Saturday, November 28, 2009

Thanksgiving

I had a treatment scheduled for Wednesday, yes that Wednesday the one where everyone is traveling. We boarded the crowded 8:05 to NYC and off we went. Al was well until we reached Yonkers and the conductor announced that there was a derailed train on the tracks and we could go no further. Many folks on the train were a little PO'ed about this as they were going to miss connections etc. They off loaded everyone and an MTA train took us to Grand Central. We arrived at about 11:35 and we quickly got a cab over to the clinic. We made the appointment in time and the doc actually saw us on time. I guess he wanted to leave on time too. The treatment went well and I had very little side effects this time around. We booked the 8:50 to Albany because all the earlier trains were sold out. We were out of the clinic by 4:00 and went to dinner at a Peking Duck House down the street. After dinner we headed over to the station to wait for our train. We tried to get on the 7:15 but the ticket agent told us no shot. So we waited...and finally got home at midnight.

Thanksgiving day was great. We went to my brother's place for dinner. It was good to spend time with the family and friends. Everyone was well fed and happy at the end of the day.

I am thankful for a loving and supportive wife, a healthy and sweet daughter, an awesome and caring family, a professional and knowledgeable health care team, a great employer and so many great friends. Most of all I am thankful for being on the right road and with every one's help and love I know I will be able overcome any challenges thrown my way. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Back in the Saddle

I was back in NYC on Wednesday to see my onc and a follow up with the surgeon. This is the second visit with the onc and he always runs about 2 hours behind. So there we sat and waited...

The visit went well my blood work came back good which meant that I was cleared to get systemic chemo. I had to insist that I not get Avastin because my wound is still healing. We then meant with the nurse who gave us the run down on the side effects and other stuff that the drugs may or may not do to me. Then it was off to see the surgeon. She gave me a good report on the wound and the healing. Back to wait for the infusion nurse to call us.

I sat down in the infusion suite. Very nice and private cubicles equipped with many creature comforts. My infusion only takes 1 hour or less. Then I am sent home with a 48 hour pump. The pump they use at Sloan is different than the electronic one I used to have prior. The Baxter pump is gravity fed and much more light weight and quiet. I hardly knew it was there. That is until it was disconnected and I felt like a truck ran me over. The 5FU really does a job on me. I can't say I missed chemo for the 3 months prior to surgery.

My plan is to return to work in a couple of weeks. Thanks to everyone for your continued support, thoughts and prayers.

Friday, November 6, 2009

1 month post op

It's been just about a month post op now and I'm doing well. I have had the HAI pump filled with chemo and haven't had side effects. At least none that I have felt or noticed. I have been feeling pretty good nd I plan to return to work in about 3 weeks (after Thanksgiving). Next week we head down to Sloan for another followup with the surgeon and posibly get a systemic chemo treatment. I'll let you all know how I made out when I get back.

I want to thank everyone for your continued support through your thoughts and prayers. I am very grateful to all...