My Battle with Merkel Cell Cancer

deformity and a facial droop on his left side. He must have had a radical neck dissection
and probably facial nerve removal as he said the tumor infiltrated nerves. Both of these
men seemed to be in very good spirits considering their conditions. It makes me feel
things could be much worse for me.
Tuesday, June 13, 2010.
Yesterday, at about 2 AM, we received a phone call. Our first grandson was born by
cesarean section in Philadelphia. He weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces and was 19 inches in
length. Unfortunately, he was positioned with the occiput posterior, sunny side up. After
two hours of pushing, they decided to perform a cesarean section. Everyone is doing
well. We were supposed to be traveling to Philadelphia both to greet the new baby and
help out, but this will not be possible. Fortunately, Leanna's parents arrived in
Philadelphia just before the baby was born. It appears that radiation treatment has not yet
affected my bridge playing. On Friday afternoon, Bert and I came first, on Sunday
afternoon, we also came first and on Monday afternoon, we came first of 12 tables and
had the best score of all 24 pairs. Of interest is that Judy and Carol came second of East-
West pairs. On Friday, Bert Rettner, my bridge partner and friend took me for an early
lunch. He is a physician who is now retired. However he has a particular interest in
alternative medicine. He gave me names of reference books one of which I took from the
library. The book is called "Younger Next Year"by Chris Crowley and Dr. Harry Lodge. It
basically gives you hints on diet and exercise to maintain your youth. I don't know if I can
follow the advice at this time, but it is about time that I began a program of exercise which
is more vigorous than merely walking the dog once or twice a day. On Monday, following
my radiation treatment, they have what they call a stat session. This is the time when the
radiation oncologist evaluates how I'm doing. So far, and had no symptoms. We had a
brief meeting with the dietitian. I will have to apply Aloe Vera lotion to my face several
times a day. I asked Dr. John about tips for improving my immune system. He
recommended meditation. I don't know if I can do that, but today, while I was having my
radiation treatment, I attempted to concentrate all of my thoughts on appreciating my
heartbeat.
I have begun an e-mail correspondence with a former associate of mine. His name is
Andy Osborne. He is much younger than me, and a world-class cyclist. He developed the
mass in his neck which was diagnosed as carcinoma of the tonsil. He also underwent
radiation treatment and I think chemotherapy as well. He has been doing very well and
has resumed cycling and won races after recovering. He has given me three pieces of
advice. Be aggressive! Don't think for a minute that you cannot beat this. Accept help
when people offer. Keep a positive outlook. He said that he researched everything he
could find on this cancer on the Internet and came up with 30 ongoing experimental
protocols. He told his doctor that he wanted to be involved with all of them. He found a
protocol which offered a 15 to 20% survival advantage but was experimental. He paid for
it himself as it was not covered by insurance. One year later, it became standard
treatment. I think, that without asking, I have been following Andy's advice.
Tonight, I am hosting my regular monthly poker group.
Posted by docshu at 02:12PM (-07:00)
Radiation Treatment Continues
Sunday, July 25, 2010
My Battle with Merkel Cell Cancer
21