Counteract

Entries from October 2008

Upcoming Appointments

October 29, 2008 · 2 Comments

11/11/08 • 11:30 a.m. >Adil I. Daud at UCSF Follow up appointment to r PET SCAN images

11/10/08 • 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.) >UCSF Imaging Center for PET SCAN review spot on lung and activity in left side of neck (discovered in first scans taken 09/05/08)

11/06/08 • 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. > First radiation treatment at UCSF Department of Radiation oncology.  Will be joined by Phil Bossant

11/03/08 • 8:30 a.m. >Oncologist Adil I. Daud at UCSF to go over diagnosis, prognosis and future treatment, therapies. Will be joined by Isae Wada

11/03/08 • 1: 45 p.m. >Radiation Oncologist Sue S. Yom at UCSF to teach other staff how to administer Jim’s treatment.

10/30/08 • Radiation Oncologist Sue S. Yom at UCSF to map out exactly where radiation will occur on Jim’s head.

Categories: Medical

28 October, 2008

October 28, 2008 · 1 Comment

Up until a week ago, Jim was doing pretty well recovering from the October 10 surgery. But the last week has been difficult for him. A burning sensation began in all areas where surgery was performed. This morning he experienced the worst pain he’s felt yet. The burning is apparently caused by fluid build up – typical after node surgery – and will eventually subside; to be absorbed by the body. Through it all, Jim’s spirits have been remarkably positive.

Jim went to see Steven J. Wang yesterday, hoping for some relief from the pain. He was told that he’ll need to tough it out. He also met with radiation oncologist Sue S. Yom and between the two doctors he learned the following:
 - The size of the larger node removed was 5 cm.
 - The staging of Jim’s cancer is IIIC.
 - Melanoma doesn’t respond to radiation like other cancers. Jim’s radiation treatments are expected to be intense and will grow the bald area on the right side of his head and darken the pigment of his skin permanently.

Because of the serious implications of Jim’s staging, we’ll need to expedite all treatment and potential support therapies. More on this soon. Your support makes all the difference.

Send Jim your love. I think he could use it today and every day for awhile…

Hugs, Sylvie

Categories: Medical

Pathology Report In

October 16, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Jim saw surgeon Steven J. Wang this afternoon to have what we’ve come to call his pork bun removed. A special bandage was actually sewn onto the skin above his right ear where Jim required a skin graft. Dr. Wang says that in healing, the higher the percentage number, the better. Jim’s skin is taking 100%.

The pathology report became available today:
26 nodes were removed and of these, 2 contained cancer. Jim is already expected to begin Interferon treatment in early November. Due to the size of the larger lymph node (the surgeon had never see one as large) and the fact that more than one node was affected, Jim is now an ideal candidate for radiation as well. More later…

Categories: Medical

Jim’s Surgery

October 11, 2008 · 6 Comments

Jim’s surgery was a great success! The doctors removed the cancerous area above his ear which was replaced with skin from his right thigh. Surgeons then went into Jim’s cheek, neck and collarbone area to meticulously remove all suspicious matter. We will receive a pathology report with more information in 10 days. (Melanoma pathologies take longer than other cancers because of a special staining process involved.)

All doctors on Jim’s case report that they are very impressed already with his recovery. He’s expected to leave UCSF on Monday. Jim came into the surgery strong and with an excellent attitude and I’m certain this will pull him through the next year.

Will keep you posted…

x Sylvie

Categories: Medical

Dinner Angels

October 8, 2008 · 2 Comments

After Friday’s surgery, Jim is going to require at least a couple of weeks to recover. Anyone who’s got the skills and time can help Jim by supplying a dinner. To be a Dinner Angel, look in the right-hand column. Under COMMUNITY click on the Meals Calendar link. See which day is open for a drop off and shoot me an email to let me know when you’re able to deliver to 705 Scott Court #A in Novato, CA 94945.

Thank you for everything.

Sylvie

Jim writes: Here is a list of my food preferences.  I never met a meat I didn’t like. My favorites? Roast lamb, followed by pepper steak, and then a good ol’ cheeseburger and then a juicy polish sausage. (Not in one meal of course, unless Ariel is visiting.) I prefer brothy (soy or chicken based) soups to creamy soups. Usually. My favorite? Jocelyne’s Bean & Chard Soup with a bit of hard cheese on top. Heaven! Dark leafy vegetables like chard, kale, and broccoli. Nuts nuts nuts. Love em. But not many tree nuts which give me canker sores. Peanuts, almonds, cashews, yes. Walnuts, pecans, no. My rule? If it is a bumpy nut, I stay away from it. Smooth nuts are good. All salads are great. I’m not big on dressing (maybe an occasional blue cheese) but mostly I like only lemon juice on salads. There is no meal that an onion can’t improve somehow. I love desserts, but am substituting sweet fruits for pastries and cakes right now. A bowl of crisp grapes or sweet berries will suffice for dessert. I will not give up an occasional ice cream, however. But I’m cutting WAY back. Bread. Yum. I like the form and texture of baguettes best. Sliced healthy breads are fine too, but I don’t eat them as often. Beans? Mostly only eaten in a burrito or similar dish. Rarely as a side dish on their own. Cheeses? There is no cheese I will not eat. Food of the gods. One of my clients has recently sold me on the benefits of uncooked (raw) foods. I’m convinced. I’ve been eating much more raw foods lately. They taste great. Juices. Smoothies, etc. All good as long as the sugar content is low. Snacking? I love popcorn (a whole grain!) and for convenience plus no harmful ingredients, I have actually found a great microwave brand: Orville Redenbacher’s Tender White. No Trans fat and no added ingredients. And it tastes awesome! Roasted potatoes (preferably cooked with the meat, like a roast chicken or pork tenderloin. Yum yum) And nothing beats garlic mashed potatoes. All sea food. I love all of it. and Sushi? Yes. Okay okay, but what do I avoid? overcooked vegetables creamy sauces complicated dishes with more than 5 ingredients Anything that looks like it might be a favorite at a midwest family reunion. (Pre-frozen breaded shrimp, iceberg lettuce with thousand island dressing, and ambrosia salad for dessert. What are you trying to do, kill me?) My guilty pleasure? Salt. If I have to cut this out, I will be sad. It makes all good foods gooder. If no one was looking, I might be tempted to put it on a chocolate cake.

Categories: Medical · Personal

Hi Everybody,

October 7, 2008 · 2 Comments

Hi Everybody,

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all of the wonderful calls, emails and letters I’ve gotten. Your kind words make a HUGE difference as I get set up for my treatment. I also wanted to let everyone know that as of today, I feel great, and I have felt this way for a long while. I’m continuing to eat well and get plenty of exercise.

I don’t quite know what to expect in the days and weeks ahead. I’ve simply been filling my time as I normally do, going to work, playing with Oliver and Amélie, drawing comics and trying to be a better cook. I just don’t know how to think about what is around the corner for me. The few people I’ve talked to who have been on this path have all had wildly divergent experiences. So I’ll just take it one day at a time.

Just know this, my spirits are high, my health is excellent, and I’m finding everything around me to be very funny. I’ll talk to you soon.

Jim (as told to Sylvie)

Categories: Personal