R.I.P. Friend , I hope they gave you a Vette to ride in Heaven.

God speed Red Cell. You fought the good fight. You can rest now and have no pain. RIP

For your kindness, contribution and courage, you will be missed by all.

Thanks for your very kind words. They mean a lot. Thanks again and take care...say hello to your sister for me/us as well.

Hey Red, Sorry to hear of your negative news. I say keep hoping the new chemos will do the trick. My sis-in-law's story is , she was diagnosed with stage 3 1/2 ovarian cancer back in 1983, didn't look very good. No one in this area had survived this at the time. A new chemo drug, just out, was used for about 1 yr and she has been clean since. Miracles do happen, we just need to BELIEVE in them. God bless you and your loved ones and our prayers and positive energy coming your way. Fivefingers........

Feb 8th, 2010;

A cut-and-paste per below; (we'll be ok);

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Just another update (my apologies in advance for forgetting anyone):

Hello everyone;

I had my MRI late yesterday and Diana and I were debriefed this morning.

The news is not good. The tumor has come back and it's spreading. As you may recall, I'm on two types of chemotherapy. The Avistan (taken at Lions Gate once every two weeks via IV) is doing it's job (slowing the progression on the cancer). However, the chemotherapy I'm on (Etoposide) is not working. That means the brain tumor has found a new way to grow. They oncologist said it's difficult to tell how large it is based on it's spread pattern. Visualize tentacles and you'll get the drift.

So they are changing my chemo drug to a heavy dose of Procarbazine which has many more interactions than the previous Etoposide. I'm not sure what to expect with Procarbazine but they've prescribed me various anti-nausea med's (for the med's) to combat being ill. I do not start that until the Feb 17th. It's insane the number of pills I have to take.

I asked the fine oncologist if I could still keep working and he just looked at me. Then he said if I felt strong enough I could. Hence, I'll be back tomorrow continuing with 1/2 days. It's a necessary distraction.

I'm still working-out nearly every day and am almost in the best shape I've ever been...well, ok...I could benefit from some more crunches.

Diana and I are VERY optimistic the new chemotherapy will work and thank everyone for your love, support and very kind words!

Red Cell.

Jan 22nd, 2010;

Hello everyone.

I'm just providing an update.

The experimental chemotherapy has been, well, a "challenge." Trust me, I'm putting that mildly. I take it orally everyday (you should see the size of this bad-boy) with an IV "booster" at the hospital once every two weeks. Unfortuantely, it decimated my white cells to the point where I'm not longer "healthy enough for chemotherapy." I never imagined trying to be "healthy enough" just so I can become ill. Strange.

Hence, there's a drug I've been using (until recently that is) where I had to give myself injections. I'm not a nurse, but I've become rather proficient at it. However, I'm no longer healthy enough for that drug either.

I have an MRI coming up (mid Feb) so I'm asking that if you have a spare prayer that it be sent my way.

We're optimistic the MRI will reveal that the previous surgery was a success, but on the off-chance it wasn't, thanks in advance for the prayers. Also, thank-you for the private messages and very kind words of encouragement.

Red Cell.

Nov 25th, 2009:

Hey members, I'm going back to work come Monday and I'm looking forward to it. My recovery has been text-book. On September 1st, I had the surgery and now I'm going back. Yes, I'm on some experimental chemotherapy (just to make sure) but we know it will be alright. Thanks for the PM's and kind words.

Thank-you.

Red Cell.

September 6th, 2009.

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Hello everyone!

We just wanted to send this email to say "thank-you" for everything.

Thanks to Dr Toyota and the wonderful staff at Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver Cancer Clinic and my oncology team.

Thanks for the prayers, prayer-chains, candles, white-light, yoga instructions, kind thoughts, words of encouragement, entertaining cards, reading materials, hospital visits, photos, flowers, positive-energy, healing circles, karma, visualizations, meditations, healing energy, conversations and laughter. Thanks to Caroline for making my wife's life easier by keeping everyone updated.

This is how I'm doing? We all know that On Tuesday I've had the procedure that entailed the removal of the tumour and drainage of the cyst. Some of know that I had weakness to the right side of my body and other issues. Yesterday, I was given the green-light to leave VGH (after successfully passing all cognitive and motor-function tests) and I was capable of later walking 3 km along Kits Beach with little to no effort. I feel great! I do not have any of the problems that I had before the surgery. That being said, I recognize there is a road to recovery so I'm paying attention (this time) to the advice of specialists'.

I wanted to say a special "thank-you" to my wife who is caring for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (at least until the 14th of September). Words will never capture my appreciation, love and gratitude.

We hope to see all of you soon so that I may extend the above again in person.

Once again, "thank-you."

Red Cell.

Aug 29th, 2009.

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Hello everyone;

There is no easy way of saying this other than I need another surgery. That fact confirmed today by Dr Toyota...and the sooner the better. He'll operate on my Tumour and Cyst at the same time.

The surgery is tentatively slated for September 1st and it's a for stay is for a few days (they'll see). The prospect of a 3rd surgery does not sit well with me.

Obviously, this has come at a rush for us and as such we cannot respond to all the well-wishes.

With love and appreciation,