My appointment with Dr. Sidransky

I had a good and informative meeting with Dr. Sidransky today. We discussed a number of things today including a complete gene sequencing test for me and whether or not I could take a break from the chemo treatments.

Probably in the next few months I will go ahead with the gene sequencing test. It still is very expensive and in all honesty the longer I wait the cheaper it gets. Dr. Sidransky is in no hurry to get these tests done as medically, things are stable with me right now. Once the tests are done then they pair it up with the molecular study (that I had done previously) and come up with a medication that is ideal for me. That's how it works in the perfect world ! By the way, I was told that there are very few people globally who have had a complete gene sequencing. BFD.

It's a good time to be alive right now as it is truly mind numbing what is being discovered every day that could help eradicate this awful disease.

Dr. Sidransky also advised against stopping or taking a break from my chemo regimen. With regards the Avastin, once you go off it there is a chance of the cancer "blossoming". In essence, growing wildly. That's not what we want. It is the current treatments I am receiving combined with a slow growing cancer that is keeping bad things at bay. I'm tolerating these drugs quite well right now and they are still working for me. Eventually their effectiveness will diminish and we will have to try something else. I'm the eternal optimist so in the mean time, travel, travel, travel.

Oh, the best part of the appointment was that they validated my parking.

Carpe Diem.

Thank you South African Airways

Whenever I travel back to Zim I try and take as much medical supplies and assorted other ZimKids stuff as I can. I usually end up with 3 suitcases of which only ¾ of 1 case is my stuff. What has happened in the past is that I end up paying $200 for the 3rd suitcase.

I wrote a brief email to an individual at the South African Airways office in Ft. Lauderdale and she was able to get the extra suitcase charge waived for this trip. Thank you Heather and thank you South African Airways.

Carpe Diem.

One of my favorite quotes

"And now we are Free. I will see you again... but not yet... Not yet!"

Carpe Diem.

Thank you

I feel compelled to thank someone close to me. I'm sorry to shroud this post in mystery but I would just as soon keep all this anonymous. A very generous donation has been made to ZimKids in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

You know who you are and I and all the recipients of your incredible largess are truly grateful.

Carpe Diem.

Rest In Peace Sue

I was informed early this morning that my friend Sue in Cape Town, South Africa passed away.

 

In early 2010 we were introduced by a mutual friend. The reason for the introduction was that we had something in common. Lung cancer ! On my numerous visits to Cape Town we were always able to get together and chat. The last time we met was late October.

 

Last week I was informed that Sue had taken a turn for the worse. I emailed her and asked if she minded me giving her a call as I did not want to be imposing. Her reply was “Sure Adrian. Any time”. Well, this is one regret I will now always carry with me. I should have known better and not put off calling her for whatever reason. But I did.

 

Sue, I’m so sorry we did not get to speak. I will miss you and our chats. Rest in peace my friend.

Adrian.

Chemo 6 (Round 7)

Another good but “tense” chemo session.

 

Let me explain the “tense” first. I had a flight booked to Florida at noon and my chemo session started at 7:30 am. You can see where this is going, right ? To make a long story short, I made my flight by 7 minutes.

 

The good part of the chemo session was that, once again, my weight is stable, my vitals were fine and the blood work was good. In fact, very good. About 3 weeks ago I was put on a cholesterol lowering drug and also made some “minor” diet changes. The latest blood work showed a dramatic improvement in all my cholesterol numbers. Dr. Schraeder seems to be happy with how things are going for me at the moment. Now if we could just get the scans to cooperate.................

 

My next chemo session will be on January 24th. I leave for Africa on the 27th. I also will be meeting with Dr. Sidransky on January 21st to discuss the possibility of further genetic and molecular study options.

 

Carpe Diem.

 

P.S. My blood pressure was slightly elevated. Do you think it had anything to do with missing my Florida flight ?

It was a good year

Aside from my chemo treatments every 3 weeks, anytime I don't have to be admitted to hospital for any reason...........is good. Anytime I have to visit few doctors throughout the year.............is good. Anytime I celebrate another new year..........is very good.

To all of my family and friends out there, I want to say 2 things. Firstly, thank you all for your incredible ongoing support. Secondly, I wish you all a very happy and healthy new year.

To all those I knew who passed away in 2010. A heartfelt rest in peace. To all those family, friends and acquaintances who are dealing with tough medical issues. I wish you courage, strength and a speedy recovery.

Carpe Diem.

I just don't get it

Why is it that some people succumb to diseases quicker than others ? Is it bad luck, lousy genes, misfortune ? Is it being in the wrong place at the wrong time ? What the hell is it ? Would someone please tell me.

I'm so tired of hearing about people "losing their battle". That's the pessimist in me.

The optimist in me says "carpe diem", "every day is a gift" blah blah blah.

The realist in me says "shit, what's going on" ?

I'm sorry to rant. Fuuuuuuuccccckkkkk.

Carpe Diem.

It's really starting to hurt

No, I don't mean with me physically. But mentally. I befriended a friend of a friend in Cape Town who is also dealing with lung cancer and was told today that she has taken a turn for the worse. I can't help thinking at times why I'm doing ok right now and all these wonderful people around me are not. It's not that I feel guilty but more sad and at times, afraid ! There is simply no way to explain any of this. I really hope to see her when I'm in Cape Town in early February.

Sue, be strong. Stare this shit disease in the eyes and tell it to FUCK OFF !

Carpe Diem.

Max and I watching NatGeo TV

 

Carpe Diem