Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga, Gibraltar

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Dr Dan

First oncologist office appt

Valencia--It seems like weeks ago but it was just Tuesday when we spent about 3 hours with my new oncologist, Dan Schneider.  Lots of questions, info with a bit of laughter thrown in.  We talked about the standard treatment for Pancreatic cancer in anticipation of beginning that next week.  We talked about Mayo, who would have the same treatment and is farther away and we talked about a clinical trial.  Same treatment with an extra drug or placebo.  I want to participate--it may help me, it will help the science of the study, but I am a whimp and worry that it will increase the possible side effects of a fairly well tolerated chemo--and it comes with daily shots.  By Monday I will know what I have decided.  So he let me know that pancreatic cancer treatment has advanced since my sister Kerrin was diagnosed and reminded me that this is my cancer, not hers.  He also said I am entering this from relatively good health, most times he can see the effects of cancer by the time he meets a new patient.  He had 3 Pan can patients by noon.

Cartegena--So we left with a course of action pending the final biopsy results of Wednesday morning.  The rest of the day was as normal as they are these days, Yea!   No food or drink after midnight, morning shower and off to the hospital for the biopsy.  All I have to say about that is--not fun.  Had the Nick train--Nick for transport, Nikki for nurse and Nick for the Doc.  Did not get Nicole though she works in the unit.  4 hour bed rest before going for another CT of my upper chest this time.  That came back all clear which is good thing.  I let everyone know that I was supposed to be elsewhere but decided to come and spend my time with them instead.  It makes for good conversation and stories.

Slept all afternoon.

Malaga--I have added veggies and fruit to all meals and am drinking enough water to float a ship.  Walking on the tread mill when it is raining outside or getting for a walk are all good things.  Emails pictures and cards have been so welcome.  Thank you for all your thoughts, we are truly grateful for such concerned and caring friends and family.  We have decided to dance every day, today (Friday) we danced to Ellen's show while she was dancing--she is good for laughter.

My results were due on Friday but Dr Dan called Thursday afternoon as they had already analyzed the biopsy results.  Confirmed pancreatic cancer cells in the liver.  As expected but turns out it is still hard to hear.  Sue is overcome with sadness that she is fighting hard to get rid of as we focus on the possibilities and positive before us.  To quote her--she is positive she is pissed!!

So what does it all mean--it is different for everyone.  Chemo treatment is once a week for three weeks and one week off. I will lose my hair, so have an appointment for a short haircut next week.  I will be tired, plan on not having nausea, and have to keep eating, walking and drinking even though I will not feel like doing that.  I take chemo as long as it is helping me feel better or live longer.  What is longer, that is the hard part, who knows but we all know that stats that talk about 1-2 years, more or less.  There is no cure but there can be partial remission and a new cure around the corner.  I am sticking around to try it.

I know this is hard to read, it is hard to write.  You are all part of my efforts to remain positive and grateful.

Gibralter--quiet morning Deb and Jim stopped by with 6 individual world famous Jim chicken pot pies.  YEA!! and we have a honey baked turkey from a guy our friend Jenny knows--her husband the CEO. All good so that we can feed my brother Scott who arrives tonight.   Boo--not halloween--Spent the rest of the morning canceling our over seas trips for 2016.  We'll be staying closer to home. Nancy has Mt Rushmore in mind, an October Wedding in NJ, Sedona, New Mexico, Mayne Island and others perking in her head.

Cheers to all, after two days of rain the sun has come out, still some color in the MN fall.  Off to see the Wizard...