Tuesday, April 18
Tomorrow morning we are scheduled for yet another pilgrimage to the clinic at OHSU. The routine will be blood tests, doctor check-up and the second of four infusions of this immunotherapy trial. We should get an initial feel as to how successful the first infusion has been in assisting my immune system to keep those cancer cells at bay.
We had committed to view this as our job, so tomorrow will be merely another day at the office, day at the job site or meeting with the boss. A bonus for us is the fact that we get to work with our wonderful colleagues at OHSU – happy, helpful, compassionate and efficient.
Now the reality coming from within me: I wish I felt more optimistic about tomorrow. Last summer each pilgrimage to OHSU for our chemotherapy treatments yielded stunningly successful results. Since then both subsequent treatment regimes have been disappointing. I wish I could get excited about anticipating a positive result tomorrow.
Conversely, the day after tomorrow, I plan to depart Eugene for the 2-day drive to Red Rocks Canyon National Conservation Area. Over the course of 18 days my climbing buds, Dave, Alan, Bob and Chris will rendezvous with me to hike deep into the canyons seeking out long, multipitch climbs on perfect sandstone cliffs – all day affairs! Talk about excited and full of anticipation – Indeed!
Admittedly, my only concern is: Will the body be able to able to hold up to the fatiguing effects of this intense drug assault? As my Guatemalan friends would say: SABER (who knows)? In the meantime: Capre Diem!
Mike,
Excited for you going to RRCNCA and getting in some climbing with the climbing guys. You’re going to CRUSH IT, man. As for today and OHSU…. it will be what it is. You just have to grab the day. As you say above “Capre [sic] Diem!” Love you guys. Hey, did Laurie tell you I ran (or skied) into her at the Pass on Saturday? Man, what a day for skiing! It was fun to see her, and in seeing her, I saw you as well. Be safe climbing.
David
And don’t forget , Pura Vida.
Take care and enjoy the climbs!
Hope the infusion did its job keeping those little buggers at bay ,and it is not to hard on your system.
The climbing should be wonderful. I just got back from all of those red rocks in Southern Utah and it is summer days with cool nights. The rocks are awe inspiring and beckon your spirit.
Enjoy the physical and mental challenges.
If dealing with your cancer treatment is like a job. Then, “you need to get the cut out”! You got that Jersey Mike. Say hello to Big Toe Sister for me.