December 20 -- TGIF!

To All,

TGIF!

Why, because we are going to Florida tomorrow for a Family vacation. 

We will be back January 1st as my next treatment is January 2nd.

I am looking forward to enjoying Family and the warm weather, what a great combination.

I had my 6th chemo treatment post operation last week and it was my 2nd treatment in Ottawa.

What a pleasure to go to QCH for my chemo.

I am doing okay, though I have been bit tired the last few days.

I had an appointment with my oncologist yesterday and my blood work fromWednesday was good.

Through my last 10 months I have learnt a lot about life.

I have realized it takes effort to be healthy and be happy.

It is so easy to not keep a healthy life and it is so easy to be negative and not be happy.

One should put the effort to be healthy and to be happy as there are such great rewards.

In regards to cherishing what you have, it is all about love and expressing it to your loved ones.

It is also about saying "I am sorry" and I have said that a lot to Liz.

I am truly blessed with such a wonderful and caring wife and remarkable kids.

I am also truly blessed with such a great Championship Team.

The responses I receive are so uplifting and give me the added strength for my battle against cancer.

Cancer can be beaten with love and a remarkable support team.

Wishing everyone a happy holiday with Family and friends.

Be healthy, be happy and cherish what you have,

Lots of love,

All the vey best for 2014,

Arnie.

December 3 -- Life is so Wonderful

To all,

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend.

I had a great last 4 days.

Life is so wonderful.

We are in the midst of celebrating Hannukah, the holiday of light as we
light candles for 8 nights but also the holiday of celebrating miracles.
If you believe in miracles, miracles will happen. I believe in miracles.

Liz and I were able to celebrate with each of our Families wonderful
Hannukah parties on Saturday. At noon Liz's 4 siblings and one cousin came
in with their children for the Adessky annual Hannukah party. Irv and
Zelda's 15 grandchildren were present with one by iChat. Lots of food and
lots of fun.

At 5:30pm we moved to Savta's house to have another great Hannukah party.
Savta's latkes and apple sauce were amazing. Zeev and Sara's 11
grandchildren were present With one by iPhone. Much fun had by all.

Saturday was just an amazing day of celebration and fun. I am so glad that
I had the energy to celebrate such wonderful simchas.

Saturday night was an unbelievable proud moment in my life. Just recently
I had my head shaved as I was losing my beautiful soft curly hair. Michael
and our Raider billet Keenan shaved their heads in solidarity for me. I am
so proud of these two you would not believe. This remarkable meaningful
gesture gives me such added strength in my battle against cancer.

The weekend was good for the Nepean Raiders also as they won Friday night
and Sunday afternoon. Coach Peter is definitely turning the team around.

Yesterday was my 57th birthday and I had a wonderful day. I had a birthday
lunch with Liz at Boston Pizza. I am enjoying the simple meals. Liz made a
roast beef birthday dinner which was great. I was able to enjoy mushrooms
provided by David. In the afternoon I had a nice visit with my good friend
Stevie. A great birthday!

Life is truly wonderful.

I am blessed with such a great Championship team. But really we are all
blessed to have each other.

I wish everyone a wonderful life, life is to be enjoyed.

Be healthy, be happy and truly cherish what you have.

With much love,

Arnie.

November 27 -- I am happy

To all,

I am happy.

Last week Liz and I met our new Ottawa oncologist. TOH and the QCH were able to arrange to have my chemo treatments moved to Ottawa. Yesterday was my first treatment in Ottawa.

This makes my life, Liz's life and my kids' lives much easier. I am very thankful to TOH and to the QCH.

I will miss the great people at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal who have provided much support and love for the last seven months. Many, many thanks to them.

I am very impressed with the Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Centre. It is a well-built and a well-designed facility. But more importantly operated by a well organized and remarkable staff. The nurses were great and very thoughtful and thorough. My thanks to them.

Special thanks to Dan and Barbara Greenberg whose leadership was instrumental in the creation of the Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Centre. I, amongst so many, are benefitting from this important and needed facility.

I am happy.

Be healthy, be happy and cherish what you have.

Lots of love,

Arnie.

November 21

To all,

I am doing okay.

I have had my 4th chemo treatment post operation. My next treatment is scheduled for next Tuesday November 26th.

With this last treatment I am getting a better understanding of what my energy levels are during my 2 week cycle. With this knowledge I know when I am able to meet people and participate in meetings.

Rest assured, I am listening to Liz when she tells me I am over doing it.

I have learnt that from 5:00pm to 8:00pm are my witching hours. I eat dinner and usually fall asleep at the table hearing Liz say " Arnie, go up to bed, don't fall asleep at the table". So eventually I go upstairs.

Recently I volunteered to do a video for the ORCF.

The link to the video is:   http://review.bellmedia.ca/view/650815249.

I felt the need to tell my story. The hope is I will be able to help others in their battle with cancer.

Cancer can be beaten with love and strength and with a championship team.

Many thanks to everyone for your love which gives me my strength to do battle with cancer.

Be healthy, be happy and cherish what you have.

With much love,

Arnie.

November 8

To Family and Friends,

I hope all is well.

I am doing okay.

I have completed my 3rd chemo treatment after surgery. It was felt that I
needed 8 chemo treatments post surgery. This is insurance for me so I can
not complain.

Liz and I are off to Montreal Sunday to see my oncologist on Monday and
have my chemo treatment on Tuesday.

This present 2 week cycle has gone well. My major lack of energy is the
first weekend of my 2 week cycle after I get my Neulasta injection from
Liz Friday afternoon.

I have been able to attend meetings this week and interact with people. I
do have to watch that I do not overdo it.

I hope to go to shul this Shabbat.

You are all part of my Championship Team and my very sincere thanks to
everyone.

I will succeed in being a Champion.

All the very best,

Be healthy, be happy and cherish what you have.

Arnie.

October 27 -- Life is a Rollercoaster

To all,


I am doing okay, not to worry.


I am sorry you have not heard from me since October 2nd. Considering what I last wrote, one would wonder what's up.


I really appreciate everyone's concerns and support. That is what makes me stronger in my battle. You are a championship team.


A lot has happened since October 2nd, both the ups and the downs.


I was pretty scared the night of October 2nd when I was in such pain and vomiting 5 times. The morning of October 3rd I woke up, being thankful I was in no pain.


God had given me a test and I overcame it. I had a similar experience on October 5th but I only vomited once. As Liz said to me that night, we learnt 4 nights earlier, I can overcome this. The unknown, of what is happening and how will it end, was gone.


When I saw my oncologist on October 7th, he could not believe how good I looked. I had passed my two tests and was moving on.


On October 8th I had my 2nd round of chemo, post operation. The drug dosage was changed slightly.


It was a safe drive to and from Montreal with my Formula One driver. We got to Montreal on October 6th in record time. I believe it was due to seeing the day before the movie "Rush" as a Family outing.


Unfortunately starting October 12th I had experiences of a real lack of energy. All day October 12th I had no energy and half days October 13th and October 14th and all day October 17th.


During this time of lack of energy though I was able to visit Dr. Richard on October 13th, a wonderful friend of the Family and the one who removed a herniated disc of mine 15 years ago. We have similar challenges and it was great to compare notes.

We spoke to my oncologist the night of October 17th about my lack of energy and it was decided to postpone my chemo for a week. So I did not have chemo the week of October 21st.


Liz and I are off to Montreal in a few hours to see my oncologist and to have Schwartz's on Monday October 28th and to do my third round of chemo post operation on Tuesday October 29th.


Postponing chemo gave me a week off and I took advantage of it. I had several meetings with individuals, went to a 90 Elgin meeting, visited the 90 Elgin job site and went out to 2 lunches. It was invigorating.It was a nice holiday for me.


I realized that though I have to get my body back into shape, I also need to get my mind more active, contribute to what is going on and help make decisions.


I also have realized that I am happiest when helping others, be it Family, Friends, staff, people looking for advice and most importantly helping people in need.


So why is life a roller coaster? Life like a roller coaster has its ups and downs.


You get on a roller coaster to have a fun experience and on the way you have some scary moments. When you get off though you are happy you took the ride.


The last 8 months I have had my ups and downs. Definitely not the best way to lose 60 pounds and several items from my body.


But now I look good in my new Harry Rosen clothes, I have learnt so much about life, I have spent unbelievable amount of quality time with Liz and the kids and have realized what my purpose in life is post operation. To help as many people as I can and to help to make our community be a better place to live in.


I am working on my goals for 2014. I just need to get my next 6 rounds of chemo out of the way.


I am looking forward to a Family vacation in Florida for 2 weeks December end. I have not told my oncologist about the vacation yet.


So, I am doing okay, thinking positive and I am very happy with my championship team. Not to worry I would never trade anyone, you are all great.


The Raiders just won their game today, yahoo!


Be healthy, be happy and cherish what you have.


All the very best,
Arnie.

October 2 -- Update: For Better Or Worse

To All,

Hello, it's me.

I am feeling I am not back due to popular demand since Liz has been so good with her updates.

The feedback on her writing has been incredible and rightly so.

Today though I want to pass on my thoughts.

It has been 9 weeks since my operation. I have started my "chemo after the operation" which may last until mid-January with 7 more 2 week cycles.

With the remarkable support of Family and Friends, I have maintained a positive attitude.

Everyone knows that the battle with cancer has its down times and I am no different.

I have had the body pains, the complete lack of energy, the fuzziness in my head, the diarrhea, the unwillingness to get out of bed.

I have had my 5-10 minute cries wondering why me? When will it be over? I just want to be happy and enjoy life.

Well with the loving hand holding of Liz and the meaningful conversations with Rabbi Bulka, I get through it.

Last night was my worst night since I have been sick.

I was throwing up for the first time and in severe pain from 11:30pm to 1:30am.

Remarkably I did an unmanly thing, after the first time I threw up I went and woke up Liz to ask for help.

Liz was there helping me walk back and forth to the washroom from my bed, holding me up as I was in such pain, my knees were buckling.

Providing me towels to wash my face, Kleenex to blow my nose, water to rinse my mouth as a threw up and providing a pillow and blanket to help keep me comfortable as I laid on the floor.

It was not pretty by no means and Liz was there as always helping me out, whatever it took.

I contemplated going to the hospital as the pain was so severe but wondered what could be done there.

Once the vomiting stopped and from shear exhaustion I was able to go to sleep.

I woke up at 4:45am feeling a whole lot better. I am okay, no pain.

My first thought was to thank God to be alive today and for the 31 1/2 years of marriage with Liz.

I will review with the doctors what happened and come up with a game plan.

But to me that is just technical, a solution to a problem. Solutions to problems occur every day.

What is more important to me is knowing that Liz is there for me and that we will overcome whatever road blocks are put in front of us.

This will be over and I will be happy and I will enjoy life. I look forward to enjoy the next  31 1/2 more years of marriage.

And why me? This challenge has taught me the importance of being healthy, the importance of being happy and the importance of cherishing what you have.

With so much love for Liz,

Have a great day,

Arnie.

September 30 -- 1 Down, 7 To Go

Hi all,
On Monday it will be 2 months since Arnie's internal re-arrangement (surgery).  Where has the time and summer gone?
This past Tuesdayy Arnie started back at chemo. 1 round down  and 7 more to go. While Arnie wasn't sure how his redesigned insides would react to the chemo, so far so good.  He has been eating well but is tired. He has had enough of room temperature drinks so he has been trying out the hot, sugar free offerings from Starbucks. I am getting an education at the same time trying to figure out the difference between tall and grande etc.  Can you tell Starbucks is not in my daily repertoire? This too shall pass and soon enough the cold factor will be gone and he will be able to eat and drink anything he wants (at least until the next chemo).  Ice cream sandwiches, here he comes!
The weather has been wonderful this past week and Arnie has been trying to get out and enjoy the sunshine. If you happen to drive down our street, you might just spot Arnie sitting on out front porch taking in the fresh air and keeping the neighbourhood safe.
Hope everyone has a good week,
Liz

September 23 -- A New Man

Hi all,

It has been a while since the last update and we have heard from a few of you on this subject. In general, no news is good news but here goes nothing anyway! Arnie is doing well. He has taken to heart his Dr.'s orders and is eating everything in sight. He has also figured out that even though the insulin will take care of things, there really are some things he doesn't need to eat in excess (Starburst come to mind). He has managed to gain just under 10 lbs so we say "A job well done!"

We had a nice little outing this week to buy Arnie some clothes. We spent 2 hours choosing a new wardrobe so he can get out of his sweatpants if he so desires. Arnie is very much enjoying his svelte new shape and is planning on keeping it and showing it off! Coming soon to an event near you!

On Tuesday we begin the next phase of treatment, chemo again, to insure a positive long term outcome. We are looking at 8 rounds which will take us to the end of Dec. So,we begin our bi-weekly trips to Montreal. I am sure everyone will hear about my driving etc but for now he is restraining himself. Well, he did "help" me with my decision on where to park on our shopping trip so I guess he was getting warmed up.

Keep smiling,
Liz

September 3 -- Arnie's Excellent Adventure

Hi All,

Hopefully everyone had a great long weekend. The Raiders  won 2 of 3 games this weekend so not too bad a start to the season. Arnie was literally an arm chair coach (as jordi reported ) yelling at the computer as he watched the boys play.

Arnie's eating adventures continue as he adds new foods to his repertoire. He  began by eating certain foods that he knew would agree with him. Unfortunately, he had a tendency to eat the particular food in question until he just couldn't look at it anymore and so he would move on to find a new favourite food. It has been interesting trying to keep up and guess when he would get sick of eating a certain food. Anyhow, he has added yogurt and cereals and other wonderful choices to his list. Last night he even tried a beer.

Today, we met with the oncologist to discuss resuming chemo. All in all they are happy with Arnie's progress but would still like him to put on some weight. He will start chemo in 3 weeks and do 8 cycles. We will get to see the seasons change as we travel down the road to Montreal and visit the Royal Vic.

Keep up the good fight and we wish everyone a happy and healthy new year.
Liz

August 28 -- The 4-Week Mark

Hi all,

We have now passed the 4 week mark in recovery mode.  Arnie has made great strides in the last little while. He is eating well and he has even been spotted making himself his own lunch and getting his own snacks! Rumour has it he has gained some weight although he has yet to confirm exactly how much. I am told it is impolite to ask someone how much they weigh.

Arnie is doing a great job following Dr.'s orders and moving around the house well and supplementing with walks outside. He has made it to the top of the street and back.

He is trying to spend more time out of our room but it seems we are a little too noisy at times. When that happens he goes back upstairs to the quiet of our bedroom to contemplate the silence. He should congratulate himself with the design and build of our house because with the bedroom door closed, silence reigns while outside, the chaos continues.

This weekend the Raiders hockey season begins so the goal will be to make it to a game. Until that time, we will be updating Arnie by phone or he will be watching on line. They won their 1 st exhibition game last night. Go Raiders!

Have a wonderful long weekend
Liz

August 20

Hi All,

We are now 3 weeks post surgery and still working on getting stronger and having more energy. Like any challenge, there are good days and better days. We have just returned from Montreal where the final piece of the surgery puzzle (THE DRAIN) was removed yesterday.  A colleague of Dr. Metrakos was kind enough (hahaha, insert evil laugh track) to remove Arnie's drain and it really was a good thing. It seems that the drain was starting to become attached to being in Arnie's body so you can imagine that when the Dr. pulled (and pulled and pulled) the drain finally came out with some newly formed tissue that was starting to grow around the drain. Suffice it to say that Arnie was not pleased with the procedure. In fact, his exact words were it f***ing hurt. After we left, we headed back to our usual hotel where the staff were really happy to see Arnie back on his feet.

Today, we had our appointment with the Oncologist. In a nutshell, he looked at Arnie and said "I want to see you in 2 weeks and you are to make it your mission to snack all day long."  The good news is nothing is off limits including beer. Of course, we will be aiming for high quality nutrition but if he really feels like a beer, he will be allowed to have it. (that is not an invitation to drop beer or junk off at our house, thank you!)

All in all, both were productive visits to the Dr.'s and we appreciate the time they take to make sure we understand the bigger picture. So here's to lots of good eating in the next 2 weeks!


Cheers,
Liz

August 7-14 -- "Arnie's Week"

Hi All,

It has been a week since Arnie was released from the hospital (a week since I have updated you all) and what a week it has been.

Wednesday afternoon when we arrived home, Arnie was faced with his biggest challenge, how to get himself upstairs and into bed. It was quite the long walk up to our bedroom but in the end, where there's a will, there was a way. I am sure it made him question why we live in a 2 story house. On the flip side, walking up and down the stairs has provided Arnie with the much needed exercise the Dr.'s recommend. Arnie's very own, built in stair master. Who could imagine that's really what we were building 28 years ago! Of course, he is walking outside as well, marking the distance by passing one more house each way as he goes.

As challenges go, figuring out the whole food angle (what to eat and how often to eat and in between what to drink) has been interesting. It is a process, that is all I can say. A lot of trial and ERROR!  Good news though, he seems to have found a combination of foods that has allowed him to maintain his weight!  The goal now is to gain weight. A work in progress.

The most exciting news of the last week is that Arnie had his 61 staples removed today. Arnie's concern when he first realized that he had staples closing his incision was how are they going to take them out. He asked a nurse who promptly answered " with a staple remover of course!" Arnie proceeded to tell her that when he removes staples he usually tears the paper. Well, I can tell you no paper or skin was torn in the staple removing process! The nurse from carefor was so calm and so patient. It was a little funny (from my perspective of course) watching the nurse try to follow the rise and fall of his chest and stomach in her quest to grab on to a staple. Compared to the staple removing, the dressing change on his drain was a piece of cake.

Stay tuned for the drain removal. And the fun just keeps on happening.

Liz

August 6 -- "The Return"

Hi All,

At 2 pm today, 8 days after surgery, 9 including the actual surgery, Arnie became a free man. He was released from the Royal Vic with a snip of his hospital band. It was a special moment! For the last 2 days, the nurses had been teasing Arnie with the prospect of going home. His discharge papers were signed and all they were waiting for was for all the post op arrangement to be coordinated with Ottawa. How long could that possibly take?  "The doctors are working on your summary they would say.", how long could that possibly take? 

Arnie was determined that today would be the day he went home. He would not take no for an answer. In the end, it took as long as it took and then with a smile and a wave, off Arnie went in his wheelchair through the Ross pavilion and on to the main entrance and freedom. Along the way, Arnie was able to say goodbye and thank you to the many people who helped him recover from the surgery and even left one of his hats with a hospital staffer just to say thank you for all his help.

Why did we take that route to leave the hospital and not just out the front of the Ross pavilion? That would be because his trusty sidekick (me) had no idea how to find the little side road that lead there. So out the front we went and on the road back home. It was a quiet ride home with Arnie trying to figure out how to place the seat belt so it didn't rub the incision or pull on the drain. The last piece of surgical equipment that we thought would surely have to come out before he was allowed home, came home with us. And now we are experts in how to empty the drain. It seems the drain will be with us for at least another 1-2 weeks. But that's ok, it will eventually come out.

Surprisingly, the traffic leaving Montreal wasn't too bad. It took a bit longer to get home this trip because I drove slower so as not to jostle the patient. In the end, a little over 3 hours after being told he was free to go, we pulled in at home. Arnie went straight to upstairs and climbed into bed. He now has all the comforts of home but unfortunately, even though we have a new bed, the bed does not move up and down nor are head and feet of the bed adjustable. Life is full of trade-offs.....

All in all it's a good day to come home and we are very happy to have him home.  
And so the fight continues .......
Be well,
Liz

August 5

Hi All,
So holiday Monday has arrived and what a holiday it was for Arnie. His suite at the Royal Vic was cleaned and freshened by his personal staff ( me), he had his meals catered and delivered, his every whim indulged ( again by me). What a day, what a life!

Today on his walk to survey his kingdom, Arnie walked farther than he had before. Another walkabout is planned for later just to touch base with all those he met on his earlier foray.

He had a lovely offer from one woman In particular( we will call her Nurse F) to give him an enema but he politely declined. So instead we will drink more water and walk more to ensure that his bodily functions continue to run smoothly.

All kidding aside, things are progressing nicely. He is eating and drinking and waiting for the last drain to be removed although that may be a while before that happens. A sample of fluid has been sent off to make sure nothing is leaking so,as we wait for the results, Arnie continues to enjoy his stay at the much talked about, posh,Royal Victoria.

I must go, I am being summoned.....
Wishing everyone an enjoyable evening
Liz

August 2-4 -- "Weekend at Arnie's"

Hi all,
About 30 minutes after settling in to his new semi-private room, the floor nurse announced that Arnie was put in the wrong room. He was to be in the room on the other side of the hall. So up Arnie got, out of his bed to walk across the hall, watching while the nurse and the orderly pushed the empty bed across the hall into his new semi-private room that had NO roommate. This being Friday afternoon, we wondered if and when a roomie would appear. So far no one! Bonus for Arnie, someone in bed assignment heaven likes him!

The kids came in Friday night, went to dinner at Auntie Joyjoy's and Uncle Lou's and then mosied on over to see Arnie. Each had a short 5 minute visit with dad, then off they went to their respective aunts and uncles to sleep.

Saturday came and the IV went as well as the nasal drain.  Arnie was now allowed a liquid diet of coffee, apple juice and strawberry jello, no diet coke in sight. Lunch was more of the same with the addition of some clear broth. And the same for dinner, only beef broth which Arnie referred to as brown liquid. In the morning when the kids came, we were able to wheel Arnie outside for some well deserved fresh air. Arnie visited with the girls and then we wheeled him back to his room. The fresh air totally wiped him out so he had a good nap.

The afternoon brought another milestone, his first poop!  He came out of the bathroom smiling as if it were the best thing to happen since sliced bread.  Yes, he is taking himself to the bathroom all by himself.

Sunday morning the kids all came in their VEREDs UNITE shirts for a photo op with the patient. We nabbed someone off the floor to take the picture of Arnie surrounded by his fan club. He is considering charging people who want their picture taken with him in the future since he is always thinking about new ways to raise money, but for now, we managed to get it done for nothing.

The best news for Sunday was the appearance of real food on his tray table. Although some of the food looked rather sketchy, he was happy to be able to eat his first solid food in 6 days and did not complain much. I do have to back him up on the cream of wheat, it looked like slop and I gave him my blessing not to eat it.
All the kids have returned home except for Michael who is enjoying Osheaga (a Montreal music festival) which ends tonight.

We did go for one stroll around the floor this aft and I am trying to get him to walk again but so far no luck. For all that he promised that he would listen to me, I am here to tell you that so far it's not really happening. I know Arnie would say it's not right to hit someone when they are down but I am pushing him for his own good. You all get that right? And no, please don't respond to this with requests for Arnie to listen to me. I can handle being ignored.

All in all, Arnie is making great strides forward, taking it one day at a time. Hopefully soon to be back home!

Ps, I did give him the option to proofread this before I sent it out but he just smiled while I laughingly asked "are you sure?"

Hope everyone had a great weekend.
Liz

August 2

Hi all,
Another day post surgery and more positive steps forward. Today his Foley catheter came out. Are all you men wincing?  He did not care for that procedure! As well, he now has a regular IV line, the central line is out. They have stopped the epidural to see if he can manage his pain with some regularly awesome drugs, oxycodone and OxyContin. Yes, both of them but well regulated. If he does ok, they will take the epidural out. As well they are considering taking out the nasal drain.

Arnie is now in a semi private room. He bid goodbye to the loud roommates. But you should see the new roommate. Only time will tell how this plays out.

Arnie put on big boy sweatpants so he feels more human.

I saved the biggest news for last..... Can you guess? Well, if you guessed that he passed gas, pat yourselves on the back. Is it too much info if I told you he also went to the bathroom standing up?

All in all, another good day and its only 1 pm.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Liz

August 1

Hi all,
Another day, another big step on the road to recovery.

Today Arnie sat in a chair for an hour and a half, went for a walk for 45 min and also had enough energy to tell the family of another patient to shut the F up. A very proud moment indeed.

I also got to see his incision and the row of staples keeping Arnie together.

He will have to do something big tomorrow to top today's events

All in all, a good day.
Liz

July 31

Hi all,
Just wanted to let everyone know that Arnie is out of the recovery room as of 11 am today. He still has some tubes for drainage. They will probably come out tomorrow. He looks good and his spirits are good. He is hoping for a better sleep tonight. We'll keep you posted on how things progress.
Liz

July 30

Hi all,

My mom asked me to pass on the following update:

Tuesday is a good day.

When the world was created, Tuesday was the day G-d was doubly happy and said " it was a good day" twice.
Tuesday was a good day for Arnie. The surgery went well.
Now on to recovery!

Jordi