Launch Date is Set

Folks are probably like, Michael, you're still here?!?! Yes, through Christmas. In all seriousness though, I have a few dates set, and my date has been set for my return to Europe (I do need to work at some point!)

Some Dates:
Sun., 12/21: Final MRI in the U.S.; Dinner with my parents and T.J. at Morton's
Wed., 12/24: Christmas Eve at Denise & JJ's House (The Italian Feast)
Thu., 12/25: Christmas Day at my house
Fri., 12/26: Final Meeting with Dr. Jill Lacy, my medical oncologist
Mon., 12/29: Final Meeting with Dr. Jonathan Knisley, my radiation oncologist

Monday afternoon, 12/29: JetBlue flight from JFK to Las Vegas for some vacation

A lot of information, right? The story is this: The most important day is this coming Sunday, 12/21, when I return to Yale for my final MRI. During my treatment, they would not allow any MRIs because there is 'too much happening in my brain'. I had to wait 2 weeks after chemo/radiation ended for things to settle down. Upon my return to Europe, I will need to have an MRI once every two months.

What are we hoping for?? Normality! If the radiation and chemotherapy worked as planned, the remaining Grade III cells should be GONE. I plan to celebrate with dinner that night with my folks and T.J. at Morton's steakhouse (can you say cajun ribeye?) in Stamford. (And the big joke is that with this major surgery, I will have some newly gained, ultimate, UConn basketball playing abilities to take on any and all Boston College Eagles, Syracuse Orange or other alum-affiliated friends!)

I will have my two final meetings with my two oncologists before I leave. They will look at the MRI and I will also plan my chemotherapy schedule with my medical oncologist. At the onset of treatment, she was recommending at least a 6-month cycle (and possibly 12 months) of chemotherapy. I will do this in ONE FIVE-DAY CYCLE per month for at least SIX MONTHS. It is fairly simple. A 400 mg dosage each night before I go to bed....I can do this in Europe, as its in pill form.

My plan is to return to the U.S. in approximately 6 months time to have a check-up at Yale with my doctors. And as you can see, I will be leaving on the 29th for about 2 weeks of vacation. The plan is to go to Vegas for several days (and New Years Eve), then down to the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona to watch Texas crush Ohio State, then possibly some Rocky Mountain skiing (don't worry, I plan on buying a helmet this year!).

I should be flying directly back to Europe from the west coast area on or around January 12th, 2009.

If we don't speak before Christmas, I hope everyone has a terrific Christmas with your friends and family.

My best,
Michael