Last Thursday (9/24), I had treatment again. It went more smoothly than ever in terms of timing. I got in and out of there at lightning speed even though I saw some additional doctors. Seems I was part of "new doctor" training day so I had company in each of my appointments. I talked again with Dr. S about a break since we're now beyond my original treatment plan. I wanted an idea of what's next. I'm not really begging for a break since treatment seems to be working and over the last several rounds, my side affects have been much more manageable. My diet and exercise adjustments seem to be helping a lot. The plan now is that, if I am stable on my next scan - which I'll have late this month - then I might get a break. If not, then I'll keep going, probably with the next line of defensive drugs. I have a funny feeling that Dr. S thinks that the effectiveness of my current treatment is going to diminish and I'll need to go to a new protocol. But we'll see...
I also met with an oncologist-geneticist who wants me to be part of a new study she is doing. The point of the study is to determine if my DNA mutated and caused the disease. To do the study, the patient must be under 50 with both parents alive and cancer free. So I meet the criteria. They will collect a DNA sample - from saliva - from me and each of my parents and do a comparison. It won't help me in my treatment nor will I ever know what my DNA reveals. But I agreed and asked my parents who also agreed. We're all willing to spit in a cup for the betterment of science!
Now for the secret service part. The day I went for treatment was the day President Obama spoke at the UN. As a result, there were diplomatic convoys and closed street all over the east side. I walked over a few blocks to have lunch with my sister-in-law and passed the Waldorf Astoria on Park Ave. The place was practically in lockdown (I think the President spent the night there). There were barricades everywhere, lots of police and secret service and Park Ave between 49th and 52nd was full of parked police cars and black-windowed SUVs. One had the back doors open with two guys facing out the back with assault rifles and combat gear on (similar to the photo I posted above). It was quite a site. But nonetheless, they let me stroll right past the front door, carrying my black briefcase. I guess I don't look too threatening! And alas, none of the mob of paparazzi with their huge telephoto lenses took my picture...ah yes, another day in the big city!
1 comment:
Ah the Secret Service. They have been observing you for weeks and cleared you. They know your ss #, your personal history and where you were going. You are probably on their pre-visit videos.
I remember when I worked in Jersey City and had to arrange for secret service to clear everyone who would be in the vicinity of the then Vice President Gore, I had staff people and trustees who would not reveal their ages or ss#s. So,tough luck on them. They were barred from the building and surrounding area. Ah, bomb sniffing dogs, dark drapes in corridors between rooms, military precision in moving the VP from place to place. Love those suspense stories. It actually was very exciting to be a part of the operation if only minimally.
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