Part 2
Mail time has become fun here. It's always interesting to see who has sent me a card or a note, and to receive confirmation that people are thinking of you. Sometimes mystery comes, as well.
For one thing, an issue of Sports Illustrated arrived today. It has my name on it. And I did not order it.
There is no clue who did this wonderful favor for me. A benefactor who does not wish credit or thanks. I will be hiring the Pinkerton Detective Agency to track down this new angel, and will be giving the rental sleuth all the scraps of information I can muster to aid in this investigation. I have a sneaking suspicion who it might be.... B.B.?
And a whole pile of new cards! Wow! A beautiful note from Janie! (She's very good at this sort of thing!) Cards from Nancy B, and one from Brenda J that informs me that I am "king for a day." I can only hope that she can convince my bride of this wonderful dream.
Also, a card signed by many students from the past: Karryn K, Conner M, Bob C, Andrew K, Rachel A, Rick R, Zack M, Andrew M, Ashley F, "Dr. O," Adam B, Rick M, Sam B, Chris B, Alex C, Jenn G, Vicki L, Brittany S, Shane D, Zach M, Cody A, Joe G, Justin W, Joe H, Ryan B, Kelsey, Jenna D, Megan F, Brendan M, Amanda G, Travis C, Lisa, Gregory C, Maria M, Dalton S, Tim W, Chelsea A, Marissa D, Alex W, Cody B, Rob B, Rick M, Danielle, Rachael M, Billy K, and Josh S. Enormously touching.
Also included is a wonderful note from a Board of Education member that I will always treasure. Its words bring tears to my bride's eyes.
Today also a phone call from a past superintendant. John, your kind words and support mean a lot here. I will always admire the contributions you made to the world of education. Stay healthy and continue to make them!
Finally, a note signed by Anthony G from Val's FACS (Family and Consumer Science class). I've been invited to one of those famous FACS class luncheons: 1 PM on Friday, June 4. I'm definitely going to attend. It feels like forever since I've been in Tamarac.
Tonight a sumptuous dinner prepared by Nancy B. Incredible! Chicken Divan (just divine!). Rice pilaf. Cole slaw. Food like this just doesn't normally happen at the Peck ranch.
Thanks, everyone, for "going out and making it a great day."
Part 1
This morning, my final chemo treatment this session. Now comes a week-and-a-half of "vacation" before the second round.
I've tried after past treatments to objectively assess how the chemo affects me. It's been difficult, since I've enterred each session feeling poorly to start.
Today is different. I feel better this morning than I have in weeks. What's more, I'm accompanied today by my wonderful nephew and godson, Philip. His wry sense of humor cheers me up. He looks on as the nurse taps my vein and hooks me to the IV. Perhaps the ease with which this procedure is conducted eases his concerns. We talk about college, books, and baseball. As a college pitcher with Division III University of Rochester, his dream is to play in the Cape Cod League in the future. A fantastic goal!
I complain about the lack of sports on Adirondack broadcast radio. All I can get is the Yankees. "That's all you need," he says.
As the day progresses, I get a clearer picture of the effects of the chemo. Frankly, I thought it would be worse. It tires me somewhat, and fogs the brain. Never going to be a day to balance my checkbook or write a best-selling novel, I conclude. Light reading and tube would be best at such a time.
I feel encouraged.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
A special get-well card arrived in the mail this afternoon. We'll simply say that it was sent by a long-time friend, M.T., and leave it at that.
Its arrival, however, has raised some concerns. Some of the hundreds of well-wishes and cards that I have received have come from cancer survivors, or from people who have experienced cancer tragedies in their families. Friends like K.O. and D.H. also come to mind. Each of these folks is in every way as much a victim as the patient. Every recollection of their experience must be extremely painful. I often feel that my own episode has triggered within them excruciating flashbacks that they need to avoid to stay whole. I had no right to remind them of their experience or their tragedy. Yet I cannot control it. And I feel guilty.
But there is more. So much has been done for me. Cards, e-mails, personal messages, money, gifts, meals, visits. All this forces me to confront myself. In the past, have I been as generous with my time and contributions as they have been with me? Did I do my share? I'm afraid that I must conclude that I don't measure up. Still more guilt!
What is my remedy? I'm forced to conclude that there may not be one. All I can do is try to be more understanding and more supportive in the future. I can't help feeling, though, that it is too little and too late.
Cancer is a most humbling experience, as painful to the psyche as to the body itself.
Its arrival, however, has raised some concerns. Some of the hundreds of well-wishes and cards that I have received have come from cancer survivors, or from people who have experienced cancer tragedies in their families. Friends like K.O. and D.H. also come to mind. Each of these folks is in every way as much a victim as the patient. Every recollection of their experience must be extremely painful. I often feel that my own episode has triggered within them excruciating flashbacks that they need to avoid to stay whole. I had no right to remind them of their experience or their tragedy. Yet I cannot control it. And I feel guilty.
But there is more. So much has been done for me. Cards, e-mails, personal messages, money, gifts, meals, visits. All this forces me to confront myself. In the past, have I been as generous with my time and contributions as they have been with me? Did I do my share? I'm afraid that I must conclude that I don't measure up. Still more guilt!
What is my remedy? I'm forced to conclude that there may not be one. All I can do is try to be more understanding and more supportive in the future. I can't help feeling, though, that it is too little and too late.
Cancer is a most humbling experience, as painful to the psyche as to the body itself.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Not a good day.
My entire body is overwhelmed with aches and pains. Any movement is excruciating, and trying to accomplish something important is impossible.
Today will simply have to be a recovery day. Plenty of R & R. This is not an affliction for people who lack patience, or who are easily bored.
For starters, my left wrist is swollen, red, and tender. This occurs near the site of my last chemo injection.
Another frantic phone call to my wonderful pharmacist sister. Should I dash to the emergency room? After some debate, we decide to wait. See if it gets worse.
Now, as I am prepared by the nurse for today's chemo session, I consult with the doctor. It's possible that an infection has set in, or that some of the chemo, the Velcade, leaked out of the artery. An anti-biotic is prescribed. Still another medication! In addition, moist heat should be applied.
In the meantime, I ask what's in the bag. Velcade only today. However, last week I was told that I'd be receiving a bone-and-calcium-building medication called Aredia weekly, as well, and today would be the day. But no. Someone made a mistake. Now we are told that Aredia is administered only monthly!
There's a point here, folks. Check on your doctors. Ask questions. Make yourself aware of what's going on. Do your homework. You MUST be a part of the supervision of your own care.
For years I have cringed as the general public has lambasted the field of education. Nothing gets done! they say. The industry is failing in its duties. Our statesmen (do we still have some of those?) must introduce a complete overhaul right away. So we have had Education for the Twenty-first Century. Strategic planning. No Child Left Behind. Race to the Top. Madeline Hunter. Brain-based learning.
Having now dealt extensively with the worlds of business and medicine, I can tell you these fields are no better. Delayed treatment. Medications late on arrival. Conflicting advice. Crowded waiting rooms.
Education is not the bugaboo. They all are!
My entire body is overwhelmed with aches and pains. Any movement is excruciating, and trying to accomplish something important is impossible.
Today will simply have to be a recovery day. Plenty of R & R. This is not an affliction for people who lack patience, or who are easily bored.
For starters, my left wrist is swollen, red, and tender. This occurs near the site of my last chemo injection.
Another frantic phone call to my wonderful pharmacist sister. Should I dash to the emergency room? After some debate, we decide to wait. See if it gets worse.
Now, as I am prepared by the nurse for today's chemo session, I consult with the doctor. It's possible that an infection has set in, or that some of the chemo, the Velcade, leaked out of the artery. An anti-biotic is prescribed. Still another medication! In addition, moist heat should be applied.
In the meantime, I ask what's in the bag. Velcade only today. However, last week I was told that I'd be receiving a bone-and-calcium-building medication called Aredia weekly, as well, and today would be the day. But no. Someone made a mistake. Now we are told that Aredia is administered only monthly!
There's a point here, folks. Check on your doctors. Ask questions. Make yourself aware of what's going on. Do your homework. You MUST be a part of the supervision of your own care.
For years I have cringed as the general public has lambasted the field of education. Nothing gets done! they say. The industry is failing in its duties. Our statesmen (do we still have some of those?) must introduce a complete overhaul right away. So we have had Education for the Twenty-first Century. Strategic planning. No Child Left Behind. Race to the Top. Madeline Hunter. Brain-based learning.
Having now dealt extensively with the worlds of business and medicine, I can tell you these fields are no better. Delayed treatment. Medications late on arrival. Conflicting advice. Crowded waiting rooms.
Education is not the bugaboo. They all are!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
A beautiful summer-like evening made even more wonderful by a visit from a friend.
Val came by. We enjoyed a chat in our screen house on the banks of the mighty Mohawk, watching the sun set, listening to the crickets, and talking about everything. It took my mind off of tomorrow's chemo treatment. Val donated three baseball books to the cause, and brought a salad as well as the Sunday newspaper. She knows me so well that she is aware that very few issues of the local rag cross our threshhold. For a third of a century now, whenever something appears in a newspaper that she feels I need to know, she will never fail to notify me! Thanks, Val!
Many kindnesses continue to come our way. Our friends Steve and Lyn, from Witham, Essex, England, recently mailed us a package. They had visited Blenheim, the ancestral home of Winston Churchill, and arranged to send us a decorative magnet, postcards (do they REALLY play cricket in the shadow of the palace?), potpourri, and a kind note. Steve and Lyn know of my admiration for the great British prime minister, and their subliminal message is well-taken. I will need the same bulldog grit and spirit in my own battle that Churchill himself displayed during World War II. The magnet, now prominently displayed on our refrigerator, will remind me of my duty each raid I make there.
So many friends have checked my blog! You have spurred me to continue. Special thanks to Lauren, Linda L, Chris N, Matt C, Peter M, Bethany Ann, Liz S, Eileen, Jen F, Cindy, Mandy (thanks again for your kind words!), Mary Beth, Katie, and Therese for looking in and for caring.
Some visitors even left messages of encouragement! Please know that your words are taken to heart with each repeated reading. Special thanks to Shelia (sorry about that spelling bee long ago), HeidiTri (it's always great to hear from former students), Carolyn "Carolina Moon" and Pat (two people who personify grit and spirit as much as Churchill, maybe even more), Sara B (I promise to try to pass some of that grit on to the Mets!), Peggy, JoAnn P, and Rachael (all the way from Australia!).
Everyone made it a beautiful weekend.
Val came by. We enjoyed a chat in our screen house on the banks of the mighty Mohawk, watching the sun set, listening to the crickets, and talking about everything. It took my mind off of tomorrow's chemo treatment. Val donated three baseball books to the cause, and brought a salad as well as the Sunday newspaper. She knows me so well that she is aware that very few issues of the local rag cross our threshhold. For a third of a century now, whenever something appears in a newspaper that she feels I need to know, she will never fail to notify me! Thanks, Val!
Many kindnesses continue to come our way. Our friends Steve and Lyn, from Witham, Essex, England, recently mailed us a package. They had visited Blenheim, the ancestral home of Winston Churchill, and arranged to send us a decorative magnet, postcards (do they REALLY play cricket in the shadow of the palace?), potpourri, and a kind note. Steve and Lyn know of my admiration for the great British prime minister, and their subliminal message is well-taken. I will need the same bulldog grit and spirit in my own battle that Churchill himself displayed during World War II. The magnet, now prominently displayed on our refrigerator, will remind me of my duty each raid I make there.
So many friends have checked my blog! You have spurred me to continue. Special thanks to Lauren, Linda L, Chris N, Matt C, Peter M, Bethany Ann, Liz S, Eileen, Jen F, Cindy, Mandy (thanks again for your kind words!), Mary Beth, Katie, and Therese for looking in and for caring.
Some visitors even left messages of encouragement! Please know that your words are taken to heart with each repeated reading. Special thanks to Shelia (sorry about that spelling bee long ago), HeidiTri (it's always great to hear from former students), Carolyn "Carolina Moon" and Pat (two people who personify grit and spirit as much as Churchill, maybe even more), Sara B (I promise to try to pass some of that grit on to the Mets!), Peggy, JoAnn P, and Rachael (all the way from Australia!).
Everyone made it a beautiful weekend.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
This evening I was visited by three angels. They were wingless, and instead of carrying harps, they bore two take-out spaghetti dinners, but I'm sure these angels were from heaven nonetheless.
Their names were Beth, Terri, and Mary Beth. They are three of the many reasons why I DON'T want to retire. They will be sorely missed.
Not only were those meals tasty and badly needed, they brought with them an evening of laughs and good times. Proof just how much good friends can lift spirits. By the end of the visit, my face hurt from laughter. So did the poor diseased bones in my body! But it was worth it. An incredible boost!
There are lots of other angels as well. The expression of thankfulness should not be limited to just Sunday mornings or Thanksgiving Day.
An incredible chicken soup came my way, prescribed by Dr. Donna VZ. So far its healing effects have been far greater than any expensive medication I've ingested. The soup didn't spend very much time in our refrigerator! Seasoned just right! Thanks tons, Donna!
Annette sent a huge tray of lasagna, as well as an apple pie. This is a lady who could grow rich as a caterer. An incredible feed. No weight is being lost at the Peck homestead, thanks to Donna and Annette. Two more reasons NOT to retire.
Family members have been just as supportive and helpful. Step-daughter Jen has sent two wonderful dinners, despite her tight schedule as an elementary teacher and mother of two "active" young boys. I know she is watching over me. Her husband Matt has spent weeks now at the Peck ranch, re-modeling our kitchen and performing an enormous number of chores that I am no longer able to complete. Our household would not have survived without this help.
Step-daughter Eileen came all the way from Buffalo to help for a few days. Her fanatic cleanliness helped us catch up with household chores, and she passed on much advice on exercise and health. Her boyfriend Pat helped with the lawn and screen house. They sacrificed rare days off to do this.
Thanks to all these people who already had more than enough to do before they took care of us. You'll never know how much you are appreciated.
Other angels saved us in a myriad of ways.
My extended Team 8 was the first to come through, having learned early on of my predicament. A hilarious greeting card came my way that was stuffed with cash, a valuable commodity now that money spent on co-pays each month seems almost to rival our mortgage payment! A million thanks go out to Beth, Beckstar*, Mary L, Terri, Patti, Mary Beth, Mike, Michele J, Kevin, and Angie. These are folks with families and bills of their own who could ill-afford to give, and I will never forget your gift!
The "special education" team came through big time, as well. No wonder they call you "special"! A get-well card loaded with cash, plus gift certificates to Starbucks and Applebees! Only a dedicated stalker would know our favorite haunts like the special education team apparently did. You seemed to know automatically that interminable appointments and procedures can mean missed meals at home, especially with the Peck kitchen shut down during this lengthy, major refit. God bless you! We owe Regina, Patti, Mary G, Michelle M, Mike, Sue D, Beth Ci, Alison, Debbie L, Debbie R, Myles, Christine, Sharon, Annette, and Nancy big time.
Some people are working overtime to keep what little is left of the Peck mind occupied. A gift bag containing a biography of Joe DiMaggio and a book on the history of the Erie Canal appeared in the MS office. This mysterious person knows that I read history and baseball almost exclusively. Val, I've told you many times before that you would have made a fantastic history teacher, and that you missed your calling. As my front lawn borders the banks of the original Erie Canal, I'll imagine it all when I sit there to read that book this summer.
My buddies Sandy and Ann are also making sure that my reading stays current. Thank you my friends for the latest loans on Afghanistan and other topics. Your skills on the Amazon website are a source of inspiration to me! Maybe I should take lessons.
So many get-well cards have come my way that our tiny post office in Rexford has had to add extra help, plus build an addition. I'm told it was paid for through the stimulus program. Perhaps the funniest card was sent by Darcy. Laughter can be very painful in my situation, but in this case it was therapeudic for me. Cards have also arrived from Joy and her husband Bill, Linda and her husband Larry, Ron, Dody, Sue N, Catie and her husband Tim, Linda D, Sue S and her family, Nancy and her husband Ralph (who have sent me two!), Annette, Dave and Maryann (who also sent two!), Angel, Lynny, Margaret and her husband Ed, Jean, Margaret and her husband John, Marcia and her husband Paul, Joanne and her husband Dave (who sent two as well!), Linda and her husband Bill, Rita, Lynn, Donna VZ, Pattie K, and Mary E. Wonderful cards came from the Board of Education and the Superintendant, and from the Brittonkill Teachers' Association as well. Who would not be buoyed by all this incredible support?
Many of my students have provided a great lift as well. Individual cards came from Chris S, Taylor S (along with a wonderful bag of chocolates!), Nick M, Tom B, Christian, Jacob E, Ashley B, Sterling, Ryan B, Justin R, Alexis, Casey, and Makayla. In addition, two huge homemade cards were sent my way, signed by most of the members of the class of 2014. I will never forget you!
So you can see I have a lot of people pulling for me. With their help, recovery is a certainty!
Their names were Beth, Terri, and Mary Beth. They are three of the many reasons why I DON'T want to retire. They will be sorely missed.
Not only were those meals tasty and badly needed, they brought with them an evening of laughs and good times. Proof just how much good friends can lift spirits. By the end of the visit, my face hurt from laughter. So did the poor diseased bones in my body! But it was worth it. An incredible boost!
There are lots of other angels as well. The expression of thankfulness should not be limited to just Sunday mornings or Thanksgiving Day.
An incredible chicken soup came my way, prescribed by Dr. Donna VZ. So far its healing effects have been far greater than any expensive medication I've ingested. The soup didn't spend very much time in our refrigerator! Seasoned just right! Thanks tons, Donna!
Annette sent a huge tray of lasagna, as well as an apple pie. This is a lady who could grow rich as a caterer. An incredible feed. No weight is being lost at the Peck homestead, thanks to Donna and Annette. Two more reasons NOT to retire.
Family members have been just as supportive and helpful. Step-daughter Jen has sent two wonderful dinners, despite her tight schedule as an elementary teacher and mother of two "active" young boys. I know she is watching over me. Her husband Matt has spent weeks now at the Peck ranch, re-modeling our kitchen and performing an enormous number of chores that I am no longer able to complete. Our household would not have survived without this help.
Step-daughter Eileen came all the way from Buffalo to help for a few days. Her fanatic cleanliness helped us catch up with household chores, and she passed on much advice on exercise and health. Her boyfriend Pat helped with the lawn and screen house. They sacrificed rare days off to do this.
Thanks to all these people who already had more than enough to do before they took care of us. You'll never know how much you are appreciated.
Other angels saved us in a myriad of ways.
My extended Team 8 was the first to come through, having learned early on of my predicament. A hilarious greeting card came my way that was stuffed with cash, a valuable commodity now that money spent on co-pays each month seems almost to rival our mortgage payment! A million thanks go out to Beth, Beckstar*, Mary L, Terri, Patti, Mary Beth, Mike, Michele J, Kevin, and Angie. These are folks with families and bills of their own who could ill-afford to give, and I will never forget your gift!
The "special education" team came through big time, as well. No wonder they call you "special"! A get-well card loaded with cash, plus gift certificates to Starbucks and Applebees! Only a dedicated stalker would know our favorite haunts like the special education team apparently did. You seemed to know automatically that interminable appointments and procedures can mean missed meals at home, especially with the Peck kitchen shut down during this lengthy, major refit. God bless you! We owe Regina, Patti, Mary G, Michelle M, Mike, Sue D, Beth Ci, Alison, Debbie L, Debbie R, Myles, Christine, Sharon, Annette, and Nancy big time.
Some people are working overtime to keep what little is left of the Peck mind occupied. A gift bag containing a biography of Joe DiMaggio and a book on the history of the Erie Canal appeared in the MS office. This mysterious person knows that I read history and baseball almost exclusively. Val, I've told you many times before that you would have made a fantastic history teacher, and that you missed your calling. As my front lawn borders the banks of the original Erie Canal, I'll imagine it all when I sit there to read that book this summer.
My buddies Sandy and Ann are also making sure that my reading stays current. Thank you my friends for the latest loans on Afghanistan and other topics. Your skills on the Amazon website are a source of inspiration to me! Maybe I should take lessons.
So many get-well cards have come my way that our tiny post office in Rexford has had to add extra help, plus build an addition. I'm told it was paid for through the stimulus program. Perhaps the funniest card was sent by Darcy. Laughter can be very painful in my situation, but in this case it was therapeudic for me. Cards have also arrived from Joy and her husband Bill, Linda and her husband Larry, Ron, Dody, Sue N, Catie and her husband Tim, Linda D, Sue S and her family, Nancy and her husband Ralph (who have sent me two!), Annette, Dave and Maryann (who also sent two!), Angel, Lynny, Margaret and her husband Ed, Jean, Margaret and her husband John, Marcia and her husband Paul, Joanne and her husband Dave (who sent two as well!), Linda and her husband Bill, Rita, Lynn, Donna VZ, Pattie K, and Mary E. Wonderful cards came from the Board of Education and the Superintendant, and from the Brittonkill Teachers' Association as well. Who would not be buoyed by all this incredible support?
Many of my students have provided a great lift as well. Individual cards came from Chris S, Taylor S (along with a wonderful bag of chocolates!), Nick M, Tom B, Christian, Jacob E, Ashley B, Sterling, Ryan B, Justin R, Alexis, Casey, and Makayla. In addition, two huge homemade cards were sent my way, signed by most of the members of the class of 2014. I will never forget you!
So you can see I have a lot of people pulling for me. With their help, recovery is a certainty!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Not a good morning. A crushing headache, debilitating pain in my torso, and, in fact, agony over my entire body. What's the cause?
Well, for one thing, the Mets lost last night. Now we are in last place.
More likely, though, the reason is medical. My first chemotherapy treatment was yesterday morning. A one hour wait, another hour consulting with oncologist, nurses, and schedulers, and almost two hours for my drips. The patience of my wonderful bride is certainly being tested.
Administration of the chemo itself, called Velcade, lasts just a few minutes. For cancer patients who must spend hours under such care, this seems like a break, and it is. Along with this, though, comes a saline solution, plus Aredia, a bone-and-calcium-protecting treatment. This once-a-week drip lasts over one-and-a-half hours. Thank God for historian Joseph Ellis and his brilliant book "American Creation."
I'm gonna learn a lot more history with this disease.
I feel like my treatment went well. Nevertheless, my pain and my middle-of-the-night chills are possible side-effects. I used to feel indestructable. Not any more.
I call my wonderful sister, Katie, the pharmacist. Every cancer patient should have a sister like this.
Yes, she says, I can add some OTC Tylenol to the pile of other medications I'm consuming. After raiding the medicine cabinet, I take a one-hour nap. Some of my students will claim that Peck naps occurred in many of my classes, but this one was in my own bed, and it did the trick. Upon rising, I arrange for some exercise for my garden tractor and mow the lawn. Not bad!
My Patton-like drive to victory over myeloma (VM) continues.
Well, for one thing, the Mets lost last night. Now we are in last place.
More likely, though, the reason is medical. My first chemotherapy treatment was yesterday morning. A one hour wait, another hour consulting with oncologist, nurses, and schedulers, and almost two hours for my drips. The patience of my wonderful bride is certainly being tested.
Administration of the chemo itself, called Velcade, lasts just a few minutes. For cancer patients who must spend hours under such care, this seems like a break, and it is. Along with this, though, comes a saline solution, plus Aredia, a bone-and-calcium-protecting treatment. This once-a-week drip lasts over one-and-a-half hours. Thank God for historian Joseph Ellis and his brilliant book "American Creation."
I'm gonna learn a lot more history with this disease.
I feel like my treatment went well. Nevertheless, my pain and my middle-of-the-night chills are possible side-effects. I used to feel indestructable. Not any more.
I call my wonderful sister, Katie, the pharmacist. Every cancer patient should have a sister like this.
Yes, she says, I can add some OTC Tylenol to the pile of other medications I'm consuming. After raiding the medicine cabinet, I take a one-hour nap. Some of my students will claim that Peck naps occurred in many of my classes, but this one was in my own bed, and it did the trick. Upon rising, I arrange for some exercise for my garden tractor and mow the lawn. Not bad!
My Patton-like drive to victory over myeloma (VM) continues.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Friends,
My major appointment with my oncologist was concluded on Thursday, May 6. Much of what I heard was favorable, but not everything went my way. My original diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, was confirmed. As before, lesions were found on my ribs. Still more tiny ones were newly located on my pelvis, neck, and skull. No doubt the last will be used by some to explain the Republican ballot I cast in 2008.
What’s more, the oncologist informed me that my poor frame was “loaded” with arthritis. I wondered what all that pain was that I was feeling!
Both the doctor and I are confident and upbeat. He feels we caught it very early. Under the old system of classification, it would have been rated a stage 3, but under the modern system it would rank as a stage 1. The doctor himself would probably up it to a ”2”.
We have decided to ride into Dodge City with both guns blazing, and attack aggressively. I have already started a couple of medications. Next mid-week I will commence a form of thalidomide, a medication very familiar to those of us of a "certain age" who recall the terrible deformities it generated among fetuses in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. I was forced to sign a solemn oath that I would not become pregnant during my course of treatment.
Also mid-week I will commence chemotherapy, approximately twice-a-week for two weeks, then a week-and-a-half’s “vacation”, then another two-week stint. Unlike most such therapy, my visits will last only a few minutes, a lucky break.
I expect to attend school on Monday and Tuesday, May 10-11. After that, I will be out for at least two weeks, at which time I will monitor how the chemo affects me. Sara Colaneri will fill my place, and I am quite sure most ably! I will then consider returning to Tamarac as much as possible, especially I hope for final exams and for Moving Up Day. I feel a bit like I am running out on the kids as well as my colleagues, but I don’t I think I have much of a choice.
Obviously I am now leaning towards retirement. I would have preferred to have taught a few more years. It’s just that I’m not sure that alarm clocks ringing at 5 AM on cold January mornings, and braving the threat of a germ-filled classroom, will contribute to a recovery that requires a stress-free environment and an over-abundance of rest. Donna and I have an appointment with the Teachers’ Retirement System on Monday afternoon, May 10, where I will learn my various financial options. Soon thereafter, I will make a decision.
By fortuitous coincidence (or maybe something more than that), my wife’s daughter Eileen just hours ago graduated from University of Buffalo’s “School of Nutrition and Exercise Science” with a BA. I have become one of her first patients. I will be creating more time for walking and gentle exercise (with bands), based on a program she is designing for me, as well as slimming down to a fighting trim. What’s more, I am getting tons of encouragement from my supportive wife Donna, my wonderful daughter Therese, my brand-new grand-daughter Sarah, and the rest of my family.
So many people have sent cards and forwarded good wishes and prayers that I feel that each one you has been part of the cure. For that I thank you. If there is someone whom you feel wishes to receive this message, please forward it to them for me. I look forward to seeing each of you soon! That will make me feel as well as any medicine.
My major appointment with my oncologist was concluded on Thursday, May 6. Much of what I heard was favorable, but not everything went my way. My original diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, was confirmed. As before, lesions were found on my ribs. Still more tiny ones were newly located on my pelvis, neck, and skull. No doubt the last will be used by some to explain the Republican ballot I cast in 2008.
What’s more, the oncologist informed me that my poor frame was “loaded” with arthritis. I wondered what all that pain was that I was feeling!
Both the doctor and I are confident and upbeat. He feels we caught it very early. Under the old system of classification, it would have been rated a stage 3, but under the modern system it would rank as a stage 1. The doctor himself would probably up it to a ”2”.
We have decided to ride into Dodge City with both guns blazing, and attack aggressively. I have already started a couple of medications. Next mid-week I will commence a form of thalidomide, a medication very familiar to those of us of a "certain age" who recall the terrible deformities it generated among fetuses in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. I was forced to sign a solemn oath that I would not become pregnant during my course of treatment.
Also mid-week I will commence chemotherapy, approximately twice-a-week for two weeks, then a week-and-a-half’s “vacation”, then another two-week stint. Unlike most such therapy, my visits will last only a few minutes, a lucky break.
I expect to attend school on Monday and Tuesday, May 10-11. After that, I will be out for at least two weeks, at which time I will monitor how the chemo affects me. Sara Colaneri will fill my place, and I am quite sure most ably! I will then consider returning to Tamarac as much as possible, especially I hope for final exams and for Moving Up Day. I feel a bit like I am running out on the kids as well as my colleagues, but I don’t I think I have much of a choice.
Obviously I am now leaning towards retirement. I would have preferred to have taught a few more years. It’s just that I’m not sure that alarm clocks ringing at 5 AM on cold January mornings, and braving the threat of a germ-filled classroom, will contribute to a recovery that requires a stress-free environment and an over-abundance of rest. Donna and I have an appointment with the Teachers’ Retirement System on Monday afternoon, May 10, where I will learn my various financial options. Soon thereafter, I will make a decision.
By fortuitous coincidence (or maybe something more than that), my wife’s daughter Eileen just hours ago graduated from University of Buffalo’s “School of Nutrition and Exercise Science” with a BA. I have become one of her first patients. I will be creating more time for walking and gentle exercise (with bands), based on a program she is designing for me, as well as slimming down to a fighting trim. What’s more, I am getting tons of encouragement from my supportive wife Donna, my wonderful daughter Therese, my brand-new grand-daughter Sarah, and the rest of my family.
So many people have sent cards and forwarded good wishes and prayers that I feel that each one you has been part of the cure. For that I thank you. If there is someone whom you feel wishes to receive this message, please forward it to them for me. I look forward to seeing each of you soon! That will make me feel as well as any medicine.
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