Yes, Albert speaks directly to you. We have made this video so that you can see for yourself how Albert is doing. And, he's doing great, indeed!
Nadine
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Next Step: Recovery
(Again, the Wangs ask that you please communicate with them via this blog and the albert6363@gmail.com email only. THANK YOU for your understanding and support.)
As previously mentioned, Albert’s radiation sessions continue through this Friday and he continues to take the Terceva. We are happy to report that he is responding well to this treatment. Al feels like there has been a drastic turnaround and notices improvements every day – both physically and mentally. He has been taking walks with his parents and feels like his thoughts are more “linear.” He also had a serious Vietnamese sandwich craving and led the charge to Cam Huong. Unsurprisingly, he declared it to be a vast improvement over hospital food! His spirits are good.
Despite these improvements, Albert still tires very easily and small tasks require effort. It will take a few weeks after radiation for Al to recover and for the family to be able to evaluate the results. Also, the family needs to conserve the limited time that they have available on the West Coast. Finally, it is unlikely that during this time Al will be up for visitors because he wants to focus all his energy on improving his health.
For these reasons, the Wangs have decided that it makes sense for Albert to spend this “low energy period” at his brother’s house. Tom and his wife Karen, live in the DC area, in Virginia. The family plans to travel there this weekend after Al’s radiation treatments have been concluded.
Albert is really looking forward to visiting with you when he returns. He wants to come back home to the Bay Area as soon as possible and says he’s planning on coming back strong, “like Lance Armstrong”!
As previously mentioned, Albert’s radiation sessions continue through this Friday and he continues to take the Terceva. We are happy to report that he is responding well to this treatment. Al feels like there has been a drastic turnaround and notices improvements every day – both physically and mentally. He has been taking walks with his parents and feels like his thoughts are more “linear.” He also had a serious Vietnamese sandwich craving and led the charge to Cam Huong. Unsurprisingly, he declared it to be a vast improvement over hospital food! His spirits are good.
Despite these improvements, Albert still tires very easily and small tasks require effort. It will take a few weeks after radiation for Al to recover and for the family to be able to evaluate the results. Also, the family needs to conserve the limited time that they have available on the West Coast. Finally, it is unlikely that during this time Al will be up for visitors because he wants to focus all his energy on improving his health.
For these reasons, the Wangs have decided that it makes sense for Albert to spend this “low energy period” at his brother’s house. Tom and his wife Karen, live in the DC area, in Virginia. The family plans to travel there this weekend after Al’s radiation treatments have been concluded.
Albert is really looking forward to visiting with you when he returns. He wants to come back home to the Bay Area as soon as possible and says he’s planning on coming back strong, “like Lance Armstrong”!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Al's Treatment Begins
Please Note: The Wangs ask that you continue to "keep things quiet for the family" by using this blog and the albert6363@gmail.com email. (FYI, Al is not using his phone or his email.)
Albert started radiation therapy this week. He is scheduled to have a series of radiation sessions that will continue through the end of next week. Al also started taking Tarceva, a bio-tech agent that he is trying in lieu of chemo. Although there are still side effects, Tarceva has far fewer side effects than chemo.
As for how Al is doing, he is often tired, but his best moments are getting better. For example, while in the radiation waiting room, he was a bit more engaged in conversations. He talked about an Oakland restaurant, Shin-Shin, and also made cracks at his own expense.
Because Al will be extremely tired from the radiation sessions, we continue to hold off on visitors through next Friday. Depending on how Al's recovery from radiation therapy goes, the family will decide how to proceed. We will keep you updated.
THANK YOU all for your continued patience and for all the supportive email messages and blog comments.
Albert started radiation therapy this week. He is scheduled to have a series of radiation sessions that will continue through the end of next week. Al also started taking Tarceva, a bio-tech agent that he is trying in lieu of chemo. Although there are still side effects, Tarceva has far fewer side effects than chemo.
As for how Al is doing, he is often tired, but his best moments are getting better. For example, while in the radiation waiting room, he was a bit more engaged in conversations. He talked about an Oakland restaurant, Shin-Shin, and also made cracks at his own expense.
Because Al will be extremely tired from the radiation sessions, we continue to hold off on visitors through next Friday. Depending on how Al's recovery from radiation therapy goes, the family will decide how to proceed. We will keep you updated.
THANK YOU all for your continued patience and for all the supportive email messages and blog comments.
Monday, November 5, 2007
IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM AL'S FAMILY
Thank you all for your concern. We will have more information soon but we make the following request for now.
***PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT AL OR HIS FAMILY THIS WEEK.***
While the outpouring of support has been wonderful, right now it is seriously hindering our ability to concentrate on making critical decisions regarding Albert's treatment and care.
For now, you can help by:
1) Emailing albert6363@gmail.com to make sure you are on the distribution list. (This is the best way to contact us.)
2) Gathering up pictures of Albert.
THANK YOU for your patience and understanding.
***PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT AL OR HIS FAMILY THIS WEEK.***
While the outpouring of support has been wonderful, right now it is seriously hindering our ability to concentrate on making critical decisions regarding Albert's treatment and care.
For now, you can help by:
1) Emailing albert6363@gmail.com to make sure you are on the distribution list. (This is the best way to contact us.)
2) Gathering up pictures of Albert.
THANK YOU for your patience and understanding.
When Al was in the Hospital
When Al was in the hospital, he was his usual "optimistic - cool as a cucumber - generous - funny" self. I thought I'd share a few of these lighter moments with you.
- When being admitted to the ER and filling out paperwork, they asked what my relation to Al was. Without missing a beat, Al declared, "The Boss!"
- Although Trinh and I were not there in our professional capacities, Al nevertheless jokingly informed the ER staff that he had brought along his "doctor" and his "lawyer."
- When I asked Al, "How many yelp stars should we give the hospital?" He said, "Well that depends on if they fix me or not. If they do, 5 stars!"
- When heading back to the hospital, I asked what I should pick up on the way. (crackers? ginger ale? fruit?) The reply? ALCOHOL.
Albert always has such a phenomenal attitude towards, well EVERYTHING, so it should come as no surprise that this situation is no exception. Perhaps emulating his philosophy is something we can all strive to do during this difficult time.
Amy
- When being admitted to the ER and filling out paperwork, they asked what my relation to Al was. Without missing a beat, Al declared, "The Boss!"
- Although Trinh and I were not there in our professional capacities, Al nevertheless jokingly informed the ER staff that he had brought along his "doctor" and his "lawyer."
- When I asked Al, "How many yelp stars should we give the hospital?" He said, "Well that depends on if they fix me or not. If they do, 5 stars!"
- When heading back to the hospital, I asked what I should pick up on the way. (crackers? ginger ale? fruit?) The reply? ALCOHOL.
Albert always has such a phenomenal attitude towards, well EVERYTHING, so it should come as no surprise that this situation is no exception. Perhaps emulating his philosophy is something we can all strive to do during this difficult time.
Amy
Friday, November 2, 2007
Share Photos
We want to use this forum to share photos that you have of activities you done with Albert.
Post a message and link to Flickr, Picasa, or anywhere you host your photos.
Post a message and link to Flickr, Picasa, or anywhere you host your photos.
Share Your Thoughts
I'm sure this news will affect all of us in different ways, however big or small. Let's use this forum to share your thoughts, etc.
Thought You'd Want to Know...
Dear everyone,
Some of you may know that Albert checked himself into the ER last Wed. Albert has cancer, the docs have determined, and it's affected his lungs, spleen, bones, and brain. His younger brother Tom has been out from DC since Sat. They just left the hospital, and he is at his condo in Emeryville.
According to Tom's latest email, Albert is dozing in and out of consciousness, and doesn't have much short term memory. His long term memory is good, and he's able to respond, for instance, to stories told by his friends. Peggy saw him late tonight (Thurs night), and regaled him with stories of how they first met. He smiled and recognized some of them.
I saw him Tues night, and he was in relatively good spirits, seemed sanguine, and had a good appetite. If anything, he seemed tired, sleepy, and a little incoherent. I haven't seen him since.
Amy, Trinh, Nadine, Peg, and Natasha have all taken turns to be with him during his stay at SF Kaiser. He was much in need of a patient advocate, and they stood by his side those first few days before his brother arrived. Trinh as a physician has given invaluable support to Tom- to make sure the right questions are being asked, and that the right protocols are being followed. Amy has spent virtually every night in his hospital room with him.
His parents arrive Sat around noon, in Oakland. Peg or Natasha will fetch them.
I thought you would like to know.
Tse-Sung
ps- Please feel free to use the comments function as you like. You can also post links to photos, and anything else you wish.
pps- IMPORTANT! About visiting and contacting his famly: Tom, his brother, is currently doing a great deal to care for him, to finalize a treatment plan, to take care of his affairs. Their parents are arriving Sat. If you're wanting to visit or contact them, please be patient as they figure this out.
Some of you may know that Albert checked himself into the ER last Wed. Albert has cancer, the docs have determined, and it's affected his lungs, spleen, bones, and brain. His younger brother Tom has been out from DC since Sat. They just left the hospital, and he is at his condo in Emeryville.
According to Tom's latest email, Albert is dozing in and out of consciousness, and doesn't have much short term memory. His long term memory is good, and he's able to respond, for instance, to stories told by his friends. Peggy saw him late tonight (Thurs night), and regaled him with stories of how they first met. He smiled and recognized some of them.
I saw him Tues night, and he was in relatively good spirits, seemed sanguine, and had a good appetite. If anything, he seemed tired, sleepy, and a little incoherent. I haven't seen him since.
Amy, Trinh, Nadine, Peg, and Natasha have all taken turns to be with him during his stay at SF Kaiser. He was much in need of a patient advocate, and they stood by his side those first few days before his brother arrived. Trinh as a physician has given invaluable support to Tom- to make sure the right questions are being asked, and that the right protocols are being followed. Amy has spent virtually every night in his hospital room with him.
His parents arrive Sat around noon, in Oakland. Peg or Natasha will fetch them.
I thought you would like to know.
Tse-Sung
ps- Please feel free to use the comments function as you like. You can also post links to photos, and anything else you wish.
pps- IMPORTANT! About visiting and contacting his famly: Tom, his brother, is currently doing a great deal to care for him, to finalize a treatment plan, to take care of his affairs. Their parents are arriving Sat. If you're wanting to visit or contact them, please be patient as they figure this out.
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