Had some disappointing news again today. My bone marrow isn't recovered enough to produce the stem cells required so I can have a high dose chemo. And it puts me at great risk of the cancer coming back. So we giving it another 6 weeks to recover before we gonna try again. Hopefully my body would have sufficiently recovered to produce the cells that I need to do a transplant.
Otherwise I need to get a donors stem cells and that is very risky and potentially disabling or lethal. It can cause Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)
So again, I ask please hold thumbs for me. It seems its not quite over yet!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
IT'S NEGATIVE!!!!
Just been to the doctor to get my PET scan results. After a couple of minutes sitting in his room waiting for the to find the scans that the scanning people swore they dropped off. The delivery guy suddenly pitched up with the package. By this time my heart was about to climb out my thought and Heather and my mom sitting next to me didn't seem to be any less tense.
The doctor opened the envelope, gave it a quick look if an experienced neutral look on his face before handing it over to me simply saying,
"Well the last paragraph is pretty self explanatory."
I read it slowly (even more slowly than I usually read.) to make sure I got it right;
"There appears to be no active disease."
I could not believe my own senses so the first words outta my mouth was
"Does that mean its negative."
The doctor replied with a quick sharp "Ya!" it was one of the greatest sounds I've ever heard.
I leaned across the table to shake the hand that had got me this far. He smiled and in a matter of factly way told me. "Well this is only half the battle."
I still needed to go for a stem cell transplant. The kind where they take your own stem cells and give it back to you after high dose chemo. However in my opinion the battle had been won. I don't have cancer anymore!!!
Anything that comes now any treatment that he puts me through and any pain that I suffer from now on will be better because I know there is an end to my current struggle :)
Thanks God
Thanks Heather
Thanks to my Parents and to Heather's Parents
Thanks to all my friends and family
And to everyone else who prayed and helped me through this difficult time!
NOW!!!
Bring on that stem cell!!! ... after I recover from this stupid head-cold :)
AND THEN THE REST OF MY LIFE!!!!
The doctor opened the envelope, gave it a quick look if an experienced neutral look on his face before handing it over to me simply saying,
"Well the last paragraph is pretty self explanatory."
I read it slowly (even more slowly than I usually read.) to make sure I got it right;
"There appears to be no active disease."
I could not believe my own senses so the first words outta my mouth was
"Does that mean its negative."
The doctor replied with a quick sharp "Ya!" it was one of the greatest sounds I've ever heard.
I leaned across the table to shake the hand that had got me this far. He smiled and in a matter of factly way told me. "Well this is only half the battle."
I still needed to go for a stem cell transplant. The kind where they take your own stem cells and give it back to you after high dose chemo. However in my opinion the battle had been won. I don't have cancer anymore!!!
Anything that comes now any treatment that he puts me through and any pain that I suffer from now on will be better because I know there is an end to my current struggle :)
Thanks God
Thanks Heather
Thanks to my Parents and to Heather's Parents
Thanks to all my friends and family
And to everyone else who prayed and helped me through this difficult time!
NOW!!!
Bring on that stem cell!!! ... after I recover from this stupid head-cold :)
AND THEN THE REST OF MY LIFE!!!!
Moment of Truth!!!
About an hour to go before I see the doctor for my results of the last set of tests!!!
HOLD THUMBS!!!!!!!!!!
HOLD THUMBS!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Waiting again!!
The big day has come but no news just yet. Aparently doctors are having "a final look" at the scans. So fingers still crossed and still praying hard!
Maybe I'll hear this afternoon, maybe tomorrow!!
Maybe I'll hear this afternoon, maybe tomorrow!!
Monday, May 7, 2007
Waiting for results
Today was the 3rd time I went in for scans. The PET scan is quite a mission seeing as you are event required to take an hour nap before you go in for the scan. This after you have to sign a concent form for something your going to be injected with thats not fully approved by the medical board yet.
But the worse part of the test is waiting for the results. (Yup even worse than having to lay on your back for 35 minutes with your arms above your head.... Try it.)
But if these results are good it will be the beginning of the end for my treatment. If they are good I only have a stem cell transplant or 2 to go. Which is apparently not the most fun thing in the world but it keeps the cancer from coming back!!! Which is always good to know.
So holding thumbs so that I can get on with my life.
2 Sleeps to go!!!
But the worse part of the test is waiting for the results. (Yup even worse than having to lay on your back for 35 minutes with your arms above your head.... Try it.)
But if these results are good it will be the beginning of the end for my treatment. If they are good I only have a stem cell transplant or 2 to go. Which is apparently not the most fun thing in the world but it keeps the cancer from coming back!!! Which is always good to know.
So holding thumbs so that I can get on with my life.
2 Sleeps to go!!!
CSI Question
Read this question, come up with an answer, and then scroll down to the bottom for the result. This is not a trick question. It is as it reads. No one I know has been right. A woman, while at the funeral of her own mother, met a guy whom she did not know. She thought this guy was amazing. She believed him to be her dream guy so much, that she fell in love with him right there, but never asked for his number and could not find him. A few days later she killed her sister. Question:
What is her motive for killing her sister? [Give this some thought before you answer, see answer below)
Answer: She was hoping the guy would appear at the funeral again. If you answered this correctly, you think like a psychopath. This was a test by a famous American Psychologist used to test if one has the same mentality asa killer. Many arrested serial killers took part in the test and answered the question correctly. If you didn't answer the question correctly, good for you. If you got the answer correct, please let me know so I can take you off my email list...
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
BECAUSE I AM A MAN
Because I'm a man, when I lock my keys in the car I will fiddle with a
wire long after hypothermia, or heat stroke, has set in. The AA is not an
option. I will win.
Because I'm a man, when the car isn't running very well, I will pop the
hood and stare at the engine as if I know what I'm looking at. If another man
shows up, one of us will say to the other, "I used to be able to fix
these things, but now with all these computers and everything, I wouldn't know
where to start." We will then drink beer and break wind as a form of
Holy Communion.
Because I'm a man, when I catch a cold, I need someone to bring me soup
and take care of me while I lie in bed and moan. You're a woman. You never
get as sick as I do, so for you this isn't a problem.
Because I'm a man, I can be relied upon to purchase basic groceries at
the store, like milk or bread. I cannot be expected to find exotic items
like "cumin" or "tofu." For all I know, these are the same thing. And never,
under any circumstances, expect me to pick up anything for which
"feminine hygiene product" is a euphemism. ( F.Y.I. guys cumin is a
spice and not
a bodily function).
Because I'm a man, when one of our appliances stops working, I will
insist on taking it apart, despite evidence that this will just cost me twice
as much, once the repair person gets here and has to put it back together.
Because I'm a man, I must hold the television remote control in my hand
while I watch TV. If the thing has been misplaced, I may miss an entire
show looking for it (though one time I was able to survive by holding a
calculator)...applies to engineers mainly.
Because I'm a man, there is no need to ask me what I'm thinking about.
The answer is always either s*x, cars or sport. I have to make up something
else when you ask, so don't ask.
Because I'm a man, I do not want to visit your mother, or have your
mother come visit us, or talk to her when she calls, or think about her any
more than I have to. Whatever you got her for Mother's Day is okay; I don't
need to see it. And don't forget to pick up something for my mother too.
Because I'm a man, you don't have to ask me if I liked the movie.
Chances are, if you're crying at the end of it, I didn't...and if you are
feeling amorous afterwards...then I will certainly at least remember the name
and recommend it to others.
Because I'm a man, I think what you're wearing is fine. I thought what
you were wearing five minutes ago was fine, too. Either pair of shoes is
fine. With the belt or without it, looks fine. Your hair is fine. You look
fine. Can we just go now?
Because I'm a man, and its the year 2007, I will share
equally in the housework. You just do the laundry, the cooking, the
cleaning, the vacuuming, and the dishes, and I'll do the rest,... like
looking for my socks, or wandering around in the garden with a beer
wondering what to do.
This has been a public service message for Women to better understand
Men...the above might seem like a joke. But it's not...........
wire long after hypothermia, or heat stroke, has set in. The AA is not an
option. I will win.
Because I'm a man, when the car isn't running very well, I will pop the
hood and stare at the engine as if I know what I'm looking at. If another man
shows up, one of us will say to the other, "I used to be able to fix
these things, but now with all these computers and everything, I wouldn't know
where to start." We will then drink beer and break wind as a form of
Holy Communion.
Because I'm a man, when I catch a cold, I need someone to bring me soup
and take care of me while I lie in bed and moan. You're a woman. You never
get as sick as I do, so for you this isn't a problem.
Because I'm a man, I can be relied upon to purchase basic groceries at
the store, like milk or bread. I cannot be expected to find exotic items
like "cumin" or "tofu." For all I know, these are the same thing. And never,
under any circumstances, expect me to pick up anything for which
"feminine hygiene product" is a euphemism. ( F.Y.I. guys cumin is a
spice and not
a bodily function).
Because I'm a man, when one of our appliances stops working, I will
insist on taking it apart, despite evidence that this will just cost me twice
as much, once the repair person gets here and has to put it back together.
Because I'm a man, I must hold the television remote control in my hand
while I watch TV. If the thing has been misplaced, I may miss an entire
show looking for it (though one time I was able to survive by holding a
calculator)...applies to engineers mainly.
Because I'm a man, there is no need to ask me what I'm thinking about.
The answer is always either s*x, cars or sport. I have to make up something
else when you ask, so don't ask.
Because I'm a man, I do not want to visit your mother, or have your
mother come visit us, or talk to her when she calls, or think about her any
more than I have to. Whatever you got her for Mother's Day is okay; I don't
need to see it. And don't forget to pick up something for my mother too.
Because I'm a man, you don't have to ask me if I liked the movie.
Chances are, if you're crying at the end of it, I didn't...and if you are
feeling amorous afterwards...then I will certainly at least remember the name
and recommend it to others.
Because I'm a man, I think what you're wearing is fine. I thought what
you were wearing five minutes ago was fine, too. Either pair of shoes is
fine. With the belt or without it, looks fine. Your hair is fine. You look
fine. Can we just go now?
Because I'm a man, and its the year 2007, I will share
equally in the housework. You just do the laundry, the cooking, the
cleaning, the vacuuming, and the dishes, and I'll do the rest,... like
looking for my socks, or wandering around in the garden with a beer
wondering what to do.
This has been a public service message for Women to better understand
Men...the above might seem like a joke. But it's not...........
INTERNATIONAL RULES OF MANHOOD 2007
1. Under no circumstances may two men share an umbrella, unless at
rugby, and your biltong is getting wet, then, for the eating period only, it is
permissible.
2. It is ok for a man to cry under the following circumstances:
a. When a heroic dog dies to save its master.
b. The moment Angelina Jolie starts unbuttoning her blouse.
c. After wrecking your boss' car.
d. One hour, 12 minutes, 37 seconds into "The Crying Game"
e. When she is using her teeth.
3. Any Man who brings a camera to a stag night may be legally killed and
eaten by his mates.
4. Unless he murdered someone in your family, you must bail a friend out
of jail within 12 hours.
5. If you've known a bloke for more than 24 hours, his sister is off
limits forever, unless you actually marry her.
6. Moaning about the brand of free beer in a mate's fridge is forbidden.
However you can complain at will if the temperature is unsuitable.
7. No man shall ever be required to buy a birthday present for another
man. In fact, even remembering your mate's birthday is strictly optional.
8. On a road trip, the strongest bladder determines pit stops, not the
weakest.
9. When stumbling upon other blokes watching a sporting event, you may
ask the score of the game in progress, but you may never ask who's playing.
10. You may flatulate in front of a woman only after you have brought
her to climax. If you intentionally trap her head under the covers for the
purpose of flatulent entertainment, she's officially your girlfriend.
11. It is permissible to quaff a fruity alcohol drink only when you're
sunning on a tropical beach... and it's delivered by a topless
supermodel... and it's free.
12. Only in situations of moral and/or physical peril are you allowed to
kick another bloke in the nuts.
13. Unless you're in prison, never fight naked.
14. Friends don't let friends wear Speedos. Ever. Issue closed.
15. If a man's fly is down, that's his problem, you didn't see anything.
16. Women who claim they "love to watch sports" must be treated as spies
until they demonstrate knowledge of the game (can explain offside or
LBW) and the ability to drink as much as the other sports watchers.
17. A man in the company of a hot, suggestively dressed woman must
remain sober enough to fight.
18. Never hesitate to reach for the last beer or the last slice of
pizza, but not both - that's just greedy.
19. If you compliment a bloke on his six-pack, you'd better be talking
about his choice of beer.
20. Never join your girlfriend or wife in discussing a mate of yours,
except if she's withholding S*x pending your response.
21. Phrases that may NOT be uttered to another man while lifting
weights:
a. Yeah, Baby, Push it!
b. C'mon, give me one more! Harder!
c. Another set and we can hit the showers!
22. Never talk to a man in a bathroom unless you are on equal footing:
i.e. Both urinating, both waiting in line, etc. For all other situations, an
almost imperceptible nod is all the conversation you need.
23. Never allow a telephone conversation with a woman to go on longer
than you are able to have S*x with her . Keep a stopwatch by the phone. Hang up
if necessary.
24. The morning after you and a girl who was formerly "just a friend"
have carnal 'drunken monkey S*x', the fact that you're feeling weird and
guilty is no reason for you not to nail each other again before the
discussion about what a big mistake it was, occurs.
25. It is acceptable for you to drive her car. It is not acceptable for
her to drive yours.
26. Thou shalt not buy a car in the colours of brown, pink, orange or
sky blue.
27. The girl who replies to the question "What do you want for
Christmas?" with "If you loved me, you'd know what I want!" gets a
Play station II.
End of story.
28. There is no reason for guys to watch Ice Skating or Men's
Gymnastics. Ever.
rugby, and your biltong is getting wet, then, for the eating period only, it is
permissible.
2. It is ok for a man to cry under the following circumstances:
a. When a heroic dog dies to save its master.
b. The moment Angelina Jolie starts unbuttoning her blouse.
c. After wrecking your boss' car.
d. One hour, 12 minutes, 37 seconds into "The Crying Game"
e. When she is using her teeth.
3. Any Man who brings a camera to a stag night may be legally killed and
eaten by his mates.
4. Unless he murdered someone in your family, you must bail a friend out
of jail within 12 hours.
5. If you've known a bloke for more than 24 hours, his sister is off
limits forever, unless you actually marry her.
6. Moaning about the brand of free beer in a mate's fridge is forbidden.
However you can complain at will if the temperature is unsuitable.
7. No man shall ever be required to buy a birthday present for another
man. In fact, even remembering your mate's birthday is strictly optional.
8. On a road trip, the strongest bladder determines pit stops, not the
weakest.
9. When stumbling upon other blokes watching a sporting event, you may
ask the score of the game in progress, but you may never ask who's playing.
10. You may flatulate in front of a woman only after you have brought
her to climax. If you intentionally trap her head under the covers for the
purpose of flatulent entertainment, she's officially your girlfriend.
11. It is permissible to quaff a fruity alcohol drink only when you're
sunning on a tropical beach... and it's delivered by a topless
supermodel... and it's free.
12. Only in situations of moral and/or physical peril are you allowed to
kick another bloke in the nuts.
13. Unless you're in prison, never fight naked.
14. Friends don't let friends wear Speedos. Ever. Issue closed.
15. If a man's fly is down, that's his problem, you didn't see anything.
16. Women who claim they "love to watch sports" must be treated as spies
until they demonstrate knowledge of the game (can explain offside or
LBW) and the ability to drink as much as the other sports watchers.
17. A man in the company of a hot, suggestively dressed woman must
remain sober enough to fight.
18. Never hesitate to reach for the last beer or the last slice of
pizza, but not both - that's just greedy.
19. If you compliment a bloke on his six-pack, you'd better be talking
about his choice of beer.
20. Never join your girlfriend or wife in discussing a mate of yours,
except if she's withholding S*x pending your response.
21. Phrases that may NOT be uttered to another man while lifting
weights:
a. Yeah, Baby, Push it!
b. C'mon, give me one more! Harder!
c. Another set and we can hit the showers!
22. Never talk to a man in a bathroom unless you are on equal footing:
i.e. Both urinating, both waiting in line, etc. For all other situations, an
almost imperceptible nod is all the conversation you need.
23. Never allow a telephone conversation with a woman to go on longer
than you are able to have S*x with her . Keep a stopwatch by the phone. Hang up
if necessary.
24. The morning after you and a girl who was formerly "just a friend"
have carnal 'drunken monkey S*x', the fact that you're feeling weird and
guilty is no reason for you not to nail each other again before the
discussion about what a big mistake it was, occurs.
25. It is acceptable for you to drive her car. It is not acceptable for
her to drive yours.
26. Thou shalt not buy a car in the colours of brown, pink, orange or
sky blue.
27. The girl who replies to the question "What do you want for
Christmas?" with "If you loved me, you'd know what I want!" gets a
Play station II.
End of story.
28. There is no reason for guys to watch Ice Skating or Men's
Gymnastics. Ever.
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