A friendly number

192.4 is a good number. Still high ...  but lower than 208.7. 192.4 is the result of my most recent CA19-9 blood antigen cancer test which I am happy to report is a downward trend (see chart and graph below). This means the cancer is likely stable; still local and not metastizing (probably not a word) ... uh ... spreading.

The numbers:

Graph of numbers:

I had the blood test last Monday and followup appointment with oncologist Dr. Yee last Wednesday. I was visited for the first time by a very nice PA last week. Her name is Angelique Scicchitano (she married an Italian). She was most polite and pleasant. 

Dr. Yee said if the number had gone up he was going to order a PET scan which gives a much clearer picture of the organs than the CT scan. But, because the number went down we are not doing a PET scan now. He asked me to continue taking the oral chemo, Xeloda, but lowered the amount from 1800 mg to 1500 mg (three 500 mg pills each morning and evening) due to my hand-foot syndrome problems. 

So I'm back to riding the chemo coaster and started a new "two-weeks on—one week off" cycle today. That said, I want to add that I left the doctor's office on Wednesday on a real high. A kind of euphoria came over me knowing that I can manage my situation and live a quality life a little longer. It was most welcome news. Maybe it was partially because the PA strongly recommended I do no more housework to help my hand problems. I did not get a written doctor's order to give up all housework, but plan to do so in the future so Barb will believe me.

To follow-up on my "Have tumor. Will travel." post which unfortunately was mis-intepreted by some readers to indicate the tumor was growing/moving/traveling inside me! No. It was meant to say that I can't leave it at home when I get in a car/van/airplane/train. Sorry, I should have been more clear about that. The tumor insists on coming with me and it's bags are always packed.

My tumor and I have done some recent traveling and are planning some future trips. Two weeks ago Barb and I made at trip to Philly and had a blast! We went to the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia to hear the Philadelphia Orchestra directed by guest conductor Delta David Gier (SD Symphony music director) play in Verizon Hall. It was an 11:30 am children's program about the element of "beat" in music showcasing percussion. DDG was fantastic in presenting the music, artists and engaging young people. He is exceptional. African drummers and gyil - an African xylophone - players, The program finale was Ravel's Bolero - not a masterpiece, but a sonic delight. An incredible sample of orchestra dynamics — starting very soft and ending with a full blast of sound. I tried to get DDG's signature after the concert but there was long line of parents and kids, so no such luck. We plan to go back and see something in the Perelman Theater and, I hope, a another Philadelphia Orchestra concert this fall.

Following the concert we took a free tour of the Kimmel Center. It is a real nice place. It is two theaters under one glass arch-dome roof. The theaters have remarkable design features.

This is our tour guide inside Verizon Hall, which — go figure — has no cell service! We use Verizon and Barb tried to send a photo/text of me to our sons and had to step out into the plaza. They not only engineered the hall to have no outside sounds like traffic, subway trains and another theatre next door as well as no cell service which use of would, of course, be most inappropriate in a concert hall during a performance. The hall is finished in mahogany and each seat has a conditioned air vent built into the seat pedestal. Naturally, the organ wasn't used during the "We've Got the Beat" concert.

The exterior of Verizon Hall is sheathed in Makore wood, which was new to me. It was used because it is resistant to the sun's ultra-violet rays. It's been there 11 or 12 years and looks great.

A handout given to some architect students that toured with us. You may need to enlarge to read (command + "+" on a Mac).

Following the tour, Barb and I walked toward a street known for its fabric stores. Barb was on a mission to buy fabric for the academic gown and cap she is sewing for our doctor-son to wear at graduation ceremonies at Fresno Pacific University and any future events requiring academic regalia. We stopped and ate BBQ at Percy Street Barbecue and it was very good. Fabric Row was a hoot. Barb found almost everything she needed at a crowded little store called Maxie's Daughter filled to the ceiling with fabric. We were helped by an Italian ethnic who was most helpful. Interesting store. Interesting people. Anyway, we had a great time on S. 4th Ave in Philly. I regret not taking any photos there. We probably walked about 2.5 miles as we kept our car parked near the Kimmel Center. I managed quite well. I had a slice of pecan pie ala mode on the way back at the same BBQ joint which was a nice kick in the ass - energy boost to get me back to the van. Barb enjoyed a dark California craft beer made w/oats, which name I have forgotten.

The tumor and I look forward to other travel plans, including:

• PA MCC Relief Sale in Harrisburg tomorrow (It's pretty big)
• Driving to see cherry blossoms/memorials in DC this Sunday (forecast to be at peak)
• Hear/see/visit Freeman Academy choir and accompanying grown-ups in Harleysville/Souderton on April 14
• going to Eian Schrag/Heather Smith wedding in Boise, Idaho in June and visiting Barb's brother Mike and family and cousin Flora Skillern nee Schrag and Bill.

Three recent "escapes" I've discovered, enjoy and recommend:

1. TV servies "Foyle's War" and "Call the Midwife"(Barb's find) - both BBC productions - streaming on Netflix

2. music by The Milk Carton Kids (enjoy the videos on this website) and 3. Richard's Thompson's latest CD: Electric

I didn't intend to expound. Thanks for bearing w/my over-the-top writing. And thanks for your support and referring me to the Great Physician (Bob Hartzler's term, I like). I have no idea where I would be without it.