Things can change and this time we are ready. The results from my CT scan showed cancer growth over the last few weeks. Somewhat disheartening news at first, then as time goes on we see that this is just another bump on the journey through life. So here we are, gazing into hope and staring down fear. The fear is that even while I had gemcitabene and carboplatin chemo drugs active in my system the cancer did grow. The hope is that we are still on the healing path that Jesus put us on months ago. The miracle path. Not just a chemo miracle, not just Mikey fights for a miracle - but it is a chemo, fighting Mikey, Jesus miracle path. Here is some news about the chemo. We have been given an option to become part of a clinical study to test the effects of Pemetrexed or Docetaxel and each one could be trailered with Cetuximab. So, that is what I am doing today. Sitting at home researching and wondering what to do with my life while I decide about joining this study. This has been very helpful for me to write to you all as I sort this out. It is like a litereary counsellor's couch without being interrupted by anyone's opinions.
If this is the direction we take, we will begin a new protocal of chemotherapy starting within the next two weeks. Changed again.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Gazing into hope or staring down fear.
May 24 I had a CT scan to determine just how well the chemo treatments are working before I start the next round May 30. Have you ever had a CT scan? It's simple from the patient's perspective - lie down, get the I.V. , hold your breath then get up. The technology is amazing. It takes high def xray photos that can be viewed in millimeter vertical slices. May 29 we will meet with the oncologist to get the results that show if or how much the tumours are shrinking. I had the scan on Thursday at 7:30 AM. Left the house at 6:45, rode my bike along 10th ave with the commuters without feeling the challenge to pass anyone. (I'm changing). Then drank the required 800ml of water while I waited for the technician to warm-up the CT machine. This would be a good spot for a Lucille Ball comedy routine with some pyrotechniques don't you think? or is that something only I would think about.
Sitting there, I got talking with another cancer patient - this really happened. Cancer patient to cancer patient can be a refreshing conversation. It's like, "Cut the crap, we both know that life is short and could be shorter." Sure enough, this guy - about my age, never got his name - and I got right into it. His story is that he has been doing battle with adenocarcinoma lung cancer for 2 years. It started in one lung. He had surgery. Then spread to the other lung. He had surgery again then started chemo treatments. While on chemo the cancer spread to his kidney. The doctors were stumped and gave him the option to be part of a study that was working on rats. So he signed a stack of forms and got started as the big rat. What would you do? That was 18 months ago. He is back at work taking days off for treatments and tests. Living with a deadly disease.
Nurse Lucy had the machine all warmed up she called my name and when I came out he went in for his CT. I hope to cross paths with him again.
Since then, I have thought about his situation in relation to me here waiting for the results from my CT. My gut feel on this whole disease is that I am going to live for a few years yet, like 20 or more. I have a positive attitude. However, let's be honest, these results I'm waiting for, could show a different situation. Untill I have more information I could be just kidding myself with a positive gut feel attitude. Will I be gazing into hope or staring down fear? I think it will always be both. We are not alone. He is with us.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
A lesson from one of life's cycles.
Plant your garden with the the new moon in May.
This Wednesday is the time to put your plants in the garden - green side up. Why Wednesday ? The plant's life cycle. If you try to understand this life cycle it has to do with the water table and the tides, but just know that when you plant your garden on the new moon it has a much better chance of growing into something that will feed you with beauty and snacks. Harvest the garden on the full moon in August, I think - I need to check with my sources, it could be September. This cycle is like all other cycles, it has it's own timing and anyone relying on it has to wait for the cycle to take it's own course.
Here is another plant cycle story. Our street is lined with mature Magnolia trees. Each spring they are a wedding arbour of fragrant, full and beautiful white flowers. The tree in front of our house is the biggest on the block. I think because the natural drainage brings the richest water table to this part of the block. This year the tree in front of our house is the deadest on the block. No flowers, no leaves, just bare branches drying in the wind for the carpenter. What happened ? The cycle of life for the trees changed and no one seemed to care to notice. We had a hot dry summer - at least for west coast standards - which effected the water table. The tree was just too big to be sustained by the lesser amount of water. If anyone had turned on the garden hose and left it at the base of the tree for 10 minutes a day things would be different for that tree. Mr. Magnolia would not have to be seeing the arbourist for his chainsaw treatments this summer.
It is just a tree's cycle , but what is the lesson ?
Get your tickets early.
There is a cycle of promotion that is in motion and will easily get to it's goal filling the Kits auditorium.
My friend John Kaplan tells me that things are rolling right along with the upcoming "Friends of Meeks" benefit show and wanted me to let our close friends know that if they want to attend they should reserve their tickets right away. He's worried that there won't be enough seats for everyone wishing to attend and I would be disappointed if anybody close to us was unable to get into the show. I have some tickets that we will be selling at All Nations on Sunday, they're also being sold at the Kitsilano Community Centre or you can reserve through a 24-hr phone line at 604-521-6780.
Don't wait for the arbourist to call!
This Wednesday is the time to put your plants in the garden - green side up. Why Wednesday ? The plant's life cycle. If you try to understand this life cycle it has to do with the water table and the tides, but just know that when you plant your garden on the new moon it has a much better chance of growing into something that will feed you with beauty and snacks. Harvest the garden on the full moon in August, I think - I need to check with my sources, it could be September. This cycle is like all other cycles, it has it's own timing and anyone relying on it has to wait for the cycle to take it's own course.
Here is another plant cycle story. Our street is lined with mature Magnolia trees. Each spring they are a wedding arbour of fragrant, full and beautiful white flowers. The tree in front of our house is the biggest on the block. I think because the natural drainage brings the richest water table to this part of the block. This year the tree in front of our house is the deadest on the block. No flowers, no leaves, just bare branches drying in the wind for the carpenter. What happened ? The cycle of life for the trees changed and no one seemed to care to notice. We had a hot dry summer - at least for west coast standards - which effected the water table. The tree was just too big to be sustained by the lesser amount of water. If anyone had turned on the garden hose and left it at the base of the tree for 10 minutes a day things would be different for that tree. Mr. Magnolia would not have to be seeing the arbourist for his chainsaw treatments this summer.
It is just a tree's cycle , but what is the lesson ?
Get your tickets early.
There is a cycle of promotion that is in motion and will easily get to it's goal filling the Kits auditorium.
My friend John Kaplan tells me that things are rolling right along with the upcoming "Friends of Meeks" benefit show and wanted me to let our close friends know that if they want to attend they should reserve their tickets right away. He's worried that there won't be enough seats for everyone wishing to attend and I would be disappointed if anybody close to us was unable to get into the show. I have some tickets that we will be selling at All Nations on Sunday, they're also being sold at the Kitsilano Community Centre or you can reserve through a 24-hr phone line at 604-521-6780.
Don't wait for the arbourist to call!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Volunteers Needed
My friend and collegue John Kaplan, has made the gracious offer to me and my family to spend hours of his time producing a Fund Raising Variety Show. Indeed, John is a gracious human being. But, he also could saw you in half and make you disappear. (I've seen it with my own eyes!) He has managed to assemble a great line up of professional entertainers who want to volunteer their time to share their wares in the show. Have a look ...
http://www.fundraisingmagic.com/FriendsofMeeks.htm
For those of you who want to help, you could find something to do here. I understand that back stage and front of house duties need to be covered on show day Monday June 11 . Then getting the word out during the weeks leading up to the show with flyers delivered, posters put up and canvasing for donated items to a silent auction. And, sell tickets to your friends and family or buy tickets for your friends and family. However you can help would be appreciated, but definitely come to the show. You have my personal guarantee you will have lots of fun.
Interested in helping?
contact John
John Kaplan
Abracadabra Show Productions, Inc.
383 - 13988 Cambie Rd, Richmond BC V6V 2K4
ph(604)521-8804
fx(604)278-8549
email johnkaplan@fundraisingmagic.com
ticket reservation line at 604-521-6780
http://www.fundraisingmagic.com/FriendsofMeeks.htm
For those of you who want to help, you could find something to do here. I understand that back stage and front of house duties need to be covered on show day Monday June 11 . Then getting the word out during the weeks leading up to the show with flyers delivered, posters put up and canvasing for donated items to a silent auction. And, sell tickets to your friends and family or buy tickets for your friends and family. However you can help would be appreciated, but definitely come to the show. You have my personal guarantee you will have lots of fun.
Interested in helping?
contact John
John Kaplan
Abracadabra Show Productions, Inc.
383 - 13988 Cambie Rd, Richmond BC V6V 2K4
ph(604)521-8804
fx(604)278-8549
email johnkaplan@fundraisingmagic.com
ticket reservation line at 604-521-6780
Monday, May 7, 2007
Round # 2 Begins
Wednesday May 9 I will begin my next 21 day chemo therapy cycle by main-lining 500ml of carboplatin and 500ml of gemcitabine. These two drugs will work together in my body by attacking the fast growing cells for the next 10 days.
They will hack away at the cancer wherever it is found. (I see a scene from the movie Brave Heart.) Then on day 8 I hook up to the i. v. bag again for a reinforcement of 500ml of carboplatin. ( I see William Wallace in Brave Heart leading a charge of fresh warriors.)
The timing of this and the drugs that I get is my own personal protocol that was worked out for me by the doctors at the cancer clinic.
Now, I want to tell you about my neighbour. (Another affirmation of God with us.) His name is Jim. He is a bright, experienced man with a sharp whit and a warm heart. We greet when we meet on the street and share stories. My boys and I help he and his wife with small chores when we can.
Two weeks ago Jim came to our door to say that he has heard about our situation and would like to come in to talk. After a minute or two we find out that Jim is the recently retired Head of Oncology at the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver. He and his colleagues have spent the last 35 years developing the drugs and protocols involved in treating cancer with chemotherapy. Let's just say that he would have knowledge about our situation.
He came over that day to give me a hug and say that if he could be of any help just ask. As a matter of fact I got two hugs from him that day and I called him during the lung bleed episode in the first round of chemo for some much valued information. Now, we are on to round #2. Day one is Wednesday May 9 and day eight will be Wednesday May 16 then 14 days is the therapy time to let the drugs do their work and me to recover. May 30 will be day one of round #3 chemo. There will be 6 rounds in total in this protocol which will bring us to some time in August. It is time for the battle to begin. For life!! CHARGE !!!
They will hack away at the cancer wherever it is found. (I see a scene from the movie Brave Heart.) Then on day 8 I hook up to the i. v. bag again for a reinforcement of 500ml of carboplatin. ( I see William Wallace in Brave Heart leading a charge of fresh warriors.)
The timing of this and the drugs that I get is my own personal protocol that was worked out for me by the doctors at the cancer clinic.
Now, I want to tell you about my neighbour. (Another affirmation of God with us.) His name is Jim. He is a bright, experienced man with a sharp whit and a warm heart. We greet when we meet on the street and share stories. My boys and I help he and his wife with small chores when we can.
Two weeks ago Jim came to our door to say that he has heard about our situation and would like to come in to talk. After a minute or two we find out that Jim is the recently retired Head of Oncology at the BC Cancer Agency in Vancouver. He and his colleagues have spent the last 35 years developing the drugs and protocols involved in treating cancer with chemotherapy. Let's just say that he would have knowledge about our situation.
He came over that day to give me a hug and say that if he could be of any help just ask. As a matter of fact I got two hugs from him that day and I called him during the lung bleed episode in the first round of chemo for some much valued information. Now, we are on to round #2. Day one is Wednesday May 9 and day eight will be Wednesday May 16 then 14 days is the therapy time to let the drugs do their work and me to recover. May 30 will be day one of round #3 chemo. There will be 6 rounds in total in this protocol which will bring us to some time in August. It is time for the battle to begin. For life!! CHARGE !!!
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