Author Archives: Alan

About Alan

F---ing Cancer since 2011.

It’s All About the Love

Posted on December 24, 2016 by Alan

It is with broken hearts that we, Alan’s wife, daughter and son, write this last entry in It’s All About the Parking. Our dear Alan passed away Friday evening at home in his bed with his family around him. He … Continue reading →

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Acupuncture, Radiation and other Areas Outside my Comfort Zone

Posted on November 18, 2016 by Alan

Nothing deep and philosophical in today’s post.  I’m tired and it is, alas, more of a process piece and update.  But, read on to see how you might be able to help out in a tangible way over the coming … Continue reading →

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Why can’t some people just keep their mouths shut?

Posted on November 4, 2016 by Alan

The human condition amazes me. I don’t know why, but I’m still constantly floored by the compulsion so many people have to fill a silence with inane chatter that makes no sense.  Sure, maybe they are trying to “help,” but, … Continue reading →

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Between Gratitude and Hope

Posted on October 13, 2016 by Alan

Tuesday evening marked a very special occasion for me, on an intensely personal level.  I was privileged to lead my congregation in the recitation of Kol Nidreh, which is said at the beginning of Yom Kippur – the Day of … Continue reading →

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The Importance of a Medical Advocate

Posted on September 20, 2016 by Alan

A friend whose parent is dealing with cancer shared with me this article (“Hospitals and the Decline of Comprehensive Care”) from The New England Journal of Medicine.  It addresses the disjointedness of the healthcare system (in the US only, I … Continue reading →

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Getting Busy

Posted on September 19, 2016 by Alan

Hello! Last week I had my monthly follow up with the oncologist.  Unfortunately, my tumor markers have risen significantly and the results from my CT and ultrasound, both taken when I was recently in the hospital due to my blocked … Continue reading →

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Alan Takes a Ride in an Ambulance!

Posted on September 4, 2016 by Alan

Apparently, it’s not old age. Two weeks ago, I reported on my aches and pains and my oncologist’s suggestion that it can likely be ascribed to “getting older.”  Maybe some of it can, but some of it certainly can not. … Continue reading →

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This ‘n That

Posted on August 25, 2016 by Alan

Apparently, I’m not as young as I used to be. When visiting my oncologist last week to review recent blood tests and to discuss continuing to move forward with the TAS-102, she informed me that, contrary to what she has … Continue reading →

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Gratitude – and not just for how amazing I look!

Posted on August 7, 2016 by Alan

Hello!  Lots to write about today… First, I’m pleased to report that last week I finished another round of TAS-102, which seems to continue to work, at least in terms of managing my symptoms.  I did have a spike in … Continue reading →

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Back to Work

Posted on July 22, 2016 by Alan

Good morning. Yesterday was my monthly follow up with the oncologist to see how the TAS-102 is working. In short, good news. Even though my tumor markers have shown a split decision, i.e. some down and some up, the doctor … Continue reading →

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