Kayak

I was able to straighten the mast. It’s not perfect but it’s usable, I think. Also I cut off the broken part of the paddle and piece it back together. It’s about 3 inches shorter now. Usable.

Damage

The mast and paddle were casualties of my less than perfect beaching. The Pelican cases that saved my electronics.

These cases are amazing!

Failed to reach Redondo Beach by Kayak

rough sea

The water in Marina Del Rey was like glass when I left.   Once out in the ocean there were good-sized swells and it became much rougher further south.

The Kayak was bouncing all over the place. I decided to beach it at Manhattan Beach. Capsized before reaching the beach.  Video below.

Lung issues

Shortly after surgery I came down with some virus.  Coughing all the time and always tired.   Just the minimal amount of exercise seemed to take a toll on me.  They had only removed a total of 5% of my lungs.  3 month follow ct scans will be in March.

Meeting Dr. Chow, the oncologist.

He turns out to be a very straightforward type of doctor, which I appreciate. I was under the impression after surgery, that I’d be on some type of chemotherapy, most likely sutent. The surgeon gave me this impression. Somewhat along the lines of an antibiotic given prophylactically. But it works by interrupting the nutrient supply to tumors, and my tumors had just been surgically removed. Dr. Chow told me that there was no research to indicate its use in this manner.

In one way, this was a huge relief. Especially when you look at the list of side effects. On the other hand, that would’ve been doing something rather than just waiting for this cancer to return. So, in the end I’ve lucked out twice.

The doctor asked me why I come to Kaiser when I work at UCLA. I say, “I don’t want to be a patient in a hospital that would hire me.” Seriously, I tell him that I’ve always received excellent treatment at Kaiser. I can find no fault with any part of my treatment. I don’t have to worry about denials and appeals and all the nastiness that seems to be the norm with many health insurers. Whatever’s been necessary, it’s done and done quickly. Kaiser has been very very good to me.