I have great news. I had my first PT/CT scan last week since my surgery. They saw no evidence of disease! Nada, Nothing, Zilch. I am very grateful. I will continue taking my chemotherapy as a preventative measure, and be monitored.
Overall, I am a very lucky guy and I am Thriving,
Thank you for your interest and support.
Paul
Howdy ,
Well, it has been 1 year, 4 months, and 1 day since I was diagnosed with Cancer and 3 months, 22 days, 1 hour, 51 minutes, 15 seconds since I had my Cancer resection surgery (but who’s counting?). I feel great and my prognosis is very positive. I am Thriving.
As you know, for the past 10 years I have ridden in the Pan-Mass Challenge, a two-day, 192-mile cycling event that raises money in support of the Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Pan-Mass Challenge has grown tremendously over time, and raised over $32 million last year, bringing the all time total to more than $204 million.
Now that I am a “Thriving” cancer patient, the 2008 Pan-Mass Challenge will be more meaningful than ever for me. In the past, I always rode to help raise money for cancer research, but I never imagined I would ride as a possible beneficiary of that research.
As for the ride itself, I am again making the trip with a group of friends who are known on the road as “Paul’s Posse.” All the money we raise will again go directly to support the research of Dr. George D. Demetri, the world’s leading authority on GIST, the type of cancerous tumor that found its way into my body. I have even convinced George, to ride in the PMC again!
Therefore, on Aug. 2nd, I will start my 11th Pan Mass challenge. Similar to the 2007 PMC, it is going to be harder because of my illness and my treatment, but I am going to do it.
I’ve taken this challenge seriously for these past 10 years, and I can tell you that now, more than ever, I want to be a part of the effort to search for a solution, and I am hoping that you want to be a part of it too. Before my diagnosis, cancer was a concept, a bad thing that was happening to other people, a bad thing that I wanted to help stop. Now that I am a patient, I understand the importance of the PMC on a whole new level.
Now, when I talk about hope on the roads of Massachusetts, it is no longer a conversation about the looks on the faces of the thousands upon thousands of supporters lining the route. It is now a conversation about my own future, my own treatment, and the hope that new research will one day leave me cancer free. For my part, I am asking myself to send out countless letters raising money, train hard and do the ride, and never stop hoping. For your part, I’m asking you to make a pledge to the cause.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more worthy and leaner organization. In 2007, 100 percent of all funds raised by PMC riders went directly to the Jimmy Fund. More importantly, as in 2007 when the members of Paul’s Posse raised nearly $500,000, 100% percent of the monies raised by Paul’s Posse this year will go directly to the Dr. George D. Demetri at Fan-Farber.
I truly believe somewhere along the road between Sturbridge and Provincetown lies a cure for cancer, maybe even for me. You can help us find it.
Your tax-deductible check can be made payable to PMC/Jimmy Fund and you can mail it to me. Alternatively, you can use your credit card to make a donation on line http://www.pmc.org/mypmc/profiles.asp?Section=story&eGiftID=PS0036 . If you have questions please do not hesitate to or e-mail info@chestnuthillpartners.com.
Thanks for joining the battle.
Thrive On,
Paul
Howdy all,
I had a CT scan last Friday and as one of my doctors said to me, “your liver looks great”, (He was looking at my good side). I continue to take Gleevec and the next major milestone will be a PT/CT scan in two months. Maybe then, I will be allowed to have a glass of wine.
Considering that my surgery (that was a hellish experience) was just three months ago, I am feeling strong. It is great to back at the gym and training. Just this past weekend, I completed a two-hour spin and ran 5 miles the weekend before. It is a matter of getting in shape for the Pan-Mass Challenge, that is just around the corner. Hey, I may even give the New York Marathon another go.
Overall, life is great and I am a very lucky guy.
I Thrive on,
Paul
Howdy,
I am getting my energy back (a little everyday). I wish my recovery was faster; however, my doctors are pleased and implore me to have patience (something I do not have a lot of). I actually started going back to the gym, and I am doing light training. Not ready for an Ironman, however, I could handle a few loops of Central Park on the bike.
Overall, I am a lucky dog.
Thrive On,
Paul
Howdy,
Gay joins me is wishing you all the best for the Christmas season and good health in the New Year.
It's been 7 weeks since my surgery and it was projected that I would be back in training in 4-6 weeks. Well, I may have had some irrational exuberance, as I am still on home rest. Luckily, I have a healthy stash of good books and I expect to be back at work after the first of the year.
I am an Ironman (maybe Ironman light, as I am 20lbs lighter).
Thrive on,
Paul
Howdy,
Well, it has been one month to the day that I had my surgery. It has been the best of times and the worst of times (sorry Dickens). I have been so fortunate that Gay was not only with me during my hospitalization, but she has also been with me during my home bed rest. How nice is that.
My doctors are very pleased with the progression of my recovery and they keep stressing patience (something that I’ve always had in limited quantity). I’m told I won’t feel totally normal for about five months. My days consist of “muffies” (MFES or Meds, Food, Exercise, and Sleep) three times a day. I had to come up with something to remember what I should be doing. Hey, I know it’s not a lot to look forward to but in reality it is.
One of the things I miss is seeing New York City in its holiday splendor. The smell of chestnuts from street vendors and the wonderful sparkle of Christmas lights is a joyous experience. This is minor in the scheme of things as I expect to enjoy many more holidays to come.
Wishing you a great holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Thrive on
Paul
Howdy,
After being hospitalized for 12 days at MSK, being home for the Holiday, is something I will never take for granted again. Please don’t get me wrong, all the staff, be it nurses, housekeeping, phlebotomists, room service personnel, and doctors were exceptional! However, there is just no replacement for sleeping in one’s own bed and all the comforts that it brings. The one thing that made my stay remarkably tolerable was that Gay was with me 24/7. Talk about a trooper, here I am sleeping on a super deluxe hospital bed and Gay is sleeping on a chair that has a seat cushion that extends. (She is also delighted to be sleeping on a bed too).
I want to emphasize again the incredible results of my procedure. Prior to surgery, the game plan was to get as much of the visible tumors as possible and those that were unresectable would continued to be treated with chemo. However, my “A team” of doctors “GOT THEM ALL”. My doctor at MSK is one of a few people in the world who would have attempted such a difficult procedure. As he says, operating on the liver is like operating on Jell-O (it’s a moving target and very fragile). I will continue to take my chemo and be closely monitored, but I can now say with incredible joy, “I am NED (no evidence of disease). This is a glorious Thanksgiving.
Please join us in counting our blessings and giving thanks. More importantly, please pause today and give thanks for the wonderful things you enjoy.
Thrive on,
Paul
Howdy,
“He’s back”……..well sort of. I have exchanged my IV, Oxygen, and blood tests for emails, WindowsXP, and wifi. If all goes well, I hope to be Thriving at home by tomorrow or Saturday.
All my doctors are very, very pleased with my surgery! My vital signs, stomach and liver functions continue to improve, and I get stronger everyday. My pathology report came back yesterday. As a result of my shrinkage from Gleevec (my chemotherapy), and this past week’s aggressive surgery, I am now NED (no evidence of disease)! THIS IS GREAT NEWS. Next week, I will resume taking Gleevec, and let this miracle drug continue to work its’ wonders (I hope for many years come). In addition, for the next 6-8 weeks, I will be restricted to minimal physical activity, and once my medical “A-Team” permits, I hope to start training for a triathlon 3Q 2008. (Just thinking about training again, is a delight.
Gay and I are so grateful for your most generous support, it’s a wonderful blessing.
I Thrive ON!
Paul
Hi all,
Paul had a quiet weekend resting. His doctors say his body has just figured out it has 3/4 of a liver to replace so it's busy on the mend. He has been given the greenlight to eat sorbet and we hear oatmeal is just around the corner!.
Thanks for your support, it means a lot to us.
Love
Gay
Hi all,
Paul is doing great. He's been up twice for a little stroll today. He's even advanced to ice chips!
When he's awake I let him know you've sent your regards. This is very comforting to him (and to me) so thank you all.
Will be in touch,
Gay
