What's on your mind today?

[Recusant]

I had a birthday, June 27, that celebrated a much larger number of personal birthdays than most people get to observe.

The world has treated me reasonably well though not overwhelmingly generous.  Sometime, probably not a long way into the future, I will leave these earthly coils. I will put the event off for as long as I am able to function in the normal human way.  So far so good, I am still pretty healthy, mobile, and self sufficient.

I am trying very hard to avoid emotional distress caused by the decline of the nation that was once the object of my pride. Then I have to read articles such as the one referenced here. This makes me truly sad.
https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/american-science-brain-drain/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us 

  Belated happy birthday!  Here's to continued decent health, as well as admirable mental acuity. I'm with you in dismay at what the current administration is doing to the US. The country has overcome setbacks before, and will again despite it being self-inflicted.

[Recusant]

My step son has Stage IV cancer and we are caring for him at our home. I am taking him to get a chemo port tomorrow, as his oncologist says that there is still some hope. So, here's hoping.

Sorry to hear about your step son's rotten luck, and I hope the oncologist is on to something. Enjoy the good moments. Thank you for checking in; your absence had been noted.

[Ecurb Noselrub]

Thanks for the kind words. Sorry I have been away. Been a busy couple of years.

[Tank]

My step son has Stage IV cancer and we are caring for him at our home. I am taking him to get a chemo port tomorrow, as his oncologist says that there is still some hope. So, here's hoping.

Sorry I missed this. I hope things go well for him.

[Ecurb Noselrub]

Well, some good news. Step-son does not have pancreatic cancer but lymphoma. First chemo has shrunken the tumors on his liver and pancreas. He is wiped out from the chemo, but has much less pain. Working on getting him stronger. Possibility of extending life is there.

[Ecurb Noselrub]

He is getting R-CHOP chemo, which is a witches' brew of a number of drugs. Potent poison for his type of lymphoma, but it appears to be working. Two more rounds to go.

[Tank]

He is getting R-CHOP chemo, which is a witches' brew of a number of drugs. Potent poison for his type of lymphoma, but it appears to be working. Two more rounds to go.

Excellent news.

[hermes2015]

Please convey my best wishes to him.

[Dark Lightning]

He's getting good medicine! There is a lot of new science that's getting the edge on many forms of cancer. I hope he gets all the way better!

[Ecurb Noselrub]

Thank you for the comments.

[Ecurb Noselrub]

What is R-CHOP, the chemo my step-son is getting?

R-CHOP is the short name for this cancer treatment. The 5 drugs you receive during this treatment are Rituximab (or "R"), Cyclophosphamide (or "C"), Doxorubicin (hydroxydaunorubicin, or "H"), Vincristine (Oncovin,
or "O"), and Prednisone (or "P").

Rituximab is a type of targeted cancer therapy called a "monoclonal antibody".

Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy drug known as an "alkylating agent." This drug is made in a laboratory. Cyclophosphamide works tostop fast growing cancer cells from dividing and making new cells.

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy drug known as an "anti-tumor antibiotic." This drug fights cancer by stopping the fast growing cancer cells from making new cells.

Vincristine is made from plants and works to stop fast growing cancer cells from dividing and making new cells.

Prednisone is a steroid that helps kill the cancer cells. It is used to reduce swelling in the body, but may make it harder for your body to fight infection.

[Ecurb Noselrub]

His type of cancer is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, diffuse large B-Cell. Aggressive, but treatable. He was Stage IV when it was discovered.

Frankly, his chosen life-style does not make it all that surprising that he ended up with this at 53. But if he survives, maybe this will inspire better choices.

[billy rubin]

break a leg

[Recusant]

He's lucky to have somebody to help him with this battle. Well done, regardless of your misgivings about the choices he's made in life. 

[Tank]

Happy New Orbit Day Recusant!