Sid Bacon

My back pain is somewhat less today than it was yesterday, although it still lingers a bit. I wish I didn’t need such a strong pain patch, but that is what it is and I am grateful that we are able to manage the pain better.  It makes for a good day.
 

Cathy and I had a nice walk in the desert this morning.  Even though it was well before 8:00, the air was warm … nearly perfect.  She then went on a 45-minute run.  And when she says she is going to run for 45 minutes, she is spot on in her timing.  It is amazing that she traverses a certain distance (e.g., 5 miles) at a very specific time, run after run.  She is like a machine … a running machine.
 

I have resigned my post as Associate Vice President at the university, effective the end of this month.  I just can’t manage an administrative position at this time. I really can’t thank my boss, Panch, enough.  He has been incredibly supportive throughout my entire ordeal.  He is extremely kind and caring.
 

Although I cannot do the duties of an administrator, I can do many of the things that a faculty member without an administrative appointment can do, and I can do those things from home.  I was given a 12-month research leave when I stopped being a dean.  The Associate VP job started six months in to that leave, so I have six more months coming to me. Those six months will begin the first of April, no fooling.  I look forward to the next six months!
 

Our appointment at Piper is 8:00 AM tomorrow. After weigh-in, they will draw blood. In addition to the regular measures, such as platelets, they will measure the tumor marker CA19-9.  Sometime in the morning I’ll meet with the oncologist to discuss the CA19-9 results as well as the results of the CT scan.  If we are holding steady or decreasing tumor activity, then we will continue with the current chemo regimen (my sincere hope).  If the tumor is increasing its activity, we will discuss other treatment options.
 

It is unclear whether I will be able to post my blog tomorrow.  I will try, but I may not post again until Thursday.  I know you are sending positive thoughts and prayers my way … I can’t thank you enough. I am strengthened by the Team.  You are really helping me in this fight.  Go Team Bacon!

The results of the CT scan indicate that things are holding steady … no real changes in the number of tumors or in the size of the existing tumors, except a decrease in the size of the mass on the pancreas, from about 3 cm to 1.8 cm.  That is great news. Cathy and I are quite relieved by these results, to say the least.  I had my exam with the oncologist prior to any blood work, so we don’t know anything about the CA19-9, or even if they are measuring that this time.  I assume they are, but no one has said anything about it today.

I held steady on my weight.  I thought for sure that I would have gained, at least a little.  I guess I need to have apple pie ala mode at each meal …

I am now receiving fluids while we wait on the blood work to determine whether my platelet count is sufficient to have my chemotherapy treatment.  I am quite confident that my count will be higher than the required 100,000. But we wait to see …

Because our appointment at Piper was at 8:00 AM, and it is about a 45-minute drive from our house, Cathy and I did not get to walk this morning. We will tomorrow.  And I might still go on a walk this afternoon after I get home.  But Cathy will not be able to walk with me, as she has to go to work. This is one of her late nights … she teaches until 7:30 PM on Monday and Wednesday.  We plan on having a celebratory dinner tonight when she gets home.

My back pain has returned, even with the higher dose of my pain patch.  My oncologist told us about some physicians (anesthesiologists) who are having success with an innovative approach to reduce pain.  As I understand it, it is somewhat similar to the neural block I had some time ago (which was not successful).  I am going to meet with one of them to see if they might help me.  That would be fantastic.  I’d love to be pain-free. I’d even settle for significantly reduced pain.

The blood work is in: my platelet count was 252,000 (very high for me), so I am good to go in terms of treatment.  That makes me happy.  I want to receive chemotherapy, as I know it helps me fight this pernicious disease.

I appreciate all the support I receive from all of you; the love, the positive thoughts, the prayers, etc.  It all makes a difference.  We are fighting a good fight.  Let’s keep it up.  Go Team Bacon!

Cathy and I are so thankful for the CT scan results that we received yesterday and, moreover, are so thankful for the many emails and guestbook posts that demonstrate your concerns for my health.  I also know that there are many others who do not post or who do so very infrequently, but who are cheering for me all along the way.  Cathy and I are truly humbled by your support.  It means so very much to us. Thank you!
 

Cathy and I went on a beautiful walk in the desert this morning. I feel really good today.  My back pain is somewhat less than it has been the past few days.  It is hard to know why: it could be a byproduct of yesterday’s chemotherapy, an accumulation over time of having a higher dose of the pain patch, a reduced lack of stress, or some combination. Whatever the reason, I’ll take it.  It is nice to have less pain.  I definitely do not feel the need for oxycodone.
 

I am happy to have basketball games back on for the next four days. The Jayhawks will have their hands full on Friday; they’ll need to play much better than they have lately.  I know they can do it, but will they? 
 

We have been invited to go to a concert on Saturday night by Dan’s mother-in-law, Cathy.  She is the former concertmaster for the Symphony of the Southwest, a professional symphony located in Mesa. She also has been their go-to-person for fundraising and seemingly all aspects of their administration. Although she has not been playing with the orchestra this year, she has not dropped her other duties.  Anyway, she is giving us tickets to Saturday night’s concert, which I know we’ll enjoy, assuming I feel well enough to attend.  I think I will, as I tolerate this chemotherapy regimen quite well.  It does make me tired, but I can always nap during the day.  I should be good to go.
 

I feel very fortunate today. I am so happy to be able to stay with my current chemo regimen. It gives me hope.  I also feel fortunate to have such loving family and friends. Your support is uplifting.  I can’t emphasize that enough. Thank you for all you do for me.  We are indeed in this fight together, and we are fighting a very good fight indeed.
 

Go Team Bacon!

Cathy went on a run this morning and is now at Yoga. We are going on our walk when she returns.  I’ve had two breakfasts so far … may try to sneak in a third before our walk.  The day is beautiful, so I’m expecting a wonderful walk (as usual).  The high temperature will be in the mid to upper 80s, so it should be in the 70s during our walk … perfect!
 

I am looking forward to watching Kansas play Michigan later today.  I’ll try to stay calm throughout, although it can be hard if they are not playing well.  I am thinking that this may be the game where the Jayhawks play their best, so I’ll be able to remain calm – that has to be good for my health, after all. And, of course, I could take the approach where it is just a game and the outcome doesn’t matter all that much … nah.
 

Our friend Melanie and her son Daniel came by to visit us yesterday afternoon.  It was great to see them both.  We had a very nice visit … the hour or so flew by way too fast.  Today’s picture is of Daniel and me in the front yard.  You can see some of the wildflowers that we have.  The yard is nearly flush with yellow poppies and marigolds.
 

Daniel has been praying for me regularly for some time now.  I asked him to keep praying for me, as his prayers certainly seem to be working. 
 

I am still rejoicing in the fantastic news we got on the recent CT scan.  It is such a relief to know that the chemotherapy drugs are working and that we get to stay on this regimen for some time now.  I am expecting good news to continue coming our way. 
 

Thanks for your continued love and support … it is so important to Cathy and me. I know it is a long and difficult road ahead, but the journey is made so much easier with your support. 
 

I am looking forward to having a wonderful weekend.  I hope you do, too.  I’ll write more on Monday.