The Struggle Has Ended

Greg Hewlett passed away on January 17th after nearly eight years of battling colon cancer. While we grieve his loss, we are comforted to know that he is with his Lord.

If you would like to leave your thoughts on Greg, please see this thread.

If you would like to make a charitable donation in Greg's honor, please see this thread.

Friday, July 15, 2005

Return to Dallas

Yesterday I felt quite strong, so we decided to head back. One bummer on such a wonderful occasion -- as we packed the car, I went out to the porch, where I was storing my bicycle, and found it had been stolen. I took it with me to Houston with high hopes to ride around Herman Park. I did a little, but the heat became too unbearable soon after the radiation began. Anyway, I loved that bicycle and really felt violated when I realized someone had climbed up to our apartment to steal it. I do get a little kick out of thinking about the thief's surprise when he discovered there was only one pedal. Anyway, I tried not to let it get me down and we set off for Dallas.

So here I am, glad to be back home and glad to be rejoined with my dog. It is always weird coming back into my house after being gone a long time. And I have been gone for about 7 weeks. It is a refreshing feeling.



Remaining treatments
I will begin the final set of treatments Aug 1. I will do 4 rounds of chemo over 8 weeks. The treatments will be done here in Dallas. Its the FOLFOX-Avastin regimen, which I am not too excited about, but hey, there's only four rounds.
From talking with several of you, it seems I had given the impression that I was all through. Many people responded positively about the bell entry. But I think there was some misunderstanding - the bell marked the end of radiation, but not the end of everything. It has been the plan for some time that I would finish off after radiation with 8 weeks of chemo. So there is nothing new to precipitate these treatments.
I am scheduled to do a "final" set of scans and tests the first week of October back at MD Anderson. Hopefully, those will be clear, which will mean I will be through with treatments. Of course, they will continue to test me every few months or so after that.
Past middle age?
In the world of bloggers, I am worthy of my graying hair. Here is where I am on the distribution of those who keep blogs. (according to an MIT Weblog Survey).
age.jpg

3 comments:

Davo said...

Greg,
That's actually a chart depicting the hairs on your head at age 37. With 700, it looks like you're hanging in there.

Davo said...

Greg,
That's actually a chart depicting the hairs on your head at age 37. With 700, it looks like you're hanging in there.

Adam & Amanda said...

I know the wierd feeling !
Bar graphs aside, it is great to have you and Christine back here. I look forward to catching up with you soon.
I'm afraid your car miles to Houston may have even exceeded my travel schedule - but lets soon change the score!