spring

601

Advanced Prostate Cancer, David Emerson, disc golf, spring -

This post marks quite a milestone, it’s number 601! That’s approximately one-hundred per year for the last six years!  I never thought I’d have this much to say or share but I proved myself wrong.

Spring has arrived in Kansas City and that means rain.  We received rain showers several times last week.  More importantly the rain means we will also have beautiful spring mornings.

It was 52 degrees when the guys teed off at disc golf Sunday morning. I was the score keeper once again.  Growing up in St. Louis I was familiar with large, planned urban parks (Forest Park). In Kansas City we have Swope Park. Like Forest Park it contains the Zoo, outdoor theater (Starlight), a golf course and in Kansas City’s case, a beautiful disc golf course. Sunday morning, amongst other sightings and sounds we saw Missouri Blue birds and an eight point white-tailed deer. It pains me to be on injured reserve as I rest my hips for the time being, but the sights and sounds of nature, along with the time with friends makes up for my lack of participation.

It was close to 80 Sunday so I cleaned up various winter time debris in the garden, move some hostas and lilies and piddled around in the yard and enjoyed the beautiful weather.

Thursday it’s time for another day trip to Atlanta, I can’t wait to see how Spring has enveloped Hot-Atlanta!

Monday’s a pain but Thursday’s a grind

Abiraterone, Advanced Prostate Cancer, Ash Wednesday, Atlanta, David Emerson, spring -
I made my third bi-weekly trip to Atlanta this past week. Although I’ve got the thirteen hour round trip down to a science, last night I realized how quickly it has become a real drag.
I’m getting quite a bit of reading done, and I sleep really well on Thursday nights after the trip .However, half way though the three month bi-weekly process, I’m ready for it to be over.  It’s very worth every trip if we see a reduction in my PSA and we are able to regain some control of the caner with the Abiraterone.

There is a rumor the same trial will open here in Kansas City, perhaps in April. That would be ideal since I have already booked the flight for the next three trips. I have held off the April 24th trip because of this and because the airfare on that particular date is $300! The chances of the rate changing are slim, but you never know.

I saw blooming dogwoods while I was on the MARTA Thursday and that means one thing, Spring is here. My favorite time of the year! Ash Wednesday, Lent and soon Easter. Our hyacinth are peeking up and I really cannot wait to get outside and spend time in our yard.

Thursday’s grind will certainly get tougher over the next few weeks as the signs of Spring continue to increase.

Spring and a few other things

Charity Disc Golf, David Emerson, FLHW, florida, Provenge, spring -
This might finally be the week when we put winter behind us. I say that with some trepidation, not wanting to jinx things. I planted spinach about a month ago and it is finally making some real progress, however harvest and a fresh salad from the bounty are weeks away.

We played in a rain soaked disc golf tournament on Saturday and I hope to get out a few times this week and weekend. Additionally, plans are well under way for our second annual FLHW disc golf tournament on May 9th. Details are at http://www.flhw.org/2009discgolf.htm

Since returning from Houston, I’ve really been trying to take the doctor’s advice to just get on with it. We have been really wanting to get back to Florida and may try to plan a trip for when school gets out. I could use some sand between my toes!

My next appointment with Dr. V is next Monday and for once I am not real concerned. Well maybe just a little. There is potentially some good news on the horizon for those of us with advanced prostate cancer.

I’ve written about this new drug, Provenge, a number of times over the years. My first post on Provenge was on October 24, 2006. Next week the company is scheduled to announce the results of their Phase III trial and rumor has it, the news is good. What that means is, in the best case scenario, the drug may be available in the first quarter of 2010. Available and approved or paid for by insurance are two completely different things as well. It is still good news and apparently there may be more regarding other treatments in the months ahead. Again, nothing curative, simply drugs or treatments that may extend the life of those with advanced PCa.

You are late

Advanced Prostate Cancer, hyacinth, PCa, spring -

Has winter got you down? Me too!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You are late
2-26-08

Where have you gone?
Patiently, anxiously, I wait,
for your arrival.

Unlike years past,
your teases and
days of temptation
have been lacking this year.

The days drag on,
cold, damp, dreary.
I long for you,
but you are late.

When will you come?
When will you temp me
with warm breezes,
the scent of hyacinth,
and green, green grasses.