Thursday, June 14, 2007
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.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
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
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Sopranos
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.
If you would like to automatically receive a copy of my posts within 24 hours of posting, please submit your e-mail below
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.
If you would like to automatically receive a copy of my posts within 24 hours of posting, please submit your e-mail below
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
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.
If you would like to automatically receive a copy of my posts within 24 hours of posting, please submit your e-mail below
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.
If you would like to automatically receive a copy of my posts within 24 hours of posting, please submit your e-mail below
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
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)
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)
Friday, June 01, 2007
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
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
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
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
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
Saturday, May 26, 2007
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
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
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
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
.
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
Saturday, April 21, 2007
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.
* 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.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
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
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
Friday, March 30, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
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).
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).
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
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
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
Thursday, March 01, 2007
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
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
Thursday, February 01, 2007
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.
If you would like to automatically receive a copy of my posts within 24 hours of posting, please submit your e-mail below
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.
If you would like to automatically receive a copy of my posts within 24 hours of posting, please submit your e-mail below
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