Dave Montoya - Memorial Jam
Join us for a sunset session at Pizzy Skatepark as we celebrate
in style the life of David Montoya!
in style the life of David Montoya!
Showing posts with label Amigos of Dave bike day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amigos of Dave bike day. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Hello Friend
Hello friend,
Second visit to the 'land of opportunity', where we continue to seek long term healing and a a chance of a healthy cancer free life. This time we've traveled to Houston, Texas where David has been accepted and is now enrolled in Phase III clinical trials for Antineoplastons at the Burzynski Clinic. Dr. Burzynski is known for his work in targeted Gene Therapy a.k.a Antineoplastons, to which he has and continues to have great success on patients with brain tumors.
We've been here four weeks and our adventures have been limited as the treatment is more taxing than previously thought. Otherwise I'd say... hey, maybe expect a visit from us if you're near by! We could be here for a few months but that all depends on scans and of course money.
Currently we live in the house of a kind man and his dog in west Houston.
I feel that giving you a heads up might be a good idea as it is not like last time. Our days involve making sure David gets his iv treatments at the right hours- every four hours he gets a dose (around the clock 24-7) making this treatment more involved than others. Changing iv bags 3 times a day, taking blood for regular blood tests 3 times a week, and also to make sure he gets his oral medication at the right times.
The side effects of Antineoplaston treatment is that it is symptomatic. In other words, it's as if he was doing not so well. Keeping that in mind, we're hoping that just means that something good is going on and the treatment is working.
If you're curious but hesitant in asking, Dave has his ups and downs. Side effects/symptoms include: his speech/speaking slurred and slow at times, eyes and vision sometimes blurred and doubled. Mobility wise, since the seizure day, his left arm has been quite stiff and weak and not as responsive and his balance is inconsistent, and generally he feels fatigued, but he has his good days and we remain hopeful for good results. For the most part his mobility is what's most visible. To help with that we are trying to incorporate some relaxing-stretching movement type exercises and of course the daily 20km walk.
Aside from David appearing worse for wear, he says he's feeling okay. He's keeps himself preoccupied with drinking between six to eight liters of water per day! This is because the treatment is sodium (salt) based and makes him extremely thirsty- imagine ten dry pretzels thirsty! So he's constantly peeing, every 30-40 minutes constant. So again, quite involved.
These are trying times and Dave is needing a little more of a helping hand than usual. Other than the above mentioned... we -especially Dave, look forward to hearing from you. As a friend I'm sure you'll make even a little effort to pop him an email/msg/text with some words of encouragement.
Being considerate of someones privacy is usually of the up-most importance with us, but we would still like you to know how things are going, so I've included as much info without too much detail so as not to bore or offend you. I hope I've accomplished this. Please let me know if I've missed or if you want me to expand on anything and I will gladly do my darnedest to include it next time I write to you.
Thank you.
Love
Daniel xo
Second visit to the 'land of opportunity', where we continue to seek long term healing and a a chance of a healthy cancer free life. This time we've traveled to Houston, Texas where David has been accepted and is now enrolled in Phase III clinical trials for Antineoplastons at the Burzynski Clinic. Dr. Burzynski is known for his work in targeted Gene Therapy a.k.a Antineoplastons, to which he has and continues to have great success on patients with brain tumors.
We've been here four weeks and our adventures have been limited as the treatment is more taxing than previously thought. Otherwise I'd say... hey, maybe expect a visit from us if you're near by! We could be here for a few months but that all depends on scans and of course money.
Currently we live in the house of a kind man and his dog in west Houston.
I feel that giving you a heads up might be a good idea as it is not like last time. Our days involve making sure David gets his iv treatments at the right hours- every four hours he gets a dose (around the clock 24-7) making this treatment more involved than others. Changing iv bags 3 times a day, taking blood for regular blood tests 3 times a week, and also to make sure he gets his oral medication at the right times.
The side effects of Antineoplaston treatment is that it is symptomatic. In other words, it's as if he was doing not so well. Keeping that in mind, we're hoping that just means that something good is going on and the treatment is working.
If you're curious but hesitant in asking, Dave has his ups and downs. Side effects/symptoms include: his speech/speaking slurred and slow at times, eyes and vision sometimes blurred and doubled. Mobility wise, since the seizure day, his left arm has been quite stiff and weak and not as responsive and his balance is inconsistent, and generally he feels fatigued, but he has his good days and we remain hopeful for good results. For the most part his mobility is what's most visible. To help with that we are trying to incorporate some relaxing-stretching movement type exercises and of course the daily 20km walk.
Aside from David appearing worse for wear, he says he's feeling okay. He's keeps himself preoccupied with drinking between six to eight liters of water per day! This is because the treatment is sodium (salt) based and makes him extremely thirsty- imagine ten dry pretzels thirsty! So he's constantly peeing, every 30-40 minutes constant. So again, quite involved.
These are trying times and Dave is needing a little more of a helping hand than usual. Other than the above mentioned... we -especially Dave, look forward to hearing from you. As a friend I'm sure you'll make even a little effort to pop him an email/msg/text with some words of encouragement.
Being considerate of someones privacy is usually of the up-most importance with us, but we would still like you to know how things are going, so I've included as much info without too much detail so as not to bore or offend you. I hope I've accomplished this. Please let me know if I've missed or if you want me to expand on anything and I will gladly do my darnedest to include it next time I write to you.
Thank you.
Love
Daniel xo
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
ACTION!
Just recently Dave had the chance catch up and spend some much needed quality time with family. The change in routine allowed for some necessary clearing of the mind before returning to more hyperthermia and low-dose radiation treatment at VCI.
Before continuing with treatment on return Dave underwent an MRI scan to check progress on the tumor. The image report revealed that the tumor is smaller than it was three months ago. This is a very important point in Dave's journey and is a reassurance that he's doing something right. And this to us is GREAT news. While this news is a huge cause to celebrate, to which we did so by going forth and feasting in vegan cuisine, he realizes that there is still a huge task ahead of him and there is still much work to be done by him and the amigos.
Dave is constantly working on bettering himself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually; all realms of being which we can say he supersedes in. At the moment he works on his drawings, artistic expression, and reading and writing to help overcome some brain fog side effects from the surgery and low-dose radiation. He is also determined on regaining his coordination and building strength to help with mobility and ultimately to be able to walk independently again. Part of our days involve day dreaming about simple passions like bmx and surfing. Dave continuously reminisces on days spent on the bmx with amigos, and looks forward to being a part of the action soon.
To sum things up, "resistance" is a word to describe the hard work being put in by Dave over the last couple of months; everyday is a struggle and he continuously strives for a better way of life. Help him with strength building and support him in any way you can...
... 'treat yourself, be happy, smile for yourself and for someone you love' ... is his message.
ThankYOU
Our gratitude goes out to those who contributed and especially to those who worked hard on the AmigosBikeDay project.
Thanks amigos for keeping the dream alive.
Dave is constantly working on bettering himself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually; all realms of being which we can say he supersedes in. At the moment he works on his drawings, artistic expression, and reading and writing to help overcome some brain fog side effects from the surgery and low-dose radiation. He is also determined on regaining his coordination and building strength to help with mobility and ultimately to be able to walk independently again. Part of our days involve day dreaming about simple passions like bmx and surfing. Dave continuously reminisces on days spent on the bmx with amigos, and looks forward to being a part of the action soon.
To sum things up, "resistance" is a word to describe the hard work being put in by Dave over the last couple of months; everyday is a struggle and he continuously strives for a better way of life. Help him with strength building and support him in any way you can...
... 'treat yourself, be happy, smile for yourself and for someone you love' ... is his message.
ThankYOU
Our gratitude goes out to those who contributed and especially to those who worked hard on the AmigosBikeDay project.
Thanks amigos for keeping the dream alive.
Check out an amigos perspective of bike day and just some good times at http://bikerjoe.blogspot.com/
And visuals on l.a adventures check out the amigos flickr account
And visuals on l.a adventures check out the amigos flickr account
Friday, March 26, 2010
DAVE BIKE DAY!!
Hello everyone!
It seems as though the Amigos have been very busy organising Bike Day. Check out the Amigos of Dave Bike Day Blog for updates and to get your hands on a TimeTable for the days events and of course your Registration forms.
Thanks amigos for your full commitment to the cause. And to everyone else involved/participating on Bike Day, Dave's says he's "ecstatic to see such a project come together with such enthusiasm, It's truly inspiring. I hope everyone is respectful of the FUNds and togetherness intended for the day"
And on behalf of the Montoya family I'd like to acknowledge everyone's contribution toward helping Dave by putting this day on, and while we can't be present, we hope the day runs smoother than vegan chocolate silk pudding.
THANK YOU
Should have an update on Dave's tumor and treatment progress up soon.
It seems as though the Amigos have been very busy organising Bike Day. Check out the Amigos of Dave Bike Day Blog for updates and to get your hands on a TimeTable for the days events and of course your Registration forms.
Thanks amigos for your full commitment to the cause. And to everyone else involved/participating on Bike Day, Dave's says he's "ecstatic to see such a project come together with such enthusiasm, It's truly inspiring. I hope everyone is respectful of the FUNds and togetherness intended for the day"
And on behalf of the Montoya family I'd like to acknowledge everyone's contribution toward helping Dave by putting this day on, and while we can't be present, we hope the day runs smoother than vegan chocolate silk pudding.
THANK YOU
Should have an update on Dave's tumor and treatment progress up soon.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
-L.A Amiga-
After hanging out with our loving friend Ashley (pictured in the center background) during our L.A stay, and after a few 'deep and meaning-fulls' she agreed and offered to give a new perspective to this situation. Just giving a little more insight into what has been Dave's journey so far. Thankyou Ashley
As an “amiga of Dave” I’m taking it upon myself to update from the perspective of an outsider, the thought being that you could get a glimpse of the situation as you might see it if you were here with him. I’m incredibly fortunate to have spent the week with the Montoya brothers, as well as Dave’s girlfriend, Naomi.
When reading the blog updates for the past few months, I found myself wondering more about the day-to-day and the personal stuff. I get confused reading medical terms and still felt in the dark about the reality of things. I wasn’t sure if I was the only one who felt that way, so I talked to Dan about how I might help and this is what we came up with—unbeknownst to me as Dan’s original intent—to have friends of Dave’s updating, posting, encouraging and even expressing concerns or asking questions. Hence, “amigosofdave.”
We’re all concerned, as Dave’s friends and family, and for good reason. Here is this amazing man--funny, positive, kind—struggling through something I personally can’t fathom…nor did I imagine I’d ever have to fathom on such a personal level. I’ll be the first (second, third?) to assure you that Dave hasn’t lost those qualities that make him who he is. Naomi and I think he’s getting funnier every day (which he accredits to the radioactivity from his treatments). As one can expect, there are good days, but among those are bad ones…discouraging days and days where you just don’t want to get out of bed.
Before I made it to LA, I had thought the worst to be honest. I didn’t really have any idea what to expect Dave’s physical state to be. As easy as it is to be pleasantly surprised when you’re expecting the worst, I’ll firmly say that I would have been pleasantly surprised even if I had expected the best I could have imagined a week ago. Except for the struggles with walking, and a really bad-ass scar, you’d never see anything but a healthy and happy Dave.
I’m unfortunately not the most educated person about cancer of any form, or the treatments that one must go through, but the doctors in LA believe that Dave is on the path to a full recovery. It’s so good. The length of time is unknown, but irrelevant. Again, it’s so good.
Dave and Dan currently live in Culver City in an apartment that is sublet-ted to them by the clinic. They share the 3-bedroom place with two other couples who are patients as well. It’s an interesting dynamic, but is good for the time. It’s very close to the clinic and is spacious and welcoming enough for the boys to live their lives comfortably for a while. Of course they are influencing their housemates who watch them prepare their raw vegan meals and get to smell the aromas coming from Dan’s creations. Just the other night, as we sat in the kitchen, a housemate was pleased to announce that he was on his way to the store to buy fresh fruit and goji berries for smoothies…this coming from someone who seems addicted to microwave popcorn. Needless to say, the Montoyas are influencing Americans left and right and are quickly making friends with everyone around. They’re already on a first-name basis with the employees of the local coffee shop, the local vegan restaurant and everyone at the clinic. Their magnetism has not faltered.
Dave’s currently focused on walking and maintaining energy. It’s beautiful to see that he is not bound to his wheelchair and walks and climbs stairs as often as possible. His physical state is improving each day and he’s doing better than the doctors expected. The dreaded nausea from the current treatment seems to have passed Dave by for the most part and the symptoms only pause the day for a moment instead of dragging him down. It goes without saying that both Dave and Dan’s heads are in the right place and they’re determined to fight this together. They’re very lucky to have each other and it is fun to see them working together and supporting each other.
The boys do have some needs and bumps in the road, but with our positive thoughts and words things will be easier for the both of them. Continue to keep them in mind and heart and feel free to ask questions and express concerns you might have. It helps everyone if no one is in the dark about things. Dave’s cancer is a reality we can’t imagine, but a reality nonetheless. I feel so blessed to have spent such quality time with the Montoyas and plan to have as much more of it as I can in the following months. I’ll be in constant contact and close proximity to them, so if I can be of help to anyone I will do whatever I can.
I hope this helps someone at least. Your turn…..
As an “amiga of Dave” I’m taking it upon myself to update from the perspective of an outsider, the thought being that you could get a glimpse of the situation as you might see it if you were here with him. I’m incredibly fortunate to have spent the week with the Montoya brothers, as well as Dave’s girlfriend, Naomi.
When reading the blog updates for the past few months, I found myself wondering more about the day-to-day and the personal stuff. I get confused reading medical terms and still felt in the dark about the reality of things. I wasn’t sure if I was the only one who felt that way, so I talked to Dan about how I might help and this is what we came up with—unbeknownst to me as Dan’s original intent—to have friends of Dave’s updating, posting, encouraging and even expressing concerns or asking questions. Hence, “amigosofdave.”
We’re all concerned, as Dave’s friends and family, and for good reason. Here is this amazing man--funny, positive, kind—struggling through something I personally can’t fathom…nor did I imagine I’d ever have to fathom on such a personal level. I’ll be the first (second, third?) to assure you that Dave hasn’t lost those qualities that make him who he is. Naomi and I think he’s getting funnier every day (which he accredits to the radioactivity from his treatments). As one can expect, there are good days, but among those are bad ones…discouraging days and days where you just don’t want to get out of bed.
Before I made it to LA, I had thought the worst to be honest. I didn’t really have any idea what to expect Dave’s physical state to be. As easy as it is to be pleasantly surprised when you’re expecting the worst, I’ll firmly say that I would have been pleasantly surprised even if I had expected the best I could have imagined a week ago. Except for the struggles with walking, and a really bad-ass scar, you’d never see anything but a healthy and happy Dave.
I’m unfortunately not the most educated person about cancer of any form, or the treatments that one must go through, but the doctors in LA believe that Dave is on the path to a full recovery. It’s so good. The length of time is unknown, but irrelevant. Again, it’s so good.
Dave and Dan currently live in Culver City in an apartment that is sublet-ted to them by the clinic. They share the 3-bedroom place with two other couples who are patients as well. It’s an interesting dynamic, but is good for the time. It’s very close to the clinic and is spacious and welcoming enough for the boys to live their lives comfortably for a while. Of course they are influencing their housemates who watch them prepare their raw vegan meals and get to smell the aromas coming from Dan’s creations. Just the other night, as we sat in the kitchen, a housemate was pleased to announce that he was on his way to the store to buy fresh fruit and goji berries for smoothies…this coming from someone who seems addicted to microwave popcorn. Needless to say, the Montoyas are influencing Americans left and right and are quickly making friends with everyone around. They’re already on a first-name basis with the employees of the local coffee shop, the local vegan restaurant and everyone at the clinic. Their magnetism has not faltered.
Dave’s currently focused on walking and maintaining energy. It’s beautiful to see that he is not bound to his wheelchair and walks and climbs stairs as often as possible. His physical state is improving each day and he’s doing better than the doctors expected. The dreaded nausea from the current treatment seems to have passed Dave by for the most part and the symptoms only pause the day for a moment instead of dragging him down. It goes without saying that both Dave and Dan’s heads are in the right place and they’re determined to fight this together. They’re very lucky to have each other and it is fun to see them working together and supporting each other.
The boys do have some needs and bumps in the road, but with our positive thoughts and words things will be easier for the both of them. Continue to keep them in mind and heart and feel free to ask questions and express concerns you might have. It helps everyone if no one is in the dark about things. Dave’s cancer is a reality we can’t imagine, but a reality nonetheless. I feel so blessed to have spent such quality time with the Montoyas and plan to have as much more of it as I can in the following months. I’ll be in constant contact and close proximity to them, so if I can be of help to anyone I will do whatever I can.
I hope this helps someone at least. Your turn…..
Friday, January 22, 2010
BIKE DAY!!!
A new venture... taken on part by our good friends LC, Rick and MC and a horde of contributors and followers, we hope.Peek the new first post of the blog in the beginning.......
To everyone helping out, we send you a HUGE THANK YOU!
Again our gratitude and appreciation for all of your efforts is immeasurable and truly encouraging.
We're also posting some wicked pics of our wacky adventures on Dave's flickr account. Peek Amigos of Dave: Tulsa Collection.
Gratefully
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