Neuro Optomolgist

I can see clearly now, I got the all clear from the Neuro Optomologist as I had to get my eyes checked. One of many things you must keep an eye (no pun intended) on after transplant because of diabetic concerns, cataracts, glaucoma, CMV.....

Next eye check-up will be in 6 months.

The mighty have fallen

On Saturday in between watching my daughter’s double-header basketball game(s), my younger daughter and I went out and played on the playground. While playing I decided to do some pull-ups a task I used to do with ease before LC (lung cancer). I couldn't do one pull-up, the mighty have fallen..... I have my work cut out for me ...... I have some / alot of work to do.

The other Woman

Post football/Super bowl blues..... did you really think there was another woman.... I am going through my post football blues. It seems like every February as we get closer to Valentines Day football breaks my heart and leaves me ...... (fill in the blank for yourself).

Old Material from the Dec. 2007 SMU Graduation

I just learned a new trick with the computer and blogin' so I figured I would make a video of the radio commentary from Ellie and the pictures taken by Rie.

The commentary was provide by

Ellie Hogue; Reporter, WBAP News/Talk 820

The pictures were provided by

Rie Watts; Executive Masters Program, School of Engineering.

DFW walk bio

posted on the http://www.dfwwalk.com/ website

Greetings fellow cancer saviors, loved ones, and support persons. My name is Jerrold Dash and I am a two year survivor of Lung Cancer; terminal lung cancer stage 4 BAC (Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma).

To say I was shocked, surprised, and blind sided by my diagnosis would be an understatement. I exhibited symptoms for several years before my diagnosis February 1, 2006, but these symptoms were classified as bronchitis, asthma, allergies, and pneumonia. I never expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer being a former collage athlete and non-smoker (50% of all people diagnosed with lung cancer never smoked).

Upon diagnosis I had no choice but to fight as anyone else in my situation would have done. I was told by my temporary oncologist that I could not beat cancer and he would treat me palatively with chemotherapy until I died from the cancer. Fortunately for me I had a pulmonary specialist that was sympathetic and could relate to my situation being a young professional raising a family. I was 32 years old when I was diagnosed and my daughters were 2 and a half and 3 weeks old respectively (I will not reveal my wife’s age).

I endued as much chemo as I could stand, participating in a few clinical trials along the way while waiting for a miracle (a bi-lateral lung transplant). I must emphasis that transplant for someone with lung cancer is just not done, and insurance companies consider the procedure as experimental treatment. Fortunately I had a pulmonary specialist and doctors at Stanford that would not take no for an answer from the insurance company. I was approved by my insurance company to be evaluated to see if I could be a candidate for lung transplant, which I was. The problem with being a candidate for lung transplant is that you must be within 4 hours of the hospital performing the transplant at all times, so I packed up my truck in August of 2006 heading West to Palo Alto, CA not knowing anyone at all and leaving my wife and two young daughters behind in TX. After several months of waiting and hoping my cancer did not spread I got the page a pair of lungs was available and I was number one on the list, the surgeon informed me that I needed to get to the hospital right away. I informed him that I was already at the hospital (eating dinner in the cafeteria) and that I needed to clean my apartment before my wife and other care takers flew in and saw my messy bachelors pad.

In summation everything worked out for the best I got the transplant (March 2007), and have been working to recover physically ever since. I hope to start running a couple of miles per week starting in March 2008 (if I can get my neuropathy under control, chemo side effect). The best news is that I am cancer free since the transplant.

I think that quickly captures my story, as I am not much of a writer, if you want more details and pictures of my lungs go to my blog (cancer therapy). http://2newlungs.blogspot.com/


By Jerrold Dash

2 years and counting

Today marks two years since the correct diagnosis was made that I had BAC (Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma). The past 24 months I hope have given hope to other BAC patients / lung cancer patients and caused the medical brain trust to rethink the outdated data they so heavily relied upon.

Time keeps ticking, I keep getting stronger, and medical data must be updated and reevaluated.

doc visits (child doc)

I had a first today, something I have not done in 2 years. I took one of my daughters to the pediatrician today (wearing a mask of course). I don't think I picked up any bugs while there but I was still nervous the whole time I was there. I can't live in a bubble though.

A few articles about BAC & Lung Transplant (late night reading)

Link to an old article regarding Lung Transplant and BAC (actually it is an abstract)

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/340/14/1071

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/reprint/340/14/1071.pdf

more recent article(s) / research

http://jco.ascopubs.org/cgi/content/abstract/22/21/4351

http://jco.ascopubs.org/cgi/reprint/22/21/4351

transplant doc visit

The visit to the Lung Transplant doctors went well today. I am still not at 100% lung functionality yet still hanging around 79 - 80% range right now so my goal for next months visit is to be at about 85% functionality.

oncologist visit

Was nervous about my visit today, I had nightmares that I would show up and they would tell me the cancer had returned. Fortunately for me that was just a dream, I still am all clear (cancer free).

I have also been asked to participate in Lung Cancer SPORE's as a patient advocate, I don't exactly understand my entire role but I am hoping to help effect change so we can gain a better understanding about Lung Cancer and how to detect it earlier and possibly derive better treatments.

SMU (Big Idea)

I want to participate in the SMU Big Idea program, but I don't know if old students (ha ha I am an old student now) can participate. The big idea I have involves spreading literature, awareness, and simply getting potential organ/tissue donors to communicate with friends, family, and LOVED ones. The most important thing to note when dealing w/ organ/tissue donation is communication is the key, signing up is fine but communicate your wishes to your family, or next of kin so there are no surprises.

Neurologist (Another doctor joins team Dash)

My Feet, My feet, my feet HURT. (A long lingering side effect from chemo (Ratt Poison #9))

Orthodics have not worked, so now I am attacking this neuropathy with new meds. (lidoderm patches, cymbalta). I think I will lean more towards the patches rather than taking the Cymbalta as I just don't won't to pop any more pills than I have to.

Oh well kick rocks.

Happy Birthday (you are two fingers now)

Ravyn had her second birthday on yesterday. It was not a big blow out just a few family members at Chuck E. Cheese we all had a blast, this birthday didn't make up for missing the first while out in CA but, things could have been worse. I could have been forced by circumstances to miss this one, Thank GOD everything worked out the way it did.

Year End Wrap-Up & 2008 Goals

Another year has come and gone so I need to set some new goals as I have satisfied last years goals.

2008 Goals are:

1. Live to see 2009
2. Increase my energy level (start doing more cardio)
3. Spend more time with my family
4. Increase awareness about organ donation and defeat the stigma associated with lung cancer

Merry Christmas

Sure am glad to be home this Christmas.



I am putting batteries in every noise making toy made this year and is every Baby doll called Arial or the Bratz. I do realize that I am turning into my parents when I start looking forward to the children wearing themselves out on Christmas and taking a nap (so I can take a nap).

What a day, glad to be here.

FAQ's about BAC and Lung Transplant (patients point of view)

This is a living blog post that will be re-visited frequently as I remember new stuff to add, subtract, and other transplant/cancer hommies send me info.

Disclaimer: These are thoughts and suggestions provided by myself and others that have experienced cancer (i.e. BAC) and also undergone organ transplantation (i.e. lung transplant).


BAC (Lung Cancer) FAQ's:

1. BAC (Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma) suck!!!
2. BAC is a type of lung cancer often found in non-smokers
3. For many diagnosed with BAC there is no way of EVER knowing how the carcinoma developed, since it is often diagnosed at such a late stage. (for me I was diagnosed at stage 4)
4. When you are diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening conditions you need to study and read medical white papers so the highly lettered doctors don't try to talk over your head. An example of words they might use that are suggestive until you really understand the true medical meaning as it applies to your condition are stage 4, metastasized, spread... I was stage 4 b/c my BAC non-small cell cancer had spread or metastasized to both lungs, in this case you don't want it to spread but the spreading was okay b/c it was contained in my lungs and I had no lymph node involvement.
5. Chemo (chemotherapy) is overrated as far as making you deathly ill. Don't get me wrong it is unpleasant but you more than likely won't be vomiting bucks or be totally out of it. The new Chemo is often time targeted for your specific cancer type based on its protein signature which means it focus on a specific area of the body. You will also be given pre-meds before chemo starts to help with nausea, you will also be given plenty of snacks during your chemo infusion (mmm MMMM mmm snacks)
6. Keep hard candy on hand and suck on it when your IV is flushed with Saline and Heparin as they will leave a nasty taste in your mouth and the candy will of-set that taste.
7. If you can get a port inserted in your chest for chemo, and blood draws it will make life much simpler; your veins will start to get worn out from the chemo eventually and the port again will make life simpler.
8. Flush your port at least every three weeks or as the doctor orders.
9. Eat what you can the newer chemo does not really alter the taste of food contrary to popular opinion.
10. Stay active work-out, walk, swim, hit the whirl pool, and get a massage as these activities help push the chemo (Ratt poison) through your system and will help with the joint/muscle pain you are going to experience.
    

Transplant FAQ's:

1. TRANSPLANT IS NOT A CURE; you are trading a terminal condition for MANY other conditions that can be monitored through life style changes (i.e. exercise, diet) and medication.
2. Some conditions that one can expect with lung transplant are; diabetes, osteoporosis, weight fluctuation, muscle mass loss, mood swings, fatigue, various respiratory viruses..... BUT YOU ARE ALIVE keep that in mind.
3. Your children / or younger relatives will be your greatest inspiration to fight on and do well with the transplant but they can also put you in the hospital as they will unknowingly give you little presents (germs and bugs) they get from daycare.
4. YES, they transplant was painful the first two days hurt like *&^% *&^%; it helps to be in shape, work on your abs, back upper and lower, possibly learn some yoga or stretching before hand to concentrate on your posture, work on your legs too as the meds will quickly eat away your leg muscles.
5. Wear your mask and get T-shirts made up to answer the ignorant questions you will get from people wondering why you have on the mask.
6. It will probably take a good year to recover from the transplant.
7. I started back to work after 6 months but that might have been to soon b/c a week after going back to work I was back in the hospital for two weeks with CMV
8. Watch your sugar intake after transplant b/c the high doses of steroids will alter your blood chemistry and you will soon develop steroid induced diabetes.
9. The diabetic stomach shoots don't hurt remember all you have been through they are a piece of cake.
10. Get your port removed if it is accessed alot it could be a source of infection; it will be accessed alot b/c you will have blood drawn several times a week. Ask for a picc line so you don't have to get stuck so much.
11. While out of work recovering find something to do to stimulate your mind as you are not going to sleep much because the medicine won't allow it.
12. Check the $4 med list that Wal-mart has b/c some of the meds you will need can be purchased there rather than paying an arm and a leg at your local chain pharmacy.

More bullet points to come as I remeber more stuff to add (prednisone brain)

Dec. 15, 2007 SMU Graduation Pictures (School of Engineering)

seasons greetings

graduation links

Seasons Greetings to you all. I have finally finished my studies at SMU now what do I do for an encore???

Attached are the links to my SMU Graduation, I don’t know what I will do next maybe medical school, or climb Mt. Everest.......

http://www.smu.edu/newsinfo/releases/07084.asp

http://www.smu.edu/flashvideo/?id=162

SMU Graduation

http://smu.edu/newsinfo/releases/07084.asp


Tonight is a very special evening for each of our graduates and their families and friends.

Mustangs, you have taken such unique paths in getting to this great achievement that we celebrate this evening.

However, for one of our engineering Master’s degree graduates, his path has been nothing short of miraculous.
And given the special season we find ourselves in, it seems appropriate to share his journey with all of you here to remind us of how life affirming the pursuit of knowledge can be.

Jerrold Dash is an accomplished individual. At 34 years of age, he has already attained two Masters degrees and will be granted a third tonight in systems engineering from the SMU School of Engineering.


Jerrold is currently a staff systems engineer with Lockheed martin Aeronautics and is celebrating tonight with his lovely wife Rhonda, two beautiful daughters – Reagan and Ravyn, and of course his extended family and friends.

Jerrold’s journey to this evening begins in February of 2006. It was in this month, less than two years ago, that he and his family learned that he was suffering from stage four broncho-alveoli carcinoma, a form of lung cancer that occasionally afflicts non-smokers.

What a devastating shock to everyone – you see Jerrold was the picture of health, an active fit non-smoker who was a gifted scholarship football player in college. Simply put, no one saw this coming.

Yet, this terrible diagnosis did not stop Jerrold – against the odds and struggling to deal with the constant miserable chemotherapy, Jerrold continued to work on his degree and to move forward with his life.
Jerrold went on the transplant list for a bilateral lung transplant at Stanford Medical School, one of the few places in the world that would attempt such a complex surgery. He moved to the bay area awaiting the call that could save his life – and this too did not stop Jerrold from pursuing his degree. In fact, during the course of his illness, Jerrold said “If I could work, take classes, exercise and receive the support of my family, I would be dead emotionally. The idle time would kill me as I would just be going through the motions of living.”

And then he got the call that a pair of lungs was found.

So tonight, breathing the fresh cool air of December, Jerrold and his family celebrate the gift of life and the passion for learning.

Against immeasurable odds, no because of immeasurable odds - Jerrold, you are an inspiration to all of us and a reminder of the sacrifices we have all made in our lives in the pursuit of knowledge.


Geoffery Orsak, Ph D. Dean of the SMU School of Engineering

Turkey Day 2007

Ate well fried a turkey, enjoyed the family only to get hospitalized the next day 11/23/07 (5 five day of isolation on what I consider the worst floor in the hospital). It seems the RSV virus has shown its ugly head.

Flashback on last Halloween

It seems like yesterday I was out in California living the single life and waiting for the transplant call to come in. This time last year I was very nervous and sick to my stomach as we (the doctors and I ) feared the cancer had spread outside of my lungs. Our fears caused me to have to get several CT scan at the hospital on Halloween night (which is right beside the emergency room). Do you know what type of THINGS you can see in/around the emergency room on Halloween night.

Luckily the cancer had not spread so it was back to waiting for the eventual call that would come on March 5, 2007.

At long last an update also I ain't dead :-)

Hello all I have not retired or expired I just have a hard time finding the time to explore my artistic talents (i.e. keep my blog site up to date). I hope as things settle down I can get back to populating the blog more often.

What has been going on the last several months: RECAP (the cliff notes version?)

In and out of the hospital a few times

Recovering, trying to work but I feel people don’t really appreciate the serious and delicate balance involved with trying to recover and get back to normal after a bi-lateral lung transplant; IT AIN’T EASY….

Finished my course work at SMU

Gave a few speeches to try and raise awareness about lung cancer, dispelling myths about the causes / cures, and the need for funding and support.

I am back

Haven't posted in some time, as I have not had anything major to report; I am still recovering seeing too many doctors each week and often very tired from all the medication.

My church home in Fort Worth, TX is holding a benefit to help with medical cost this Sunday.
www.espbc.com


Follow the link below to a TV news show I was a part of speaking about organ donation.

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=A7DE0CAA9AEC9C9640170C94057F96D4?contentId=181347&version=90&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1

Hospital again

Not much to post and being back home it is hard to find the time between doctors visits and Dora the Explorer :-)

Back to the Spa (Texas Spa) in the morn. i.e. the hospital for a few days or until I get fed up and break out like the Stanford Spa.