January 2008 - Gas, Meds, and Sony

I hope all are well and everyone’s year has gotten off to a great start. Again, I am sorry for the lack of updates, you have all heard all the reasons before, so I won’t go through them again. I will go through my health a bit and then do a little tribute to Sony (with pictures), but first I just wanted to comment on our evening out last night. Now Eva and I are not wild types, we have settled into the old married couple routine very well and we like it very much. The whole bar scene seems a little pretentious to us because, well, generally, you would be going to a bar to meet someone, and we are already happy with each other, so we just sort of cut the crap and end up staying in. The big exception would be in Prague, where going to the bar is very much part of the culture and is really the place where a family will go to converse, laugh, and have a good time. Hopefully, Eva and I will be partaking in some of that action in the near future though I am going to have to find another drink. They do say that Pislner Urquell can heal you, though I think I might get my entire month’s allotment of alcohol before dinner would be served, maybe even ordered (these days I go for about one beer a week – and you know that I have been waiting this week for tomorrow’s event). Anyways, though we do not often go out to bars, we do enjoy movies quite a bit and last night cruised over to Century City to catch Sweeney Todd. Spoiler Alert : in case you did not catch the singing in the previews or note that it was an adaptation from Broadway, it’s a musical. This was news to Eva and I and though I may catch some flack from some of the guys, I rather enjoyed it. I may have even sung along a bit here and there. Well, I have been doing pretty well, health-wise, over the last few weeks though I do often have digestive troubles. I really do not remember the last week where I did not have either an episode of diarrhea or constipation, usually both. Eva and I have been trying different foods and sort of figuring out what works but it is still pretty much a mystery. On any given day, we never know if it was the chemo, the medication, or the food that was causing whatever problem I am having. It is frustrating, but we manage, and she has been incredibly tolerant and kind to me. So yesterday afternoon, I was, how would you say, ummm, gassy. I was the gas man. I remember it being a little worse one week about 15 months ago, but it was still pretty bad. We had thought about the movie in the afternoon, and I was still pretty gassy at dinner, but we decided to just go for it anyways. We figured that we would sit away from other people and it would be ok. We were a little worried that it was a Saturday night and that the theater might be packed, but Sweeny Todd had been out for a while, so what were the odds that that theater would be filled. On the ride over to the theater, every time Eva would ask if I still was up for it, usually after I had unleashed another toxic little package, I was only more determined to go and see the movie. Eva did express some concern for our poor fellow theater goers who might have spent $11 on a ticket, $10 more on food, and ended up next to me, sitting through the movie uncomfortable, unhappy, and unable to even swallow their overpriced snacks. We got there a bit early, picked up some twizzlers, and then went into the theater. I never really noticed the difference in theater size in the multiplex, but today as I was hoping for a sparsely filled large theater, I found myself walking into probably the smallest theater at the AMC in Century City (it had about a third of the seats of another theater at the same complex that I had just been to). Luckily, there were not too many people so we figured that we still would be ok. Eva and I walked up to the back corner thinking that maybe people would see the couple in the back row and give them a little room to make out or whatever. Yeah, not so. Slowly but surely, the theater filled up and, even with other perfectly good seats available, it seemed as though people were drawn to us. With every couple that would come up the stairs, Eva and I would squeeze each other’s hand and hope that they would stay low and pick a seat away from us. Each time, we were let down. By the time the movie started, we had a yuppie couple one seat over to Eva’s left, three young Asian girls in the row in front of us, and what was probably a woman and her sister (though possibly lover) one seat over to my right. Well great, I was trying to keep it in as much as I could, but I really do not think that is very healthy for me. I tried to just sit as motionless as possible and hope that the little fart parade would come to an end soon. Amazingly, it did taper off fairly early into the movie and by sort of burying my butt into the seat, I don’t think that those last little packages caused too much harm. Eva and I just smiled and mused over the situation and we were both really glad that we did not call the evening on account of gas. I wonder if there will ever be a way to communicate this in a social setting and create some sort of reasonable solution. Maybe someday, will we have a farter’s and smelly guy section at theaters but then, how will we stop the inevitable stigma that will be associated with the people who nobly quarantine themselves for the benefit of others? How will we know if the poor wives who are just supporting their little gas factories are supporters or contributors, too? Puzzling questions.


To my health… more of the same, what a wonderful thing. I continue to plug away on chemo and have generally been going in about once a week for the last few weeks. I got Avastin one week, taxotere the next, both the week after, and just taxotere last week. Nothing really dramatic has happened, which is good. No hospital stays, no freaking out the family, for the time being, at least. At my last appointment, Dr. Isacoff said I could stop taking Lovenox (a blood thinner). Eva and I were not really sure what prompted this, but if he thinks it is ok, I will gladly give up injecting a needle into my body twice a day. Don’t worry, I will still get my injection fix with Iscador, it is just that now I will be giving myself one injection every two days as opposed to five every two days. Pretty amazing to think that I had been on Lovenox now for about 15 and a half months. Add that up and it comes to roughly 930 injections. Imagine if I threw a tantrum for every injection just like some kids do before getting inoculated. They were never that bad but it was always a little taste of psychological torture getting ready to give it to myself and wondering if I was going to feel nothing today, or writhe in pain for the 10 seconds of pushing the medication. For now, I will have to pay particular attention to my body and if I feel and hard veins anywhere, get checked pretty quickly. I also have a small number of syringes that I can give myself before long flights and such. Now I do not want to get too excited about this because it does not really mean anything and I also do not want to jinx it, but my marker is as low as it has been during this entire journey. I hit 94 in December and 81 in January. This marker does not correlate really well with cancer progress and it cannot be used to definitively diagnose someone, but it is not meaningless either. Eva and I are very cautious with positive news and as such we maintain a great respect for the horrible thing in my body and hope that everything just keeps going as well as it has been going. Just for some reference, a normal human’s CA19-9 is under 40. When I was diagnosed I was at 156 and at times I got up over 600. Some people’s can go into the thousands, which is not good, but it can just as easily come down. These cancers can act in many different ways, some are like bottle rockets that burn out in a bright burst of activity and others are like smoldering fires that don’t shake you up to much, but burn soft and low and long. It takes a lot of luck to survive either type. Oddly, as well as my treatment is going, I have felt pretty crappy for the last couple of weeks. Pretty lethargic - just slow and sore. My activity level has dropped a bit, possibly coinciding with the whether, and there are just some days where I feel like sh#t. Eva usually does an incredible job of dealing with the grumpy hubby and even when I really do not want anyone touching me or moving me or doing anything to me, a few feisty kisses will almost always put a smile on my face. At my last infusion, my red blood cells were low and I ended up needing a shot (same stuff as procrit, different name). I was figuring that maybe just with my reds down, that the rest of my body was not getting the oxygen that it needed.

Another little annoyance was that I had the margins taken on three moles over the last couple weeks and those wounds were a little irritating. Last December I had 6 suspicious moles taken out. Three came back as severely a-typical (the scale goes benign, mild atypia, moderate atypia, severe atypia, pre-melanoma, melanoma) and so they wanted to take larger margins. The first pass already required a couple stitches but now they were talking about a 5mm diameter chunk of meat. Of course the three could not be done at the same time because it would be too much of an impact on the body (though I think it may be more because insurance will not pay for the second or third if it is done at the same time). The three moles were on my upper back and one was right on the biggest vertebrae in my neck. Having that spot be painful and tender was no fun. It felt like I was being hug up and a coat rack by the skin on the back of my neck. Every piece of clothing I would put on would rest heavily on that spot. Every time I would lie down or even just lean back in a chair, I would put pressure on that spot. Eva got better, but would go to hug me and put her arms around my neck and I would cringe and go into a defensive stance. Fortunately, after about a week, the pain eased away, just in time for the last chunk to be taken. The doctor did a great job and all but it was still just ate at me a bit. I did resort to painkillers a few days, yeah, that was nice. Because one of the early ones opened up after the stitches were removed, we are waiting an extra few weeks before removing these. Just don’t freak out if you see my back with about 15 stitches in it in 3 different places.

What a cute couple. I keep trying to stick my chin out for Eva so I do not look chubby, but I do not think it is working.


We did not go anywhere over the last two weekends though there was a little furry surprise that added quite a little excitement to our lives. We got to take care of Sony both last weekend and the weekend before. As pets are verboten in our apartment we ended up spending both weekends down in San Pedro at the folks house. The first weekend, my parents were away in Hawaii, so Eva and I got to play house and the game was ever more realistic with that cute little guy hanging around. I, of course, do not have any real experience raising a kid, or caring for a kid, but I think that I got a good dose looking after Sony. This dog is pampered like a grandchild and because of the heightened importance of taking good care of my oncologist’s dog, we gave this dog quite a bit of attention. Don’t get me wrong, I would try to take great care of anyone’s pet who I was watching, but when the dog belongs to your oncologist, it sort of raises the bar a bit. I cannot imagine the horror that would ensue if anything happened to that dog. That said, 95% of the time Sony is amazing. He is adorable and basically can do no wrong. About 5% of the time he sort of freaks out a bit and either wants something on a counter or wants to play or just wants to annoy the crap out of you. Luckily those times usually pass quickly and then the mellow Sony comes back. I used to think that people who were so attached to their dogs were a little crazy or maybe lacking something in their lives, but I am now one of those people, through and through. I could never understand why people would talk so much about their dogs. Didn’t they have lives? Well, look at me now. Eva and I would constantly muse over the way Sony looked up earlier that day or when he ran onto the bed or whatever. Yeah that was another thing, Sony slept with us. My former self would be shaking his head. I guess I would try to plead with my former self and make him realize how nice it is to have a little fluff ball on your feet at night and how cute it is when he licks your head to wake you up in the morning. I don’t think my former self would understand. Adorably, on Sunday of the second weekend, when my parents got to share in the Sony fun, my dad asked if Sony could sleep with them that night. Eva and I smiled and I just could not believe that this was the same man that would never let Ted, our old dog, anywhere in the house except the laundry room. Sony slept with them that night and I think everyone had a good time.

Sony takes quite an interest in the outside world. One of his favorite spots was up on the couch looking out. My parents thought this was hilarious.


Here is a lethargic Tyler. Eva was kind enough to bring me Sony’s hedgehog to help me sleep better.


Turns out that Sony wanted his hedgehog and while he was getting it, he might as well plant a couple on me.


We took Sony out for a lot of walks and he can do the once around the block thing like a champ.


Going any further distance, like on an actual walk, and he, well, is not exactly up to the challenge. We would joke that Sony can go about halfway anywhere. If we were going for a 1-mile walk, he would go like gangbusters for the half mile, and then just lie down when we wanted to turn around. If we were going for a 2 mile walk, he would go strong for the first mile and again lie down at the turn around. After this had happened a few times, I wised up and brought a backpack. It was a lot easier to carry his sorry ass back home in a pack than in my arms.


I hope everyone enjoys the Superbowl tomorrow. I will be particularly stoked if I hear that anyone we know from Europe stayed up to watch it (I did last year when Eva and I were in Switzerland). Then again, when thinking about watching a 3 hour football game at 12 or 1 in the morning, maybe the highlights the next day would be just as good.

Take Care and Live Strong,
Tyler

WARNING : there are a couple gross pictures below from when I had the mole margins taken out. If you do not want to see a chunk of bloody flesh, do not look any further down. If you do, enjoy.































Here I am all marked up and ready to go.


Here is the piece they took out. It is not all that big, but still a whole lot bigger than anything you would like to be removed from your body.

Year End Thoughts

Well, I am back, for the time being at least. I did not really go anywhere, I have just been left to my own thoughts more than I have been out and about and this usually leads to lapses in writing as, often in these situations, I really do not have all that much to share. My time since Portland has been wonderfully enjoyable and my health has been relatively stable and overall I had an incredible Christmas and New Year’s. Taking my cue from a number of television and print outlets, the passing of the year has served as a time to reflect over the year that is gone and to look to the upcoming year with hope and anticipation. What a year. I will have to admit that I cried more tears of joy and sorrow in 2006, but that in comparison with the other 25 years, 2007 was filled with a spectacular number of highs and lows. Frankly, I am stoked to be here. I feel incredibly lucky for the life I lead. My line, when asked how are you doing, of “Well, if they did not tell me I was sick, I would never know it.” Is getting a little old, which is really just another blessing. I am more than willing to deal with the awkwardness of situations that arise where people are surprised I am still around. Do not get me wrong, everyone I know has been incredibly supportive and it is their support that has really carried me through tough times, but if you look at the numbers (which you shouldn’t), I have tripled or quadrupled my readjusted life expectancy at the time of diagnosis. I just hope social security doesn’t find out how much fun I have been having. Oh-yeah, once again, thanks to all of you wonderful taxpayers. You guys rock! I have rejoined your ranks and if anyone ever hears me calling for a tax cut, I want you to slap me upside the head to shut me up. Seriously, I won’t be mad. It is just an interesting (and wonderful) point in my cancer journey, when you get a bit of unexpected stability. Here is hoping that it will continue.

Reflecting back on the year, I had an incredible time with friends and family and my new wife. I think we are more in love than ever. She still surprises me so often with some other incredibly cute little thing here or there. My parents have been stoic throughout the last year and supported us in all of our decisions. My new parents have been wonderful and have really gone out of their way to make me feel like a part of the family. Eva and I would not be doing nearly as well as we are without the never-ending love and support of both sets of parents. Thank you all. I also want to extend my gratitude to our solid friends and co-workers who have found the time to spend with us and make our lives easier. I returned to work part-time in August, and everyone at Raytheon made the transistion back really easy. It has been amazing how flexible they have been. I can only hope they will let Eva and I jaunt off to Switzerland again this year in similar style.

Health-wise, the year has been wonderfully dull. My scan in November was similar to August, which was similar to April, which was similar to January. Not too shabby. Here is to hoping for the similar scans to continue. That scan in January was a little unnerving as the cyst had actually grown about 10% since the last scan of 2006. That was a big blow to Eva and I and it took an even bigger toll because we were really not expecting it (in the previous scan the cyst had shrunk 50%, but that was also post splenectomy when a chamber or two might have been breached). After going through the January scan, Eva and I were much more cautious when getting the scan results and were a little more prepared for what might come. We tried to focus on the idea that I probably felt pretty good the day before the scan, I probably felt good on the day of the scan, and I probably felt good on the day after the scan. That was what was important. I have had good days and bad days after chemo but continue to be very lucky and tolerate it reasonably well. We successfully smuggled 1200ml of Erbitux (roughly $12,000 US) into the states which was a bit exciting and I have now gotten chemotherapy in another country (which makes me wonder if there is some pointless and nonsensical record out there for some guy who has received chemo in the most number of different countries, somebody call the Guinness people, we may have something that would interest them. Perhaps we could expand the segment into weird activities engaged in while getting chemo like Monopoly or most hot dogs eaten while getting chemo, or greatest number of soccer juggles while on the drip). I have switched regimens a number of times over the last year, but I am unsure of exactly how many times because chemo drugs are added and removed sort of at will and usually the new regimen will have a few of the old chemos. I trust in Dr. Isacoff and seem to be doing pretty well so far.

Sadly, over the year, a great number more people were diagnosed with cancer including family and close family friends. I am sorry to be extending this, but welcome to the club. I know it seems unfair, but only those who have faced this disease can really know all the thoughts and emotions that go through someone’s head after diagnosis. Our wonderful care-providers can know 99% of those thoughts and emotions, but there is really no substitute for living it. If you are reading this, consider yourself lucky. You are a survivor. It may have been only a short time, but you are an inspiration to others. Maybe you should consider starting a blog. It is a wonderful way to release some inner demons if you are so inclined. Just know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers and that I am also thinking and praying for your care-givers. They certainly deserve more credit than they ever get. At least we have something to fight against, they have to just sit there and listen to us whine, and bring us water when we are thirsty, and a blanket when we are cold, and cook more pasta when we threw up the first batch and are still hungry and need calories to prevent weight loss.

Well that is about as much reflection as I am good for right now. Again, thank you to all of you who have made it an unforgettable year. I wish each and every one of you a fantastic 2008. Remember, years are measured more in tears than anything else, whether they were tears of joy or tears of sorrow, they were moments lived.

Carpe Vitam,
TN

Below are just a few highlights from December.

Back in the doctor’s office the day after Portland. No rest for the weary. Check out the port. Pretty sweet. This was the first time I had ever received Avastin and it was a little rough. The next few days I had tough mornings. It was as if the 5 or 6 minutes of hot water in the shower were too much and I would have to sit down before I would fall over. Usually after an hour or two or three, I would feel pretty normal and was actually able to work most of those days. Eva said I looked green a couple times. I don’t really make it easy for her during those times. I neither want pity or seclusion. I just want her to act as if nothing is happening. That is understandably tough when I look like I am about to fall out of my chair at the breakfast table. I love you, honey.


On the 15th I went down to Long Beach for the Conrad’s Christmas Breakfast. I got there a bit late (I love sleeping in with Eva), but still caught the tail end. What a surprise, my parents were there. Marty and I had competed for a number of years, but I think I am going to have to hand the title over to him. I now have set my sights on a skinny little Swiss girl who thinks she is just as quick as can be. It was really good to see Marty and his family and a number of others from the LB days.


On Monday, the 16th, I only got Mitomycin C and was in pretty good shape so my parents and I decided to go for a little walk/hike in the dog park part of Griffith park. I huffed going up the hills but managed to get my sorry butt up there. Again, it is just so hard to know that the hill that is currently kicking your butt, you could have owned at one time. It is like the decline that an older person experiences slowly over 25 years have been compressed down into about a year. I know I just have to take it easy and relax and that I am very lucky to still be able to get out and about, but there is still a little bitterness that comes out from time to time. Anyways, it was a really pretty day.


I spent the week working and shopping. I felt very American. Raytheon is wonderful because once I did my hours for the week, I would not have to go back until January 2nd. On Friday the 21st, Eva and I went for a walk that started at the same place my parents and I had hiked earlier in the week. The traffic was a bit tough getting there (even though it is pretty close) so we ended up hiking under a full moon with all the city lights below. It was just pleasant. Check out that sky.


There is downtown in the background. LA can be really pretty when it wants to be.


On Saturday the 22nd, my folks, Eva, and I went to Royce hall to watch the Nutcracker. It was wonderful though we had forgotten how much of the audience was likely under the age of 12. Never-the-less, there were some adorable little stinkers and the performance was really well done (though we do believe that there were more dolls in the performance in Prague). As we were heading back to the car, we heard this boy exclaim, “Man, those tights are so itchy.” Sure enough, it was the boy who played Fritz and it appears that his character was not all that much of a stretch for him.


Monday, December 24th
We went in for chemo and sympathized with all of the poor staff who had to work on Christmas Eve. Eva actually started my IV through my port this time and did a great job. Later in the day we cruised down to San Pedro and I was feeling well enough for a walk down to the tide pools. Somehow I managed to get this cute little critter and include the Hirshberg slogan (or at least the half I like).


Here we all are on the rocks. Just another beautiful day.


We had a wonderful dinner and to incorporate some of Eva’s traditions we actually opened up a few gifts on Christmas Eve. It was really fun. We attended a midnight service at Lakewood Community Church, which was really nice, though it was tough not have Grandma there. I still think of her often and still long for the times we spent together. I know she is still with me, but my world had just been a little sadder without her. Here we are all dolled up for church.


We took another walk on Christmas day. This time out to Jap’s cove. It was a great day.



Great sunset on Christmas.


My post-Christmas time was spent mostly playing with the various gifts I had received - a small helcopter (Go Eva!) and hovercraft (Go Mom and Dad!) though I also did quite a bit of reading and puzzling. On the 28th, I did get out of the house and went down to Long Beach for a round of Golf with Tiana, her Dad, and Steve. Steve look fierce early and had some really pretty shots but the back nine took its toll as his endurance faded. David plays with the consistency of someone who actually knows what they are doing and Tiana, well, she is just such a nice person. We had a nice late lunch after golf and then Tiana and I caught up with Ryan Barger (my best friend from middle school) at a little coffee shop. It was really nice seeing him and it sounds like he is doing well for himself.


On the 31st, Eva and I went to Tiana’s as we have done for the last few years. It was fun though I have to applaud Eva for enduring the same high school stories year after year. She thought she knew everyone, though this year presented a whole new bunch of faces. I think Eva and I have lived a bit beyond our years, which sometimes makes it a bit hard to be around people our own age. We had a great time and really enjoyed seeing everyone, but we just sort of have a little different mindset. We look at each other and are just thankful to be together to share another New Year’s, as opposed to others who are struggling with deciding whether or not to pursue another degree or live in another city or whatever. I am not saying that those are not valid concerns; it is just a little different when you are facing something like cancer. We still had a really nice time at Tiana’s and really appreciate her having us. And props to her parents for their incredible help and work. I am making a push for them to join us at the table next year. For the work they do they should enjoy the dinner as well. They’re hip, they’re with it. If they are not at the table next year, maybe I will join them in the kitchen.


Well thats about it for now. I wish all of you a great year. Some final words… Live as if you will die tomorrow, dream as if you will live forever - James Dean.

Take Care and Live Strong,
TN

12-08-2007 Portland

The big winner for the 10,000th hit was …drum roll please…

Jessica Noesen!

Congratulations Jessica! She emailed me with the screen shot and is entitled to all the glory this contest can bestow on her. Well, it looks like it is going to be a t-shirt and then hopefully, some activity involving a boat. Sorry not to reveal the results immediately, but it really would not have been consistent with the philosophy of this particular blog (basically, I continue to be lazy).

Anyways, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and got everything they wanted. If there was something that you did not get, you are always welcome to use the rationalization that “Well, if Tyler wanted it, he would probably buy it for himself. So, I might as well buy it for myself. You have to live for the day.” Yeah, I have sort of been doing the instant gratification thing for the last year and 5 months. Miraculously, Eva and I are not bankrupt yet. It did make it a little hard for Eva to do her Christmas shopping but she did manage to put the breaks on my spending (on myself) a bit in the month and a half leading up to Christmas. Actually she did incredibly, as did the rest of the family. I feel incredibly fortunate. The toys are fun, but at the end of the day, nothing really beats a good hug and just knowing that you are loved (try telling that to an 8-year-old, give him about 15 years and he will get it).

Back in early December, once Eva and I got back from Switzerland, we worked a few days, and then were off again up to Portland to visit some of my family. We left Saturday morning and were at the home (sorry Zel, you lovely residence will be referred to as a home during this entire entry) by early afternoon. The 2 hour flight was nothing when compared to the 11 hour flight to Zurich. We checked out the activities list for the day (the home is amazing and coordinates activities for the residents pretty much every day) and saw that Wii bowling was happening in the afternoon. Pretty Sweet. We got Zel out there and she actually got a few strikes. Look at that Champ!


My father got into it a bit though, luckily, he was a little more restrainded than when he was Wii boxing in our apartment. Just because I relish in every victory, I have to mention that I managed to hit a couple strikes in the 10th frame for a come from behind victory.


After our bowling workout, we took a little tour around the home. Nearly everyone decorates their doors for the season and some were really spectacular.


Eva and I loved the goose with ear warmers. Adorable!


We took a bit of a break before dinner and Eva and I checked out the library. I perused a really nice Atlas and Eva amused herself by working on a puzzle that was out. I had no idea that she liked puzzles but she was adorable and got really into it. We only spent about 45 minutes there but a puzzle that was only about ¼ done upon arrival was nearly ¾ done before we had to go to dinner. It was tough to pull her away.


Then Eva, my folks, Zel, and I went to AppleBee’s in the little shopping center right around the corner from her place. We had a dinner of appetizers which is always fun. We just cannot resist the happy hour specials. After dinner we chatted a bit more at Zel’s place and then turned in.

On Sunday, we got up and had breakfast with Zel and her friends Ray and Bob. They are a couple of characters and it was wonderful to meet them and have breakfast with them. It was really good to see that Zel has some really nice friends at her place. Good friendships are had to come by and really make life a whole lot better. Eva commented and I agreed that all three of the residents were just so quick that it was hard to keep up. Some of the comments out of Bob even made my father blush a bit. It was just really funny when you were not expecting it. After breakfast, we talked a bit more on some of the nice couches that were in the main room and my dad and I got to hear about a car that Bob had been restoring. A nice 30’s Mercedes convertible. "You know, like Hitler’s car." he said. Just a funny guy and Ray was just so kind and warm as well. She was pretty liberal and I had to laugh when she said we have a nutcase in the White House. Not the usual sentiment out of the older crowd (no offense intended Ray and Zel and Bob, you all are very young in spirit). I would try to test the political waters with Zel but realized that I would probably not get very far as she generally votes by looks. Lets face it, even with the ears, Bush was better looking than both Gore or Kerry so you can’t really hold that against her. After digesting a bit, my folks, Eva, and I went out for a little run/walk. Eva ran and the rest of us walked. There was a little bike path that ran along the stream and apparently went all the way into Portland. It was really nice though crisp and cold and even a few snowflakes fell. It felt good to get out and move around a bit.


Then we went back, got cleaned up, and met up with the rest of the family at Zel’s. Tom and Birken had come over and Betty and David had come up. It was really great to see all of them. All of them were looking very well and everyone seems to be doing pretty well. After catching up for a bit we all made our way down to a lovely Sunday champagne brunch put on by the residence. It always just feels very good to get the family together a bit and this was no exception. I wish I had more time to travel around so that I could see my family a bit more regularly. I guess we all wish we had more time for everything that we would like to do. If I have realized anything from this experience it is that time is probably the most valuable commodity any of us has. So make the most of it. And just for the record, sometimes time is best spent just doing nothing with someone you love. I cannot express how much I enjoy just hanging out on the couch with Eva. That said, I also enjoy dragging her around a bit a trying to squeeze it all in. I guess that a balance of both is nice. Anyways, lunch was wonderful, good food and good company. The boys behaved themselves, not that there was ever any doubt, but sometimes my father’s sarcasm can get a little out of hand. Sadly, we were only on a short trip and Tom had to pick up a friend from the airport and that was the only time we got to spend with Tom and Birken. Hopefully, Tom will have a wonderful time in Hawaii (he is probably there right now) and hopefully Birken gets some snow. We sort of took it easy that afternoon and then in the evening, Eva, my folks, and I went to the little shopping center right by the home. We tried to do a little shopping for each other though it was a little hard to shop for each other in front of each other. There were a couple close calls where a “Stop right there!” and a cover the item with your jacket maneuver prevented a surprise from being spoiled. We grabbed a small bite at the bar around the corner and then went back to Zel’s.

On Monday, we got up and checked out the exercise room. What a surprise, my father was already in there and sweating hard. After a brief workout, we got cleaned up and went down for breakfast. I really love the set-up where everyone eats with each other for as many meals as they would like. It is really social and just totally reminds me of college. After breakfast, we all cruised down to Betty and David’s to check out their new house. On our last trip in May, we got to see the blueprints and now we got to see the finished product. It was very nice. A beautiful home and Eva even said that the corners appeared to be aligned (something of a rarity in American construction – a little joke between us. I usually respond by saying something like, “well at least is did not take 5 years to finish). It was a little ways down there but the drive was nice and we got to see a bit of the Oregon countryside on the way there. We had a great lunch and spent some more time with family. Zel looks like she is enjoyng her spot.


Betty, me, and Eva. Betty, my dad's cousin, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and is just begining her chemotherapy regimen. She has maintained a wonderful attitude throughout probably the hardest part of the journey (diagnosis) and it was actually really fun making cancer jokes with her, survivor to survivor. We all just try to make the best of a shitty situation. I really feel for her, and everyone who has been touched by this disease, and wish her the best of luck in her journey. Please keep her in your thoughts as the wonderful thoughts and prayers you all have given me have done wonders in keeping me around.


Check out the great tree at the home. I am telling you, this place was really nice. Sign me up.


Here we are with Zel before we left. She just has a wonderful spirit. I hope to make my way back up there soon.


Our trip was a quick one and we had to head back up to Portland to catch our flight that evening. We dropped Zel off at the home, hugged our good byes, and were on our way. Another mellow flight back down to LA and then we went back to San Pedro to crash.

Take Care and Live Strong,
Tyler

11-24-2007 Trip to Switzerland

Ok just a couple of current items and then a recap of the trip to Switzerland. My health is fairly steady. We are not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination but it seems that we have come across a nice little meadow on our way. Hey, I would not mind hanging out in this state for a very long time. I have been going to chemo about once a week (before and after my trip to Switzerland) and it is still pretty OK. I had a few rough days but those are to be expected. Anyways, my father has put our little 17' whaler (boat) into the water in Los Alamitos Bay for the next couple weeks and would love to take anyone who is interested out to see the lights in Naples from the cannals. Just give him a call. If he gives you any grief (he won't) tell him Tyler told you to call.

The other little item is that with all of your incredible support, the blog is approaching the 10,000 hit mark. This kind of notoriety has caused some to try to advertise through comments (Please do not click the link from any posts from that Adam character! It will only make it worse. If a comment is from Adam Shaffer it is probably OK) but it is also very exciting. Thank you all for your support. To show my appreciation of you guys sticking with the blog, I will have a prize for the person who is the 10,000 hit. This contest will be based on the honor system so if you see that you are 10 hits away, please do not just close and open the blog 10 times. Play fair. If you find that you are the 10,000th visitor, please take a screen shot (google it for your operating system if you do not know how) and email it to me at tnoesen@gmail.com. The prize has yet to be determined and may depend on the winner (ie waterskiing is probably not a prize that my Great Aunt Zel would get very excited about). Good Luck and thanks for being a big part of the support network that has helped me along so much.


The day after Thanksgiving, Eva and I hopped on a plane and cruised over to Switzerland to see her folks. Switzerland is always wonderful. I feel incredibly fortunate to just be able to pick up and head over to such a beautiful country and to have such a nice place to stay. The primary reason for the trip was to spend time with Eva’s folks and we got to spend some good time together. Most of the trip was spent in their little village of Rudolfstetten though we did get into Zurich a few times. I just love the forest and fields up the hill from their house. I am such a city boy so I get excited whenever I am in the countryside. It was really neat contrasting how the fields looked on this trip with how they looked in July - pretty big difference. The weather was fairly cooperative, much to Eva and my chagrin. We were hoping for rain and snow (you know, just to mix it up a bit from sunny SoCal) but it was pretty nice most of the time. There were a few foggy days, a couple days of rain, and it did snow on a run once, but mostly it was just chilly and clear.

We got to have dinner with Eva’s friend Andy and also go out with Justina (Eva’s best friend from childhood). Both evenings were really enjoyable and they both seem to be doing very well. Andy had a great apartment that was right on Lake Zurich. It definitely got those wheels turning in my head as there were a number of boats along the street going to their place. We shared a little 8-year-old fun after dinner as he brought out a couple RC helicopters and we flew them around the apartment. So much fun! The cats seemed a little freaked out but I am sure they will get over it. Amazingly, we did not destroy anything in the apartment. Andy and I are very lucky that our respective wives put up with us and even got into the fun as well (some women may be offended by that remark, but lets face it, how many little girls do you know that really like helicopters or have ever come up with the idea of strapping a firecracker to an army man to see if he can fly). Eva’s faces while flying the helicopter were priceless.

The next evening, we went out to a bar with Justina in Widen. It was a pretty hot spot (well, it was the only spot in Widen – a pretty small town). The crowd was interesting as the age range was wide open. There were kids that looked like they were still in high school and then there were people my parent’s age “getting jiggy with it”. It was very loud and smoky but Eva and I really felt that we were living it up like a couple of twenty-somethings should be. Usually we are in bed fairly early but when you travel through 8 time zones, you can reschedule your body so that you can stay up later. One drawback of this approach is that you may end up sleeping in fairly late but I am pretty sure that Eva’s folks already think I am a snoozer anyways so oh-well. Anyways, Eva and I really enjoyed sort of being a part of the scene at least for one night. Justina is always a pleasure to be around and just fun and bubbly. After the bar we went back to her place and conversed in a little more low-key environment. She showed me a music video of her friend, which was really cool though it was a little odd seeing a very pretty blonde girl doing some hardcore German rap. The chorus was pretty catchy, though it really should not be repeated in front of minors. Eva and I did not get home until about 3:30am. We felt like such Euros! (even though 3:30 would be about halfway through a Euro’s evening).

On Saturday night, we kept the nightlife and high living alive by attending a ball very close to Lake Zurich. It was a Czech Doctor’s ball and a pretty fun event. Maybe I do not know where to look, but you do not see these balls as much, if at all, in the states. It was an impressive local and everyone was dressed to the nines. They had a live band and lots of dancing. Eva and I got out there a bit but my leading could use some work. She looked incredible and I was really just stoked that she was at my side. The other two couples at our table were very nice and kind enough to speak English for me. Switzerland really amazes me with the ability for a great majority of their citizens to be able to switch between German and English and possibly Czech or French at a moments notice, often within the same conversation and occasionally within the same sentence. The man to my left, Chris, was actually deputy mayor of Rudolfstetten (Eva’s little town). It was really interesting talking to him about how Swiss politics works and how the town is governed on a day-to-day basis. Swiss governance is much more of a bottom up approach. It is really fascinating though it is hard to imagine the consequences of a similar system being applied here. What would happen if every little American town could vote directly to determine the amount of taxes they pay or vote to approve or disapprove the proposed color a neighbor would want to paint their house? At any rate, the ball was very enjoyable. I feel like I have gotten that much more value out of my tux every time I get to wear it. I am such my father’s son.

The rest of the time was spent just doing day-to-day things. We had gotten ready to import some more Erbitux, but it looks like my regimen is changing again and now I will be on Avastin. Unfortunately, the price for Avastin in Switzerland is roughly the same as it is here in America so we decided to forgo the smuggling effort. We did stock up on Iscador though (a mistletoe extract that has been used in Europe for quite a while to boost the immune system and hold back cancer spread). It was a pretty quick trip but very enjoyable. We will see but I would expect that Eva and I will make our way back there in either February or March. Below are a number of pictures from the trip with little captions. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, has had a Happy Hanukah, or has a wonderful celebration in whatever way you chose.

Take Care and Live Strong,
Tyler

I hope you enjoy the pictures…

Here are George and Miluse having a good time at a little village get together. Within 24 hours of our arrival, I had eaten 4 sausages. I sort of toned it down and got back on salad in the days that followed. George and the Men’s Choir sung at the little gathering, which was a really lovely way to start off our trip.


Their neighbor was having a rough time mowing the lawn so he employed a few Alpacas. He was hoping for a two-fold benefit with them keeping the grass short and then fertilizing the entire yard. Well, it turns out that they don’t really cover the intended area as uniformly as you might hope. They seem to eat from a couple spots and poop in one corner. Not all good ideas work out as planned. Oh-well.


Here are George and I out on the bikes. It was a little chilly but just wonderful to ride around the fields.


No trip to Switzerland would be complete without seeing some cows.


Eva and Miluse making cookies. What an adorable mother daughter bonding time, with sweet benefits to the others in the house as well.



Some days were clear, some days were foggy. I did not get a picture of it, but there was a bit of frost on a lot of the plants that looked really cool.



Here is Eva and I on the morning of our trip to Zurich. Banhofstrasse is basically like a combination of Rodeo Dr. and Time Square except that everyone is speaking German and looks to be working very hard.


As usual, I see a church and have to go in it. And guess what, this one had a tower, too. This was Grossmunster, a church that my parents and I had been to last July. Ahh, my wife tolerates my tower addiction with such patience. She is so wonderful.


She told me to look fierce and this is what she got. That is lake Zurich in the background.


Well, after we had gotten our fill of churches, we moved onto chocolate shops. You can almost feel the excitement.


I am enjoying a very fine hot chocolate in a cute little chocolateria. The place was adorable and it sort of felt like this is what a cave could look like if they let Martha Stewart go to town on the decorations. It was a warm retreat from the cold and who would refuse chocolate? Luckily, I am only 5’9”. Anyone over 6’ would have a tough time moving around in there.


Just for kicks, we rode the Polybahn, a cute little tram that takes people up the hill to the university. The sky was amazing and we barely got this shot before the colors faded away.


Back down at the train station, there was a little Christmas market. Lots of little kitschy items if you were so inclined. Here is a tree decorated with Swarovski Glass ornaments. Pretty sparkly.


Here is Eva looking gorgeous in front of the main train station. I feel lucky everyday.


Another run in the fields by Rudolfstetten. Eva really liked this tree and thought it looked a bit like a leaf.


Taking a break at the water stop. It was a little drizzly and I dressed for it.


Egelsee in the rain. Again, the California kid is just amazed at this concept that people call the seasons. Later on the run, when we were going through the forest, I thought of my Great Aunt Zel. I think that what we where in would be what she would describe as a clean forest (like those in Chicago). None of those overgrown bushes like you would find in those messy forests of Oregon. Personally, I find both forests appealing so if you are taken aback at the idea of a messy forest in Oregon, I want you to remember that you would be at odds with an adorable 93 year-old woman.


Here are a few photos from the ball. Again, I feel lucky every day.


Sometimes the music would get a little fast and it was a good idea to lead me off the dance floor.


Eva and her father. Just for the record, George and Miluse were pretty awesome on the dance floor. They were putting their kids to shame with the moves and the style they were working with. Well, looks like a little practice is in order for Eva and I. I always enjoy a good challenge.


Eva’s folks and us at the table. The guy on the right is Chris, who I mentioned before. To say that that guy was also impressive on the dance floor would be quite an understatement.


This afternoon we all went for a walk up in the hills. The clouds were pretty spectacular and then all of a sudden it started raining. Who knew?


A hillside in Switzerland. There is just something really appealing to me about a lone tree in a field. So peaceful.