Worse cancer news from Derek
December 4th, 2009 by Derek
IHR listeners know I’ve been fighting metastatic colorectal cancer since early in my days hosting the show (I was originally diagnosed in January 2007). It’s never been in remission, though over the past year I have been taking a semi-experimental drug called cediranib, which has kept the tumours that spread into my lungs from growing very fast.
At least, until now. My CT scan at the end of November showed new cancer deep in my chest, growing fairly quickly since my previous scan in September. I have had to stop the cediranib, and will be returning to aggressive chemotherapy treatments starting today, Friday December 4.
I’m not yet sure what this means for my co-hosting and production duties at IHR. Whether I keep doing them depends on how I feel—I managed to continue working on the show through most of my previous treatments. I am more tired and in a bit more pain now, however. So for now, I intend to return, but I can’t make any guarantees. Dave and I still plan to have a show out in December sometime (probably after the Podcast Awards are announced December 12), but it may be a short one.
Thank you to everyone who has already left messages of support at my blog and http://www.facebook.com/penmachine”>on Facebook. While this sort of turn isn’t unexpected, it’s still disappointing, and (needless to say) scary.
Entry Filed under: Blog
(AAC audio)
11 Comments Add your own
1. Jeff&hellip | December 4th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I just ran across your blog for the first time today while searching for “home recording blogs”. This is the first and only (so far) post I’ve read, but I felt compelled to add a comment and say that I wish you the best of luck in your treatment. Keep your head up and stay strong.
2. Jonathan McMillan&hellip | December 4th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Will pray for you dude in this rough time especially before the holidays. Unfortunately its all I really have to offer, sorry if it comes off as cheap.
3. Iain Hart&hellip | December 11th, 2009 at 7:03 am
Hi Derek,
I’ve been listening off and on since show 1. You’ve done a great job so far and kept going through chemo incredibly well. I wish you all the best with this series and hope that the cancer is under control and receding as quickly as possible.
all the best
Iain
Switzerland
4. Javier Villalobos&hellip | December 12th, 2009 at 12:11 am
Hey Derek:
I hope you beat this cancer once and for all. Keep strong. My best wishes for you and your loved ones.
5. Ryan&hellip | December 14th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Hi Derek,
I’m a fellow canadian living down in LA and we listen to the IHR podcast down here at the studio right after an episode is posted. Really wish you all the best with your treatment and we are sending all the goods vibes we can muster from down here in CA… take care, Ryan.
6. Clay Vernon&hellip | December 14th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Derek,
I’m so sorry to hear about this development.
Keep fighting. Enjoy life’s pleasures where you can. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People like helping.
Take care.
-Clay
7. William F RIVERA&hellip | December 17th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Hi derek, I finish reading yout post and I just wanted to wish you the best on your treatment. I visit this blog from time to time and really like it. Take good care and never give up on music and recording.
8. MMI&hellip | December 19th, 2009 at 7:22 am
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.
Clearly somebody’s not reading the rules. Good people aren’t supposed to get sick.
We’re all pulling for you.
9. Nelson&hellip | December 27th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Derek, I’m sorry to hear this. I love the show and appreciate all the help and entertainment and inspiration.
Nelson from Maine
10. Derek Rake&hellip | January 12th, 2010 at 5:52 am
Derek, you’ll be in my prayers. I’ve just started listening to your podcast and have really enjoyed it.Was shocked to hear about your condition in the podcast to say the least.
Stay strong!
Derek
11. Alfie L&hellip | February 25th, 2010 at 5:05 am
im a long time listener of your show and i want you to know that i have you in my thoughts and that i hope you get better. stay strong, positive and keep fighting… you have our support!!!
keep rocking
alfie
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