Miami visit

Yesterday was an early start for our appointment in Miami. We left home around 0630 and arrived at the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center ast 0800. It is a first rate facility and every step was well orchestrated. After completing all the necessary paper work(10 pages to be exact) we stopped in the cafeteria since we had time before our 1000 appointment. Dr. Ardalan was thorough and knowledgable about our case since we had provided all reports in advance. His recommendation was to continue with this course of Chemotherapy and to insist on a reevaluation after 2 months to see how we are progressing. He was willing to take us as a client but said at this time he would be doing the same treatment and it would be silly to travel to Miami for the same thing. He asked that we send the follow up reports to him to keep the case current. If in 2 months we aren't seeing results or aren't happy with our current Dr we can/should make the switch. I plan to go back to Miami and see him at the 2 month mark as I believe he is our best ally.
Dennis looks much better. His appetite has returned and he has gained 3lbs. We are working towards continuing this progress by adding walking and high calorie meals/snacks to build back up before our next treatment on 01 July.
All of your calls,visits,emails,letters and prayers lift our spirits and make a difference!
We are truely blessed! Thank you
Mary Kay

Session II AAR

MK and I were at the treatment center
early tuesday for chemo session 2 and
to meet with the Physician assistant to review
how the first session (1) went. After the
the meeting (session 1 went very well) we
went into the treatment center and spent
6 hours in the chair hooked up to this that
and everything else. At the end, they
hooked up the fanny pack chemo pump
which run continiously untill the load is
dumped into my blood port. The load
should be complete by tomorrow
June 19, thursday.

I'll feel crummy while the pump is
working and maybe a day or two
after the pump is taken off. Then;
If it works like the last time;
I'll feel much better each day for
the next week, When I'll start session
No. III on Tuesday July 1st.

I'm quite postive about the whole
deal, the Chemo Toxic brew seem
to be working well, as the pain
is greatly reduce and I seem
to be responding well to the treatment.

Well, two down and ten to go !
any Q? drop me a email and
I'll get back to you.
denny West

Getting ready for round #2

We survived and thrived after the first Chemo treatment. Dennis no longer needs pain medication! His appetite is returning as well. He states that he feels bettter than he has in 2 months. We are concentrating on rebuilding his weight back up after a drop of nearly 25lbs. We had a follow up visit last week with his Neurologist and all is in order after adjusting his medications.
Dennis is taking rests as needed but still pushing himself to "be all he can be".
Tuesday June 17 will have us back for Chemo treatment #2. We have been advised that this session will be 5hrs so after a Dr. visit at 0930 we will begin. This is a 6month program of treatment.
At least we know somewhat what to expect this next time.

Again many thanks for the many cards,letters and visits!

the latest

We have enjoyed 2 "good" days. Our next Chemo Therapy is scheduled for 17 June so we are
taking this time to build up reserves and get ready for the next wave. Our next Chemo will be 17-19June.
I have scheduled an appointment in Miami at the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center with Dr. Bach Ardalan who comes well recommended for 24 June. I have spent my time collecting information and records to make this appointment invaluable. He is top in the field of colon-rectal cancer so I am anxious to hear what he has to say regarding this case.

Dennis enjoyed a visit from his sister Nina and her husband Hasmukh from Tampa and all your cards,letters and emails.. it's amazing!

Much love to all and thankyou for your support!
Please pray for us!

Update Thursday 5 June 0825EDT

Dennis Writes;
Well, I'm sure glad I started this cancer program. I got immediate relief
from the pain by the end of the day, monday while hooked up at the
cancer center from the stuff they were pouring in.
I felt better than I had in 3 months. Wow. Then at the
end of the day they hooked me to a fanny Pack pump
to run 48 hrs putting in 2 ML of the toxic chemo stuff. This stuff is
tough stuff, by noon the next day I knew why it is put in slowly:
the stuff knocks you for a loop.
Today Thursday I feel better but yesterday was a tough day.
This afternoon I go in to have the pump taken off as the
chemo stuff will have all been dumped in. The chemo pump
kit comes with a Haz-matt package. Rubber gloves, mask,
clean up towels in case of a rupture of the feed line.
Reminds me of the Old SAC B-52 tee shirt; "Nuc' em to they glow
and then shoot 'em in the dark." But I'm astounded at how
quick acting the stew of stuff injected has knocked
the cancer back with just one fill. I am scheduled for 1 week on
and 1 week off, for 6 months. A small price to pay to knock cancer off.

I would like to thank all of you who sent cards and phone calls and or stopped by.
It has kept me on a even keel.
I would especially like to thank my wife MK
who has been a rock for me in this trial.

Dennis

First day of Treatment

It was a long and informative day at the Center for Hematology Oncology Center. We arrived at the center at 0830 for our 0900 appointment and promply were taken back to begin.
Our treatment name is "FOLFOX" and it is a 6month treatment plan. We have chemo every-other Tuesday and are sent home with an infusion pump to continue the therapy until Thursday- 46 hours later- when we return and have the pump removed from the port. Dennis keeps the pump in a "fanny pack" that he wears around his waist. For our medically apt friends the Chemo drugs are-Oxaliplatin,5FU and Levcovorin. The staff is incredible! They explain everything so well ... and repeat them for me when I don't quite get it.
We were at the center until 1600 doing treatment. I ran out at 1030 to get a prescription filled and to bring back lunch. I wasn't prepared for an extended treatment day. Now I know!
Dennis is very happy to be starting treatment and spirits seems alot better! Side effects may appear tomorrow. We have nausea medicine ready just in case.

Email Dennis/Denny at redfox8@flica.net or any other address you might have... I think he uses 3 email address.

Treatment Begins

Dennis will start treatment tomorrow at 0900. We haven't been given exact details of what will be involved but I anticipate a "briefing" by the Dr. prior to the Chemotherapy beginning.
The Dr. has an excellent website which provides alot of great information.
http://centerforhemonc.com/

Dennis had a good weekend relaxing after Friday's surgery but he is anxious to get things going.
He's been a great patient which is hard I guess for someone who has always been the one
"in charge". He's taking orders rather well.

Thanks for all your words of encouragement. It means alot!