when the water ends

Following the news coverage surrounding the worsening famine and refuge crisis on the Horn of Africa, I learned recently that a fellow Vassar alum had directed a stimulating sixteen-minute documentary last year about this issue. Titled When the Water Ends, Evan Abramson examines the devastating impact that drought has had on the neighboring tribes of Kenya and Ethiopia and the severe challenges that it will continue to pose to the region going forward. The documentary points out that the challenges of water shortage aren't of course limited to Africa although it's hit the hardest. It's a global problem, which promises to worsen due to climate change and a growing world population. Indeed, sizable areas of the American South and Southwest have been suffering from a lack of water for years.

As temperatures rise and water supplies dry up, semi-nomadic tribes along the Kenyan-Ethiopian border increasingly are coming into conflict. When the Water Ends focuses on how the worsening drought will pit groups and nations against one another. See the project at http://mediastorm.com/clients/when-the-water-ends-for-yale360

MediaStorm, the producer of this documentary, has also completed a number of other projects focusing on challenges of the human experience. Check out more of their work here.

dying to do letterman

Dying to do Letterman is a new documentary film about standup comedian, Steve Mazan, whose dream it always has been to make an appearance on David Letterman's Late Night Show. After learning that he had been diagnosed with cancer and has only five years to live, Steve dedicates everything to fulfilling his long-held dream.

This is a very small independent film and is seeking funds for wider distribution. Presently, it has been shown at a number of small film festivals. Check out the film's website to learn more about Steve Mazan and how you might be able to help.

And for those in the NYC area, this documentary will be shown at the IFC Center from August 26th to September 1st as part of DocuWeeks.

doorway to healing

Thinking about the wonderful ways in which photography but art more generally have enriched my life, Doorway to Healing in CURE's summer issue is an inspiring, reaffirming read.

gvhd update

On Thursday, I had my monthly appointment with my medical team. The GvHD remains stable with signs of improvement, but I also continue to experience painful symptoms of its treatment.

I gained quite a bit of weight since June. I'm up 8 lbs. I was 127 lbs at the previous appointment on June 16th and on Thursday, I weighed in at 138 lbs. While 138 lbs is still a little below my pre-GvHD flare-up weight, I am puffy, overweight. I look bloated which admittedly has affected my self-asteem. I own an older, wider pair of jeans that has become my go-to during this period. The weight gain is due to overeating (lots of snacking) and swelling both caused by the Budesonide, a steroid. The two topical ointments, Fluocinonide and Aclovate, are also steroids and so, are contributing factors too. Normally, I would not be eating as much as I have been and especially, making the nutritional choices that I've made. With the summer heat, ice cream has been a very common choice. I've even had McDonald's twice craving for their salty fries and golden McNuggets. For me, eating McDonald's is when all other options have been exhausted. They told me that the insatiable appetite in addition to the other symptoms of swelling, fatigue, irritability, knee pain, and lack of sleep are classic symptoms of these drugs. I should point out that besides going on shoots or taking care of errands around town, I haven't been exercising. He said I could use our stationary bike at home, but to be gentle.

Knee and shin pain in particular have been really difficult during the past several days and it has been most acute during the early morning. With regard to my knees, I've felt like a old man unable to bear his own body weight at moments.

They decided to reduce the steroids' dosages. Budesonide has been reduced to 3mg twice daily until July 27th and then, beginning on July 28th I will take only one daily. With regard to the two topical ointments, I only need to apply it once as opposed to twice like before. While tapering the Budesonide, I was told, the puffiness in my face as well as the knee pain should begin to subside. If the knee pain persists I may need to see an orthopedic specialist.

All the other meds remain the same. We asked about if there is any need for a follow-up colonoscopy-endoscopy, but there isn't, he said. The fact that the pain is gone, I can eat, and the symptoms have improved suggest the inflammation and ulcerations are gone.

In terms of reviewing how Chronic GvHD can affect the body in so many different ways, the nbmtLINK's Survivorship Guide for Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant: Coping with Late Effects has proven to be a very useful resource.

I see my medical team next time on August 11th.

Touch and go is the mantra when it comes to managing GvHD.

in the news

While these articles were published by The Economist a few months back, I thought they might be interesting enough to share:

What's Wrong with America's Economy?

Decline of the Working Man

upcoming forum on lymphoma

The 16th Annual North American Educational Forum on Lymphoma will take place in New York City from September 30 - October 2, 2011. This premier education and networking forum for people with lymphoma and their loved ones is organized with the support of the Lymphoma Research Foundation, National Marrow Donor Program, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and others.

For more details and/or registration.

day +1413

I woke up early Sunday morning with the intention of going out for photo shoot, but my left shin was killing me. For several minutes, I was unable to bend the lower-half of my leg without great pain. After some persistence, I managed to stand up, make a few short steps, and the pain began to ease and soon after, I was feeling alright with no further incidents. You might say I was surprised to awaken to this, but looking back I might have unknowingly exhausted my legs yesterday. Photographing the Washington Bridge from the Harlem River Speedway Saturday evening, I walked about 60 blocks (30 to get there and 30 to get back). Unfortunately, there's no other way to reach the area where I needed to be but to walk this distance.

Throughout Sunday I experienced swelling around my abdomen, lower back, and parts of my upper arms. It was not very painful unless pressure was applied. This swelling appears to be a side effect of the water retention caused by the steroids, which seems responsible also for the knee pain that I felt once again this morning. I stayed in Sunday resting, watching the Mets-Yankees game, and organizing files mostly.

in the news

Fears of Decline at NASA after Shuttle Program

Hispanics Identifying Themselves as Indians is very interesting.