First there was the trip to LA on Wednesday for Round 3 of the immunotherapy infusion. Cecily did a great job of getting us there and back despite six hours of driving in the pouring rain.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration the following day at the ranch: Cecily, Mom, Dad, Deanna, Brandon, Carmen, Taylor, Karen, and Tracey. Great food, great company, lousy football.
On the health front, I continue to make slow but steady progress. Every day I feel a little stronger. The pain that I used to experience from the tumors in the gluteal and spinae muscles has not returned. I haven’t had to take any Advil in several days. The swelling in my feet has subsided. For the first time in several months I am able to lie on my left side without my having my heart pound out of my chest. All encouraging developments . . .
The only lingering symptom of concern is the substantial swelling of my abdomen. While this does not cause pain per se, it creates considerable discomfort that essentially renders me flat on my back 24/7 with a constant stream of ice packs applied to my gut. Hopefully, shrinkage of tumors will be the next manifestation of the immunotherapy.
And through all of this, Cecily keeps my thoughts positive and my hopes high . . .
13 comments:
I take great exception to the comment "lousy football"...if I am correct, the Tennessee Titans hammered the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving...hammered...as in hit on the head with a hammer mucho times...sounds like a great game to me!
Tennessee John
Thank God for Cecily....Rox
Dear Paul,
We met a few years ago when I drove up from Laguna Niguel to visit our mutual dear friends, Tony Nelson and Lynda Nipper. It was a fun night on the town dining, dancing and drinking...with far too much fun had by all parties! We met again at Tony's big 60th B-day bash at their house in Solvang. Lynda just let me know about your health challenges and sent me your blog. I read it last night and sent Lynda and Tony the following email, which they urged me to send to you too. I send it to you now (below) in the spirit of support, gratitude and the love I know you are receiving from so many others.
"Dear Lynda and Tony, Wow.......................... I just got done reading the entirety of Paul's blog, from start to finish about 6 hours with just one break to go show a condo. I cried, I laughed so hard I peed my shorts, and cried again. It's a story I don't want to end, even though I only met Paul twice...he's a very special person and one that the world deserves to have stick around. I am rooting for him and the chimps! I also think Paul should know that he missed his calling...fuck the engineering thing, he shoulda been a writer!!! Who does he want to play him in the movie?!? My God, he can turn a phrase, grab your attention, and kick your ass into next week re: what's important in life. I'd write to him and thank him for putting all of this into writing...for we all benefit in immeasurable ways...but I'd feel presumptuous to even think he should remember who I was, or take even a second of his attention to care....he has much bigger fish to fry. But I wanted to express to you guys, my profound appreciation for sharing his blog and incredible journey with me. Thanks to you both...Love, Peg"
And thank you Paul, for sharing yourself with us all.
Peggy Pendleton
Hi Paul,
Just passing thru, sending you my best wishes. I hope everything is going as well for you as possible. So many read and never post. Looks like I'm not one of them! I'm sure I speak for all of those lurkers tho when I say we hope you are pain free and surrounded with love. We are all thinking of you.
Sue Mental
I'm I the only one who is worried. Please let us know you are ok.
To anonymous: no, you're not the only one who's worried.
To anonymous; No, you're not the only one who's worried.
I know you are weary... I wish you peace and freedom from your pain. We all love you, Karen
O.K., Paul-I have now finished reading "War and Peace" and am ready for some new reading material. When you "feel" the moment, would you please add more of your insightful and beautifully written words on the blog? Many of us are going through "withdrawal" and "The National Enquirer" just doesn't cut it right now. I love you and think about you many times during each and every day. Jan
Hi Paul;
Not sure you're getting email anymore... I just want you to know I love you, my friend, and I'm thinking of you constantly.
I'd like to come and see you on Monday before I leave for Canada. I'll try and check in again.
Remember who you are, Paul. You are not your body. You're a beautiful, beautiful soul.
Love,
Kay
Feeling selfish, but would love to read an update from you.
Take care.
Tiara
Paul,
Just wishing you the very best holiday season during these trying times. I know there is nothing I can say other than you are in my prayers and thoughts daily.
Dear Paul,
I don't think you really know what an inspiration you have been for me and I am sure I can speak for many others who read your blog.
You have shown courage and strength, humor and wisdom in the face of the unimaginable, at least for me. You have shared your fears and your determination to climb that mountain and I cheered you on and climbed with you. Please don’t stop sharing your experience with us and allow us to be part of your journey wherever it leads you. You have something important to say and I am listening because I am humbled by your insight.
I am glad that you are surrounded by love now and forever. I think of you and pray for you every day.
Manuela
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