Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Washington, D.C. Today we drove there to visit a holy site: Ford's Theater, site of the April 14, 1865 assassination of America's greatest president ever, Abraham Lincoln.

First we toured the museum in the basement, where we viewed the tiny derringer fired by actor John Wilkes Booth to murder the president. We also saw most of the clothing that Lincoln wore that famous night, as well as some of the attire worn by Booth himself. Also on display were guns, knives, and other artifacts used by Booth's co-conspirators, who had been tasked to "take out" other high government officials. One or two came perilously close to succeeding.

Upstairs, we strolled around the theater itself, with its plush red furniture and carpeting, and its elegant scrollwork. I had hoped to gain access to Lincoln's box, where I could view his rocking chair and see the tiny peep hole pre-drilled by Booth to spy on the President. In this I was disappointed, for such access is denied. Nevertheless, we moved to the other side of the balcony, where a fine view of the box could be had. We marvelled at the elevation of the box, from which Booth leapt to the stage in his escape, breaking his ankle in the process. And I made note of the settee in the box, where sat two betrothed Albany, New York residents, Major Henry Rathbone, and his step-sister, Clara Harris, daughter of New York's U.S. Senator. Both would come to tragedy many years later, no less Booth's victims than Lincoln. Only one with a heart of iron would fail to be moved by this museum and its story.

Still another disappointment: we were unable to access the Peterson House, the boarding house across the street to where Lincoln was carried after he was wounded, and in which he died the next morning. A major restoration project had just commenced a few weeks before.

Later we taxied to one of D.C.'s most famous restaurants, the Old Ebbit Grill, where we enjoyed an extraordinary meal, and where we met the man who must be one of the city's greatest characters, 76-year-old Georges de Paris. Georges has served as a White House tailor since the Kennedy Adminstration, and even sports a tape measure around his neck while standing at the bar sipping his wine. One cannot help but be completely charmed by this striking and gregarious man, and we made sure we were photographed with him.

Next we strolled a block-and-a-half to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, and viewed the White House at the North Portico. I noted that a pair of moving vans were parked near the entrance. Is something happening that we are not aware of?!?! Are Republicans that certain of the upcoming elections?

We returned to our vehicle, and drove I-66 and I-81 back to our condo at Massanutten. It had been a magical day, never to be forgotten.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Check off another experience on my personal "to-do" list. Today, we toured Monticello, the world-famous estate of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and third President of the United States.

After learning of the great man's huge accomplishments, and after seeing his artistic genius on display in the design and construction of this house and grounds, one cannot help but be awestruck. It is certainly one of the most beautiful and inspiring sites on the face of the earth.

Having done volumes of reading on Monticello in the past, I made sure that I strolled on the serpentine walk in the home's backyard, marveling at the colorful display of flowers that lined it, and I made note of every item on display in Jefferson's "cabinet", his study and library located next to his bedroom. Moments later, I imagined myself at table conversing with Jefferson in the sunny, crystaline "tea room", and I experienced envy at his well-stocked wine and beer cellar. Our entourage also paid due reverence at the cemetery down the hill, where I was extremely moved. Others may have preferred the entryway, decorated with Native American artifacts and his famous clock, or perhaps the parlor, where his harpsicord and pianoforte were on display. Whatever one's preference, no one can dispute that every inch of this estate is magnificent, and not to be missed by anyone.

A red-letter day in my life, made all the more memorable by the company of my wonderful wife, and my treasured sister, brother, and sister-in-law, all of whom helped to make it possible. Thank you!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Friends:

As I write this, we are seated on the deck of a Wyndham/RCI timeshare, high atop Massanutten Mountain near the Blue Ridge range in Virginia. Fall colors here have yet to reach their peak, and the relative warmth allows me to dress in a thin polo shirt and slacks. The views from this complex are breathtaking, the atmosphere relaxing. The deer here are so tame they will scarcely give us a glance as they casually stroll within ten feet of our chairs. You can almost see the deer ticks leaping playfully on their backs.

To the northwest lie the famed Civil War battlefields of Cedar Creek and New Market, in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. To the southwest are situated Monticello and Ash Lawn, the homes of the great patriots Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, third and fifth presidents of the United States.

This is definitely a corner of America that deserves to be explored. For that reason, yesterday we drove east to Montpelier, the estate of James Madison, "Father of the Constitution" and fourth president of the United States, a man so revered that Vermont named its state capital in honor of his home. The great house is going "back to the future," so to speak. Having been greatly modified, expanded, and modernized by the famed du Pont family, and used for the genteel hobby of breeding and training horses, Montpelier has over the past two decades been acquired and preserved, and almost completely reconstructed to its early nineteenth century grandeur. Its restored beauty has been made possible with the expense of $24 million (whose wouldn't), but it still is not quite complete. Little in the way of furniture, accessories, and carpeting grace the mansion, especially original possessions, as these items continue to be acquired and researched. It is a work in progress.

I recall fourteen months ago standing in the study at Chartwell, the Kent, England estate of Winston Churchill, and thinking how the Free World was saved by his pen and genius in that very room. Now gazing at the library of James Madison, where that great mind researched treatises on government, and studiously prepared to overwhelm his fellow Founding Fathers at the 1787 Constitutional Convention with his notions of what the brand new United States needed to ensure its greatness, I had the very same feeling. As Madison's study is still sparsely furnished, it took a bit more imagination this time. Nevertheless, I think every American needs to spend time here and ponder over the great questions that faced him, and us as well. It makes one think.

At the same time, one is reminded of the many servants that labored for Madison, and for many like him, and allowed him the time and wealth to think his thoughts and attend his conferences, and envision this great republic. More than just the famous helped to establish America.

All this was made possible by my brother John and his wife Jan, as well as by my sister Kate, who all used their generosity, their time share credits, and their incredible organizational skills to make our first extensive vacation possible, and offer a helping hand in my recovery. When one is surrounded by breathtaking beauty and history, one can't help but be restored, just like Montpelier.

Friday October 22nd

The phone rang and a distinguished, authoritative voice on the other end quipped; "This is Hunziker and Delano Catering Service, and we are planning a dinner delivery to the Peck household". Shawn and Sue had decided to bring us a huge bag of prepared foods from the Saratoga County Vocational Culinary Program. This motherlode included mac & cheese, split pea soup, antipasta salad, clam chowder, stuffed mushrooms, chili, date nut bread, cookies, and brownies. Delicious! People always seem to know when a meal and a hug are needed.

Ed is still trying to cope with the nueropathy in his feet with vitamin/mineral supplements, cocoa butter, and capsaicin lotion. A Brookstone catalog arrived today with an intriguing high tech foot massager. Ordered! Very slowly Ed can see slight improvement in his feet. His current treatment includes his medications, and bloodwork once a week. We will know at the 100 day mark (end of December) whether or not he will have another stem cell transplant. Although it is a 50/50 chance that Ed will have to go through this again, studies have shown that a second treatment is more effective to avoid a multiple myeloma relapse. A second transplant will be less intense than the first one because the rest of Ed's stem cells are safely frozen at "New York Blood Center" located in NYC. As long as there isn't a power outage in NYC, Ed will be fine!

Cancer Survivor's Weekend Retreat

The lovely Capital District New York Oncology and Hematology nurses arranged an amazing cancer survivors weekend called "Chillin in The Catskills" at the Frost Valley YMCA Forstmann Conference Center in Claryville, New York. Ed's stem cell head nurse Donna, and NYOH administrative director Nancy were instrumental in arranging this magical weekend, and we quickly signed up! The NYOH Capital District Foundation and the Life Beyond Cancer Foundation subsidized this retreat, so our fee was minimal.

Established as one of the nation's first summer camps, Frost Valley YMCA now provides four seasons of outdoor, experiential and educational opportunities. Frost Valley YMCA is a 6,000 acre residential camping, environmental education, and conference center located in the heart of the “forever wild” Catskill Mountain Preserve. Mr. Julius Forstmann was a wool magnate before and during WW1 who made wool uniforms for American servicemen at cost, developed small, medium, and large standards for clothing, and developed a labeling standard to display wool percentages on clothing labels. Forstmann built a wonderful castle and summer retreat at Frost Valley for his family in 1915. In 1951, the family sold the 6,000 acres, castle, and 10 out-buildings for $120,000.00 to the YMCA. What a facility! Check out the YMCA Complex and history through the following websites;

Frost Valley YMCA Camp: http://www.frostvalley.org/index.html
Frost Valley History: http://www.frostvalley.org/about/documents/FVlifeWinter_08.pdf

20 cancer survivors, some accompanied by their caregivers, participated in this wonderful weekend that included activities such as; a musical performance, Halloween party, hay ride, tye-dying, orienteering, hiking, canoeing, candle making, and an inspirational speech by Margie Wood from the Humor Project. Lodging and all meals were included and participants were able to choose their activities at their own pace.

What was most inspirational was hearing everyone's journey and personal story.
We learned so much from everyone, and shared ideas, experiences, and many personal adventures. When you are going through this nightmare it is encouraging to talk to people who share your feelings, and learn many suggestions for healing and coping.

Attached are pictures of our tye-dying project, and Ed on the Castle steps in his new "Indiana Jones" hat.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Proof that there is no bottom to the well of human generosity!

Earlier this afternoon, Amy, Joanne, and Maizie stopped by to deliver a set of meals from the well-known Tamarac Middle School club, Kid's Care (or should it be Kid's Kare?).

I'm sure everyone is aware that favors and gifts of this sort are extremely helpful to those facing difficulties. But no one who has not been the beneficiary of such generosity can ever fully appreciate what they mean. For the sick to overcome the friction and isolation generated by their affliction, a sometimes superhuman effort must be expended. Gaps can appear in their care, and a malaise can set in that makes their handicap seem all the more insurmountable.

Thanks to the support and affection of our friends, that depressing scenario has never shown itself in our household.

We are incredibly obliged to the advisors of Kid's Care for this miracle: Jamie, Sue,and Amy. And who can ever forget the Kid's Care chefs, whose talents proved to rival those of world-famous chefs in five-star New York City restaurants: Ryan, Cassy, Dillon, Sydney, Jaden, Ingrid, Tianna, Adam, Sarah, and Michael.

Thanks to Tom & Judy F. who sent two wonderful Books on Tapes to help us pass the time on our many drives to appointments and treatments!

At the same time, I'm reminded of the many generous people who have driven all this way to deliver meals and food to us across these many months, sometimes more than once! We continue to be indebted to Donna VZ, Beth, Lindsay, Linda D., Linda & Bill, Laura H., Nancy & Ralph, Terri, Patti, Sue, Val, Colleen & Paul, Therese & Ben, Regina & Bob, Nancy P, Jen & Matt, Marsha & Scott, Ann & Sandy, and many others. To this list we must add our thanks to those who contributed gift certificates for meals out, and for coffee, all of which provided fuel for our journey through this ordeal.

Each gift was a miracle, each giver a miracle worker.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Dear Diary,

Today was a big day. A major consultation took place with my stem cell oncologist. The purpose was to obtain a snapshot of where we are now, and find out what might be happening in the future.

The news so far is good. A blood test indicated that red and white blood cells and platelets continue to increase, and my energy level, ability to fight infection and disease, as well as other factors, have all improved slightly. I can now resume all non-related medications, and drink our well water. I'm starting to drive a little more, and do some light chores for an hour or two. I can mix a bit more with healthy people, and play with my new granddaughter. Life will be a little more normal.

There are still some restrictions, however. I cannot be innoculated with any flu vaccines, or be near people who have had recent live vaccines. Obviously this logically means I should avoid people who may be ill, whether they have the flu or any other affliction. The possibility of contracting shingles, or some other virus, or even a bacterial infection, looms like a Halloween goblin. My stomach continues to be a bit tender, and I'm still unable to eat large meals. This is probably healthier, and cannot be viewed as a negative. I've been lucky: my appetite has, almost all along, been fine. Nevertheless, diarrhea is still an occasional problem. Finally, my feet, afflicted with neuropathy, continue to be very tender. My eyesight is still a bit blurry as well.

I still can get dizzy at times, especially when first standing up after sitting or reclining. Standing is something I must do slowly, like an old person (Whoops! Now I'M old!). What's more, I'm still experiencing some forgetfulness and brain fog, but there are those who would testify I have been guilty of those issues well before the Big C arrived, especially from friends of different political persuasions and sports team loyalties. I've lost some muscle tone and strength, and will eventually need to start an exercise program. In addition, I've lost a bit of weight. Not a lot. This, too, cannot be considered much of a negative, as I certainly could afford to lose some, and still can. Finally, I must ingest a ton of medications each day. The accumulation of side effects must be considerable, but I think I should be glad that such effects aren't far worse. I really have little by way of complaint in that regard. I know how lucky I am.

What does the future hold? The oncologist has indicated that I must still undergo a weekly blood test to monitor my progress. There will be a handful of consultations with my stem cell sawbones and my chemo oncologist in the coming weeks. In about two months, officially 100 days after my stem cell transplant, a big test will be administered. If I am clear of cancer, I will probably commence some sort of maintenance medication. If a bit of myeloma is still detected, I will probably undergo a second stem cell transplant. Chances appear to be 50-50. This approach is new. Much of my program is still experimental, but the very latest research seems to indicate that this schedule is the greatest guarantee of success. I feel I'm in good hands.

I continue to be extremely confident. I feel the worst is over, and that I'm able to enjoy my family, and the fall weather and colors a bit. I consider myself to be extremely lucky.

And one more thing. I want to thank Justin Bieber for singing Happy Birthday to me.