sorry to hear, hope everything turns out ok

 

i have some sad news to report but currently without too much detail.

Sherwin and his family have decided last monday that they will no longer be going to texas and will proceed treatment with a highly respected doctor in Israel. His treatment at Cedars has basically reached the end of it's rope and they pretty much have said that they can no longer do anything for him. He has since then been getting transfusions from cedars and been resting at home. He and his family feel that this is his only chance while everyone is engulfed with mixed emotions since everything is happening so fast. A reason for the decision to go to Israel rather than stay here is the amount of time that they feel Sherwin has left and the amount of time it takes to conduct all the tests and procedures. Sherwin and his family will be flying out to Israel today at noon.

There cannot be enough said for all the support from you guys. Sherwin is a strong person with the biggest heart. Your prayers and thoughts do not go unnoticed and drives sherwin to keep fighting.

sorry, i don't have much detail but will keep everyone posted as i receive more information.


Thank you guys n' gals so much for your support!

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=317261

 

Here is the latest news from Jenny, his girlfriend...

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for the lapse in updates on Sherwin's progress; things have just been
happening very quickly. I do have some very good and hopeful news to report
though. Sherwin is now 9 days post-transplant! Dr. Slavin in Israel
harvested Sean's (Sherwin's brother) stem cells last week, and infused them
into Sherwin over a period of two days. Prior to the transplant Sherwin had
undergone additional chemo, some radiation, an infusion of Sean's white
cells, and a monoclonal antibody in preparation for the introduction of the
new stem cells. Needless to say, it's been tough physically and emotionally
on Sherwin (and his family) to undergo all of these procedures and their
side effects(especially so far away from home), but he's doing very well
under the circumstances.

It is still early to determine the level of success of the transplant, but
the doctors are happy with Sherwin's progress and current status. He's
suffering some of the effects of radiation (terrible throat pain and mouth
sores) as well as some nausea from chemo and lack of white cells, but all in
all, he's kept his amazing positivity and upbeat attitude. It's so
difficult for me to not be able to physically be at his bedside as he's
battling this right now, but we talk several times a day and through the
internet...so that does help both of us tremendously. Even through all of
his pain and suffering, Sherwin still manages to make sure to ask about life
back here at home, and make sure I'm eating and sleeping ok. I'm amazed by
his grace and strength through all of this.

The even more wonderful news is that, if all goes well and his blood counts
start to increase (indicating the new marrow is producing healthy blood
cells and the transplant has "taken"), he'll be discharged from the hospital
in three or four weeks--as long as he's infection-free. He'll still need
daily monitoring of his blood counts, but he'll be able to live in a nearby
apartment and be treated as an outpatient as long as things stay stable.
I'll be heading out to Jerusalem to stay with Sherwin and his parents in
late October...it will be so great to see him!! So, although there are
still some big hurdles to clear, there is also so much hope and light to
lead us through the darkness. And that has so much to do with the
tremendous support that so many of you have shown throughout Sherwin's
journey! I want to thank each and every one of you who have shared
thoughts, prayers, stories, encouragement and love with Sherwin and me.
Each one of you is a gift that we treasure...and know that we are so touched
by your overwhelming response to our emails and updates. I can't tell you
enough how much your emails to him through the Hadassah Hospital website
meant to Sherwin. He had been feeling so separated and far away from his
family and friends back in the United States...being in a scary new place,
with his fight for wellness taking on a new sense of urgency...and yet in
those first days at the hospital, the nurses would come in in the morning
with large envelopes filled with messages left for him on the Hadassah
website. He looks forward so much to receiving those messages, and knowing
that he is being sent prayers and thoughts from halfway around the world.
Thank you thank you thank you for reaching out to him.
It has brought him through the fire thus far, and will continue to do so.

I will be sure and update more frequently as Sherwin's condition
develops/improves, and look forward to the day that I can write an email
from Israel telling you that I am by his side once again! (And then look
forward to that day in the future that I can tell you that we are headed
back home for good....cancer free.) Thank you for all of your love and
support!

Love,

Jenny

P.S. If you'd like to send Sherwin a message at the hospital, log on to:
http://www.hadassah.org.il/English/E...nd+a+Greeting/

(Under "Hadassah:" click on "Ein Karem", and under "Department:" click on
"Bone Marrow Transplantation"; Sherwin's full name is: "Sherwin Porat")

 

Link does not work.

 

http://www.hadassah.org.il/English/Eng_Sub...end+a+Greeting/


broken link sorry i'm such a rookie...

 

Thanks for keeping us updated. Out thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and friends.

 

I had no idea that sherwin was sick. When I dealt with him about a year ago he was a great guy. Please wish him my best.

 

Message sent to Sherwin.

Here's the link:

http://www.hadassah.org.il/English/Eng_Sub...end+a+Greeting/

-Pete

 

Update as of 10/18:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=330647