The Journal of a Prizefighter

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Articles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

the pieces are in place
2007-07-11 04:45:00
Eileen and Su accompanied me to Dr. Castro-Malaspina's office yesterday for my follow-up appointment. At the appointment, we learned that the 9/10 unrelated adult donor was chosen to be my donor. It's the best available. The cord blood lines, which were identified earlier, weren't sufficient matches for a safe transplantation. Though my donor isn't a perfect match, it's the best there is. Basically, it's this or nothing.He said there's a 40% chance it will work . . . that I'll be cured. Dr. Moskowitz said about 33% chance at my appointment this afternoon. Not much difference really. It's about the same. Dr. Moskowitz told us that very recently one of his patients with Hodgkin's died after having failed an autologous transplant (I don't know why he didn't go for an allo), but he had lived four years post-transplant which is the longest he had ever seen. Most people (this includes those who receive more treatment and those who do not), he said, live about two yea...
More About: Place , Lace , Piece , Pieces

best of 2007
2007-07-11 04:32:00
The website, I'm Too Young For This, has been identified by Time Magazine as one of the best 50 websites of the year. Read about it here.

in the news
2007-07-08 22:56:00
U.S. Heading for Financial Trouble? was broadcast on 60 Minutes this evening. Some revealing (and disturbing) news about the status of the American health care system.With 40-Year Prism, Newark Surveys Deadly RiotEvangelicals See Dilemmas in G.O.P. Presidential Field
More About: News , In the News , The News

cancer party!
2007-07-08 20:49:00
The Stupid Cancer Happy Hour will take place at the Taj Lounge located at 48 West 21st Street on Thursday, July 12th at 7pm. It's an opportunity for young adult cancer survivors to get together. All proceeds will benefit I'm Too Young for This. Click here for details and to RSVP.
More About: Party

hodgkin's and me
2007-07-08 07:28:00
With the amazing help of Stratman, I created a history of my treatment for Hodgkin's Disease which is something I had thought about doing for sometime. Since my blog was created well after I was treated initially, I thought it would helpful to visitors to have a quick and easily accessible way to learn about how I arrived at this present moment in my medical history. Even I lose track of the various dates sometimes, so creating this page was a good exercise for me as well. This time line can be accessed in my sidebar at "My History with Hodgkin's Disease" or just click here.

seeing art and a musical
2007-07-08 05:56:00
Late this afternoon I made it to the Brooklyn Museum, where I went to the exhibition, Kindred Spirits: Asher B. Durand and the American Landscape before meeting up with Su (who returned today from Saratoga Springs, where she spent five days with her family) at Borough Hall from where we rode the subway together to West 37th Street where we saw the musical, In the Heights, with Barbra.Here are some of the lovely paintings by Durand that are in the exhibition:His paintings are so captivating. One feels like they are actually in the scene depicted. At least that's how I felt in the gallery many times today. The works from the New Greek and Roman Galleries as well as those in "Venice and the Islamic World, 828-1797" were also lovely and impressive. Even the artifacts of prehistoric art that I saw in the Hall of Human Origins at the AMNH are exquisite in their beauty and sensitivity. I remember standing in the gallery looking at the prehistoric statuary and drawings humbled. It's evide...
More About: Musical

listening to step one
2007-07-07 16:28:00
Late Wednesday night I listened to the recording of the NMDP telephone conference titled, Step One: Introduction to Marrow and Cord Blood Transplant, that took place originally on June 13th. While still in Chicago, my mom listened to it and told me how informative she found it. I too thought it was a good overall introduction to the issue of allogeneic transplantation. Listeners asked questions and experts offered information. It's about 50-60 minutes long. You can listen to the free recording at 1-800-670-7947. I don't know for how long the recording will be available.
More About: Listening

sperm bank update
2007-07-07 16:11:00
After speaking with Clare recently about my interest in adoption over artificial insemination, I have decided to just stay cool and not rush into anything yet. Indeed, as Clare said there's no need to at the moment. The renewal of the sperm bank storage isn't until October or November. I have sufficient resources in the fund at the moment to pay the annual renewal costs. In addition, my view on this subject may change in two, three, or more years from now. Moreover, the decision to adopt isn't solely my decision, she reminded me. Something like this is an important topic that both partners need to agree upon.My appointment with Dr. Offit isn't until February 2008 anyway. I should speak to him first at least before doing anything.
More About: Update , Bank , Perm , Sperm

a dream rekindled
2007-07-07 15:50:00
My dream to visit Glacier National Park was rekindled when I found and read the article, Into the Big Sky, in yesterday's NYT. I shared my idea with Su, who received it enthusiastically. My mom too was fine as long as the doctor approved. I, of course, will need to bring this up on Monday at the appointment. I'm thinking a visit of 5-7 days. However, since yesterday I haven't had the time to check out the price of airfare or lodging. At such late notice, I don't know what's available.
More About: Dream , Kindle

at the met friday
2007-07-07 14:54:00
From the gym yesterday afternoon, I headed downtown to the Met where I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening. The first stop on my short list was the New Greek and Roman Galleries, which reopened in April after a lengthy renovation. I think it's terrific. Previously the space was used as a cafeteria for the museum's visitors, but I think the way in which the space has been reused is so much more beautiful and impressive. More of the museum's Greek and Roman collection is seeing light now. The gallery's atrium, which is filled with statuary, is spacious and lit with natural light from above. The collection is arranged in chronological order from the Hellenistic period through the Roman Republic ending finally with the Late Roman Empire. I enjoyed looking at the collection of ancient coins. On the second floor of the gallery, there's a significant collection of Minoan and Etruscan art as well as some complete frescoes of house art.Finally after exploring the new Gr...
More About: Friday , Frida

the donor results are in
2007-07-07 14:33:00
I spoke to Kathleen, Sinda's colleague yesterday since she was off. The lab at Sloan-Kettering said the unrelated adult donor is a 9/10 match with one mismatch on C. Kathleen said that Dr. Castro-Malaspina expressed his interest in this donor. On Monday, I hope to find out if this donor is a sufficient and safe match for transplantation. Also, I look forward to learning about the general time frame for the next few weeks as I prepare to be admitted to MSKCC. I also asked Kathleen about the person's age, sex, and ethnicity but she was prohibited from telling me this information at this time. Closer to transplantation she said she'd be able to disclose some of this information.
More About: Results , The D , Result , Dono

cbs evening news: bone marrow donation
2007-07-07 05:45:00
It's on Cliff's Blog that I learned about Thursday's report on the CBS Evening News about bone marrow/stem cell donation: The Perfect Match: Bone Marrow Donation . Su told me about it as well. For some unknown reason I've been unable to view the web only video from the CBS Evening News website, but I was pleased to see my former transplant doctor, Dr. Michael Schuster of New York-Presbyterian Hospital, in the still image. Fortunately, however, I found the clip of the actual Evening News report on the website of the Bay Area local affiliate KPIX - Channel 5: Bone Marrow Donation Made Easier.Speaking of Dr. Schuster, I received an invitation to the Eight Annual Transplant Alumni Luncheon Cruise, which I and Su attended for the first time last summer but if the mini-transplant takes place by late July or early August as expected, I'm almost positive I wouldn't be well-enough to attend.

blog for a cure
2007-07-05 04:32:00
The website, Blog for a Cure , is a relatively new online cancer community where survivors can share their experiences with others.

revisiting the twilight zone
2007-07-05 03:49:00
I forgot that the 4th of July like New Year's Day is commonly when the Sci-Fi Channel hosts its bi-annual Twilight Zone marathon. Several years ago, the local TV station WPIX-Channel 11 also hosted its own Twilight Zone marathon, but I don't think it does so any more. I could be wrong, however. Anyway, so when I saw the episodes playing all day today on the Sci-Fi Channel, I was reminded of the many times during my childhood when I stayed glued to the television all day and all night watching and recording the many episodes of Rod Serling's brilliant 1960s series into the early morning hours. In fact, due to all those years of watching the marathons, I have just about every episode from the five-year long television series on tape. Though I don't watch it as much as I used to, The Twilight Zone has remained one of my favorite television series of all-time. I'm a huge fan.

chestnut, an american hero
2007-07-05 00:00:00
Watching the Nathan's hot dog eating contest has been the highlight of my day. What an exciting match between Joey "Jaws" Chestnut and Kobayashi "the Tsunami." I rooted for "The Tsunami" to win his seventh consecutive Nathan's contest, but it wasn't his day. From the beginning, Chestnut was winning the competition although Kobayashi made a great run for it towards the end.I also found the ESPN coverage to be hilarious. They took it so seriously it was comical. The American flag and marks of patriotism. The chants of "U.S.A." The comparisons to hallowed sports' records. The Nathan's announcer in the straw hat. The dancing girls on the stage. The competitors' nicknames. The whole atmosphere was exciting and surreal just like a carnival or a boxing match.Chestnut Smashes World Record, Beats Kobayashi for TitleAmerican Snatches Kobayashi's Mustard BeltWhen you contemplate the meaning of freedom and courage on this July 4th, think Joey "Jaws" Chestnut, an American hero.
More About: Hero

kindred spirits
2007-07-04 17:10:00
At the Brooklyn Museum, there's what looks to be an exciting temporary exhibition about the Hudson River School artist, Asher B. Durand. Though Durand isn't my favorite Hudson River School master, his works are amazingly beautiful. I plan to check out Kindred Spirits : Asher B. Durand and the American Landscape.

in the news
2007-07-04 17:07:00
Griffey is right when he stated, 'You can’t control what happens. You can only hope for the best.'The Links Between Bonds and Griffey End When the Fans React
More About: News , In the News , The News

'the tsunami' will compete
2007-07-04 07:48:00
Kobayashi to Defend Hot Dog Crown vs. Chestnut
More About: Tsunami , Compete , Nami

blogging as therapy
2007-07-04 06:52:00
Cyber-Catharsis: Blogg ers Use Web Sites as Thera py Blogging : Group Therapy of the 21st Century?
More About: Erap

more prizefighters
2007-07-04 04:55:00
Paint Your Moment is a very inspirational blog by an inspirational guy named Jonathan. He has battled Hodgkin's Disease for 28 years with 3 occurrences.Gregory shares his battle with Hodgkin's Disease at Melancholy Bloud: A Hodgkin's Lymphoma Diary
More About: Fighter

retracing my steps
2007-07-04 02:43:00
This afternoon I had a PET-CT scan at Sloan. Before the imaging scan I picked up the letter explaining why I wouldn't be able to report to jury duty from Dr. Castro-Malaspina's office.Yesterday afternoon I went for a pedicure at a beauty shop only a few blocks away from home. My feet and hands still suffer from dryness from the chemo treatments though they have improved significantly. Following the pedicure, I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Craig Moskowitz, whom I saw back in January for consultation about transplantation. The appointment - a check-in following my treatment in Chicago and in preparation for the mini-transplant - is scheduled for next Tuesday at 3pm. I also called the office of Dr. Offit, the geneticist at Sloan. Remarkably, he's booked with appointments and other matters until February 2008. So, my appointment with him is scheduled for February 26, 2008 at 11am.I met up with my good friend, Barbara, on Sunday evening at the Cornelia Street Cafe in the W...
More About: Step , Trac , Steps

the great kobayashi
2007-07-03 19:07:00
The big question for tomorrow is not how citizens across the country will celebrate their nation's independence but whether the great Kobayashi (aka The Tsunami) is going to show up to defend his Nathan's hot dog eating title and earn his seventh consecutive win. [I'm joking, of course.] According to the press, his return is uncertain: Kobayashi denies injury is a ploy against rival Chestnut; Jaw arthritis for hot-dog champIn my search for information about Kobayashi's uncertain return to Coney Island tomorrow, I found this clip:He might not be able to out eat a bear, but he can at least be proud of his title as competitive eating champion amongst homo sapiens.
More About: Great , The G

'working ix to v'
2007-07-03 18:39:00
Be grateful for your job, however dull it may be: 'Workin g IX to V' in Ancient Rome

and more hodgkin's blogs
2007-07-03 18:20:00
LymphomaniaNicci - MySpace BlogJeff Hartnett's BlogMy Hodgkin's Lymphoma JournalCrabtailsMy Experience with Hodgkin's LymphomaKen's Training and Daily LogDave's Happy Little Hodgkin's Web SiteAdventures with Hodgkin's
More About: Blogs , Logs

the dali lama says. . . .
2007-06-07 06:11:00
On her blog, my friend, Sarah, shared this beautiful, inspirational quotation by the Dali Lama :"It is not enough to be compassionate. You must act. There are two aspects to action. One is to overcome the distortions and afflictions of your own mind, that is, in terms of calming and eventually dispelling anger. This is action out of compassion. The other is more social, more public. When something needs to be done in the world to rectify the wrongs, if one is really concerned with benefiting others, one needs to be engaged, involved."
More About: The D

health/cancer news
2007-06-07 05:29:00
Here's a very interesting NYT article about the instances of fatal heart attacks in well-trained, seasoned athletes: The Not-So-Tell-Tale Heart Though cardiac fitness is an importance barrier against cardiac arrest, it is not absolute. Unknown heart abnormalities and/or atherosclerosis (thickening of the arteries due to plaque buildup) may also contribute to cardiac problems among athletes.I have listened to a few people attest to the miraculous healing powers of shark cartilage against cancer, so I was intrigued when I found this report: Shark Cartilage, Not a Cancer Therapy
More About: News , Health , Heal

thesis related
2007-06-07 05:26:00
Here's a very, very interesting and funny look at the world of college and graduate theses on NPR's Talk of the Nation: Tales from the Thesis Trenches
More About: Late , Related

show support for bill s3097
2007-06-06 20:57:00
I received an e-mail from the LLS asking patients and their family/friends to urge the New York State Senate to help New York's blood cancer patients. Learn about Bill S3097 and find out how to voice your support for it here.
More About: Show , Support

thank you
2007-06-06 04:09:00
Thanks to everyone who has donated thus far to help Tammer as he works to raise $5,000 for the LLS. Your generous donations have meant a lot!
More About: Thank You , Hank

touring robie house and the university area
2007-06-06 02:26:00
Today Su and I took a tour of Frank L. Wright's famous architectural masterpiece, Robie House , followed by a self-guided audio tour of the historical area around it. Robie House is in the shadow of the Univ ersity of Chicago campus located only about 1 block away from it. So, it's a very familiar landmark. I have walked by it many times on my way to campus or to Pick Hall (where my department is located) or the Oriental Institute but this was my first time inside the historic architectural home. It's a very interesting, peculiar building. It's the culmination of Wright's Prairie-style architecture and according to the tour guide, it's one of his three most famous works. The Guggenheim Museum is one of them. Despite it being an architectural gem, I wonder how practical of home it is to live in.The University of Chicago had been founded only about 10 years prior to the building of Robie House. In the self-guided audio tour, we visited some of the other notable architectur...
More About: Area , Touring