February 9th

Yesterday I had two more doctors added to the "Take Care of Ron" medical team! My wife (Kath), brother (Brad), son (Michael), daughter-in-law (Amber), and I attended my hour and a half consultation with two doctors in the pain management clinic. They were extremely thorough and explained all the options open to me. Like all the doctors that have worked with me at OHSU, they were very knowledgeable and wonderful to work with. On their recommendation, I am increasing the amount of pain nerve blocker that I have been on, in hopes of eliminating the use of Vicodin at night, which one can get dependent on. Currently I have quite a number of pills that I have to take a day (14). Kath has a system worked out, making sure I do not miss one pill! During my consultation, they tested my balance, among other things, and discovered that I don't have any. Their biggest fear is that I might take a fall, so I have to move slowly and concentrate on lifting my legs when I move. As they pointed out, someone as active as I have been through my life, it is extremely difficult mentally when you can't continue at that level. They have suggested that I continue to do activities where I don't lift my feet. I am able to use the eliptical machine, old stairmaster where you just raise your feet while in the footholds, and stationary bike. I also will schedule Physical Therapy and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation consultations. They will show me exercises and activities I can do to help with my balance. The thing that I was most pleased with is that this is being set up for long term. They reminded me that this sarcoma is slow moving and that they are developing a longitudinal plan. I like those type of reassurances. Currently I am moving very slowly (which is extremely frustrating for, in my wife's terms, "fast Ron") , but am able to continue to work supervising student teachers through Western Oregon University. I find that when I concentrate on observing student teachers, that I don't have much pain. The problem is at night, when I try to sleep. That is when I notice the pain and it keeps mt awake, so I have to take the Vicodon (usually around 11:00. Four hours later, I wake in pain, so Kath has to get up and give me another dose. I feel bad that she is not getting any sleep, because she is always aware of how I am doing. She is incredible.

I appreciate all that are reading this entry and I do count all your comments, thoughts and blessings as a gift. I love you all and I will keep you posted!

February 2nd

I have been up to OHSU the last two days. I met with my chemo doctor yesterday and much to my dismay, my blood pressure was 177 over 115. However, the doctor was actually pleased because the high reading showed that my chemo medication is actually working. So they now have me on high blood pressure medicine, which brings my pill count to 14 a day.... Then today, I met with the orthopedic surgeon and after looking at the MRI that I had today, he felt any surgery to help relieve my pain would be too risky. He thought that it would actually do more harm than good. I appreciated his honesty. He has recommended that I go into pain management. Pain management is a meeting with another doctor that will decide what treatment they can do to get my pain under control. Currently my orthopedic surgeon has me on a pain medication that is not working so one idea might be to continue me on this medicine, but at a much higher dosage.

Also, the MRI and CT Scan showed that the bone was not as likely to break as they originally thought so surgery would not need to be done to stabilize it. He told me I could continue exercising using the stair master and the eliptical because those were both low impact exercises. He also recommended that I use the stationary bike for something different. He also mentioned that as summer approaches, I might go outside and try getting on a bike that does not have clips or baskets because he doesn't know if I could get my feet loosened before I fell, if I had to stop quickly.

After hearing this Kath, Brother Brad and I went down to the pain management office to schedule an appointment. And we were told that we would have to wait for insurance...again...before they could schedule me. Unlike the previous experiences, they were much better and I received a phone call twelve hours later with an appointment time available for me. The problem is that they can't get me in until the 17th of this month. OUCH. I guess I will have to try to manage my own pain for the next two weeks. I have scheduled to see my chemo doctor on the 29th (the day our second granddaughter will be born so that Kath can get a Starbucks card-that was her guess on delivery day). He will measure liver function at this time because the Votrient can sometimes cause problems.

I remain in good care, as always, from OHSU. I appreciate all that they are doing. My biggest thanks goes to all of you who are sending positive thoughts my way. I will continue to keep you informed of my progress-as long as my daughter Tiff's typing skills hold out. I am especially grateful for my wife and brother Brad going to all of my appointments the last few days. An extra set of ears is always good.

Love you all and thank you for your support!