Tuesday, November 29, 2011
11/29 MRI follow up
Mostly good news today from the radiation oncologist. The 13 brain lesions treated in the Gamma Knife radiosurgery on 8/31 are all stable. That was the primary goal of the procedure. And, I have no significant bad side effects. But...there is a lesion that has grown a little. It was not initially treated because the doctors thought is was already stable. Will now have Gamma Knife procedure for that lesion asap. At least the procedure will be shorter since they will only treat the one lesion rather than 13. Waiting for the procedure to be scheduled. Since I've been through it once, this time will take time; but, I won't have any anxiety about what is to happen.
Monday, November 28, 2011
11/28 chest/abdomen CT
Good news from my CT and visit w/ Dr E today. Lung cancer is reduced & stable enough that he reduced my visits w/ him from every 3 weeks to 4 weeks. Reduced CTs from every 6 wks to 2X per year w/ interim chest xrays. Also had a brain MRI and will see Dr H tomorrow.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Primary Care Dr f/u 11/18/11
Dr F was pleased with my bloodpressure and pulse today-hurray! She was also happy with the bloodwork from last week. Cholesterol now good at 148 vs previous 88. Apparently, blood counts are better-she asked if I've been eating more meat! Liver & kidney function #,s are good. Life is good.
Friday, November 11, 2011
11/11/11
11/11/11 is one year since I started on study drug treatment for lung cancer - crizotinib. Still doing well. Lung cancer mass still at 70%+ reduction. Each CT Dr E tells me that it has reduced "a little more". The drug is now FDA approved and called Xalkori. I will continue to take it as long as it works and I don't experience significant side effects.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
11/9 checkup
Saw Dr E (oncologist) yesterday. Bloodwork looks good. Cholesterol at 148 :-). Dr F (primary care) had been very concerned about my cholesterol being "way too low" at just 88. Pulse is 60 :-) Dr F had been very concerned about a pulse at 40-45. Dr F and Dr C (cardiologist) should now be happy. And...I am happy to be off two daily bills - one for cholesterol and one for high BP.
Monday, November 7, 2011
November - National Lung Cancer Awareness Month
I share the frustration of Kathryn Joosten. After the sea of pink in October, how many even know that November is National Cancer Awareness Month? More people die from Lung Cancer each year than the next three types of cancer combined.
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-myturn-lung-cancer-20111107,0,6810017.story
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-myturn-lung-cancer-20111107,0,6810017.story
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
10/19 follow up
CT and bloodwork today. Dr E said my lungs continue to responding to the Xalkori (crizontinib). Continue with the Xalkori and "keep enjoying yourself."
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Heart - pulse rate
Saw the cardiologist regarding all the tests they did a few weeks ago. My ticker is working just fine. He said I have a strong heart that is just beating slowly. After a few weeks off one of the blood pressure meds, my BP is good and pulse is up a little - 55ish now vs 45ish before. He doesn't see any need to do anything at this time. Next appt in 6 months.
Friday, September 30, 2011
When we graduated in 1974...
Had time to think during our recent vacation. I thought about what it was like when Jill and I graduated and married in 1974. I don't know the unemployment rate at the time. But, I know that she got a teaching job and we planned on living in the city where we grew up. So...I needed to find a job in Joliet. Every day I went through the job ads. I had a degree with a major in sociology/psychology with a GPA around 3.3/4.0 and I had difficulty finding something. Finally, I found a job as a quality control inspector at a plastic bottle manufacturing plant. It certainly wasn't what I had planned on doing; but, I got a paycheck- $600 per month. Not a lot; but, it was something. I was eventually promoted to a production foreman on the midnight shift - midnight to 8AM. I could still tell you all about the process of making plastic bottles using blowmolding and injection molding for milk, bleach, shampoo, etc.
Next, I was a foreman at a plant that assembled wallpaper sample books. We assembled the swatches of wallpaper and fabrics into the sample books that you would see in a decor store. Then, I worked as a recruiter for what we called data processing people - data entry clerks, programmers, system analysts, etc. No personal computers at the time. I didn't know a thing about computers; but, I learned the jargon and was creative when it came to finding and placing people in jobs. Basically, I would convince a company to pay me a commission if they hired a candidate that I found (or lured from another company). This job was commission-only with a very small draw that was subtracted from my earned commissions. I was actually quite good at it. Very briefly, I was a recruiter in Joliet.
After about four years of saving up everything we could and before I left recruiting, we scraped together enough to buy our first house. Shortly after we bought the house, I went to work for Hallmark - first, managing the installation of new stores and remodels. We took a blank space and installed/opened a new store in four day. Then, I went into sales. I was still not doing what I had thought I would be doing when I went to college. By now I realized that in college I wasn't really sure what I would be doing after graduation. I never expected to be in "sales"; but, I guess I was good at it and I ended up being a sales trainer for Hallmark and a district sales manager for Drawing Board Greeting Cards.
I had many misc jobs before all this - these include concession worker/popcorn maker at a drive-in theater, summer jobs as a steelworker and a painter/misc labor at a college near Joliet, cook's asst in the dorm kitchen at ISU, Student Asst at the dorms in college and a math tutor during High School. Basically, I did whatever I could to get paid.
I bought my first car with my own money while in college in 1972 - 1972 red Chevy Vega. Beginning as a freshman in college through about 1978 when I joined Hallmark, I had a relatively steady paycheck (of some kind). I think I was unemployed perhaps 2 or 3 weeks during that time. Combining a scholarship, work at the college, summer jobs and loans, I managed to pay for my education without parental assistance. It took 10 years of monthly payments to pay off my college loans and I can still remember making that final payment.
Some might say that I didn't have goals and that I've floated aimlessly through life. Maybe so. But, in the end, I've become a very successful businessperson and have created a business legacy of which I am proud. The group I manage does business with more than 14,000 small businesses each year and those businesses employ more than 56,000 employees - counting themselves. Thousands of small entrepreneurs are able to create their own small retail business. I am very happy with my national reputation in the mall industry.
As this blog outlines, I am now a 4 1/2 year survivor of stage IV lung cancer that has metasticized to my brain and gallbladder. This past year I have been taking a study drug for lung cancer, had my gallbladder removed and had Gamma Knife radiosurgery on my brain lesions. Even so, we have completed two cruises and traveled to Punta Cana , DR for a nephew's wedding. Throughout this time, I have continued to work mostly full-time. We will continue to travel throughout the world - cruising. I have endured through all that you can read in this blog. And, I have continued to make the most of my life by living each day - one day at a time.
I wanted to take a little time to outline my life so that others can know more about me than just "I have cancer, this is how I've been treated and it's a wonder that I am alive". Yes, I do have cancer. Yes, it will probably kill me some day. But, I am much more than the cancer that is taking me. In the future, perhaps I will write about the 25+ years since I left the greeting card industry.
Next, I was a foreman at a plant that assembled wallpaper sample books. We assembled the swatches of wallpaper and fabrics into the sample books that you would see in a decor store. Then, I worked as a recruiter for what we called data processing people - data entry clerks, programmers, system analysts, etc. No personal computers at the time. I didn't know a thing about computers; but, I learned the jargon and was creative when it came to finding and placing people in jobs. Basically, I would convince a company to pay me a commission if they hired a candidate that I found (or lured from another company). This job was commission-only with a very small draw that was subtracted from my earned commissions. I was actually quite good at it. Very briefly, I was a recruiter in Joliet.
After about four years of saving up everything we could and before I left recruiting, we scraped together enough to buy our first house. Shortly after we bought the house, I went to work for Hallmark - first, managing the installation of new stores and remodels. We took a blank space and installed/opened a new store in four day. Then, I went into sales. I was still not doing what I had thought I would be doing when I went to college. By now I realized that in college I wasn't really sure what I would be doing after graduation. I never expected to be in "sales"; but, I guess I was good at it and I ended up being a sales trainer for Hallmark and a district sales manager for Drawing Board Greeting Cards.
I had many misc jobs before all this - these include concession worker/popcorn maker at a drive-in theater, summer jobs as a steelworker and a painter/misc labor at a college near Joliet, cook's asst in the dorm kitchen at ISU, Student Asst at the dorms in college and a math tutor during High School. Basically, I did whatever I could to get paid.
I bought my first car with my own money while in college in 1972 - 1972 red Chevy Vega. Beginning as a freshman in college through about 1978 when I joined Hallmark, I had a relatively steady paycheck (of some kind). I think I was unemployed perhaps 2 or 3 weeks during that time. Combining a scholarship, work at the college, summer jobs and loans, I managed to pay for my education without parental assistance. It took 10 years of monthly payments to pay off my college loans and I can still remember making that final payment.
Some might say that I didn't have goals and that I've floated aimlessly through life. Maybe so. But, in the end, I've become a very successful businessperson and have created a business legacy of which I am proud. The group I manage does business with more than 14,000 small businesses each year and those businesses employ more than 56,000 employees - counting themselves. Thousands of small entrepreneurs are able to create their own small retail business. I am very happy with my national reputation in the mall industry.
As this blog outlines, I am now a 4 1/2 year survivor of stage IV lung cancer that has metasticized to my brain and gallbladder. This past year I have been taking a study drug for lung cancer, had my gallbladder removed and had Gamma Knife radiosurgery on my brain lesions. Even so, we have completed two cruises and traveled to Punta Cana , DR for a nephew's wedding. Throughout this time, I have continued to work mostly full-time. We will continue to travel throughout the world - cruising. I have endured through all that you can read in this blog. And, I have continued to make the most of my life by living each day - one day at a time.
I wanted to take a little time to outline my life so that others can know more about me than just "I have cancer, this is how I've been treated and it's a wonder that I am alive". Yes, I do have cancer. Yes, it will probably kill me some day. But, I am much more than the cancer that is taking me. In the future, perhaps I will write about the 25+ years since I left the greeting card industry.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Pictures from PEI, Portland and Quebec City
Anne of Green Gables House
"Bug Light" lighthouse in Portland Maine
Carriage at Anne of Green Gables House
Chateau Frontenac - Quebec City
street performers - Quebec City
At sea 9/23-24
The last two days have been very relaxing days at sea. Breakfast in the cabin, trivia, lunch, trivia, trivia, nap, trivia, relax in cabin, trivia, tea in cabin, listen to live music before dinner, dinner, ship's performers or movie, day is over.
We continue to win many trivias. We have had a very good couple as partners. Jill prodded me to play a new Game Mania which turned out to be similar to a 4-person Jeopardy. The ship even has podiums with buttons to buzz in to answer. I won.
Celebrity, the ship (the Summit), the staff taking care of us and this cruise itinerary have all been great. We only had 3 excursions; but, we explored a few other towns.
We are anxious to look into our next cruise. We will definitely look into other intineraries with Celebrity.
Today was the activity we really hate - packing. Tomorrow will be a day of travel to get home. At least we don't need to connect. Even though it is a smaller 50-passenger plane, at least it is non-stop.
Can't wait to plan our next cruise.
We continue to win many trivias. We have had a very good couple as partners. Jill prodded me to play a new Game Mania which turned out to be similar to a 4-person Jeopardy. The ship even has podiums with buttons to buzz in to answer. I won.
Celebrity, the ship (the Summit), the staff taking care of us and this cruise itinerary have all been great. We only had 3 excursions; but, we explored a few other towns.
We are anxious to look into our next cruise. We will definitely look into other intineraries with Celebrity.
Today was the activity we really hate - packing. Tomorrow will be a day of travel to get home. At least we don't need to connect. Even though it is a smaller 50-passenger plane, at least it is non-stop.
Can't wait to plan our next cruise.
Charlottetown PEI 9/21
We started very early this morning for an island drive. Had a couple stops at scenic locations in a couple national parks and a preserves shop - Prince Edward Island Preserve Co. Then, we visited the house that inspired Anne of Green Gables. We also viewed a Lucy Maud Montgomery bio video and saw her grave site - very near the house.
This is mostly a farming community. Close to 2000 farms on the island - primary crop is potatoes but they also grow onions, carrots, broccoli, strawberries and other vegetables/fruits. Much of these are exported. 250 dairy farms producing milk, cream, butter and cheese. They also fish for lobster, mussels and oysters.
PEI is the smallest Canadian province. It lies between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Trivia so far today 2-W 1-L.
One more today.
This is mostly a farming community. Close to 2000 farms on the island - primary crop is potatoes but they also grow onions, carrots, broccoli, strawberries and other vegetables/fruits. Much of these are exported. 250 dairy farms producing milk, cream, butter and cheese. They also fish for lobster, mussels and oysters.
PEI is the smallest Canadian province. It lies between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Trivia so far today 2-W 1-L.
One more today.
Quebec City & at sea 9/18-19
Second day in Quebec City. Didn't go off ship since Sunday had tired us out. Lots of trivia 4 wins 1 loss. Jill read on her iPad. Casino closed since we were in port. And, Jill thinks she might be done because they usually seem to tighten up the payouts at the end of a cruise. I relaxed - or, basically, did nothing ;-)
Normal meals - we're in a bit of a rut. But, the food is very good.
Brand new show by the ship's cast. We saw their 1st time performing the new show. It was quite good even though it started a bit slow. Got more interesting after the first couple songs.
Day sea today. Expect lots of relaxing.
Normal meals - we're in a bit of a rut. But, the food is very good.
Brand new show by the ship's cast. We saw their 1st time performing the new show. It was quite good even though it started a bit slow. Got more interesting after the first couple songs.
Day sea today. Expect lots of relaxing.
Quebec City 9/18
After a relaxing day at sea, we arrived this afternoon at Quebec City. The weather was sunny and mid-to-high 60's. Seemed warmer in the sun.
Upon docking, we walked around the Old Town and did a little shopping. It is a very European city. A bit challenging for us with many up/down slopes. But, we made it through the lower portion of the city. We will be here overnight. So...we'll decide what to do tomorrow.
On ship, we won both trivias that we played. Jill had a so-so morning at the slots. Ric Steel did a great headliner show. We watched the jazz group for a while. Oh...we ate a lot.
Upon docking, we walked around the Old Town and did a little shopping. It is a very European city. A bit challenging for us with many up/down slopes. But, we made it through the lower portion of the city. We will be here overnight. So...we'll decide what to do tomorrow.
On ship, we won both trivias that we played. Jill had a so-so morning at the slots. Ric Steel did a great headliner show. We watched the jazz group for a while. Oh...we ate a lot.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)