Tarceva Will Be Covered

So grateful that we won't be responsible for the $2,500/month Tarceva expense.

Body Worlds

William was so excited about going to see Body Worlds yesterday that he inadvertantly purchased the tickets for Saturday instead. Gratefully this wasn't a problem and we were able to embark on the fascinating journey into the body's world. Thanks to William for organizing this fun-filled excursion. And thanks go to Pierre and Nicki for putting us up the night before and treating us to a wonderful taste-sensation.

A Little Good News

Saw Dr. Bonomi today and he seemed very positive with my results (while exhibiting the necessary amout of caution). The latest PET scan, he agrees, shows a marked improvement over the previous one and the worsening in the CT scan he feels can be attributed to inflammation caused by the radiation treatment I went through. Initially, he was content to let me wait six months and then let another CT scan determine how we would proceed. A little later though he changed his mind and prescribed Tarceva, just to be on the safe side. Not that Tarceva will necessarily work, he feels there is a chance (considering my status as a "neversmoker") that I might benefit from it and if in six months, after not having used this drug, tests showed no improvement or indeed a worsening then he would have regretted not prescribing it in the first place. So there we have it, a year of Tarceva coming right up.

Surprise!

My hat goes off to everybody for managing to keep this a secret right up until almost the very end (it really seems you all knew about this but me). The surprise "Oscars" party last night was indeed a real surprise even though I started to get an incling something was up a little earlier in the day. Inna put together an incredible bash of family and friends who all worked so hard to make sure I had an evening to remember. For everybody that was able to make it, you have my utmost appreciation! And for those of you that weren't able to attend, not to worry ... I plan on having plenty more birthdays ;)

Squeezed in a Ski Trip

With the tentative last day of the ski season at Alpine Valley being today, we squeezed in our ski trip just in time. Pierre and Nicki joined me on our day at the slopes yesterday to make good use of the melting sloppy snow that remains. Leaving things till the last minute meant no lift queues and therefore more enjoyment on the quiet slopes. Next year though, there is the hope to head out West for some real skiing.

The L.D. on the Big C.

Recent, less than desirable, PET and CT scan results have come in. We were of course looking forward to an "all clear" prognosis, but instead we're faced with a situation that is very much the same as back in October of last year. The PET suggests things have improved a little while the CT shows that the situation might have gotten a little worse. Oh well, if things have on average remained the same then the news isn't all that bad. The question as to how to proceed remains unanswered and hopefully Dr. Bonomi might be able to give us some direction. Right now though, I think I'll have another cup of green tea.

Baby's First Picture

I had been meaning to put this up with the "It's a Boy" announcement. It's our baby's first picture.

Photo Album Update

Our Cancun pictures are up.

Saw Danny Move

Little Daniel continues to excite us every time we catch any movement. Last night, just before turning in, we glimpsed our very first visible "kick." Yet another exhilarating experience ahead of his arrival (or maybe we're just weird).

Innochka @ 6 Months

Some have expressed dismay at the lack of coverage of Innochka, especially during this exciting time in our life. Here she is approaching the six month mark and looking, IMHO, just incredible!

Glorious Sunshine

An absolutely incredible weather day in Chicago yesterday has me a little fearful that I won't be hitting the slopes this year before winter picks up and leaves. Mr. Weatherman, a nice chilly weekend in two weeks with some snow ahead of it would be just perfect! I know I'm not the only one wishing for this.

Routines

I find that I'm quickly adjusting to the workday routine - a whole lot quicker than I expected. Still, by the end of the day, I'm fairly tired and spend a considerable portion of the train ride home in the land of nod. The weekend is most welcome and something I may begin to cherish again. Hopefully I won't need to complain about needing a vacation for quite some time.