Good News - Challenging News

This will be short and to the point. First off, GN=Good News; CN=Challenging News. GN: For my beautiful daughter and handsome son, they no longer have to post my blog.....Mitch taught me how to do it and this is my first entry.....all by myself.....a thechy whiz at 70......yet to master the photo parts which are next.....however here I is.



GN: Went to doctor for Chemo cocktail #8, and was informed they are stopping my chemo (Docetaxel). That means my hair will begin growing back, legs will decline in edema, nose will stop bleeding, legs will gain strength, fatigue will reside elsewhere, and I'll be able to possibly play better golf!

[reason: The reason I was on chemo was to contain the spreading of my cancer. Prior to treatment, I had two lesions on hips and one on rib, and neither of those expanded or grew (GN)]



CN: They found a new lesion on my lung, so now I'm the proud owner of Lung Cancer. That, combined with my Prostate and Bone cancer give me a three leaf clover! All I need now is testicular Cancer and I'd have a four leaf clover!



GN: Am beginning on a new treatment-study (Ipilimumbab or a Placebo) with a shot of radiotherapy. This study is for "Subjects with Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer", and that surely qualifies me!



CN: Ipilimumbab sounds like a terrorist drug, but it's designed to get the natural immune system fighting the cancers (all three). If it doesn't show results, and if the side affects (too numerous to mention, however diarrea is mentioned quite often (just thought I'd share that) thus qualifying it for the CN area.



GN: My daughter Darcie, after I explained my new treatment said, "You're like a rat!" We both had a great laugh at that. However, this rat is intending to come out of this new phase better than ever, or contributing to the knowledge and research for the future cure of the big "C".



GN: My spirits are GREAT. My attitude matches. Physically, I feel good, and will be getting stronger now that I'm off the cocktails.



GN: My brothers and wives are gathering this week in SLC for a week of visits, games, cards, and tons of laughter. It is always a treat to be with them (five brothers still alive and wives like Babs - wonderful). I'm even going to try tennis today (better wear knee pads). Will have some photos of Bros and wives on next blog....and that's a promise.



That's it. Some change. Welcome continued prayers and good thoughts. They work.



Love to all,

Howard (The Rat)