April 30

To All,

Once again I am sorry for not reporting earlier.

Liz and I came back from Montreal yesterday evening safely.

From recent feedback, I have learnt a 6th lesson- Not to talk about Liz's driving publicly.

We came back early because my blood count was low in regards to my Neutrophils.
Therefore I could not do my second round of chemo today in Montreal.

I am rescheduled for May 7th. for chemo.

Life has it setbacks but that is life. One needs to role with the punches.
Setbacks are learning experiences that make you wiser and stronger for the
next time.

Hopefully, from organizing today, I will be able to do my pre chemo blood work in Ottawa.
That way if the blood work is not acceptable I will not have driven into Montreal for the Tuesday chemo.
The challenge is to make sure the blood work results are in by 2:00pm on the Monday for the oncologist to review by 3:00pm.

Also I hope to have a portacath installed in Ottawa.

So many people are helping me, sending me their thoughts and prayers and providing me encouragement.
This is such a wonderful and meaningful experience for me.

Wishing everyone health and happiness.

Arnie.

April 26

To All,

Sadly, the Raiders lost on Wednesday 3-2 in overtime and therefore lost the season final series 4-2 game.
The boys played their hearts out. The Raiders will soon prepare for next year.

Yesterday I had my PICC cleaned, flushed and redressed.
Through the Champlain Community Care Access Centre, the services were provided by Carefor.
It was excellent service and provided me the confidence of the care I will receive for my PICC.
Now I can have the 46 hour pump removed in Ottawa rather than stay an extra 2 days in Montreal.

Liz and I are off to Montreal Sunday night with an appointment with Dr. Bouganim, my oncologist Monday at 9:15am.
The second round of chemo will start on Tuesday at 8:45am.

I have rested most of this week, still with not a lot of energy.
I am doing okay. My appetite has been good.
My sugar levels seem to be under control with my insulin 4 times a day.

Lessons learnt for the next round of chemo:

1) Listen to my wife.

2) Listen to the women around me.

3) Speak up when something in my body is changing during the process.

4) Exercise more.

5) Be thankful every morning for having loving and caring Family and Friends.


I have decided to limit my time in public areas and with groups of people just to be protective of possible germs.
Also my unfortunate gas has been rather embarrassing of late.

Wishing everyone the best of health.

Have a great weekend,

Shabbat Shalom,

Arnie.

April 23

To All,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you all.

I have been really tired since Friday night. The solution is to do some exercise so I hope to go out for a walk today.

We had a great family Shabbat dinner. Great food from David Smith but more importantly great to be with Family.

I was able to get a haircut early Saturday morning, so I do look respectable now.
I did though have the discussion of considering the Bruce Willis look.

The Raiders lost Saturday night 1-0. I attended the game but probably should have not.
The Raiders down 3-1 in games played last night in Cornwall and won 4-3. I did not attend.
Now the series is 3-2 for Cornwall with game 6 Wednesday night at 7:30pm in rink 2 at the Nepean Sportsplex.
Hopefully I will attend.

Through the last 4 days I have been tired. I asked Liz when I am going to get my energy back. She jokingly responded "in a year."

I have yet to finish my first chemo cycle. I have such high admiration for those who have had multiple chemo treatments.
The determination, strength and tenacity needed is remarkable, true warriors.

The most common 2 word phrases I know are Thank you, Happy Birthday and to the other extreme F*ck You. (Sorry if I have offended anyone).
I have learnt recently, a better 2 word phrase from Jordi, our daughter, who was involved in a fundraiser for cancer research, "F*ck Cancer."

I am going to beat cancer. I am not going to survive cancer. I have realized that surviving cancer gives cancer too much respect.
I will beat cancer and be a winner, not a survivor.

And when I beat cancer, there will be a big party for all to celebrate our time together through this experience.

It will be "Party at Arn's" and my high school friends know what that means.

I have upgraded Liz' driving skills to above average realizing who she has to deal with in the passenger seat.

Thanks again to everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Lots of love,

Arnie.

April 19

To all,

Yesterday was a good day overall.

The Raiders won 5-3 in Cornwall and are back on home ice on Saturday April 20th at 7:30pm at the Nepean Sportsplex to even the series at 2.

Liz and I were at the game after having my pump removed in the afternoon in Montreal.

Unfortunately, following yesterday's driving, I have to down grade Liz's driving skills to slightly better than average. She has a few things to improve on.

I had diarrhea last night and this morning as per the definition below so I took some imodium, the official clogger of choice (too much information maybe).

I am eating well and have not really experienced nausea. I am tired and need my rest.

My first round of chemo is over and I will be back for the second round in Montreal on April 30th.
The number of treatments has yet to be determined, as it is early but could be up to 10-12 treatments.

I am experiencing a great team of medical professionals dealing with my chemo and trying to control my sugars. It is remarkable and I am very fortunate.

I am so thankful to you all for your kind words and prayers. Also I am receiving friends' personal experiences with cancer that are so helpful in understanding what one is up against and how cancer can be beaten.

Tonight we are having a family Shabbat dinner to enjoy each other together.

Wishing everyone a great weekend,

Shabbat Shalom,

Arnie.

April 17

To all,

Yesterday was a tough day.

The Raiders lost 4-3 in Cornwall and are down 2-0 in the best of 7 series.
They go back to Cornwall on Thursday and play at the Nepean Sportsplex on Saturday night at 7:30pm.

The Chemo went okay. I was very lucky to have the picc line installed by 11:20am and then start my Chemo by noon.

I did okay for the first 2 rounds. The 3rd one was different.

I got immediately severe sweats but did not follow rule #1 "say ASAP if any discomfort or change at all." I wanted so much for the Chemo to work that I did not say anything.

Boy did I get sh*t from Liz and then the nurse, more than once each. Luckily I only got a phone message from my oncologist. I was quickly given atropine and shortly thereafter started up again. Big rule "Listen to the women around you." Boy was I dumb!

So far no nausea and I am eating but still diarrhea. I learnt the definition of diarrhea. The Jeopardy question is "What is more than 3 stools?"  Maybe I have crossed the line on "Too much information".

Today was breakfast at a restaurant, a walk, shopping at Holt's (Claude, please do not be offended) and take out at Schwatrz', a true Montreal experience.

The remaining Chemo is a 46 hour pump. We are staying in Montreal to have the pump removed in the afternoon tomorrow. Arrangements are being made so I can have the pump removed next time in Ottawa so we do not have to stay in Montreal for the extra 2 nights.

Next Chemo is April 30th. We will see the oncologist on April 29th. We will travel into Montreal the night of April 28th and drive back to Ottawa the afternoon of April 30th.

This is the first of many Chemo treatments. The number needed will be reviewed as the treatments go along. This is just the start of a long process to get to the operation stage.

My spirits are high and I thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

I am most thankful to Liz for her patience, her perseverance, her good questions, her better memory, her better than average driving skills and most importantly her love.

I am truly blessed.

Arnie.

April 16

To all,

Today went okay. Overall the I did okay with the chemo.

Going for a shluf.

Will report more tomorrow.

Good night.

Arnie.

April 15

To all,

Today has been a busy day for Liz and I.

This morning we met my oncologist, Dr. Bouganim.

This is what we learnt:

1. He is taking the chemotherapy treatments very seriously so I did not ask him how my Harry Rosen model application would be affected by the prescribed regime.

2. I do not have any say in the process, his way no matter what. This is my experience at home  anyways so I do not need much adjustment.

3. I can eat whatever I want. So I had a plate of the devil's food -- french fries -- for room service tonight.

4. I am in excellent hands with Dr. Bouganim and his team.

5. The chemotherapy is serious. It is folfirnox and it is described as the "good stuff," a mixture of 3 drugs.

6. I am able to start treatment tomorrow.

Liz and I will be staying in Montreal until Thursday. Treatments will be every 2 weeks. Future treatments we will stay only 1 day. The number of treatments will depend on how it goes.

Liz drove back to Ottawa this afternoon to pick up some medicine for me and other stuff. She is on her way back to Montreal now.

Our family cruise/trip to Israel will be accommodated with the treatment schedule.

I am thankful that the chemotherapy phase begins tomorrow and we will then see what transpires.

I am confident that it is going to be okay.

Once again, to all thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
It is greatly appreciated.

All the very best,

Arnie.

April 14

To All,

Unfortunately the Raiders lost a close game today 3-2. Next 2 games Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30pm in Cornwall.

Liz and I are on our way to Montreal now. Our appointment is at 9:00am tomorrow with Dr. Bouganim, the oncologist.

Hopefully I will learn my chemo schedule.

I have agreed to be part of a study of genetics and pancreatic cancer. Whatever I can do for research, I am there.

I have had my insulin dosages adjusted twice since Thursday and my sugar levels are coming down.

I am now allowed to eat whatever I want in moderations to help me gain weight. Feels like getting a "Get out of Jail Pass."

I look forward to start my chemo knowing it comes with its challenges.

Many thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. They are so greatly appreciated.

Acts of kindness are acts of God. This has and continues to be a meaningful experience for me.

Lots of love,

Arnie.

April 11

To All,

Yahoo, the Raiders won game seven of their semi final series with the Ottawa Junior Senators.
The finals start on Sunday April 14th against Cornwall at the Nepean Sportsplex, Yzerman Rink at 2:30pm.

On the Harry Rosen model application, I am a bit concern with the stretch marks on my buttocks.
I may have a cosmetic surgeon who is willing to take me on as a patient.

For my present challenge, the testing and research stage, I believe has been completed and a game plan has been established by Dr. Metrakos.
I am very happy with the game plan though I must keep in mind changes may occur.

I have had very good experiences at the Montreal General Hospital. The EUS and ERCP were remarkable procedures.

Liz and I are going to Montreal Sunday night April 14th after the Raiders' game for an appointment with Dr. Bouganim, my oncologist, Monday morningat 9am at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
It is for an interview and to set up a baseline for my chemotherapy treatments.

The chemotherapy in Montreal will start within 1 or 2 weeks there after and then be once every 2 weeks.
Possibly 4 or 5 treatments. The chemo treatment will last 6 hours and Liz and I will have to stay overnight in Montreal each time.

Presently our Family cruise and trip to Israel fits in with the necessary recovery time after chemo and before the required surgery.
Surgery is expected by July end.

I am told the chemo could be okay or tough.
I am told that the surgery is major and will require a substantial recovery period.

I am up for the challenge.

I am in great hands and am very confident with the medical team involved.

But, more importantly, I am unbelievably blessed to have so many Family and Friends that are including me in their thoughts and prayers.

Each and everyone of you are providing me the ongoing strength to overcome this challenge and the desire to do so much more in my life.

Thank you all so much,

Lots of love,

Arnie.

April 8

To all,

Liz and I are on our way home.

Thank you all for your good wishes. They are greatly appreciated.

We had a good conversation with Dr.Metrakos and a very appreciated follow up discussion with Dr. Hartley Stern.

I have a game plan formulating.

The tumour is small and malignant. Its location creates some challenges. Where on the pancreas, ok but close to the portal vein and an artery.

Rather than operate right away, the plan is to do 5 or 6 rounds of chemo, rest 5 or 6 weeks and then operate.

The chemo would start next week and end mid June. If all goes well with the chemo, we can do our family cruise and trip to Israel June end to mid July and then have the operation July end.

I will need to eat well and exercise to build up my strength after chemo and before the operation.

I guess I need to call upon the She-Devil (my personal trainer) to get me back to exercising. Not happy about the idea, but probably best.

This is the first game plan, but as we go it might have to change.

We are moving forward and I am up for the challenge.

Lots of love and many thanks to all,

Arnie.

April 6

To all,

Yahoo, the Nepean Riders won last night.
The series is tied with the Ottawa Junior Senators at 3.
The 7th and deciding game is Wednesday April 10th at 7:30pm at the Jim Durrell Rink.

I am doing okay, but still tired. The weekend is for rest to be prepared for next week.

I am seeing Dr. Metrakos, my surgeon on Monday in Montreal at 2:15pm.
Hopefully all of the test results are in and a game plan can be formulated.

I believe my systems are getting back to normal with the stent being inserted in my bile duct.
My pains have subsided and my crankiness is pretty well gone.

To those who were concerned, my gas has lessen and probably back to normal.

Liz has said my colour is better but I have had concerns about her eyesight and hearing for some time now, so I will need to get a second opinion.

I am doing okay with taking my insulin religiously since March 27th. I am thankful to Buzz for the tutorial on how to take insulin and for Dr. Tobin for setting me up.
In hindsight, I wished I had dropped the medication I was taking and started with insulin earlier.

I have been very happy with my experiences at the Montreal General Hospital.
It will be a goal of mine to see what it will take to help Ottawa to be able to do what Montreal can do.

Once again and I will repeat myself each day, thank you to all for your thoughts and well wishes.
They are greatly appreciated.

I continue to realize more and more how blessed I am to have such loving and caring Family and Friends.

Lots of love and have a great weekend,

Arnie.

April 4 - Part 3

To all,

Oooppppsss, I meant April 4th.

That's what happens when I do not eat and I am cranky. The brain does not work as well.

Take care,

Arnie.

April 4 - Part 2

Family and Friends,

Liz and I are on our way home.

The procedure went well and the stent is in. I should start feeling better soon and get my energy level up.

Soon I will eat to reduce my crankiness level.

Home in 2 hours for hopefully a good shluf.

All the very best,

Arnie.

April 4 - Part 1

Family and Friends,

All is well, although once again the Raiders split their last 2 games and so the Ottawa Jr. Senators are up in the series 3-2.
Big home game at 7:30pm Friday night at rink 2 at the Nepean Sportsplex.

Liz and I are off to Montreal at 11:00am for my procedure to have a stent put in my bile duct.
I am definitely a bit cranky as no food/drink for me since midnight.

Hopefully after the procedure, I will have more energy and strength. If my jaundice goes away then I can begin with the Harry Rosen model application photos.
More importantly, hopefully I will have less gas, as it has been embarrassing of late.

The procedure is scheduled for 2:30pm but there might be a 1:30pm cancellation so we are going early.
It is a one hour procedure and we will be back home tonight.

I have an appointment with Dr. Metrakos on Monday April 8th at 2:15pm and hopefully we will know the game plan then.

Thank you to everyone for your love and support.
It is really, really appreciated.

I am truly blessed.

All the very best,

Lots of love.

Arnie.

April 2

Family and Friends,

Liz and I are on our way back to Ottawa with a quick lunch at Tasty Foods.

The endoscopic ultrasound went well.
I am now booked for an ERCP on Thursday April 4th at 2:30pm in Montreal. It will be to put a stent in my bile duct.

I am seeing Dr. Matrakos on Monday April 8th at 2:00pm. I believe he wants me to do some chemotherapy before my operation.

We are getting close to the final game plan which hopefully will be presented on April 8th.

Many thanks to everyone for your thoughts. They are greatly appreciated.

I am in great care and I am being cared for in a remarkable way by Family and Friends.

I am truly blessed.

All the very best,

Lots of love,

Arnie.

April 1

Family and Friends,

All is well though the Raiders split their 2 games this weekend.
Big home game tomorrow at 7:30 pm in rink 2 as the series is at 2-1 for Ottawa.
Should be an exciting game.

Liz and I are off to Montreal right after dinner today.
The endoscopic ultrasound is at 8:00am tomorrow and I have to be at admitting at 7:00am to get my green hospital card.

Dr. Tobin increased my insulin dosages yesterday and hopefully my sugar levels will go down.

I am doing well. I am down to 167 pounds and look rather fit.
Once my jaundice is gone, I told my kids I will make an application to Harry Rosen to be a model.
Maybe I will get a discount.

Many, many thanks to everyone for your beautiful and heart warming emails.

I am truly blessed to have such loving and caring Family and Friends.
This has and will continue to be a meaningful experience for me.

Hopefully, I will learn tomorrow when my ERCP will be scheduled and then when the next phase will start, implementing the solution.

Your strength is my strength and I thank you all for that.

All the very best,

Lots of love,

Arnie.