Thank you "Warden"

I would be remiss if I did not thank the "Warden" for allowing me time off for good behavior. You truly understand my need to "escape" every now and again. I'm eternally grateful.

Carpe Diem and pass the file.

A new idea

Well, hello to all my readers and thanks again to those who keep up with all my travels, medical updates, and all my "meshugas" (craziness) ! You have all been so important to me on this unpredictable journey, and without you all, it would have been even harder( if not impossible) to deal with !

I have learned so much. Even my writing skills have developed (somewhat) to the point that you may even enjoy reading my updates ! I have met incredible people and spent time in so many great places, that a whole new world has literally opened up for me.

As you all know, I am completely in love with Africa (specifically Southern Africa) and I spend as much time as I can there. ZimKids has become my project. I am so thankful for all your help, time and money donated to this amazing cause. I have, during my many visits, realized that I'm actually quite a "maven" when it comes to Southern Africa travel. My visits have been spectacular! My flights are organized by an excellent contact (through my nephew Oren). I've stayed in incredible game parks and amazing hotels, and found some unbelievable 'deals' through new contacts. I now have a new idea!

As I mentioned previously in my blog, I leave next week for a three week trip to Zimbabwe and South Africa. The first week I am traveling with (nurse) Jen and her husband. The latter part of the trip, I will be joined by my good friend Larry. We have amazing itineraries arranged by me, as they are all Africa “virgins”. The trip will include: visits to hospitals, clinics and ZimKids in Bulawayo, game parks, Victoria Falls and Cape Town. I will be asking Jen, Dan and Larry to write something for the blog upon their return. I’m sure it will be a phenomenal account.

I want to do this again and again, so what better way of accomplishing this than by taking paying guests with me? I think I'd make a great companion who is truly knowledgeable about Southern Africa, its animals, planes, trains, deals and meals. So, if Zimbabwe and South Africa are places you'd love to visit, then allow me to arrange the best tour for you! I know you will have the most incredible time!

Here is the catch. At this time, I’m not looking into turning this into a business, just a convenient and cost effective way for me to get to my projects in Zimbabwe. I would expect my airfare, lodging and minor expenses to be covered. And that’s it! I would be delighted to give you a first-hand look at ZimKids and all the glories of Africa.

Email me at (asuskin@hotmail.com) if you have any interest. Stop dreaming! Let's go.

Carpe Diem.

Boy did I catch crap

Here was how I told Diana how my chemo day went.

The infusion center was really hopping today. Sadly, very busy. So it took a wee bit of time to poison me. My vitals were good, I gained 2 lbs, and my blood work was sort of OK. Now I had to "splain" what sort of OK meant. All the chemo related blood work was good, however, my cholesterol related test stunk. I won't get into numbers suffice to say they were high. And I don't mean stoned. Diana was not amused (as Queen Elizabeth would say). In fact she was down right angry. I tried to make light of it by saying "well at least it won't be the cancer that kills me'. That just made her even more pissed off. Then it was subject changing time. The pharmacist who prepares our chemo drugs asked if she could interview me. She was accompanied by a really bright young pharmacy student. The interview was fun and went well. I then chatted (babbled) to two other patients next to me. Both being treated for breast cancer and for one of them, it was her first day of treatment . I remember my first day well !!! Then nurse Jen came to visit and she brought a new patient with her. She wanted me to tell the patient about my chemo port. I was glad to do it. All in all, a good day.

In the evening I went back to the infusion center to attend a forum about teaching lung cancer patients breathing techniques and good exercises to do. They also provided food for us. But guess what ? I didn't eat anything !


I guess my diet, as of late, has not been perfect. I thought Taco Bell and McDonald's were now health conscious and had cleaned up their menus. I guess not. So it's time for a diet change. I'm moving on to Arby's and Chipotle.  Just kidding ! 

Carpe Diem and pass the fries.

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.