Well... three weeks since I last posted. Lots of stuff happening. First I want to lay some cool stuff that I've come across on ya . Both are NPR reports. One gives a lot of hope and the other just makes me say wtf? Check them out tell me what you think.
Morning Edition, January 29, 2009 · The chances of surviving cancer have been increasing in recent years. One of the most dramatic success stories in cancer care involves a little-known cancer called multiple myeloma that had been among the deadliest types of the disease. Listen or read here: Link
When I was in school this is the last type of illegal drug we had on our minds.
Morning Edition, February 5, 2009 · They're commonly called "smart drugs" or "study drugs." Scientists call them "cognitive enhancers." Drugs like Adderall and Ritalin, generally prescribed for attention-deficit disorder, are increasingly being used by college students to help them study despite serious side effects, researchers say. Link
Now you not only have to worry about the dopers in the peleton but you have to look out for them in the cube next to you. They really have a pill for everything now.
Today I am sitting around waiting for my oncologist to call. Yesterday he called and left a message. "Your lab results are in and I need to talk to you as soon as possible." was his message. It is now 24 hours since he called and I have left him 4 messages since but no return call. What is up with my test results? I am not too worried because my mole at Kaiser has gone into my records and found the test results. Something in there is a bit askew but we (my mole, the Chickenhawk and I) don't know how to interpret the numbers on the test. The cancer markers are still in the "best we could hope for range." So I am chillin'.
If I didn't have a mole inside the Kaiser organization gathering intelligence I would probably be pushing the threat level into the Red range right now. Good intelligence is key in the war against Kaiser. If I don't hear from them by 2:30 I am going to make a frontal assault on their voice mail system in an attempt to talk to a human. You know, they discourage that. Talking to humans...
Post script: the doc called at 2:10. everything is fine.
RECOVERY REPORT
I am doing great. Dennis Eagan has been really helping me a lot. With his instruction I have regained a lot of strength and balance. I am walking almost normally now and getting stronger. I still need to make more time to exercise but it is working out. I am still having troubles getting off of prednisone and it is big pain in the butt that I don't care to elaborate on. Everything is good right now and I am healthier and feel better than I was a year ago.
BTW I have discovered Facebook and am enjoying it. Come find me there and check in.
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10 comments:
My mom was diagnosed about 5 years ago with chronic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Luckily, they were caught very early -- almost "accidentally" during a routine exam. Her oncologist is trying to get her into a Revlimid trial. Revlimid sounds almost too good to be true -- except for the price.
I've been lurking on your blog for about a year. Good luck, and take care!
Great news Spence. Must be nice being at home and being with your daughters.Fun to see you on facebook. Kinda weird that a bunch of us(voyages)got into it in what seems simuteanously. I ran into a buddy of mine from high school jan 1 surfing here at s-turns and he told me about it and I think I checked it out a week or so later. Cool taking a break from painting, and reading about you on there. Always thinking of you bud, and freakin thankful that you are alive and recovering. Surf was good today. Jenny and I went out, overhead at s-turns and nobody out(spooky). Big Aloha, Ronaldo.
Yay, Spence! You look good, too!
Much love,
H
spencer...from the military corner, trust me, you'll never get perfect intel-most of the time you have to operate without it. sounds like you are doing that!
freer
spencer...from the military corner, trust me, you'll never get perfect intel-most of the time you have to operate without it. sounds like you are doing that!
freer
Hi Buddy! Spring (and Paris Roubaix) are just around the corner--are you coming down the hill to watch the Tour of California? We've go to have more cowbell!
Love,
-M
What kind of a doc leaves a message like that and does not call back?
We have a policy at work: if somebody does something messed up like that......it's a six pack!
Try it on the Kaiser fools it might work and your garage fridge will always be full.
Ciao fratello, we love ya.
pantani
...you sound pretty clear, amigo...
...& i like that this dennis eagan chap is helping you out & hopefully his holistic approach has you considering all the aspects of a healthy lifestyle...
...it all goes hand in hand...
...i have a number of friends who've survived serious bouts w/ 'c' & they're all back out on their bikes & enjoying life w/ good hopes for the future...
...what you've been going through seems to have been more insidiously pervasive but your desire to win, along w/ small but constant medical breakthroughs portends well for your coming years...
...re: "study drugs"...ya, like there's not gonna be a downside to an amphetamine based drug somewhere alone the line...clueless, "anything at any cost" attitude...yech !!!...
...unfortunately, these type of "gung ho, i'll get mine" people often grow be our future business leaders...& right now, we're already paying for years of that kind of attitude...
...we need a solid, down-to-earth, "holistic" (if you'll pardon the term) approach to government & business...bail-outs & false stimulus packages just create economic 'bubbles' & right now we're seeing & living w/ the results of a 'bubble' that finally burst...
...ok, ok...i'll shut up & get ready to watch the 'tour of california' roll by my door...this may be early season but considering the participants, i think it's gonna be a 'barn burner'...
...just sayin'...
I agree with Pantani! What kind of message is that and then to not respond to return phone calls. All right now I'm on pins & needles. And I am mad at him. I love you lots,
Granny
hi spence!
it's been a while since i checked in. i guess once i knew you were ok, i just stopped reading. my bad.
i am glad to read you are still on the mend. have you been thinking about the bike at all?
add me on facebook - judi rothenberg.
see ya there-
judi
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