Happy Thanksgiving

My visits to Dr. Richards and Dr. Fidanzato this week while run of the mill also managed to provide me with an unexpected surprise.

The only new information that I got from Dr. Richards is that my next PET scan will be in mid-January. But first I get to see him on January 7th for my next follow-up visit.

Dr. Fidanzato was able to share some endoscopy pictures that I hadn’t seen before. There wasn’t anything additional that I needed to know about this last endoscopy but the new set of pictures, when viewed side by side with the originals from January, provided me with a clear tangible image of the positive change that has happened. As Dr Fidanzato said, “somebody must really love you”. I just nodded my head in full agreement.

We then discussed the endoscopic sonogram that he is recommending. Since there is no real urgency for this test our plan is to wait for the January PET scan to see if it shows any activity. He thinks that the October PET scan showed normal cell re-growth in the esophagus and since this re-growth will be of finite and relatively short duration the January 2009 PET scan may show no unusual activity. Therefore, I have an appt. with Dr. Fidanzato on January 29th and we can decide then whether the endoscopic sonogram is even necessary.

The surprise was when he questioned the need for me to continue taking Prevacid. Since there are no symptoms to treat and since the endoscopy showed no evidence of reflux then there is no real reason to continue with the Prevacid. Therefore, I’m starting a weaning process that should have me completely free of medication in 2-3 weeks. It was only one pill a day but to be medication free will be very symbolic.

So, on that note I want to wish all of you, and your families, a Happy Thanksgiving.
Lots of hugs and kisses.
Jack--

Mentschen available on video

Dan Nies, the ring-leader and person that is responsible for creation of Mintz's Mentschen, carried a video camera with him throughout the weekend of the Austin LiveSTRONG event. In total there are 7 videos that have been posted to YouTube and that document the festivities leading up to the ride as well as during the actual ride itself.

The 7th video clip is the final segment of the ride and includes special recognition that happened at the finish line for the whole Mentschen team. Note that this video has received an official "3 hanky rating" by me.

Here's a link to the 7th video. Links to the other 6 will also display on the YouTube page.

The results are in

No.... I'm not referring to the presidential election.

Although the pics I had posted last week had Dan Nies convinced that I am pregnant, Dr. Fidanzato's office called late yesterday afternoon to tell me that the biopsy results came back and that it is benign. I have an appointment with him later this month to discuss yet another endoscopy. He is recommending an endoscopic sonogram to take a look "below the surface" of the esophagus at the GE junction. That appointment is on 11/20 and I'll be seeing Dr. Richards again on 11/19. So... more info to come from those office visits.

The Austin LiveSTRONG event was at the end of October and just as happened with the Philly event it was a special weekend. What was very cool is that it was even special for me despite my inability to take time off and participate myself. Cell phones, email, and text messages kept me in touch with the Mintz's Mentschen TEAM throughout the weekend. And Dan Nies took a series of videos with a handheld camera through the weekend. Those have been posted to YouTube and I'll provide links on this blog when I have a bit more time.

We've already started talking about potential cycling events in 2009 but for now we'll continue to bask in the glow of a Mintz's Mentschen LiveSTRONG fundraising total of over $53,100. Wow.