The only decision made on December 3rd was for me to stop taking Chlorambucil for a while. All indications from the blood tests are that it is working at bringing my CLL under control. However, my red blood cells are also decreasing. My hematologist/oncologist said it is unclear whether Chlorambucil is responsible for Read More
Another Perspective
The Infusion Center
November 26, 2013
The check-in for the infusion cancer center is in the main lobby of the Moores building on the UCSD campus. I don’t know about you, but I’d never been to an infusion center before I needed to go myself. It is the room where cancer patients receive their chemotherapy.
It is a Read More
It is a Read More
December Decision
November 8, 2013
After meeting with my oncologist last Tuesday there is some good news and some disappointing news.
The good news is my white blood cell count continues to decline. From a high of 161.5, it is now 42 (normal is 4-10). The Chlorambucil is clearly doing its job. I have more energy and on occasion recall what Read More
The good news is my white blood cell count continues to decline. From a high of 161.5, it is now 42 (normal is 4-10). The Chlorambucil is clearly doing its job. I have more energy and on occasion recall what Read More
In Honor of All Saints' Day
November 1, 2013
Growing up in the Episcopal Church I’d participated in more than a dozen All Saints’ Day activities by the time I was a teenager. It never meant much to me but I loved the music, especially “For all the saints who from their labors rest.” Not only did I participate in All Saints’ Read More
Initiation by Fire
October 4, 2013
Throughout our lives each of us experiences a series of initiations. These are rites of passage whereby we move from one level of awareness and understanding into a new, more expansive and profound one. The church calls these sacraments. Often these initiations involve pain, suffering, an enduring of fear, humiliation and loss of social Read More
That Burning Sensation
September 28, 2013
After last Tuesday’s dose of Chlorambucil, I had an intense burning sensation fill me. It felt like I had a fever: violent chills, shaking and a headache. I was miserable for about 4 hours until these symptoms went away.
This was a nasty enough experience that doing it again in two weeks left me Read More
This was a nasty enough experience that doing it again in two weeks left me Read More
A Week to Recover
September 19, 2013
When I went for my latest dosage of Chlorambucil, I was told I’d had a mixed response to the first two dosages. My white blood cell count has dropped impressively but my lymph nodes have not reduced in size. Consequently the doctor decided to increase the dosage. I took 31 pills last week instead Read More
Better Living through Chemistry
August 21, 2013
I want to begin by thanking my readers for their thoughts, prayers and good wishes. They are very much appreciated. Thank you.
The computer for the clinical trial study for Ibrutinib randomly assigned me to the older drug, Chlorambucil. While disappointing this drug, that was approved by the FDA for the treatment of Read More
The computer for the clinical trial study for Ibrutinib randomly assigned me to the older drug, Chlorambucil. While disappointing this drug, that was approved by the FDA for the treatment of Read More
Decision Day
August 12, 2013
As I write this blog, I am waiting for a telephone call that will tell me if I have been accepted into a trial clinical study for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). If I have been, the likely outcome, then I will be told which of two drugs, one old and one new, the study Read More
Barbecue Grill: An Update
July 10, 2013
I went to the oral surgeon on Monday to have my tongue biopsied for possible cancer. The procedure involves a scraping of the tongue with a wire brush - just like I clean my barbecue grill.
Good news: when the surgeon examined my tongue and mouth, he found no signs of cancer or of Read More
Good news: when the surgeon examined my tongue and mouth, he found no signs of cancer or of Read More