For those that don't know or forgot, I had some pretty extensive (expensive) genetic and molecular studies done on my Tumor. The info they come up with is pretty remarkable. I briefly spoke to Dr. Sidransky (the Doc in charge) and he told me that he had a good discussion with Dr. Schraeder about my next course of treatment. It seems the drugs that I am and should respond positively to are Alimta and Avastin. I have had both these drugs before and seemed to tolerate them OK.
The MouseSkin family is doing fine. Because my Tumor seems to be slow growing it could take about another 5 months until we see results from these tests. I will keep you up to date. In the mean time.
Carpe Diem.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
My meeting with Dennis
Let me introduce Dennis. I can now honestly say that he is a good friend of the family. The best way to describe Dennis is to have you go to this web site:
http://www.zimkids.com (NOT.ORG)
A number of years ago Dennis (along with Phil) was instrumental in setting up a sculpture competition in Zimbabwe in honor of our late Dad. He did all the leg work in Zimbabwe by travelling the country to gather info and pictures from all the prospective competitors. He did an amazing job. But what stuck out most was his honesty and dedication to our cause.
Recently, I have been working with Dennis to do my small part in helping ZimKids. Having realised that it was a logistical nightmare trying to establish an orphanage I did the best thing I could do. I accepted a position as Trustee with ZimKids. I am honored and grateful to be an intricate part of this very worthwhile cause. If you have a moment please look at our website. We are not associated with any religious organization but we do have a number of churches that collect and forward the donations to us in Zimbabwe. We are not a registered charity here in the USA as it would be cost prohibitive to set it up and we want 100% of the funds to go to the kids. We are, however, a registered charitable trust within in Zimbabwe and we even have the ability to wire funds to our account there. I know I'm repeating my self but 100% of funds collected go to helping the kids. Please look at the web site and tell me what you think by commenting on the blog or emailing me. Thanks.
Carpe Diem.
Home again
I'm home after a really nice break. I say this for all of us, understanding how difficult it must be for those around me. Especially Diana.
Boca was wonderful. Maybe a tad hot at times. But being completely spoilt and cared for by my Mom made it very special. Not to outdone, Phil arrived from New York. Between her and my Mom it was like being at a spa/psychotherapist 24 hours a day. Throw in a number of calls a day from Russ in London and there you have it. Wow.
Walks on the beach, massages, movies, Jumba Juices. Visiting with Cuz Martin and one of my best mates Ilan and Robin usually lifted my spirits. I'll be honest. At times it was really tough both mentally and physically.
On Wednesday June 17th Phil and I flew to New York. We did this because of course Phil had to eventually get back to work! It was great to see my nieces with a special thanks to nurse Gish. But more importantly one of the Ladies that works in her office invited us aboard her sail boat (64 ft.). It was magnificent. The next morning I was off back to Baltimore. Home at last. But more importantly, to finally meet Dennis.
Carpe Diem.
Boca was wonderful. Maybe a tad hot at times. But being completely spoilt and cared for by my Mom made it very special. Not to outdone, Phil arrived from New York. Between her and my Mom it was like being at a spa/psychotherapist 24 hours a day. Throw in a number of calls a day from Russ in London and there you have it. Wow.
Walks on the beach, massages, movies, Jumba Juices. Visiting with Cuz Martin and one of my best mates Ilan and Robin usually lifted my spirits. I'll be honest. At times it was really tough both mentally and physically.
On Wednesday June 17th Phil and I flew to New York. We did this because of course Phil had to eventually get back to work! It was great to see my nieces with a special thanks to nurse Gish. But more importantly one of the Ladies that works in her office invited us aboard her sail boat (64 ft.). It was magnificent. The next morning I was off back to Baltimore. Home at last. But more importantly, to finally meet Dennis.
Carpe Diem.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Update
Thanks to Russ, this update is possible.
Well here I am again and I know that you’ve all been missing my updates so I will fill you in on why it’s been so hard for me to write! And also what’s been happening!!
Having contracted MRSA and some other lovely bugs in hospital my treatment involved a cocktail of drugs that were not very compatible with the meds I take to keep my spirits up and so I had to go back to flying solo in my head! I’m not crazy or off my rocker but I do get very gloomy and talking to someone does help but the medication just took the raw edge off the stuff that bubbles around in my head and allowed me to get on with getting better. I am sure that we all get a little ‘attached’ to our meds but this regime really worked for me and I feel quite adrift at the moment. I am trying hard to eat and it is wonderful when people come for a short visit…Jack and Donna and then Tal and Yoad. So great to see them all! But the reality is that I am in a mental hole and I am looking forward to Friday when I can re-start the head meds.
The family are all fine and I’m sure frustrated with how I am but nevertheless always so supportive and loving.
I am also planning a trip to my Mom in Florida on Thursday so many good things to look forward to! And soon enough you will have a happy chappy back!
One other note that I have to put in for Russ….Sri Lanka whipped Australia in the 20/20 Cricket!!
Carpe Diem.
Well here I am again and I know that you’ve all been missing my updates so I will fill you in on why it’s been so hard for me to write! And also what’s been happening!!
Having contracted MRSA and some other lovely bugs in hospital my treatment involved a cocktail of drugs that were not very compatible with the meds I take to keep my spirits up and so I had to go back to flying solo in my head! I’m not crazy or off my rocker but I do get very gloomy and talking to someone does help but the medication just took the raw edge off the stuff that bubbles around in my head and allowed me to get on with getting better. I am sure that we all get a little ‘attached’ to our meds but this regime really worked for me and I feel quite adrift at the moment. I am trying hard to eat and it is wonderful when people come for a short visit…Jack and Donna and then Tal and Yoad. So great to see them all! But the reality is that I am in a mental hole and I am looking forward to Friday when I can re-start the head meds.
The family are all fine and I’m sure frustrated with how I am but nevertheless always so supportive and loving.
I am also planning a trip to my Mom in Florida on Thursday so many good things to look forward to! And soon enough you will have a happy chappy back!
One other note that I have to put in for Russ….Sri Lanka whipped Australia in the 20/20 Cricket!!
Carpe Diem.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
And this is what you can do with it!!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
A realization
Let me say openly and without hesitation, that if it were not for Diana, My Mom, Russ, Phil and of course the surrounding cast of family and friends, I don't think I would be here today.
The past couple of weeks has really torn the hell out of me. Russ described the events on the Blog as best she could through my eyes. The problem being was not only did I have no energy or mental capacity to do the blog I was at times simply trying to survive. I'm not trying to make this all too melodramatic but the reality was that it was a very, very trying time for all.
I have been home since this past Friday (May 22nd) and really enjoying the home cooked food (or at least, trying to). Enjoying not being woken up every hour for every test imaginable. Enjoying my own bed with Max glued to my side. Relishing sitting on the different decks taking in all the amazing views this place has to offer. My mom beckons. I have to go and sit outside now!!!
Carpe Diem.
The past couple of weeks has really torn the hell out of me. Russ described the events on the Blog as best she could through my eyes. The problem being was not only did I have no energy or mental capacity to do the blog I was at times simply trying to survive. I'm not trying to make this all too melodramatic but the reality was that it was a very, very trying time for all.
I have been home since this past Friday (May 22nd) and really enjoying the home cooked food (or at least, trying to). Enjoying not being woken up every hour for every test imaginable. Enjoying my own bed with Max glued to my side. Relishing sitting on the different decks taking in all the amazing views this place has to offer. My mom beckons. I have to go and sit outside now!!!
Carpe Diem.
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