20 YEARS AND THE HODGE

ATTENTION ATTENTION

2010-04-21T17:24:00.003-06:00

THIS BLOG HAS MOVED TO WWW.WILLIAMGFOSTER.COM/BLOG or WWW.WILLIAMGFOSTER.COM

There you will find all the same great content from the same great guy :)

Gonna make some specialized pages as well to organize, code, hodgkins info, pictures, and movies! Its coming along quite nicely so feel free to visit these places!!!

HCI

2009-12-14T22:43:00.003-07:00

Some pretty cool human computer interaction here. Check it out. Hope to be designing things like this someday myself.

Pulled from Procrastineering a blog by renouned hacker Johnny Lee.

Enjoy!

And this is just awesome!

Avatar

2009-12-14T13:13:00.003-07:00

This movie looks really awesome.

Behind the scenes extras.

Fight2Win

2009-12-12T20:05:00.004-07:00

These commercials have been getting my attention lately.

Fight2Win.Org

It is an organization started by Alese Coco and her Family, this girl was slightly younger than me when she go diagnosed with the EXACT same Hodgkins Lymphoma (Nodular Sclerosing Stage II). She has now passed on but her story really hit me hard since she has been through a lot. It reminds me that every day is awesome to live. This girl had her Hodgkins recur three times and eventually it got her. I can only hope that I'm fortunate enough to avoid a situation like hers.

Its funny since I've only been cancer free and in remission for nearly 6 months. Not even close to cured (considered cured after remission for 5 years). I cant let it get to my head, I need to live healthy, stay healthy, and be a good person.

Sincerely,

Neat

2009-12-06T09:57:00.003-07:00

Thought this video was worth reposting, my buddy Richard posted it on Facebook.
Enjoy!

Some info here also for your enlightenment.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T09:13:00.003-07:00

Much like the pilgrims, I am thankful for life in a great place, minus that whole smallpox and killing Indians bit.

Programs

2009-11-13T09:01:00.007-07:00

Here are some of the more visually appealing programming assignments I've been working on this semester.

Traveling Salesman Problem - 15k Points in Germany

In so many words, these two programs attempt to find a smaller path between a group of points, the one on the right uses the Smallest Insertion Heuristic and the left used the Nearest Insertion Heuristic. These maps represent the distance traveled and the route taken between ~15k points in Germany!

NBody Simulation - Shown here with a universe of 1000 Asteroids

From Princeton's assignments, my professor likes to use Princeton's assignment. Lucky me right! This simulation uses the improved Barnes-Hut algorithm to improve the run time efficiency of this program from O(N^2) down to the amazing O(NLogN)! The left is a simulation that is animated, hard to show here, but the one of the right shows the correct construction of a Barnes-Hut quad tree with the internal nodes being represented by larger green dots in this 2-dimensional universe.

Enjoy!

Happenings

2009-09-13T23:05:00.002-06:00

Hello All,
I have been extremely haphazard lately as to how I update and when I update this blog. I decided I need to come up with something to do here, and I have come up to an unfortunate conclusion as to what. My plans are to end this blog, yes thats right, terminate and end the life of this blog. Obviously I will still keep the blog accessible. All my posts will stay so that the original purpose of this blog can be fulfilled, that being to inform and educate people who have Hodgkins Lymphoma as to how treatment will be handled. Also to give people who have it a better understanding of what it really is like to go through chemotherapy and radiation. The secondary purpose to inform friends/family of my procedures and wellness.

I started this blog after reading another persons cancer experience and it really gave me a positive attitude that I like to think I tried to keep the entirety of my treatment. So thats basically it, I don't plan on updating much, you might see a post or two on occasion, layout might be changed.

I appreciate how much support my family and friends gave me through my experience and now that I had my port removed from my chest I truly feel as though I am done with treatment! I can breath again and relax.

Its not all bad news though, to the 3 or 4 of you that are still reading this. I am going to have a new site in the works, something that will blow this one away. I don't plan on ditching my corner of the world wide web. As for now the new site is in the brainstorm mode and is still a ways away. But it is going to be my pet project to work with. Any advice, help, and wisdom is always appreciated.

For now, Cheers

ps: When I decide how my new site will happen, you will find out.
enclosed: A little programming assignment for class I'm working on.

Music

2009-07-23T11:29:00.002-06:00

I'm not typically a huge Coldplay fan but after I saw this music video. Well just watch

Love Jib Jab

2009-07-15T11:09:00.002-06:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Enjoyed This

2009-06-29T16:04:00.001-06:00

Bikes

2009-05-26T11:47:00.007-06:00

I would LOVE to have this bicycle, in the video that is, with the guy playing guitar...you get it.

Heres the video

Also, thought this was funny/creative

A Possible Turn for the Worse?

2009-05-16T12:28:00.002-06:00

Well as some of you know, I have been in and out of the hospital for many things these last few months, and unfortunately...I had to go back last night. Experiencing severe chest pain and started to think that maybe it wasn't just something I ate or maybe just me overdoing it on my bike. But just being done with radiation 3 weeks ago, I was a little worried.

So off to the ER I went and what ensued was a bit scary, I was plugged in and poked and they took samples and x-rays and listened to my heart a bit. All of this in a major rush. It wasn't for an hour or two that I finally found out what was causing my chest pain, they are calling it Acute Pericarditis. Essentially a swelling of the sack that surrounds my heart, caused by none other than my beloved Radiation Therapy.

This comes as not much of a surprise but nonetheless it is still exceedingly upsetting. WHY cant I just be ok, WHY cant I just get better, and WHY is this all happening to me? Another cause for concern here is that Heart issues have plagued my family, is it my turn? Having 3 great-grand-parents die of Heart disease and my immediate family having similar issues. It is all cause for concern.

So I guess thats whats on my mind, food for thought. Hope I feel better soon.

Cheers

Somethings Gotta Give

2009-05-11T18:01:00.002-06:00

Something in the mail today,

"TOTAL RADIATION THERAPY - $30,279.00"
"DOCTORS GUIDANCE / MANAGING - $5,555.07"

And add this to the already billed $102,000 and I'm approaching a new grand total of around $140,000. Not trying to make any political statements or anything here but.

- What are your thoughts on the United States medical system?
- What needs to change?
- What can be improved?

I surely don't have a great answer to any of these questions, but I'd love to hear what YOU think. If there is one thing that I do know, its that SOMETHINGS GOTTA GIVE. Our system is out of whack, there is no way a 20 year old like myself could EVER afford this. Unless of course I was on this list. At least we all know I hold a place on this one.

So all's well, anyways, enjoy the sun and the great weather for a bike ride!
Cheers!

Post-Treatment State-O-Mind

2009-05-07T09:59:00.001-06:00

This summer expect to see a Jimmy Buffet look alike
Enough Said

Words to Live By

2009-05-03T00:17:00.001-06:00

Happenings

2009-04-28T21:24:00.004-06:00

Just got back from finding a VeloCache with my buddy Codizzle and I got to thinking...Should I change the name of my blog now that I am done with my treatments? Let me know what you all think by voting on the right side of my page (you should find a poll). I am also thinking of updating the look/feel of my blog to be brighter, more...summerlike seeing as how we are getting closer and closer to such a seasonal shift.

My sister started a new blog, Trying to Keep Up, and she is an excellent writer so her posts are not nearly as...barbaric as my own. But if your interested in her studies/happenings/rants, feel free to check it out. She will be attending the University College London getting her masters in Gender Studies (proud brother right here).

Today I've been working on getting the kinks/final touches worked out of my latest COMPSCI project working and here is a screenshot.

It is just a simple contact sorter/generator/editor. However it is the most advanced graphical program I have done so far so I am pretty excited about it!

Anyways, remember to vote and let me know how you feel about the name change, maybe 20yearskickedthehodge, or 20yearsoverthehodge, or many many others.

Cheers!

!!!FINISHED!!!

2009-04-24T16:55:00.002-06:00

Attention All!!!

I AM OFFICIALLY DONE WITH RADIATION TREATMENT, CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT, AND ALL KINDS OF TREATMENT HAVING TO DO WITH HODGKINS LYMPHOMA*

THANKS FOR BACKING ME UP THIS WHOLE TIME AND OFFERING ME SO MUCH SUPPORT THROUGHOUT THIS TOUGH TIME.

TURNS OUT I HAVE SOME GREAT FOLLOW THROUGH WITH THIS STUFF!

*This is not for sure yet but I will know after my next followups in a month or so, but for now I'm celebrating!

All caps so you can understand how excited I am for this!

Shoshone Falls

2009-04-21T18:18:00.001-06:00

Went out to Shoshone Falls with Mom this weekend. Here is a little vid of the trip! Enjoy!

Information Station

2009-04-16T17:58:00.003-06:00

Special thanks to Dylan for pointing me to this. Considering that my major chest tumor at the time of diagnosis was around 5+ cm in diameter, the blood vessels must have had quite the network to work within.

For those who dont know the details my tumors were specifically Nodular Sclerosing a form of Hodgkins Lymphoma, even more specifically Stage II.

Ohhh Radiation

2009-04-14T09:47:00.002-06:00

The quickest way to piss someone off...

Take away their ability to eat

5lbs lost last week and dropping, doc says if I lose anymore its gonna be a bigger issue.

Let them drop, let all the lbs drop like the leaves from a tree I say. I cant get any lighter than my first sick weight (145). But at this rate I'll be there by the week after next. Yogurt, Instant Breakfast, and Smoothies only go so far.

Thoughtful

2009-04-12T08:39:00.003-06:00

As I sit here before work on this beautiful Easter Sunday morning, I'm updating my current bills for my treatment and I'm drawn to this number at the bottom of the spreadsheet we update. And the total billed for my 5 months of treatment is:

$101,000

What can this get you? Well here are a few things...

I could get 4 of these and have some change

After one more Radiation Treatment I could have one of these

I could get a few of these

With this on it

Now of course I know that all of these things are just material possessions and you cant really put a price on the gift of life......blah blah blah :)

But instead of all these cool things I get this and this.

Oh well complaining gets nobody...nowhere

Cheers, and Happy Easter!

1/2 Way Through it All

2009-04-10T08:55:00.002-06:00

Today I had my 10th radiation. I'm halfway done, getting haggard, and trying to stay motivated. It is really something else having to go there everyday. Its not the radiation part that really gets me its that sometimes, you have to do things that you dont want to do. Like dont even want to come close to doing (i.e. radiation therapy). Granted its a lot easier than chemo, it still doesn't suit my lifestyle very well.

I guess I'm just a little down right now because sitting in radiation you have nothing to do other than listen to music and start to feel sorry for yourself. Its like a mind game, what do I think about? Do I feel sorry for myself? (I try not to) Do I ponder life and all its infinite lessons? Do I think about how my throat hurts, or how I have x amount of homework and x-1 amount of time to do it in? I guess the lesson that can be learned today is that CANCER SUCKS, I wouldn't in a million years wish it upon anyone ever.

On my way back from radiation I saw one of these

I was reminded how I have always had a dream to travel North/South America in one, live on the road you know. Well maybe later in life, but for now its fun to think about.

In the mean time, I've been invited to possibly participate here. With my busy schedule though, who knows if I'll be able to make it this summer.

Since I am feeling a bit down today I have decided to write my thoughts in the form of haiku.
Enjoy.

Thinking about life
in the radiation room
rain reveals too much.

A Personal Favorite

2009-04-07T11:05:00.001-06:00

Sorry couldn't find one with video!

Workplace Revival

2009-04-03T10:34:00.006-06:00

Found this while browsing today. We are always talking about this very subject at work so I thought I would provide a little professional insight to the topic. I have no doubt my opinion is irrelevant but nonetheless...the article is interesting.

Pulled from CNET.com news.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's some good news that you should forward to your boss.

A study conducted in Australia found that people who engage in "Workplace Internet Leisure Browsing" (WILB) are more productive than those who don't. Workers who "surf the Internet for fun at work--within a reasonable limit of less than 20 percent of their total time in the office--are more productive by about 9 percent," according to the study's author, Professor Brent Coker, from the University of Melbourne's Department of Management and Marketing.

Professor Brent Coker

(Credit: University of Melbourne)

The reason that "WILB" increases productivity, he said, is that "people need to zone out for a bit to get back their concentration. Think back to when you were in class listening to a lecture--after about 20 minutes your concentration probably went right down, yet after a break your concentration was restored."

A short break, such as surfing the Internet, "enables the mind to rest itself, leading to a higher total net concentration for a day's work, and as a result, increased productivity."

But this doesn't apply to everyone. Approximately 14 percent of the sample showed signs of Internet addiction and, for them, Web surfing can decrease productivity. The more they surfed at work, the less productive they were. The reason for this, he said, "is because of an 'urge' to search the Internet. "Those that aren't addicted, don't have this urge and they surf the Internet as a reward."

The study found that 70% of the 300 workers surveyed engage in "WILB." The report was released in Melbourne on April 2nd when it was still April 1st in the United States. In an email, Dr. Coker assured me that it's not an April fools joke.

I'm not sure whether the result of this Australian study applies to workers in the U.S. and other countries, but I for one have a vested interest in believing what he says. If nothing else, it's a great excuse, especially if your boss is giving you a hard time for "WILB."

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Food for thought at least

15 more radiations left!!!!

Cheers!

A Physics Lesson

2009-04-01T18:00:00.002-06:00

Today is Physics class we watched a little film (clip below) profiling easily one of the greatest scientific minds of our civilization Galileo Galilei. Thought it was well done and pretty interesting, anyhow check it out!

Good quote from the end of the movie talking about his telescope from a church leader to another:

"He killed himself when he began prying into heaven with that devils sceptre"

Radiation Treatment #1

2009-03-30T20:42:00.002-06:00

Today I had my very first radiation treatment! Only 19 more to go and I will be done by the end of April. I'll be doing this daily so the side effects are supposed to slowly build up towards the end. Enjoy the video.

Video is fast forwarded 4x, total treatment time is about 15-20 minutes.

Tomorrow

2009-03-29T16:57:00.001-06:00

Spring Break Over
1st Radiation Therapy (Stay Tuned for Details Tomorrow)
Sprint to the Finish

...MTB Ride now

Very Cool

2009-03-27T12:05:00.005-06:00

2009 Red Bull Air Race

Aircraft of Choice - MXS and Edge 540

Progress

2009-03-17T10:22:00.003-06:00

Here are some pictures from my Treatment/Planning Simulation today. Was quite the experience really. Imagine having warm plastic stretched over your top half in an attempt to hold you still. I can honestly say my eyes have been opened. It was really an interesting experience.

My mind was racing with thoughts of the genius' who created these methods and machines. I can hardly imagine coming up with such sweet stuff. Maybe someday though.

Here are a few pictures.

^^^My newly created mold^^^

^^^CT Scanner with full Carbon Fiber board^^^

Fridays Appointment

2009-03-13T09:21:00.005-06:00

Hello All!

Today I went into MSTI (Mountain States Tumor Institute) but instead of visiting the lovely chemotherapy lounge I got to go into the basement floor, the Radiation Oncology Floor! I met with my new doctor and got a little bit on insight on my current prognosis, my future treatment, and the expected side effects of radiation.

I learned that my entire neck and the center of my chest including where my esophagus is will be getting treated with some low dose radiation. This consists of me getting myself down there every day for about 20-25 treatments, or about 4 or 5 weeks!

Side-effects include:
-Sore Throat (Due to Radiation to my Neck, Told to Avoid Spicy Foods)
-Reddening of the Throat and Chest (Blue Collar Comedy Tour Anyone?)
-Fatigue (Could make riding bike a hassle)
-Weight Loss (Not complaining about this one)
-Future Chance of Cancer (20 - 30 Years Later, Guess I'll Wait and See)

If treatment dosage is any indicator of level of side-effects, mine should be minimal. But I will be taking it one day at a time, so wish me luck!!!

Found this picture online, my radiation will look something like this...

Looks like some Star Trek shit to me...

Next week is my next appointment, they are calling it a Treatment Planning/Simulation. According to the doc, this consists of an application of a few permanent tattoos to my chest (should be the size of a small dot on my sides and center of chest) and a 3 dimensional CT scan that will allow the Medical Physicists to determine the best plan of attack! Then it Begins!

Update

2009-03-11T22:25:00.002-06:00

Its been a few days since I posted here so I thought I would give you an idea what I've been up to:

-School-Physics Test Today
-Work-Getting Busier and Busier
-Bikes
-Battling the Neverending Cold

Upcoming events:

-Meet Radiology Oncologist - Friday
-Radiation Begins - Monday

Anyways, I've been super busy. Hope you all are having a great week and I will post updates when I figure out what all this Radiation is about, should be interesting.

New Program

2009-03-06T19:14:00.003-07:00

I made this little ditty for Computer Science class homework, just a simple window that opens up and then lets you click the button to change the phase of the light (i.e. Red, Green, Yellow).

Here's a picture. (Click to Enlarge)

Enjoy!

FINAL CHEMO VIDEO

2009-02-27T13:00:00.000-07:00

Here it is.
Enjoy.

FINISHED!!!!!

2009-02-24T09:30:00.002-07:00

I AM OFFICIALLY DONE WITH CHEMO!!!!

VIDEO DOCUMENTING MY LAST CHEMO VISIT TO FOLLOW SHORTLY...STAY TUNED.

NEXT STEP - RADIATION (1.5 - 2 MONTHS)

Friday

2009-02-20T20:15:00.006-07:00

Another Friday night, contemplating some more LaTex fun. But just had a big math test today so I'll probably take a night off.

I've been thinking a lot about math today and lately, and I really have been growing an affinity for it. Not in the sense that I'm very good at it, but in the sense that mathematics when viewed in the right light is really a beautiful and pure thing. Not many things in this world are fortunate to be as logical. I struggle in math class everyday, and anyone who thinks that math ever gets easy...well they are just kidding themselves.

As I was losing hope today about my mathematical education, and browsing through some old teachers web pages, I came across a certain article written by my previous Calculus 2 teacher (Dr. Harlander). He captures exactly what it is like to be a student of mathematics, a "constant confrontation of ones own limits."

His paper gave me a sort of new perspective on my education. I, more than most people, get caught up with the deadlines of certain activities. This loss of focus seems to make the learning process more difficult, so from now on I will be focusing on the process of learning, not just the end result

Currently Listening - North America/South America - The Spirit of Apollo

Tuesday AM Ride

2009-02-18T12:28:00.006-07:00

Yesterday I went on my first Mountain Bike Ride of the season! Up Kestrel and down Hulls Gulch! It was a cold one but I was just glad to be able to go. I haven't really ridden since about a month before my diagnosis (October), so needless to say I was pretty weak.

But nonetheless it was a great time, and we ended up finding a VeloCache on it too!

Here are some pictures...

Friday Night LaTex

2009-02-13T20:48:00.010-07:00

So I'm sitting here gloating over my recent score, a 93% on my Physics test! This is a drastic improvement from my earlier quiz score, as I regrettably remember.

This week has been...busy. I got chemo on Monday, which didn't set me back much. Felt lively and ready for action pretty much all week, days #3 and #4 being the worst two as usual (slight nausea and shaking galore). But other than that, I'm looking forward to a three-day weekend and some time to relax for a day or so.

I wont let the nice weather fool me though, it will be back to business as soon as Monday rolls around. It will be my good week and it will be a great opportunity to get some things all lined up.

Registration for Summer Semester, for example, starts fairly soon. So getting that to go through will be a task in its own.

Tonight, I got exceedingly bored and finally worked out this LaTex (Mathematical Typsetting) stuff from my math class that allows me to insert correct mathematical symbols in a command line type of format.
This involved, downloading the LaTex required kits, and then WinEdt which is turning out to be a great choice in a text editor, it has great features that work flawlessly and seamlessly to convert my .tex files to .dvi and then to .pdf I really couldn't ask for much better.

For more info on LaTex read this.

I couldn't resist so here are some screenshots of the before (LaTex Code)
(CLICK IMAGES)

And of course, this wouldn't be complete without a view of the results (4 hours later)
(CLICK IMAGES)

So thats what my Friday night ended up with...math computing, but hey, I'm not hating the extra study hours to review my notes and work with LaTex. For which the learning curve is very steep, but I think I'm well on my way up it.

Cheers

Interesting

2009-02-09T10:28:00.003-07:00

So I'm getting ABVD #7 right now. That means after this week...only one more treatment of chemotherapy!!! Then radiation, but thats of no concern to me.

Anyways, here is an interesting story I happened across this morning.

Here's an interesting story.

Cheers!

COMPSCI 125-002

2009-02-05T20:50:00.003-07:00

For everyone who is interested in what I do in class all day long.

Here is an example, a little program we made in class today.

It asks the user for an input of a length and height of a 90 degree triangle. It then returns the value of the hypotenuse.

First you can see the source code (click image for larger view)...

And then the output of the program (click images for larger view)

Hope you enjoyed.

Cheers,
William (Ralphie)

Right Before Work

2009-02-01T10:15:00.003-07:00

Was browsing online and found these pictures. Not meant to be weird or anything but these are the cancer cells, called "Reed-Sternberg" Cells, that are infecting my body and being destroyed by my ABVD Treatment.

Much Love,
Will

Dr. Dorothy Mendenhall Reed

A(B)VD #6

2009-01-26T12:31:00.003-07:00

Thats right all, I had my 6th session of ABVD today (minus the B). Many reasons for subtracting the B, first of all Big Willy don't need all of the chemo anymore, and second of all my "Mass" is shrinking. All I hear now in the docs office is..

"Textbook response"
"Great"
"Exactly what I thought"

...These responses are much better than the ones I was hearing about 2 months (25lbs lighter) ago. Those were more desolate like...

"Your going to lose your hair"
"Your going to feel nauseated"
"Your going to need to recover"

...These ones, weren't so good for my overall morale. However, I just had #6 and I am feeling good. We will see how the recovery from this one is but I'm excited, Chemo + School is going to be a whole new experience. But overall, its nice to get out and about, on my bike, and in the sun's revealing rays.

Thanks for All the Support!
-Ralphie

Chemo...or ChemNO

2009-01-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

Went into MSTI today...got denied chemo. My White Blood Cell count (WBC) is too low, even more specifically, my Neutrophil Count has dropped below 600 (something about my body not being able to react quickly and regenerate due to the cumulative effects of ABVD), this leaves me at high risk of infection due to almost no Immune System.
So no chemo today for Ralphie.

I guess its a good thing we check my blood so often! They said I would be hospitalized with an infection had we gone ahead with chemo today.

But hey, I'm not complaining hah, if anything...its my first week back at school, I'm happy as can be, and glad I dont have to deal with that this week.

The downside, this pushes my finish date a week further, making the end...not as close as it was. But still close enough to see!

Much Love,
Will

Good Week

2009-01-18T23:21:00.003-07:00

This week was a great week, got some things done;

-Ready for School
-Bike Ride with Velopirates
-Work
-Laundry / Dishes

These are all pretty menial tasks but hey! I had a good week anyways, and I have chemo tomorrow. Sooooo Here's some fun pictures and such to look at if you want something to entertain.

Click for PICTURES from Reuters.

Interesting

2009-01-15T17:39:00.002-07:00

I pulled this off a buddies post of a post, originally from Engadget.com.

Despite differing political beliefs, there is one thing we can all agree on. This is interesting.

"You're now gazing at President Barack Obama's just-released official portrait -- the first of a U.S. president ever taken with a digital camera. That means we can peek at the EXIF data -- this fine specimen of portraiture was snapped with a Canon EOS 5D Mark II on January 13th, 2009 at 5:38 pm with no flash, using a 105mm lens stopped to f/10 at a 1/125 exposure, with an ISO of 100 by newly crowned official White House photographer Pete Souza. Nice work, Souza -- but we think it could use a few lens flares."

Good Luck Obama
-Cheers, Will

Just Reading

2009-01-12T08:58:00.006-07:00

I was just reading online a little about Hodgkins Lymphoma, and a little statistic showed up thought you might find these interesting.

This can be found at Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

About 74,340 Americans will be diagnosed with lymphoma in 2008.
8,220 new cases of Hodgkin lymphoma (4,400 males and 3,820 females)
66,120 new cases of NHL (35,450 males and 30,670 females).

Most cases of Hodgkin lymphoma occur in people who do not have any identifiable risk factors and most people with presumptive risk factors do not get the disease. The causes of Hodgkin lymphoma are uncertain. To illustrate: Many studies of environmental, especially occupational, linkages have been conducted with unclear results. Epstein-Barr virus has been associated with nearly half of cases. However, this virus has not been conclusively established as a cause of Hodgkin lymphoma. People infected with HTLV and HIV also have an increased probability of developing Hodgkin lymphoma. There are occasional cases of familial clustering, as with many cancers. There is an increased incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma in siblings of patients with the disease.

The incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma among people under 20 years of age was 0.9 per 100,000 people in 2005.

Now if you do the math, that gives me...a 20 year old...a 0.0009% chance of getting the disease I got.

I think I should buy a lottery ticket

-Cheers

Winter Saturday at Work

2009-01-10T14:50:00.007-07:00

First just wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JILL!

Also, today we decided to have a little buzz cut in the shop at work. I decided that I'm sick of my hair falling out on my pillows and clothes so I buzzed it to a number ONE guard. Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.

After two haircuts.

Special thanks to Codizzle for the chop job and another special thanks to Trilbone for getting his cut at the same time.

From WIRED.com

2009-01-08T23:13:00.001-07:00

Thought you might enjoy a bit of light reading

Here's a Cell Phone made of Recycled Bottles

Thursday

2009-01-08T22:04:00.004-07:00

Ohhh what to say about Thursday, not much really. Its the third day after chemo on Monday so, naturally, today was a lesson in just how odd my body could feel. I felt shaky all day but kept my steady stream of anti-nausea meds running. I can only imagine how I would feel without these wondrous Rx's.

In my free time I built P-Nut a fun wall to play on above her cat post. I find these kind of activities gives me something fun and time consuming to do. Anyways, here is a picture of her playing on it!

Cheers

Chemo Diary

2009-01-05T10:20:00.016-07:00

As I arrived at MSTI. (8:30AM) I went quickly into the lounge and got my blood draw, however...a few issues with blood return in my port (where the drugs go in), so imagine two nurses holding my head towards the ground with my feet propped up in the air. Something you might see at Teeter Hang Ups.

So we got a sample and sent it off, I met with the doc.

After the Docs,
Oh well, blood return started slowly and only got slower so we did a little "Roto-Rooting" in my port and bing bow port works like a freshie. Good news, good news because nobody likes a clogged port.

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Round 10:15-10:30AM,

With my freshly cleaned port all ready to go I get the chemo all hooked up and we are off, I get my doses of Ativan, Aloxi, Emend, and as much Saline Solution as you could ever desire. Orange Juice was to be had as well.

So I dont really know how many people are reading this blog but as for my update I was all nervous about a week or two back (CT Scan). The doc and the radiologists notes only had good things to say, my tumor is literally about 1/2 size it was in november showing "Marked Reductions in Size", and my blood counts are staying healthy best they've been yet, AND I'm back to my pre-hodge weight. Things are great, on the up and up, looking fantastic, etc. PLUS NO MORE "B" in the ABVD for me!

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Its 11:15 and...I just got my Adriamycin now its orange/red pee for me next time I make a bathroom break. All in all this trip is gonna be a good one. One less chemical and I hope that means only 3/4 the ammount of sickness I feel this week.

All in all, I'm glad I have this blog, and I'm glad that everyone can read it and see what all this stuff I get to do is.

One thing I wanted to write about today is on the subject of being a donor. It has always been something I strongly believe in (both living and non-living). Now as a cancer patient my life has been impacted directly by someone else's willingness to give what they themselves have extra of (blood). I encourage everyone I know to be a donor and it is something I intend on never taking off of my license. Why would I withhold that when I have been given so much these past few months.

More info on Donation at American Red Cross

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Now at 11:40 I have only one more drug left and its flowing fast through the port, life is good and things are great. Thanks for reading today and I'll probably post a follow up on how I'm feeling soon within the next day or two so STAY TUNED. Keep the positive thoughts flowing and the attitudes great! Thanks for reading!

Sincerely, Ralphie (William The Fifth)

New Years

2009-01-01T10:30:00.002-07:00

Happy 2009!

What I'm Watching

2008-12-28T21:30:00.008-07:00

Here are a few videos I have been watching lately. Thought you might enjoy also.

Check out 3:07 on Above Video

Music:

Here's a Good Len Video.

Here's a Good Cam'Ron Video.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-24T20:09:00.004-07:00

Not much to say tonight other than enjoy the holidays and I hope you and yours have a great one! In the meantime check out me and my fellow VeloPirates in a little photo shoot we had for the holidays.

Warmest Wishes

Safety Dance

2008-12-22T15:52:00.004-07:00

WOOOHOOOO, I'm sitting here with only about 1 more hour left on my 4th, count em, 4th chemo infusion!!!

This may not seem like alot, but hey it means one thing...I'm about half way done with the chemo part of my treatment! So in honor of this great day I have posted a certain video for you all to enjoy, and please feel free to dance along.

Much Love,
William

The Coming Scan

2008-12-19T10:53:00.003-07:00

Since I've gotten that CT scan appointment for the new year all I can think of is, "What if all this feeling like crap, getting infused all the time, multiple transfusions...what if none of this has done anything?" I know that's not very positive thinking, which I'm trying to keep up, but seriously. Up until now there has really been no way to significantly tell if all this chemo is per say....working?

Oh well, I'll just keep my mind on the coming holidays and keep my mind in the season for giving! I wish I had an insane disposable income so I could buy everyone I knew presents but what you all WILL get, is to see my ugly mug for another few years haha.

Anyways, alot of people are probably wondering why I call myself Ralphie on here. No its not my alter ego or anything exciting like that, just simply a nickname I first aquired when I was around 16 years old. Something I finally got rid of around 18 or so only for it to be quickly brought back up again by my current associates (you know who you are).

So long story short heres some pictures of everyones favorite christmas hero.

Happy Holidays,
Ralphie

Bored on Thursday

2008-12-18T09:21:00.004-07:00

001100100111011001001000000111011110111100101101101000110001010100100011011
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111000001010101101010011110100101100010110110000011111011010000000000100001

Great News!

2008-12-16T17:49:00.002-07:00

I had another Doc Appointment today and guess what!!!! My RBC is staying high for once and that means no more transfusions for a while he says! So other than that exciting news, nothing else has happened hah. Just thought I would put a quick note in here about that.

ALSO, I get my next CT scan in early 2009, so stay tuned for the update on size/placement/progress on all my problem areas.

Feelin Good in (208)
-Ralphie

Weekender

2008-12-15T09:56:00.003-07:00

What an eventful weekend, mixed in with medical stuff I got to attend the Georges Cycles Christmas party at the brand new G-Fit Studio. For those of you who don't know, this is a concept/fit/expensive stuff mecca. It was opened a month or so back and is run by my buddy Jason and he's keepin it classy in the Linen District.

Expensive stuff, great atmosphere, a keg on tap out the back door, Karaoke (with the usual suspects), Rock Band, fun on the Rollers, this was surely a party worth attending.

Another reason I wanted to write this post was to address a previous post I put on this blog. I just wanted to issue a public apology for what it stated, and how it was taken. I didn't chose my words carefully enough, and that nearly cost me some dear friendships yesterday. Which for those of you who know, friends mean the world to me. I don't know where I would be today without the love, advice, support, and constant guidance that my friends offer me. And I trampled on those friends of mine, not a good move Ralph.

What I said was self-righteous and made me sound as though I was sorry for myself and didn't give a crap about everyone else who is fighting with me. I confused a simple comment for something deep, confused concern with insensitivity.

So I'm sorry because in all honesty, coming from a rather small family and not much real world experience. You guys are part of my family, and when times get tough, you don't do what I did and offend them all. You guys are awesome and have truly helped shape who I am as a person, for that...I am eternally grateful.

-Smooches,
Ralphie

Let it Snow!

2008-12-14T08:59:00.012-07:00

Today I woke up feeling like they said I would, $1,000,000. Which to me...is quite a bit of feel good! Hopefully this transfusion will last a bit longer this time and I can feel good all week long.

I woke up this morning to a bunch of snow (for Boise) outside, it looks beautiful and reminds me why I love the winter so much, aside from the driving. Maybe this year we will even have a white Christmas. Who knows but for anyone interested I have a few pictures here outside my house of the snowfall. As you can probably see its still falling, and there is no end in sight, they say its supposed to fall for the next four days! Anyways, thanks for reading and have a wonderful Sunday.

Ohh Wednesday

2008-12-10T08:04:00.003-07:00

So today is pretty much just another Wednesday, or Hump Day if you prefer, and that means one of two things. Naseau is half way over, or half way begun. I tend to think its more likely to be the last one because last bad week it lasted through the weekend, not good at all. But we will see, I get to go in again this Friday to check my CBC (complete blood count) to see if I need another transfusion this weekend or not, hopefully they find my blood a bit quicker this time if needed.

Among other things I seem to have developed a new celebrity crush, Katy Perry. She is beautiful, and if there was some sort of Make-A-Wish foundation for 20 something non-terminal cancer patients, I would definitely be asking for a day with her for Christmas. I have enclosed a few pictures of her awesomeness for you all to gawk at today. Other than that my shakiness seems to not be getting better making it somewhat difficult to type but oh well, nothing I'm not used to by now anyways haha.

Round 3

2008-12-08T18:11:00.005-07:00

So today was round 3...went well per usual. I even got a picture of me being injected with Adriamycin. The wondrous A in my ABVD regimen. It all went well with my first draw starting around 9:00AM and ending around 2:00PM. Was a good day, still quite a bit shaky from my steroids (given prior) and from the chemo running its course in my veins.

Here is what goes down in the beginning, as you can see, port accessed, and Adriamycin being administered, looks like some delicious Kool-aid when you see it in that giant turkey basting syringe! Looks awfully kind for being responsible for my Alopecia (Hair Loss), and being one of the more toxic drugs I get. Thank god for my Power Port.

Here is a microscopic image of Adriamycin

And the Molecular Formation of Adriamycin

A bit of bad news today however, blood transfusion didn't have quite the desired effect, thus my levels are right back down to where they were the week pre-transfusion. So we are in negotiations to do another this weekend. Hopefully they find a match sooner this go around. Positive thoughts and comments are great so far! Thanks for the support you guys.

Work work Work

2008-12-06T17:33:00.004-07:00

Work went well today, hair falling out more and more everyday (in the shower even). Other than that energy level is back up and I'm feeling good. I go in for round 3 on Monday so we will see how that goes. Woo hooo. haha

Adventures in Transfusion

2008-12-04T15:36:00.004-07:00

So after waiting over 24 hours for the local blood bank to match my blood (unsuccessful still). I sit here in my hospital room begining what is 8 hours of great fun...a Biological Cross Match is what they are calling it. Basically this consists of giving me O- blood, which is compatible with everyone, and then testing my body to make sure I'm accepting it ok after only 50mL.

I have been informed that my blood...has 4 different antibodies in it which is making it excessively difficult to match. Oh well enough with the nonsense I'm just glad to be getting this transfusion and glad its gonna make me feel better. I just had a nurse inform me that since I've been anemic for 2 weeks or more now, I have most likely forgotten what it feels like to feel really...REALLY good, so according to her...I'll be feeling GREAT tomorrow morning and even better for the weekend, better than I've felt in a while.

Anyways, here are a few pictures I made while sitting in my bed to amuse you onlookers. Let me know what you think and keep the comment love flowing.

Whats a Port?

2008-12-03T21:18:00.006-07:00

So I keep talking about my "Port", I'll be caught saying "my port this, and my port that" so here's a little info on exactly what is inserted in my chest. I have installed what is called a "Power-Port" made by Bard Access, it essentially saves me from having to have an IV installed every week when they want blood or to give me chemo or whatever. All they have to do is "access" my port. This basically consists of puncturing the skin and then hitting my port, when done correctly it barely hurts and maybe feels like a bit of a poke but definitely manageable.

Here is a picture of my port accessed (notice the tube hanging out of my chest.) I got to leave the hospital tonight with it accessed because I'm going in for my transfusion tomorrow!!! I'm pretty excited because my Red Blood Count is excessively low now. I'm pale, tired, and get headaches way too easy.

Here is a picture of what the port actually looks like and it lists all the components of it, pretty interesting I think. Wish me luck tomorrow and I'll be posting from my transfusion most likely (6 hours of sitting) so maybe you will get to see some sweet pictures of blood being dripped into me. I'm getting 2 Units of "Packed Reds."

To those familiar with vintage and modern cycling terms, the words "Blood Doping" are brought to mind. And yes...this is the process they would do. So now...I'm a blood doper, not intentionally though so I dont think I'll be scrutinized nearly as severely! Anyways, everyone have a great day and I'll be back later.

-Will

Today

2008-12-02T21:11:00.003-07:00

Today was pretty good, helped mom and cleaned up the garage all day. Felt good till tonight, my headaches seem to be getting worse, the more I think about this transfusion and how it supposedly will make me fell better the more I want it. Haha, it seems like it will be a necessary evil throughout this process since the doctors tell me the chemo kills all of those blood cells like it kills the cancer cells.

I guess overall I would rate today a 7/10 and am kindof pissed that my supposed "good" week is turning into more doc. appts. I go in tomorrow and will get all of this reassessed just to go back in on Monday for another chemo trip. It seems like I just had the last one, but the good news! If I only have to do 4 months of this which is the new plan. Thats only 8 treatments total, and I've already had 2! That means I'm already 1/4 of the way done with chemo.

I'll keep the positive thoughts rollin and you do the same. Thanks for reading.

-Will

A new Month, a new Week

2008-12-01T08:55:00.005-07:00

Well well, what can be said. Its cold, its December. And its my good week! I've got a lot on my list to do and keep myself busy;

1. Organize next semester and sell back my old books
2. Meet with academic advisor today
3. Ship off my ebay auctions (ended last night)
4. Rest and Relaxation
5. Blood Transfusion
6. Doc. Appt.
7. Two Neupagen Shots (Most Likely)
8. Regain senses in time for Round 3
9. Figure out presents for family!

And of course, spend more time with family and friends. So if you wanna talk, this is the week to talk...if you wanna hang out, this is the time to hang out. Cuz I'm out and about and I'm happy and I'm finally kicking my 7 day nausea trip and cross your fingers...feeling good. Thats right I said it, no meds for the rest of this week. I'll look forward to hearing from you folks, and I hope that I get all my needs taken care of this week. Much love and thanks for reading
-Will

Getting Through

2008-11-29T21:35:00.003-07:00

So as I sit here tonight in my humble abode. I'm recounting the events of this week. Chemo on Monday, good as usual, the nurses were nice and I got news the a blood transfusion is something...of necessity. What I thought was going to be a choice is now turning into something that is required, I basically just need to say when.

As the days go on I feel myself wishing that I had it more and more seeing as how the doctor said it would make me feel better. I felt pretty sick over Thanksgiving but that was to be expected. Thankfully (no pun intended) I was able to eat dinner and have no major issues, other than a brief bout with severe light-headedness. What was a real bummer was having to leave work early on Friday. It seems no matter what I do, I continue to have issues with this chemo. Sometimes I just wanna say screw it and see what happens but I know that is not the wisest choice its just hard to stay motivated sometimes.

I'm watching Fahrenheit 451 from my Netflix but Its less than perfect that is for sure. I enjoyed the book much more. Watching books get burnt is not nearly as interesting as reading about it haha. Oh well. I hope tommorrow isn't as big of a struggle as today and friday were.

Riding my bike is well...sad to say the least. I get tired way to quick and cant catch my breath fast enough, this proves to be more of an emotional issue than I let onto seeing as how bikes are my life, something that I find myself craving to do on my down days. But when I ride, its like a whole new experience, something that I cant really relate to anymore. Its exhausting and makes my legs hurt baddd. Well I'll stop complaining and get along with it. I hope you all are enjoying my blog and I hope that maybe someone out there is relating to this. Maybe then, it will be all worth while.

The New Me

2008-11-28T09:41:00.002-07:00

Beard and All Check It

Ding Ding...Round One

2008-11-28T09:25:00.001-07:00

So after all these sequential posts I'm finally getting caught up in my saga for you guys to be reading some current posts. So I'll give you a brief review of round one...Sit in a bed, get chemo for 4 hours, get up from bed at hour 3, go to the TLC (Treatment Learning Class), return to bed after my IV pole started beeping at me in class, get de-accessed, and return to class.

What was the worst part about this cycle was that since my WBC (White Blood Cells) were so low when I started treatment, I had to get a Neupagen shot everyday for 4 days after chemo. The worst part, it makes your bones feel like they are constantly being broken. After working for 6 of my 17 scheduled hours at work, I felt like a wreck. Could I ever continue this treatment? Thoughts of just giving up were definitely on my mind. And on top of it!!! I got a cold/sore throut that weekend, to which I'm still healing from. Needless to say, CYCLE ONE KICKED MY ASS. The week following it though (my good week) was great, spent time with family and friends and tried to gain back some of the 10lbs I lost the week prior. Milkshakes a plenty and as much ice cream as anyone could handle. :) I'm down to 150lbs and now considering I was at 165 just 2 weeks prior, the docs were concerned. I'm stable now at 150 but I'm supposed to be eating as much as possible still.

If there is any advice I could give it would be to make sure you do what the doctors say, eat as much as possible, dont forget or you could find yourself passing out before thanksgiving dinner.
No hair loss yet, but as far as I can read, it is coming for me...coming soon.

The Next Stage

2008-11-28T08:33:00.001-07:00

As for the next leg of my story it goes kinda like this.

On the Monday I get my diagnosis, after many more blood tests I get the schedule for the next week. How anyone is supposed to work/school or do anything is crazy to me.

Monday - Labs / Doctors Visit
Tuesday - Reproductive Health Clinic
Wednesday - Bone Marrow Biopsy / Blood Lab / BSU Registrar
Thursday - PET Scan / EchoCardioGram
Friday - Install Port-o-Cath

After a weekend of painful healing from my port install I being chemo the following Monday. My first treatment, a bit of a scare as I had no idea what to expect but little did I know I would come to cherish the times in the oncology dept. Little did I know what the coming weeks would bring. At least I knew one thing, my schedule would slow down. Not so many tests, not so many visits. And I could really focus of getting through this, family and friends in tow.

The Good news of the week though, I'M ONLY STAGE II out of IV

The Beginning

2008-11-27T21:00:00.001-07:00

Well well, where to start. There is so much to say and quite frankly, I'm tired and don't want to say much. But I guess I'll start at the beginning, some might say writing my thoughts down is therapeutic, others would say its a bit...daunting. However I think of this as a good way to use my time, to inform my family, and if anything help others in the future or present that have dealt with this disease.

It started on the Monday before Halloween, a typical visit to the local university health center and what would later become the start of my journey. No this isn't a picture of me after my last cage fight, this is what my face looked like in the morning. YIKES haha, this is what prompted my initial doctors visit. Little did I know this picture would be essential to my final diagnosis. After a urine and blood test, my local Physicians Assistant decided I needed to see a Nephrologist (Kidney Guy). To my dismay I had never even heard of this crazy kind of doctor and I had my worries. Thoughts of dialysis, blood transfusions, and endless waiting rooms flooded my mind.

His initial thoughts was something to the effect of Nephrotic Syndrome (Kidneys Dumping Protein). Which I later learned is basically doctors speak for (Nephrotic - Having to do with Kidneys) and (Syndrome - Something Wrong with Previous Word) so all I knew was my Kidneys were jacked. We would know more after a kidney biopsy....At least we thought.

Now we are at about day 3 of this whole whirlwind adventure and into the hospital I go, first some blood tests, a chest x-ray, and the final event! Kidney Biopsy. As I was waiting to be discharged from my doctor, yet another 3 hour wait, we get the worst news of the year.

"Well I've been looking at your chest x-ray...and there is a large mass in your chest. We need to keep for a few days for observations."
THESE ARE WORDS NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR
I respond, "Well what do you think this is?"
He says, "Most likely some form of cancer...Hodgkins we think."

I am later informed that the very next day we are going to need to remove the very swollen lymph node in my neck (not a comfortable surgery). Long story short...I get the diagnosis we aren't looking for after a 4 day hospital stay and the following monday, sure enough Hodgkins Lymphoma. Not only was this the worst news of the year, it came only a day after my Mom's birthday. Talk about bad timing.