It has been a long winter for Ricky, Erika and the kids. Now after 12 full treatments of chemotherapy Dr Haslem has called it good. The protocol was to treat for 12 full months and then follow closely. So far the CT scans show no recurrance of disease. With this tumor you can never say it is fully cured so you just go on with life. We are so proud of Ricky as he has been able to finish 2 months of Family Practice, 1 Month of Ob-Gyn, 2 months of Internal Medicine, 1 month of Surgery, one month of ER and 1 month of Pediatrics all while taking his chemo during one full week of each month. He has been very sick at times, and each month loses weight durning the chemo week yet he keeps on plugging away. He is currently taking a Psychology rotation followed by a Community Health month. After that it is a couple of electives and he is done in October! The end is in site. We are all so pleased to be at this point. It is really quite an accomplishment to be able to stay in school and take chemotherapy every 28 days.
The family is all so proud of Ricky. He has shown great courage and persistant determination to be able to stay in school while continuing his chemo. All of us that have been close, have been able to watch and relate, and yet have not been able to help him much. We are just so happy for this milestone now to be passed. It is going to be wonderful to see Rick enjoy life and not have a terrible week each month. It really has been an ordeal yet I have never really heard a complaint. Ricky you are the man.
One more "Little Note". In reviewing all of this it turns out I never reported on Ricky's surgery. A few months ago Rick noticed some upper abdomnal pain which was hard to explain with just the chemo. A long story made short, we sent him to the good Dr Wintch who removed his gall bladder complete with stones. Dr Wintch did that in between his chemo schedule so he would have maximum protection and healing time. It was a tough surgery but Rick came home quickly and healed very well. He is now back doing all his normal activities. What a story this all is. Any good screen writers out there? This would make for a powerful movie.
Rick it is the movie and story of your life. We know you are looking to finishing your rotations in October and then taking and passing your Boards. It is upward and onward from there. We are grateful to you for the fine example you are to all of us. We all wish you luck and blessings over the next few weeks and months.
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