The news this week was about Cancer, disasters which kill tens of thousands, governments which sweep away families solely on unproven charges, and the hard uncertain road to feed your famliy and protect them.
And even then, so many still deny that we need God …
Friday, May 23, 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Sichuan Death Toll
The number of known dead has climbed above 40,000. The estimated death toll from officials in Beijing has climbed above 72,000. Almost that many remain missing, and more than half of the 45 cities and towns hit by the earthquake have still not been reached by rescue and recovery workers, even eight days after the 7.9 earthquake (revised yesterday from 7.8 by USGS).
Prayers and help, whatever you can do for the people in Sichuan, would be appreciated and are desperately needed.
Food
Water
Tents
Tools
Medical supplies
construction equipment
are most needed.
Please contact
US Aid for International Development (US AID): http://www.usaid.gov/
Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/news/in/profiles/Intl_profile_ChinaEarthquake.asp?s_src=HomeLatestNews
World Vision: http://www.worldvision.org/
Doctors Without Borders: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
International Medical Corps: http://imcworldwide.org/
Prayers and help, whatever you can do for the people in Sichuan, would be appreciated and are desperately needed.
Food
Water
Tents
Tools
Medical supplies
construction equipment
are most needed.
Please contact
US Aid for International Development (US AID): http://www.usaid.gov/
Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/news/in/profiles/Intl_profile_ChinaEarthquake.asp?s_src=HomeLatestNews
World Vision: http://www.worldvision.org/
Doctors Without Borders: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
International Medical Corps: http://imcworldwide.org/
Ted Kennedy and Hope
I was dismayed to hear about Senator Kennedy’s brain tumor, not least because the consensus seems to be that there is no hope for his survival. Speaking as someone told by his oncologist to prepare for death not so very long ago, I say to the Senator the following:
Do not, sir, give up this fight or yield even an ounce of your energy to despair or worry. If the enemy is fell and fearsome, do not forget that you yet have hope and avenues to pursue.
I am no expert on tumors, nor of the sort of cancer which caused Senator Kennedy’s condition. But I do know that research proceeds on all fronts, and there are possibilities today which were undreamed of just a decade ago. Just as my oncologist was unaware of new information and treatment options on Pseudomyxoma Peritonei when he considered my condition, so too there may be possibilities that Senator Kennedy’s doctors have missed. This is not a slight on the doctors, but simply an observation that there is a lot of information out there, and many times an informed and intelligent patient may find things that even his doctor has missed. On a less charitable note, I recall that my first oncologist behaved rather badly when I decided to get a second opinion from Dr. Lambert at M.D. Anderson, to such a point that I had to remind him of the provisions of HIPAA, specifically the part about the patient having a right to their own medical records. I worry that some medical professionals are less than humble about admitting the limitations of their knowledge; they simply refuse to ask for help or admit that someone else might be better able to meet a certain medical challenge.
Even as a layman, however, I am aware that there have been significant advances in the treatment of metastatic brain tumors, including hyperfractionation of chemotherapy rather than massive doses, and targeted radiation treatment using such things as proton therapy (which delivers radiation strictly to the tumor boundary and within, avoiding damage to healthy tissue) protocols. In short, there are many new tools which are not only more effective in these situations, but which also significantly reduce risk of impairment even as they protect quality-of-life. While Senator Kennedy’s doctors may well be familiar with these options, it is still vitally important for the family and the Senator himself to understand these options and to develop a course of action which gives him the best chance not only for survival, but for optimal quality of life.
It has been mentioned that Senator Kennedy’s politics make him something of a target for criticism, and in political debates this is fair enough. But I know from personal experience, that Cancer is a damnable enemy which respects no moral boundaries. It will attack a Republican just the same as a Democrat, a man or a woman with equal energy. Cancer is a horrifying malady, one which seeks to kill its victim, but only after excruciating torture. I know it too well, from my own cancer to my mother’s recent return of Breast Cancer, to the deaths of old friends and some new ones (and children – the damned thing goes after children as if it were the devil himself). No one deserves Cancer, and any victory over Cancer is a good one, one to celebrate. I pray for the recovery of Senator Kennedy and for his family’s comfort in this time. But I counsel the Senator to keep his courage strong for the fight ahead. It will be difficult, but it can be won.
Do not, sir, give up this fight or yield even an ounce of your energy to despair or worry. If the enemy is fell and fearsome, do not forget that you yet have hope and avenues to pursue.
I am no expert on tumors, nor of the sort of cancer which caused Senator Kennedy’s condition. But I do know that research proceeds on all fronts, and there are possibilities today which were undreamed of just a decade ago. Just as my oncologist was unaware of new information and treatment options on Pseudomyxoma Peritonei when he considered my condition, so too there may be possibilities that Senator Kennedy’s doctors have missed. This is not a slight on the doctors, but simply an observation that there is a lot of information out there, and many times an informed and intelligent patient may find things that even his doctor has missed. On a less charitable note, I recall that my first oncologist behaved rather badly when I decided to get a second opinion from Dr. Lambert at M.D. Anderson, to such a point that I had to remind him of the provisions of HIPAA, specifically the part about the patient having a right to their own medical records. I worry that some medical professionals are less than humble about admitting the limitations of their knowledge; they simply refuse to ask for help or admit that someone else might be better able to meet a certain medical challenge.
Even as a layman, however, I am aware that there have been significant advances in the treatment of metastatic brain tumors, including hyperfractionation of chemotherapy rather than massive doses, and targeted radiation treatment using such things as proton therapy (which delivers radiation strictly to the tumor boundary and within, avoiding damage to healthy tissue) protocols. In short, there are many new tools which are not only more effective in these situations, but which also significantly reduce risk of impairment even as they protect quality-of-life. While Senator Kennedy’s doctors may well be familiar with these options, it is still vitally important for the family and the Senator himself to understand these options and to develop a course of action which gives him the best chance not only for survival, but for optimal quality of life.
It has been mentioned that Senator Kennedy’s politics make him something of a target for criticism, and in political debates this is fair enough. But I know from personal experience, that Cancer is a damnable enemy which respects no moral boundaries. It will attack a Republican just the same as a Democrat, a man or a woman with equal energy. Cancer is a horrifying malady, one which seeks to kill its victim, but only after excruciating torture. I know it too well, from my own cancer to my mother’s recent return of Breast Cancer, to the deaths of old friends and some new ones (and children – the damned thing goes after children as if it were the devil himself). No one deserves Cancer, and any victory over Cancer is a good one, one to celebrate. I pray for the recovery of Senator Kennedy and for his family’s comfort in this time. But I counsel the Senator to keep his courage strong for the fight ahead. It will be difficult, but it can be won.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Locality Report Sichuan Earthquake
As of 6:15 AM Tuesday May 20 2008:
Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture – 161 known dead, no details. No water or power or phone service.
Barkam - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Bianr - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Baiwang - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Chengdu (Sichuan capital) – city destroyed, no water or power, gas shut off because of major line breaks. Heavy casualties, number unknown but estimated at between three and four thousand dead in main city. Notable: 900 students trapped in collapse of Juyuan Middle School, no report of deaths yet from that collapse.
Deyang City – no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Dujiangyan City (suburb of Chengdu) – no standing buildings, no usable roads or bridges, essentially 98% casualties (dead or seriously injured) but specific numbers not yet known, estimated at two thousand dead.
Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture - casualties reported via radio but no specifics estimated 7,500 dead, no phone service, no power or water, bridges out and roads impassable.
Guangyuan City – 700 known dead, no details. No water, power, or phone service.
Hongyuan - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Jinchuan - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Kangding - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Leshan - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Luzhou - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Mianyang City – 7,400 known dead, 18,500+ missing trapped in fallen buildings. Notable: Collapse of Beichuan Middle School killed over 1,000 children. No gas, power, water, phones.
Mianzhu – 2,000 known dead, 10,000 known serious injuries. Estimated 4,800 trapped in rubble, including 200 children at two collapsed schools.
Namda - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Nanchong - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Neijiang - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Pingwu - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Sanggarmai - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Shifang – 2,500 known dead. Two chemical plants destroyed, leaking ammonia and unknown gasses. 30,000+ missing or trapped in rubble.
Shimian - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Suining - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Tianchi - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Wenchuan County (epicenter) – 7,700+ dead, all roads impassable, no standing buildings, no water, gas lines, or electricity. Notable: Region is home to largest known population of Pandas, casualties unknown.
Xindao - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Xinshiba - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Ya’an - casualties reported via radio but no specifics estimated 3,500 dead, no phone service, no power or water, roads impassable.
Yanmemba - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Zhehor - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Zigong - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Ziyang – casualties reported via radio but no specifics estimated 2,000 dead, no phone service, no power or water, roads impassable.
Total deaths for the quake now estimated at 50,000 (34,000 confirmed), 250,000 missing, 2 million+ injured, 5.5 million homeless, 45 cities, towns, or villages have confirmed deaths from the quake.
detail - 5.4 aftershock hit Chengdu Monday evening. Mudslide killed 200 rescue workers, additional 50 missing, roads impassable again, only helicopter transport possible in region
Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture – 161 known dead, no details. No water or power or phone service.
Barkam - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Bianr - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Baiwang - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Chengdu (Sichuan capital) – city destroyed, no water or power, gas shut off because of major line breaks. Heavy casualties, number unknown but estimated at between three and four thousand dead in main city. Notable: 900 students trapped in collapse of Juyuan Middle School, no report of deaths yet from that collapse.
Deyang City – no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Dujiangyan City (suburb of Chengdu) – no standing buildings, no usable roads or bridges, essentially 98% casualties (dead or seriously injured) but specific numbers not yet known, estimated at two thousand dead.
Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture - casualties reported via radio but no specifics estimated 7,500 dead, no phone service, no power or water, bridges out and roads impassable.
Guangyuan City – 700 known dead, no details. No water, power, or phone service.
Hongyuan - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Jinchuan - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Kangding - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Leshan - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Luzhou - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Mianyang City – 7,400 known dead, 18,500+ missing trapped in fallen buildings. Notable: Collapse of Beichuan Middle School killed over 1,000 children. No gas, power, water, phones.
Mianzhu – 2,000 known dead, 10,000 known serious injuries. Estimated 4,800 trapped in rubble, including 200 children at two collapsed schools.
Namda - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Nanchong - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Neijiang - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Pingwu - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Sanggarmai - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Shifang – 2,500 known dead. Two chemical plants destroyed, leaking ammonia and unknown gasses. 30,000+ missing or trapped in rubble.
Shimian - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Suining - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Tianchi - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Wenchuan County (epicenter) – 7,700+ dead, all roads impassable, no standing buildings, no water, gas lines, or electricity. Notable: Region is home to largest known population of Pandas, casualties unknown.
Xindao - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Xinshiba - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Ya’an - casualties reported via radio but no specifics estimated 3,500 dead, no phone service, no power or water, roads impassable.
Yanmemba - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Zhehor - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Zigong - no specific information, not even estimates at this time.
Ziyang – casualties reported via radio but no specifics estimated 2,000 dead, no phone service, no power or water, roads impassable.
Total deaths for the quake now estimated at 50,000 (34,000 confirmed), 250,000 missing, 2 million+ injured, 5.5 million homeless, 45 cities, towns, or villages have confirmed deaths from the quake.
detail - 5.4 aftershock hit Chengdu Monday evening. Mudslide killed 200 rescue workers, additional 50 missing, roads impassable again, only helicopter transport possible in region
Monday, May 19, 2008
Sichuan
Beichuan, May 18 - The man was trapped below thirty feet of collapsed concrete, somehow alive although his head, body, and legs were sandwiched between two 18-inch thick sections of roof and floor. Earlier survivors removed from the building had reported hearing voices from further inside the rubble, but one by one the remaining voices were silenced before the rescue teams could free them. By May 14, two days after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake which had brought the building down, all of the people in the building had been freed or had died. All except this one man, incredibly still alive despite the crushing weight on his body. Rescue teams had cleared a path to the man, but needed better machinery to get him free. He could not move, except for one hand which could reach out but not back in. Painstakingly, rescuers worked a line to get him better air and fresh water, and some soup. Day after day, the man continued to survive as teams struggled to free him and other victims pinned under concrete and steel. Between May 12 and 18, some sixteen aftershocks of 5.0 or greater on the Richter scale rocked the town and region, toppling temporary structures and bridges and wiping out the repair work on roads. Yet the crews continued to work, without stopping and with almost no sleep or food themselves. One by one the crews freed victims, some amazingly alive despite their injuries and going days without food or drink. Such stories made the news and cheered the rescue teams immensely, charging their emotional batteries for the next challenge. But in many other cases the story was not allowed a happy ending.
A colonel from the PLA held the hand of the man trapped under the building, praising his stamina in lasting so long under the crushing weight. But as night fell, the man’s grip suddenly fell slack, and he did not respond to pleas to respond. Just twenty minutes later, the building sitting on top of the man was raised enough to pull him free … but he was dead. He had survived a week after the first quake, survived for days with no food or water until rescuers found him, but in the end he joined the thousands of dead. The rescue team wept bitterly at the injustice of the loss, hardened soldiers along with doctors and engineers.
The official count for the Sichuan earthquake passed 29,000 Saturday, the unofficial estimate is more like fifty thousand dead, and many fear the toll will be much higher. Literally millions of people in the region are homeless, having lost everything they know, and a number of cities simply do not exist anymore, their water pipes, electrical lines, and roads utterly wiped away in the devastation.
A colonel from the PLA held the hand of the man trapped under the building, praising his stamina in lasting so long under the crushing weight. But as night fell, the man’s grip suddenly fell slack, and he did not respond to pleas to respond. Just twenty minutes later, the building sitting on top of the man was raised enough to pull him free … but he was dead. He had survived a week after the first quake, survived for days with no food or water until rescuers found him, but in the end he joined the thousands of dead. The rescue team wept bitterly at the injustice of the loss, hardened soldiers along with doctors and engineers.
The official count for the Sichuan earthquake passed 29,000 Saturday, the unofficial estimate is more like fifty thousand dead, and many fear the toll will be much higher. Literally millions of people in the region are homeless, having lost everything they know, and a number of cities simply do not exist anymore, their water pipes, electrical lines, and roads utterly wiped away in the devastation.
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