Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Date with a Hair Salon

Looks like it's time to get a haircut (but probably not the one in the picture). By far, my easiest and hardest cancer-related decision was to resume my Erbitux. It's the medicine that causes the face rash. While it is a targeted medicine (goes right to the cancer cells), it has the unpleasant side effect of giving me a wicked face rash. I resumed that medicine on Wednesday. Starting yesterday, I saw the first signs of the rash. Today, my electric razor drew blood from my cheek for no apparent reason (the rash tends to make me bleed from my face for very minor bumps and touches). Eesh--I have to admit, it really bums me out. But, at least it's killing cancer. The rash doesn't hurt, it's just really unpleasant. When it gets bad, it makes my face feel dry and yucky.

Good news--Steve encouraged me to go with him to a book talk at his temple last week. We met a Rabbi who wrote a book about cancer. He had rabbis (mostly) who have been touched by cancer write chapters about their experiences. It's a great book and is called "Life, Faith, and Cancer" (by Rabbi Douglas J. Kohn). I read the 1st 2 chapters last night--good stuff.

My finger neuropathy is really being a pain, so my boss was kind enough to order me voice recognition software for my computer. If you see me talking to my computer, I'm not going crazy--I'm just using an alternative to the keyboard. My typing has gotten really bad due to me being unable to feel my fingertips properly. I can't wait to try the new software out. I should have it in a couple of weeks.

Of other news--Robin is getting over her cold, I'm working today, my dog is doing well, and I'm going out to eat sushi with an old friend today.

Best wishes to all,

Tim

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Tim, Alot for you all to deal with..... But the reward is in store when all is said and done and your doctors say " yes you are truly in remission". We do belive in God's miricales, we have a couple in our house with your cousin Kristine and your Uncle Frank. Your greatest asset is your amazing fantastic attitude, sense of humor, drive to live you life to the fullest, with joy of family, friends and even a little hunting, fishing and continuniing to thrive with your love of your work. Not a bad idea that every now and then you are wise enough to stop and enjoy some real relaxation with your beautiful wife Robin at Glen Ivy. If attitude, humor, and great work ethic and enjoyment were not enough to get you through this, you have love from family friends, and people you do not even know filling the globe with the warmth of faith, love and prayers. May God bless you and your family always. Your are an amazing insperation to us all. Always in our prayers. LOve Aunt Sue and Uncle Frank

Fred Rosenbloom said...

Joanne and I love you sooo much and I love it that you like Sushi so much so I can enjoy it with you.
You scared me half to death when I saw the hair cut picture because that is the type of things you did to me when you were growing up.

Love, Dad and Joanne

Steve Rosenbloom said...

I went with Tim for Sushi.......... I had chicken (cooked of course)!

Anonymous said...

Hi Tim -

Wish I could get voice recognition for this little gadget. I'd be a lot more chatty.

I, too, quickly did a close-up look at that picture to see if it was you. Thank goodness it isn't.

Keep up the positive attitude and remember that the insides (dead cancer) are more important than the outsides. Why not just give up the razor? :-)

Thanks again for another update. Give Cleo a big doggie biscuit for me.

Marlene

Anonymous said...

Dear Tim,

I'm glad you can use voice recognition software. They have it in the Success Center at Chaffey College and it is just amazing!

We're still praying for you!
The Pennetts