Ricksters righteous ramblings

Maloof Memorial Brunch - June 5th

2011-05-14T11:43:00.000-07:00

Rick will be honored at a memorial fund-raising brunch on Sunday, June 5th at noon. John Fager is one of the sponsors of the brunch at his beautiful Atlantic Hotel in Berlin. The plated brunch is $50 per person and it is expected to sell out. Tickets can be picked up at the Atlantic Hotel, or reserved by calling Arlene at 410-352-3749. Proceeds from the brunch will benefit a greenhouse to be built for the Environmental Studies students at Salisbury University. Additional funds will go toward printing more copies of his book "Path to Beauty: Ecology of Ancient Forests." His book will be available for sale, for the first time, at the brunch. We all miss him, but his love of life lives on!

Rick's Memorial book - A Path to Beauty: Ecology of Ancient Forests

2011-05-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

A Path to Beauty: Ecology of Ancient Forests by Joan Maloof | Make Your Own Book

Rick's Memorial service

2011-03-11T03:33:00.000-08:00

Rick's Memorial service

Joni Simpson has shared photos of Rick's memorial service on Facebook.
Thanks Joni!

Remembering Rick Maloof

2011-02-01T11:36:00.000-08:00

Remembering Rick Maloof

There have been so many wonderful tributes in Rick's memory and this is just one of them. (Click on the link to see it.) From Simmons Buntin at Terrain.org

Rick was also honored at the recent Wicomico Environmental Trust (WET) annual dinner. Hundreds of people were treated to Rick's nature images as they networked, ate dinner, and listened to speakers. When Judith Stribling had her time at the microphone she publically acknowledged him as a wonderful person and great photographer. They also had his photo and paragraph about him in the program.

Letters to the Editor in the Salisbury Daily Times newspaper from non-profits MAC, inc. and LSSW remembered Rick for his generosity, and mourned his passing. The editor of the paper had his name in the list of top 20 notable passing in our community in 2010.

Chesapeake East (Dana Simson and John Orth) remembered Rick with a two-page color spread in their February calendar.

He is still alive in our hearts!

Memorial Service Details

2011-01-04T09:34:00.000-08:00

Rick Maloof's Memorial Service will be held Sunday, Jan. 16th at 11am in the Fulton Hall Gallery of Salisbury University (1101 Camden Ave, Salisbury, MD). Here is a link to the campus map which shows Fulton Hall in the lower left quadrant: http://www.salisbury.edu/CampusMap/

Following the Memorial Service a celebration of Rick's life will be held at the Cactus Taverna restaurant (2420 N. Salisbury Blvd, Salisbury, MD, 410-548-1254).

Rick's water-related images will be on display in the gallery during the service, and will remain hanging for the Third Friday art event on Jan. 21st.

Rick's obituary

2011-01-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

Check this link to read Rick's obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/delmarvanow/obituary.aspx?n=richard-d-maloof&pid=147484919

I am still planning the memorial gathering which will probably be held on Sunday, Jan. 16th, 11-1 at the Salisbury University gallery in Fulton Hall, with a gathering at Cactus Taverna to follow.
Check back for confirmation and details.

I feel surrounded by a bubble of love. Thank you all for your prayers, tears, food, flowers, and firewood. We will never forget Rick, but we will be OK.

A peaceful passing - by Joan

2010-12-27T14:38:00.000-08:00

After a rough night, I was sitting by Rick's side this morning watching the beautiful sunlight on snow, and his last words were, "OK, let's get this over with." Then he looked upward, appeared lost in thought, shivered a bit, exhaled, and that was that. No pain, no anxiety. It was so beautiful that I couldn't cry. (I had done enough of that earlier, anyway.)

He is still at home, washed and wrapped in a shroud and lying in a beautiful, cool room. All of his children are here today and anyone who would like to drop by this week is welcome.

Thank you again for all your prayers and your love. He was, indeed, a special guy.
I'm not sure yet what the final arrangements will be. I'll post here when I know.

The first week home

2010-12-23T06:05:00.000-08:00

We would not have made it home without Lloyd and Kaye's help. What amazingly generous friends!

Michael and Mihaela were our first visitors after we got home. They brought bags and bags of food. (Including a chocolate babka.)

After cooking, Mihaela even did the dishes. (Thank you!)

Our next visitors were Matt and Alex and their new baby Axel (awwww). Matt and Rick spend most of their time together talking about the winery.

(www.greatshoals.com). Alex and I got to take a walk and enjoy a winter sunset.

Rick doesn't get out of his bed much these days. On December 21st, the shortest, darkest ,day of the year we entered the Hospice program.

We love all the cards and emails. Know that Rick reads them all, even if they rarely get responded to. Most of the time he reads, listens to music, or sleeps.

We moved his bed into the very sunny living room and this morning he woke up feeling great. Alyssa is here for Christmas and she creates her own wonderful light.

We're home!

2010-12-19T19:07:00.000-08:00

After Lloyd and friends pulled me through the snow in my wheelchair and in through the front door, the warm room made me feel as if I had been reborn.

We'll post more later.

Some good news for a change

2010-12-14T19:42:00.000-08:00

Our dear friends Kaye and Lloyd came for a visit and we had a rare day off from treatments. This was a good reason to visit the coast about 20 miles south. As you can see it was a picture perfect day.

Tonight (Tuesday) the doctor came in with good news: the scan done this morning showed that the main kidney tumor had shrunk from 4.8 x 4.4 cm to 4.3 x 2.8 cm. The treatments are working! Soon we will be back home and continuing the home care program there.

The healing continues...

2010-12-11T14:44:00.000-08:00

Some interesting political posters

No recycling containers anywhere.

Rick, waiting his turn at the radiation clinic.

So I ended up having the endoscope, it went easier than I expected. The whole procedure took only 20 minutes. Joan now has images of my ulcer downloaded on the computer for all of posterity. My best guess is that I have had it for quite a while - possibly from the Celebrex my GP gave me for "muscle pain." (Warning, never take Celebrex!) Meanwhile they are still trying to raise my red blood cell count from 8 to 10. As I write this there is a pint of blood dripping into me. Curioser and curioser, I figure I am now part Mexican as well as Irish and Lebanonese. I still have some dizziness, but I am getting stonger everyday.

I know I've mentioned it already but we have a wonderful sunny courtyard here that I have been sitting out in everyday. Our friends Kaye and Lloyd will arrive tomorrow to celebrate their anniversary with us. They got married at our house many years ago. How wonderful is that? And as a bonus while they're here the temps are expected to be in the 80s.

Two sessions of radiation treatment remain, they end on Tues. and will be followed by a CAT scan to determine my progress. This will help to determine future events and I must admit being a little nervous.

I feel all your love and prayers. Our spirits are good. Some have asked if specific prayers are needed. I ask that you pray for Everyone with cancer, not just me. I feel an abundance and I would like to share.

Love to you all, Rick

...well I'm back on the blog...finally!

2010-12-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

Graffiti is universal

Little taco stands EVERYWHERE

A merman

(Joan snapped these pics in the short time she gets out each day.)

It's been awhle since I've posted,but there's a reason.Lots going on.My body has gone through some very interesting changes (as my dear friend Bill Rolig will attest to...as he went through similar changes). All the different formulas that they've been putting in us - through us, on a daily basis has different effects on different people.In my case,I have gotten really weak,dizzy to the point of losing my balance,and as such,pretty much confined to movement in the wheelchair.My blood pressure went down to 90/50, so they started me on transfusion (packs of blood) to bring my levels up. They also thought I had an ulcer,which may be part of the problem.Today they wanted to scope me to be sure.I talked them into giving me one more day,which proved to be fruitful, as I got better, enabling me to cancel it altogether.So they are making other changes in application of some of the drips(part of our daily 6-8 bags we get.)Currently,my BP is 100/60 and rising,My norm is usualy 110/70.The dizziness persists,as it did with Bill until a coupleweeks after arriving back home. Things WILL return to normal. My leg that was causing me some very intense pain due to the radiation,has subsided to acceptable limits now,and I should be able to get back to some meaningful PT soon,as well. Don't know what the "popping" sound was, but my back was better in a few days. All-in-all,nothing that can't be dealt with.

As far as daily life here...not all that bad,especially since I have Joan here..without whom,my life would be majorly,significantly,terribly different.She is,as I've said many,many times,my true angel.We have a daily routine that keeps us quite busy,and still have time to sit out on the deck by the pool in the 70's,catching rays,chatting with folks from around the globe..lots of Amish...where do they come from??? Their WHOLE family comes with the one person for treatment.Oh well,not so bad if you think about it.

Thanks sooo much to all the folks sending reads and movies...and especially the organic chocolate for my woman.We'll be watching a flick whilst eating some of those goodies sent to us tonight,in fact. Oh,and we have our very own Christmas decorations in our room.The nurses love them,and comment every time they come in to our room. Some of the other daily occurances: Trains with very loud whistles blowing off between 4:00 and 6:00 every morning..EVERY morning;a cat crying 3-4 times loudly EVERY morning at about 3:30 a.m.;police,etc sirens...evenings;and guard dogs from the complex next door,barking late night,early morning. But,other than that,things down here in Tijuana Town are just about fine!love to all of you.Keep them prayers and love coming.We love you all....Rickster

One day up, one day down - by Joan

2010-12-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

I love Mexican tiles.

The real thing.

Neon art on the wall of a mini-cafe

Needs no interpretation

Rick resting peacefully.

Well it seems to be "one day up and one day down" here at our home away from home. Today is a down one. While changing his shirt this morning Rick heard another "pop" sound from his back and he was in immediate pain. The nurses came running and gave him close-to-instant relief. It is now 2:30 in the afternoon and he has been sleeping pretty much all day...which means that I have been pretty much watching him sleep all day.

Rick hopes to be blogging again soon.

Post Thanksgiving - by Joan

2010-11-26T09:14:00.000-08:00

A mural we pass everyday on our way back from the radiation clinic.

The traffic is crazy, but there are lots of overpasses and underpasses so pedestrians never have to cross the road. Lots of pedestrians! Little shops are set up in the underpasses, and informal vendors find places to sell on the overpasses. Unfortunately most of their wares are the same -- and made in China.

A view of the road from the overpass. I'm glad I don't have to try to cross this at street level!

Rick in bed doing his "Rife." Google it if you want to know more.

Post Thanksgiving greetings to everyone. Although Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Mexico, in honor of the 4 American patients (out of 6 total) the staff made us a delicious dinner with all the usual dishes. We even had dessert for the first time ever! (Cancer patients should avoid sugar.)

Rick is eating well, sleeping well, and in good spirits......as long as he stays in bed. Unfortunately as soon as he tries to stand he gets intense pains all the way down his left leg. Because of this he really cannot walk at all right now.

On Wednesday Dr Rubio, Jr. came in to see him (as he does everyday) and said he wanted to do an X-ray on the surgery site, and an MRI on the spine to see what was going on. Within the hour they had a car and driver take us to a place where Rick was led immediately into an Xray room (no waiting) and then immediately into an MRI (no waiting). The films were taken by a radiologist -- not a technician -- and he read them right away. When we got back the doctor met with us again and said he was heading over to confer with the radiologist. The next day (Thanksgiving) Dr. Rubio came into our room with the films and showed them to us. The problem is that one of his spinal tumors is pressing on the sciatic nerve. The Dr. is addressing this with radiation. He thinks the pain will be reduced by next week. In the meantime we spend lots of time in bed, reading, talking, and watching movies.

"Hail Caesar"...full circle

2010-11-22T15:33:00.000-08:00

...As many of my friends and relatives know,I have been making Caesar salads for over 30 years now.What started as a curiousity,has turned into a culinary passion.Everywhere we travel,it seems,and we go to a restaurant,and it has that salad on the menu,we have to try it to compare it to mine.Well,here we are in Tijuana,Mexico,where THAT VERY salad was invented/discovered serendipitously...whatever,by Caesar Cardini (there are many stories as to it's exact beginnings,and contents...too many to go into at the moment). No way was I going to miss out on this in spite of my condition. So,yesterday (Sunday...our only day off),5 of us reserved a Rubio Clinic vehicle w/driver (Lupe) an decided to get away from the clinic for a day,tour TJ and Rosarita Beach.First stop,the women..Joan,Julia,and Dawn..wanted to see the "old Cathedral in downtown TJ (yawn...john and I could hardly walk,much less into the church with hundreds of folks joustling about,uh,uh! We sat in the truck with Lupe and people watched...more fun!THEN we went in search of...dun,dun...Caesars. 3 blocks away.I could hardly contain myself.Joan went in to check things out (only 11:30 a.m...My fear was it wasn't open...NOOOO!) No problemo...this is Mexico.They would have raised the staff up to the occasion if need be...it was open.Lupe got the wheel chair out,led me through the double doors,right to an arranged for table for me to sidle right up to.Beautiful.Ordered a glass of Merlot for me,and Cab for my lady...oh,and a "salad for 4 please".YES,this was it.They brought out the table side fixings and thus began the moment.Watching intently,I described each moment to the now anticipating few (John stayed in the truck...doesn't like salad...what does he know?)and watched as they plated each and set them gently in front of us.I approached it with just the right amount of respect,cut in to it and put the first forkful tenderly in my mouth..........MEDIOCRE...at best.Too many years,too many touristas,too many changes!!! Somewhat of a let down,but still.I couldn't help but think...I've come full circle,and you know what???....mine's better.So take heart friends and relatives,loved ones all,I am sooo looking forward to fixing you all one of Ricksters best ever Caesar Salads when I get back home...complete with wines galore. After that,we went to Rosarita beach for some fresh air,relaxation,and a change of visuals.The whole experience was still as exciting as I had anticipated and won't let changes ruin my full circle experiences with "a day with Caesar Cardini"...love you all,the rickster.

Joan's view of Tijuana......

2010-11-19T09:14:00.000-08:00

Joan says: "I love Mexico, and I have been visiting this country since the eighties, but I have always avoided Tijuana. In recent years as I read in the papers about the horrible battles between the drug cartels and the government it made me even more sure that I would NEVER GO TO TIJUANA. Well life is strange isn't it? How does it happen that the one doctor we really need is in TIJUANA?!?! So, OK, I told myself that I would go, but I would not leave the safe walls of the gated "compound."

Anyone who knows me very well knows that I can't sit still and I love to explore. So it only took a few days before I ventured a short way beyond the walls. There I saw the 2 million residents of the city going about their daily business. If you are not a Mayor, a policeman, or a drug dealer (or a family member of one of these) then you have nothing to fear.

Tijuana is NOT an attractive city, but it does have a wonderful climate. I am being cautious, and I do not go out after dark, but my world here is no longer contained within the walls.

This is a good place for Rick and I to be. Especially when you consider our options: either home doing nothing; or in a stateside hospital where we could not sleep in the same bed, where we would be woken all hours of the night, where we would get no fresh air, and where the expectation for recovery is very low. We are thankful to be in the Rubio Clinic, in Tijuana."

The big day, my first vaccine...

2010-11-18T18:51:00.000-08:00

..This is it,the actual "T" cell vaccine,customized especially for me,from my blood. It will,hopefully, start the kick-butt process of reducing all the tumors,along with the 10% daily radiation treatments I've been getting daily. Having a bit of inflamation problems around the surgery site,but Dr Rubio says it's normal and should be going down in a few more days...somewhat painful though,for now.

This is right outside our room,on the deck.Great place for sunning and getting some healthy,and much needed,vitamin D. These drips I'm on are a daily routine also and are a multitude of things,one of which is Laetrile(B-17),which has been proven to be a very successful immune builder and cancer inhibitor...and was outlawed in the US,even after it was proven effective. Sloan-Kettering put the kybosh on it because they couldn't patent it...grrrr!!

After every radiation treatment,we get a cabbage treatment.They cook up the leaves and put them directly on the rad sites to draw out,or detox the damage done by radiation. Looks weird,feels great,but I always have a craving for ham,or corned beef after...oh well,I feel like one sometimes!

This is on the deck,and the nurse person waving is the infamous "OLGA".She runs a section that has 5 components to it: Rife(it is a process that sends a mild electric shock at various electro-magnetic wave lengths). Then you move over to the magnet chair to sort of detox those effects. Then to another room for a foot bath that draws...or detoxes your liver/kidney through your feet. Then there's the "light box".You just look into this box of diferent colored lights that stimulate your brain...and gets you ready for the 5th,and final room...DUN-dun..the enema room.Nuff said about that.The other folks in the pic are John and Dawn.He has a brain tumor and his head is covered with...yep!...cabbage!

Things are going pretty well,all-in-all.The rooms cozy enough,the pool and deck is right outside our room,and all the folks are really nice and attentive. On the downside,the food hasn't improved all that much,but Joan goes to the local grocery for stuff to fill in for those days when the food is simply inedible. I've also popped another rib...which makes 3 now,and that sucks...but the good doctor assures me that'll improve as well,but meantime,I'm back on some of the old meds to deal with the pain. They take blood samples every Monday.Mine came back looking good,so that helped my disposition a lot.Dr Rubio visits every day and wants to know everything so he can make changes accordingly.He changes my intakes as needed,and it works out fine.I really have a lot of confidence in this whole protocol,and am truly grateful to have had Bill Rolig as my guide.He's doing really well also,I learned today,after his 2 day stint down here.

I am still getting lots and lots of Emails,skypes,and facebook prayers,love,and great info from so many people.I just can't even begin to tell you how wonderful this makes me feel.Whenever I feel the least bit down(and that's not often),I just open up my mail and..bingo..gone in a flash.I mean I truly feel the love surging through me and it is VERY healing.I'm listening to a lot of music on my iPod,music we all listened to together,and that makes me feel closer to all of you.Once again,thank you all...for my life.I love you all,Rickster

...on location,at the clinic in Tijuana

2010-11-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

Mr Bill taking advantage of the sun

Me and Bill...who'd thunk it??

Bill and Rick,getting hooked up

Dan,Bill and Rick...(Rick's just dead tired,not just dead..honest)

Dan (forgot to mention he's my brother),and Bill talking on the patio,just outside our room

...I'll try to pick up where we left off. We were supposed to go to NIH clinic on Tuesday,for analysis on tests done there to determine eligibility for the protocol they'd come up with for my type of cancer.We were going to a hotel near the clinic,as we thought that the most prudent thing to do,and we were set to leave Monday around 2:00. Around 10:00 Monday morning,we got a call telling us that the protocol and appointment had been cancelled because the company that produced the chemicals had gone bankrupt and out of business...WHAT? Actually,that was a relief as we had made our decision to go to Mexico earlier,and we were just wanting to hear their plan as a sortof backup...oh well! So instead,we left the next day for my brothers in Pasadena,MD,only 20 minutes from the airport,picked him up and drove to the Sheraton Hotel,where he had made reservations for us,took our car back to his place to park,met us the next morning for an 8:30 departure,met Bill there,and we were escorted to the front,sat all together (nice,eh?) and spent the next 5 hrs and 20 min reading,listening to great sounds on ipod,and arrived to have our man-with-the-van waiting for us.1st stop,met Dr Rubio senior,gave us a breakdown of things to come,and off to Rubio clinic in Mexico,a mere 40 minutes over the border.Got here,got our room,got hooked up,and we were on our way to some positive treatment.They've drawn my blood and are making my vaccine...which will star next Tuesday;started radiation treatment(they drew all the spots to radiate on my skin and the radiologist sets his machine to those specific spots..I look like a Rand/McNally Atlas);started all my IV's,about 6-8 a day,all different;started a "series with Olga"..she's in charge of a number of detox applications:A footbath designed to draw the toxins from your kidney/liver;a magnetic vibrating chair,again to detoxify..not sure,but it feels good;a lightbox with a color wheel that you turn designed to stimulate your brain;a rife machine that stimulates you by shocking you at different vibrations(I think I learned about this machine in a social/psych course I took..oh well,it too feels pretty good);and then last,but certainly not least..."Olga's Enemas"...which changes daily...coffe,shark powder,and some kind of coloidal mix.All these designed to detoxify,all on a daily basis,except Sundays.

Our room is quite nice..a double bed with magnets under the mattress,and a single hospital bed..which we now use to store some of our stuff.The bathroom has a tub/shower and is fairly large.Bill and Dan left today...and we miss them being here a lot.They were a great way to help us enter this program.The help and staff here are wonderful as well as the people here for treatment.Dan was very impressed with the whole concept and is looking forward to coming back with me for my first 2 day return treatment. Dr Rubio is ever present and makes us feel very confident with the treatment process.The food is only marginal at best.We need a Kaye and Lloyd fix.

Joan has been my biggest blessing.She is always right on top of things and is just an amazing person to be with under any circumstances. I love all the comments,and Emails we've been getting.Sorry I haven't answered each personally,but it would take a very long time.Just know that they are all deeply felt and I can assure you that they all help

Well,I've tried to let you in on what's going on and how thing work here.I may have left something out,but we'll be here for 4 weeks.We'll be trying out our skpe soon also.Much love to all from both of us.WE WILL BEAT THE BULL,I promise.Rickster

...this is it,we're off...

2010-11-09T07:12:00.000-08:00

...hey to all.Today is Tuesday and we're getting ready here at the homestead for the big roadtrip to Mexico.We'll be spending the night at the Sheraton BWI and in the sky by 8:30 tomorrow a.m....but I wanted to get this pic up before we left.This is the "sisters gathering and healing group".They came for a weekend that Joan had arranged before I was diagnosed,and it turned into an incredible lobster dinner,fun,spiritual,healing session that will forever be in my memory.Part of the gathering was a "laying of hands" that simply lifted me up and felt as though I was floating.I felt ready for whatever came my way...so I wanted to share that and thank them each personally for allowing me to part of their gathering and for the gift of love and prayers they gave to me.Thank you Lynn,Debbie,Kat,Joan,Lizzie,and Jean.I love you all...

We'll have our laptop in Mexico so we'll be able to keep in touch with everyone,and we've also set up a SKYPE account for anyone that has that as well.I'll be posting on my blog too. Soooo,we're off....rickster

Still home....and lovin it.

2010-11-05T17:37:00.000-07:00

The awesome,Brother Lowdown Band...Chris,,Grayson,Paul,Greg,and Joe

Nancy M,Rick(just home from hospital day before),and Helene

Daughter Alyssa (L),with BF Alison

...got back Friday in time to watch all the prep going on around me,for the best blast of the year...this year being the 25th annual Maloof Halloween party on Saturday night.Outside of all the prayers,love,visits,healing hands,cards,etc...this had to be right up there for the "healing of the day" award.I hadn't felt that good (even though I don't look that great...but I hung in) in over a month.I'd guess 75-100 folks had as good a time also.The band stopped around 2:00 a.m. and I stopped about 2:03 a.m....and slept quite well,thank you. Lots of folks stayed over so there were goings on most of the day.Around 5:00,we took a deep breath,smiled,and took a much earned nap. The pics above are only a few of the many that will show up later.We've been keeping an album since the outset and it's fun to see the tiny ones in the early albums,are now thirty-something,...and still coming.

The cards,Emails,telephone calls,visits are still coming in.I am hearing from tons of old friends,relatives,etc.I love it. My old high school group...still best friends with each other after all these years..."Go Mustangs"...love you all;friends I had (true story)in a carriage (I have the pic),when I was less than a year old;friends I used to play kick-the-can with until it was too dark,and our mothers would scream at us to come in,and me ,hoping they would ask me to come up for spaghetti and meat ball dinner;all my old and new friends...I love you all.Thank you for the love and prayers.I feel healed already.You are ALL in my thoughts,and MY prayers as well,Rickster

I'm home,at last...

2010-11-02T05:49:00.000-07:00

I succeded in convincing the doctors and staff that I needed to be home for our 25th annual Halloween party.They let me out at noon Friday...YAHOO!! I have to say I don't make a good patient,but that's not hard to imagine when you scroll thru all the cliches about hospitals: "wake up Mr Maloof,it's time for your sleeping pill"; "need to take your vitals" (4th time in 24 hours @ 2:00 A.M.) The list goes on as I'm sure most of you know them.In addition to that,it's just not fun being surrounded by folks that are in a bad way.I wanted to be surrounded by cheerful,loving,healthy people....and so it was.The Halloween party was a blast.I'd estimate 75-100 people came thru at some point. Band was as good as ever(thanks you guys for 25 years of outstanding music...wish we'd recorded every event).I was surrounded by loved ones,caring,laughing,happy friends...and for that,I am blessed. I love you all very much.My children we're all there..Dave from Big Sur,CA,Natalei,Alyssa from Philly,Rick Jr from 2 miles down the road...love you sooo much! The party went on until about 3-4 A.M.I passed out around 2:30 and had a very sound sleep.

I am wearing this "body armor" called an abductor brace,and was told to wear it whenever out of bed,for 6 weeks.Then I'll need to have it xrayed. It's really uncomfortable,but the consequences are way too high not to.Know what I mean? I..we are going to NIH for clinic and consult on Tuesday the 9th.They will explain their protocol to us and then I'll have to make a decision...which I've already done.Joan and I will be leaving the following morning for SanDiego,CA to be picked up by our folks from the Rubio Clinic in Mexico,just accross the border.We'll be there for 4 weeks for treatment.I know some of you reading this will think...wha?? Also travelling with us will be Bill Rolig,who has been through it (after diligently researching all the options in the U.S) and is in remarkable condition.He was in Stage IV also,and is now kickin cancer butt.So after careful consideration,we're there.Also travelling with us is my big brother Dan.God bless him.He said...you won't need to have any fundraisers...I'm on it. He's saving my life.I am so blessed,I can't stop the tears sometimes...and they feel good...like right now!

The pictures at the top are from my cell phone.Some need no explanation...some do...but I don't know how to add captions.All the people pics are just some of the friends that came to visit in the 4 days I was in Health South.The one really ugly shot is the stapled scar on my leg.There are 33 staples.Coincidently,my lucky number is 33.I'm thinking of changing it. Love to all,Rickster

wanna go to rehab?

2010-10-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

...moving right along,I am now in Health South Rehab Center,right near DMV,in Salisbury.Arrived here after a 3 hour drive from WHC,and put in a room with a guy that had some sort of asthmatic condition.He needed a machine that helped him breathe at night while he slept (and I didn't).The noise was like being inside a combination wind machine and tryouts for a sucking beast monster movie.I moved out the next day.Got a room with a more subtle breather,and quite interesting as well.
The PT consists of about 1-2 hours a day...walking with a walker,leg lifting exercises,walkin up and down (2) steps,etc...all very difficult,and very necessary.The pain levels seem to be consistent...4 to 5(how's your pain level today Mr Maloof?) and increases proportionatly with the degree of difficuty, and time doing a particular exercise (10 more reps Mr Maloof...you can do it), and you can,but it just aint fun.Now I do realize that this leg is not going to get better by itself,but isn't there some code somewhere that surely must say that REST IS GOOD AND NECESSARY?? Anyway,I whine...but I am getting better.
The other down side is,I am 68 years old and probaly the youngest #%@!& person in here.How the hell do you think that makes me feel.I can't be bitchin when some 82 year old great grandmother passes me on her walker and gives me a condescending look like...get off the track sonny if you can't keep up.I showed her...I slipped a laxative in her ensure.Let's see how fast she moves now!
Alas'this will all be over with tomorrow(Friday).I'm goin home mama.I'll be getting home health and PT care....AND....I'll be home for the Halloween pah-tay! Yup,yup...it's a dream come true,so I'll bid farewell to this place tomorrow late noon...but the saga continues...love to all,the rickster. p.s. I'll post pics later from home,R

Almost Gone

2010-10-25T05:34:00.000-07:00

well...been awhile since i've posted.I was in such a drugged fog,Joan had to fill in for me. I'M BACK! It's been slow progress in terms of PT.I can't move my leg on my own while in bed,but using a walker,I can..sorta move it..but still,it's progress. We've had to stay 2 more days here than necessary because of "communications breakdown" (a zep fav),but hopefully,today's the day...or I"m gonna walk home. I got to see myself for the first time yesterday,as it was the first trip into our bathroom for a shampoo,sponge bath,and a look into the giant mirror...freaked! Wildman from the woods of Quantico.I'm ready for halloween. My leg scar is healing nicely,although a bit shocked at the size of the femur they removed...should be fun at airports.The phone calls and Emails have been a true Godsend..There have been soooo many.thankyou everyone I have never felt so much love.I love you all so much. As far as what lies ahead,I am still in search mode,but have a very strong pull towards Mr Bill's route...Mexico.I think the degree at which I am exposed might preclude the NIH route.If I do go to Mexico,it will be very soon.I can't wait much longer.Today we're hopeful to be transported to Health South Rehab in Salisbury,maybe there for 5-7 days,then....Mexico.More later,Rick

Leg is still healing

2010-10-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

Rick is sleeping quietly. His leg is healing well. They are keeping us here in the Washington Hospital Center until he is physically able to get around without help. Fine with me. Our room is expensive, but very comfortable, with a fold out couch I can sleep on. Although the meals are not as healthy as our food at home, it is a blessing to have someone bring it and then take the dishes away when we are done. Because of our wonderful support base the stress has been as minimal as possible. Colleagues are covering my classes (Thanks Bill, and Mike, and Ron!) and friends are stopping by to pet the cat and prepare the house for our return (Thanks Matt, Rick, Bert, Kaye and Lloyd!). Hospitals are crazy, dangerous places, but we are doing OK. Thanks for all your calls and love. We look forward to seeing you in person when we get home.

This photo was taken by Alyssa when she and Dave Maloof came for a visit. Peace.

In the Washington Hospital Center - by Joan

2010-10-18T05:44:00.000-07:00

Note: Joan is writing this post

I know that many of you are praying for Rick and wondering how he's doing. He told me I could go ahead and send this update. As you know, his left leg had been getting progressively weaker because of the tumor in his femur. He was able to get an appointment with one of the best orthopedic oncologists in the county (in the Washington hospital) for Thursday. I was supposed to give a talk in New Jersey that night so Alyssa drove him up from Salisbury (thanks Alyssa!). His leg was so painful and weak by the time he got there that they checked him in and planned surgery for Sunday. Angels Alyssa and Alex took care of him until I got there early Friday morning. On Friday he was scheduled for an MRI. As they were transferring him from his bed the femur gave out. Needless to say this was traumatic for both of us (and the attendants) and very painful for Rick. Eventually some great anesthesiologists got him comfortable (down the rabbit hole and into a magical wonderland) and then he spent the next 3 hours in the MRI machine (!). Saturday he rested as comfortably as possible, and Sunday morning at 7:30am was the surgery.

The doctor was very pleased with how the operation turned out. They replaced the top of the femur with metal. A high fever post-surgery was scary, but Rick is doing well now and we are hanging out in a beautiful private room decorated hotel -style with carpeting and couches. Of course Rick has been very kind and conversational with all of the hospital workers and they all love him. This afternoon they will make him stand on his new leg. We will probably be here a few more days and then head back to the 'bury.

Much love to all.....Joan and Rick

2010-10-13T17:14:00.000-07:00

..OK,I've been a bit of a slacker,but there's a reason....nothing much has actually happened.Until today.But I'll go back.The pain in my leg,around the tumor,has gotten worse.So I made an appointment with Dave Cowall,the paliative care person,who is also a retired oncologist.He took me off morphine and put me on methadone..it's seems to help..some.I also got a wheelchair..very much fun,and necessary in some situations.I've also been getting lots of attention and visits from friends and relatives...sweet! Joan had made arrangements for a sisters gathering,as well as a catered dinner by Angela H.H. So,I'm there with 6 gorgeous women whom I have known as long as I've known Joan.We started the evening with a "mocsa" treatment that Joan was taught by our friend Matt Young,chinese medicine and acupuncture...took about 45 minutes.During the treatment,the sisters did a hands-on healing,said prayers over me...just an incredible,very moving experience..one I'll never forget,followed by a catered lobster dinner.We ate,drank wonderful wine,told stories,laughed,cried hugged for over 3 hours.Went to bed and had the best,most restful nights sleep I'd had in a long time.The next day as we hugged goodby,my friend from Maine,Dave McDaniel drove up to replace them.He's a very good friend we've known since before Joan and I were married.He gave up a job as CEO of a very large home health agency,and was building a hospice when he decided that he wanted to become a farmer...an organic farmer...and did it.I photographed his wedding on the 182 acre farm he and now wife Heather bought.He came down with a bounty that would cure any one of anything.Reishi mushrooms,vegtables of all kinds,fresh cows milk..direct...butter,unsalted..direct from his neighbor...on and on.It was amazing..is amazingWe laughed,cried,and ate more wonderful food.He left,and that afternoon,daughter Alyssa came in...wow! She has been pampering me non-stop as well. So then this morning,I get a call from Washington Hospital in D.C. They want me there tomorrow at high noon...followed by another call from my Angel Doctor Alex.She informs me that the NIH group met and has come up with a protocol,but I have a couple things to do: get an MRI of my spine,and get a chemical stress test.Those are in the works and should know at weeks end (hopefully). Meanwhile,Alex explains a bit of what the IL-2 protocol is.I look it up on the internet...and freak.The side effects are chilling.So...here I am...in the ring with El Toro...wondering if my cape is ready..strong enough..Mexico is still an option for me,and my friend Bill came out of the ring as a winner.My dilemma..my call..I'm just not sure yet.One day at a time...more later. I love you all,Rick

Another day in the ring

2010-10-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

"One day at a time"...used to see those bumper stickers..didn't think much about them at the time.Now it makes so much sense to me.That's,in fact, what renews my spirit each day,makes me realize how fortunate I am.My life now revolves around one day at a time.Every day I am getting calls,and Emails,and visits.Every day my spirits "rise up against the rage".Every day I read all the blessings and well intended wishes,and prayers...most of all,the love that everyone is sending me..and I am healing.I can actually feel this...spirit that moves in all things.This collective consciousness is what finally will get me through...one day at a time.I have NO doubts,NO fears...thanks to you all.Thank you,thank you thank you

Here in the ring with the bulls....

2010-09-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

Well...here I am..in a place I could never have imagined.I've photographed folks for hospice before and had a sense of their dilema,but you can't know really until your "in the ring".I do have some very incredible support..and I'll be using this space to keep anyone interested in my progress,informed as much as I can.I was diagnosed with renal kidney cancer just last Monday,the 20th Sept,because of a pain in my left leg...turned out to be a tumor...freaky! My ortho guy told me.."we're going to do every test known to man"..and did it.Bless him. In 1 week,I had a CAT scan,Bone scan,X-rays,blood work MRI,met w/oncologist,and 1/2 hour later,was in the ready room for biopsy.Absolutely amazing...I mean,this is Salisbury. All that info went to,or is going to NIH,where I hope to receive my care.That little diddy was taken care of by a special angel,Dr Alex Pratt,a very good friend,that just happens to work in that arena.She has garnered a team that is headed up by one of the country's besy Kidney surgeons.If accepted into the program,everything is FREE!!! We'll see...next week hopefully. If that doesn't get it,then my alternative is going to Mexico...no,not for vacation...for treatment.My good friend (i am so blessed) Bill Rolig has been through that bullring and come out the other side eating bull sandwiches.So,I've got plenty of "capes" for the future that all look very positive.Joan and I are as positive as can be and in great spirits.Son Dave flew here 2 days ago,and left yesterday,and will be back for the Halloween party.Yes,it's still a go damnit...are you serious? So,my present situation is this:I am on crutches because of the tumor in my left leg.It has thinned the bone around it to the point of being very fragile.It will likely need a rod down my femur (not a big deal,says my ortho guy)and possibly need some type of build up on the bone post-tumor.I have a spot on my rib,hip,right femur,..and foot???(weird,eh?). Yesterday I started a healthfood diet with different supplements,etc.I have several books (thanks Bill) on cancer that I've pulled some tricks out of and will follow for awhile...no reason not to.I feel really,really good about the direction this is all going.A note on the bright side...I get to try MM and RW..(medical? marijuana and red wine) ..a great healing combo!...Well,that's enough info for now.I'll keep you posted.Love to all...the Rickster