I chose the title of this blog to go with a Beatles song from 1969. The title made sense in October of 2009 because fighting cancer might be a drawn out challenge. I take inspiration where I can, and hope to motivate with my musings about music, my status and anything else related to life. Anyone can post comments; no sign in or account is needed, just click on the comments section towards the bottom of the post and write me a note. A splendid time is guaranteed for all. Live Happy- Greg
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." Mark Twain
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
"Ambulance Blues"
Hello and and almost happy humpday! I am looking at a pretty quick release from the U.W. as soon as tomorrow but definitely by the end of this week. I set my personal hospitalization record a long time ago (day 28 today.) This photo is from May 14, since then I haven't been able to get back on the bike and have lost about 15 pounds. I have to admit that the hardest thing to deal with since day 5 or so has been a lack of positivity, for me you could almost say depression. It's hard to pin it down, I should be happy as things have gone pretty well for me, a few bumps here and there but no major setbacks. I seem to be tired a lot, and am frustrated that I can't lower my standing heart-rate, I get winded after ten minutes of walking (Arghh!). I have avoided personal contact too. The tie in to my song selection might seem weird until you listen to the song. "Ambulance Blues" is one of three "Blues" songs from the same classic 1974 album, On the Beach. However, Ambulance Blues is not a blues song, but continues to play in my head with it's story about confusion, ups and downs, and a seemingly endless round and round will this ever end? tone. It encapsulates a lot of my personal frustrations with lines like: "I guess I'll call it sickness gone- It's hard to say the meaning of this song. An ambulance can only go so fast It's easy to get buried in the past. When you try to make a good thing last."
I am so thankful to Yvonne for being here every day prompting me to walk and get a move on- helping me to demonstrate that I want to leave the hospital moving to phase II of the post transplant treatment. I will get to smell some real Seattle rainy air tomorrow and can't tell you how good that will feel. My appetite is weak, I just got off the liquid IV a couple of days ago. It's a good thing I fattened up prior to coming here May 10th. Please help me channel some positive energy and prayers for my Sister Cathy who is enjoying a trip to Maui right now but also received a very difficult diagnosis this last week. She still worries about me, stays positive and is the most selfless person I have ever known. Her blog is at http://mylifewithmnd.blogspot.com/
Back to Happy, Greg
Boy that's been a long time in the Hospital. Thank goodness for Yvonne, she's so positive. It must feel good to get those IV's off. We both need to stay positive, it's not easy to do all the time. God wouldn't give us more than we can handle. So we must be two tough son of a guns. We're lucky to have such good spouses. Take Care and we'll see you when I get back. Love, Cathy
One step becomes two. 10 minute walks become 15, and the 15 pounds will come back with a vengeance. The hair? You look better bald. You are at the beginning of a long road back, no different than deciding you wanted to do a triathlon and questioning your decision after the first day of training. Get up tomorrow, take one step more than today, and look back to see how far you've come. Live Strong!
Thanks Cathy and X. I am ready to step it up a notch, walking the not so safe streets of Seattle should really help. Yvonne and I have moved to Seattle for the next 2-3 months. Greg
Greg, that is great news , hope it all continues. We are all praying for that to happen. Its good to see your "voice" again on the blog. Yvonne did a great job in your stead. Love Dad and Alice
I know sadness....I also know it will not last too long. You did a really wonderful job so far and you have been my inspiration since the beginning!! Keep thinking positive and keep looking at all the beauty that surround you. Each day is a present! Live Strong and Happy! :-)
Hi Greg, as Yvonne did an excellent job keeping us up-dated its good to see you're back on-line. Reference feeling safe walking in Seattle perhaps I need to send a couple of Black N White's to escort you. As you know they are the best looking cars in the dept.
WE made it through the first night in downtown without being assaulted or mugged! I am having some racing heartrate issues that are being looked at as I write this at the Hutch. Thanks for the comments Alice, Dad, Ron. My blood counts are continuing to improve... Greg
Great to hear the progress Greg. I yearn for sme Seattle cooler weather too....enjoy your walks, getting stronger everyday. I know oyu; you are not a quitter and your wife is beyond belief; what a great pair. Bob Meyer
Hi Greg, Team SeaTac's thoughts are with you as we walk in Highline Relay for Life tomorrow. Positive vibes are coming your way. Our team theme is Beatles Birthday. Much love and peace, Chris
We we're down at the beach and someone had wrote in the sand "live each day to the fullest" That was sure intresting to see. hope you start to feel better. Love, Cathy
Chris, I wish I could have attended the relay, thanks for keeping me updated. I will be posting later today when I get to another hotspot (no internet in our apt.) Cathy- each day is a gift, you are correct.
There's no place like home. Sometimes the best medicine is what your heart and soul needs not what the doctor prescribes. Good to hear you are feeling better. Phil
16 comments:
Boy that's been a long time in the Hospital. Thank goodness for Yvonne, she's so positive. It must feel good to get those IV's off. We both need to stay positive, it's not easy to do all the time. God wouldn't give us more than we can handle. So we must be two tough son of a guns. We're lucky to have such good spouses. Take Care and we'll see you when I get back.
Love, Cathy
One step becomes two. 10 minute walks become 15, and the 15 pounds will come back with a vengeance. The hair? You look better bald. You are at the beginning of a long road back, no different than deciding you wanted to do a triathlon and questioning your decision after the first day of training. Get up tomorrow, take one step more than today, and look back to see how far you've come. Live Strong!
Thanks Cathy and X. I am ready to step it up a notch, walking the not so safe streets of Seattle should really help. Yvonne and I have moved to Seattle for the next 2-3 months.
Greg
Greg, that is great news , hope it all continues. We are all praying for that to happen. Its good to see your "voice" again on the blog. Yvonne did a great job in your stead. Love Dad and Alice
I know sadness....I also know it will not last too long. You did a really wonderful job so far and you have been my inspiration since the beginning!! Keep thinking positive and keep looking at all the beauty that surround you. Each day is a present! Live Strong and Happy! :-)
Hi Greg, as Yvonne did an excellent job keeping us up-dated its good to see you're back on-line. Reference feeling safe walking in Seattle perhaps I need to send a couple of Black N White's to escort you. As you know they are the best looking cars in the dept.
WE made it through the first night in downtown without being assaulted or mugged! I am having some racing heartrate issues that are being looked at as I write this at the Hutch. Thanks for the comments Alice, Dad, Ron. My blood counts are continuing to improve... Greg
Great to hear the progress Greg. I yearn for sme Seattle cooler weather too....enjoy your walks, getting stronger everyday. I know oyu; you are not a quitter and your wife is beyond belief; what a great pair. Bob Meyer
I hope they can get your heartrate back where it should be. You've come a long way,
Love, Cathy
How are you today?
Love, Cathy
Hi Greg,
Team SeaTac's thoughts are with you as we walk in Highline Relay for Life tomorrow. Positive vibes are coming your way. Our team theme is Beatles Birthday. Much love and peace,
Chris
We we're down at the beach and someone had wrote in the sand
"live each day to the fullest" That was sure intresting to see. hope you start to feel better.
Love, Cathy
Chris, I wish I could have attended the relay, thanks for keeping me updated. I will be posting later today when I get to another hotspot (no internet in our apt.) Cathy- each day is a gift, you are correct.
Greg
Keep Peddling Greg, You are on the hardest Marathon you will ever have to do not. You remain in my prayers(unless you want me to stop) :)
Lord bless and keep you and yours
Hank
Keep the prayers coming Hank, much appreciated. You are a peach! Greg
There's no place like home. Sometimes the best medicine is what your heart and soul needs not what the doctor prescribes. Good to hear you are feeling better. Phil
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