Doctor made a mistake

Hi all. Got a call from the Doctor today and guess what? He made a mistake. His call with the good news on Tuesday was apparently premature. He read the wrong scan and told me that the tumor was gone. He realized the mistake today when he read the correct report and called me.

I was very disappointed to hear this as you can imagine. He heard an earful from me. With that said, this Doctor has been very good and I like him. He made an honest mistake and only wanted to provide me with good news.

As far as the scan report goes, it shows that the tumor has shrunk by 75% and it is less active by 50%. This is very good progress. It is right on course. While I originally elected to skip my last chemo session, I will now go through it on Monday. This will be my last session.

Of course this sets my entire recovery process back a month but what can I do but to keep fighting strong? The answer is clear.

Life is full of curve balls isnt it?

I thank my wife Anna for being so strong. She took this news well and is keeping a positive attitude. What a lady! Thanks to my family for their love and support. All my friends who have called and emailed....THANK YOU. I am blessed to have all of you in my life. Take care all.

Ed

3 Nov - Good news!

Hello everyone. Sorry for not posting more but this last few weeks were pretty rough due to the last treatment. Anyhow, I did my PET Scan (like an MRI) yesterday to check on the status of the cancer. My Doctor called 30 minutes ago and told me that the scans looked great and they got everything!!! Now I can just concentrate on a full recovery and get back into the swing of things.

Thank you for all of your love and support. Yeeeeehaaaaaaa!

Ed

3 Oct

Hello friends and family. Just want to let everyone know that I am doing fine. The energy level has been good during this last week allowing me to do some workouts and go for walks. I have also been doing some motorcycle rides. Another week of recovery before my next chemo session. This will be the second to the last and that is a good thing.

I am still not able to eat solids mainly due to the lack of smell and taste. This will probably stay consistent until all of the treatments are done.

The doctors are happy with my progress so I am happy. Really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.

Thats it for now. I wish you all and your families well. Take care!

Ron C, thanks for stopping by to send me a note. I filled out that packet a couple of weeks ago and mailed it back. Good luck!

Ed

20 Sep 09

Hello everyone. Sorry for not posting for some time. I am doing ok. Went through the first of three remaining Super Chemo sessions last week which was a bit rough. Its the same chemo treatment as before but afterwards, I have to stay connected to a portable chemo pump for four days. This thing slowly drips chemo into my bloodstream over those days. It is a pain in the butt to carry around and just not fun to have with you at all times. Did I mention not being able to take a shower?

The good news is that one session is now behind me with two to go.

My energy is a bit low right now but it should improve in a few days. Still not able to eat solid food yet but looking forward to it.

Thats it for now. Take care all!

Go Steelers!

A man name Charlie, last session and safe journey

My brothers took me to get a haircut this morning since it was getting long and the radiation did a number to the back of my head. We went to a place in Downtown Danville. Old school barber shop where everyone knows one another and a Vietnamese barber name Charlie. Nice guy who took good care of me. I bumped into Eddie Poulson who saw me going in to the shop. He stopped by and cracked a joke about my bowl style haircut. Ed never changes.

LAST RADIATION SESSION TODAY! Yes, yes and yes. The staff at the hospital have been tremendous and they sent me off with a certificate and some chocolate. Doctor Masullo was very happy for me and gave me a hug. I tell you what, John Muir hospital has some great people working there. Now its time to let my face get a chance to heal. Yes!

With my last radiation session behind me, my older brother Cliff will be leaving back to Hong Kong tonight. It has been great having both of my bros supporting me through all of this. These guys drove me everywhere, waited patiently and attended to my needs. Thanks guys! I am forever grateful. Cliff, have a safe ride home and see you soon big brother.

So now what you ask. I get a break from treatments for a month. This will be time for me to get my strength back. I have 3 chemo sessions (once a month) to undergo. This is mainly to lessen the chance of the cancer from returning and spreading. There will be a MRI in the next couple of months to make sure we got everything.

Until then, I will rest and recover. I thank you all for your continued support and love. I know that your prayers have helped me through all of this. Thank you!

Ed

A nice quiet Sunday

Hello everyone. Just dropping a note to let you know that I am doing well today. The energy has been good and all of the side effects from the treatment are minimal. Enjoying a nice quiet Sunday with my ladies. I am going to get into my garage and do some light rowing to get the blood moving. Did some pushups yesterday.

Got news that one of our veteran police officers committed suicide over the weekend. What a tragedy. This guy was solid and a real character. Not sure what drove him to such desperate measures but I know that he is in heaven now and at peace. I will miss him.

Life is so precious isnt it? Go enjoy every minute and dont sweat the small stuff.

Ok, last week of radiation! This is great because my face will finally get a chance to recover. I hope to get my taste back soon. The blisters in the mouth, burning of my neck skin and tingling feeling on the left side of my face will soon improve.

Thanks for all of your prayers, support and love. Have a good one everybody.

Ed

Digging deep

This is all getting a bit old. Trying to keep a positive attitude but it is getting to me. The side affects from the treatments, the visits to the doctors, laying around all day and taking in the same old vanilla drinks are all getting the best of me. I am digging deep....very deep to get past these last stages.

Sorry to vent everyone but had to do it. Sitting at chemo treatment now and will regroup.

Ed