I'm ba-ack.
Loyal Readers, it has been far too long (of course even a moment without your divine presence seems like a lifetime). Well, today I have another update for you, but before we get to today's news, let's do a quick recap.
As you know, Mom's chemo went well last week. However, she did suffer from nausea in the days that followed. We all know that the effects of chemotherapy are cumulative (and on the off chance you didn't know that, you know now), but the nauseousness was far more pronounced than before. In fact, Mom really only felt better today, just in time for more chemo. The good news is that Mom won't be taking that nasty drug (cisplatin) until her next cycle of chemo starts again (in 3 weeks).
So, onto today's news...once again Mom's blood work yielded positive results. Her hemoglobin, which was at 8.4 (if Mom dropped below 8 she was going to require a transfusion) is now 12.6. Now if I do my math correctly (and Your Faithful Correspondent always does do his math correctly...Dad is a CPA, you know) that's a 50% increase in hemoglobin levels. White blood cell and platelet (though Mom uses paper platelets when food isn't kosher) levels were good too.
We had a chance to talk to Mom's oncologist, Doctor Ann Mellott (which is an anagram for "Troll Named Cotton") prior to the chemotherapy and YFC has the skinny...Cotton...err, Doc Mellott, said that Mom would have no more than 6 treatments with the cisplatin. Since she gets that only at the beginning of her cycle that means she will receive no more than 3 more treatments of that no good nausea inducing drug (she can and likely will stay on the gemzar longer). Assuming Mom continues to make good progress (and I'm sure we can all agree that it's a pretty safe assumption), she'll stay on the cisplatin for a total of 6 doses.
Now I know what my loyal readers are thinking, "how do we know whether Mom's continuing to make progress?" Ahh yes, you're always thinking, aren't you? Well, Mom will have another CT scan after 2 full cycles of chemo (figure about 6 more weeks). In the meantime FoMmies, keep up with the prayers and the positive energies so that Mom's test result will be as good - if not better - than her last ones.
The chemo itself was a breeze. Mom takes to gemzar (today's drug of choice) like my sister takes to a sweet table at a Bar Mitzvah. Mom's hair continues to look as lustrous as ever (it's actually the cisplatin that causes the hair thinning/loss), which probably explains the longing glances that she received from the other chemo patients (of course the longing glances might well have been caused by the fact that YFC accompanied Mom to chemo today).
A quick update on My Sis Michelle (anagram: Chisel Me Slimy)...she's all signed up for the cancer walk (mad props go out to Dad for his triple digit donation). If you'd like to sponsor Michelle on her walk you can follow this link: http://www.lustgartencommunity.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=272&srcid=252&frsid=2096
Finally, I must rebuke you. Well perhaps not all of you, just those of you that deserve a good rebuking. As previously explained (*ahem* several times), YFC sends these e-mails out from Mom's e-mail address, so when you respond to these updates, Mom gets to read your replies. And Mom really loves to read replies. However, some of you seem to think that it's great to read these updates, but don't send Mom back words of encouragement, feedback, electronic gift cards, etc. And for those of you who this applies to (don't worry, I'm sure this doesn't apply to you) I can only say "for shame!" So, to get off the naughty list, please do reply to this e-mail, or the next update might just come with a nasty computer virus attached.
Well, I've said my piece. Until the next time loyal readers I bid you a pleasant week.
Faithfully,
Corey
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The Chemo Tattler
Greetings Loyal Readers,
Welcome to another chemo update. But before we get started, I have a special announcement. I understand that we have several new subscribers to these e-mails (total circulation: 34,618). I'd like to personally welcome all of you here and remind you that, with your paid subscription, you get a free FoMmie (Friend of Mom) tote bag (please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery).
Now on to the news...
Mom went in for her usual Tuesday appointment accompanied by Your Faithful Correspondent, Slightly Less Faithful Sister Michelle and Aunt Roberta. Mom did not see her oncologist today (she'll be seeing her next week) so she went straight for her blood test. Mom's blood work numbers were outstanding. Her hemoglobin was 11.5 -- a number which has been steadily rising with each passing week (not quite as importantly, I realized today that "hemoglobin" was an anagram for "goblin home"). Mom's platelets and white blood cells looked very strong too -- all in the normal range.
After the blood work came back, it was on to chemo. As my loyal readers are well aware, today was Mom's "heavy" day, i.e. Mom gets 2 drugs Cisplatin and Gemzar (by the way, if you're a new subscriber, this is where you should start taking notes, or at very least start highlighting your computer screen).
Above: Molecular diagram of Cisplatin.
Welcome to another chemo update. But before we get started, I have a special announcement. I understand that we have several new subscribers to these e-mails (total circulation: 34,618). I'd like to personally welcome all of you here and remind you that, with your paid subscription, you get a free FoMmie (Friend of Mom) tote bag (please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery).
Now on to the news...
Mom went in for her usual Tuesday appointment accompanied by Your Faithful Correspondent, Slightly Less Faithful Sister Michelle and Aunt Roberta. Mom did not see her oncologist today (she'll be seeing her next week) so she went straight for her blood test. Mom's blood work numbers were outstanding. Her hemoglobin was 11.5 -- a number which has been steadily rising with each passing week (not quite as importantly, I realized today that "hemoglobin" was an anagram for "goblin home"). Mom's platelets and white blood cells looked very strong too -- all in the normal range.
After the blood work came back, it was on to chemo. As my loyal readers are well aware, today was Mom's "heavy" day, i.e. Mom gets 2 drugs Cisplatin and Gemzar (by the way, if you're a new subscriber, this is where you should start taking notes, or at very least start highlighting your computer screen).
Above: Molecular diagram of Cisplatin.
To learn more about Cisplatin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisplatin
Above: Molecular diagram of Gemzar
To learn more about Gemzar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemzar
Now I think we left off on heavy days, no? Of course we did. Well, heavy days also mean long days -- we arrived at 10:15 and left about 2:45. This meant that chemo was a catered affair today. I had suggested Chateaubriand but then, realizing that it was from the wrong part of the cow (it's a kosher thing) we settled for the next best option: Chipotle for YFC and Sis, Corner Bakery for Mom and Auntie Berba. Believe it or not, the eating was probably the most notable thing about today's chemo session (well, that and Mom complaining that it was too cold in the room, but I told her I wasn't going to mention that). This has become second nature for Mom. First Mom gets a blood test to make sure she can go through with the chemo. Next they take too long to read the results which makes all of us cranky (ok, I'll admit it, it's only Michelle that gets cranky). Then one of the nurses sticks the IV through Mom's port (working like a charm by the way. Per Mom, it doesn't hurt at all -- she's such a brave little trooper!) and Mom gets some fluids in followed by the medicine.
The entire process certainly seems less scary than when Mom first started her chemo. Chemo was a pretty big jolt to all of us, but I think we've gotten somewhat used to the rhythm. We have several factors in our favor, notably:
- Mom's chemo is only 2 blocks from her home. Not only does it reduce travel time, but it reduces anxiety (again, we'll blame this on Michelle).
- Mom isn't suffering any major side effects from the chemo. Still, I know Mom would appreciate it if you say two prayers for her -- the first for her speedy and complete recovery from cancer and the second for her to keep her curly locks.
- Mom has great faith in G-d, which is a source of her amazing strength.
- Mom (and all of us really) has a wonderful support system that is truly remarkable. YFC is rarely at a loss for words, but it is impossible for me to adequately convey how important your prayers, cards, responses to these updates, calls, e-mails and visits have been. You have been an integral part of Mom's recovery process. That said, it's not over yet. Please remember to keep those prayers coming...they have given Mom a tremendous lift.
Above: Molecular diagram of Gemzar
To learn more about Gemzar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemzar
Now I think we left off on heavy days, no? Of course we did. Well, heavy days also mean long days -- we arrived at 10:15 and left about 2:45. This meant that chemo was a catered affair today. I had suggested Chateaubriand but then, realizing that it was from the wrong part of the cow (it's a kosher thing) we settled for the next best option: Chipotle for YFC and Sis, Corner Bakery for Mom and Auntie Berba. Believe it or not, the eating was probably the most notable thing about today's chemo session (well, that and Mom complaining that it was too cold in the room, but I told her I wasn't going to mention that). This has become second nature for Mom. First Mom gets a blood test to make sure she can go through with the chemo. Next they take too long to read the results which makes all of us cranky (ok, I'll admit it, it's only Michelle that gets cranky). Then one of the nurses sticks the IV through Mom's port (working like a charm by the way. Per Mom, it doesn't hurt at all -- she's such a brave little trooper!) and Mom gets some fluids in followed by the medicine.
The entire process certainly seems less scary than when Mom first started her chemo. Chemo was a pretty big jolt to all of us, but I think we've gotten somewhat used to the rhythm. We have several factors in our favor, notably:
- Mom's chemo is only 2 blocks from her home. Not only does it reduce travel time, but it reduces anxiety (again, we'll blame this on Michelle).
- Mom isn't suffering any major side effects from the chemo. Still, I know Mom would appreciate it if you say two prayers for her -- the first for her speedy and complete recovery from cancer and the second for her to keep her curly locks.
- Mom has great faith in G-d, which is a source of her amazing strength.
- Mom (and all of us really) has a wonderful support system that is truly remarkable. YFC is rarely at a loss for words, but it is impossible for me to adequately convey how important your prayers, cards, responses to these updates, calls, e-mails and visits have been. You have been an integral part of Mom's recovery process. That said, it's not over yet. Please remember to keep those prayers coming...they have given Mom a tremendous lift.
In other news, Mom had visitors from New York (well technically New Jersey, but New York sounds so much better doesn't it?) in the form of Byron and Jennifer. We've been led to believe that all of Hoboken now has Mom in her thoughts.
Finally, My Little Sister (hmm...MLS?) is participating in the Pancreatic Cancer Walk on September 9th (Your Faithful Correspondent is also likely to attend, but MLS tried to hide the details of the walk in a misguided attempt to curry favor with Mom. For shame Sister, for shame). Details of the walk can be found here: http://www.lustgartencommunity.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=250&srcid=252).
If you would like to walk, we'd love to see you there. If you'd like to sponsor the runner-up (in both the walk and my parents affection) please make donations payable to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. You can send your check to Michelle:
I understand that Gail Zugerman, one of my many loyal readers, helped to establish this walk. I've always said that my readers were the best people on earth and this is just another example of their excellent nature (special preview: in next week's issue, we will discuss the secret of my readers' superior looks).
Until next week, my pretties...
Faithfully,
Corey
Finally, My Little Sister (hmm...MLS?) is participating in the Pancreatic Cancer Walk on September 9th (Your Faithful Correspondent is also likely to attend, but MLS tried to hide the details of the walk in a misguided attempt to curry favor with Mom. For shame Sister, for shame). Details of the walk can be found here: http://www.lustgartencommunity.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=250&srcid=252).
If you would like to walk, we'd love to see you there. If you'd like to sponsor the runner-up (in both the walk and my parents affection) please make donations payable to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research. You can send your check to Michelle:
I understand that Gail Zugerman, one of my many loyal readers, helped to establish this walk. I've always said that my readers were the best people on earth and this is just another example of their excellent nature (special preview: in next week's issue, we will discuss the secret of my readers' superior looks).
Until next week, my pretties...
Faithfully,
Corey
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Positive News -- Special CT Scan Edition
Loyal Readers,
I'm going to forego the usual pre-report blather and get right to the point. Well my friends, I have GREAT NEWS to report. Mom received a call from her oncologist this morning. She was told:
The cancerous tumor in Mom's liver has shrunk from 5.5 x 7cm ---> 4.4 x 5.5cm. This represents an Approximately a 40% decrease in the size of the tumor
The tumor on Mom's pancreas has definitely gotten smaller (no numbers were given)
There is notably less pressure on the bile ducts
The doctor thought that all this news was very positive. Mom will maintain the same treatment schedule as she has been receiving for the time being. So you can expect more Tuesday reports from Your Faithful Correspondent for the forseeable future (and I think we can all agree that, while not in the same category as Mom's news, this is pretty great as well).
I have no doubt that medical science played but a small part in this. It is my fervent belief that Mom's recovery has been advanced moreso by the many prayers and well wishes that she has received. Friends of Mom (Friend of Mom: abrv -- FoM, pronounced fôm; plural -- FoMmies), on behalf of my entire family I thank you for all of your support. There is no way that any of is could have endured these past few months without you.
In next weeks issue, I hope to give you an update on the FoMmie merchandise (t-shirts, bumper stickers, et al) that many of you have been clamoring for. Sadly, I must inform you that Your Faithful Correspondent will not allow his face to be plastered on coffee cups (a mug on a mug if you will), despite your heartfelt pleas. As you can tell from reading these updates, I am nothing if not the shy and retiring type.
Again, all of us thank you for your continued support.
Your Faithful Correspondent,
Corey
I'm going to forego the usual pre-report blather and get right to the point. Well my friends, I have GREAT NEWS to report. Mom received a call from her oncologist this morning. She was told:
The cancerous tumor in Mom's liver has shrunk from 5.5 x 7cm ---> 4.4 x 5.5cm. This represents an Approximately a 40% decrease in the size of the tumor
The tumor on Mom's pancreas has definitely gotten smaller (no numbers were given)
There is notably less pressure on the bile ducts
The doctor thought that all this news was very positive. Mom will maintain the same treatment schedule as she has been receiving for the time being. So you can expect more Tuesday reports from Your Faithful Correspondent for the forseeable future (and I think we can all agree that, while not in the same category as Mom's news, this is pretty great as well).
I have no doubt that medical science played but a small part in this. It is my fervent belief that Mom's recovery has been advanced moreso by the many prayers and well wishes that she has received. Friends of Mom (Friend of Mom: abrv -- FoM, pronounced fôm; plural -- FoMmies), on behalf of my entire family I thank you for all of your support. There is no way that any of is could have endured these past few months without you.
In next weeks issue, I hope to give you an update on the FoMmie merchandise (t-shirts, bumper stickers, et al) that many of you have been clamoring for. Sadly, I must inform you that Your Faithful Correspondent will not allow his face to be plastered on coffee cups (a mug on a mug if you will), despite your heartfelt pleas. As you can tell from reading these updates, I am nothing if not the shy and retiring type.
Again, all of us thank you for your continued support.
Your Faithful Correspondent,
Corey
Monday, August 13, 2007
It's an off-week, but an important week...
Loyal Readers,
This e-mail is going to be a little bit different than you're used to because it's not written post-chemo, but rather a pre-test (did you catch that boys and girls? -- two count 'em 2 differences...pre vs. post and chemo vs. test. If you didn't catch that, shame on you! No, I kid, but you should really read more carefully, this is important stuff). Plus, there's going to be an interactive part to this e-mail, but more on that later.
As you know from reading the weekly updates, Mom has already completed 2 full rounds of chemo, which she started approximately 2 months ago. On Wednesday, August 15th, Mom is going in for a CAT scan to see how the treatment has been working. Needless to say we are all cautiously optimistic that Mom will receive a glowing report (if Mom were getting radiation treatment her report might be glowing quite literally, but here the term was used in the figurative sense). We're hoping that the test reveals that the cancerous tumors have shrunk, which would put Mom well on the road to recovery (if Mom were looking over my shoulder now -- she does that you know -- she'd doubtless tell you that she'd also like to be on the road to Miami. So droll that Mother of mine!)...
Here's the nitty-gritty -- Mom will go for her appointment at 10:00 a.m., at which point she gets to drinks loads and loads of yummy barium (now with more fiber!). This is what she'll be drinking (albeit in liquid form):
Where were we? That's right, barium. You stayed with me that time...good! (For those of you who didn't quite catch it, that was a picture of barium.) At approximately 11:30 a.m. Mom will go in for the CAT scan, which should only take about 10 minutes. We'll probably get the results back no later than Friday.
***Here's the interactive portion that you've all been waiting for***
Many of you have asked what you can do to help and I know that you are very sincere in wanting to assist. Well, you can. I'm asking all of my faithful readers to say a special prayer for Mom this Wednesday, August 15th at 11:30 a.m. Now I know that many of you are already keeping Mom in your daily prayers and it has already helped so very much. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Here's the idea for Wednesday: we're trying to concentrate everyone's prayers at one time so that G-d can understand how truly special Mom is. If you can't pray at precisely 11:30 a.m., not to worry (but do try to pray earlier that day, if possible).
See, I told you this would be a different kind of update. Plus, I gave you a pretty picture too. Well, we're at the time now where Mom is going to look over my shoulder to give this a once-over (she just did...I passed!) so I'll take this as my cue to wrap this up.
I thank you so very much for all of your continued prayers and warm wishes. You support means so very much to Mom and all of our family.
Your faithful correspondent,
Corey
This e-mail is going to be a little bit different than you're used to because it's not written post-chemo, but rather a pre-test (did you catch that boys and girls? -- two count 'em 2 differences...pre vs. post and chemo vs. test. If you didn't catch that, shame on you! No, I kid, but you should really read more carefully, this is important stuff). Plus, there's going to be an interactive part to this e-mail, but more on that later.
As you know from reading the weekly updates, Mom has already completed 2 full rounds of chemo, which she started approximately 2 months ago. On Wednesday, August 15th, Mom is going in for a CAT scan to see how the treatment has been working. Needless to say we are all cautiously optimistic that Mom will receive a glowing report (if Mom were getting radiation treatment her report might be glowing quite literally, but here the term was used in the figurative sense). We're hoping that the test reveals that the cancerous tumors have shrunk, which would put Mom well on the road to recovery (if Mom were looking over my shoulder now -- she does that you know -- she'd doubtless tell you that she'd also like to be on the road to Miami. So droll that Mother of mine!)...
Here's the nitty-gritty -- Mom will go for her appointment at 10:00 a.m., at which point she gets to drinks loads and loads of yummy barium (now with more fiber!). This is what she'll be drinking (albeit in liquid form):
Where were we? That's right, barium. You stayed with me that time...good! (For those of you who didn't quite catch it, that was a picture of barium.) At approximately 11:30 a.m. Mom will go in for the CAT scan, which should only take about 10 minutes. We'll probably get the results back no later than Friday.
***Here's the interactive portion that you've all been waiting for***
Many of you have asked what you can do to help and I know that you are very sincere in wanting to assist. Well, you can. I'm asking all of my faithful readers to say a special prayer for Mom this Wednesday, August 15th at 11:30 a.m. Now I know that many of you are already keeping Mom in your daily prayers and it has already helped so very much. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Here's the idea for Wednesday: we're trying to concentrate everyone's prayers at one time so that G-d can understand how truly special Mom is. If you can't pray at precisely 11:30 a.m., not to worry (but do try to pray earlier that day, if possible).
See, I told you this would be a different kind of update. Plus, I gave you a pretty picture too. Well, we're at the time now where Mom is going to look over my shoulder to give this a once-over (she just did...I passed!) so I'll take this as my cue to wrap this up.
I thank you so very much for all of your continued prayers and warm wishes. You support means so very much to Mom and all of our family.
Your faithful correspondent,
Corey
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
So far, so good...
Greetings loyal readers,
Well, by now you know there's another day that's been set aside each week. Saturday is the Sabbath, Wednesday is Prince spaghetti day and now : Tuesday is Mom's chemo day. Here's the latest and greatest...
Mom was accompanied today by my Aunt Margot, who is visiting from Florida. Mom had an appointment with her oncologist prior to her chemo session. Per Dr. Mellott, Mom is looking very good. Her blood tests have been positive -- her numbers (hemoglobin, et al) are where they need to be. Most excitingly, the doctor told Mom that her liver had shrunk, which is a sign that the chemo is working. Needless to say, this is fantastic news. The doctor has told Mom that she doesn't want her to lose any weight. Yes, you read that right, the doctor doesn't want her to lose any weight. I *think* Mom was actually more excited about this bit of news, than that of her shrunken liver. To celebrate, she promptly ordered a hot fudge sundae with a side of bacon.
(Of course I'm kidding about the order...we all know Mom keeps kosher. Instead the order was a hot fudge sundae with a side of onion rings)
Chemo itself went well. Today was the last (3rd) session in Mom's second round of treatment. On August 15th, Mom will be going in for a CAT scan. Please pray extra hard for Mom...this test is a very big deal. The test will reveal how well the chemo is working, i.e., whether her tumors have shrunk.
I'm pleased to report that Mom's glue appears to be holding, so her darling tresses remain in tact. Mom is in good spirits, no doubt bolstered by her many well-wishers. Aunt Margot and daughter Wendy (or Wenny Benny as her friends call her) will head back to Florida in a few hours and Mom will receive yet another out-of-towner. Jeni B. (daughter of one of Mom's best friends who died several years ago), is leaving her Montana yurt (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yurt) and heading to the Windy City. No doubt culture shock and other hilarity will ensue.
That's all for now....
Your Faithful Corrspondent,
Corey
Well, by now you know there's another day that's been set aside each week. Saturday is the Sabbath, Wednesday is Prince spaghetti day and now : Tuesday is Mom's chemo day. Here's the latest and greatest...
Mom was accompanied today by my Aunt Margot, who is visiting from Florida. Mom had an appointment with her oncologist prior to her chemo session. Per Dr. Mellott, Mom is looking very good. Her blood tests have been positive -- her numbers (hemoglobin, et al) are where they need to be. Most excitingly, the doctor told Mom that her liver had shrunk, which is a sign that the chemo is working. Needless to say, this is fantastic news. The doctor has told Mom that she doesn't want her to lose any weight. Yes, you read that right, the doctor doesn't want her to lose any weight. I *think* Mom was actually more excited about this bit of news, than that of her shrunken liver. To celebrate, she promptly ordered a hot fudge sundae with a side of bacon.
(Of course I'm kidding about the order...we all know Mom keeps kosher. Instead the order was a hot fudge sundae with a side of onion rings)
Chemo itself went well. Today was the last (3rd) session in Mom's second round of treatment. On August 15th, Mom will be going in for a CAT scan. Please pray extra hard for Mom...this test is a very big deal. The test will reveal how well the chemo is working, i.e., whether her tumors have shrunk.
I'm pleased to report that Mom's glue appears to be holding, so her darling tresses remain in tact. Mom is in good spirits, no doubt bolstered by her many well-wishers. Aunt Margot and daughter Wendy (or Wenny Benny as her friends call her) will head back to Florida in a few hours and Mom will receive yet another out-of-towner. Jeni B. (daughter of one of Mom's best friends who died several years ago), is leaving her Montana yurt (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yurt) and heading to the Windy City. No doubt culture shock and other hilarity will ensue.
That's all for now....
Your Faithful Corrspondent,
Corey
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