Update on My Progress

I saw Dr. Zu on Tuesday, October 23, for my regular monthly appointment and infusion of Sandostatin.

He reports that my WBC is lower than last month, but still within an acceptable range. I never know how to interpret the numbers, but I know one key number is 88 as opposed to 92 last month. Perhaps someone can explain this to me!

I am also down 2 pounds from last month despite having a voracious appetite. Again, Dr. Zu is not overly concerned given that I have a good appetite, am strong, and am continuing to run.

Next appointment is November 20th.

Up next: Silver Strand Half Marathon. Zu thinks I will beat him! HA!

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement!

Latest News on My Progress

Hi All,

Sorry for the long delay.

I had a CT scan of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis two weeks ago. Good news! Results show no tumor growth! I am doing well. Continuing to run about 4 - 5 days a week. Getting ready to run a half marathon on November 11 with Dr. Zu!

Thanks for your continued support and encouragement.

CT Scan to Assess Treatment

Had a CT scan of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis on Friday, 21 September 2012, to assess progress of my treatment on Afinitor and Sandostatin. Will see Dr. Zu on Tuesday, 25 September 2012, for monthly appointment, for monthly infusion of Sandostatin, and for results of my scan.

Please send positive thoughts my way. And thank your for the positive encouragement.

I am still running five days a week. I feel good, strong, and calmer. Hard to believe where I was one year ago!

Monthly Appointment with Dr. Zu

Had my monthly appointment with Dr. Zu yesterday, 28 August 2012. Blood counts look good, although my WBC is still low and my glucose level is still a bit high, both side effects of the Afinitor. I also received my monthly infusion of Sandostatin which has resulted in the usual soreness at the injection site.

Next appointment is scheduled for 25 September 2012 before which Zu has ordered another follow-up CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis to ascertain the progress of my treatment.

Feeling pretty good these days. Running 5 days per week (most weeks) and sleeping better.

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

Update on Treatment Progress

Saw Dr. Zu on 31 July for my monthly appointment.
Doing well. WBC within acceptable range. Received a Sandostatin infusion.

Trip to Massachusetts has left me pretty tired. Not sleeping well has made the last couple of weeks rough. Hope to get back on regular schedule soon.

Thanks for your continued support and encouragement.

Next appointment: 28 August 2012

Update on Treatment Progress

Sorry for the delay in updating my treatment progress.

I saw Dr. Zu last Monday, July 2, for my monthly appointment and infusion of Sandostatin, all of which went well. I have tolerated the Afinitor / Sandostatin combination fairly well. My WBC is still low, but within the normal range, and I have only minor side effects that I am managing the best I can, the most annoying of which are constant stomach issues and itchy feet.

Dr. Zu also reviewed my latest CT scan results and indicated that my last scan (June 27, 2012) looked "good." There has been no change in the size of the tumors on my pancreas and liver, so the Afinitor is doing its job well. We will continue on this treatment.

I have been running regularly without problems for the last six weeks. I am getting out the door about five days per week to run and often walk on the same days to help me recover more quickly. I am pleased about my progress.

Sleep has been rough and inconsistent, and I do feel as though I am suffering from depression now more than anxiety. I am thankful for the support of my beautiful wife, Christine, and of my many friends, and am working through my depression the best I can right now.

I appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts.

I will be traveling to Massachusetts on the 21st of July for a family reunion, as well as to celebrate my sixth wedding anniversary and dad's 86th birthday, both on 22 July.

I do want to add that I have now passed the 1 year mark of my diagnosis - 1 July 2011. With this passage has come a renewed hope for a brighter and healthier year ahead. I will admit that I sometimes find the challenge of living with cancer difficult, of having to live my life 3 months at time - from one scan to another.

I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to thank all of you for being in my life and for helping Christine and me through this difficult year. In my struggles to live with cancer, I have sometimes forgotten how lucky I am to have access to the most advanced treatment, for my health, for my wife, and for you, my many wonderful friends.

All my best for a great summer!

Next appointment with Dr. Zu is Tuesday, July 31th.

CT Scan Today

Had a CT scan of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis today to assess the progress of my treatment. The scan itself takes about ten minutes, but I have to drink an iodine solution an hour before to enhance the imaging which takes longer than the test itself.

I will have results on Monday when I see Dr. Zu for my monthly appointment.

Please send positive thoughts my way.

Thank you.

Monthly Appointment with Dr. Zu

Saw Dr. Zu on Monday, June 4, for my monthly appointment and infusion of Sandostatin.
While my weight is slightly down (3 lbs.) from last month, Dr. Zu says my numbers look good. WBC is still low, but important number is within normal range.

We discussed the possibility of running the Silver Strand Half Marathon together in November. Now I have something to train for.

Up next: CT Scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis on June 27 to assess treatment progress.

Thanks for the support and encouragement. I am feeling great!

Monthly Infusion (Injection)

Had my monthly infusion (injection) of Sandostatin on Monday.

I have tolerated this treatment fairly well, with the usual soreness at injection site as well as stomach-related issues.

I feel good!

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.

Next scheduled appointment with Dr. Zu is June 4.

Monthly Appointment with Dr. Zu - Friday, May 4, 2012

Saw Dr. Zu yesterday, Friday, May 4, for my monthly appointment. WBC is good although still lower than normal. My sister, Lisa, who is out for a visit, accompanied me to see the Zu Man. He talked about upcoming changes in record keeping and other medical-related issues with my sister for about 15 minutes. When I went to the treatment center after my meeting with Zu, all the nurses had left for the day so I will have to return Monday for my monthly infusion of Sandostatin.

All is good!