Well, it's a start

Yesterday was not a fun day. We had to go to KU Med (main hospital) and have them install what theyquaintly call a "Port". This is a surgically installed portal that allows them to administer the chemo. It is a clever idea and looks pleasant enough but putting it in was and all day job. We arrived at the hospital at 8:45 a.m. and they were able to work me in around 11 a.m.---not complaining they were kind enough to put me into their busy schedule at the behest of Dr. Smalley(radiologist) and Dr. Baranda(oncologist). Dr. Alley was the surgeon---and of all people I ran in to Dr. McEachen's son Bob who is an anesthiologists nurse--he wasnt on my case but it was nice to have him assure me that I was in good hands--it re-affirmed my decision to return here for treatment--did I mention that our friend and neighbor is on Dr. Smalley's staff, but I digress, which I do frequently.


They loaded me with valium and implanted the "port" just below the clavical bone on the left side of my upper chest. It is beneath the skin and channelled in to the main artery. It has a silicone center where they insert the needles through the skin and into the port for administering the chemo.


As I understand it I will be receiving one dose of chemo(Oxaliplatin)beginning today and then they will attach a fanny pack that will provide continous chemo(Fluorouracil) 24/7. I will receive Radiation 5 days a week and then an additonal dose of Ox the third week and then an additional 3 weeks of F 24/7 and Radiation. At the end of 6 weeks, hopefully they will have knocked the dog poop out of the active cancer and then decide what surgical course to take.


I am not egotistical or cruel enough to think that it was God's will to have hurricane IKE disrupt my plans to go to MD ANDERSON but I am grateful that the hurricane caused me to re-think my decicison and return to Kansas to be here with my friends and family AND I am absoutely grateful and confidant that I have found very good and kind health care providers that pick up the phone and talk to each other in order to faciltate the treatment that is needed.


I do not know much but this much I do know: God works through people--so keep working for me and others who need your heart, your help, your hand and your prayers. Oh, and for those of you who know me Good, Orderly Direction is still what I mean.



I was knocked out most of yesterday and I am still woosey today---but I would like to share a poem with you that has resonated in me throughout my life---I only hope that I have lived by its sentiments.



The poet John Donne said it best:



No man is an island, entire of itself
every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main
if a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were,
as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were.
Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind
and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls
it tolls for thee.
-- John Donne

I dont know whether you can post on this but if you have comments or questions email me at rebeldog109@gmail.com