Tag Archives: colon cancer

Acupuncture, Radiation and other Areas Outside my Comfort Zone

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Between Gratitude and Hope

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

The Importance of a Medical Advocate

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Getting Busy

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Alan Takes a Ride in an Ambulance!

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

This ‘n That

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Gratitude – and not just for how amazing I look!

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Back to Work

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

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 21 Comments

Ain’t no going back

Rebeca, a blogger friend of mine, pens The Small C, about her experience since her cancer diagnosis at age 32.  Her most recent post raises an excellent question: if she had the ability to erase the memory and experience of … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged | 14 Comments

Feeling pretty good…

I’m halfway through the second week of this month’s cycle of TAS-102 and I’m feeling pretty good.  My sleep seems to be regulated, with only occasional pharmaceutical help.  My pain is much more under control, albeit with continued use of … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments