The Doldrums

 

The Doldrums

In My Bloodstream: Lisinopril,  Amlodopine,  Omeprazole, Tamsulosin
On The Stereo: More: Tyrone Wells

For non-sailors, let me describe the doldrums.  It is an ocean area, three or four degrees each side of the equator.  It is an area with little or no wind - an unusual occurrence in the world's oceans.  For engine-powered boats or ships, it is of no consequence.  But for sailors, traveling through hemispheres, it is incredibly problematic.  Boats just sit, gently bobbing in the water.  There can be hours, or days, or weeks, with no breeze to move a vessel forward.  The sailor can be mentally tortured by the lack of impetus, having empty sails, void of wind.  Directionless.  With no idea when help will come, in the form of wind.

And this is where I am.  I am waiting for my rescue.  And hopeful it is soon.

Since we last talked, I have heard from the oncological staff, who, without my knowledge, have been seeking possible solutions for my condition.  I was asked to go to Moffitt on Saturday afternoon, for a CT scan of my head.  Which I did.  Tests are also underway to check for a mutation in the melanoma.  Troublesome.  All of it.

Saturday is the day Sunday drivers head out to practice their slow drying techniques.  The professionals, who race to work every weekday, are clever enough to stay home.  Today, I had no choice.  It was a challenge.

The main level of Moffitt Cancer Center on Saturday.  Strange to see it empty.  Just me and the techies.

I am expected on Tuesday morning, to meet with the oncology team, who will, hopefully, offer   some treatment possibilities.  In preparation for this conference, I was sent an 18 page document of agreement, should I want to sign on to a new clinical trial.

There will be only 72 people in this phase, based on a foundation of Keytruda, with 1/2 hour infusions, every three weeks. A new drug will be injected directly into the cancerous mass, concurrent with the first infusion.  If no side effects or unwelcome reactions occur by the second treatment, another injection will be required.  And so on and so on.  I have already signed the document, in case this particular treatment is the course we choose to follow. We will know more after our meeting.  Whatever path we choose, the sooner we begin, the better.  If the trial is our best option, we will accept the unpleasantness, and we will move on.

Glad to have you on board my vessel.  We wait for wind - together.

Life around here goes on.  As it does.  The Teacher is at the beginning of the long haul to the end of the school year.  June 18th I believe.  With no more breaks.  She tires, from time to time, but continues to love her kids, and therefore, her career.  Most every night her stories are filled with the adventures of her class.  If parents knew what secrets came from the mouths of their babies, they might well pull them out of school.  There are no filters.  And I get to hear them all.  Life can offer so much laughter, if we simply enjoy the ride.

Thank you. I remain humbled by your love.

jrobinmullen@gmail.com