Taking things for granted.

 

Taking things for granted.

April 23, 2015

 

Yesterday, I started the cycle 2 of my treatment.  You might say I started the second set of the same immune-therapy treatment I started March 30.  So far I am doing good other than the mild facial rashes that looks like acne.  It is not too pronounced because I have been taking antibiotics to control it but it is there alright.

With this regiment I am unable to run but I am able to go to yoga and do a few exercise.  I tire easily and have been coughing.  I miss running.  It helps me find peace and it gives me a sense of normalcy.  When I run, especially on a beautiful day, I hear my rhythmic breathing, I feel the crisp air and the warm sun against my skin,  and I start to perspire.  Lately, I have been sluggish and unable to run, which makes me bitter at times.  That’s when I really have to dig deep to put things in perspective.  I may not be able to run but I am still here.  Life is such a tease.

Last Monday, April 20, was the 119th running of Boston.  Lelisa Desisa from Ethiopia won the race in 2:09:17.  He was also the winner in 2013 during the bombing.  I watched it online and tracked a friend (TimU) who finished to qualify again for next year.  What an achievement.  Boston is always a dream for me because of the challenge.  Unlike other marathons, you need to pass a qualifying time based on your age to enter, and that’s the challenge.  I am too slow for this race but there are other races to join.

The trick is to make the most of the opportunity.  I need to tattoo this in my forehead.  I need to hear this when I don’t feel like getting out of bed after a miserable night from chemo rebound.  Also, I need to take things in perspective.  I am still here.

Cheers.

P.S.  Former Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal George, passed last Friday from cancer.  My wife and I tried to go to the viewing but missed the time slot.  I mourn his passing.  He was also treated at University of Chicago, where I am being treated.  He paid it forward for me.

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Happy Easter.

Happy Easter.

April 5, 2015

appy Easter, everybody.  Our day started by going to mass.  The church was full and everybody was in their Sunday’s best.  Christ rose from the dead; a day of renewal.  It is a beautiful spring day too and I am grateful to have come this far.

Last Monday, March 30, I started on my new clinical trial which consisted of two drugs: one to suppress the growth my tumor (given Monday) and the other to “weaponize” my immune system to attack my cancer (given Tuesday).  They gave me a loading doze and I really felt it.  I had chills, nauseated, and was just wasted that Monday night.  I don’t know how I made it back to the hospital Tuesday to receive the immune-therapy drug, but I made it.  Then there was the never ending blood tests Wednesday and Friday.

I have recovered now.  Tomorrow is the second cycle of my treatment which is going to be a lower doze.  It does not matter, I will take whatever they give me.  That’s how it is.  They gave me my schedule all the way to end of May so there will be no travel for me for a while.

That’s ok.  Chicago is beautiful during springtime and there is the lakefront for running.  Unfortunately, I cannot have too much sun because one of the side-effects of this treatment is skin rashes.  The sun aggravates the rashes.  I will survive and adjust.  That is the key to this madness, just take what is given and appreciate your blessings.  It’s all good.  We will see the initial results of this treatment next month when I have my next scan.

Cheer.

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