Monday, February 11, 2008

Still good

Still feeling good.

Still running. Cut it short again this morning -- high winds outside woke the dog up way too early, and so I had to take her downstairs with me while I hit the treadmill. Otherwise, she'd have sat at the bottom of the stairs and whined until one of the kids came down to see her.

So instead, I had her with me. Strudel is actually a fan of the treadmill. When the weather is nasty, we put her on it for 20 or 30 minutes. She really likes it -- works off some of that puppy energy. We got the idea from The Dog Whisperer, Ceasar Millan, who has a show on the National Geographic channel. It's a great workout for her, because she also uses some mental energy focusing on looking forward. If she turns to the side on a moving treadmill, well....it's not good.

Anyway, this morning, I think she wanted a turn on the treadmill, so she just sniffed a lot and stood behind me where I couldn't see her, whining a little. She must have tried to jump on at one point, which is not easy to do when I'm running at a 9:30 pace. I couldn't see her, but the treadmill belt kind of jumped a little, and she screamed and jumped up on the couch. There may have been a small bald patch on her beard. Not really sure.

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About the blog: I changed the security on the "comments" so that anyone can make a comment now. It used to be that you had to be a registered Google user, but now anyone can add something without signing in. Just be sure to sign your name at the bottom of the comment so I know who you are. I appreciate all of the comments and the e-mails. I know the initial shock of it all has worn off now, and watching-and-waiting doesn't make for much to say, but it's nice to get even a quick "hello" every now and then. They mean a lot. And thanks to those of you who have called or e-mailed Isabel. A quick hello helps a lot there, too, just to see how she's doing.

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A couple of interesting things from the on-line support group this weekend that were very encouraging.

First was a post from someone new to the group, a 63 year old woman who calls herself "Tarzan." She chose that name because her oncologist said that Follicular NHL folks are like the Tarzans of the cancer world -- there's always another vine to grab on to. New treatments, new options, new successes. It was nice to read.

Someone else posted a link to a short article from the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology by a doctor who has been researching follicular NHL for almost 50 years. He did a kind of review of significant changes in fNHL over the last 25 years. It's written for other specialists, of course, so I don't get a lot of what he's saying (I'm going to bring a copy with me to my next appointment to get some answers). For him, the biggest change in research has been in the increased awareness of the transformative nature of fNHL: it starts as something fairly non-aggressive, but then can take on a different, more aggressive form. Catching the transformation, and deciding on an appropriate course of treatment, are key. This reaffirms the appropriateness of the watch-and-wait approach, since treating the fNHL won't necessarily do much, since it often comes back, and then requires another round of chemo (and the time, money, and pain that goes with it). Watch and wait allows the doctor to see if it has transformed.

Also encouraging are some new numbers. Up until now, the most recent numbers for survival rates had a median of 10 years; this is the figure listed on Wikipedia and elsewhere. As I said in a post a little while ago, Dr. C the specialist told me that anything on the internet is already out of date. Recently published figures show a new median of 15 years, with another study showing 18 years. Advances in biological therapies (a drug called Rituxin that boosts antibodies without many of the horrible side effects of CHOP and other chemo treatments) are a big reason for the increased survival rates.

Of course, "median" means half are better and half are worse, so it's all still a big unknown. But it's all reason to be positive, too. The plan remains to see the oncologist monthly, so any transformations in the fNHL should get caught early, but that all depends on what it transforms to. But...but...but...but...Still in that good news/bad news cycle. But it's all reason to stay positive.

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Thanks to Mom and Dad for watching the kids this weekend, and for the new red running shirt with RELENTLESS emroidered on the sleeve. Can't wait for nicer weather so I can wear it.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Bob - Just wanted to let you know that you're in our prayers everyday. Peter should be happy spring training starts next week.
I never thought of putting the dog on the treadmill. That's awesome. That should tire him out for a little while anyway.

Love,
Denise

mike said...

"Can't wait for nicer weather so I can wear it."

ummmm, Bob - you live in New England. There is no such thing as nicer weather, just weather that's different than today's weather. JUST DO IT.

mike

Anonymous said...

that's awesome about the treadmill, i can't believe he actually does it!! WOW, even your dog is talented :),,,staying positive always and keeping you in our prayers, have a good week!

xxooChristine

cocovertigogo said...

I don't have a dog or a treadmill, but somebody once told me to vacuum my cat because her cat "loves it." Didn't work out. To say the least. So I'm a little worried about you recommending the dog on the treadmill to others. Perhaps your dog (like this woman's vacuumed cat) is just odd.

Hoping to make you smile like we do all day at (and in spite of) that place at which we work which we will not name.

You're right -- the shock may have worn off, but the caring about you has not and will not. If I haven't said thanks for this blog -- thanks. It makes checking in on you easier.

(as if you don't see me enough ;)

See you tomorrow!

nicole

Anonymous said...

Bob-

Just a note to let you know how thoroughly I enjoy your blog. It startles your readership into new and challenging ideas. I love the thought of your running with a group called "The Flying Geese." My favorite story when I was small, was about the little boy who watched the geese fly by his window at night. He was once invited to join them, which he did. I was never invited, sorry to say, but what a trip it would have been, stricking out into the unknown with great grace-just like you are doing.

Christine mentioned to me the other day that she is reading a book called "Cooking Without a Book" and we both thought of you. In a way that's what you are doing. Have you ever thought of writing a cookbook? I remember you telling me once that cooking was a tension reliever because you can control more of the immediate outcome than you can with your students. Just a thought.

I am pleased to hear how Peter, John and Catherine are all so involved in music. I have always noticed how many babies hum themselves into a good mood. Music can be a comfort and a joy, to the audience as well as the player. You have given your children many great gifts, music is certainly one of them.
Well I'm off to vote.

Much love,
Mom

Joe said...

Hey Bob,

Hello from California. So I though I was in with the cool kids, and now you say that anyone can get in here?

Joe

Joe said...

The other Christine (my wife, the California Christine) also has that book, "Cooking Without A Book". I find this to be extremely confusing. Fortunately I'm not one of those androids in the old Star Trek, or perhaps my head would explode.

Anonymous said...

hi uncle bob.

i think strudel might be a bit sharper than our dog, shadow. shadow thinks the TV is a window. i wouldnt chance putting the poor guy on a treadmill.


ooo ooo, i have a cookbook recommendation:
the Veganomicon. grandma sent me a copy for xmas, and the recipes are delish (especially the lasagna).

much love to you and isy and the kids and dog!
julia

Anonymous said...

Bob I hate to complain but I can't help thinking that your blog would improve if you adopted some sort of clever symbol for your now standard "Today I am feeling:" opening message.

You could use emoticons, color coding (think Homeland Security) or perhaps a Simpson's character. Examples: If you are feeling terrible and vindictive you could display Moe Sizlak, feeling ok but rather weak Mr. Burns (trying to crush a paper cup). Feeling calm and good Carl the cheerful friend of Lenny's at the power plant. If you're in the mood to get all sciency you could display Professor Frink. When you are on top of the world you could display okleydokley Ned Flanders.

Let's get creative Bob.

Tom (your Oregon brother-in-law)