A Real "Treat" For the Schneiders!!

Rick continues to feel better and better.  He spent a long day at the hospital on Thursday but, it brought good news - so on to another fun Halloween at the Schneider household!!  The sugar high was nothing compared to the email they recieved on Sunday afternoon from Dr. Abery.  "The MRI showed continued improvement!  This is Rick's 3rd straight imporved scan!!"  

Summer is over but there is Good News for The Schneiders!!

After a relaxing summer with many great days and nights on the Gorgeous Gal, the Schneiders like the rest of the world have "gone back to school".  They spent Thursday following up with doctors at Sloan and are happy to report that the results from yesterday's tests are in...."Our doctor indicated today that there actually was a reduction in the size of the tumor.  We were thrilled to hear her say "This is GREAT NEWS"!!!

Rick continues to feel great and will stay the course with Avastin!!

Avastin Strikes Again!!

The rainy days of New York's summer aint spoiling  life for the Schneiders.  Today, Rick had a follow-up MRI and everyone is thrilled with the results!!  "EVERYTHING was smaller ( some areas were materially smaller)  and the swelling was greatly reduced."  Rick is doing fantastic and everyone is sooo happy with the way things are going!!!

Going forward, Rick will continue to take Avastin every two weeks and five days of Temodar will go with it every four weeks.  He has been tolerating this treatment very well and that has been great for the Schneider social calendar.  Rick will follow up with another scan after Labor Day.

Rick, Tami, Brady , Casey and  all of the Schneider/Barcoff clan appreciates all of the continued support and they look forward to sharing more good news with you in the coming weeks and months!!

Enjoy the rest of the summer!!  

Rick's Holding Steady!!!

Rick and Tami had a long but exciting day yesterday with the doctors at Sloan Kettering.It was a family affair with Brady, Casey and Linda/Andy (Rick's sister/nephew) all in attendance!!  Dr. Abery felt that Rick's scan showed no change and actually may have improved - Great News!!  Exactly what everyone wants to hear!!

Instead of starting Avastin now, Rick will "stay the course" and stick with Temodar for another month as it appears to be working for him.  His steroid taper started today and Rick hopes to be off of those nasty things in a few weeks!  It should be a nice quiet 5 weeks for the Schneiders and they for sure have earned it!!

Happy almost 4th of July!!

Summer "do" is here!!

This has been a busy week for the Schneider family -- School is over, Bumpy celebrated his 14th birthday and Tami and Rick hit sweet 16 (Happy Anniversary)!!   Thanks to those dear friends and family who helped them celebrate in style.  This past week they enjoyed a multi-gourmet celebration capped off by an amazing dinner at Restaurant Daniel in their private Sky-Box dining room overlooking the kitchen.  All of the Schneiders - including Brady and Casey got to visit with the famous Chef Daniel Boulud.  What a great night!  Following this, Rick and Tami headed off for an evening at Per Se - another Schneider favorite!!

Rick continues to do well and they are anxiously awaiting the start of his next round of treatments - most likely it will be a combination of Avastin and Temodar.  This will be a huge relief for Rick because, once he is up and running on Avastin, he will be able to come off the steroids (which have so many annoying side effects).

Rick truly loves all the emails/calls and checking the blog to see if there have been updates so keep them coming!!

Tami wants everyone to know that even though she is not as good at keeping up with emails and returning phone calls that she loves it too!! 

Keep checking for blog updates and enjoy the summer!!

Rick Goes to Israel with Bush!!

Back from a whirlwind tour of Eretz Yisrael Tami and Rick have the following to report...

"Six days of socializing with a variety of incredibly interesting people and touring the magnificent State of Israel - what could be bad about that?!"  

"We went to conference meetings with the two major Israeli Heads of State (Shimon Peres, Ehud Olmert), saw other world leaders including Tony Blair, Mikhail Gorbachev and attended President Bush's Gala Dinner at the Israel Museum on Thursday night.  It was beyond words, a thrill to be part of potential history - thought nothing appears to have changed just yet."   

"A highlight of the trip was the day we spent in B'nei Brak (an orthodox village with a huge yeshiva where thousands of boys were learning in one room!).  Rick received a special blessing from Rabbi Shteinman - a 95 year old rabbinical scholar who is known as one of the three holiest men in Israel and who is virtually impossible to visit with. We spent another day walking through the Old City of Jerusalem and visiting the Western Wall.  Rick was a real trooper!"

"This week we're off on our national tour of doctors - Duke, MD Anderson and the National Cancer Institute in D.C.  We leave early Monday morning and return late Thursday evening.  It should be a very busy few days but we hope to have some great treatment options for Rick.  We have already met with Sloan-Kettering and they want Rick to continue Temodar for 5 days each month and to add Avastin every two weeks.  Avastin is a chemotherapy drug that has been used for other cancers (eg colon, breast) but is now being used for glioblastomas.  It's likely that the other doctors will also include Avastin in their treatment plan but there could be other parts to the plan that would vary from one doctor to another.  Details to follow after our visits."

"Thanks for continuing to check Rick's blog.  We'll update you after we complete our visits and have made a decision about Rick's upcoming treatments."

Have a great Memorial Day - It's finally summer!!

Long Day

May 8th was a tough day but its over!!  MRI results were non-conclusive (as expected).  RIck will most likely be starting avastin and temodar at Sloan-Kettering on Friday 5/23 unless another option proves better.  Tami and Rick will be traveling to Duke, NIH and MD Anderson the week after their fabulous trip to Israel to get additional opinions.  Check the blog for updates on those visits!! They leave for Israel this sunday evening and will be sure to take lots of photos etc.  They want to thank everyone for all the phone calls and emails .."We love you guys!!"

Next Steps...

Rick is headed for a post-radiation MRI in early May.  Doctors don't expect anything too informative from this test but it's a necessity to determine the next phase of treatments.  After consults by phone and with Sloan-Kettering, the Schneiders will travel to D.C (NIH), Houston(M.D.Anderson) and North Carolina(Duke) to get additional opinions.

Exciting news just in..May will also include a trip to Jerusalem.  Rick has been asked to participate in a Presidential delegation to Israel involving President Bush and Prime Minister Ohlmert.  This is an amazing honor for Rick and,  Tami is thrilled to be able to go with him!!  A visit with Uncle Eddie will complete the trip!!  More details to follow...

Tami's Update 4/22/08...

The last 6 weeks have been action packed for us.  Each Monday - Friday, we braved NYC traffic and went to Sloan-Kettering for Rick's radiation and, each night before bed, Rick took Temodar

(a Chemo in pill form).  On Monday 4/14, Rick would have finished his 30 days of scheduled Chemo/radiation.  However, because he tolerted everything beautifully, Rick's doctor recommended 3 more days of Chemo/radiation which Rick just completed on Thursday April 17th - with flying COLORS!

Even though Rick's sporting an even more simplified "do" (i.e. his hairline is getting even thinner!) and he has been tired (as expected), he's been going about his business as usual(e.g. going to lunch with me, watching the market, shopping for tech toys, traveling, going for a weekly mani/pedi with Brady and watching the Cubs with Casey).  We are in Dallas now for Passover and then off to meet the boat in Key West before the kids have to be back to school.  As many of you know, Rick retired in December to have fun so, depending on the course of the next round of treatments, we plan to take full advantage of his free time!  There are 3 important factors going in Rick's favor - age (he's young!!), toleration of treatment (flawless!) and brain clarity through treatment(excellent!) - so we are optimistic that we're winning!

Thanks to all of you who have been checking the blog regularly for updates on Rick and have complained about the absence of info - you were 100% right!  The support from all our friends and family (from around the world!) has made all the difference!  Brady and Casey have been so supportive and helpful to Rick - and me too, they're AWESOME!  And, if there is something good to come out of this, it's been that Rick and I have been able to spend a ton of time together..who knew we could have so much fun under these circumstances!  Rick has been heard saying "that despite it all, it's been a rich and rewarding experience in a number of ways."  We'll continue to update the blog with regularity in the days and weeks ahead so keep checking!!

Stay Strong..Rick hears from George W!!

Late last night Rick received a note from The President.  " Laura and I are thinking about you as you recover from surgery.  We know you are going through a difficult time and we send our prayers for your strength and comfort.  Stay strong and get well soon.  May god bless you."

Look for a copy of the letter later on the blog!

The Hat Man...

For those of us who know and love all of the Schneiders, including Bump - you know they are often found donning a stylish hat.  These days Rick wears his hats as usual but ...on some days to cover his new " badge of honor".    A new idea has come out of this thought  of the Schneiders and their hats. 

 In an effort to keep Rick's "cute little keppi" warm over these next few months -  it might be nice ( since the Osama Bin Laden Hat is hitting theBagdad runways soon...) for Rick to receive some "favorite" hats from those of you who want to send your good wishes and support (Don't forget to include an inspirational message).  Rumor has it a hat from Doc and Carol with a taped message inside is on its way.  Keep up with the blog and pictures of Rick and your hat could be seen here...

Just a clarification - Rick's father Harold's hebrew name was Areyeh Nachman

which means Rick's hebrew name is Chaim Ben Areyeh Nachman v Devorah.

Prayers, Thanks and its "good to be home"!!

Rick has spent the last couple of days enjoying his own bed and his family.  He has a busy week ahead traveling to Duke and DC to meet with doctors.

We wanted to send you the following information regarding his hebrew name for the purposes of mishabarachs and blessings for recovery.  Based on a reading from his parents Ketuba, Rick's name is Chaim Ben Devorah (seems Rick was named for Dede's father whose name was Chaim as well).

Tami and Rick are VERY appreciative of so much support and offers to help from such a large group of people.  They are being well taken care of and are extremely well fed.  They are happy to report that at this time, they feel somewhat under control.  They do have a long road in front of them and know that they may continue to enlist the support and help of friends and family.  At this time, for those who are looking to do something, Tami and Rick would be grateful for a donation to the following:

Dr Gutin's Clinical Research Fund

c/o Dr Philip Gutin

Memorial Sloane Kettering Hospital

1275 York Avenue

NYC 10065

They are hopeful that some efforts this way will not only help them, but others in the long run.

Again, thanks to everyone for support, help and comments on the blog!

Rick out and about

Rick has settled back into life on the upper west side.  He spent yesterday with the family hitting his favorite brunch spot - Sarabeths and then enjoyed dinner with some friends from Carmines.
Lesley Heller continues to coordinate dinner requests and will take the information for Tami and Rick and let you know what is needed as days get closer. This way if Rick is feeling up to hitting some of his favorite hot spots  we won't have any confusion with cancellations.
Rick wants everyone to keep the emails and the blogs coming. They have meant an enourmous amount to all of the Schneiders!!

Goodbye 730 Hello 103

Rick and Lebowski left the hospital today - gifts, cards and flowers in 4 wheelchairs behind them.   After a quick trip to see Didi  - Rick spent his first night home with his family!!  Meeting with the surgeon today went well - no updates.

Bumpy is glad to have both "mommy and daddy" home.  Rumor has it Rick was back at his desk this afternoon, emailing and checking the blog.

Rick ready to go home!!

Although the food and the PJs(Tory Burch from Sloan)  have been up to Schneider standards - Rick has decided that 103 is better that 730!  The uhaul is scheduled for a mid morning pick up and hopefully they will have Rick and all of his wonderful gifts moved home for dinner.  Bump has been working day and night for his arrival.

The food and the gifts have been wonderful.  But, in an effort not to be wasteful and to make this a coordinated effort please contact Lesley Heller via email lesleyheller@aol.com.  She will need contact information so please include both phone and email.  Thank you for everything.  Keep up the blog comments!!

All looks good for Rick to go home tomorrow.  Originally Tami and Rick had plans to spend Valentine's Day dinner at PerSe.  Since they couldnt make it, PerSe decided to come to them.

Tami and Rick shared a chicken soup delight compliments of PerSe!!

Rick is up and around sporting some hot PINK socks for the holiday and feeling great.  MRI report just came back and doctors say surgery was a success - it was a great report!!  More to come later.  Pathology not back yet but we are hopeful that it maybe later today.

Docs just cleared Rick to probably go home tomorrow and the turban/shower cap look is over!

What a nice way for the Schneiders to start off  Valentine's Day!

Rick can't wait to respond to every single email and blog!  He is thrilled with all your wishes, thoughts and humor!  Rumor has it he is offering a large advance for a ghost write of his memoirs from the last week!  What a journey this has been!

The blog, like Blackberry is experiencing technically difficulties with the video download - we hope to send out a Valentines Message to all of you from Rick tomorrow.  Stay tuned.

Today was a big day for Rick he had a few more visitors, was able to find time for a manicure and pedicure and even managed a feast of Shun Lee!!   Best of he got a new "hat".  Good bye Osama B, hello medical resident look.

Tomorrow he hopes to hear from the doctor - and then we will update you on when he will be going home.

Rick as Hugh Hefner

Rick is up and walking around today sporting his new Hugh Hefner outfit (compliments of Helene).  Its clear to all that he is getting back to himself as he is complaining about Tami eating his breakfast!  For those of you who saw Tami yesterday she will be doing the "walk of shame" today.  Rick wants everyone to know he's back "sleeping " with his wife.

Stay tuned later as Rick will be coming to you on the blog via video!!

Rick's finished a very impressive first day of recovery and we're all excited to see what day 2 brings us!  He's having his follow up MRI as this message goes out to you all.  Its a routine follow up, so no one worries about the results.  Thanks again to everyone for your support and prayers...they seem to be working!

Rick is up and walking ... to the amazement of nurses and family members!

He is enjoying some chicken noodle soup for lunch today and most importantly wants to say hi to everyone and thank them for all the love and support.  It has been so important to all of the Schnieders.

Rick Sitting Up!!

Rick is doing amazing this morning.  He is sitting up and had something to eat.  Rick spent some time with Brady and Casey before they headed off to school and he is in very good spirits.  

The doctors are recommending that today be a day of rest and building strength.

He is out of ICU and has been moved to Room 730.  Anyone wishing to send something the address is 

Richard Schneider 

Memorial Sloan Kettering 

1275 York Avenue 

7th Floor, Room 730

New York, NY 10065

Keep up the comments on the blog, he loves them!!

Rick is out of surgery and in ICU!!  He has seen his family and is doing amazing considering the day.  The surgeon said it was very successful.  Rick has a smile on his face and hopes to be moved to a private room sometime tomorrow.  Keep checking the blog and we will let you know how he is doing and when he can have visitors - it should be in the next day or two.  Thank You for all your well wishes - keep them coming!!

They are closing Rick up as of 2:11. should be about an hour after that. No real complications but no details either. Everyone seems to be hanging in.

Nothing new to report - but what we hear is that following surgery he will most likely be in recovery for 3 hours or so.  He will then move to an ICU type area based upon what is available and what the doctor thinks is best overnight.  Almost at hour 4!!

Surgery started at approx 10:45 - Nurse told Tami that pre-op went well.

They anticipated that it would be between 3-5 hours of operating time.

So were down 2!  Keep up the comments and keep checking for updates.

Monday Feb 11

951 am Rick into surgery. We will not know anything until approx. 230 pm
Rick in good spirits.

First Blog

As many of you probably know, Rick has been diagnosed with a glioblastoma(brain tumor).

We will be posting updates here as so many of his friends and family members are scattered around the world.  PLEASE feel free to post your well wishes here by clicking on the "COMMENTS" link.  These will be printed and read to Rick.  THANK YOU!!

Feb 8 2008

Rick is home for the weekend and will be going into surgery at Sloan Kettering on Monday at 9:30 am.  The surgery should take up to 4 hours and following surgery, he will be in ICU for the night.  The doctors are telling us that he will hopefully go home from the hospital on Friday the 15th.  Linda and Gregg as well as Stacey and Helene will be in on Sunday.  We will be around all weekend - hanging at home if you want to stop by or call.  Please let us know if you are going to come by the house.  Then next week if you could log onto this blog to get updates that would be great - we really appreciate all your love and support!!!

                                                       Tami, Rick, Brady and Casey