Avastin is doing its thing

(Left) the Marders at their Passover Seder.

We just returned from Chicago from my bi-weekly Avastin infusion. I also met with my oncologist, Dr. Nicholas who did a neurological evaluation of my brain function. The good news is that the Avastin has had a very positive effect for me. It appears that my brain swelling has decreased as judged by an increase in my peripheral vision and overall affect. Dr. Nicholas was extremely positive in his evaluation of how he thinks that the Avastin is helping me. Also, the infusion this week went well and was speeded up to last only 30 minutes in total. I experienced no side effects at all during or after the infusion.



To see a complete slide show of the Marders Passover seder click HERE

Home for Passover

The Marder family all together for Passover. (Upper left to right) Thomas, David, Phil. (Lower left to right) Patty, Chaim, Sarah, and Nathan.

More puppy pix after 2nd Avastin treatment

Patty holding Chai on the back porch

Chai poses for the camera

Phil holds Chai up for his close-up

At home with our new puppy

Phil with Chai'm on his lap. This is a lap dog for sure

Patty holding Chai'm. This puppy loves to be hugged.






Our puppy, Chai'm feeling secure in a box

Back in Chicago; first dose of Avastin

ON THURSDAY, March 12, we drove back to the University of Chicago Medical center. That afternoon, I HAD AN MRI taken of my brain. After THAT, WE CHECKED INTO OUR HOTEL AND HAD DINNER BEFORE RETIRING FOR THE NIGHT. Bright and early the next (Friday) morning, we met with Dr. Nicholas. Dr. Nicholas was very positive about how he thought that the Avastin would help me. At around 11 AM, I began receiving the Avastin infusion. THis first infusion took 1.5 hours an went without incident. I had no side effects during or after the infusion. Following the infusion, we had lunch at the food court and then drove back to our home in Indianapolis.

Heading back North by car.

Our time in Florida has come to an end. We are now driving north to our home in Indianapolis. We are stopping along the wayt o visit with Patty's parents (Dick & Helen Rohde in Ocala< FL. We will also stay at a ahotel in Chatanooga TN. WE should arive in Indianapolis by Monday night, March 9th. WE will drive back to CHicago to begin the second phase of my treatments on Thursday, March 12.

Visit to Corkscrew Swamp Santuary

A photo of Phil with son David at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Our son David is visiting us this weekend at our house in Fort Myers.


Today(Saturday, Feb28) , the three of us took a drive to the Corkscrew Swamp Santuary that is located east of Naples florida. It's a natural wetland habitat that's loaded with birds and other animals. Patty gave her new binoculars a real work out. Between the three of us we saw a snake, a frog, aligators and lots of different birds including: a Cat Bird, a yellow throated Vireo, Herons, Ibis, Egret, an Anhinga, a red shouldered hawk, and a Barred Owl.

In Florida enjoying the weather

Hello everybody.
My wife Patty and I are enjoying our "time off" at our place in Fort Myers, Florida.
The weather has been just fantastic with sun shine and temperatures in the mid to upper 70s each day. This is a big switch from Indianapolis and Chicago and it's lovely. I've been out to the driving range about 4 times and played 9 holes of golf yesterday. I am still getting tired out after these activities so I can't push myself too hard. Still, it's great to be out in the warm Florida weather.

We will start driving back to Indianapolis no later than March 6th and then back to Chicago for treatment on March 12 and 13.

- Phil

Post #26: Completion of the radiation oncology treatments

February 13 marks the end of my radiation oncology treatments. I completed all 30 treatments as they were scheduled for each weekday. After the last was completed by 2 PM, I received a “certificate” of completion and the mesh mask that I had to wear each time. I must say that I am happy to not have to wear that uncomfortable mask anymore and be done with the treatments. The end of the radiation also means that I am finished (for the time being) taking the Temodar. I will start up again with the Temodar when the Avastin infusions begin in about a month.

After the last treatment at the University of Chicago Medical center, we got in our packed-up car and drove to our home in Indy leaving the condo behind in Chicago that we hope not to have to re-visit again. When we come back for treatments in Chicago, it will be once every 2 weeks and most like require an overnight hotel stay only. Our next appointment with Dr. Nicholas has been set up for March 12 when I will have another MRI image taken of my brain to “set the new baseline” for my follow-up treatments. I will also see Dr. DeMassi during this time. My first Avastin infusion is set up for Friday, March 13th.

We are in Indianapolis for the weekend doing laundry, etc. On Monday, February 16, we will fly to our other house in Fort Myers and enjoy the warmth and sunshine of Florida for a few weeks.

Post #25: Trip back to Indy for the SuperBowl.

We decided to make one more trip back to Indy before the end of my treatments. This was the weekend for the Super Bowl, so it seemed like a good time to make the trip. We left for Indy right after my appointment on Friday, January 30th with Dr. Nicholas. So far, everything has continued to progress for me without complications. My blood count has not fallen and so the oral chemo treatments continue as scheduled. After the successful visit with Dr. Nicholas, I also had my radio-oncology treatment finishing the first 20 treatments. So, henceforth, I am on the final 10 countdown to completion.

We left Chicago at about 2 PM and pulled into our house in Indy right at 5:45 PM. Patty went to the grocery and I relaxed before we went out to dinner at the Cancun Mexican restaurant near 65th and Keystone where Rita had recommended that we try. It was busy but very good as we had hoped.

Saturday was for some relaxation and later in the day, Sarah & Thomas came over for dinner. It wasn't just an ordinary dinner. Patty prepared a Thanksgiving type special feast including Turkey, stuffing, gravy and all the fixing's. Boy was it good. I'm pretty sure that Sarah & Thomas loved as much as I did. It was great seeing them and catching up on what's new in their lives right now. Thomas, unfortunately, has been laid off his job. But, for good news, he has started his college classes at IUPUI. So, there's good news there too.

On Sunday, we went over to Sally & Jeff Seidenstein house to watch the first half of the Super Bowl. Elaine Sandy was there as well. I have to say that it was a very entertaining game that was close right to the end and I really enjoyed watching it. Thanks goes to the Seidensteins for hosting us and providing some delicious pizza as well.

After a good night sleep, we headed back to Chicago at around 10 AM on Monday, February 2. We stopped for a delicious lunch at Culver's near Lafayette, Indiana. Arriving at 2 PM, I had my Dr. Appointment with Dr. DeMassi (who lowered my dex dose down to 1 mg/day and gave me a tip on how to clear my right ear that had been getting clogged up due to the radiation treatments. He suggested holding my nose and blowing pressure into my ear. It worked!! I can now hear a lot better out of my right ear.