Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas

To all my friends and their families celebrating Christmas. I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

Carpe Diem.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The MouseSkin update

Or lack of. I just had a phone conversation with Dr. Sidransky of MouseSkin and genetic testing fame. We were supposed to meet tomorrow but have put off the appointment until the middle of January.

Basically, the MouseSkin family is no more. Alas, they succumbed to the lack of tumor growth. Yes that's right. The lack of tumor growth. Sometimes the tumor implants do not grow or take. It happens and in my case they were so slow growing that they did not take. I guess in some ways it bodes well for me as I am fortunate enough to not have an aggressively growing and spreading cancer at this time. The Company still has frozen samples of my tumor that they may be able to use and/or test at a later date.

What seems like a good possibility is that some time in 2011 I may have a complete genetic sequence done that looks for mutations. That combined with my previous testing will give the Doctors a very good idea as to which drug(s) to use on me. There are so many new drugs in various stages of approval (as well as testing) that hopefully they will find a "good" one for me. It all sounds very futuristic but certainly not implausible as it seems like this is the way future treatments will be administered. At the moment things are still extremely expensive but I defy anyone to put a price on life. You have to remain optimistic when dealing with this disease. 

Carpe Diem.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

My jobs

Going well. But, unfortunately, I had to resign from the fire station job. I could not be on call and do the volunteer driving without there being a possible conflict. I also could not be in the middle of a treatment and get called out. Being on call was just not feasible.

As I said, the volunteer driving is going really well. I have transported a number of people to various treatments as well as medical appointments. It's very rewarding and satisfying to be able to give back this way. Besides, how the hell do I pay for all my travelling ? Just kidding. Of course I don't get paid. It's volunteering !

Carpe Diem.

Monday, December 20, 2010

My next Southern Africa visit



Towards the end of January I will be heading back to Southern Africa with 2 guests. I have a fantastic trip planned that will include Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. I told you that I would fit my chemotherapy sessions in between my getting away and that's exactly what I'm doing. It actually works out quite well.

We will be visiting Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Zafara Camp in Botswana and Cape Town. The idea with these trips is for my guests to see just enough to want to come back. It also needs to be somewhat slow paced enough so as not to feel like we are always rushed. I think this has been accomplished. I look forward to going.

Carpe Diem.