7/8/08- Well the S.F. hotshot surgeon has flown the coop. He will leave UCSF for greener(very big bucks no doubt) pastures in So. Calif. So, right now I'm without a surgeon but am hopeful that another excellect colorectal surgeon at UCSF, Dr. Mika Varma, will take me on as her patient. She's on vacation right now but I hope to see her as soon as she returns.
Started chemo-radiation yesterday. So far so good. Not feeling any differently yet , though it's a bit weird to be hooked up to this chemo-infusion pump 24 hrs. a day- a kind of medical "doppelganger" I'll be hooked up for at least 6 weeks, so I hope I grow fond of the bugger and give it a loveable name like Bruno . Am also getting daily radiation as well for the next 6 weeks. Painless but sort of weird having this giant machine whirring above you and praying that it has impeccable tumor-aim. That's all for now. IR
10 comments:
Hello Ivan,
We were in Livermore last Sunday, and I was talking with my old tennis partner who went through the same thing 25 years ago that you are going through now. He is still going strong at age 86. We are all pulling for you. Best regards. Malcolm and Eleanor
Ivan dear--You are now and forever on my daily "healing hitlist." So don't even think about any funny business. All escapees will be caught and dealt with. How? You don't wanna know!
You've done all the right things to knock out this furshlugginer (sp?) disease. And please remember we have a reservation at Arthur Murray's to learn to dance salsa next April. Love, Connie
Darling Ivan,
Thank you for letting us all know - and thank you Dale for setting up this blog. I am shocked and saddened, but have great faith in all the new medical advances I have witnessed with my other friends who have had to endure the horrors of cancer and its treatment. They are ALL doing beautifully and living their normal lives again. So it shall be with you!
We send such love and comfort food. When can you dive into the roast chicken and mashed potatoes? I'll bring it right over.
Love and keep good cheer, Susan
Dear Ivan,
I'll have you know that this is the first time I've ever blogged!
Just want you to know that I'm thinking about you and wish you well and excellent results from your treatments and surgery. A colleague of mine had the same kind of cancer about 8 years ago and recovered magnificently with no recurrences. I know this will be your story too.
I will check for updates. Meantime, sending lots of love and good wishes from Santa Rosa.
Joann
Dear Ivan,
I'm also very shocked and saddened by the news of your illness and recent changes in your life.It took a while to get to me, as you know cellists are not good with quick notes!
The website and music are lovely.
The piece played'picnic by the Marne'depicts the river flowing through the town in the Paris area where I lived. Small world.
Anyway,warmest thoughts and wishes.
The Mendelssohn sonata cellist.
Dear Ivan
I'm very sad to hear of your illness and that you'll have to go through some tsurrus before it is all healed. I was just looking at the Bolcom Cabaret Songs the other day - "At the Last Lousy Moments of Love" and "What Do You Like Most About Yourself?" - and thinking of you. You are on my mind! Thanks to Dale for starting this blog (I've never reponded to one before and don't really know what to make of all the possibilities below) and keeping those that love you in the loop. By the way, if you will be at UC and want company, let me know. I'm in and out of town this summer but when here have time to visit.
Linda
Hi Ivan- Thanks so much for letting your friends know about what's going on with you. My best thoughts and prayers are with you. It sounds like you're in excellent hands and are getting the best medical attention possible. Take good care of yourself, and let me know if I can come see you at UCSF some time.
love, Sarah
Darling Ivan:
I am so terribly sorry to hear about your cancer situation. Let me know if I can come and see you at UCSF.
So good that you have your daughter and granddaughter with you at this time -- it's always good to have love around you. And actually I think you have lots of love coming in your direction.
love, kisses and hugs,
Billie
Ivan, THANK YOU SO MUCH for letting us all know what's going on. GEOFF and I are sending all the good vibes we have your way, and are looking forward to having dinner with you sometime soon when you are in the mood for some good Chinese. MUCH LOVE, and ALL THE BEST TO YOU!
Jeff and Geoff
Ivan,
My heavens! what you've accomplished in the past few weeks is amazing -- educating yourself and your loved ones, as well as jumping into the fray! Not exactly Santa Cruz summertime fun. No grass growing under your feet.
Know that my thoughts and prayers are joining so many others on your behalf. I hope the hum of the machines doesn't interfere with whatever musical pastime you're pursuing.
Love,
Christa
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