The last couple of weeks have been much better. I feel like I am starting to recover some energy. Last Sunday, I went to my grandson Ian's Pop Warner football game. It was fun watching the youngsters' play. On this day, they lost, but to a much bigger team. This past Sunday, the results were different as Ian fought off double teams, had a sack as well as multiple tackles. Guess who got the game ball? You betcha, it was Ian!
After the loss, we celebrated Ian's 6th birthday. It was fun watching the kids play games. The wins were spread out thru all the kids. Little Maya turned out to be quite a little cheat at Musical Chairs and Pin the Tail. She did win the donut eating legit though. She was a good loser too. She came back from the MC game and said,"Oh well, there wasn't a chair for me" with the biggest smile.
Izzy was at an away game in Shrewsbury. She stayed in her uniform for the party. She even performed some cheers for us. She is just adorable. I can't wait for a home game for Izzy so I can watch her cheer.
This past Saturday, Larry and I went to wrestling at the Boy's and Girl's Club in Chicopee. We had a great time. Got to meet Hacksaw Jim Duggan. He was great with all the kids. I told him about seeing him in 1978 at the SCC. You could see him think back and smiled. I also congratulated him on being a survivor. He said he would keep me in his thoughts. You know what? I believe he will. After the matches we hung around and talked with some of the guys. It was great.
Today's appointment was quick and easy. Dr Bowers is still confident we are on the right track. I certainly appreciate the chance to rebuild a little. Unfortunately, I believe I will be back on stronger meds by Thanksgiving. As long as it works.
Holy underwear! Sheriff murdered! Innocent women and children blown to bits! We have to protect our phoney baloney jobs here, gentlemen! We must do something about this immediately! Immediately! Immediately! Harrumph! Harrumph! Harrumph!
Until we meet again, happy trails to you!
Mike
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Round 9
Today was the first day of changed meds. Not too bad so far, but it will be 2 months before I find anything out. I still am upbeat but anxious to know what happens.
Saturday, I went to the Franklin County Fair. I used a walker with a seat to motivate the grounds. I had a great scallop dinner at the Clam Shack. It was nice to see Jim and his fiance, Bobby and his wife, Amie, Becky, Melissa and Marlene. I only lasted for 2 hours but did manage to see what I wanted to see.
Sunday morning I had a visit from Betsy and Ryan. It was a good visit. At least she didn't cry because she thought I was dying. She saw that I am in good shape and certainly alive. Ryan and I had fun discussing wrestling.
They left around noon, as I headed to my mother's house to get ready for the wedding. It was a nice ride to Westminster to The Old Mill where the wedding between Ian and Emelia took place. This was the pastor's first wedding ceremony. Laid back but very clearly full of the Lord and his blessings. It was a smaller wedding, less than a hundred attending. It was clear that all of those there greatly support this union of 2 wonderful people.
After the ceremony, Ian and Emelia walked around meeting with friends and family. As I have never met Emelia, I had to be the wise guy and ask Ian, "Who's the blonde?" They both laughed. We had a way too short visit, but given the surroundings, it was expected. She is a lovely young woman and they are both fortunate that they found each other.
I lasted a little longer at the wedding, but around 8 I hit a wall. When I got home, I went right to bed. Spent most of Monday there too. Today was back to normal, Tom brought me to chemo, Mary Anne cleaned and spoiled the dog.
Off to bed. Back at ya soon.
So, is coffee good for the sex life or not?
I don't know. But, they're never gonna let us back into that Starbucks again.
Mike
Saturday, I went to the Franklin County Fair. I used a walker with a seat to motivate the grounds. I had a great scallop dinner at the Clam Shack. It was nice to see Jim and his fiance, Bobby and his wife, Amie, Becky, Melissa and Marlene. I only lasted for 2 hours but did manage to see what I wanted to see.
Sunday morning I had a visit from Betsy and Ryan. It was a good visit. At least she didn't cry because she thought I was dying. She saw that I am in good shape and certainly alive. Ryan and I had fun discussing wrestling.
They left around noon, as I headed to my mother's house to get ready for the wedding. It was a nice ride to Westminster to The Old Mill where the wedding between Ian and Emelia took place. This was the pastor's first wedding ceremony. Laid back but very clearly full of the Lord and his blessings. It was a smaller wedding, less than a hundred attending. It was clear that all of those there greatly support this union of 2 wonderful people.
After the ceremony, Ian and Emelia walked around meeting with friends and family. As I have never met Emelia, I had to be the wise guy and ask Ian, "Who's the blonde?" They both laughed. We had a way too short visit, but given the surroundings, it was expected. She is a lovely young woman and they are both fortunate that they found each other.
I lasted a little longer at the wedding, but around 8 I hit a wall. When I got home, I went right to bed. Spent most of Monday there too. Today was back to normal, Tom brought me to chemo, Mary Anne cleaned and spoiled the dog.
Off to bed. Back at ya soon.
So, is coffee good for the sex life or not?
I don't know. But, they're never gonna let us back into that Starbucks again.
Mike
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Let's peek at the scorecard again
Last update, I was complaining about the heat. Seems that was taken care of quickly. Sunday, I froze all day. I guess fall is near.
Last Thursday, I had the CT scan (more on the results later). Friday, my Dr. called me to let me know to expect med changes that would change the side effects adversely. After a conversation with the doctor, friends and family, I decided that I would have to stop working as I will need even more rest. Friday is my last day. Mixed emotions on this. I need to take care of my body, but I will miss my co-workers and customers. I hope our paths cross in the future.
Sunday I went to Troy and Missy's for a small cookout. Yeah, right. Nothing small about the food. Troy and Dana set up a new smoker and got a good sized brisket. Seasoned, aged overnight and 10 hours in the smoker later, a magnificent piece of meat that melted in my mouth. Harmony brought a potato and bacon salad, a perfect compliment just as Missy's pasta salad was. Maya and Layne were playing hard on the swings and slide. Needless to say, no one was in the pool. I had to leave early as I was frozen.
I went to Mary's to pick up a pair of jeans. They weren't quite dry, so she told me to go take a hot bath. I loved it, as I do not have a tub. I soaked a while, and when I was done, the jeans were dry. Perfect evening visiting after that.
Tuesday, I took my mom to breakfast. I had to blow her off on Monday as I was not feeling well at all. We went to the Mohawk Diner. Good food, great atmosphere ( I love diners). Then we headed out to get my results and do some shopping for Ian and Emelia's wedding this Sunday. Tom got a shirt/tie combo. Mary fell in love with a purple shirt/tie but way too big for Tom. I will be wearing purple Sunday. I teased her that I found a pair of pink, pinstriped pants with a wide white belt. I even did it with a straight face, but soon cracked up, as she was starting to think I did. Nah, plain black pants.
OK, time to check the scorecard. Let's just say that I am stomping a mudhole in the cancer and walking it dry. My CEA count, which started at 2600+, has dropped to 805 (the lower the better). The tumor has shrunk slightly. All in all, everyone was pleased, including Mary Anne who insisted on coming in with me. Guess I'll live a bit longer. You guys are stuck with me.
Before the new meds are started, I am going to attempt a couple of outings. Saturday night I will attempt the Franklin County Fair, Sunday, Ian's wedding. Lots of sleep in between.
If it's a penny for your thoughts and you put in your two cents worth, then someone, somewhere is making a penny.
Until next week,
Mike
Last Thursday, I had the CT scan (more on the results later). Friday, my Dr. called me to let me know to expect med changes that would change the side effects adversely. After a conversation with the doctor, friends and family, I decided that I would have to stop working as I will need even more rest. Friday is my last day. Mixed emotions on this. I need to take care of my body, but I will miss my co-workers and customers. I hope our paths cross in the future.
Sunday I went to Troy and Missy's for a small cookout. Yeah, right. Nothing small about the food. Troy and Dana set up a new smoker and got a good sized brisket. Seasoned, aged overnight and 10 hours in the smoker later, a magnificent piece of meat that melted in my mouth. Harmony brought a potato and bacon salad, a perfect compliment just as Missy's pasta salad was. Maya and Layne were playing hard on the swings and slide. Needless to say, no one was in the pool. I had to leave early as I was frozen.
I went to Mary's to pick up a pair of jeans. They weren't quite dry, so she told me to go take a hot bath. I loved it, as I do not have a tub. I soaked a while, and when I was done, the jeans were dry. Perfect evening visiting after that.
Tuesday, I took my mom to breakfast. I had to blow her off on Monday as I was not feeling well at all. We went to the Mohawk Diner. Good food, great atmosphere ( I love diners). Then we headed out to get my results and do some shopping for Ian and Emelia's wedding this Sunday. Tom got a shirt/tie combo. Mary fell in love with a purple shirt/tie but way too big for Tom. I will be wearing purple Sunday. I teased her that I found a pair of pink, pinstriped pants with a wide white belt. I even did it with a straight face, but soon cracked up, as she was starting to think I did. Nah, plain black pants.
OK, time to check the scorecard. Let's just say that I am stomping a mudhole in the cancer and walking it dry. My CEA count, which started at 2600+, has dropped to 805 (the lower the better). The tumor has shrunk slightly. All in all, everyone was pleased, including Mary Anne who insisted on coming in with me. Guess I'll live a bit longer. You guys are stuck with me.
Before the new meds are started, I am going to attempt a couple of outings. Saturday night I will attempt the Franklin County Fair, Sunday, Ian's wedding. Lots of sleep in between.
If it's a penny for your thoughts and you put in your two cents worth, then someone, somewhere is making a penny.
Until next week,
Mike
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Between rounds 8 & 9
Heat getting to you? It's getting to me. Good thing for AC. The heavy problem with the cold I had last week has lessened due to temp changes.
Not much went on last week, kinda quiet. On Saturday I brought Mary Anne a small birthday cake. I thought I would have problems getting her to eat it, but as soon as she saw it, it was open and she was taking a fork to it. I did manage to get a small piece. We visited for a while. She and I have been catching up and learning more about each other all the time. For any of you that have a relative that you are on the outs with, make the amends. No matter whose fault it may be, be the bigger person. In the end, family is all you really have. BTW, I was at fault between us and I am glad to put things behind us and rebuild.
Monday I went with Tom to a couple of Wal-Marts while he did his callbacks. Nice hot day to sit in the vestibules and take some of their AC. Took him to lunch at Panera. Love their sandwiches. Mary did her usual great job in cleaning, dog-sitting and organizing.
Tuesday morning Raisin had some issues which resulted in me having to remove the bedding. I figured I would bring it to the Farm to be with the rest of the laundry. Ended up being so hot that I crashed there all afternoon. I can't take the heat like when I was a kid.
Today was my CT scan. Nothing big for news yet. Results are due on Tuesday. Everybody cross your fingers.
Troy and Missy are getting into geocaching. Maya goes "treasure hunting" with them. Layne went today, running all over the place. He took a good nap this afternoon.
Update next week, have a happy & safe Labor Day!
I accept chaos, I'm not sure whether it accepts me.
Mike
Not much went on last week, kinda quiet. On Saturday I brought Mary Anne a small birthday cake. I thought I would have problems getting her to eat it, but as soon as she saw it, it was open and she was taking a fork to it. I did manage to get a small piece. We visited for a while. She and I have been catching up and learning more about each other all the time. For any of you that have a relative that you are on the outs with, make the amends. No matter whose fault it may be, be the bigger person. In the end, family is all you really have. BTW, I was at fault between us and I am glad to put things behind us and rebuild.
Monday I went with Tom to a couple of Wal-Marts while he did his callbacks. Nice hot day to sit in the vestibules and take some of their AC. Took him to lunch at Panera. Love their sandwiches. Mary did her usual great job in cleaning, dog-sitting and organizing.
Tuesday morning Raisin had some issues which resulted in me having to remove the bedding. I figured I would bring it to the Farm to be with the rest of the laundry. Ended up being so hot that I crashed there all afternoon. I can't take the heat like when I was a kid.
Today was my CT scan. Nothing big for news yet. Results are due on Tuesday. Everybody cross your fingers.
Troy and Missy are getting into geocaching. Maya goes "treasure hunting" with them. Layne went today, running all over the place. He took a good nap this afternoon.
Update next week, have a happy & safe Labor Day!
I accept chaos, I'm not sure whether it accepts me.
Mike
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Round 8
Sorry I didn't post yesterday, I slept most through most of the treatment. Didn't sleep the night before.
I spoke with Keith, my boss, Friday. I was assured that my job was secure until the end of September. So I'm employed for a while longer. Work was busy this weekend with a couple of outages, several billing calls and one lady that can't seem to understand how to get on the Internet. Made my way through it, but it was very tiring.
My hands and mouth are getting extremely sensitive to the cold. Even room temperature drinks can sometime cause discomfort. Making sandwiches are impossible. How can you separate cold meat or cheese with gloves on? I have to take eggs out of the carton and put them in a bowl in the fridge. I take the bowl out (with gloves), use tongs to place my eggs in a bowl of warm water so I can break them open. What a pain. Touching anything metal can hurt.
Enough bitching, I can deal with it. I think the cold, rainy weather the last few days have just been getting to me.
My mother and brother stopped by. She brought me a couple of pairs of jeans. Just in time, I had no long pants that fit me anymore. These were great. My brand, size and they fit perfect. They even came back and brought me some fruit and soda. I was working so they didn't stay long, but we are going to try to plan a pinochle game. It has been a long time since we played.
Chemo went well as usual. Shayne was back, with Dianna filling in for Karen. Blood tests are looking good. I'll have a CT scan on the 2nd and get the results on the 7th. This will determine the next phase of treatment. Doc Bowers is still optimistic about my progress. Weight is holding at just above 200. Hope it can stay in that range.
In my last post, I mentioned my birthday and how I am now 3. I also posted it on Facebook. I received many responses. I have the greatest support team there is. Love them all. They keep me going.
McCheat - McChittyChat - McContrary - McCranky - McDetail - McEgghead - McFlabby - McFlowerPower - McFreaky - McGarnagle - McGecko - McGeek - McGiggles - McGnome - McGoo - McGoogle - McGPS - McGruff - McGullable - McKilljoy - McLawyer - McLovin' - McMuse - McMotherboard - McNerd - McProbious - McRomeo - McScout - McShipmate - McSnapper - McSneaky - McSofty - McTardy - McTim - McZero
Probie - Probalicious - Probie-Wan Kanobie - Daniel McBoone - The Great McOz - Elf Lord
Until next time ~
Mike
I spoke with Keith, my boss, Friday. I was assured that my job was secure until the end of September. So I'm employed for a while longer. Work was busy this weekend with a couple of outages, several billing calls and one lady that can't seem to understand how to get on the Internet. Made my way through it, but it was very tiring.
My hands and mouth are getting extremely sensitive to the cold. Even room temperature drinks can sometime cause discomfort. Making sandwiches are impossible. How can you separate cold meat or cheese with gloves on? I have to take eggs out of the carton and put them in a bowl in the fridge. I take the bowl out (with gloves), use tongs to place my eggs in a bowl of warm water so I can break them open. What a pain. Touching anything metal can hurt.
Enough bitching, I can deal with it. I think the cold, rainy weather the last few days have just been getting to me.
My mother and brother stopped by. She brought me a couple of pairs of jeans. Just in time, I had no long pants that fit me anymore. These were great. My brand, size and they fit perfect. They even came back and brought me some fruit and soda. I was working so they didn't stay long, but we are going to try to plan a pinochle game. It has been a long time since we played.
Chemo went well as usual. Shayne was back, with Dianna filling in for Karen. Blood tests are looking good. I'll have a CT scan on the 2nd and get the results on the 7th. This will determine the next phase of treatment. Doc Bowers is still optimistic about my progress. Weight is holding at just above 200. Hope it can stay in that range.
In my last post, I mentioned my birthday and how I am now 3. I also posted it on Facebook. I received many responses. I have the greatest support team there is. Love them all. They keep me going.
McCheat - McChittyChat - McContrary - McCranky - McDetail - McEgghead - McFlabby - McFlowerPower - McFreaky - McGarnagle - McGecko - McGeek - McGiggles - McGnome - McGoo - McGoogle - McGPS - McGruff - McGullable - McKilljoy - McLawyer - McLovin' - McMuse - McMotherboard - McNerd - McProbious - McRomeo - McScout - McShipmate - McSnapper - McSneaky - McSofty - McTardy - McTim - McZero
Probie - Probalicious - Probie-Wan Kanobie - Daniel McBoone - The Great McOz - Elf Lord
Until next time ~
Mike
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
How old are you?
Thursday, August 19 is my birthday. I am not mentioning this for some extra birthday wishes, but to promote my third birthday since I got cancer. I am now fighting it for the second time. The best way to measure a battle over cancer is the number of birthdays that you have survived since you first were diagnosed with cancer. I am not 54, I am 3. How old are you?
Last week was kinda boring until Saturday. I went to Webster for a wrestling card with my friend Larrs. Being an independent promotion there was a full range of experience from beginners to full fledged veterans. Out of the 7 matches only one was sub-par, but the outcome made up for it as the loser got bombed by water balloons at intermission. The big names were Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Spike Dudley, and Shane "The Franchise" Douglas. Jake won his match over my new friend Mr. TA. Shane won the BTW Championship over Spike Dudley, which was a BIG surprise. I was wearing my brand new signed Franchise T-shirt. Awesome
After the matches Larrs & I visited with several of the wrestlers. Don't go by what you see on TV, many of these guys are very nice. I have failed to be snubbed by any of these guys. Can't wait for the September card in Chicopee.
Possibly another update before Monday, but I just may wait until then.
Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you may still exist, but you have ceased to live. ~ Mark Twain
Mike
Last week was kinda boring until Saturday. I went to Webster for a wrestling card with my friend Larrs. Being an independent promotion there was a full range of experience from beginners to full fledged veterans. Out of the 7 matches only one was sub-par, but the outcome made up for it as the loser got bombed by water balloons at intermission. The big names were Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Spike Dudley, and Shane "The Franchise" Douglas. Jake won his match over my new friend Mr. TA. Shane won the BTW Championship over Spike Dudley, which was a BIG surprise. I was wearing my brand new signed Franchise T-shirt. Awesome
After the matches Larrs & I visited with several of the wrestlers. Don't go by what you see on TV, many of these guys are very nice. I have failed to be snubbed by any of these guys. Can't wait for the September card in Chicopee.
Possibly another update before Monday, but I just may wait until then.
Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you may still exist, but you have ceased to live. ~ Mark Twain
Mike
Monday, August 9, 2010
Round 7
With Ron pinch hitting for Tom, I got to CDH earlier than usual. Actually it was because I went to Greenfield to meet Ron & I was earlier than I expected. No problem. When I got there, it was hurry up and wait. My vampire Jess went home sick and left me with a sub. The lab was way backed up too. I got in to see Dr. Bowers early. Loved my Aloha shirt. He loved what he heard from me about what is going on. He is very confident that the tumor is shrinking. We'll find out more in a few weeks. Other than that, blood tests came back great.
Had a new nurse today, Dianna. She filled in wonderfully for Shayne, with an assist from Karen. Ron had to be home for 3:25. With all the delays, we just made it back in time. I went directly home for a well deserved nap.
Not a big update today, I'm sure I'll have more to talk about soon.
Part of the secret of a success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.
Back at ya soon,
Mike
Had a new nurse today, Dianna. She filled in wonderfully for Shayne, with an assist from Karen. Ron had to be home for 3:25. With all the delays, we just made it back in time. I went directly home for a well deserved nap.
Not a big update today, I'm sure I'll have more to talk about soon.
Part of the secret of a success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.
Back at ya soon,
Mike
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