Minimal Growth ... is still growth

Well, what had become fairly routine (for me) trips to the oncologist every 3-6 months gave us a bit more news than we were used to today. As you may know, while Heidi's primary tumor was removed in Oct of 2007, there was spread to the liver of over 20 lesions. 4 of those are essentially measurable in terms of 1.5 x 2.0 cm each. These 4 lesions (tumors) have shown some growth with the results of the last CT scan (1-2 mm on each measure). This is the progression of the disease and while a bit disconcerting is not the end of the world. It does cause us to consider next steps like starting what is called Sandostatin Long Acting Release (LAR) which are monthly shots that Heidi would get to attempt to slow any progression of the cancer. There have recently been studies out of Germany which have clinically shown this to be the case. The hard part is that there has also be some evidence that over time the effectivness of this drug can diminish. So we don't want to start it too early. Which begs the question, is this the right time. We will do some more tests to see if there are chemical markers on the rise along with the tumor growth to help us with the decision.

Is it March already?

Yes it is March and the weather is starting to turn. I would say for the better but we have been so focused on skiing this winter at the local hill that we don't want it to end. The bulbs we planted in the fall are starting to poke up through the mulch.

Heidi has recovered nearly fully from the January surgery but it was longer than expected. She is now back on the bike and treadmill as we focus on August 1-2 and the Pan Mass Challenge. I slipped a 20 mile ride in last Saturday evening as the temps reached around 66 degrees. It felt great.

We have sent out the letters for support for the PMC ride and have set a target of $10,000. I am confident that we will reach the target and drive more and better research for a cure for Carcinoid Cancer. Here is the link to donate to the cause. www.pmc.org/mypmc/profiles.asp?Section=story&eGiftID=HC0036

Surgery...no problem

Heidi came out of another surgery yesterday very well. The procedure was to repair an incisional hernia which was as a result of the hemicolectomy surgery of 15 months ago. Heidi came home yesterday which was better than planned. I have been off these last two days taking care of her. All is well. Heidi is registered for the PMC 153 mile route for Aug 1-2 of this year. I will be support and chase her around with the kids. We are staying with my friend Jaymie Janse from Ocean Spray who lives near the 1st day ride end point in Bourne, MA.

Happy New Year

This is my blog. It is not something I do alot but I started it when at my parents house and found it to be fulfilling. Read what you want enjoy the pics. I am looking forward to a great 2009. I hope your is also awesome.

Gone from my sight.

Last night, my dad died. I got the tearful call from my mother which awakened me from a sound sleep at near midnight EST. It was actually welcome relief. He stopped having real interaction and any quality time after the Thanksgiving weekend. He would have preferred to have left earlier but his body was not done living yet. When I was in Chicago with him and the family for two weeks at Thanksgiving, I read the following in the Joliet Hospice pamphlet on death.

Gone from My Sight.

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!""Gone where?"Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!"

And that is death.

by Henry Van Dyke

I thought it was great and hopeful.