Chemo 3 (Round 7)

Off to my poisoning this morning. You know I mean well by referring to this as poisoning. It's the positive results that count.

Carpe Diem.

I've got a taker

I finally got a sucker, err friend to take me up on my Zim trip offer. My good friend and neighbor Larry (as in "lunch with Larry" fame) is joining me for the second week. We have a great itinerary planned which includes Cape Town. No Great White cage diving for me, thanks ! We are also planning to go to the USA vs South Africa men's international soccer friendly in Cape Town. How cool.

Carpe Diem.

Well................

How come no one wants to come to Zim with me ? Bunch of sissies. Just incase, the dates are October 29th until November 15th.

Carpe Diem.

My next Zim trip

Yes, it's soon. At the end of October I am off to Zim for 2 weeks. Mainly to deliver medical supplies to a few Doctors, Medical Facilities and ZimKids.

Over the past year and a half I have been receiving infusions at St. Joe's Medical Center here in Baltimore. One of the perks (?) of cancer is you get to be treated by some of the most amazing oncology nurses on the planet. My primary nurse has been Jen. Not only has she been poisoning me every 3 weeks but has listened to my lame jokes and drivel. She has also listened to my numerous stories about Zim and especially ZimKids. Jen has been so taken by our ZimKids project and what goes on medically in Zim, that she has been the major driving force in collecting supplies to take to Zim. Supplies does not do much justice to what she and many other wonderful people have collected. Suffice to say, it will benefit so many children and adults over there.

Well, I decided the best thing to do was to have Jen and her husband accompany me for the first week. Jen will show the nurses and other medical personnel in Zim how to use some of the equipment we are bringing with us. We will also be spending a food distribution day with ZimKids. I will then be taking them to Vic Falls and Hwange to show them all aspects of life in this beautiful country. Jen and her husband will return to the USA after one week.

The second week is open. Anyone want to go ? I think there is a good chance that some of my family will be joining me.  But I'm not kidding about this offer.......................

Carpe Diem.

Here is the "More to come"

Sorry if this is repetitive. Sorry if this is repetitive. Sorry...................

 

Just to catch you all up on my goings on. This morning was Chemo 2 (Round 7) day. I'm going every 3 weeks and am receiving 2 drugs. Avastin (a biologic drug) and Alimta (a chemo drug). I have had this regimen in the past and have tolerated it quite well. These 2 drugs have also been effective on me in the past and should hopefully continue to do so in the future. The reason for going back on the Alimta was that there was evidence, once again of metastasis in my right pleura. Fortunately, no other spread has been detected. I'm feeling well and doing well.

 

I have started to volunteer at a number of different organizations. Mainly driving patients to and from chemo and radiation treatments and also driving the elderly to medical appointments and food shopping. I also hope to be volunteering with the Baltimore Fire Department soon. A childhood fantasy and a story for next time.

 

I continue to travel quite a bit. Somewhat constrained by the almighty $$$. None the less, our Zimbabwe project continues to flourish and I hope to be back there in the near future.

 

I was devastated to learn about the awful tragedy of UPS Flight 6. My thoughts and prayers go out to Doug and Matt and their families. I'm also saddened by the untimely passing of other fellow crewmembers. RIP.

 

I want you all to know that I really miss the flying and spending quality time with so many wonderful fellow aviators. I also miss spending time with other good friends at UPS and the IPA.

 

Carpe Diem,

Adrian Suskin.

B757/767 UPS Captain Louisville (temporarily missing in action).

Chemo 2 (Round 7)

Does anyone ever pay attention to the Title. I just figured out that today's treatment will be the 46th  chemo/bio infusion since my diagnosis. Not to forget the 35 radiation treatments and 5 or 6 operations of some sort. So what do I say to all of that. "I've had worse. It's just a flesh wound" - Monty Python.

So bring it on and get this sh*t out of me. I have too many people to be with and too much to do. Not to mention the future trips I/we need to take. :)

More to come after the poisoning !

Carpe Diem.

You spoke, I listened

After hearing so many people tell me to get a job (VBG) I listened and am now officially A Road To Recovery Driver. No, it has nothing to do with alcohol. It's about this:

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/SupportProgramsServices/Programs/road-to-recovery

I am also in the process of volunteering for this association as well:

http://www.box234.org/home.html

It's much easier giving you the links than explaining everything. Yes, I'm lazy to.

Carpe Diem.

A sad day at UPS

This morning, Captain Doug Lampe and First Officer Matthew Bell, the crew of UPS Flight 6, arrived on their final flight home to the USA. They were repatriated and honored in a ceremony at UPS in Louisville, Kentucky.This was our final opportunity to say thank you and goodbye to our brothers and fellow airmen before they were released to the care of their families. 

Rest In Peace.

Israel - At the Henna Party

Marwan (Jack) and Adnan (Adrian) at the Henna Party. How about those outfits ?

Carpe Diem

Prague

Carpe Diem.