BrownBagger Update

[BrownBagger]

Well, as one of my favorite fictional characters of all time, Jim Anchower on The Onion, used to say, "It's been a long time since I've rapped at ya, amigos."

The past six months have been a real roller-coaster for me, but I'm still standing and still optimistic about the future, though it's getting increasingly complicated and uncertain.

Briefly, my lung mets have remained more or less stable for a few years, and we were just watching and zapping them if they started to act up. That's still the case, as far as I know, based on my last scan. However, about six or eight months ago, a tumor in my bronchial cavity showed up, and it's in a bad spot--at the juncture of the airway and threatening to block it. I've had several bronchoscopies (both flexible and rigid) to clear it out, in hopes that it might not come back. But it did. So we decided on a series of radiation treatments, delivered via the bronchoscope--one treatment a week for three consecutive weeks. I'm getting all this done at Sloan Kettering, by the way, which is a 5-hour drive from my home in Upstate New York. Not that I mind a little driving for the best care possible, but it does present some logistical challenges.

So, about a month ago my wife and I made the trip to Manhattan so that I could get the treatment at the hospital the next day. We drove to Poughkeepsie and then parked our car and took the train into the city. This is in part because it's pretty expensive to park in Manhattan overnight, and if my wife ever had to drive in Manhattan, it wouldn't end well. I actually like driving in NYC, but because they knock me out for the procedures, I'm not supposed to drive after being released from the hospital. And I comply. So, it's a combination of a drive, a train ride and a night in a hotel. If all goes well, you get out a few hours after you wake up the next day, and it's all good.

Unfortunately, when they got to the tumor, it was bigger than they expected, so they cut it out but in the process, perforated the bronchial wall, leading to a case of subcutaneous emphysema. So they didn't do the treatment, though they did keep me in the hospital overnight. My wife was able to stay in the room with me. Good thing, as hotels in NYC are expensive and hard to find on short notice. Two weeks later, we were back for more, but this time I almost died on the table after they put me under. Seems I had a bad reaction to my BP meds while dehydrated. My BP plummeted and they had trouble getting it back up. They thought I had a heart valve defect, but an echocardiogram the next day showed a healthy heart. They switched up my BP meds and I feel a whole lot better in general. But they kept me in the ICU for two nights; my poor wife slept in the chapel.

So the other day, we headed back down to Manhattan for hopefully the first treatment. And it went well. We checked into the hospital at 5:45 a.m. and I was back on the street by noon. We got home by 6:30. Not a bad couple of days. Once you get used to spending $200 for a cramped hotel room with a communal bathroom, NYC isn't a bad place to hang out. There's lots of good food and things to do, and not all of it is expensive. And, you can get anything you want, including a lot of fresh fruit on the street for cheap. Great transportation systems and walking. I have my second treatment next week, and it should go off without incident, now that they've got my BP thing figured out. We skip a week for Thanksgiving, and wrap this phase up on November 30. Hopefully the tumor will take a break and give me some mental and physical relief. If not, I still have radiation and chemo options available. At this point, it's all about buying time.

Anyway, I don't know as many members as I used to when I hung around the board a lot more. Just not really in the mood lately, though I thought I did owe my friends an update.

I do want to plug Sloan-Kettering and everyone who works there. The standard and level of care and attention to detail is unmatched in my experience. Not even close. They take special care of everyone, and at least in my case, I think it shows.

[debb]

I admire you and your attitude so much. You're one of the 1st people who helped me on this board. You recommended your lung surgeon to me. We have both been on a long road but it does help to know that were being treated at the best place in the world.

Thank you for the update! And I wish you all the best!

[jhocno197]

That all sounds WAY too exciting!

[CRguy]

O T M F


WORD ! bro'

just, WORD !

[Maia]

Eric, I'm so sorry you (and your wife) went through such scare with the BP. So glad they found the cause!
About the tumour threatening the airway --goes without saying that it sucks. However, it's a great relief you're being treated... and that they have cut the bastard out!! Hopefully the radiation will prevent any recurrence.
My strongest thoughts and friendship flying your way. You're Zen Ironman!

[mypinkheaven]

You don't know me very well, but I feel close to you from reading your posts. I knew about the bronchial tumor and have been a bit worried not seeing many posts from you lately. Thanks for the update.

So, I understand that they cut out the tumor and you're going to receive a couple more radiation treatments. I hope this kills the fucker.

How are you feeling now? I understand not being in the mood to post on the forum. I just wanted to let you know that more people think about you and care about you than you may realize, Amigo.

Sally

[ams5796]

Wow, Eric. That's not the update I expected to read. You've been through so much with this disease, but your optimistic attitude continues to be an inspiration to me and to many others on this board.

I have great faith that you'll be well taken care of at MSK. I wish you the very best.

Ann

[jens22]

I'm so sorry to read this...I feel like we've know each other for years. Holidays in Manhatten are fun...but Not when you are under the Gun. You always bring such a positive outlook to things. I'm a 90 min train ride to NYC you are always welcome here.

[Bev G]

Hi pal,

I'm so sorry to read what you've had to go through of late. I hope their better understanding of your BP meds makes the follow-up treatments much easier. I pray this strategy will work.

Much love,

Bev

[HopeForJesse]

Hi Eric,
Similar to Sally, you helped me early on and I have been wonderIng about you. So glad to see the update despite the content. What an ordeal for you! I hope you are past the worst of it and the treatments are quickly effective. Your reference to the fruit stands made me smile since that was one of the things I recalled walking 4 blocks to and from the subway in July for 2 weeks when Jesse had his surgery. I love NYC but I hated the reason to be there and finally as he improved I just decided to be content to be there in the warm summer months with those lovely fruit stands.

Oh, And your poor wife in the chapel. I have slept bedside in the not so comfy chairs but the chapel idea is ingeneous although I am sure once is enough and no repeats are wanted!

Hang in there and know we are here for you as you have been for us and so many others here.
Mary

[Kick'nAssCancer'sAss]

Eric,

I have always read and enjoyed your post. Thanx for the update and chin up.

[jdepp]

BB,

Thanks for the update. As always, I admire your fortitude & practicality -- which I try to share.

I wonder if you've looked at any clinical trials? Maybe there's an immunotherapy trial with your name on it?

Best wishes,

jdepp

[stu]

Hi,
Wishing you every success with the next treatment and hope it's totally non eventful. It sounds a lot. Your wife sounds really supportive . Thinking of you both.
Stu

[Sams wife]

Well, I must have missed the bronchial tumor post. I was hoping you were off getting your teeth done. Hopefully all you will need is a few radiations, then finished for a while.

[DarknessEmbraced]

Thanks for the update. I'm glad the roller coaster has calmed down and hope it remains that way.*hugs*