Update

IM training is going well. Seem to be experiencing the normal soreness tiredness associated with IM training. Weight has been coming off well. Lots of base training for now.

ECD I was supposed to go back up to Mayo this summer. Forwarded Dr. Torres my results from most recent blood tests and he said that he felt I would be ok to wait to come back until next Jan 2010. This was good news.

Been a while since I have updated this blog. Nothing major going on health wise. Making an appointment today to have kidney function checked and also to get back up to Mayo sometime this summer maybe early fall.

I did have a stress fracture occur on one of the bones in my foot. I have been dealing with that for several months now. Being fitted for orthotics and having PT work done. We are still trying to have a baby no luck yet. I have been having accupunture done to "maybe" help with fertility issues.

I have signed up for another Iron Man race. Well not really a race more like a long workout that is a race for a few. It's in May 2010 so hopefully I can get my foot and body back in shape over the next year. I've been swimming 3 days per week and biking on the trainer 6 days per week. Very little running due to my foot issues.

Skinny

Back from Mayo. All looks good. Doctors decided to not only delay my going on cytoxan but also to take me off tamoxifen. Said that things had not changed in a few years didn't see why risk going on cytoxan a drug that could cause cancer. So this trip was a real blessing from God.

Having hernia surgery #3 tomorrow morning. Not looking forward to it. You think I would be used to it by now. Oh well.

Thats all I know for now. Maybe post some pictures from Mayo if Wife emails to me.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers,

D

Return to the Land of the Pannekoeken

So Dr. Luthra wants to see me back up at Mayo (Land of Pannekoeken)before he will Rx the new treatment cytoxan. I am scheduled to return to Mayo Jan 27-29th. So far have body ct, head mri, ekg, chest x-ray, blood work, appointment with Dr. Torres (chair of nephrology dept), appointment with Dr. Luthra, and a appointment with an ENT doc I have never seen.

Worst part of the trip will be the head MRI. Already starting to bug me. Never had an issue with the tube until lately. As I have found once you have an issue it is difficult to forget. Thinking I will ask for some drugs this time.

Been feeling well. Just trying to lose more lbs. Wish it would warm up a bit I don't care for running in the cold.

Family is doing well. Kids are on break now. Christmas is nearing so they are very excited.

Bless and Best!

Playing Cards.

IVF didn't work for us this time. We are trying hard to keep hold of the fact that God has a plan for us and it is good. We struggle to understand sometimes. May try again in Spring.

Figured out why Dr. Luthra wanted me to contact Arceci. Luthra was leaving town till Dec. Arceci basically said they talked and he felt Cytoxan was a good choice in treatment and that it didn't have any more or less side effects then the treatment he would Rx.

So now we are waiting on Dr. Luthra to get back in town. Not sure if he is going to want to see me back up at Mayo before starting Cytoxan or if I can start it then go back up there after 1st of the year. We would like to get something started asap but for insurance(money)need to wait until after the 1st of the year.

So that is what I know for now.

Bless & Best!

The wheel that squeaks!

Finally! Houston we have contact! Both doctors spoke last Friday morning. Dr. Luthra emailed me telling me I needed to get ahold of Dr. Arceci. His email seemed a little odd that he wanted me to contact Arceci. Hopefully I didn't offend him. Emailed Dr. Arceci's secratary to ask what was the next step. Didn't hear back from him. Will continue squeaking Monday.

Thank you for all your prayers!

God Bless!

Spending 6 months Trying to get 2 doctors to talk

Writing a bit out of frustration. I have been trying for 6 months to get Dr. Luthra and Dr. Arceci to speak. Dr. Luthra feels Arceci should contact him and Arceci feels Luthra should contact him.

Tried to schedule in office appointment John Hopkins with Arceci and get the feeling that they are putting me off because he doesn't want to be perceived as stealing another Dr's patient. I called his secratary M,W,F of this week. Called back every day he said to call back and he should know more about Arceci's schedule. Each time he puts me off even more.

Now starting to get bills from John Hopkins and nothing but speaking in generalities. Really starting to wear on me. I have put my treatment on hold to get more advice and it has been a total waste of time.

I don't know what to do.

I have hernia surgery scheduled for Nov 19th. Dr. I saw in June never called me back. Schedulular "I called you for 2 weeks straight" and the call woulnd't go through. COME ON! Phrase of the season, "ARE YOU SERIOUS!" Gime-a-break!

On a much better note my wife and I started the IVF process this month. Or should I say she started it. 3 weeks of shots sometimes 3 a day, lots of discomfort, retrieval, and we have 12 fertilized eggs at the clinic as of today. I ofcourse have given the short version. The fact is this was a difficult process for my wife. She handled everything so well. I am very proud of her. She's amazing. We are hoping for implantation Sunday or Day 3 which would be less expensive otherwise we will have to go Day 5 or Tue of next week. We are super excited. Kindof tempored because we have to keep a close watch on her in case of hyperstimulation. So far she has been doing pretty good. Lots of water, low sodium, some more pills. I think I ask her how she is feeling about every 20 min. I'm probably getting old.