Tuesday, August 30, 2005

bizzy, bizzy

I haven't posted for a while...sorry folks. Things are getting really hectic with the wedding getting so close as well as tests for the doctors. There hasn't been any further information on that front. The next meeting with Lister is just after Labor Day...more updates at that time.

Also, keep an eye out for an update on the next painting, "La Berlina." She's almost complete. (Probably another 6 hours or so).

Thursday, August 18, 2005

waiting and hoping #1

Yesterday, my oncologist case manager, Renee, called back and said that we should have the PET scan before we have the next meeting. I figured they would want to do that. The test hasn't been set up yet, but I'm guessing I will have it by the end of the month, and the follow up visit with Dr. Lister probably in early September.

This is the meeting where they will discuss all of the things that we should be aware of for an allogeneic stem cell transplant, options, and questions we may have. Apparently, Dr. Lister has found a study that he believes I would qualify for and will discuss that with us on that day as well. Renee said that she would put together a packet of information about the study and send it out to us to read over before the meeting. I'm not sure what the study would entail at this time, but she said something about a "protocol" which usually seems to refer to chemo, I think. Might it be that I might not have to deal with the possibility of another transplant? How nice that would be.

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

interference

argh....
oncologist office just called to find out when they can set up the next appointment to talk about the possible transplant this fall. all the dates they offered are before the wedding

i didn't want to know if I would have to have the transplant while I'm getting dressed in my gown. i wanted that hopeful "new bride" feel--that the life i live, once married will only be written as "happily ever after"

i'm angry. i wanna fight.
feel like taking this outside?

Tuesday, August 09, 2005

clones

HBO had a "First Look" at the movie, "The Island." It's some sort of directors commentary/extended preview of the movie. "The Island" is apparently about a place on earth where some folks have a clone of themselves living, in case they need a spare organ/body part. It's a bit of an action flick and looks like a little too much running for me to enjoy—no matter how lovely Ms. Johansson is.

However, the purpose of me bringing this to my blog, was because of what the director said the core concept of the movie is:
"If we could, would we have a clone?"

...If I had a clone, would my clone also get cancer? Would the cancer have come back three times in my clone? How much does nuture (environment and lifestyle) *really* effect the development of a cancer (excluding the obvious smoker-lung relationship)?

Would a transplant from my clone be considered autologous or allegneic?
;-)

Sunday, August 07, 2005

Ibrahim, you will be missed.


Today I heard that terrible news that you died.
Ibrahim Ferrer, you had such a soul and passion to your music. Such a sweetness. You will be sorely missed.

From one who shared the stage with you just three years ago,
may you rest in peace.