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2012 - Not off to a good start!

WOW! We're only 3 days into 2012, and already it's not looking that good.

It actually started New Year's Eve, when I thought my surround sound audio receiver was malfunctioning [Dolby Digital wasn't being displayed]. It took me 3 days to figure out the problem, which turned out not to be such a problem. Still it was stressful, especially since over the holiday weekend no one was available to contact for support.

Then yesterday the termite inspector came by, and said the house needs to be tented. Jeez, we just had it tented barely 16 months ago, and the termites are [supposedly] back already.

I'm not about to go through another tenting. It's not the cost so much, which isn't cheap at about $2K, as much as the hassle of moving out of the house for 3 days, costing at least another $500, dealing with 2 cats, plus having to double plastic wrap all the food and wine to boot. It's just not worth the hassle. The termites can have the house!

So I contacted another inspector, who treats with Boric Acid (doesn't require the occupants of the house to move out), and he's coming on Wednesday to inspect the house. At least if he confirms the findings, and we do decide to treat, we won't have to move out of the house.

And finally, I just heard that Terry Hamblin isn't doing so well, and is in a local hospice in England. Dr Hamblin is the first specialist I contacted shortly after being diagnosed with CLL in 2002. He was one of the first to do research in the field of IvGH mutations, and was instrumental in recognizing I had MCL [not CLL], and in my decision to wait and watch, rather than jumping into treatment right away.

Dr. Hamblin retired a few years back, after being diagnosed with cancer, the type I can't remember. I do know it wasn't a blood cancer though. Still, he always responded to me personally whenever I had a question or concern, and to the questions of other patients on one of the message boards. He also provided great insight into some the latest treatment protocols and research being conducted on his blog, even when he was receiving treatment for his cancer.

I was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Hamblin for an examination, during the Christmas holiday in Bournemouth, England, in 2002. A visit I will not easily forget. My heart goes out to him and his family. He will be sorely missed.

Update: 1/05/2012 at 08:15 PM PST

I've just learned that Dr. Hamblin is actually in palliative care, where they try to nurse
patients back to better health through nutrition, etc. rather than in hospice care, where they have given up all hope.

That certainly is good news. Hopefully now things might

Comments

Becky said…
Yeah, I'm not starting out on a good note either. The dr's office called after my blood test and I'm anemic AND now I'm lacking vitamin D (wants me to take 50,000 units a week) AND my white cells are down.
I'm kinda bumbed. Hey, when you bought me a book from that old English bookstore, was that when you met the dr.?
Marc said…
Now you know how I feel. I've been anemic for the past 8 years. It's not very much fun!

Don't feel too bad. Most of the population is Vitamin D deficient. You just need to start spending more time outside, instead of in your office all the time. You need to read my earlier post on vitamin D.

And yes, that is when I met Dr. Hamblin.
Becky said…
Well, I was reading your response and ANOTHER Dr. called to inform me my LDL cholesteral wad 144and now I have to start taking lipitor or symvastatin. Egad!
Marc said…
144 doesn't sound high. Are you sure about that number?

What was your HDL? And what was your total Cholesterol?

I'd get a second opinion before I'd start taking a statin.
Kim said…
Boo hoo on your audio problem. You sat here through my nightmare. "I" have audio issues. Sorry you are though.

Get a few estimates on that termite thing. Either they didn't do it right before or your neighbor has an infestation but if there isn't obvious dry rot, pass on that... until you get a few estimates. I don't trust exterminators, especially in this market.

Sorry about your doctor friend.
Marc said…
Well, there was some obvious dry rot, so we decided to go with the boric acid treatment.

The price is comparable to what Terminix wanted, but they provide a two year warranty, as opposed to 1 year for Terminix. Plus we don't have to move out.

Whether it's the right decision or not, who really knows. Only time will tell.

Let's just hope we're around to find out!

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