Happy news!

Everything is going my way, maybe!

On February 12, Dr. Paton, ocular oncologist, removed the radiation cataract caused by radiation to my right eye in 2010. The operation was a huge success. The difference in my vision is stunning and delightful!

On February 15, I had my second infusion of ipilimumab. I am already at the half way mark on this new journey! I return to Victoria full of hope.

On February 13 my friends gathered to celebrate the upcoming adventure! The Two Oceans Ultramarathon is now only 40 days away! I can taste the start line! I have no thoughts yet about the finish line!

Yipi!

Tomorrow I leave Victoria early in the  morning, drive to Nanaimo and catch the mid-morning ferry to North Vancouver. At 1.30 pm, I receive my fist infusion of this third immunotherapy treatment. I know how lucky I am and thank my lucky stars. I believe I am the first ocular melanoma patient in Canada to receive a third line treatment. I know of one person in the States who has gone through it. Her cancer is now stable again. Fingers crossed. Thanks in advance for your kind thoughts and good wishes. I promise to keep you posted as we move along. Peace and love, Nigel

A new beginning

No doesn't always mean just that! With the persuasive power of the incredible team at Lion's Gate Hospital, and Save Your Skin Foundation, whose founder has been a rock of support for me, and my absolute refusal to accept that this is the end, Bristol-Myers Squibb, makers of ipilimumab, have decided to provide another round of treatment for me. I got this stunning news yesterday. I hope to begin treatment as soon as possible, perhaps within two weeks. While the treatment is not easy, it may lead to some more beautiful times on this planet. I will keep you posted.

While I undergo this 12 week course of treatment, I must also get ready for the Two Oceans Ultramarathon on March 26 in Cape Town. It's good to be busy and focussed! 

Peace and love, Nigel

Happy New Year!

Here we are launching into another year, full of possibilities and promises. Our human weakness often unnecessarily prevents us from aspiring to be better, stronger or happier people. The reality is that we can be as strong as our courage and as happy as our capacity to feel it.

I start the year on a precipice. My cancer, ever a threat, reactivated in the fall of 2015. It seems to want to progress rapidly. The BC Cancer Agency, which has helped me enormously in the past, has suddenly cut off my access to therapy. I accept that my care has been expensive and I suppose we have a ledger somewhere.

I will find a way to get to a better place. I remind myself that I registered for hospice 3 years ago this month. I did not give up hope then. In June of that year I ran 87 kilometres while climbing 6000 feet up into the hills of KwaZulu Natal in the Comrades Ultramarathon. And so it will be in 2016. 

I wish all of my family and friends a very happy 2016 and I hope to connect in person or online with each of you.

Wishing you peace, joy and love, Nigel

 

From our beautiful paradise on the west coast:

Peace

This evening, at 8.48 pm, we celebrate the winter solstice. Light starts to return to the Northern Hemisphere and we move towards a new cycle of life.

I returned from NZ in a hurry on December 7 as pain rudely interrupted the wonderful holiday I was having. Louise spent the first 3 weeks of November with us and my sister took us down to the South Island to see Mt. Cook. The scenery in the South Island is out of this world.

On October 19 I heard from the Philadelphia experts that they could see 2 new tumours in my imaging from October 6. My perfect holiday is over and I must fight for more treatment. The fight is not going well at the moment but I always hope for good news soon.

In just a few days we will celebrate Christmas with family and then prepare for a new year, filled with joy and hope.

Peace and love to all.  May 2016 bring joy and calm.

Off we go again!

Today, after months of preparation, I leave for New Zealand to spend some time with my sister and to enjoy all of the delights of a beautiful part of the world. There is much gardening on my horizon!

My diagnostic imaging at the beginning of October showed that there is no growth and no spread of cancer in my body. The miracle continues. There is no other word for it.

To celebrate my wellness I decided to run a half marathon on Thanksgiving weekend, the 40th anniversary of my arrival in Canada. The run was made more special as my son ran beside me all the way on a perfect running day, cool, no wind, bright and clear. What joy!

And now, my best news! I have committed to running the Two Oceans Ultramarathon in Capetown on March 26 next year. I will not be alone!  It will be an amazing experience running from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean and back! I have miles to go before I sleep!

Wishing all my friends happiness and wellness on the journey!

Here we are on Thanksgiving weekend after our run!

 

Summer

Our perfect summer took a one week break but is back today. The week ahead looks as perfect as the months of sunshine and warmth we have enjoyed on the West Coast.  It was wonderful to get some rain to help the plants and trees out. Our children are back in school and the world returns to normal!

I had fun yesterday on a stand up paddle board...

I have been well. I am feeling strong. I have several cancer appointments over the next few weeks and I hope the outcome will be positive. In mid October, if all is well,  I will head for New Zealand again.

It is time to plan the next big crazy adventure..........