tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73210202011-07-30T19:12:28.284-05:00A semi-daily dose of miscellaneous treats that started out detailing the construction of Janine's and my new ICF home. It's now a series of disparate ramblings as they occur.BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.comBlogger2691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-87539557745700494272010-04-03T13:36:00.004-05:002010-04-03T13:54:53.696-05:00

I got back from the NIH/NCI yesterday around 5:00 PM. I'm still quite worn out from the traveling so I'll keep it short.There in still quite a bit of mets in the liver. Only a small amount (possibly) went necrotic. There is also a new metastatic tumor, on the abdominal wall midway down the suture line where they opened me up. This is not good -- it's one more area to fight now. When I

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-10735881582670190432010-03-29T11:07:00.010-05:002010-04-03T13:36:18.864-05:00

This Wednesday I head to the NIH/NCI for PET/CT/MRI scans on Thursday. Dr. Avital, head of the research program I am in, won't be there this time, but Dr. Kammula, who lead my surgery back on 9/23, will be. I'm sure they will consult once Dr. Avital gets back on April 12th, so I have no worries.I have had off and on achy-pain in my torso, primarily along where they cut me open and mostly lower

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-25369127160120028602010-03-21T16:09:00.004-05:002010-03-21T16:19:32.168-05:00

Two days ago it was sunny and 75 F. This morning we had 8 inches of snow, it was 34 F and the furnace at the two storey end of the house had quit at 3:30 AM. Luckily the system at the living room/master suite end was still working. We got it fixed about 3:00 PM (flame sensor needed cleaning). I can't take this weather anymore -- STOP IT!I am marginally better but will likely work at home most

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-8120804001099998072010-03-10T19:56:00.007-06:002010-03-10T20:08:01.132-06:00

Just a short post because my anemia is worse (hemoglobin 8.1, hemocrit 26) and my energy is really low. Coupled with that have been fever-bouncing (102 - 93.5F and all in between), night sweats and restless sleep. I had chemo yesterday, too. It's getting very wearing... but I go to the NIH on March 31st for CT/MRI/PET scans and to see where we go next. Hopefully more TACE, to rid the mets from

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-87839450418660692922010-02-28T17:03:00.004-06:002010-02-28T17:04:41.739-06:00

Canada 3, USA 2 in OT.Canadian World Domination... ;-)

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-60325322108325079242010-02-26T17:07:00.002-06:002010-02-26T17:07:00.050-06:00

I'm still progressing, albeit slowly, and am getting very tired of all this dreary weather we have had in February. It seems like nothing but rain and cloud and snow and "wintery mix" as the idiot weather jockeys call it. Give me sun! I've upped my calorie intake and am finally putting on a couple of pounds. Before long, I'll be at 135 consistently!This is from one of my all time favourite

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-78931546789394109182010-02-19T12:07:00.001-06:002010-02-19T12:07:00.268-06:00

Nothing new to report. Look at Big Puss instead.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-48470796050408328722010-02-12T08:00:00.004-06:002010-02-13T16:26:22.444-06:00

Over 10 inches of wet snow. I hope we do not lose the Desert Willow, which is now bent over touching the ground. Nobody, except the cops, have been up the road for the past 45 minutes -- I guess everyone is hunkered in around here.Saturday Update: Here's a couple of shots taken yesterday by good friend and neighbour, David. We lost the Jasmine on the right, in the second picture. When we

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-2642836799884613722010-02-11T11:03:00.004-06:002010-02-11T11:07:40.895-06:00

We have had about 2 inches and more is on the way. Janine just loves it and I say "yea, right."I'm working at home today and no changes -- still anemic, easily fatigued, and get cold very easily. Nice, eh?! Oh well... it could be much worse, and I'll make it... ;-)

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-85234658619725442942010-02-03T09:04:00.002-06:002010-02-03T11:12:37.802-06:00

I know that I said I was taking 10 days off from blogging but this approaching storm was just too big to ignore.NOAA – 02 Feb 2010 1035ESTOutlook for the Atlantic, Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico…Hurricane Whodat is predicted to make landfall on the South Florida coast in the vicinity of Miami on 7 Feb 2010 at approximately 2300Z (5:00 PM EST). This extremely powerful hurricane is expected to

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-68218211641897886192010-01-31T15:59:00.005-06:002010-01-31T16:05:57.630-06:00

I'm taking this week off from blogging as I need a rest. Things are progressing well, it'll be a chemo week (so I'll be somewhat bagged), and I just need a week to do nothing.Meanwhile, Janine has her Krewe de Drew shirt all ready for next Sunday's Super Bowl to support family and friends in New Orleans. She got it from a friend in New Orleans who was here for the weekend. And she doesn't even

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-91793981711854585992010-01-24T15:31:00.012-06:002010-01-29T16:36:46.800-06:00

I am a very, very fortunate person. I figure I have over 50 really, really good friends. Easily! Probably more. All over the world. Going back to age 4 (a next door buddy I'm still in touch with). Most from age 19 onwards. A lot from The Nighthawks, in Edmonton, where we curled for the 10.5 months of Winter and played slow pitch for the 3 weeks of Summer. We partied along the way, this

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-81352579844507928732010-01-17T17:17:00.006-06:002010-01-17T17:33:38.618-06:00

There's a lot of stuff out there about what to eat when you have cancer. Much of it is pure crap and some of it is good. Luckily, I found a good one and have been following it.Things such as juicing (carrot & apple = YUM!), taking vitamins, eating fresh and lots of veggies, never eating meat/fish bigger than a deck of cards (that's an ideal portion for all), avoiding sugary drinks and limiting

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-10606862589170116052010-01-10T19:31:00.014-06:002010-01-10T20:04:23.059-06:00

I'm finding it a bit hard to believe that we are already 10 days into the New Year. We had Janine's sister Kayne, her husband John and daughter Holly here over the New Year weekend and it seems like just yesterday. The ladies had a blast shopping and John and I relaxed, for the most part.He was also able to score 2 tickets to a silver suite (on almost the 40 yard line) for the final game of the

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-14109907436731882632009-12-30T12:33:00.010-06:002009-12-30T12:33:00.034-06:00

This will likely be my last post for the year, so I'll leave you with The Muppets performing one of my all-time favourite songs. Scary thing is, I still know every word to it! They do a remarkable job, especially them chickens!The past week, since the chemo, has been a pretty tough one for me. It hit me quite hard after being off it for four months. I had profound fatigue most days and have

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-79219340417706632252009-12-25T12:56:00.006-06:002009-12-25T13:05:20.629-06:00

The first white Christmas in Dallas since 1898!

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-83528926304217848632009-12-23T12:24:00.003-06:002009-12-23T12:38:54.300-06:00

In lieu of us doing cards this year, Sir Big Puss, in his most festive, holiday "Ham I am" pose, would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a great 2010.It has been quite a challenging year for Janine and me, but with good attitudes, hope, prayer, the support of people we know, plus those we have never met, has enabled us to weather it mightily. I have always been a glass-half-full

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-7336495819693176652009-12-20T17:39:00.016-06:002009-12-20T18:03:43.282-06:00

But just for the time being. I got back this past Friday night from Bethesda about 9:00 PM. There were 49 people on the standby list for my flight. Everyone was trying to leave early to avoid the major blizzard that hit the northeast, especially the DC area, starting around midnight that same night.I had CT, MRI and PET scans. Everything was clear and clean at all the surgical sites. That was

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-1177966683203315392009-12-15T12:31:00.025-06:002009-12-15T12:33:43.749-06:00

So, Big Puss was sleeping quietly on the chair the other day, and then Ralph, out of the blue, decides to slowly climb up and sit right down next to the Puss. Here's what played out next....Ralph: Bonjour, Monsieur Beeg Puzz. Ma name iz Pierre. It iz very neece to see you!Big Puss: WTF?! Ralph, why are you talking like that?Ralph: Monsieur Puzz... I have admired you from afar for a long

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-19452072583227132012009-12-10T17:06:00.000-06:002009-12-10T17:06:00.355-06:00

Our cute niece, Holly, who lives in New Orleans, has been taking ballet since she was a wee one. Now a young teenager, she has been performing the role of Clara in a local production of The Nutcracker in New Orleans. She made the big-time with a picture in the New Orleans Times-Picayune yesterday. Congrats Holly -- you look MAHVELOUS!(Picture courtesy New Orleans Times-Picayune)

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-62310031122547178112009-12-03T17:45:00.002-06:002009-12-03T17:45:00.227-06:00

We woke up to this yesterday morning. It was over in an hour and never stuck around because it stayed above freezing. But, I'm not looking forward to Friday morning, when it's supposed to stick and the high is only supposed to be in the mid 30s. Since I have no body fat right now, I get cold just thinking about it.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-64955370042015108882009-11-30T17:52:00.004-06:002009-12-02T13:02:00.863-06:00

We had a lovely time in New Orleans last Wednesday-Friday for Thanksgiving. Janine's sister's family are the perfect hosts and the food was great. Highlights on T-Day included a brined turkey, John Besh's awesome crawfish-andouille cornbread dressing and some lemonade made with simple syrup and the juice of one lemon. An effin huge Ponderosa lemon, that is. I had never seen one till that day.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-26462567608937653192009-11-20T12:17:00.004-06:002009-11-20T12:17:00.254-06:00

Momma strikes a pose while admiring the new laptop box. She's gunning to be a model at a car show, methinks. As for me, I'm still moving along and progressing. I still get twangs of pain internally now and then, but that's to be expected because I had a lot done. Plus, the neuropathy in my feet is particularly bothersome on the cooler days we are getting now. Oh well... we plow forward

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-87977400677412969532009-11-13T17:25:00.002-06:002009-11-13T17:25:00.463-06:00

I was born in the tiny little town of Swift Current, Saskatchewan -- in the local lexicon known as Speedy Creek. Since winter started there 2 days after Labour Day, I will leave you with this for our sunny, 75F weekend. 98% of Canadians say "Oh Shit!" before spinning into the ditch on an icy winter road. The other 2% are from Saskatchewan and they say "Hold my beer and watch this!"

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-35597746596143156022009-11-10T17:33:00.000-06:002009-11-11T11:28:54.794-06:00

We had another beautiful weekend here with highs in the mid-70s. I was under the weather Friday and Saturday (a cold or something) but feeling better Sunday so I got a little bit of cleanup work done in the yard. Fred watched from the hole he likes to dig in the flower bed, then sit in. He must of sat there for 4 hours, enjoying the sun and probably wondering in his walnut-sized brain what all

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-37232949645425616312009-11-03T12:33:00.009-06:002009-11-10T14:45:47.567-06:00

Ol' Big Puss has been on quite a roll recently. He has shortened his sleeping to only 22 hours per day so that he has more time to eat, as well as fit in a new book on his favourite subject -- animal magnetism. That's because Puss fancies himself to be quite the bon vivant with all the dolly birds out there. Even though he never gets his fat ass outa the house! This month he's really into

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-53818073819850382082009-10-27T12:33:00.012-05:002009-10-27T20:32:53.149-05:00

I'm still hangin' in and getting a bit better every day. I have put on a couple of pounds but still look like a thumbtack when I wear a ball cap. The only thing that really bothers me now and then is the peripheral neuropathy in the soft tissue of the bottom of my feet. The numbness and tingling can be quite annoying at times, especially after a lot of walking. It could take months to subside

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-39442941636569176782009-10-16T13:45:00.008-05:002009-10-16T14:10:28.808-05:00

I BelieveI believe in mind over matterI believe in the human spirit to prevailI believe in miracles and blessings, both great and smallI believe in possibilitiesI believe that hurdles in life are meant to be jumped over,not as something to stop usWe believe in you.That was on a great card we received from some good friends in Edmonton this past week and it hit the nail on the head perfectly. I

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-77308001684582398882009-10-09T12:01:00.013-05:002009-10-16T14:06:07.540-05:00

With all the rain we have been having, Vanilla Ice Fred relaxes under the front courtyard overhang to stay dry. And to poop.I'm sill progressing and feeling pretty damn good. I have not put on any weight -- I'm bouncing between 135 and 139 lbs. But, my muscle tone is getting better in my upper body, where most of it withered away recovering from the surgery. I walk regularly and am eating well.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-7206741532688251102009-10-05T17:21:00.005-05:002009-10-16T14:06:23.518-05:00

I will post something with more detail tomorrow, but suffice to say that I am doing very well. I walk the block 3-4 times a day and am up and down to the loft media room with no trouble. Still eating light due to the stomach surgery part, but can eat most anything as long as it's not spicy or fibrous. I sleep pretty darn good (like the Big Puss!) and the only real bother is the ache in my

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-91681106357217603442009-09-30T13:49:00.010-05:002009-10-16T14:06:43.713-05:00

Tonight and tomorrow night I will be able to stay across the street in the Safra Family Lodge, where Janine stayed and then my brother John took over the room when she left last Sunday. It's a full hotel-type room with 2 double beds so I will have peace, quiet and darkness for the whole night. I can hardly wait, as I shall sleep like the Big Puss.They give out these passes when a person is

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-84882276459221430052009-09-27T15:50:00.024-05:002009-10-16T14:07:05.285-05:00

First of all, Janine and I would like to thank the many, many people who have emailed, texted (never do this for Janine's cell -- it's Greek to her) and left voice messages. Last night was the first night I had the energy and wherewithall to fire up the PC in my room and start through it all. All of it us both very, very deeply and I cannot thank you all enough and nor can Janine. The only people

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-82159304363517039402009-09-22T13:55:00.006-05:002009-09-22T14:36:27.516-05:00

I have been here at the NIH/NCI since Sunday evening. I have had blood work, a PET scan, a CT scan, an EKG, an echocardiogram, a pulmonary breath test and been interviewed by Internal Medicine as to medical history. The only thing that has turned up, other than the existing tumors (some still shrinking!) was in my heart -- the PET scan showed the love of our 4 pusses there!Today's CT scan showed

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-19424852281768029112009-09-15T21:06:00.001-05:002009-09-15T21:10:04.281-05:00

Patrick Swayze's death yesterday had a noticeable effect on our household. What with he being in the movie business and also being diagnosed two months before me, with the same adenocarcenoma. He was a kindred spirit to me. May he rest in peace.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-62112150964663035042009-09-10T12:20:00.006-05:002009-09-10T13:36:53.380-05:00

Today's book of the month club is done by Big Puss and Ralph. I didn't even know that Ralph was interested in books, but he seems to be spending a lot of time around the Puss nowadays (??) so maybe something is rubbing off on him.The Help is about the intriguing lives of household help (i.e. maids) in 1962 Mississippi and it was written by Kathryn Stockett. Until Janine told what it was about,

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-22191100442451739832009-09-06T12:34:00.006-05:002009-09-06T12:49:28.408-05:00

It's amazing what weather we have had for the past 3 days. 69-72F in the morning and never more than 88 at its peak. I have had a real burst of energy since Friday, likely due to the fact that I am off chemo for the 4 weeks before surgery. Not having chemo this past Tues/Wed has allowed my RBCs and hemoglobin to finally keep building and I actually did an hour's work in the yard yesterday and

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-68726573642732757792009-08-31T19:54:00.012-05:002009-09-03T08:44:44.476-05:00

My brother, Mike, and his wife, Darlene, live in a gorgeous home on the water in Indian Arm, on the North Shore of Vancouver. They are on vacation in Nova Scotia. Last night, their home burned to the ground -- totally destroyed. Fire boats and trucks from above (it's about 180 steps down a 100 foot cliff-side from parking to the house) fought it to no avail. Neighbours had to be evacuated

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-67027831370333312722009-08-22T14:01:00.015-05:002009-09-02T13:45:50.446-05:00

That's all I can think to say right now. I got back last night about 6:30 from the NIH/NCI, where I had gone for my latest blood work and CT scan. The blood work is fine, except for some minor elevations in a couple of liver numbers, but that's to be expected due to the chemoembo I had, plus the GEMOX I'm on here. But it was the scans that were cause for concern -- HUGE, HAPPY, GLORIOUS,

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-50284326880930294232009-08-18T12:15:00.002-05:002009-08-18T15:05:33.042-05:00

Never ending days of 97 - 101F... please stop!I am slowly progressing re: the anemia and my lethargy because of it. I got another shot of Aranesp last Tuesday to help boost by RBC production, which will in turn help boost my hemoglobin. It's been bouncing between 8.8 and 9.1 and a male really needs it over 9 to function with any degree of normalcy -- like being able to walk upstairs to the media

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-53837674060546975592009-08-11T21:02:00.004-05:002009-08-11T21:29:28.025-05:00

First of all, sorry for your wait for this post. We got home this past Sunday at 7:00 PM from Bethesda, MD and I have been catching up with things and then chemo IV at UT Southwestern this morning. Thus, I'm very tired. The chemoembo went well again, and they took their big guns out at the 2 of the 4 right lobe tumors that didn't respond as well. But, that's OK because no mets progression is

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-13067881499646322912009-08-03T17:42:00.003-05:002009-08-03T20:38:23.895-05:00

Momma, being the diva that she is, is taking over for Big Puss this month, as he's much to busy eating, sleeping and pooping.When I first started dating Janine, I wowed her with my cooking (as did she, back to me). But, I cooked first! I'll always remember her nice comment "You are quite the gourmand, aren't you?!" She is also, and we have always cooked a lot together, exploring new recipes,

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-56391045230204181702009-07-29T20:38:00.013-05:002009-07-30T11:16:31.052-05:00

This morning, as I was getting ready to head to UT Southwestern for chemo, who did I see at the front door but Fred! He was all alone and didn't bring any of his other brothers Fred with him, but what the hell. It was the first time in 2009 that we have had him in the yard. Every other year they have first shown up in late Spring. They still wander all about the 'hood just a block west of

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-7799464844486046362009-07-26T11:09:00.005-05:002009-07-26T11:31:48.246-05:00

It's been quite a week. I'm still recovering, energy-wise, from the chemoembolization I had 2 weeks ago at the NIH. My temperature is still bouncing up and down like a yo-yo, indicating tumor kill. My trip to the NIH this past Friday has confirmed what we supected -- the chemoembo is working and the right lobe liver mets is shrinking! My CA19-9 maker is down (at UT Southwestern the week

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-55686636462141198902009-07-22T12:31:00.007-05:002009-07-26T15:17:18.298-05:00

My lovely sweetie and I at Oscar's in Metairie, LA this past May, after we got back from our Bubbas, Bayous and Drives trip. Just 2 blocks from Janine's sister's home, too. It's a great spot for burgers and roast beef po'boys, and the walls are covered with Marilyn Monroe shots. Quite the historic neighborhood watering hole and a very good sandwich place.My new chemo regimen (gemcitabine and

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-64867239176307868932009-07-18T14:13:00.003-05:002009-07-18T14:17:15.532-05:00

I am still quite fatigued during the day, but am sleeping well -- 9 hours or so. No nausea or anything, so that's good. My appetite is somewhat down, but I am still eating normally. These are all side effects of the chemo or the chemoembolization procedure. We march forward and will be at the NIH next Friday for CT scans to see how things are going.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-37974145981583478572009-07-14T16:50:00.003-05:002009-07-14T17:00:43.824-05:00

Late yesterday afternoon the weakness and lethargy started to build and today at chemo at UT Southwestern it was no different. I found out why. It's because the chemoembolization starts to "peak" on days 6-8 and that's where I am. It has caused me to become very anemic. My RBC is at 2.84 (should be closer to min. 4.27) and my hemoglobin is at 7.7 (should be closer to min. 13.2). I will be

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-78604141456966683022009-07-09T12:13:00.004-05:002009-07-09T12:23:22.006-05:00

Things are going very well here and the chemoembolization procedure, to "zap the mets" in my right lobe, went off without a hitch. Dr. Levy performed the procedure (he's an Interventional Radiologist) and he and his team do great work. Not to mention that he has a very effective bedside manner and keeps you involved in every aspect of what's going on. I was awake, but sedated, so being the

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-79437885650290500292009-07-03T09:29:00.006-05:002009-07-06T08:23:36.401-05:00

For all you down here, have a great one! We will be relaxing and doing a few yard things early, due to the oppressive heat forecast for the next 3 days. I am totally pumped for my trip to the NIH on Sunday, for my Tuesday chemoembolization. I'll post back after that.In closing, since when do squirrels eat green tomatoes? Bloody thief!

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-71373108974575449622009-07-01T12:02:00.005-05:002009-07-03T09:37:52.103-05:00

'nuf said, eh!

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-9468878660010277882009-06-24T17:29:00.019-05:002009-07-01T10:50:26.424-05:00

"But I, I could never follow... No I, I could never follow..." and that's why the NIH clinical study is so important to my sweetie and me. So, where is this post going, you may be asking? This way... the long way around...My sweetie and I both love the Dixie Chicks. I have loved them since they were the original sister trio and I saw them play live, then after a 5k run, at Annette Strauss

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-7719191570615630822009-06-20T13:29:00.024-05:002009-06-26T14:14:28.262-05:00

This is somewhat long, so sit back and relax! I got back at 9:00 PM last night from Bethesda, where I had my consult w. Dr. Avital (plus blood tests, EKG and chest x-ray). He is every bit as wonderful as my oncologist here! The security to get in is strict... baggage x-rayed and walk through a mag unit, then get an ID badge. It's the largest health care research facility of its kind in the

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-79276765301690457672009-06-11T17:31:00.007-05:002009-10-05T12:54:36.676-05:00

Yes... what you have all been waiting for! It's the Pulitzer Prize winning, 1975 print of Paul Horgan's "Lamy of Santa Fe," which ol' Puss-breath liked so well he slept on it. The book is all about Bishop Lamy's life in Santa Fe and area between 1853-1875. Lamy (La-MEE) was the area's first Bishop and the chapel he had is now part of the compound at Bishop's Lodge Resort. The chapel, which

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-48334855984567927442009-06-06T14:27:00.012-05:002009-10-05T12:53:34.229-05:00

I got great news yesterday that the NCI/NIH wants to see me and I will be going to Bethesda, MD, in two weeks for a consult with Dr. Itzhak Avital. It's for this research project. This is very exciting news, as it is the first step to getting into the trial and having surgery done on my liver.It's also exciting because as I mentioned before, surgery just does not take place on stage IV pancan

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-33496363442788440122009-06-03T12:13:00.000-05:002009-06-03T16:23:14.329-05:00

Brokecat MountainAs you can see, they gave it 3 paws. I have no further comment about these cats.Started Round 9 yesterday and skipped the Taxotere for that session to reduce the numbing and tingling in my feet (neuropathy). It's working. Also heard back from the NIH in Bethesda and things are moving along there to fly up for a surgery consult, likely the 3rd week of June. Yippie!!

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-8220182894771191462009-05-31T11:09:00.014-05:002009-05-31T15:14:32.205-05:00

Well, the 2009 Jetta TDI (turbo-diesel) won out over the Prius yesterday. We got a fabulous price and will also get a $1,300 tax credit on our 2009 1040 when we file next April. I am still really surprised that these vehicles are as reasonably priced as they are -- MSRP of 24k! Interesting side note: They are proving extremely hard to get in California, but are readily available in Washington,

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-26148903036825239132009-05-29T12:41:00.001-05:002009-05-29T13:00:28.841-05:00

I'm still feeling great, especially on a chemo-week off! The rains we have had over the past month or so have been a life saver, as we were down quite a bit on the yearly total till now. The yard and the herb garden, with the lone tomato plant, are looking awesome. Plus, the arugula came out especially spicy -- too bad it'll be gone very soon as the real heat arrives.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-15831840536055269942009-05-26T17:30:00.008-05:002009-05-27T20:28:36.777-05:00

My Mom passed away in the early 1980s after her breast cancer, which had been in remission for about ten years, reappeared in her liver. It took her from my Dad and my three other brothers within 6 months of that, at the young age of 54. I swore, when I got my first CT scan results and diagnosis last May 27th, that I was going to beat this piece of cancer-crap into submission. I also

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-40246571744221986962009-05-22T17:15:00.004-05:002009-05-23T10:57:54.659-05:00

Are we heading for a dead cat bounce?

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-17521048937042533842009-05-18T17:02:00.006-05:002009-05-18T19:44:17.412-05:00

I got word from UT Southwestern a couple of hours ago that I am likely an ideal candidate for surgical removal of my liver mets, or a specialized chemo and then restaging and removal of the primary tumor. These are two new clinical trials run out of the NIH National Cancer Center in Bethesda, MD. All costs, inc. travel, would be covered. These types of thing have rarely, if ever, been done in

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-53095616390871102652009-05-16T09:35:00.006-05:002009-05-16T10:02:27.138-05:00

We just got some totally awesome news from UT Southwestern, released by their online system overnight, for my latest CA19-9 marker blood test earlier this week. It had been climbing for the past 3 months, and although it is not a direct indicator of tumor activity, it can be a telltale sign that the pancreatic cancer is doing one of 3 things: the primary tumor is becoming more active, the

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-38944511573068002852009-05-15T11:45:00.000-05:002009-05-15T11:45:00.954-05:00

View from our 6th floor beach balcony at Fort Walton Beach, FL, last Friday morning. Time to get the hell outa Dodge, again!(Started Round 8, Session 1 this past Tuesday and still flying high. On the 26th it'll be one year whoopin' the beast -- yippie!)

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-53385726287316329392009-05-11T12:15:00.009-05:002009-05-11T21:42:19.546-05:00

Welcome back to BB&D, round 2. For the drive home, we went I-10 west most of the way, and then headed south at D'Iberville, MS to Biloxi. There, we took US 90 for the short trip between Biloxi and Gulfport. The purpose was two-fold: to see what was going on since Katrina and to eat at a beach restaurant for lunch. Janine had spent many a summer in Biloxi growing up and there had been many to

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-37839948238535509232009-05-09T09:05:00.005-05:002009-05-11T11:14:22.463-05:00

Yesterday's drive took us first to The HarborWalk Village in Destin, where we lunched at Commander's Palace. It's been open in Destin since last July and is every bit as stellar as the New Orleans one. Except, we were on a patio overlooking the Gulf of Mexico on a warm, sunny day!Then we were off to the 30-A highway area to see Grayton Beach and Seaside. We ate gelato in Seaside but never saw

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-91357338408459109732009-05-06T16:16:00.006-05:002009-05-06T16:28:49.139-05:00

I got a call from my oncologist this morning. He was discussing my case at the weekly group confab he goes to and a surgical oncologist on the team mentioned a possible NIH study whereby they are removing stage IV PC tumors. Then they attack the liver mets with direct IV to those tumors. Since they never operate on stage IV patients, this is very new and I'll know more in the next week. It's

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-15502353004385742842009-05-01T12:05:00.012-05:002009-05-01T14:20:32.370-05:00

A few things to close the work week.... It's been a busy and tiring week. Hand-foot hit me a bit harder than normal and it is due to the chemo effects very slowly building. I may take a week off of the Taxotere the near future if it gets worse. No big deal, though... just think of walking on very sunburned, somewhat swollen, tingly feet. "Janine, please bring me...."We had our consult

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-69788755110214072662009-04-22T21:07:00.007-05:002009-04-22T21:27:18.247-05:00

This will be short and sweet. I got my new CT scan results back yesterday and everything is still copacetic. The liver mets (med slang for metastasis) remains unchanged from their smaller state in mid-February. So, that's stable and that's great. The pancreatic tumor is also stable, and "shows" only a slight 0.21-41 cm increase in the 2 dimensions viewable. This could be due to never seeing

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-55804010134624521182009-04-17T09:15:00.011-05:002009-04-21T18:10:03.475-05:00

It's been a gorgeous week thus far here, in the 60s and low 70s, and we are having a blast. We woke up 30 minutes ago to snow on the ground and light snow flurries! There's a winter weather advisory in effect with accumulations of 1-3 inches by midnight tonight.Pictures tomorrow when we get home, as I forgot the USB cable for the camera. Janine is loving it.Update... The Zen garden at the back of

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-37231301720928760672009-04-09T07:01:00.001-05:002009-04-10T08:55:29.136-05:00

Yippee... Let me at 'im~!

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-9696838827250351212009-04-08T07:08:00.009-05:002009-04-10T08:54:33.780-05:00

A good friend from parts north was over for dinner last Friday night. He jokingly made a comment about how every time he goes to my blog, he sees cats pictures! I said "I could post more of mine instead?!" He replied "No, but more of Janine would be nice!" Sigh... he's not married, yet.But that's probably because he's such a man of the world, with exacting tastes and varied interests. For

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-72171954580913403462009-04-06T17:55:00.012-05:002009-04-06T21:01:59.317-05:00

In light of Big Puss's monthly book club, little ol' wine drinker, Momma, decided that she wanted to get into the "expert blogger" stuff, too. So this week, the input is from her. Momma loves this Sicilian gem, Colosi Sicilia Rosso, which sells for 10-11 bucks in a few local stores here in Dallas. It has quickly become one of our favorite house wines, and is one of the wines she likes to steal

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-52350041365413450462009-03-31T19:47:00.013-05:002009-04-02T10:21:05.745-05:00

Since my hair has thinned recently, due to the chemo adding up, it now has more white showing than in past. My natural color seems to be more of the stuff falling out! So, it kind of looks like this shot of the Mexican Feather Grass after the 12/16/08 storm! Yea, right... ;-)I started the latest round of chemo this morning and, as usual, it went just fine. My oncologist and I decided that we

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-65033936262660343832009-03-24T21:13:00.004-05:002009-03-24T21:22:54.580-05:00

It is so damn nice to have an articulate, reasoned, well-thought out person leading this nation for a change. Someone who can put 5 sentences together, without a "lemme tall ya!" Someone who clearly has thought out where he's been, where he's going and what he believes we need to do to get there.I'll leave you with this from TalkingPointsMemo.com, as I agree with every single word of it.One

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-43335443979796935132009-03-21T09:44:00.004-05:002009-03-23T20:57:11.870-05:00

It's been a lovely week for weather here and again, uneventful for me. By that I mean that I'm still doing great, as is my sweetie and the pusses. The hand-foot syndrome, however, has kicked in again since my 2nd IV chemo session this past Tuesday. It builds with each 2 week round of IV's and it's cumulatively building in intensity since I started GTX the beginning of December.It makes my feet

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-29084684999775401742009-03-13T06:48:00.004-05:002009-03-14T10:48:17.347-05:00

There's not much new to report. Life is good for Janine and I. We are in our 3rd day of rain, which is great because we have been down almost 5 inches on the year so far. Ralph is still a zombie and Petunia is still a walnut brain.My CA19-9 marker is up somewhat, to the mid-700s (from the mid-400s). I was off Xeloda a couple of days due to hand-foot in the last period, so that may have

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-31397770354063908462009-03-05T21:34:00.007-06:002009-03-06T21:48:22.551-06:00

Since this is my off-week from chemo, and I'm still feeling great, I've turned the latest input over to one of our pusses. The oldest cat in the house, Big Puss, is also our most widely read cat. He enjoys curling up with a good book every night, even though he has cataracts and can't really see worth beans. It's simply amazing to watch him absorb even the most literary of tomes! So, with that in

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-43566666897764496602009-02-26T21:13:00.031-06:002009-02-27T16:30:24.970-06:00

Well, well, well... where to begin the beguine? How about with what we saw outside in the front yard one day -- a yard flocked with flamingos. Whoda thunk that when one's yard has flocking flamingos, the result is little flamingos, as pictured. It's a (bizarre?) fund-raising "event" by a girl's group in the Catholic schools there and you have to pay to get them removed, pay (protection money

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-25389549493141933102009-02-21T10:26:00.004-06:002009-02-24T15:51:44.626-06:00

Nothing really new this week, except that I'm off the Mardi Gras today, staying with Janine's sister's great family. They do it up right, I'm told, and it will be my first. I have been to New Orleans too many times to count now, but this trip should be a hoot! I just hope that my minor hand-foot syndrome doesn't keep me from being able to walk too much.Janine will be manning the fort and the

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-48721812612888324062009-02-13T17:14:00.008-06:002009-02-17T15:13:25.845-06:00

As Janine likes to say "OK, net it out!" From CT scan report of this morning: - a decrease in size of the multiple lesions within the liver- previously seen lesion at the medial aspect of segment 7 measuring 1.8 cm in diameter currently measures 1.4 x 1.3 cm. - previously seen new lesion has also decreased in size, currently measuring 1.3 x 1.1cm (previously 2.0 x 1.5 cm) -

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-32984770489114944272009-02-08T20:20:00.005-06:002009-02-10T20:57:05.304-06:00

Saturday night, cedar plank salmon, wild rice with wild mushroom medley, steamed asparagus and arugula salad w/ Janine's special dressing.Sunday night, the all'Amatriciana sauce waiting for the pasta to finish boiling. Of course, we used guanciale!And no, I'm not starting a food blog. The last thing this world needs is another food blog. Just having fun in the kitchen, like we always do! Yum!

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-18137415843036015832009-02-07T11:56:00.013-06:002009-02-07T13:29:38.491-06:00

Vancouver, BC at 07:30, 01/18/2009(Taken by a friend of my brother, looking towards downtown, from Cypress Mountain.)It's been a very crazy, busy last 10 days for both my Sweetie and me. Both our offices changed locations last Friday. Janine moved a couple of miles north, just behind Medical City Dallas, northwest of Coit and Forest. I moved 10 miles south, to Coit Tower at the bottom of the

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-74102814039009083792009-01-28T21:45:00.013-06:002009-01-29T13:59:06.640-06:00

No, the pusses did not get out and head north. It's four Lynx on the road outside Penticton, near the same part of B.C. where my brother lives. Pretty cool and pretty cold.Round 3, session 1 of the good ol' GTX regimen went well again yesterday. I see my oncologist at the beginning of each round and I continue to amaze everyone. Typically, at six months with stage IV PC, a patient is pretty

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-6551147172043304782009-01-21T21:06:00.013-06:002009-01-22T12:41:02.785-06:00

Remember Joe Btfsplk, the world's worst jinx from the old Li'l Abner comic strip? Well, Joe has been visiting our place, semi-regularly, since Thanksgiving. The whole thing has been quite quite comical, in a perverse sort of way.Round 1: I had a 46 inch rear projection, Mitsubishi widescreen HDTV in the media room. I've had it since January 2001 and it's was an awesome picture. CRT still beats

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-30942494871966864842009-01-14T20:40:00.006-06:002009-01-14T20:51:22.080-06:00

I'm not sure if the sign above will help with the old malady, but the new hand-foot syndrome I wrote about in my previous post is back again. I had to work at home today because it was like walking on burning pins and needles.Tiny capillaries in the soles of your feet burst and the chemo leaks into the tissue, causing edema. It's red, a little swollen, and very uncomfortable. I'll be off the

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-7654484239772105382009-01-07T17:55:00.006-06:002009-01-07T19:25:06.544-06:00

It was bound to happen. I woke up this morning with tingly feet when I stepped down on them, and then by noon I was walking like a 90 year old. Both feet are somewhat swollen and red. This is hand-foot syndrome, and can get really bad if not addressed quickly. It's a side-effect of the Xeloda. So, my oncologist has me off the Xeloda for 5 days and hopefully that will clear it up.Other than

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-23701616029312795712009-01-02T09:59:00.011-06:002009-01-06T08:35:35.579-06:00

It's already day two, so get with it!Tip o' the hat to 6 year old Georgia of Los Altos Hills, who took this incredible shot of Ralph of White Rock Valley, on New Year's Eve.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-88177419374563441962009-01-01T16:36:00.012-06:002009-01-01T18:10:09.577-06:00

Fred and Fred showed up about noon, for the first time in weeks. We're taking it as a good omen for the new year ahead. We had a wonderful time last night, simmering and serving a four hour Bolognese (beef, veal and pork) with spaghetti for friends and family. From all reports, it was killer, along with Janine's famous Caesar salad and the two La Duni cakes (a cuatro leches and a chocolate

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-90277740646887537232008-12-20T09:50:00.011-06:002008-12-20T10:37:38.445-06:00

It's now been a week since I went on the Xeloda (oral) and it was Monday that I started the gemcitabine and the Taxotere via my PowerPort. I'm also on a steroid (Dexamethasone) the day before, day of and day after each IV. It's like mainlining caffeine pills and I need to see if they can desrease the dose the day of because I get an additional 10mg via IV! YIKES!!I am handling the Xeloda

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-37157311355943114702008-12-16T18:02:00.005-06:002008-12-17T16:17:31.278-06:00

Hmmmmm... I hope the pusses don't see this one.Nor my sweetie, eh! ;-)via videosift.com

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-7450357218563637712008-12-15T19:02:00.001-06:002008-12-17T09:58:48.742-06:00

So, which one is nicer??Deserted pine?Desert Willow?Waiting for dessert?(Petunia couldn't care less!)

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-56059636563435010662008-12-11T12:33:00.000-06:002008-12-11T16:21:41.012-06:00

Snow in Metairie -- New Orleans suburb where family and friends live -- this morning. Bwaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahahahaha!Streetcar that runs between Decatur and the Riverwalk area.Jackson Square, from the gates on Decatur.Jackson Square, from the Decatur side. Awesome!The Mississippi Riverwalk, just behind where the horn player was.Natchez, moored at the Riverwalk dock.

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-809343695839723522008-12-10T17:45:00.001-06:002008-12-10T17:45:00.563-06:00

It sleeted like crazy for about 45 minutes last night and this is what was left after it ended. It was 32F at the time and it was 30F this morning. Not exactly like Calgary or Edmonton in December, however.By the way, for all the pharmacy honeys in Edmonton, I just picked up my script for Xeloda, 168 pills (500mg/ea). Insurance copay cost me 50 bucks. Retail is $3,100!!! Don't get sick visiting

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-80445648028255097452008-12-08T17:31:00.003-06:002008-12-08T17:31:00.528-06:00

I just found out that the Taxotere part of the GTX protocol has been approved by our insurance company. I start the Xeloda on Friday (2x a day) and the gemcitabine and Taxotere a week today via infusion. Yippie!!

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-23699891167532366252008-12-06T12:06:00.007-06:002008-12-06T14:29:19.573-06:00

Yesterday we decided to go forward with the GTX regimen and will start next week. We need to get the Taxotere approved for off-label use from our insurance company (Blue Cross-Blue Shield) and UT Southwestern handles that process. I have been told it may be a bit tough, but it should happen. More as soon as we start! Janine and I are very excited to be moving forward again! So is Mac,

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-8599547447810228182008-12-02T19:50:00.005-06:002008-12-04T09:06:23.859-06:00

Our meeting with Dr. Arriaga, my oncologist, went well this morning and we also said goodbye to Deni and Rosalie, the two wonderful UTSW Clinical Research staff nurses who have shepherded me through everything for the past 6 months. We talked about a number of clinical trials around the country and also existing and off-label treatments we could do at UTSW (like GTX). Janine and I are also

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-87026051715448739832008-11-28T11:18:00.010-06:002008-11-28T11:32:50.803-06:00

My brother Jim is visiting from Edmonton for a week. He's staying in the upstairs guest bedroom. Big Puss often likes to caterwaul anytime from 5-7:00 in the morning, when he feels he needs to be fed. We ignore him. He never utters a sound, except purring, at any other time -- not one peep.So, he decided yesterday morning, at 6:30AM, to head upstairs to Jim's room and start. We couldn't hear him

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-82992787749320801472008-11-25T20:31:00.005-06:002008-11-26T11:27:20.409-06:00

From today's CT Scan report: Interval progression of the patient's pancreatic cancer with metastasis to the liver is observed. Note that there are several new masses identified within liver as well as an increase in size of multiple masses seen on the prior exam.The pancreatic tumor is basically unchanged, but there is increased evidence of metastasis in the liver. We now need to look at second

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-38380560803973660012008-11-20T21:15:00.007-06:002008-11-24T16:21:43.836-06:00

I deal with a cat routine every weekday morning about 7:00 AM when putting out the canned food. Petunia, the calico, is the worst, as she's all over my legs, meowing as if she never ate before. Big Puss (center) just sits there and waits, and Ralph (right) rushes in when the bowl goes down. Here, Momma is perched, wondering what the hell the gig is all about, because she eats only dry food. Not

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-68360758060505835302008-11-12T12:08:00.006-06:002008-11-12T13:22:06.332-06:00

This cat-eyed snake is valiantly trying to consume this tree frog. Said frog has what could euphemistically be called a tight hold on said snake. I'll call it a death grip, instead, and I'm not sure how long this went on. Not sure who won, either.PC has no tight hold on me to date. Round 6, session 2 was another uneventful day yesterday. Same old great blood tests, with slightly offside glucose

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-81894976525328332192008-11-07T12:25:00.005-06:002008-11-07T15:32:16.242-06:00

Janine's good friend from New Orleans, Peaches, is in town for a weekend visit. Is that a nickname, or what?! She's a blast and I expect it to be a fun-filled time, with an outstanding weather forecast, to boot. I still feel great and am looking forward to 2 days of relaxing. In the meantime, please follow these very important instructions:

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7321020.post-73945728444008692402008-11-06T21:52:00.008-06:002008-12-06T12:05:43.115-06:00

Janine got this in an email on Wednesday. It's pretty damn snarky and very well done.Dear Red States: We've decided we're leaving. We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue States with us. In case you aren't aware, that includes California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and the entire Northeast. We believe this split will be

BKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05484712220268611138noreply@blogger.com0