Shopping Time

My brother Dave is shopping and has some prospects for a new house. Hopefully, he has come across the house he has been looking for, not far from where we live out here by Copper River Country Club.

Lately, we have been having spectacular sunsets so I have been able to enjoy a cigar or two while watching the beautiful cloud formations and colors dance across the southern horizon.

In case any of you have some cigars you would like to donate to the cause, feel free to send them on as they will be smoked with pleasure......better yet, come and smoke a cigar with me.

By the way, I am always open to visitors especially in the afternoons to come chat with me on the patio.

I am feeling better so I can stay up longer while I smoke the cigars and watch the beautiful cloud formations.

In other business.....how do you like them Steelers???!!! They are 8 and 3 and if they can stay healthy we are looking at the playoffs for the black and gold.

Fresno State is once again in a bowl game. When injuries to the team started to cause many key players to be out of action, it looked dismal but Coach Hill was able to motivate the younger guys and has played some excellent football to get to into the bowl.

It seems I will be a Grandpa very soon as Beth's doctor has given her the word that we can expect a new arrival very soon. Now...for a name. Although I have my guesses , I'm not going to spill any beans about the baby's name.

My brother Steve called to say that he thoroughly enjoyed his trip to Fresno and to the west coast and is thinking of coming back after the new year.

The Scholarship Fund has exceeded my expectations and things will be wrapping up around this project soon. Again, thank you to all who reached into their purses to make this dream of mine a reality.

The internet has made Christmas shopping a new adventure. I spent some time looking through catalogs today and despite my mobility problems I am able to shop and get Christmas gifts and Christmas cards going.

We were trying to post some pictures to go with this blog but we haven't quite figured out how to make the merge but we are trying....Stay tuned.

I am serious about the cigars and the visitation. I thoroughly enjoy both. People have asked me "what can we do to help you out?"...now you know the answer...cigars and chatter.

Peace and Health,
Bill

New Arrivals

Kathy Pierce ...we received the talking books and will start listening tonight.

Peter....the greenhouse is ready to unpack and set up. The boxes are sitting in the back of the pick up awaiting your set up.

Peace and Health,
Bill

Cellular Phone

As hoped, the cell phone has turned up, and of all places in the couch..so feel free to call it once again. and...we now know that the numbers in the cell phone can be saved online....at least with Verizon. A very worthwhile service.

Had a great visit with Paul Schecter today at the house. Paul is the person who encouraged me to become a team Doc at Fresno State and changed things for me as I took him up on his offer over 23 years ago.

Otherwise, nothing new to report.

Peace and Health,
Bill

The week-end is over

We had a full house and the house is quiet once again. Dick and Sue's visit was a real treat since we rarely get a chance to visit with them. Dave Raun and Laura also were a treat not only for the fine cigars but for the opportunity to visit altogether. Perhaps the real treat was having Emily and Sarah treat us with their antics and especially Emily and her dancing and mirth that only a two year old can share. Jen and Steve have their hands full and their visit is always most welcome.

In the event a cell phone appears on the horizon please give us a call so we can call off the search for Carole's cell phone which is missing in action.

Peace and Health,
Bill

P.S. Keep looking for the phone.

Need Help

I am looking for suggestions on purchasing "Books on CD" from Barnes and Noble. If you see any suggestions from the B & N website let me know.

It was a glorious day here today with the autumn colors, the light wind and especially the visit from Cynthia.

Peace and Health,
Bill

Update from Bill

Hey,
Jig Warren and Paula are due in tonight. Along with Beth, Bill, Marlee and Grace and the soon to be born yearning for a name (Any ideas?)

We are getting around much better since pain control has improved. Enjoying the fall foilage and a good cigar on the patio. Carole makes a good pusher woman!

The Fresno Bee has managed to keep me in the news every day by publishing bits of my deposition in the SKJ vs. Fresno State trial. Hopefully, things will end soon. Stacy will have had her day and my guess is that she will prevail and receive some compensation.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Bill

A Bill Update From The Kennedy's

Since the last post he has been battling through several issues. He had his pain under control, but ran into problems with nausea due to all the pills he was taking. He was admitted to the hospital for tests and it was concluded that the pills were upsetting his stomach and making him unable to keep any food down. He returned home and was put on continuous liquid (pump) pain medication. He can push a button when more pain relief is needed. Since then he has needed this dosage steadily increased due to his back pain. He has since had a lift delivered so he doesn't have to transfer via the transfer board which was causing him discomfort. He is now to the point where comfort, not treatment, is a priority. He and Carole had a visit from a social worker from a Hospice program to discuss any further services that are needed. They provide any supplies he may need, and are more liberal with any pain management he may require. Helen Jones MD, his wonderful primary physician, had agreed with the decision to move forward with the Hospice program. Please contact Carole first if you would like to visit to ensure he is up to visiting, and that it fits his schedule.

On another matter:
Fresno State Head Trainer Ed Ferreira and Team Physician Dr. Eric Hansen have established a scholarship in Dr. Bill's name. The scholarship, "Dr. William "Bill" Kennedy and Friends Scholarship" was established in recognition of 23 years of dedicated service to Fresno State's sports medicine program and athletic training education program. Fresno State Department of Athletics is honoring Dr. Bill Kennedy by establishing a scholarship in his name. This scholarship will be given annually to an undergraduate student majoring in Athletic Training.

In doing this, we are asking the many friends and associates of Dr. Bill to support his legacy by contributing towards this scholarship fund. We are seeking to create a minimum endowment of $25,000 (or Dr. Bill's lofty goal of $100,000) which will provide the annual scholarship award to one of our athletic training students.

Your contributions are tax deductible. Checks are payable to the Bulldog Foundation. Please write "Kennedy Scholarship" on the memo line. Please forward your contribution to:

Kennedy Scholarship c/o Ed Ferreira
Department of Athletics
Fresno State
5305 North Campus Drive
Fresno, CA 93740

Thank you very much for honoring Dr. Kennedy and supporting the Fresno State Athletic Training program. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Ed at your convenience. His phone number is 559-389-1958 or email him at edfe@csufresno.edu

The deadline for finalization of the scholarship is MONDAY, OCTOBER 30TH.

We consider ourselves very fortunate for all of the love and support during these tough times, and we will keep this blog updated with any new developments regarding his condition.

Peace and Love to all,

The Kennedy's

Medical Stuff

Well, I finally got my blood transfusion - 2 units.
People often ask me what they can do to help. I would suggest you donate a pint of blood to either the Transylvania Foundation or in my name at the Fresno-Madera Blood Bank.

Also, the urine in my urine bag (I have a catheter in) started to look cloudy, so I checked it with a chem stik indicating an infection in the bladder. I have started on some antibiotics and feel OK. Time will tell.

BTW - if you women readers are inclined to get urinary tract infections, - I would suggest buying come chem-stix. this is a strip of paper that you did in your uirne and will tell you 10 different things, In the case of bladder infections, it will tell you if you have WBCells and nitrates in the urine. Bacteria in the bladder break down the normal urea into nitrates. A singel striip costs 40 cents. If the strip is positive, you can call your doctor and get come antibiotics or further tests.

Well, Fresno State lost another one against Texas A and M. Although it was as close a game as you can get (23 overtimes), it is still a loss. Next time I see coach Hill I want to ask him why he did not go for 2 points at the end of regulation - one shot for it all. I do not disagree with his decision but I have had coaches say that if they are the underdog on the road and one play can win it all, they will play all in and go for the victory. Good luck to the dogs - I hope they get it into their heads that they are a very good football team and can can with anybody.

JOKE

What does an evagelical preacher at an outdoor rally have in common with Fresno State running a 4th quarter trick play.

ANSWER: Both have 35 000 people say Oh Jesus at the same time.

Stay tuned.

Bill

Stop Messin' With Me Uncle Sam!

Procrit - an injectable drug used to stimulate the Red Cell count in an anemic person.

Hemoglobin (HBG) - the amount of 'red' in the red clood cells - useful measurement of degree of anemia ... normalk = 12 - 15

-------------------------------------------------------------
My HBG has been running around 8.5 secondary to the ablation of some of my bone marrow from the radiation I have received recently to knock out the spinal cord tumors. When I was receiving Procrit in the hospital, the HBG would run 8 - 11. I have not had a blood count recently until yesterday and have not had any Procrit since leaving the hospital two weeks ago.

Yesterday i went to visit my oncologist and it was 8.5. Look how gray my skin looks in the following picture taken several days ago.




Well it turns out that Medicare will only pay for Procrit if the patient either has (renal failure), (recent chemotherapy), or (myleodysplasia)....so I am not eligible for Procrit -- so instead I have to get blood transfusions with double the cost and 10 times the risk. Seems the US Government knows more about treating me than my Oncologist!

The Kennedy girls were up this weekend and brought along their parents as well as Peter and Nichole.



It was a wonderful time as usual.

Go Steelers!

One Week

Well I have been home for one week and things seem to be going well. Physical Therapy (PT) comes twice a week and has been trying to build up my strength and endurance. Occupational Therapy (OT) attempts to mitigate barriers to independence. My OT Therapist, Amal, is very good.
In the photo she is attempting to see what modifications must be made to my shower to accommodate a standard bench shower apparatus (You slide onto it and then use a hand held shower).



I have had an abundance of visitors and I am quite grateful for the visit and the food-nothing like home cooking!



Tomorrow I hope to venture to Home Depot to check out some home equipment.

Stay tuned.

Getting Adjusted

Getting home is great; imagine going 10 weeks without playing with your dog. Django, the friendly dog, missed me most and is aa little perplexed by the wheelchair.



Also, my wheelchair is too big for the bathroom door - my brother and sister-in-law to the rescue!



stay tuned

Home at Last

Well I am finally home. It has been 10 weeks since I have been free of hospital bracelets and the transition to the home life has been wonderful.Sometimes transport is barebones.





Dave Raun was of immeasurable help, especially when it came to adjusting and regulating the hospital bed.






My health seems good except for the obvious problem that I can not walk and am paralyzed from the waist down! I am becoming more adept at transfers and Carole has learned to assist transfers - just amazing.

I have no immediate plans except to get healthy and learn to adapt to this new world.

Visiting: I have to rest a lot so if you pan to come out, please Call Carole before coming: 434-7795.

More later







1

LOA

Got an LOA from the Rehab hospital and am spending Sat afternoon at home. The dogs missed me but everything loooks the same.

I have had lots of visitors.




Laura makes a visit.



see you soon.

Update from Carole

Hello,
Bill has recovered from the pneumonia and UTI. On Tuesday he was transferred back to San Joaquin Rehabilitation Hospital where he will continue learning skills which will allow him to go home. His therapy sessions yesterday went well considering the fact that he is weak still from the pneumonia. Hopefully, he will continue to improve and be home in a couple of weeks. They keep him very busy at San Joaquin....so please give me a call if you plan to visit.....434-7795. Thanks.
Peace....
Carole

I am up

Well, I am up and posting. At San Joaquin Rehab there was no internet access. So, to get internet access, I had to get pneumonia and get back in St. Agnes where I have been for the past week.

The pneumonia seems improved but questions remain:
* Is it due to the steroids?
* Did I aspirate?
* Do I have reflux?

Anyway, I have some tests ordered tomorrow that may help solve the issues so I can get back to rehab.

Last week-end we were blessed with the Hazelton sisters and their parents who put on a continuous show for all of us.

This week-end, Steve has come up to lend his support and love and work on getting me better.

Stay in touch!

Bill

Update from Carole

Hi all...
This summer it feels like Bill takes two steps forward and then one step backward. He was progressing well at San Joaquin Rehab hospital until last Saturday night when he spiked a temperature of 104. So that took him to the St. Agnes ED on Sunday morning where he was diagnosed with pneumonia and urinary tract infection. He is responding to the antibiotics but still at St. Agnes. I am not sure where he will go from there as San Joaquin rehab has deemed that he is too sick for them to take back right now. His spirits are good and back pain is controlled.,,a bit groggy at times due to medications but carries on a very lively conversation as usual. I think visitors might be ok while he is at St. Agnes as he doesn't have many activities to interfere with visiting. If you do plan to visit, I would ask that you give me a call first to be sure we don't have a room full and that he is up to the visit. My number is 434-7795. He is in room 348.
Again...thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers.
Peace....
Carole

Update from Carole

Hi all...
Bill is still recovering in San Joaquin Rehabilitation Hospital here in Fresno. He will most likely be there at least another week. His days are filled with Occupational Therapy, Physical therapy and general nursing care which keeps him busy. In between all of those tiring activities, he rests. He still has a considerable amount of pain for which he is being given fairly significant doses of pain medication...sometimes making him a bit groggy. It is a real balancing act to get the right amount of pain med on board so that he has tolerable pain and can participate in the therapy sessions and not make him too groggy so that he can't participate. He is slowly getting some strength and movement back in his lower extremities but too early to know how much will return. The medical team of therapists, nurses and physicians are outstanding and there is no doubt that he is getting the best of care.
Many thanks to all who have sent greetings, called, and kept him in your thoughts and prayers. You are most appreciated.
Peace....
Carole

Update 7/2/2007

I was asked to update Dr. K's Blog. He is currently at San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation in Fresno. He was transferred there for therapy after his surgery last week. He is a bit groggy from medications at this time. Carole feels that he might be at San Joaquin for two to three more weeks. She felt that visitors might be a bit much for him this week and Blog updates will keep you posted when that changes. He is getting used to the routine. I will do my best to keep all informed of Dr. K's status. Ray O. -- Visalia

Update

Well, it seems that I have a bit of tumore in the space over my spinal cord at the waist - good news is that radiation easily kills it to relieve the pressure. I started last Thursday and have completed 3 (of 10) treatments and already things are better.

Once I can get in and out of bed onto a chair without the aid of big men, I will home - stay tuned.

Bill

BTW - Thank you for not send flowers! They block the vents of the air conditioning.

Schnapps - now ur talking.

Down but not out........

As things were not improving, I checked myself into St. Agnes Hospital. I am now finding myself in need of treatment for paralysis. More than likely this treatment will be in the form of radiation therapy. I expect to be here for one week before I am back on my feet. Please no flowers.....but I do enjoy pithy (or obscene!) get well cards. And, if you are up to it....smuggled liquor. Stay tuned.

Goin to Work

The doctoring continues: Dr Weins would like me to see Dr Davidian for steroid or anesthetic injections where the spinal nerves are being pinched.

I returned to work at the Dept of Rehab and had no problem getting around. Once the medical issues get settled, I hope to go back top my usual workload.

Tomorrow we drive to the City for a Thursday appointment.

Cya

Sopranos

Well, we invited Dave and Laura to share the exciting end of the HBO series "The Sopranos". It held us on the edge of our seats but did not push us off.

Oh well, different strokes for different folks.

Bill

Sunday Thoughts

A blog reader, after looking at my abdominal CT scan commented "That liver looks like it's been ridden hard and put away wet a few times. :)". In actual fact, the radiologist who interpreted the scan commented on seeing 'fatty infiltration of the liver'. I don't think my liver got fat eating an extra serving of broccoli; I will have to take better care of it - anyway, fat is not such a bad thing.

My Vitamin B-12 level was low so I got a B-12 shot Friday - so far --> nothing seems to be changing but how did I get low on B-12???, especially with my gluttonous eating behavior on the cruise.

Last night Dave and Laura came out and helped prepare dinner: perfect night for a patio dinner but probably not the best of nights for the liver. Tonight we are having a mini-last-Soprano-episode dinner. Should be a hoot.

Of course the big news is the arrival of Sarah Cassidy Kennedy in Santa Barbara - Mommy and baby are doing fine (come on Steve- start firing pictures my way).

As to health issues, things are going along pretty good, mainly because of my caretaker.



Also, my primary care doctor has, as Emeril says, "kicked it up a notch" and I have much more pain free episodes.

In the next couple of days I should be able to get my hands on a motorized wheelchair or scooter and that will simplify things.

Anyway, goodbye to Tony Soprano.

Oh, BTW, a very food friend (Ed Pierce)had the honor and duty of throwing out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium the other night - they tell me it was a strike.



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Scan-O-Rama

Well, early to rise and off to Physician's Imaging for some more scans. There were multiple scans today - CT Scan of the Thoracic Spine, CT of the Lumbar Spine, CT of the Abdomen and CT of the Pelvis. To prepare you must drink a Barium - Raspberry flavored contrast liquid and then wait.



Multiple images are then rendered for review by the mucky mucks.



Upon close inspection there appears to be bone spurs, calcium and sundry gunk irritating the spinal nerves, enough to cause a serious back ache.



So, following the scans, it is off to see my doctor (Dr Jones) who spent a couple of hours with me and came up with a treatment plan that should keep me busy counting pills.



Another glitch - my insurance company has not 'approved' the medication and the pharmacy does not stock it - so it will be another 48 hours with the Gin and Juice and then I can get going into twenty first century pain management.

Anyway - rejoice - the culprit seems to have been uncovered, help is on the way, and no more scans for awhile.


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Short Blog

I went to visit the Bone Doctor today
To see if there is a better way
...To reduce the pain
...and keep me sane
He ordered more scans...we'll see what they say.

More tomorrow

(Could you pass the gin over this way pleaz)

New Directions

Well, no more doctor visits for a while - have to deal with being loopy and getting on with he rest of my life - imagine - I was snorkeling in French Polynesia two weeks ago and now I need help getting out of the tub - yikes.

So I decided to go back to work and visited my favorite patients -- those in long term care at Wish-I-Ah. Margret is a dear dear soul who has spent most of her adult life in some custodial situation but all agree she gives the best hugs. I had the nurse snap a pic of us yesterday and Margaret was pleased (she is 86) and gave permission to publish (HIPPA be damned)!



Today, I went to a Health Faire at the Oncology Clinic.



- vendors and food and hooked up with Andrew - the guy who get can get me into a chair - the technology has produced some screaming action - so I tried it on and am making an application with my Insurance Company to get one - mostly to prevent falls and increase home mobility. Check it out.




Carole is a bit skeptical.

I am not so sure about the balloons but I like the look!

Dave and Sylvia came out and we barbecued some delicious Bentley's kabobs and pounded through a couple of pitchers of Dave's Famous Margaritas, and then a couple more.

All is well

Brain Time

I am still walking like Dudley Moore in Arthur but without the laughs.

Today, I had an interview with the neurologist (a man I have always respected as a great clinician and teacher). I went over for the MEI of my brain and will follow up with the neurologist in the am.

My father, wife, kids, associates have always said I should have my head examined so today I did and it is weird to be able to look inside your head.

The good news: no senility, tumor, infection, stroke, blood vessel problems, bleeding.



Double click the picture to see the fine print!!

Well, more exams and more tests - stay in touch.

WK

Rolling and Tumbling

The last several days have been spent at Doctor's Offices and Imaging Centers. When I got the wobblies and started bumping into things, it seems that I probably had something compressing my spinal cord; however the MRI suggested otherwise. It seems that I have short pedicles in my spinal cord (the arch that the spinal cord and nerves run through) that is further compromised by bone spurs and other aging phenomena causing a crunching of the nerves coming out of the spine with pain and spasm.



On the picture you can imagine if the pedical is short (someting I was born with) and some spurs where the nerve runs, it could get ouchy!

The bone scan shows plenty of tumor but most it looks knocked down by the cancer treatment, so it may be that my current problems are not primarily being caused by cancer - but who knows for sure.

Yesterday there were many attempts to put dye into my spinal canal but each tap came up dry - no spinal fluid so no picture of the nerve roots (myelogram) so we can see exactly what is going on.

In the meantime, I am unsteady and using a walker. So what now.

Tuesday I am having my head examined (an idea people have suggested long ago) via an MRI and I see a neurologist, then more scans, then the oncologist and the the doctors at UCSF. In the meantime it is Percodan, dinner on the patio, and catching up on my TIVO movies.

Cheers...

K

La Grande Aventure

This is going to be a bigger blog - covers lots of stuff.

The Cruise
We flew from LAX on May 6 to Tahiti - 9 hours - but great service. We spent the next day in port at Papeete, Tahiti - Carole walked about the twon and I did some retoxing, then we sailed out.


The cruise ship was awesome - very well appointed and best service and food ever. We visited 4 islands in French Polynesia (Tahiti, Mo'orea, Bora Bora, Raitera) and the largest island of the Cook Islands (Raratonga) - every island had a barrier reef with miles of crystal clear green water 80 degrees and 3 feet deep with tropical fish abounding.



We finally flew back to LAX May 16 - overnight - arriving the a.m. of May 17. My final class at Fresno State was that evening so we drove to Fresno, showered, tucked down the class and prepared for Burning House Festival X

Special thanks to Jeri Techman at etravelexpress.com for setting it up.

Burning House Festival 10

Well 5/19 1997 was the great house fire so we celebrated the 10th anniversary of that event. We had three bands: Drum Magic - an afro-centric percussion band, Mariachi alas del Cielo - a young and passionate group of Mariachis and Good Medicine - our spiritual journey band. Festival X was the best - about 80 people, unbelievable pot luck sensations, the best in meat and drink, best weather and the nicest people you would ever want to meet.






Special Thanks To:

Ken Vredenburg - the cool draft pale ale
The Maldonados - the kitchen, the meat, the great young people, the morale support
My family - the hard work
Onna Mehas - the bounce house and the tent


Hell Week

I have put off dealing with the prostate cancer top get thru the cruise and the class but Hell week has been set up to decide what is going on and what to do.

Since the cruise I have been walking funny, sort of like a drunk who can't pass a sobriety test - I thought it was just sea legs but it has progressed to the point that I stumble about. Today, I had some scans ordered for UCSF but called my oncologist instead, who did a clothes off evaluation and felt I had a spinal cord cord tumor and would likely need emergency spinal surgery.

However, I underwent CT scan, MRI, blood tests and the cause of my wobblies is not apparent - a puzzle - so he told me to get a cane, don't fall and get more tests.

So tomorrow it is a bone scan, Friday a CT myelogram and then reassess (Does anyone have Dr. House' phone number?).

Anyway, good news --> no immediate surgery; bad news --> I do need the handicapped parking.

Stay tuned.

Convergence

.
.

I call May 2007 my month of convergence because a lot will be happening.

1. In one week will will fly to Tahiti to begin a 10 day luxury cruise in the South Pacific aboard the Tahitian Princess.

2. Burning House Festival X - celebrate the 10th anniversary of our house burning to the ground.

3. I will get scanned and evaluated for the next attack on my cancer at UCSF. This is not fun but it is what it is.

4. I will have completed teaching my course at Fresno State, given the final exam; I will miss this experience.

5. My brother Dave's birthday is coming up (May 22) - he will be eligible to join the AARP.

6. Carole will be holding a shower for Jen in Santa Barbara - Jen is due to deliver our fourth granddaughter (Sarah) in early June.

7. I will be officially retired as team physician for Fresno State. Having been associated with Fresno State has been a magnificent adventure - not only for the "I'm with band" experience but the incredibly wonderful friends I have met. Some of the best people on earth are in athletics. I am humbled to think I have been part of that journey. But it is time to move on and bring on the younger doc.

Expect a bunch of posts as the month rolls on.

Check it out: I recently submitted my DNA to National Geographic for analysis of the genetic journey my father took over the last 60 000 years. We all started our journey in East Africa and I ended up in Ireland. Click here to see the results.


BTW, if you need a travel agent, the best of the best is Jeri at Travel Express in Fresno!

Cheers

4:20

Well 4:20 has come and gone. For those of you who have no sense of 4:20, it is a both a date and time. 4/20 is:

* Hitler's Birthday

* Columbine Anniversary

* National Hippie Holiday
Click here to get info on the Hippie thing.

I also hear that all the clocks in the movie PULP FICTION are set to 4:20 but I have not confirmed this.

My best 4:20 memory is that Al Ward and me were at the High Sierra Music Festival listening to Leftover Salmon playing late night (they played until the sun came up) and at 4:20 a.m. they stopped playing so everyone could light up. It will be hard to forget that night.

Unfortunately or perhaps fortunately, I have not celebrated 4/20 4:20 in a few years. Currently I am dealing with back problems that have curtailed my fun (golf, dog walking, air guitar, mayhem, etc). Fortunately I have found Spitzer Physical Therapy in Clovis and they are working me out. Dennis Spitzer's plan for back pain is not sissy modalities (heat, ultrasound, TENS, phonophoresis, massage, manipulation) but hard work to correct the posture and the supporting muscles of the abdomen, butt and legs. So a session is work.

But it is helping and I have a plan to get going. Hopefully, I will be in shape for the upcoming cruise.

Nothing else - waiting for next weekend when we trip to Yosemite for the weekend with Peter and Nichole.

Pix to follow after Yosemite.

Yosemite Trippin'

We have had two trips to Yosemite in the last two weeks. First was a day trip with my cuz Ward, his wife Cathleen and daughter Meredith and Beth and the girls. It was a glorious day and exceeded all my expectations. A photo -



The following week Rob and Emily Myallis came up and we were able to spend the night last Tuesday. The first day was 'perfect' weather, the second day was snow and rain making for a great mountain experience.

To see a slide show, click here

It really was an honor to have these folks as guests at our house.

My dear friend Emilio Garcia DDS was married today. He is not only a damn fine dentist, but one of the nicest people I have ever met. It was an honor to be invited and he really looks like a man in bliss.

Getting ready for Tahiti; otherwise nothing else to report.

Peace

Sundry

Couple of Things

The FDA panel on new drugs recommended approval for wide use of a Prostate Cancer Vaccine (Provenge). The drug is given to those with advanced androgen independent prostate cancer (AIPC) and works by stimulating the immune system. There are virtually no side effects and I can see the day that this is given all men with prostate cancer. The FDA is expected to give final approval in May; if they don't there will a lot of pissed men heading to D.C.

Tonight the topic at my class at Fresno state was my friend Steve Hirasuna. Steve has been running an inner city Drug Rehab program for 10 years and has been doing Addiction Treatment for > 25 years. He is the best1

Here is a picture of Steve and I.

News Article

Bill McEwen, a columnist for the Fresno Bee, published a column 2 days ago. Bill is my favorite columnist at the Bee and can remember when he was a reporter for Fresno State Athletics. I am heavily referenced in the article and you can be the judge as to whether I come off as a snitch or just trying to do the right thing.

Anyway, the story (Click here to read) concerns a lawsuit that the former Fresno State Woman's basketball coach has filed alleging her firing was in part due to gender discrimination, and her attorney is trying to show that the attitude of the Athletic Administrators toward men with drug problems were different than the attitude toward women. Terry Pettis, former men's basketball star is the case in point.

Just before Terry Pettis was sentenced for the shooting of a young woman in a drug deal gone bad, he 'told all' to the Fresno Bee and alleged that his coach and administrators let him down by allowing him to play drug dirty rather than cleaning him up. Pettis was not alone in having problems complying with rules and regulations. Click for an interesting article published when Terry was suspended for good from the team.

Following the publication of the story and following Pettis' sentencing to life without parole, I wrote him a letter, having been asked not to by Fresno State Athletics until the matter was settled (I am OK with this).

In the letter I ask him to forgive his superiors so he could move on. Personally, I think that his coach and AD and President did what they felt best and only in hind site did it appear to be the wrong approach. In other words, I do not have any criticism of the Administrators since there is a much bigger picture to University Athletics and some decisions may not be in the best interest of an individual athlete but in the best interest of the University and community. This is a never ending dilemma: who should supervise the behavior of athletes - coaches?, administrators?.

For me there is little conflict since the Hippocratic Oath says: (I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone).

New Plans

I just returned from a visit with my Prostate Cancer Specialist, Dr Eric J. Small at UCSF Cancer Medical Center. Carole went with me and surprisingly, some old friends from Fresno had an appointment at the same time for the same issues with another clinic doctor.

The basic problem is that turning on and off my testosterone and adrenal hormones did not seems to change my blood tests, so we made a decision to try a new tact.

I am going off all oral anti-cancer medications, let things wash out, follow my PSA for about 6 weeks and then do some scans to see what is going on. If not much change, then I will enter the vaccine trial; if there is something aggressive then we will attack with WMD - some new chemotherapy. One of the biggest problems to deal with when you have these issues is not to have a plan but now we do.

Perhaps best off, I will not be getting anything toxic on our Tahiti-South Pacific cruise in May.

Stay tuned.

St Partrick's Day

Lots going on.

First of all, I went thru a deposition a while ago. Seems that the former woman's basketball coach is suing he University for wrongful termination. I have no dog in this fight but I got dragged into it because I was in the middle of a drug crises with the men's basketball team a few years ago. I was deposed as well as Terry Pettis - a former player - who is doing a life sentence for murder. Fresno State elected to post the depositions on the internet. If you want to see the inside of drugs and Fresno State, check out this link. Click Here

Last Weekend

Beth, Bill, Marlee, Grace, Emily and Steve came to Fresno.


It was interesting have the kids stray at our house.

We had a great weekend and played in the Fresno State Golf Tournament - we did not win but got some prizes anyway.



I went to LA Tuesday and spent the afternoon and evening with Beth, Bill and family and my Philadelphia connection: Rob Godsall - my cousin from Atlanta - and his nephews - Rob Myallis and Jonathon Godsall. It was delightful to see them them again!. Hopefully I can get to Tim Godall-Myers wedding in Philadelphia in August.

Finally, we are taking a South Pacific cruise out of Tahiti for 10 days in May - balcony and all the trimmings.

Stay tuned.

I go to UCSF Medical Center Tuesday for another consultation as to what are my options in the treatment of my prostate cancer. Should be an interesting adventure. We are staying at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel - more to follow.

Plea Bargain

I went to criminal court yesterday for the impersonating a disabled person arrest (a misdemeanor). Looked like TV with guys and gals in handcuffs and chains, lawyers prancing about, the judge driving things forward. I took advantage of the Public Defender who pleaded me to an infraction. I pleaed no contest, payed a fine and can move on with my life without the tag of misdemeanor on my resume.



Anyway, if you are going to use someone elses disabled placard, be aware of the hassle if you get noticed.

Big weekend coming up - will post next week.

Bill

Yuk

I have been on a treatment strategy that wipes out any trace of testosterone as prostate cancer is usually sensitive to testosterone. However, the last two months my PSA has continued to rise. Ironically, I feel OK (except for not having any macho hormone and the meds I have to take) and enjoy every day.

So, next step is to go to UCSF to see the experts (again) and probably get into treatment with new drugs not available to the public (yet).

Needless to say, its a bit scary and unsettling but I suppose it is a bit of an adventure and an inevitable part of the 'long strange trip'.

On the other hand, I am really having a wonderful time teaching a class at Fresno State - the students are wonderful (i.e. full of wonder) and have a passion for learning.

No pictures today, but there should be plenty next post as we are having a housefull next weekend.

Peace

Bill

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day(click) - Punxsutawney Phil

The frost has melted but the scars remain. The water pump from our storage tank shredded - cold trauma? - and had to be replaced and the shard from the impeller jammed up the toilet floats and washer so Stan the Man the Plumber came to the rescue.

Then Millie got a big dose of reality. Every day she approaches the dog next door and yaps at her. The next door dog (Kayla) is fenced behind a wrought iron fence that Millie can stick her snout through - well Kayla let her know that her attention was unwanted and got a couple of bites into her. Of course the dachshund drama was unreal but she has calmed down a bit and the wound is healing better after she was placed on Amoxicillin.



My health is good. I feel well and my recent check-up was OK. I am on drugs to suppress my adrenal glands and its anti-cancer effects won't be know for another month or so, so it is nice NOT to be be chasing the PSA for a while.

My class at CSU Fresno is going well. The Rehab Counseling Department is really warm and fuzzy. Tonight I had Irv Dimont do a presentation on back anatomy and disorders and it was wonderful. I had to call the class to end - I think the students would have liked to gone another hour.



Superbowl weekend and then back to normal Stay tuned.

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Big Week

It has been a big week: three events.

First, I started my official duties as adjunct faculty at CSU Fresno with session one on Thursday. It felt good - energetic students and great support from Charles and Ray (my mentors).

Second, I was arrested for impersonating a disabled person. It turns out that because of the extensive chemotherapy I was left with neuropathy and myopathy in the lower legs and ongoing drug treatments has led to weakness. I also have chronic swelling in my left leg from blood clots due to chemo. If that is not enough, my left knee swells from arthritis due an old soccer injury-surgery.




Additionally, at night I have fallen down due to the neuropathy, especially in low lighting. I never got a disabled placard because we already had one from Carole's Mom; however, I generally did not need it since I park in the State garage at the Dept of Rehab, Doctors parking at Northwest Medical Group, and faculty lots when I was with athletics but now do not have a faculty permit and the my paperwork had not been processed to get one. Rather than risk a long walk in the dark (class ends at 7 pm) I used the placard at home and got busted - it actually can be a misdemeanor. The following morning I received both a faculty permit and my doctor filled out the paperwork for another placard, so I know longer have to impersonate a disabled person. I was hoping the meter maid guy who confronted me and the cop might listen to reason, but their sympathy was about the level of Saddam's hangman. Hopefully the judge will be a little more open minded.

Third, my two year old grand daughter - Grace Ann had her second birthday at Chuck-E-Cheese in LA - great time with the family getting together with friends.



My daughter Beth and husband are in Las Vegas for a convention for a few days so we are staying in LA to watch her kids, Marlee and Grace.




It seems there is always some adventure around the corner.

Stay tuned.

Happy New Year

Well, the holidays are over and the winter freeze is on!

Christmas was celebrated in West Hills (north of Los Angeles) with my children and grandchildren. My son Steve was supposed to join his wife Jen and daughter Emily at his in-laws in Alexandria VA but could not get out of Santa Barbara due to fog in connecting cities.

(Steve - Emily -- Jen)

Instead, he celebrated with the rest of us but eventually was able to connect with his family the the early hours of Dec 26th.

After returning to Fresno Carole and I became ill with a nasty upper respiratory infection that carried into the new year.

However, undaunted we went to San Francisco for a huge - larger than life - String Cheese Incident NYE. We hooked up with Peter and some friends and Polly and Scott - it was a wonderful time of excess and hedonism and community of the happy.....and great music.

(Peter and Friends at the Pre-Show Party)



(Carole and Randy)

(Is Scott havin' Good Time ... or what!)

Healthwise I feel pretty good. I am having some mild side effects of the pills I am but no real problems.

The exciting news is that I am now adjunct faculty of The School of Counseling at CSU Fresno and will be teaching 3 hours a week to those working on a Master's in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling. School starts next week - I am truly honored and excited to be teaching post-graduates but am a little unsure of things like homework, testing, etc.

Carole and I are going next week to LA to watch Beth's kids while the parents are away at business meetings.

Stay tuned!