always nice for her to visit with her family and it's great for both of us to catch up with old friends.

Our primary reason for the visit was to attend Justin Polgar's Barmitzvah. Justin is the son of one of Diana's oldest (time) and best friends, Suzy. The Barmy was a hoot and it was great to all be together with so many good friends. I keep saying "old" friends and it seems like we should all be in nursing homes but the "old" refers to friends we have know for a very long time. Just like the mates I grew up with in Zim, a lot of the hoser canuck friends are who Diana grew up with in Toronto.

We also spent a lot of time eating out at restaurants that we have been frequenting for the past couple of decades. Damn, we are getting old! I did not get to see everyone I wanted to or eat at more places but there is just so much time in a day. Even in Canada. Til next time.

Carpe Diem Eh.

Is this grin too cheesey ?

Carpe Diem.

I'm in Toronto eh

I am in Toronto right now. All is well! A man of few words :)

Carpe Diem.

A visit to the vet

No, not me. Max. A couple of days ago Max went to the vet for his yearly shots and check up. The good news is he is generally in pretty good health. The not so good news is he has cataracts and is going a bit deaf. What? Not bad for a 12.5 year old doggie. Before cataract surgery he is going to try glasses. It's just difficult for him to put them on and take them off!. In all honesty, I don't mean to make light of his health. We will do whatever is required to help my boy.

Today, we had more fun. Well, not really. On our usual walk through our forest Max got stung by a bunch of f*@king bees. We had to take him to the vet where they gave him a steroid and benadryl shot. I was really lucky not to get stung as I was helping him. He is doing fine now. Quite a tough boy. I now officially hate honey!

The kids are home this weekend from school. So much for the empty nest!

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 6 (Round 6)

Well, a bit of a long day but otherwise a good day. We got there for our 1pm infusion and only got out after 5pm. Normally it takes about 2 1/2 hours. My regular nurse Jen was not there and the person filling in for her was, shall we say, a bit slow! Had to stick me twice to get a vein. Aaargh!

We met with Dr. Schraeder (my Oncologist) and he was very pleased with the last scans. While the malignancy is still showing up in the right lung pleura (fluid) it has diminished slightly. The best news is that there is still no evidence of spread to anywhere else. The 2 drugs that I am receiving every 3 weeks seems to be doing the job for now. Dr. Schraeder even said that if I wanted an extra week during some of the treatments that it would be okay. I can think of one place where I would want 4 weeks off. World Cup 2010 in South Africa!!!

The MouseSkin family is progressing well. There is a chance that we may be able to begin testing early next year.

Carpe Diem.

Weekend in New York

After having a bit of a rough week, Diana, Max and I decided to go to New York to observe Yom Kippur with Phil and How and the family. The added bonus was that my Mom was there as well. We had an easy drive up on Saturday lunchtime and Saturday night we all went out together for dinner. Max and Luca stayed home and watched their favorite show on TV..........The Dog Whisperer!

Sunday morning Diana, Max and I went to Stamford Connecticut to visit Jack and Donna. We had a wonderful brunch with them and great conversations. But the visit was too short as we had to get back to New York in time for the beginning (start) of Yom Kippur. Early afternoon Diana managed to squeeze in a really good dance show thanks to Phil's connections. I managed to squeeze in a really good nap!

On Monday some went to services and some stayed home. Monday evening a couple of Phil and How's good friends and a few co-workers came to break the fast with all of us. After a quick but good, filling meal the three of us drove back to Baltimore. It was a fun and action packed weekend.

Carpe Diem.

Scan results

Overall good news. The disease is still there (in the right pleura) but it has reduced in size and has not spread to anywhere else. This is good as it tells the doctors that the chemo is working for me at this time. I will discuss these results with Dr. Sidransky (MouseSkin Dr.) as well.

Am I cured? Hardly. Am I happy with the results? Yes, of course. As long as we can "manage " this disease I will be a happy chappy. We will see what the future brings and what the MouseSkins will tell us. Until then................

By the way, the Man U shirt with AIG on the front is a sponsorship arrangement. In no way do I support or condone AIG's business practices!

Carpe Diem

Scans today

I had my scans done first thing this morning and am awaiting the results!!! I've had a really bad stomach ache for the last 4-5 days. Hopefully, all they will tell me is that I am full of sh$t. I've been told that before.

Carpe Diem.

A ZimKids thank you from Dennis

Dear Zimkids friends,

The 30 days of the Global Giving
challenge have ended and I'm writing to report that we raised an astronomical
$26,801, putting us in third place! In fact, we were at the top of the heap
until the last minute. Only three or four days before the end of the
competition did we discover that the other organizations that raised
significant amounts of money have US based paid staffs and professional
fundraisers. So we're still almost incredulous that Zimkids, which has only
volunteers in the US, emerged in such high standing.

The folks who run Global Giving were so impressed that they have informed us that they plan to feature Zimkids both in their publicity and in their dealings with large donors.

Pretty fantastic, what amazing friends my wife, Elli Burkett, our trustee, Adrian Suskin, our volunteer web designer, Hezvo Mpunga and I have. I will now return to Zimbabwe in November with enough money to not just fill stomachs with staple foods but to round out their diets
with meat, eggs and more vegetables in addition to covering their medical
expenses, other emergency needs but also to enhance the social and educational programs.

I wish I could say more than thank you,
that I could throw us all an enormous party with the kids in Pumula North so
that they could meet the generous organizations and individuals who will keep
them safe for the coming years!

Dennis.

Carpe Diem.

GlobalGiving Challenge

Thanks to the incredible generosity of so many people ZimKids was able to come in third and earn an extra US$1000. We did not miss first and second place by much!!!

1st. Education Scholarships for Child Laborers in India raised US$27,686 and 262 unique donors.

2nd. Support Entrepreneurial Drive of Women in Ghana raised US$27,373 and 121 unique donors.

3rd. Feed Zimbabwean Orphans, Body and Soul raised US$26,801 and 112 unique donors.

We are absolutely thrilled at the results and cannot thank each and every one of you enough. I do, however, want to single out the Foundation at the Independent Pilot's Association. The trustees involved in making this decision to help and the ultimate generosity of the pilot group (of which I belong) makes me very proud and honored to be a part of.

From all of us at ZimKids.com, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Carpe Diem.

Rosh Hashana (The new year)

To all my family and friends around the world celebrating Rosh Hashana I wish you a very healthy new year and well over the fast.

Carpe Diem.

New added stuff

Check out the video and article I posted from September 13th about our London visit. Just in case you missed it.

Oh yea. It's not too late. We need lots more unique donors. Small amounts will do and do one for your pet!

http://www.globalgiving.com/dy/v2/globalchallenge.html

Carpe Diem.

Sorry to appeal again

There is roughly 3 days left to contribute to our ZimKids project. I hate to bug you all especially those that have been kind enough to donate already. But, what we need in the next couple of days are small, unique donations. What I mean by unique is different people. It can be separate US$5 donations from you, your spouse and your kids. If you check out the links below it will better explain what we are trying to achieve. Many, many thanks from all of us at ZimKids.com.

http://www.zimkids.com/new/

http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/zimkids-feeds-zimbabwean-orphans-body-and-soul/

http://www.globalgiving.com/dy/v2/globalchallenge.html

Carpe Diem.

An email from Dennis to the Foundation trustees

Dear John,
To say I am overwhelmed is an understatement! Thank you and the trustees of the IPA Foundation for your generous assistance to Zimkids. Over the last year, we have nearly tripled the number of orphans we serve at the same moment that the price of food has skyrocketed. The dolls the children make pay for the basic food package they all receive, but we have been struggling to meet growing medical expenses. Your donation will allow us to ensure that the kids with HIV and those with tuberculosis get consistent treatment, as well as to meet the raft of other diseases all of the children contract. We will also use the funds you have provided to improve the variety and nutritional content of the food we presently distribute which has been woefully short on protein.

Over the course of the coming months we will be happy to provide you with an accounting of how and for what we use the funds.

I told Tinashe Basa, Prosper Modhi and Sipho Nyoni, our trustees in Zimbabwe, about this wonderful gift. They asked me to pass along their deepest thanks, both to you and to Adrian, who has been such a stalwart friend to all of us.

Sincerely
Dennis Gaboury
Founder, Trustee Zimkids Orphan Trust

Carpe Diem.

A wonderful surprise today

I had the most incredible surprise today concerning our ZimKids project. For the past number of days I had been working with two of the most wonderful pilot friends of mine at UPS that are involved in our Independent Pilots Association IPA (union) charitable Foundation (John D. and Tim B.). This Foundation was established by our pilots of which I have been a participating member since its inception quite a number of years ago.

I cannot begin to explain the generosity of this pilot group of which I am very proud to be associated with. We are all fortunate to be employed by a very good company (UPS) making very good livings. Of course, as pilots, we can always find things to complain and whine about. It's simply part of our core being (I say this with tongue in cheek)! However, while we may not all agree on every cause the Foundation Trustees choose to support we all, non the less, understand the concept and idea of giving back. In this particular case the trustees choose to support the ZimKids project with an incredible initial donation that almost meets a third of our yearly budget.

I have difficulty explaining how much this donation and it's source mean to me. Even though I have been on extended medical leave my Company and of course, my Association has never forgotten me. The love, caring and prayers from so many of my flying "family" mean the world to me and has been an incredible source of support. I am humbled, honored and truly touched by all of this. Words are simply not enough to express my gratitude. I am and will forever be a very proud member of this group of people.

To all of you, I say, may you all have blue sky and tail winds and of course, safe flying. Remember to trust your bodies in what they are trying to tell you and may you all stay in good health.

With deep gratitude, love and affection,
Adrian Suskin,
B757/767 Captain Louisville.

http://www.zimkids.com/new/

http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/zimkids-feeds-zimbabwean-orphans-body-and-soul/

http://www.globalgiving.com/dy/v2/globalchallenge.html

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 5 (Round6)

Once again, and thankfully, my blood work and vitals were all good. I think I gained another couple of pounds (lbs). The only hang up today was waiting to see Dr. Schraeder today to check up on my cough. He listened to my lungs and all sounded fine except for the bottom part of the right lung. Quite normal as that is where the tumor was. Having said this, there is always a chance of "something" going on. I will be having a PET/CT and a more detailed separate CT done next week September 21st. That should provide a wealth of information with regards to what's going on "inside" me!!!

Carpe Diem.

A nice story - sort of !

At least I think so.

After the game Rob and I were standing at the entrance to White Hart Lane waiting to see if we could get a couple of pictures with some of the players as they left. We met this young brother and sister who were obviously doing the same thing as us. They started to tell and show us about all the autographs they had gotten and people they had met (i.e. Sir Alex Ferguson). Somehow during the conversation the sister, by mistake, started to mention her brothers health problems and then abruptly stopped. The brother then took over and proceeded to tell us that he had Leukemia and that he was currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. I thought to myself, what an awful common bond I had with this unknown kid. I told him of my treatment and we high fived and wished each other well. Now for the weird twist. He told us his dad was currently in treatment for the same disease. Wow!

Cancer knows no boundaries or limits. Awful and indiscriminate with no regard for rich or poor, young or old, black or white yadda, yadda, yadda.

Carpe Diem.

Our time in London

As written by Robyn: (Video is at the end)

So I arrived early Friday morning after a delightful cell phone/airport fiasco. I spent over two hours in the immigration line and my cell phone did not get a signal. Needless to say, dad, Russ and Gerry were pretty worried. I finally found my driver and got to the Bass house at around 10 in the morning. My dad was the only one there in his PJ’s. Very nice. Anyways, we took the tube to Camden to meet up with Lunney for lunch. We were supposed to go to a Gordon Ramsey restaurant but the only time they had was 2:30, so instead, we went with a suitable alternative, Wagamamas. It’s a delicious noodle joint that we hit up usually every time we are in town. After that, we headed to the clinic to get my teeth whitened (my dad already had his done). We were helped out by the lovely staff and Russ’ friends Gemma, Chloe and Karen. My teeth are brighter than ever. When I got back to the house, I passed out for a few hours and then we went out to dinner to Russ and Ger’s friends Mike and Jackie. Obes, Lunney and Carolina met us there and there was some lovely and delicious food. Sadly, the only thing I could eat was the chicken because any colored foods would stain my teeth.

Saturday morning, I wanted to sleep some more but we had hair appointments with Russ’ guy Peter at a salon in the city/ Peter did Russ’ hair, which looks lovely, and then fixed mine up. I said I wanted hair like Cheryl Cole’s. He cut it a little shorter in the front, but left the back longer, and he managed to thin it out, treat my scalp and give it some body to boot. I love it and it looks amazing. Thanks Peter! And Bobba’s friend, the Duchess of Kent was there as well. After that, we went with the boys for a quickie hamburger lunch before heading out to Peter Murphy’s house to go to the soccer match. We arrived promptly at 3:15 and picked up some more on the way. When we got to White Hart Lane, we got to park inside the stadium, where only players, staff and VIPs get to park. Many fancy cars all around. Then the Manchester United coach pulled up and I tried to snap some pictures of them getting off the bus. I yelled at Giggsy. Then, James, Peter’s son, told me that if I had said I was American, I could have gotten to meet them. But that’s a horse of a different color. After all the players had gone inside, we headed up to the box holder’s lounge, complete with a bar and a betting station, where my dad and I placed our bets. We bet on a 2-1 United win, with goals from Defoe, Berbatov and Fletcher. We were close, but I’ll get to that later. Then we headed to the box, which was awesome. A great view, a little to the left of the center pitch, above the team benches. They served us a delicious four course meal consisting of soup, salad, a beef dish and a cheesecake desert. All delicious. There was a TV in the box which Peter used to check scores of other matches. Then the players came out on the pitch to warm up and the starting lineups were announced. My feeling was that if Rio Ferdinand played, we would win. Here were the lineups:

United: Foster, O’Shea, Evra, Vidic, Ferdinand, Fletcher, GIGGS (c), Scholes, Anderson, Rooney, Berbatov. Bench: Kuz, Evans, Fabio, Nani, Valencia, Carrick, Owen

Spurs: Cudicini, Corluka, Assou Ekotto, King, Bassong, Keane (c), Lennon, Huddlestone, Palacios, Crouch, Defoe. Bench: Gomes, Hutton, Pavs, Bentley, Jenas…

So the game kicks off. Peter, perhaps unwisely because he is the Spurs fan and box holder, has brought 7 Manchester United fans with him. After 52 seconds, he was ecstatic as Jermain Defoe scored a SICK bicycle kick. Everyone else in the box…pissed. At least we will win some money. Then, United settled into the game, Berbatov getting booed on every touch. He won a free kick about 5 yards outside the area. Who would it be? Not Ronaldo. Rooney or Giggs, Rooney or Giggs, Rooney or…GIGGS! YOU BEAUTY. Giggsy scores a brilliant free kick to draw us level! Didn’t bet on that, but I was ecstatic. My all time favorite player happens to score when I’m there. After that, United really took control. Berba missed a sitter and Rooney had a few chances as well. A few minutes before the half, Spurs failed to clear a corner and the ball rolled to AndersonRio and Vidic defended him well. Alan Hutton came on for Spurs in place of Corluka, and Keane came off as well. Then, after sitting deep and defending, Fletch on the right place a beautiful curving ball into the path of Rooney, who cuts past one defender and nutmegs Hutton and then proceeds to put the ball through the wickets of Cudicini for our 3^rd goal! How brilliant! Bloody Rooney is 6 for 6 so far this year and United come from behind to win-even with a man down. Nani comes on to relieve some pressure and does some nice crowd pleasing tricks. Tottenham were stunned and created nothing and United grabbed the points and jumped them in the table. 3-1 the final score. So we didn’t win a lot on the bet, but trust me, I am much happier with the result. I told my dad to bet on Rooney as well and he wouldn’t! outside the box and he smashed it past Cudicini, who had made a few good saves, for his first ever United goal and a 2-1 United lead. Brilliant stuff. Our score was right on. In the first half, Keane and Lennon were non factors, but Crouch had been a bit of gangly trouble. The second half started and United were still bossing. Jenas had come on for Palacios, who had been booked, to add some attacking edge. Scholesy picked up a yellow for a silly tackle so Carrick started to warm up. But as he was ready to come on, he was given a harsh second yellow for a quite silly tackle and he was off. The United fans in the box looked glum. A one goal lead, half an hour to go and a man down. Carrick did come on for Berba to sit in front of the back four. Despite the man advantage, Spurs didn’t make any clear cut chances. They tried to go through Crouch a lot, but nothing came of it.

Afterwards, we had to wait for everyone to clear out. I was mulling the area looking for players, and apparently, I missed SIR ALEX, Sir Bobby Charlton and David Gill! Silly me. James also said he saw Crouchy and we just missed cutie David Bentley. But I did snag a photo with Alan Hutton and he was very nice. His Lambo’s plate number is “X HU77ON” haha. No prizes to guess whose car that is. Then we loaded into Peter’s van and headed back to his house, where we played with the dogs before Gerry picked us up and we headed back home. When we got back, Ruth and David/Doody were there so we spent some time chatting but I was tired so I headed upstairs to pack and went to sleep.

This morning, got up relatively early to head out to the airport. Said bye to Russ and Gerry drove us. Didn’t get to say a proper goodbye to the boys though! It was so great to see everyone even for such a short period of time. Next time, I will be back for longer to spend more time with the gang. I had a GREAT time, especially at the game. What a wonderful experience and we got some good photos. Now, I have to head back to school. I haven’t done any work and I have to get a doctor’s note and make up a lab. I might be in trouble here…

Carpe Diem.

Cricket

I felt it best to try and explain the game of cricket to you all while here in London.

Cricket: As explained to a foreigner...
You have two sides, one out in the field and one in. Each man that's in the
side that's in goes out, and when he's out he comes in and the next man goes
in until he's out. When they are all out, the side that's out comes in and
the side that's been in goes out and tries to get those coming in, out.
Sometimes you get men still in and not out.
When a man goes out to go in, the men who are out try to get him out, and
when he is out he goes in and the next man in goes out and goes in. There
are two men called umpires who stay out all the time and they decide when
the men who are in are out. When both sides have been in and all the men
have been out, and both sides have been out twice after all the men have
been in, including those who are not out, that is the end of the game

Got it?

Carpe Diem.

I'm off again

I can't sit still for 5 minutes so off I go, again, to London. I will hang out with the Bass gang again and go to the obligatory Footy game. This one will be special as it's Tottenham vs Man U at White Heart Lane (in London). I leave tomorrow (Monday) and Robyn will be joining us this Friday for a rather short weekend London visit. We are both really excited about the game and of course, spending time with the family.

The car was officially declared a "submarine" and consequently, written off. The sport court was repaired so things are mostly back to normal at home!!! Believe it or not, Diana and I are sort of enjoying this almost empty nest. We still have to hang out with Max. Having said that, it's still great seeing the Knoblets (kids) when we can.

Mike came home this weekend. It was good to see him again (even after 1 week). So far, he says school is going just fine. Diana's Laundry service was in full swing today. Even Robyn sent stuff home to be washed. No visit from her this time but I will see her Friday in London for an action packed few days. We will both return to the States on Sunday September 13th.

Carpe Diem.

Gomes does McDonald's

After 12 long years Trechtobal Gomes (prounounced Gomez) had his first hamburger patty from McDonald's. In case you didn't know, Mr. Gomes is Max, our dog. That's his Portuguese name. He has many names!

We took a couple of new printers to Rob and Mike at University and decided to take Max with us. He had a ball and on the way home we stopped to eat. Yes, I had something too!!!

Rob (Junior) and Mike (Freshman), best of luck for the new school year.

Carpe Diem.

Our very first family U-Boat commander

By Al "The Fish" Goldstein.

I had a day free in Louisville between trips, so I came to visit Adrian and Diana for a day and a half. I expected a quiet time discussing old times and trying to offer support for our friend. How wrong I was. This place is action packed. Ade picked me up at the airport, and we drove home for a happy reunion with Diana and Mike. Robyn left 2 days ago for university. She went back early so she could teach the soccer referees that she supervises at the school. I think that's so cool. Diana asked whether we wanted her to cook chicken for us, and Adrian stood behind her and mouthed NO so she wouldn't see him, but that I would get the message. Ade, let me assure you, is in very fine form, and despite the horrendous battles of the past 2 years, he is as funny as ever. He told me afterwards that he prefers to eat out rather than savor Diana's cooking. We met up with Mike and his mate Kevin at the hamburger joint, and had a darn fine meal. We came home, and chatted until about 10pm I had flown through the night so I was very tired.

At about 1am, even though, I was wearing earplugs, and the room was dark from the blinds, I was woken by flashing lightning and booming thunder. I was exhausted, so I went back to sleep until 8 the next morning. Adrian and Diana didn't. Firstly, their mad dog Max was terrified of the storm outside, and he kept walking over Ade and Diana in their bed. He was panting and salivating and Adrian was trying not to become annoyed with the clearly afraid dog. Then at 1:30am, Mike sms'd to say that he was with his friends, and didn't want to come home in the storm. The plan for the next day however, was to take Mike off to move into his dorm at university. Adrian had Mike wait for the storm to subside, and when he sensed that it was over, Adrian sms'd Mike to "COME HOME NOW, and to be careful of the water from the storm." I slept though all of this.

At about 2:15am Ade received a frantic phone call from Mike to say that he had inadvertently driven his car into a huge puddle (stream) that stretched across the road, that the car had stalled mid-stream, and that the water was rising in the car. Ade told Mike to get out of the car. Ade then jumped out of bed, put on some jeans and a t-shirt and went tearing out of the house to help is son, not knowing where he was exactly and whether he was safe. They stayed on the phone together until Ade located, parked next to the fast moving stream, waded poopick (shtritzel) deep into the water, rescued and placated Mike. He brought him home, and then with Diana, went back to the river to call the police who he had called en route. The car was now being buffeted around in the river, so the policeman arranged the car to be towed away, and for the road to be closed. Ade came home and fell asleep at 3am. I slept through all of this.

At 4am, the police called to tell Diana where the car had been towed to. At 7:30am, Diana's tennis partner called to enquire whether Diana wanted to play tennis. She did not. I slept through all of this, but I woke up at 8am to see Adrian working at the computer. He told me about the night's activities by telling me that Mike had become the Suskins' first U-Boat commander. Then he told me to look outside. A eighty foot tree had come down in the storm (that I slept through,) and it fell on the tennis/sports court. The branches and trunk fell onto the fence around the court collapsing it like it was made of paper. The court is destroyed.

The day was a lot less eventful. We took Mike off to school when he woke up at 10am. He has a beautiful room with a very tall roommate. They came to university well equipped for study with a 27 inch flat screen TV, two of the latest video game systems, electric guitars and a nice refrigerator in the room. It ought to be a most productive year.

This evening, we sat eating dinner ( a delicious dinner that Diana cooked,) and they came to the cold realization that they are now empty nesters. They had a good giggle about it, and that's how this day has been. Some pretty heavy incidents and significant realizations, but Adrian and Diana deal with this with humour and gratitude. I have really enjoyed being with them today, and leave this evening happy in the knowledge that their love and humor is intact, and that through this, they will win this battle.

Carpe Diem.

Wow

I just want to thank all those who donated to ZimKids via the GlobalGiving site. We have met the US$4000 requirement and are now 5th in the GlobalGiving bonus competition. A very special thanks to "the Large Asset" (meant well) for his incredible generosity.

Oh yea, it's never too late to donate. Hey, that rhymes.

http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/zimkids-feeds-zimbabwean-orphans-body-and-soul/

http://www.globalgiving.com/dy/v2/globalchallenge.html

Thank you so much.

Carpe Diem.

I'm sick of doctors

Today I met with Dr. Haile (the MRSA doctor). Everything looks good but he wants me to stay on the antibiotics for another couple of months. No big deal.

Then I met with Dr. Alikhan (the Heart doctor). My ECG was good and he has cut back on one of the 2 meds I'm on. The tougher of the 2. In a couple of months we will meet again and after a 24 hour heart monitor, if all goes well, he will take me off of all the meds. Yee Haa Ole.

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 4 (Round 6)

Another one down and who the hell knows how many more to go! Overall, a pretty good day. My vitals were all good and so was my blood work. The chemo went fairly smoothly and best of all, "Porky the Pig" has put on 10lbs. in a month. Soon I may have to start a diet!

In the afternoon we met Dr. Sadransky (the Mouseman). He briefed us as to where we were with the MouseSkin family and generally what should be happening over the next few months. Out of the 100+ page report he explained 2 relevant and important pages to us in detail. I'll be honest with you, I still have a headache from trying to understand all of this. It's both fascinating and very, very advanced. Lets hope the results will be good. The only interesting and slightly unsettling thing was that he explained to us all drugs have a somewhat limited time of usefulness. Simply explained, the Alimta and Avastin may reach a point where they are no longer helping me. Hopefully that is when they will have the MouseSkin study and trials ready. Plus, there are lots of other options available. Anyone understand these charts? Good luck!

Carpe Diem.

The celebrating never stops

Diana and I got back to Baltimore after lunch. I got a really funny card from the kids and a dozen red roses from Diana. I was treated to a P.F.Chang dinner that night and it capped off a really wonderful and memorable couple of days. The most enjoyable thing is I'm still here. Thanks to all of you. You know who you are!!!

Carpe Diem.

Friday and more celebrating

Friday was another wonderful surprise for me. My very good friends, Jack and Donna from Connecticut showed up for dinner. Phil and the gang prepared (well, had delivered) a really cool Moroccan dinner. With a beautiful table set and birthday decorations all around we all tucked into a cool variety of dishes. Dessert and cake followed and by the end of the evening I was ready to hurl from eating so much! Another great day.

Carpe Diem.

What a cool surprise

We got back to New York from London on Wednesday evening. I planned to stay in New York with Phil and the gang until Sunday morning (my birthday). Diana would join us in New York on Friday night and together we would all celebrate my birthday.

Well, to my surprise, Phil arranged for my mom to fly in from Boca on Thursday and she surprised me at Phil and How's apartment. What a cool birthday gift.

Thursday night we celebrated at restaurant around the corner from the apartment. Hannah and Lil joined Phil, How, my mom and me.

Carpe Diem.

ZimKids appeal

Hi All,

In the years since Dennis founded Zimkids, an orphan project in Zimbabwe, he’s struggled mightily not to hit up friends for financial support. But in his efforts to put the group on a firmer financial footing, he’s just been offered a tremendous opportunity that demands that we reach out for help. Globalgiving is an Internet charity site that holds real promise of ongoing financial support to small projects like Zimkids. A month or so ago, Zimkids was selected as a potential participant and we managed to get through their “due diligence.” But to earn a permanent place, we need at least 50 people to donate a total of at least $4000 to Zimkids via global giving over the next month. So we are turning to you all.

Many of you have already been extremely generous with Zimkids, so we are somewhat abashed about holding out the begging bowl. But if you could find a way to make a small donation – even $10 or $20 – and/or pass along this email to family and friends who might be willing to help out, we would be extremely grateful.

Over the past year, the number of orphans Zimkids is feeding has skyrocketed from 60 to 160, at the very moment that food prices have almost doubled. So securing a permanent place on globalgiving.com is incredibly important just now. It’s tax-deductible – and easy, just go to:

http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/zimkids-feeds-zimbabwean-orphans-body-and-soul/

If anyone wants more information about Zimkids, go to the website at:

http://www.zimkids.com

And, again, THANK YOU on behalf of Zimkids and all involved with the orphans of Pumula.
Warmest regards,
Adrian.

Carpe Diem.

London Town

Cause I been around the world I've seen so many places living the life I've worked so hard to make it trading the world for money stars and power living my life at 100mph - Tinchy Stryder.

Carpe Diem.

***Updates to the blog***

What I have decided to do with the blog updates is update when I have something of substance to say. Granted, someone's substance maybe someone else's bull sh#t. I'm trying as best I can to keep all my family and friends updated with my "progress" in this battle/war. I say progress as I really don't want to think of the alternative!

There are lots of you out there that keep an eye on the blog every day or nearly everyday. For those infrequent viewers, what the hell did you expect? Just kidding. I'm honored and somewhat flattered that people even look at my blog (without getting paid). I have considered the payment option but by using my fortune in Zim dollars.

To all of you out there stay healthy and happy. If something physical bothers you get it checked out. If it's mental, don't tell anyone! I'm kidding. Get help. To my fellow and fellowess pilot friends, blue skys and tailwinds to you all. And now like Aaahnold says, "I'll be back".

P.S. Make comments. I love 'em.

Carpe Diem.

I'm off

No, not like bad food! I'm leaving for London tomorrow to spend about 8 days with Russ and the Bass family. Lily (my niece) is coming as well, as she missed the boat trip just a while ago.

Yes, of course I'm going to a football game. Tottenham vs Liverpool on Sunday August 16th. I can't wait to consume all that fine English cuisine. Meat pies, meat pies and more meat pies.

Diana will join me in New York on the back end of the trip for a quick birthday celebration with Phil and the Polskin family. Yes, it's my birthday. Why else would I care. As usual, please send all gifts, monies etc to the Baltimore address!!!

Carpe Diem.

The Game

Carpe Diem.

I'm jealous

I'm officially jealous. As I mentioned previously in the blog, Rob writes her own blog on behalf of the Washington Freedom (Women's Professional Soccer). She is a credentialed member of the press. She gets on field access and the ability to interview the players after the game. Last night The Freedom beat the New Jersey team (the Sky Blue) 3-1. After the game Rob went to a sports bar with members of both teams. Above is a picture of her and Heather O'Reilly. Heather is a member of the USA national team and has won 2 gold medals with the USA Olympic squad. Quite impressive.

Today (Sunday) our little sports reporter is off to DC to see Real Madrid play DC United. Men's soccer, in case you didn't know! She was able to get a press pass for this game, so once again, she will have on field access and the ability to interview and take pictures of of the likes of Raul, Kaka and Ronaldo. Who has her luck? Pat, are you reading this? Even though Ronaldo left Man United for Real Madrid, Rob still wants a picture and her Man U Ronaldo shirt autographed.

By the way. This game is called "football", not soccer. It's played with feet and is the most popular game world wide. Get over it.

Carpe Diem.

The article

B757 Captain Adrian Suskin Battles Cancer, launches Blog.

We have an update on B757 Captain Adrian Suskin and his battle with cancer thanks to MD-11 Captain Allan Goldstein. Captain Goldstein also wants crewmembers to be aware of a blog that Adrian has begun writing to update family and friends on his progress at:

http://asuskin.blogspot.com/

Suskin was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his right lung in February 2008. He has since undergone intensive radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Despite initial success, a body scan revealed a new cancerous site on the same lung. That prompted another round of chemo and another long battle in his ongoing war with cancer.

In June 2009, Adrian began an innovative treatment program whereby doctors remove a specimen from the actual tumor and the cells are injected into mice to ultimately determine the most effective treatment options. Adrian is nearing the end of that treatment.

Allan Goldstein tells IPNN Interactive, “Adrian is putting on weight again and finding his sense of humor that those who have flown with him remember him for. Without a doubt, Adrian is known as one of those pilots who we love to fly with because from the beginning to the end of the trip, it will be non-stop laughter”.

On Adrian’s blog website, crewmembers will have an option to reply or contact Adrian directly. He would love to hear from his fellow UPS/IPA mates.

The IPA Executive Board and Staff wish Adrian and his family all of the best as he continues his fight against cancer.

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 3 (Round 6)

Pretty good day today. My blood work and all my vitals were good and I put on close to 5lbs. since my last chemo 3 weeks ago. I need to do a boat trip every month! Hopefully, I will have a good and smooth next 3 weeks.

One thing that's pretty cool and interesting at chemo is the strange camaraderie amongst all the patients. Usually a quick wink and a head nod amongst each other. Sometimes a brief conversation. It says it all. You have no idea what the other person is dealing with but you know you are all in a lousy and tough battle/war with these awful diseases. I don't know how else to describe this other than "pretty cool and interesting".

The other observation is about the people that accompany the patients to their treatments. Family, friends. Who knows? But all with a common interest. To keep the patient aware that they are not fighting this disease alone The love and support comes through brilliantly like a diamond. Diana is my diamond.

Carpe Diem.

Article about B757/767 Captain Adrian Suskin

Check out the two Captain names at the center of the flight information screen. It was some time ago!!!

This article is what my very good friend and fellow UPS pilot, Allan Goldstein (AKA Fish) wrote to our union newscast on my behalf.

"Dear Eric,
I want to update the pilot group with information on our friend B757 Captain Adrian Suskin. In October 2007, Adrian developed a constant irritating cough as a result of what felt like a harmless tickle in his right lung. In February 2008, this cough was diagnosed as a malignant tumor. In March, Adrian began a nine week regimen of intensive radiation therapy to burn away the tumor. This was followed by a summer of chemotherapy, so by early fall, the doctors diagnosed his lung tumor gone. Adrian took off with his wife to visit Zimbabwe (his birth country,) and South Africa for a well deserved vacation. Just prior to the vacation, Adrian had one final body scan, and while he was enjoying his holiday, his oncologist called to tell him of a new cancerous site on the same lung, but this time, outside of the lung. This called for more chemotherapy, and another long battle in this ongoing war with cancer.
In June of this year, Adrian consulted with some doctors who are doing innovative research in determining which set of drugs are most effective in fighting the patient’s particular type of cancer. Different bodies respond differently to the chemotherapy protocols, so Adrian invested a chunk of his retirement money to enter this program. Our medical insurance does not cover this science. The doctor’s remove a specimen of the actual tumor, and the cells are injected into mice, which then develop the same type of tumor. The doctors then treat the mice with different protocols, and those which are most effective are then used on Adrian. Unfortunately during the tissue removal, Adrian developed an infection in his heart sac, and he became gravely ill. All chemotherapy was stopped to fight this potentially fatal setback.
Adrian remained hospitalized in intensive care, but he fought the infection, and a month later began the chemotherapy found to be the most effective by the unfortunate mice. Today, he is nearing the end of this phase of the treatment. He is putting on weight again and is finding his sense of humor that those who have flown with him remember him for. Without a doubt, Adrian is known as one of those pilots who we love to fly with because from the beginning to the end of the trip, it’ll be non stop laughter.
If you want to follow the progress of Capt Suskin, you can log onto his blog site

asuskin.blogspot.com

On that site it gives an option to reply or to contact Adrian directly. As you can imagine, especially for those who have worked with him, Adrian is very keen to hear from his UPS/IPA mates.
Adrian’s message to everyone is that cancer is an insidious disease. What appears as a small inconsequential symptom can often be the harbinger of a much more serious and even fatal condition if not treated immediately. Adrian is at home in Baltimore waiting word on whether this round of “poison” has killed the cancer in his body."

Carpe Diem and thanks Fish.