June 2022 update

Life has continued on the same up and down pattern since my last update in January. To slow the spread of the rectal cancer in my lungs, I’m taking chemo pills (Lonsurf) mostly a week on and week or two off. I’m getting an infusion of Avastin every other week. In between I’m often injecting myself with some juice to get the white blood cell count back up. The weeks on treatment are rough, but the weeks between are pretty good. My cough remains bad, and my ability to exercise is lower as I can’t hike uphill anymore. But I have portable oxygen to use for walks and the exercise bike so at least I can do something.

A few weeks ago my breathing got worse and I had sharp pain in my back. After a series of tests, the docs found pericardial effusion – my heart was surrounded by fluid, potentially keeping it from fully pumping and causing referred pain. So they did an emergency procedure and drained a liter of fluid from around the heart. The pain actually got much worse for a few days, and the docs put me on meds to reduce inflammation of the heart. My overall heart function is strong. The fluid is returning slowly, and I will likely need it drained again, at which time the docs will likely cut the sac around the heart to allow the fluid to drain into and be absorbed by the lungs.  At the same time, they took another look at my lung scans and identified some tumor growth in the outer lungs that could be causing the sharp pain. So this week I began five days of radiation on these tumors. The side effects of the radiation are mostly fatigue, minor compared to the other treatments.

The past month has been trying, with non-stop doctor appointments, tests, treatments, conflicting advice, ER visits, hospital stays, cancelled vacations and, most of all, uncertainty. It’s week to week. Once my body recovers from the radiation, we’ll assess next steps, but there are no clear options. My UCSF oncologist is trying to get me on a car-t trial that is higher risk and requires a hospital stay.

“Work” at BGCP remains inspiring and fulfilling, and I’m working mostly full time. We have committed to an ambitious expansion plan to serve more students in northern San Mateo County starting next week. Our budget is increasing to $26 million, our staff size to around 300, and, most importantly, we’ll be serving 700 more kids (well over 3,000). It’s energizing to work with our great team on this. It give me satisfaction to know that BGCP, my fourth child, is in good hands and that its best is yet to come.

I recently gave a 12-minute talk at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America national conference for 2,000 BGC professionals in Chicago. The purpose was to remind us all of how meaningful our work is, and I can’t think of a better way to spend my time than providing hope and opportunity for the kids who need us most. As my partner in BGCP’s important mission, I hope you can watch it on LinkedIn here or directly on YouTube here.

I’ve been continuing to maximize life between treatments with great experiences with family and close friends. Just since January we’ve been able to live large with trips to Mexico (twice, thanks Rob & Jane), Hawaii (thanks Scott & Molly), NYC (thanks Ann & Paul), St. Barths (thanks Dave), St. Helena (twice, thanks Kelly & Clay), Stinson Beach (thanks Jim & Vic), concert with Sheryl Crow (thanks Simone & Tench), dinner with Steven Van Zandt (thanks Ted), front row at Macbeth (thanks Tricia & Warren), Warriors and Nets games (thanks Ann & Paul, Hema & Neal, Gerry), hanging with Bruce (thanks, Laurene & Ann Marie), and many dinners with friends. Last week I kicked off camping season with friends and discovered my new hiking normal: drive to the top of the hill and hike downhill! Fortunately I have strong friends who can then run back uphill and bring the car back. Gotta adapt and keep enjoying the good days!!

My family has been my greatest source of support and inspiration. Betty remains my steadfast co-pilot in handling every curveball, navigating uncertainty and conflicting advice, and charting a path forward. Henry’s working in San Mateo as a sales engineer, living in SF, and visiting home weekly. Sam is home for the summer with one more year in college. And Pippa is graduating from high school next week, spending the next three months at the Jersey Shore, and then returning to attend Santa Clara U. Part of me wishes they were still cute little kids, but I’m finding, as have many of you, indescribable joy and pride in watching them grow into independent, beautiful, and loving adults. The circle of life is magical and mysterious.

I remain deeply appreciative of everything so many of you have done for my family. Thank you.

Love,

Peter

P.S. Today’s a good day 😊