World Ranking Masters Bowling Tournament

Today I took a road trip to Lake Wales, FL to see all my national and international bowling friends at the World Ranking Masters Tournament.

Even though the drive was 1 1/2 hours, it was well worth it to spend some time in my old "stomping grounds"...the bowling center. But the fact that it was at an International Event made it even more special.

Enjoyed watching the womens finals with 2 friends competing for a $10,000 first prize and the title of World Ranking Champion for one year. Wendy Chai (Malaysia) and Clara Guerrero (Colombia) put on a great show and skills against the very challenging lane conditions. Clara prevailed over Wendy, but they both bowled great. I look forward to the broadcasting of the TV show on the Florida Sports Network because it was a show worth taping.

It was also good to see my TEAM USA teammate Diandra Asbaty and her parents. Dee looked great as always and finished 3rd in this event. Looking at the stats, she bowled awesome too.

All in all, it was good to see alot of familiar faces in the bowling world and to just get out of the house for awhile. Maybe I'll actually start bowling again soon. We'll see.

Good luck to all my bowling friends at the WIBC and QUEENS tournament in Tulsa!

ChemoTherapy - Session # 3

Today is the half-way point of my Chemotherapy. This certainly feels like a mile-stone and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

This chemo was the first time I didn't have a reaction. They loaded me up with 50cc of Benadryl before the anti-nausea and chemo drugs were administered. So not only did I not have a reaction, I slept through most of the treatment. Had to wake me up when it was time to go. I think we got this "reaction" thing licked.

When I met with my nurse this past week, she said they want to do another PET Scan to see if there is any cancer cell activities in the pelvic area. They feel that depending on what they see, they may eliminate Chemo Treatment #6. They want to save my bone marrow (since the chemo is killing it), just in case I get recurrence. So I will be having a 2nd PET Scan on May5th. I have my fingers crossed because my last chemo would be on June 3rd instead of June 24th.

Well that's the latest news on my therapy.

Hope all is well with all of my readers.

Ovacome - Support Group

I finally found the courage to go to a Support Group Meeting this past week. This group is called Ovacome. They are primarily Ovarian Cancer survivors, but since my cancer (Fallopian Tube Cancer) is so rare, the oncologists treat it like Ovarian Cancer.

The meeting was very therapeutic. I was able to meet some wonderful people and an old friend from the days of working at Memorial Hospital in the 1980's. I did pick up some tips to handle my hot flashes and night sweats.

The group had a guest speaker from a drug company discussing Clinical Trials. Not sure if this is something I would do on the first go-around, but if I get recurrence, then maybe I might consider it.

I look forward to next month's gathering. It was a lot of fun and very informative.

Week before Chemo is Always the Best

I so look forward to the 7-10 days before my next chemo treatment. It seems like its the only time I feel like the "old me". I have more energy, not as forgetful, and can play alot of golf. Still haven't bowled yet - maybe next month.

Speaking of golf - I had my two personal bests - shot 88 at the Babe Zaharious Course and 74 at Countryway Golf Course (Executive Course). Made a small swing change and it made all the difference. My backswing was going further than parallel and my club face would return in an open position instead of square. So to eliminate this flaw, as I took the club back, I felt like it was being set on a table, then once I felt this "key", I just let the swing go. Less backswing, more power, more distance because the club head was able to hit the ball on the sweet spot. Go figure - less is more. How many times have I taught that in bowling!

Well that's my golf tip of the day.

Take care everyone.

ChemoTherapy - Session # 2

Well, the second session finally came. It was supposed to be March 22nd, but there was a scheduling error at the office, so I had a reprieve of one more week of feeling good.
But April 1st was no joke...and session 2 was underway.

Due to the bad allergic reaction during the first chemo treatment, they ordered Benadryl be dripped into the line after the anti-nausea drug. Needless to say, I was pretty much "lights out" while these toxins are dripping into my veins. But right after the last drug was administered, the allergic reaction started again...but not as dramatic as last time. But the nurses administered oxygen and gave me more Benadryl.

I can only assume the 3rd time will be no charm and will have no allergic reactions (which takes place on my face).

I have started to lose more hair...very thinned out and the scalp is visable. I've been wearing scarves, caps, bandanas to work...but it is so HOT. Today I went "au natural", was more comfortable, but I'm sure not too attractive to look at by my co-workers.

I'm feeling a little tired, but no nausea. The hot flashes (day time) and night sweats (night time) are not allowing me to get a good night sleep. May check out a mild sleeping pill. I'm tired anyway due to the chemo and not sleeping is not helping much.

I have been back on the golf course and have a good time just hitting the ball, looking for it and then hitting it again. No talk of illness, cancer, chemo...just golf.
Tried to bowl, but it was still painful. I guess I use different muscles for bowling than golf (duh!). The doctor said to give it another month.

Well that's the latest. All is as well as can be. I have a positive outlook and know I will beat this cancer down!