Here Comes The Sun (Bossa Nova)

Portuguese, an interesting language.   Back in the colonial days, Brazil was the largest of the Portuguese colonies, but those amazing seafarers went far and wide exploring the world, setting up colonies in China, Africa, South America, minor stopovers in and around India and the Philippines including one of my homes away from home- Hawaii.   Back in the late 50's through the 60's the term Bossa or Bossa Nova relating to music had its roots in Samba.   Soft, sexy, Caribbean, and definitely jazzy influences combined with folk, pop, and many a cover version was recorded "Bossa" style.   I have of course featured Here Comes the Sun before, the George Harrison classic is probably my favorite upbeat Beatles song.   I hope you enjoy the Bossa version.

I highlight George's tour de force today (not that I have scientific data to back me up)  - I can see my tumors and lesions shrinking on my legs and body.   Our "Sun" here in the Pacific Northwest is where you find it.    My sun comes from feeling depression starting to sink in when I experienced my third relapse, words like "innumerable" were used when describing cancerous related lumps and lesions throughout my body.   Then... I felt the largest one yet, a thumb size lump on my right flank.   It grew and grew.    I forgot to check it for a couple of days and this morning it is the size of a small finger- that is success in my book.   The first sign of relapse in November was a very recognizable lump on my right shin.   It grew to the size of a quarter and it protruded about 1/3".   It is now almost flush and the color is changing from red to normal skin.    So, early yes; but this round of MOAD seems to be slowing or stopping my tumor/cancer growth.   I will finish the first round next Tuesday then Monday the 9th of January.   I will share some pictures when we get a little more time.   Occupy a seat or stand and live Happy!     

Jailbreak

It was 1976, I was in my prime as a 17 year old know it all who had just bought the car of my dreams (1968 Chev Malibu with a 327 V-8 and 4 speed!)   AC/DC had recorded their version of a song titled  Jail Break in 1974, not really my cup of tea those Aussies at the time.   Fast forward a  couple of years and I got my first taste of Thin Lizzy.  For the untrained as of yet classic rocker, Thin Lizzy was formed in late 1969 like many bands after growing up with The Beatles, Elvis, etc.   Thin Lizzy was fronted by a Black Irish unfortunate soul named Phil Lynott, who like many rock and rollers of the day developed a drug and alcohol problem.   He moved to heroin and died at age 36 in 1986 from sepsis and all sorts of heroin related issues.   Once I get past the drugs, Phil and his musical genius (Whiskey in the jar, The Boys are back in town, Cowboy Song) are hard to argue with.   I chose the song today because of something Yvonne said yesterday.   We were originally told I would be in the hospital for five days, with a different chemo protocol.    Yvonne told me we were breaking out of St. Joseph's Hospital come hell or high water today.   Being that I've never been incarcerated I can only relate to movies and arts.   So, Jailbreak started playing in my mind as we conspired to get this chemo done ASAP.   Luckily Dr. Senecal changed his mind to the MOAD protocol which has 2 days of chemo followed by chemo on days 8 and 15.   Then... St. Joe's didn't have enough of the Peg-Aspargase, today's chemo on hand.    Calls had to be made locally and Swedish had some.   We finished at about 2:30 PM today and am now home as I finish this post.    We made it home in time to cook some Lasagna for Christmas Eve, and enjoy a big Honey Ham for Christmas.   It is all about the food while I can still taste for a few days.   While in the hospital we had two different Christmas caroler groups come by and sing for us, a visit from Stephanie and a gift of her rum cake, and a lot of support from the team of nurses and doctors at St. Joseph's. Once again, Merry Christmas!    

 

Happy Xmas (War is Over)

Our big "Charley Brown" tree

Last year I titled my Christmas post, Happy Christmas so as not offend anyone by using XMAS.   This year one war is over for the most part and since I love the song so much I will use the actual title John (and Yoko I guess) used to title their song about Vietnam and war in general from 1971.   The Beatles were fresh off the break-up, John had become much more political and quite the activist in the early 70's.   The video and audio is pretty rough, a demo which includes some Merry Christmas messages at the end from a movie about John.   John and Yoko were involved in a project to end the war by promoting slogans like "war is over."  John and Yoko's idea was realized during John's brief life, probably nothing to do with the three words, but in my humble opinion a better way to protest than the weathermen or other domestic terrorists who were running around hurting or killing others for the cause.   
During Christmas season I don't want to exclude any other faiths or beliefs, my hope is that everyone uses this or any other time of the year for positive change.   To the Christians, I do want to say that I hope you remember what this time of year memorializes.   We should be able to take this joyous annual reminder and turn it into a time of giving of ourselves, drop the expectation that it's about shopping and material things, and get away from expecting anything in return.   I hope the spirit of the season is first and foremost in your hearts and helps to shape the basis for how you treat your fellow man.   I don't know if the sole message is that life is precious, short, and often taken away so easily or if it is some other innate self realization.   I do know that I will try to give (of myself) more than ever this year.   If you see me out and about, make way for a half smile and some kind words.   To all of the commentators, supporters, and genuinely nice people- I owe you so much. Get better Cam; Andrew, Natalie and Mikhael expect me to give you some more calls!     
I will provide some health updates on the comments section later, I am seeing Dr. Senecal Tuesday...   Speaking of giving of oneself, I count myself lucky to be one of the Best Doctor's in Washington's patients. The man is a Saint. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

  

Halleluja

I had a difficult time coming up with a title today.   Not to get too mystical on my virtual readers, but we were very worried going into today and my oncologist appointment.   I knew we would be going over my head MRI from last night, and as usual (I've been conditioned) I thought of all sorts of cancer-related causes for my facial numbness and partial paralysis.  Yvonne and I missed a little sleep, and prayed and hoped for the best.  Dr. Senecal had just returned from a hematology conference, we figured he would impart some newly learned gems and in fact we had some questions about new protocols, etc. Instead of that, he hit us with all sorts of good news almost country-doctor like.
My bone marrow biopsy showed only microscopic cancer levels; .006 of blasts in my marrow which is very good for me.
My brain MRI showed a minor inconsistency or two, but no obvious cancer or tumor growth.
I was referred to a Neurologist to get checked for Bell's palsy, and off we went to Federal Way. Dr. Wendt diagnosed Bell's Palsy as well.   Now instead of worrying about the brain I can look forward to a month or two of getting over the Bell's palsy.   (If you don't know, I included some pictures of me trying to smile and close my right eye, two things Bell's palsy restricts.)
I can't think of any other reason other than the power of prayer and support that has helped us get through this bump and many other as we have gone through this journey.   To everyone from the west to the east coast of the good ole' US of A to people from parts unknown around the world I am one blessed person. I am humbled by the support and spirit. Please don't laugh too hard at my photos, they might cause you your own medical emergency!

Smiling and closing the eye at the same time.

Trying to make an "O"

Living happy again,    Love Greg

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Paul Simon wrote this Simon and Garfunkel standard in 1969.   Art Garfunkel sang the song for the album of the same name after arguing with Simon about who should sing it.    I think they both knew it would be a big hit.   Garfunkel thought Simon's falsetto would be better for the song...   Oh well, the die was cast and Garfunkel's sweet wispy voice was used in the recording.    Many acts covered the song, my favorite version happens to be the Elvis Presley version.   Elvis also recorded the tune, and it was a mainstay in his live shows during the early 70's.   I can't think of too many times where I've featured Elvis, not because I don't like him, maybe because he was The King and most people have seen or heard about his exploits. 

Glenda Neece, 1953

Elvis had a knack for recording songs at the time he needed them.   He was having some late career difficulties during his "comeback" when Bridge was recorded, the same can be said for other Elvis songs like Suspicious Minds, and The Wonder of You.

Glenda H.S. Graduation w/Mom (Posed?)

Enough about Elvis, the reason I used his version today is that Mother loved Elvis. I know my mom is in heaven looking down on me, this is another of my tributes to her. Glenda L. Neece/Dymerski was only 56 when she passed away on Dec. 12, 1992. About four years after John Lennon- wow.   I didn't have a good chance to say goodbye the day she died, I was in Seattle, she was in Portland.   I do have some pictures, and memories abound.   My sister Cathy shared many of these photos, so I have to thank her.  I can remember our 5th or 6th grade choir singing Bridge Over Troubled Water and maybe being the first time I actually listened to lyrics and tried to make sense of them.

Glenda, Natalie 1986

Glenda w/ Cathy and Greg 1961

Mikhael, Glenda 1992 Whale watching Oregon

The lyrics of Bridge Over Troubled Water speak to someone being there for someone else.   There have several interpretations over the years, Paul Simon said he just wrote a love song and might have included a bit about his wife finding some gray hairs... It's just a pretty song, Elvis' interpretation is very Gospel like, which is good for a day of remembrance.   Please do some remembering yourselves, we have so many people to thank for our success or where we are right now.   As I go to the third chemo round today I am looking upwards for help, Mom was always there for me and I know she will be again.   Live Happy!

Imagine

One more year goes by, John Lennon was gunned down in New York City on December 8th, 1980, ending his life and brilliant musical career.   Imagine is considered my a majority of critics and fans as his swan song- so I post it with a message.  My message is simple- you can look at the words with a series of tinted shades.   I am just concentrating on one word- Imagine.   Please imagine what will make things better for you and/or your loved ones without harming others.   Then ACT!   God Bless all of the sincere who do this every day.   For the rest of us, there is always hope in emulating those great examples.   Please enjoy the original promoted video   :)

Chattanooga Choo Choo

December 7, 1941

"A Date That Will Live In Infamy"

How do I, a mere baby boomer a little light on history best express my reverence for the Greatest Generation, and their times?   I did a little research, discovering Glenn Miller and his Orchestra had the number one song in the USA on 12-07-1941 when Japan attacked our country.   Chattanooga Choo Choo and the "Big Band Sound" was dominating the music scene, acts like Glenn Miller were all the rage.   A very popular musical of the day; Sun Valley Serenade included Chattanooga Choo Choo and the talents of Sonja Henje, John Payne, Glenn Miller, and @ 2:45 of the video- Uncle Milty strutting his stuff.    A lot of generations can say they had their heroes, how can we compare to this, the greatest?    Glenn Miller went on to make many hits including In The Mood and also volunteered to serve his country, eventually being lost in a strange airplane accident/disappearance while flying from England to Paris Dec. 14, 1944.   I read the lyrics of Chatanooga Choo Choo  it makes me twist and shout about going home.   I think it is a song about making your destination in style.

*Style, another cultural component that seems to be lost with time.   So in the end I determined that we can't compare, but we can remember and try to better our selves and our culture.   It won't be through occupying anything in my humble opinion, but by grabbing what is real, responsibility,  compassion, and hard work. The blame game is so over!   Thank you for setting the tone Glenn (and others), I hope we capitalize on your example.
Medically, I had eventful times at the newer St. Anthony hospital and the St. Elizabeth hospital yesterday.   The bone marrow biopsy went well in the morning, a little blood leak on the way home was fixed before the car seat was ruined... The pain came later.   So bad in fact, that little old worry wort me had Yvonne take me to the E.R. when I started having chest pains and saw blood in my phlegm at 8PM.  As best as we could figure the arm pain was caused by my lymphoma lesions and my Heart was fine so we made it home by 11:30PM.   I will make it to my destination today, the chemo infusion center at St. Josephs @ 2:00PM.   Then it's more waiting to see how the Nelarabine can stop the leukemia. All Aboard! 

"Help"

Roxette, a 80's pop group covered one of my favorite Beatles songs in 1995.   Roxette is two singers from Sweden who made it big in the eltropop formula during the 1980's.  Dance halls were still popular, their big hits were; "Listen to Your Heart, The Look, It must have been love."  They were long time MTV regulars.   I chose to show a covered version of Help since I used this title once before a few days after my January 1, 2011 relapse.   Another relapse is in the process of occurring right now.  (I will not so affectionately call it 3)  I knew I was probably relapsing deep down a few days ago as my pain and weakness increased exponentially.   We saw Dr. Senecal Tuesday November 29 and got some tests scheduled for early and mid December.   As usual, my situation changed for the worse these past few days, no sleep, constant pain, etc.   I was able to get the PET scan rescheduled and even got some preliminary results last night.   I also moved the bone marrow biopsy up to Tuesday Dec. 6th.   The PET did show that I have 12 active lymph nodes growing in a bad way.    The bone marrow biopsy will show if the marrow or spinal fluid is under attack too.   I was asked which particular chemo regimen I would prefer to fight back and chose Nelarabine.   This relapse looks like relapse 2 so far, the lymphoma (tumors) instead of the leukemia (blood).  as my cousin said so well in his crazy video- "Here we go again!"

Black Friday on Puget Sound

Sam and Natalie- we missed you and your backs when we went up to the mountains yesterday to cut our two Christmas trees down. We only got stuck once, and after a little shoveling and tree branch placement we got out and made it down the snow covered logging road.   Thankfully Mikhael was with us and did most of the work.   Sadie had as much fun as a Lab can have smelling all of those woodsy sniffs.


"Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me, help me, help me, oh." 


Living Happy and I can't wait to start some treatment soon!

"She's Leaving Home"

Natalie and Sam Suiter

*I added a video of Cathy's long hair dachshund "Blaze" chasing Sadie... Paul and John collaborated on this melancholy song that many a parent might find relative to their own life.   Paul read a story about a young girl leaving home early compounded by despondent parents, viola- a song.   I chose the title for a number of reasons, number one my daughter is leaving home tomorrow to return to her normal life in Hawaii.   (Sounds like a nice normal huh?)    She already left home some time ago, this recent visit just made us remember how much we miss her.   

 There are I am sure many more parents like us who will see a child leave, go to college, get married, etc. Don't forget to let them know you will be there and support them when they need it.   If they leave to join the occupy wall street movement, good luck!    Not to be sexist, our middle son just left to go home to Colorado, kind of the same thing except he isn't married yet.   All in all Thanksgiving was a fun night to visit with my sister Cathy, her husband Les, Andrew's friend Kyle, and our family.   I brined the turkey in a citrus concoction, it did keep the bird moist.   It's all gone now, those leftovers contributed mightily to my increasing waist size.   
I saw Dr. Senecal today, I have been having some extreme pain hit me in my forearms.   He thinks it might be GVHD (graft vs. host disease) causing my lower skin layers to contract and cause pain. The only quick fix is to increase my Prednisone dose for now.   So back on the juice and puffy face and aggression.   I have to have a bone marrow biopsy and maybe some other tests to get to the bottom of this deal.   I passed the two years since diagnosis without a lot of fanfare, so I am hopeful this little bump will also pass quickly.   Live happy! 

"Paranoid"

To show my diverse nature I am sharing an interesting string quartet version of the 1970 Black Sabbath opus, Paranoid.   Considered by many to be the top Heavy Metal album of all time, the title track tells the tale of a man with paranoia or mental disease.   The lyrics are pretty depressing, until I read them this morning I thought the tune was just a good work out song.   Black Sabbath just announced the original members are reforming, making a new album (CD) and getting ready for a tour later next year.   
There is a reason I chose this song as my title today, as I am feeling slightly paranoid right now.   Back in July my second relapse occurred.   I developed lymphoma tumors including one on my brain/head.   Now I have noticed another abnormality on the same side of my head but more toward the back of the head.   The side of my head seems to be growing.   I am hoping my view or feeling is just paranoia to be honest.   But... Yvonne also sees and feels the growth.   At the same time my blood counts are doing good, the evidence is not exactly clear.   I will ask for some brain scans today to confirm or deny my worry, I am not sure how or when that will happen.   In the meantime, I am thankful for so much a week ahead of Thanksgiving.   Sadie even cuddled with me this morning, before I had the chance to ask her if she wanted to go for a walk.   We are very fortunate to have all three of our adult children coming home this week for at least a few days of togetherness.   Here's to family, friends, and taking time to show you care.  

"Get Back"

relaxing at home during construction 11/07/2011

After all this time, I haven't used "Get Back" as a title.   Get Back to where you once belonged people- apropos for Thanksgiving season, or perhaps other reasons.   Having just left Tucson Az myself, the lyric in Get Back is close to my heart.   "JoJo left his home in Tucson, Arizona for some California grass."   Except I made it back for some Washington rain. 
The Beatles added Billy Preston on Fender Rhodes piano, George thought a new musician might be good for the general karma as the Beatles were doing their share of infighting during the recording and filming of what was supposed to be a movie/album called Get Back.   There are many bootleg recordings of the sessions, most show just bits and pieces of a song.   It's almost funny watching the bickering Beatles and the similarities to many of our own families or groups of people.   Sometimes we fight over small issues, those issues can lead to fueds or more.   It's Thanksgiving season!   The Get Back project was later scrapped and noted producer Phil Spector was brought in to finish and polish the effort into the Let It Be album.   Spector added his trademark wall of sound to the music and the finished Let It Be became the last Beatles album to be released in 1970.   Abbey Road was actually recorded after and released before Let It Be as most Beatles fans know.   So here we are, if there are amends to be made, or just a phone call to make to say hi- this is a perfect time to do it. 
I am continuing to get my mojo back, the blood test today had me almost jumping for joy as I read the results.   All three of my main blood factors were in the normal range for the first time in I can't remember.   I still have many irregular lymphocytes, and things I don't understand, but I am feeling good enough to greet this new 4:30 darkness with a positive attitude.

"Climbing" near Leavenworth

 

For the first time in many years we are having all of our grown kids home for Thanksgiving.   My sister Cathy and husband Les are also going to be here.   I hope you and yours has someone to share some thanks in a few weeks.     

Don't Let It Bring You Down

I will have to admonish myself early here, as sometimes I share too much.   A little later in the blog I will show some current pictures...   This entry could have come straight from a Three Stooges episode.
I know most people are readying for Halloween, some eschew this made up almost-holiday.   For the third year in a row we won't have our outside light on, and no candy given out.   I don't dislike the neighborhood or bussed in kids, we will be missing the Halloween fun since I will be having dental work done for somewhere near six hours on October 31.   Two crowns, and four other fillings all in one fell swoop.   I visited the dentist a little bit back and discovered in six short months I developed a lot of decay probably due to the lack of saliva or dry mouth.   One of the side effects of graft vs. host disease and Leukemia.   Yvonne will be with me to drive me home as I will be partially sedated.  
And then...
I am one of the clumsiest people I know, this week alone I ripped skin open three times, two on my right leg and one on my right arm.   Every time I bump into something, the skin tears.   We've had some plumbing problems and decided while we are fixing that, let's finish the master bath remodel.   We have most of the stuff ordered, sinks, a new vanity, tile, and faucets.   Today we started to demolish the old vanity.   Then oops! I break a water valve while hammering a stubborn old vanity piece, rip open another piece of skin on my left arm and I forgot to shut the water off at the street.   I created quite a flood in our upstairs, the water made its way down through several weak spots in our first floor ceiling and it took me two minutes to shut the water off (couldn't find the right kind of wrench!)   I am glad I was not caught on video, I fell while running outside in my already soaked clothing, luckily it was in the grass and no more ripped skin!   After all the calamity, I had to play an ode to Neil Young and his melancholy Don't Let It Bring You Down.  Neil's song couldn't come at a better time.   Neil wrote "Don't" in or around 1970 while he was also a member of the CSNY super group.   It was on the After The Gold Rush album, staying pretty obscure to almost anyone who is not a fan of Neil. 
Today's message is simple- we all face setbacks.   Most of us continue to forge ahead.   If I can't swim I ride a stationary bike.   If that doesn't work I walk more.   In my case taping my arms is the next step before I do any potentially dangerous work. 

Today's rip

 My blood clots seem to have improved to the point that I almost don't notice anything wrong.   Other than some stressful times I am AOK.   So please keep at whatever you are doing, give it your all.   Live Happy! 
 

One Step Beyond

It is time to teach some people how to dance.   I don't know if you the reader are one of those people, I know I sure could use some help.   Thanks to Carol who reminded me that I like Ska music, I was reminded that during the late 70's and early 80's the post punk crowd was heavily into Ska.   A style of music first brewed in Jamaica in the 1950's.    Reggae actually came from Ska, then went on it's own.   Ska was reborn a few times since the 1950's but generally kept the danceable aspects all along.   The attached video might make you laugh instead of dance, and it might frighten those easily scared during our Halloween time.   I chose One Step Beyond from Madness as my title today since it made me want to walk more, dance, or just get moving.   I seem to be in a good remission now, my blood clot issue is also improving so I can exercise more, eat more, and enjoy life more.   With every positive there is a step back or two.   This time it is my very thin skin, and me running into things ripping the skin open.   I always have an open sore or bleeding that won't stop.   Then to top it all off our bathroom plumbing sprung a leak, Sadie developed an infection, and I need dental work (no dental insurance, dooh!)   We were planning a trip to Boston that has to be delayed again to get these expenses covered... I am not complaining, we can eat rice and potatoes for awhile. :)   Sadie is on the mend, the plumber sent us the bill, and payday is just around the corner.   My health insurance is actually going down next year almost $80 a month since the County switched from Aetna to Regence.   Good and not so good news abounds!  Please enjoy the video, and live happy.

Your Mother Should Know

Shopping in the scooter at home depot

I am still alive and kicking, just took a little break in the sun for a week to rest and recuperate.   Just before we left, my condition from the blood clots was making life a little harder to get around, so I was taking advantage of scooters, and Yvonne bought me a cane.  Yvonne and I had a airplane credit from a canceled trip to San Diego that we had to use up- Arizona and sun sounded good so we went to Tucson this past week.   Thanks to my son Andrew who works for Starwood Corp, we got a great deal at the Westin La Paloma, a very nice resort.   I am back in gray Washington now, 49 degrees today.   It was 103 when we left Tucson.  

View from the outside dining area

Thanks to Hank, I tried and fell in love with green corn tamales, and had some good relaxation time in Tucson- we were able to swim in the sun at the Westin's country club lap pool, and I spent some serious time relaxing.   We walked Sadie today for two plus miles, which is a lot longer than I have been able to do during the past two months.   I am very hopeful that my Doctor visit on Tuesday will be a good one.   My sister Cathy had a birthday this past week, turning 53.   She is living with ALS as best she can, has a lot of faith and can always use some prayers. 

The Beatles and their handlers made the Magical Mystery Tour  movie and album from Paul's idea to follow up Sgt. Pepper's.   Paul wrote most of the new songs, the U.S. album also included singles like Strawberry Fields Forever, Hello Goodbye, and Penny Lane.   I get a kick out of the segment when they are all in white tuxedos and dancing down the stairs trying to act like older song and dance men.   The video also goes into Magical Mystery Tour as the movie finishes.   There is no real message in the song, just like my recent sojourn.  Like Paul said,   "Let's all get up and dance to a song that was a hit before your mother was born."

Everybody Loves Somebody

Greg/Yvonne Grand Canyon 2007

Today is my anniversary of sorts.   I really try to avoid "I" as much as possible when I blog, but will be using it today as this is my second anniversary of being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.   Anniversaries don't necessarily elicit songs like birthdays, so looking around the jukebox I chose a happy song made famous by Dean Martin.   Once recorded by Frank Sinatra, and others, written in 1947, Dean made E.L.S. his own standard in 1964.   The clip shows Dean in his normal early 60's fashion, drink in hand making nice with the crowd, then crooning.   I happen to be watching our president say that the "occupy wall street" people are representing the American people's frustrations and he basically supports their movement.   Oh my God!   It's bad enough that there is a class war, now the commander in chief legitimizes and supports income redistribution and anarchy...   O.K., back to my anniversary.   Two years after the diagnosis I am still kicking.   I was fortunate to find a willing Donor (Edie) who sacrificed for me in May of 2010, sooner than most patients and now I am coming up to survivability odds that were not very good.   I plan on exceeding those odds by as much as I can.    This 2nd anniversary makes me more determined to keep at this fight while I comment and become more controversial.   Like Dean Martin with his drink in hand, being real is a lot more fun than the opposite.   I really appreciate my family- especially Yvonne and the love and support from all.  Edie's selfless donation, her and her family's support have also been extremely important.  The prayers and kind words from everyone keeps me going even when it is tough, Yvonne and I are blessed for sure.   I am continuing to improve from the blood clot issues, I swam two times this week, very slowly.   We might hit the sun for a week's R&R to continue our improvement too.   I sincerely hope that the future is bright for everyone out there, even the protesters who want someone else to pay their way.   Live Happy-


           

  Dean Martin-Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

Big Love

Cathy/Greg and about 1/100 of their tomatoes

We decided to take a little R&R and travel Wednesday, and ended up at Edgefield Manor in Troutdale Oregon for a couple of days.   We were able to visit my sister Cathy and Yvonne's Mom during our Oregon sojourn.   The Inn has a nice "soaking pool" that people like me can use without worry since it is only about 90-92 degrees instead of the super heated hot tub pools which are over 100 degrees.  I ended up needing to do some sitting more than walking so it all worked out.   I was thinking about songs I have not heard in awhile, for some reason I couldn't get mid-late year Fleetwood Mac out of my mind. Everyone has heard something from Rumors, Go Your Own Way, Dreams, etc. Then I remembered hearing Lindsey Buckingham singing and playing guitar as only he can on songs like Trouble, and Big Love. I chose Big Love, because I have so much love I want to express to Yvonne and everyone else who stays with me and keeps me going.   

RN Genie happily releasing me from St Joes

After listening to the song and amazing guitar work, here's to those out there who give Big Love everyday!   We are home now, and looking forward to a week with only one scheduled lab test and no other medical appointments.   I was only in the hospital for three days.  

To manage my PE/blood clots I will be taking daily shots for a minimum of six months to diminish the chance of other blood clots and help my current clots disappear.   Since my blood is compromised I can't take Cumoudin so it's the Fragmin shots.  I feel good overall, a little more tired than normal and still very weak.   I was having high heart rate and low blood pressure issues, that has improved too.   So have a great weekend, even if it is raining.   Break time for me to live happy.    

I Should Have Known Better

I thought I had used this great A Hard Day's Night tune some time ago, through the power of the interweb I discovered I just talked about it, but never did use it.   So here goes!
John Lennon was the primary writer and lead singer of course, the song was released in 1964 on the U.K. soundtrack album from A Hard Day's Night, and then on several incantations in the U.S. (b-side of the A Hard Day's Night single, on the U.S. version of the soundtrack and even much later in 1970 on the Hey Jude compilation album.)   John received his inspiration from meeting with Bob Dylan and trying to be a little more lyrically mature.   
Now, why would I pick an upbeat song and blog at night?   During the past two weeks I have had a severe stomach ache, weakness, couldn't walk, general pain and a sense of dread, almost an internal depression based on it all.   I also started losing a lot of weight.   I haven't been able to eat much, this morning weighing 168 pounds; the lowest I have been since probably fourth grade.   I had two cancer scans the past two days, an MRI of my head yesterday and a PET scan today.   I waited with Yvonne in Dr. Senecal's office at noon today for the results feeling as positive as possible, his entrance to the room said it all.   With a qualified smile he reported that my head tumors are all gone and the PET scan showed no cancer growth anywhere in my body!   I might have pancreatitis, (inflamed pancreas)  that should be treatable by not eating and going on a fluid diet for a little while.   *Later I discovered I had a Pulmonary Embolism or blod clot in the lung.   I was admitted to St. Joseph's Hospital room 10C4, had a PICC line inserted in my arm and am on the way to feeling better.   Thank you for all of the prayers, motivation, and sincere messages!   Like Lou Gehrig said, I feel like the luckiest man on the face of the earth right about now.

Please check out the song, bear with the B&W the tune has some great harmonizing, you can learn Portuguese, and even see George dance. LIVE HAPPY!  My room phone is (253) 426-4101, then ask for 10C4.

 

Yer Blues

Here we are, summer is officially over and we move on to hopefully a pleasant Fall for most of us.   When I first started to blog about life with cancer I attempted to find a common theme, end ended up settling on going through The Beatles catalog hopefully song by song.   I will admit, I chose a group near and dear to me but also quite prolific song writers keeping me going to infinity and beyond... There are 275 songs attributed to the Beatles, and of course many more songs covered by other artists.   I figured I could throw in the odd special interest song, a cover or two, an hell maybe even stretch this blog out for tens of years (Yeah!)   There are a few songs I still haven't titled over just jet, one of them being Yer Blues.   It's powerful to say the least, but as things have been going lately it seemed to finally fit in during a down time.   Please bear with me, give it a listen and know that I am not suicidal and don't want to die.  John sings that line in his epic Yer Blues from the Beatles quite a bit. If you really listen to the bizarre lyrics I think John is playing between parody and honest reflection on the way he felt when he wrote this song. It was recorded in England (1968) in a small room making it feel like the old days. The Beatles bumped into each other, recorded strange non-musical sounds, and Ringo later termed it the "Grunge Blues of the 60's"  John wrote it while he and the Beatles were in India, Yoko was home in England. After a lot of meditating John came up with trying to lay down a classic blues song and uses some metaphors including rock stars of the day to highlight his points. 

Changes to report:

1. We had to cancel a pre-paid trip to Boston and the Northeast to see my Donor Edie, family, friends, and colors!

2. We are re-consolidating some tests which will include an MRI of the head tomorrow, and a PET scan Thursday. The PET detects tumors/growing cancer.   Due to unexplained balance loss and additional fatigue Dr. Senecal ordered up this battery to get to the bottom of things.