Macrobeads - Part II

If I am accepted into the clinical trial, the items you see on the left are the macrobeads that will be inserted laproscopically into my abdomen. The doc said they will use a few hundred of them.

We spent about 2 hours this afternoon with the doctor and person working on this project and it sounds fascinating. Fortunately there is no big rush, so we have time to process, pray and enjoy our vacation.

We'll keep you updated on how things proceed.

Kevin

Macrobeads

Yesterday, Roni and I went to see another oncologist to get a second opinion about doing more chemo. She pretty much told us what we expected to hear, that it was up to me when to start. There were benefits to starting before symptoms appear, but that there was no need to start right away. She also concurred that the chemo regimen that Dr. Loggie and Dr. Ratner suggested was the right way to go.

Then, she gave us another suggestion that sounded worthwhile to explore. There is a clinical trial being done by The Rogosin Institute where macrobeads containing mouse kidney cancer cells are implanted into the abdominal cavity as a biological treatment. They are implanted during an laproscopic surgical procedure, so the recovery shouldn't be that bad. The good thing is that since this is NOT chemo, there are no side major side effects. The only side effect that she mentioned was an elevated temperature because your body is working harder to fight off the foreign objects.

You can read more about the trial here:

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00283075

I have to make an appointment to meet with the doctor doing the study to find out if I'm a candidate, but if I am, it's certainly something worth considering. When I know more, I'll let you know.

Until then, Roni and I continue to get excited about and plan for our two weeks vacation in Australia. And no, I am not going to eat any Vegemite.

Why I Ride

When we met with my oncologist last week, and discussed starting chemo again, he made an "aside" comment and said, "Stay off the bike." I didn't say it out loud, but the thought that went though my mind was, "Yeah... that's not going to happen."

I think some doctors think it is their job to keep you alive as long as possible, regardless of your desire to live life. While I respect what he meant, that is one piece of advice I am not going to take. Let me tell you why...

I ride because it makes me feel free.

I ride because instead of being surrounded by metal and glass, I am surrounded by nature.

I ride because I can smell the fresh air. Feel the wind in my face. Feel the warmth of the sunshine.

I ride because I have an unobstructed view of birds flying. Of deer and geese on the side of the road. Of trees, grass and wild flowers. Of a beautiful sunset.

I ride because of the camaraderie of other bikers. Of being able to strike up a conversation with a total stranger who understands without having to have it explained.

I ride for the simple joy of giving the "biker wave" to fellow bikers going in the opposite direction and being given the "wave" back.

I ride because I love seeing the smile on little kids faces as they look at me and wave frantically to get my attention.

I ride for the adventure. For the joy it gives me.

I ride to see new places. Small towns. Creeks and rivers. Forests and trees. Open plains.

I ride because in a strange way, it makes me feel nearer to G-d.

I ride to feel alive.

For some people, an explanation of why I ride is impossible to comprehend. For those who ride, an explanation isn't necessary.