UPDATE - FEBRUARY 9, 2008
After publishing this blog last summer, I’ve had some ups and downs, but more ups than downs and now things are looking good. Last summer included my annual “bike camping trip” (27th consecutive year and counting). This is a big deal to me, part of what I am and it symbolizes the future. It remains my definite plan to ride across the country again as a celebration of cancer survivorship. This time I want to take the Southern Route which goes from San Diego, California to St. Augustine, Florida.
In regards to health – I had problems in the fall, but in November the doctor changed my medical regime and this has worked very well. Not only do I feel much better, but the cancer marker is back into the normal range. The change was not standard pancreatic protocol, but it was well reasoned and the “standard” treatment was not working very well. I am grateful that my oncologist was able to “think outside the box” and try a different protocol. As I say in the blog, in tough situations, it is important to be open to nonstandard untypical approaches – not rashly or without scientific basis – to get the best result. I think, unfortunately, most doctors are unable to step outside established protocols. I’m not sure why that it is – whether they are covering their butts, afraid of peer criticism or if it’s just hubris. Oncology is part art and part science and the best path of treatment is not always or even usually known. I emphasize again what I say in the blog and that is, it is important that both the doctor and the patient be open minded about treatment possibilities.
All the best in 2008.
Jerry
After publishing this blog last summer, I’ve had some ups and downs, but more ups than downs and now things are looking good. Last summer included my annual “bike camping trip” (27th consecutive year and counting). This is a big deal to me, part of what I am and it symbolizes the future. It remains my definite plan to ride across the country again as a celebration of cancer survivorship. This time I want to take the Southern Route which goes from San Diego, California to St. Augustine, Florida.
In regards to health – I had problems in the fall, but in November the doctor changed my medical regime and this has worked very well. Not only do I feel much better, but the cancer marker is back into the normal range. The change was not standard pancreatic protocol, but it was well reasoned and the “standard” treatment was not working very well. I am grateful that my oncologist was able to “think outside the box” and try a different protocol. As I say in the blog, in tough situations, it is important to be open to nonstandard untypical approaches – not rashly or without scientific basis – to get the best result. I think, unfortunately, most doctors are unable to step outside established protocols. I’m not sure why that it is – whether they are covering their butts, afraid of peer criticism or if it’s just hubris. Oncology is part art and part science and the best path of treatment is not always or even usually known. I emphasize again what I say in the blog and that is, it is important that both the doctor and the patient be open minded about treatment possibilities.
All the best in 2008.
Jerry
posted by Jerry A. at 9:10 PM
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