WOW! We’re only 3 days into 2012, and already it’s not looking that good.
It actually started New Year’s Eve, when I thought my surround sound audio receiver was malfunctioning [Dolby Digital wasn't being displayed]. It took me 3 days to figure out the problem, which turned out not to be such a problem. Still it was stressful, especially since over the holiday weekend no one was available to contact for support.
Then yesterday the termite inspector came by, and said the house needs to be tented. Jeez, we just had it tented barely 16 months ago, and the termites are [supposedly] back already.
I’m not about to go through another tenting. It’s not the cost so much, which isn’t cheap at about $2K, as much as the hassle of moving out of the house for 3 days, costing at least another $500, dealing with 2 cats, plus having to double plastic wrap all the food and wine to boot. It’s just not worth the hassle. The termites can have the house!
So I contacted another inspector, who treats with Boric Acid (doesn’t require the occupants of the house to move out), and he’s coming on Wednesday to inspect the house. At least if he confirms the findings, and we do decide to treat, we won’t have to move out of the house.
And finally, I just heard that Terry Hamblin isn’t doing so well, and is in a local hospice in England. Dr Hamblin is the first specialist I contacted shortly after being diagnosed with CLL in 2002. He was one of the first to do research in the field of IvGH mutations, and was instrumental in recognizing I had MCL [not CLL], and in my decision to wait and watch, rather than jumping into treatment right away.
Dr. Hamblin retired a few years back, after being diagnosed with cancer, the type I can’t remember. I do know it wasn’t a blood cancer though. Still, he always responded to me personally whenever I had a question or concern, and to the questions of other patients on one of the message boards. He also provided great insight into some the latest treatment protocols and research being conducted on his blog, even when he was receiving treatment for his cancer.
I was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Hamblin for an examination, during the Christmas holiday in Bournemouth, England, in 2002. A visit I will not easily forget. My heart goes out to him and his family. He will be sorely missed.



