Well, when I got to work this morning there was a message on my voicemail from my oncologist's office. The good news was that the tumor markers went DOWN!! It was 2.7, down from 3.1 from the last test. It is still a tad high (the safe zone is 0 - 2.5), but the fact that it went down is good news. Roni and I were finally able to breathe again. :-)
The other good news is that I finally got my bike out of storage. I picked it up yesterday from a friends garage and took it for about a 30 mile ride before taking it to the dealer for some work. The only bad news is that when I called today it wasn't ready. So I have to call back tomorrow. It should be ready to be picked up after work, and then we'll have the bike back, ready for more adventures.
Thanks to all for your prayers and concerns. I can't tell you how much Roni and I appreciate all of you.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Sunday, March 27, 2005
New Blood Test Scheduled
As you may remember, my last blood test was done about a month ago. The tumor marker test for the CEA was high. The safe range is between 0 and 2.5. My result came back 3.1. By itself, this does not mean that the cancer is coming back, but the fact that my markers have been rising since my surgery last Feb (although until now, they have all been below 2.5) had me worried. My oncologist didn't seem too concerned and said I shouldn't be either. Of course that is easy for him to say.
I was pretty upset when I got the results last month, but after a few days got back to realizing that none of us are promised a tomorrow and that we should live life one day at a time.
For now, I have a new blood test scheduled for Tuesday. Yeah, I'm nervous. I mean, what if the CEA level continues to rise? Does that mean more chemo? Another surgery? Right now, I'm praying the levels go back down.
All prayers for a good result will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your continued support, concern and prayers.
Kevin
I was pretty upset when I got the results last month, but after a few days got back to realizing that none of us are promised a tomorrow and that we should live life one day at a time.
For now, I have a new blood test scheduled for Tuesday. Yeah, I'm nervous. I mean, what if the CEA level continues to rise? Does that mean more chemo? Another surgery? Right now, I'm praying the levels go back down.
All prayers for a good result will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your continued support, concern and prayers.
Kevin
Climb to Conquer Cancer - A Success!!
Well, Roni and I had a great vacation in Tucson. Of course the main reason we went was to take part in the Tucson Climb to Conquer Cancer event held on March 12th.
We arrived in Phoenix late Thursday night and stayed over night. On Friday, we rented an Electra Glide Classic from Chosa's Harley-Davidson and rode to Tucson. The weather was great. While it was freezing cold in NYC, that day it got up to 88 degrees and was sunny. Riding from Phoenix to Tucson through the AZ desert was fantastic. It was great being on a motorcycle again.
Saturday we woke up early and was surprised to find that a bobcat had jumped the fence of the bed and breadfast where we were staying and decided to relax outside of our room. This was quite a treat and the owners of the B&B said that is only the third bobcat they have seen in 17 years. Of course because we had to take pictures of it, and show the digital pics to the owners, we left later than we wanted to for the climb. When we arrived, the event started and by the time we parked, got our t-shirts, we were some of the last to start the climb. Regardless, the climb was very successful and we had a good time. While it was good seeing the people with "Survivor" stickers on their t-shirts (yes, I had mine on), it was sad knowing that many were there climbing in honor of those who lost their lives to cancer.
After the climb, I took Roni back to the B&B to take a nap, and I rode further south to visit the Titan Missle Museum. 18 of the 54 Titan II missle sites in the USA, were located around the Tucson area. When the last one was decomisioned in 1986, it was turned into a museum. After the museum, I rode further south to see the "Longhorn Grill" and the "Cow Palace Restaurant".
On Sunday, Roni and I spent the day riding and exploring southern AZ. We headed to Bisbee, taking the back roads and just enjoying the desert, the quiet and the empty roads. On the way, we visited a winery and did some wine tasting. We only made it as far as Tombstone before we decided to head back to Tucson, as we were invited to the Allens for dinnner. We had a great time with Marisa and her family and once again, the few hours we spent with them seemed to just fly by. About 9:30PM we finally headed back to the B&B.
Monday was the day to take the bike back. We left in the late morning and took the long way back to Phoenix. We stopped a few times to take pictures and enjoy the desert. One place we stopped was about 20 miles south of Florence, AZ. It is a memorial to Tom Mix, who was killed in an accident there in the 1940s. Tom Mix was an old-time cowboy movie star, and was a pall-bearer for Wyatt Earp in 1929.
We arrived at the dealership to drop the bike off and my parents were there to meet us. They were in town, on their way to visit friends in New Mexico. We spent the day with them and went out to a good steak dinner. About 11 PM, they took Roni and me to the airport where we caught the redeye back to NY. We got home early Tues morning.
Almost everything about the trip was perfect, except the flights (Roni and I are just too tall for coach). We took pictures and some video. The pics are available now, and we plan to put a movie up sometime soon. You can see the pics here, here and here.
Thank you to all that contributed to our efforts. Together Roni and I raised over $1,200. Team Giant, the team we were a part of, raised $6, 578.86 and we were the top fund raising team. All together, the event is projected to raise about $123,944.55. That money will be used for cancer research and to help those who have been dianosed with cancer. All those who gave can be proud to be part of this effort. I know we are.
We arrived in Phoenix late Thursday night and stayed over night. On Friday, we rented an Electra Glide Classic from Chosa's Harley-Davidson and rode to Tucson. The weather was great. While it was freezing cold in NYC, that day it got up to 88 degrees and was sunny. Riding from Phoenix to Tucson through the AZ desert was fantastic. It was great being on a motorcycle again.
Saturday we woke up early and was surprised to find that a bobcat had jumped the fence of the bed and breadfast where we were staying and decided to relax outside of our room. This was quite a treat and the owners of the B&B said that is only the third bobcat they have seen in 17 years. Of course because we had to take pictures of it, and show the digital pics to the owners, we left later than we wanted to for the climb. When we arrived, the event started and by the time we parked, got our t-shirts, we were some of the last to start the climb. Regardless, the climb was very successful and we had a good time. While it was good seeing the people with "Survivor" stickers on their t-shirts (yes, I had mine on), it was sad knowing that many were there climbing in honor of those who lost their lives to cancer.
After the climb, I took Roni back to the B&B to take a nap, and I rode further south to visit the Titan Missle Museum. 18 of the 54 Titan II missle sites in the USA, were located around the Tucson area. When the last one was decomisioned in 1986, it was turned into a museum. After the museum, I rode further south to see the "Longhorn Grill" and the "Cow Palace Restaurant".
On Sunday, Roni and I spent the day riding and exploring southern AZ. We headed to Bisbee, taking the back roads and just enjoying the desert, the quiet and the empty roads. On the way, we visited a winery and did some wine tasting. We only made it as far as Tombstone before we decided to head back to Tucson, as we were invited to the Allens for dinnner. We had a great time with Marisa and her family and once again, the few hours we spent with them seemed to just fly by. About 9:30PM we finally headed back to the B&B.
Monday was the day to take the bike back. We left in the late morning and took the long way back to Phoenix. We stopped a few times to take pictures and enjoy the desert. One place we stopped was about 20 miles south of Florence, AZ. It is a memorial to Tom Mix, who was killed in an accident there in the 1940s. Tom Mix was an old-time cowboy movie star, and was a pall-bearer for Wyatt Earp in 1929.
We arrived at the dealership to drop the bike off and my parents were there to meet us. They were in town, on their way to visit friends in New Mexico. We spent the day with them and went out to a good steak dinner. About 11 PM, they took Roni and me to the airport where we caught the redeye back to NY. We got home early Tues morning.
Almost everything about the trip was perfect, except the flights (Roni and I are just too tall for coach). We took pictures and some video. The pics are available now, and we plan to put a movie up sometime soon. You can see the pics here, here and here.
Thank you to all that contributed to our efforts. Together Roni and I raised over $1,200. Team Giant, the team we were a part of, raised $6, 578.86 and we were the top fund raising team. All together, the event is projected to raise about $123,944.55. That money will be used for cancer research and to help those who have been dianosed with cancer. All those who gave can be proud to be part of this effort. I know we are.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Still Time To Donate
As you may know, on Saturday, March 12th, Roni and I will be in Tucson, AZ. Not only to enjoy the warm weather (I think it is supposed to snow here in NYC), but to take part of Tucson Climb to Conquer Cancer.
As part of this event, Roni and I have been raising money, that will go to the American Cancer Society. We will be part of Team Giant which as of this writing, has raised over $4,500. Team Giant is led by Marisa Allen, who lost her brother Josh Allen last year to stomach cancer. Josh was originally diagnosed with the same cancer I was, but after his death and an autopsy, it was determined to be a much more fatal cancer. Josh died on Sept 26th, 2004. We'll be climbing in his memory.
To date, Roni and I have raised over $1,200.00 thanks to many of you that have generously donated to this cause. And for those that have already given, we give much thanks.
If you haven't given yet, but would like to, you still have a couple of days. You may donate to my donation page, or to Roni's donation page. (Just click on the links provided.) Also, don't forget that your donations are tax deductible.
We will be taking pics and movies of the event, and hope to have something on the web shortly after our return.
If you are unable to give financially, we would appreciate your prayers for a safe, relaxing and fun trip. And for continued healing of my bowels. They are getting better, but still have a ways to go before they are back to 100%.
We'll post an update to this event when we return on Tuesday, March 15th.
Kevin
As part of this event, Roni and I have been raising money, that will go to the American Cancer Society. We will be part of Team Giant which as of this writing, has raised over $4,500. Team Giant is led by Marisa Allen, who lost her brother Josh Allen last year to stomach cancer. Josh was originally diagnosed with the same cancer I was, but after his death and an autopsy, it was determined to be a much more fatal cancer. Josh died on Sept 26th, 2004. We'll be climbing in his memory.
To date, Roni and I have raised over $1,200.00 thanks to many of you that have generously donated to this cause. And for those that have already given, we give much thanks.
If you haven't given yet, but would like to, you still have a couple of days. You may donate to my donation page, or to Roni's donation page. (Just click on the links provided.) Also, don't forget that your donations are tax deductible.
We will be taking pics and movies of the event, and hope to have something on the web shortly after our return.
If you are unable to give financially, we would appreciate your prayers for a safe, relaxing and fun trip. And for continued healing of my bowels. They are getting better, but still have a ways to go before they are back to 100%.
We'll post an update to this event when we return on Tuesday, March 15th.
Kevin
Friday, February 25, 2005
I See A Bad Moon A Risin' (CCR)
But replace "Bad Moon" with "tumor markers".
That's right. My tumor markers went up. Past the safe zone. It's safe to say that both Roni and I were very concerned when we found out. In fact, I was just darn scared. Does this mean the cancer is back? Does it mean another surgery? More chemo? More parts of my body removed? Sometimes I don't know how much more I can take.
So, what does it all mean? Right now, nothing. Both my oncologist and Dr. Sugarbaker say not to get too worried yet. We've also learned that you cannot base anything on just one test. Unfortunately, the trend of the tumor markers have been going up since Feb '04. So now we just wait. And do another test in a month.
How am I doing now? I'm still concerned, but I'm trying to not let it paralyze me. It is what it is and I can't change it by worrying about it. (I just wish I could always be like that.)
I just have to remember that every day is a gift and today is one more day I have to spend with my wife. One more day to let my family know that I love them. One more day to live.
I don't know what the future holds. None of us do. But I do know that I will not go gently into that "good night". I'm still breathing and I still plan on raging against the dying of the light.
Any prayers for my tumor markers to go back down will be greatly appreciated.
Kevin
That's right. My tumor markers went up. Past the safe zone. It's safe to say that both Roni and I were very concerned when we found out. In fact, I was just darn scared. Does this mean the cancer is back? Does it mean another surgery? More chemo? More parts of my body removed? Sometimes I don't know how much more I can take.
So, what does it all mean? Right now, nothing. Both my oncologist and Dr. Sugarbaker say not to get too worried yet. We've also learned that you cannot base anything on just one test. Unfortunately, the trend of the tumor markers have been going up since Feb '04. So now we just wait. And do another test in a month.
How am I doing now? I'm still concerned, but I'm trying to not let it paralyze me. It is what it is and I can't change it by worrying about it. (I just wish I could always be like that.)
I just have to remember that every day is a gift and today is one more day I have to spend with my wife. One more day to let my family know that I love them. One more day to live.
I don't know what the future holds. None of us do. But I do know that I will not go gently into that "good night". I'm still breathing and I still plan on raging against the dying of the light.
Any prayers for my tumor markers to go back down will be greatly appreciated.
Kevin
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Time for another blood test
Actually, I am only supposed to get tumor marker tests every three months. My last one was done Jan 11th. With the last one, my CEA was 2.5, which is at the high end of the safe range. When I asked my oncologist if we should be concerned about this, he suggested we take another blood test in 6 weeks, instead of the normal 3 months. So, tomorrow I go in for another blood test. Please keep me in your prayers that the number will either stay the same or go down.
Also, don't forget Roni's and my trip to Tucson next month to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Y0u can still donate on line to my effort here or to Roni's here. We are both close to meeting our goal, so if you are able, please donate whatever you can. The money goes to fighting cancer and is tax deductible.
If you have problems with the links above, please email me.
Also, don't forget Roni's and my trip to Tucson next month to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Y0u can still donate on line to my effort here or to Roni's here. We are both close to meeting our goal, so if you are able, please donate whatever you can. The money goes to fighting cancer and is tax deductible.
If you have problems with the links above, please email me.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Test Results - So Far, So Good
For those who have been wondering how my blood test and CT scan went, here are the results.
Blood Test
First of all, the test done in the Dr.'s office is for red and white blood cells, plateletts and hemoglobins. They all tested fine. Second, the test sent out for tumor markers also came back good. They were both a little higher than last time, but still within the safe limits.
CEA - 2.5 (range is 0 - 2.5) Last test it was 2.3. Before my surgery in Feb it was 4.1.
CA 19-9 - 17 (range is 0 - 37) Last test it was 12. Before my surgery in Feb it was 31.6.
I asked my oncologist if we should be concerned that the CEA was at the top end of the safe zone. He said we'll take another test in 6 weeks (instead of the usual 3 months) to see which way they go. It is not unusual for the results to flucuate, and since I have only had two since my surgery, it is really not enough to see a pattern.
CT Scan
I had the CT scan Wed morning. First of all, they gave me another type of "contrast" to drink. I usually have to drink barium, but this time they gave me a different type, mixed in white cranberry juice. Much easier to get down. And once again, Sal, my riding buddy from NYC HOG did the scanning.
I spoke to my oncologist yesterday, after he received the report and he said it was a good one. He said that there are some "cystic lesions" but nothing to worry about for now. Everything else looked good.
Things look good and I'm off the hook for another 6 months.
On another note, I am starting to feel better throughout the day. My trips to the "loo" average about 5-6 a day, but most of the time I feel pretty good. I am also getting to the gym about 2 times a week, and am working on making it about 3 times a week.
Donations
Don't forget, Roni and I are seeking donations to help raise money for cancer research. We will be going to Tucson, AZ in March to take part of "Tucson Climb to Conquer Cancer". You can donate on my page here. Or on Roni's page here.
Please help us reach our goals.
Blood Test
First of all, the test done in the Dr.'s office is for red and white blood cells, plateletts and hemoglobins. They all tested fine. Second, the test sent out for tumor markers also came back good. They were both a little higher than last time, but still within the safe limits.
CEA - 2.5 (range is 0 - 2.5) Last test it was 2.3. Before my surgery in Feb it was 4.1.
CA 19-9 - 17 (range is 0 - 37) Last test it was 12. Before my surgery in Feb it was 31.6.
I asked my oncologist if we should be concerned that the CEA was at the top end of the safe zone. He said we'll take another test in 6 weeks (instead of the usual 3 months) to see which way they go. It is not unusual for the results to flucuate, and since I have only had two since my surgery, it is really not enough to see a pattern.
CT Scan
I had the CT scan Wed morning. First of all, they gave me another type of "contrast" to drink. I usually have to drink barium, but this time they gave me a different type, mixed in white cranberry juice. Much easier to get down. And once again, Sal, my riding buddy from NYC HOG did the scanning.
I spoke to my oncologist yesterday, after he received the report and he said it was a good one. He said that there are some "cystic lesions" but nothing to worry about for now. Everything else looked good.
Things look good and I'm off the hook for another 6 months.
On another note, I am starting to feel better throughout the day. My trips to the "loo" average about 5-6 a day, but most of the time I feel pretty good. I am also getting to the gym about 2 times a week, and am working on making it about 3 times a week.
Donations
Don't forget, Roni and I are seeking donations to help raise money for cancer research. We will be going to Tucson, AZ in March to take part of "Tucson Climb to Conquer Cancer". You can donate on my page here. Or on Roni's page here.
Please help us reach our goals.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Time To Donate
First of all, I had my blood tested yesterday. The blood levels (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and hemoglobins) are all good. The Dr. felt my abdomen (where the tumors were) and said it felt fine. He said he is very happy with my progress. Now we just wait for the tumor markers, which I should get back today or tomorrow. As for the CT scan, that is scheduled for next Wednesday.
Now, for the donation pitch.
In March, Marisa Allen (Josh's sister), has organized "Tucson Climb to Conquer Cancer". This is a climb to raise money for the American Cancer Society, and will be doing so in memory of Josh.
Roni and I are planning on attending this climb and will be heading to AZ for the event and a few days of relaxing and sightseeing.
So how can you help? Roni and I have registered for the climb, and we both have web pages where you can make a donation.
To make a donation via Kevin's page, click here.
To make a donation via Roni's page, click here.
You can also make a general donation to the event at this page.
We both have set the same goals for donations, but hope to exceed those. So anything you can give would make this climb a success and would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance for your generosity.
Kevin
Now, for the donation pitch.
In March, Marisa Allen (Josh's sister), has organized "Tucson Climb to Conquer Cancer". This is a climb to raise money for the American Cancer Society, and will be doing so in memory of Josh.
Roni and I are planning on attending this climb and will be heading to AZ for the event and a few days of relaxing and sightseeing.
So how can you help? Roni and I have registered for the climb, and we both have web pages where you can make a donation.
To make a donation via Kevin's page, click here.
To make a donation via Roni's page, click here.
You can also make a general donation to the event at this page.
We both have set the same goals for donations, but hope to exceed those. So anything you can give would make this climb a success and would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance for your generosity.
Kevin
Monday, January 03, 2005
Update on Josh
As some of you may remember, one of our fellow cancer fighters passed away last year. His name was Josh Allen and he was diagnosed with the same cancer that I had. Needless to say, we were all shocked. If you had put the two of us side by side and asked which one would likely survive, you would have guessed Josh.
Well, as it turns out, he did NOT have the same type of cancer I did. His family had an autopsy done and discovered that his type of cancer was linitas plastica. From what I understand, the type of cancer cells are similar, but his originated in the stomach instead of the appendix (like mine did). This type of cancer is very fatal and it turns out that he lived much longer than he should have. Just another testament to the fight he gave.
You can read more about his updated diagnosis on his sister's blog.
Please continue to keep his family in your prayers.
Well, as it turns out, he did NOT have the same type of cancer I did. His family had an autopsy done and discovered that his type of cancer was linitas plastica. From what I understand, the type of cancer cells are similar, but his originated in the stomach instead of the appendix (like mine did). This type of cancer is very fatal and it turns out that he lived much longer than he should have. Just another testament to the fight he gave.
You can read more about his updated diagnosis on his sister's blog.
Please continue to keep his family in your prayers.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Catching Up
OK, it's been awhile since I've posted. I have no excuse. So here is a post to catch everyone up-to-date.
Vacation
In December, Roni and I travelled to Oregon to spend time with my family. Apart from the long flights in cramped seats, we had a great time. It was the first time in about 10 years that my entire family had been together. And it was the first time that some of my family had seen me since my medical problems started. It was good seeing everyone again and we look forward to the next time we can all get together.
Back to the Gym
Six months after my last surgery, I have finally made it back to the gym. You would think it would be easy as the gym is on the first floor of our apt building. But for one reason or another, I didn't go. Today I went. It was a short and easy workout (relatively speaking), but it wore me out. I am hoping to get back into a routine and hopefully get back into shape soon.
New Medicine
Since I have still been having problems with my digestive system, I was prescribed a new medicine to try. It is Tincture of Opium (opium the drug, not the perfume) and is supposd to help heal the lining of the intestines and "slow things down". I have been on it for about 2 and a half weeks and I am sorry to say I have not seen a vast improvement. Hopefully soon.
I was also told that things should be getting better about 6 months after my surgery, which is coming up soon. So maybe with that, and the medicine, and going back to the gym, I will start improving soon.
Happy New Year!
We hope that everyone has a great new year. May it be a year filled with good health and no hospitals.
New Test Soon
This week, I need to make an appointment for my next round of tests. I will be having another blood tumor test and a CT Scan. These are the types of tests that cause trepidation as we wait for the results. As you may remember, the last blood test were good so we are praying that this next one will be as well. As for the CT Scan, this will be the first one since my surgery.
I hate these tests because until you get the "all clear" you alway wonder and/or worry about something showing up that shouldn't. Plus, I hate barrium. :-(
Well, that's it for now. I'll try to post as soon as we get the test results back.
Vacation
In December, Roni and I travelled to Oregon to spend time with my family. Apart from the long flights in cramped seats, we had a great time. It was the first time in about 10 years that my entire family had been together. And it was the first time that some of my family had seen me since my medical problems started. It was good seeing everyone again and we look forward to the next time we can all get together.
Back to the Gym
Six months after my last surgery, I have finally made it back to the gym. You would think it would be easy as the gym is on the first floor of our apt building. But for one reason or another, I didn't go. Today I went. It was a short and easy workout (relatively speaking), but it wore me out. I am hoping to get back into a routine and hopefully get back into shape soon.
New Medicine
Since I have still been having problems with my digestive system, I was prescribed a new medicine to try. It is Tincture of Opium (opium the drug, not the perfume) and is supposd to help heal the lining of the intestines and "slow things down". I have been on it for about 2 and a half weeks and I am sorry to say I have not seen a vast improvement. Hopefully soon.
I was also told that things should be getting better about 6 months after my surgery, which is coming up soon. So maybe with that, and the medicine, and going back to the gym, I will start improving soon.
Happy New Year!
We hope that everyone has a great new year. May it be a year filled with good health and no hospitals.
New Test Soon
This week, I need to make an appointment for my next round of tests. I will be having another blood tumor test and a CT Scan. These are the types of tests that cause trepidation as we wait for the results. As you may remember, the last blood test were good so we are praying that this next one will be as well. As for the CT Scan, this will be the first one since my surgery.
I hate these tests because until you get the "all clear" you alway wonder and/or worry about something showing up that shouldn't. Plus, I hate barrium. :-(
Well, that's it for now. I'll try to post as soon as we get the test results back.
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