"Flying"

Chemo pose, my hair what there is is a little darker...

Happy Saturday! I trust someone out there is the blogosphere has something other than rain to look at. Freedom and chaos seems to be ruling the day with people looking to strip themselves of the dictators who have been running the show for years and years. I hope the violence stops and freedom rings. "Flying" was a collectively written Beatles song with everyone credited. Lots of spacey blues that led to an interesting segment on the Magical Mystery Tour movie. I had some good news to share- Flying just makes me happy.
I was in the middle of chemo this week. I started on Wednesday the 26th, then as we arrived Friday for day two we were told "sorry, no chemo for you today." The best we could tell it was because of the snow in New York (why we have to get it shipped from there is beyond me.) We went into the weekend not knowing what would happen next week...
My Doctor must have heard I was not as happy as I could be, so he called me Saturday around lunch time. He is traveling to Nicaragua this coming week to serve in a clinic, and knew he wouldn't see me for a bit. He then mentioned that he received my bone marrow biopsy results from this past Tuesday... My marrow was cancer free.   I got a little excited as I have only had one chemo round.   He did not have a good explanation for me just yet, other than he was very surprised too. I still have some more tests including a PET scan next week. The doctor in me thinks that my cancer relapse manifested itself as a lymphoma instead of leukemia- which might be easier to deal with.
Living Happy, Greg

The Big Climb

Hello to all potential climbers or supporters! My wife Yvonne captained a large team of caring individuals last year to raise funds and support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Washington climbing Seattle's tallest building- the Columbia or BAC tower. We climb 76 stories or about 1311 steps.  Our 2010 team raised over $14,000. We are at it again for 2011. I think everyone who participated in 2010 had a good time climbing or racing, and supporting a good cause. I have received research and other benefits as a result of our local LLS organization since 2009, for many the LLS makes the difference in saving a life. Yvonne has started another team for 2011 under the name "The Long and Winding Road."     If you would like to climb, race, or support the team or individual team members you can go to this link: http://www.llswa.org/site/TR/Events/BigClimb?team_id=34370&pg=team&fr_id=1160 

There are click-able buttons to donate, register, and learn more. If registering for the team, there is a fee (tax deductible). During checkout you can use a discount code from a six pack of pyramid beer that         I could not drink   to save $5.00 use: 076420911189   Registration will propably end around the second week of March or when the event fills up with 6000 participants. Last year it filled up around the first of March. Our team page on the LLSWA site will continue to be updated as we move along.

If you would like to donate, the site accepts secure credit cards or you can mail a check or contact the climber you would like to support for other options. If mailing a check to the LLS please write the name of the person or team you are supporting on the check. Here is their address:   The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Attn: Big Climb, 530 Dexter Ave. N., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98109

Either way you help, we are very thankful. The people who will be diagnosed or are already battling blood cancers like Leukemia or Lymphoma have seen many improvements over the past ten years and the future looks brighter as long as research continues.

Love, Greg

The Road

The Fab Faux - Abbey Road Side 2 (mostly) from The Fab Faux on Vimeo.

Hey all! My title today is part play on the Abbey Road album and personal/blog update.  I placed the video on top today as it is clearly one of the best live versions of most of The Beatles Abbey Road album (side 2) ever played.  Thanks to Malcolm, I saw this video a couple of days ago and didn't know it was out there. The group is the Fab Faux, a group of guys with impeccable skills who have been playing Beatles music for a bit while championing their own individual operations like leading the Conan house band and participating in the Letterman house band. Here is their cool website: thefabfaux.com   The video is really worth a watch and especially listen, as these guys come closer than anyone else matching the musical sound of the Beatles.

Yvonne and I spent most of the day at the hospital today where I had lab and C.T. tests and a Dr. visit. I discovered the earlier round of chemo did at least some good and my tumors decreased in size by 33%. My blood looked on the rebound as well, and we received a plan for the next month anyway.  My oncologist confirmed that the new chemo worked in part, I will do it again next week probably on the 26th for another 5 day (3 infusions) go. This will put me on the 21-day repeat protocol. While most cancer patients don't want to have chemo therapy, I do as it is my best chance to get to full remission and other options.  I will be off work for awhile but have the fighting chance we were hoping for. Thanks again for keeping me positive and all of the thoughts and prayers.

PS: The Fab Faux performs in and around the New York City area a lot, rarely leaving the Northeast. I am hoping to take a trip to see them play, maybe in my Dad's hometown of Northampton, MA at the end of April. If we get a confirmation on seeing the Fab Faux in combination with a trip I will of course love company...  more later-
Much Love, Greg

"Things We Said Today"

Sometimes things are said or unsaid. Either way- we can all make a mistake or miss an opportunity. After my diagnoses, treatment, relapse and unknown new treatment I am trying much harder to capitalize on the moment. I was receiving two bags of blood today and answering e mails and talking to my nurses. My main nurse took the time during a break to ask a lot of questions making my experience smoother and less complicated. I of course did not return the favor immediately and didn't really think about it much until I was already on my way home.  My lesson learned, I will aim towards taking advantage of the opportunities when they occur. I hope you think of the same principal when you next have a conversation with someone and the discussion is more important than talking about the weather.
Paul McCartney wrote "Things" for the movie A Hard Days Night in 1964.  He was dating Jane Asher at the time. This song plays out real emotions showing that the Beatles were moving into more mature themes after two albums of basic love songs. The video is raw and captures the simple technology for the time very well.
I have been done with chemo session #1 and went home Monday January 10. Since then I have been having daily blood draws and due to the mixture being less than perfect I received a transfusion of platelets and two bags of blood. Yvonne and I were going to go to San Diego Jan 13-18 but we had to cancel at the last minute. I will continue with daily blood testing and whatever is needed until at least Monday. Thanks for the kindness- I hope I can repay the consideration at our next meeting. Until later- Live Happy!    Greg

"Here it goes Again"

My cousin is the lead singer and creative force behind Ok Go, one of those groups that is hard to categorize. Equal parts rock, pop, punk rock, dance and vaudeville- this was their first hit and of course it went viral on Youtube and other video sites. I hope you enjoy the youthful exuberance. The leader is Damien Kulash, the tall guy with red pants. There is really no significance to this post other than comedy and family. I finished the second chemo of three today with no bad side effects other than fatigue. Had some great visitors including my wife and son. I can't wait to finish this series to see if I am moving towards remission- so far my numbers are going in that direction. Peace and Love- Greg  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feb 2010 gained some weight back

Me Alan my brother 12/26/2009

 

 

 

Man's BF Sadie the Magnificent early 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 1 2010 right after transplant- self portrait

09-15-2010 Just finishing prednisone. Members of "Imagine"

"It Don't Come Easy"

It was the early 1970's and not too long after the Beatles broke up. War was ravaging in what was then called East Pakistan now Bangladesh. On top of the war there was a terrible cyclone that killed and displaced millions of primarily poor in the region. George Harrison, himself becoming a devotee of Hinduism and Hari Krishna tried to get his old band mates to appear together, it was working out until Ringo said OK, but no Yoko. Paul not be outdone just said no commenting on the yet to be put aside squabbling over the breakup a year earlier. So in the end, George got Ringo, Eric Clapton, Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan, and many big stars to play together for the two concerts in one day at Madison Square Garden in NYC in August of 1971.  It was the first such large event ever staged to benefit a cause, taking in nearly $245,000 (just a small pittance compared to our Mega Millions jackpot huh?) When George sings "My Sweet Lord" in video two, see if you notice the Hindu chanting and his hat tipping to Hindu gods and Lords.
I was looking for a good title for my message of today, and Ringo's "It Don't Come Easy" struck a chord with me. I love Ringo with all of the hair and beard, and this version of the song is famous for showing the real guy he is as he forgets a lyric or two... Ringo (Richard Starkey) wrote this song with uncredited help from George. 
So here I sit enjoying a new toxic soup for the first time, and since 7 1/2 months of transplant remission. I have to tell you- it's not that bad! Nice color, mild oak notes, and a finish like only Fess Parker could do in his Chardonnay. Actually, to pay my dues I am promising to be truthful in every communication I make, the truth is: CHEMO SUCKS! A lot of the downside is the lead up to getting the drug. They drill a small hole in your upper chest, insert a long catheter, it bleeds a lot and hurts until about three days later. Then you shower in a small dungeon like room covering your catheter site very carefully so you don't get an infection. There is a lot of fluid intake to get your kidney's and liver ready for the drugs- lots of trips to the john. You are tethered to an I.V. pole for a long time, then finally the two hours of chemo infusion happens. A few days later you feel nauseated and fatigued. I am hoping this new drug is lite on those side effects. If it works and stops the leukemic cells from multiplying at high rates- or even if it doesn't work...it is all worth it. You want to live, I want to live. I would do anything to continue to be able to see my family and the smiling faces of Sadie and everyone else I encounter. My battle is like so many others that occur every day to beat back what might seem as unfair. I see it as very personal and blameless.      That doesn't change the fact that I hate cancer- I want to blow it up good, real good.     Time to get off my stump for now, I will show some pictures tomorrow of the pre and post chemo me...it should be worth a laugh. Live Happy and please be kind to someone when given the chance.     Greg

"Help!"

Help! was the title of the second Beatles film, an American soundtrack album, and of course a great song. In 1965 John Lennon and the Beatles had reached unbelievable success and as usual with young people and fame it got to John. He gained some weight, and wasn't feeling up to his normal par. His song was a statement about how he used to be able to handle everything by himself, not so much anymore. It is two minutes of up tempo rocking that still takes me to happy land whenever I hear it.

I wish I had better news today, for those who were not aware- I was hospitalized Saturday January 1 to get some tests done due to strange pains and weakness. My initial tests came back showing some growths in my chest and lymph nodes enlarged. I got the confirmation this morning that my Leukemia is back and aggressively manifesting through lymph nodes and masses around my heart. I had the heart to heart with Dr. Senecal and he is now consulting with the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance concerning the next steps. I am being fitted with a chest catheter again, and will more than likely start chemotherapy very soon. My goal is to get this Cancer SOB in check as soon as possible, then explore the next steps. Thank you for all of the support and prayers, as John said in 1965 I could use some help now too. I will keep my blog updated as much as I can. Here is the last verse of "Help!"

"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."

Love to all, Greg