Part 20 – A Long Strange Trip

If I wrote you a story with as many twists as this journal provides, you would say that it challenges credibility. I wish that statement were true. I have never been involved in a story, true or false, which seems to change the rules even as it unfolds. Believe me when I tell you that I would much prefer a more prosaic tale. Permit me to recap the basic facts for you until now:

The brain cancer I am dealing with has undergone several different developments since my initial diagnosis. The tumor growth initially appeared to be under control with a six-week treatment of daily radiation combined with chemotherapy. This was followed by monthly chemotherapy treatments. During these treatments, the tumor appeared to be experiencing some growth, then it was thought to be in remission, then it was finally decided that the tumor was growing once again. This regimen of treatment was then changed to one using a drug called Avastin, administered through bi-weekly infusion treatments. This new drug initially showed positive results.

Unfortunately, the optimism I experienced during the initial stages of the Avastin treatment was short-lived. I have recently begun to experience diminished cognition and difficulty with written and spoken communication. These symptoms are identical to those I struggled with during the initial appearance of the brain tumor. The scheduled appointment with my oncologist was moved up to an earlier date, and it was confirmed by my doctor that the tumor has indeed resumed its growth. This was, of course, disappointing news. I have an appointment with my doctor later this week to discuss new treatment options.

These are the basic facts until now. I have little in the way of witticisms to add to the story. I have attempted to keep the mood upbeat to this point, but I may be running thin on cheery notes. I have already sneaked a peek at the upcoming chapters and they do not offer a great deal in the way of entertainment value. Unless the words "clinical trials" strike merriment in your heart.

I will spend the next few days digesting the news I have swallowed recently and planning my next steps. I feel most keenly the strain to which I have subjected my long-suffering and undeserving deserving wife Pam. I am indeed grateful for the great friends and family who have helped to ease the strain imposed by this unpleasant and unwelcome intruder.

I would like to close out this chuckle-fest with one bit of positive news in the midst of this dreary tale. The worst part of this ordeal has been the creeping dismantling of what Woody Allen famously calls "my second favorite organ." Without the entrance into my life of the miracle speech-to-text software Dragon, I would be going down on a Colt .45 pistol as you read this. However, Dragon not only permits me to type faster than I ever could (literally as fast as I can speak) but it is much more fun than this notorious-hunt-and-peck-pecker ever had reading. To close with yet another Woody Allen quote, "it's the most fun I ever had without laughing."

This entire document was composed with Dragon!

(Ed. Note: An error in page count made this a chapter page longer, so it has been adjusted to 20 pages.)