One Step at a Time - January 19, 2010

I didn't go with Pete to the medical (chemo) oncologist on Monday. His father went with him.

The radiation begins this Thursday and the fifth and final session will be the following Wednesday. He will resume chemo treatments on Feb 10. The doctor gave him a prescription for a CT scan so that will get done some time between now and the start of chemo.

Pete said he'll be calling his MSKCC oncologist today (Tues) to make certain that she's apprised of what is going on down here and also to ascertain whether he should have the scan done at MSKCC. He and I talked about the lung surgery and the plan has been, and still is, to have that performed at MSKCC when the time comes.

For anyone dealing with cancer, either as a patient, caregiver or even if you just know someone who has been diagnosed with the disease, I'd like to recommend an excellent book, "I’m Not Lance". The author, Scott P. Alcott, was diagnosed with sarcoma at age 40 and after his initial diagnosis received copies of "It’s Not About the Bike" by Lance Armstrong. Scott’s book, also a firsthand account of a cancer patient, provides exceptional insight into what goes on physically, emotionally and practically as he describes “Life in Cancerville” as experienced by an average guy-next-door as opposed to someone with celebrity status.

All proceeds from Scott's book go to the non-profit organization "Sarcoma Alliance" which is working to improve the life of sarcoma patients through research, support and financial assistance.