In my NSMTA quarter zip top and NSMTA hat, gifted from the Board of Directors
G'day Family and Friends,
I’ve just finished day 1 of Chemo #4 at Dana Farber and feeling OK. On this visit, I got to see Dr. Abrams, my oncologist, rather than my Nurse Practitioner, who had good news. The blood draw this morning showed a decrease in the tumor indicators, which is evidence that there is a good chance that the tumor on my pancreas is now smaller and the chemo is working. The CT Scan, scheduled for tomorrow, will give us more definitive information. I have a Telemedicine call with Dr. Abrams on Thursday, after which we'll have a better idea of what is going on and how to proceed from here. Needless to say, I am hopeful for more good news. Keep those prayers, positive vibes, good wishes coming … THEY ARE WORKING … THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
I seem to be at the phase where Pain Management is working, and weight loss is now the primary concern. I've gone from 160lbs two months ago to 127lbs today. But there's a drug for that (naturally), which will hopefully increase my appetite. The doc says it works well for most people, and the only downside is an increased chance of blood clots (UGH!!). Any suggestions for other methods are welcomed ... especially the whacky ones!
Keiko, Amy and I went to Martha's Vineyard last week. I managed to get to my barber and he informed me that although I'm not losing much hair, it is getting straighter and softer. If that is as far as it goes, I'll be happy … although I have been curious to see what head shape I have ever since the possibility of losing my hair entered my thoughts.
It was beautiful to get to my favorite place and see some friends (in a Covid-safe way, of course!). One friend brought my favorite dessert, pecan pie; another went in search of the perfect clam chowder, which she found and I enjoyed immensely. Friends did a great job beautifully stacking our winter's worth of wood in the shed. I am so grateful to have such wonderful people willing to help. You guys and ladies all know who you are, and I can't thank you enough!
And a BIG THANK YOU to my very understanding ex-wife, Sue, who has made the house available to me for the winter while I continue on this journey.
I did manage to get out for a walk this past weekend and enjoy the spring-like weather and sunshine. I may have overdone it a bit because I was exhausted and needed a nap after!
So, Thursday will be a big day and will determine where we go from here. I'll let you all know as soon as I know.
With much thanks and gratitude,
Mas
508-560-6111
“The moment you think only of yourself, the focus of your whole mind narrows, and because of this narrow focus, uncomfortable things can appear huge and bring you fear, discomfort, and a sense of feeling overwhelmed by misery. The moment you think of others with a sense of caring, however, your mind widens. Within that wide angle, your own problems appear to be of no significance, and this makes a big difference.” - The Dalai Lama
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