Met with Dr Margolin yesterday and we set the start date for il-2 as Monday the 12th or Tuesday the 13th, depending on the hospital bed availability. Could have started as soon as next week, but she wants my weight loss to stabilize a bit. I'm holding at about 165 now, which I haven't weighed in 20 years, and my ability to eat is very slowly coming back, so in 10 days I hope to be much better in that regard. I'll get a set of baseline scans next Thursday then meet with Dr Margolin on Friday.
The routine will be two days of il-2 administered every four hours until they feel I've reached my tolerance level, probably 9 or 10 doses, with 12 doses max. This is done in an intensive care section of the UW hospital. Then three or four days later they'll let me out of the hospital and I'll rest for 8 or 9 days after which we'll do it again. Amy and Andrea will be with me a lot of the time in the hospital. I'll probably stay with Amy right after I get out, and then go back to the houseboat for a few days.
In the meantime my model of the America is coming along swimmingly. Painting is done, masts are raised, all the deck fittings are in place and I've started rigging, which I think is the most fun part of the project. It'll be done before I go into the hospital, one more item off my bucket list!
The pic shows the bowsprit rigged and start of the forward shrouds. The other pic is me with the Hubbard glacier in the background.
Ray - so sorry the cruise wasn't all you hoped it would be. Your Blog and emails are so amazing....I'm sure at times it must be difficult to write these thoughts, but your insight and courage is so inspirational, I hope they find their way to a much bigger audience. Best of luck with the next series of treatments. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you and marvel at your courage and wonderful sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteHi Ray,
ReplyDeleteJust caught up on the last 3 mos. on your blog. All I can say is WOW! What you are going through is so intense and you are staying so positive and so courageous. I know your blog will help to inspire and educate those with and without melanoma. Wish I could make it up there soon! It is getting cold here in Bend. Road my bike to Terrebonne today and back and got snowed on!!! I have such wonderful memories of the afternoon and morning I had with you in Seattle; biking, boating and of course eating yummy food! ? I wish you all the strength and as much ease as is possible during the IL-2 treatments. Would love to get in touch while you are in the hospital..phone? address? Best, Alyssa
Hey Ray,
ReplyDeleteHang in there buddy!
Cindee and I will play a few tunes at the Ukulele Ceilidh in Nova Scotia and sip on a glass of red wine in your honor. Thanks so much for letting us know how you are doing!
Cheers to you!
Heidi