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, February 22, 2011
"You're Gonna Lose That Girl"
Peripheral blood with Marrow
The Beatles were on a roll, they had conquered the USA and started the British invasion. 1965 came around and management wanted a follow up movie after the success of A Hard Day's Night. Help! was conceived as a send up somewhere between the Marx Brothers and James Bond films. The original songs and soundtrack were produced differently for the U.K. and American markets in 1965, eventually the re-mastered CD was released in the USA with all of the songs from the UK version. This little ditty is John's song about a losing a love if you don't treat your girl right. Sincerity aside, there is a good back and forth between John and George/Paul harmonizing that make me think of early Beatles songs before the artistic changes coming soon with Rubber Soul.
Since my last post, we've had mostly good
news. My PET scan was normal, so was my
bone marrow biopsy. I seem to have good marrow and stem cell activity from my female donor, after a relapse. I might lose this girl in the future, but we are struggling with the why's and how's. We wondered if more chemo is wise or necessary as it comes with a black box warning due to the potential of bad side effects. We also started a search for a bone/stem cell donor in case a 2nd transplant is the best course of action. After doing as much research as possible, I decided to go with at least one, probably two more rounds of chemo, starting round three of Nelarabine Monday the 21st. Doctors from the Hutch and my personal Dr.are still conferring about what will occur after March 2011, I hope to have some consults soon with the "experts." In the meantime I will continue the every three week chemo regimen which tends to keep me tired for two weeks and good for two weeks. I am happy at home still exercising every day with more walking and continued stationary bike. Yvonne followed me as I tried the stairs (12 floors) at St. Joseph's this last week and made it without a sweat- the big climb is only 57 more floors! Love, Greg
Keep the faith and keep fighting. You did good on the stairs, I coildnt make it that many. I tried atmSt. Joes and Yvonne grabbed me cause I was out of breath! That chemo has got to be hard, I cant imagine the side effects! Love, Cathy
Thanks guys, I had a nice visit from old friend Bruce Kalin today which made me feel even better. I am off to pick up some needed prescription glasses and then will take Sadie for a walk. It's all good today.
Thanks Carolyn, and thanks for the donation too! Mostly good news, still waiting on Fred Hutch and news about a mini transplant. Dad, got the article. It was interesting and motivating to hear about a cancer patient who won't let the show end so Strawberry Fields will keep on playing the Beatles.
I don't know how you're doing it, going through so much treatment. You've got to be a really strong guy. I'm not sure I could climb 12steps and still breathe.
I'm hoping that Yvonne's birthday, coming up will be during one of the good weeks.
Thanks Nadine. Yvonne's B-day is the week before the next round, heck I might even be able to take her out to dinner and enjoy the food. It is her big 5-0!
12 floors??! WOW! Very impressive, you are definitely in prime form to weather more chemo. Glad to hear of the great PET and biopsy results. Those are the best building blocks of all, don't you think? If I may ask, why the search for a 2nd donor??
Second donor... since my ALL relapsed, the experts consider my first transplant as failed. There is a school of thought that another transplant will increase my chances to keep me cancer free. More research is necessary though.
Sadie is fine, we have some more blood work that needs to be done. I wish my chemo infusion was on time, I got to the clinic at 0815, and am still waiting for the chemo to start. Add the fact that I don't possess patience...
Great news about pet scan and bone marrow biopsy! That has to be good to hear. (I bet Sadie gets great pet scans from you everyday. :-) 12 flights of stairs!! Fabulous. I dare say most people in the US couldn't do that these days. You are very strong and that helps immensely with all you are going through. Hope the chemo goes well and you will feel ok. Prescription glasses? Maybe that is just normal middle age? Enjoy your new fashion accessory. Good luck with the Big Climb. We are there in spirit every step. love and prayers, Mary D.
good news Greg. Keep up the fight. Got home finally and am trying to recover. The last week really did me in but I refused to get a wheel chair. Keep in touch. T-Rex
Kenny, you are a strong guy. You have inspired me more than I can say. Cheers to your completing the chemo and here's to your beating it for good. Greg
20 comments:
Keep the faith and keep fighting. You did good on the stairs, I coildnt make it that many. I tried atmSt. Joes and Yvonne grabbed me cause I was out of breath! That chemo has got to be hard, I cant imagine the side effects!
Love, Cathy
Still praying Tiger !
nice to hear you are keeping your energy level up, "Hang in there"
:-)
Thanks guys, I had a nice visit from old friend Bruce Kalin today which made me feel even better. I am off to pick up some needed prescription glasses and then will take Sadie for a walk. It's all good today.
This sounds like *mostly* good news, right? I sure hope so. Best of luck in the climb, and keep us posted.
Greg, did you get that article i sent? et me know. Love Dad
Thanks Carolyn, and thanks for the donation too! Mostly good news, still waiting on Fred Hutch and news about a mini transplant. Dad, got the article. It was interesting and motivating to hear about a cancer patient who won't let the show end so Strawberry Fields will keep on playing the Beatles.
Hi Greg,
I don't know how you're doing it, going through so much treatment. You've got to be a really strong guy. I'm not sure I could climb 12steps and still breathe.
I'm hoping that Yvonne's birthday, coming up will be during one of the good weeks.
Nadine
Thanks Nadine. Yvonne's B-day is the week before the next round, heck I might even be able to take her out to dinner and enjoy the food. It is her big 5-0!
12 floors??! WOW! Very impressive, you are definitely in prime form to weather more chemo. Glad to hear of the great PET and biopsy results. Those are the best building blocks of all, don't you think? If I may ask, why the search for a 2nd donor??
Second donor... since my ALL relapsed, the experts consider my first transplant as failed. There is a school of thought that another transplant will increase my chances to keep me cancer free. More research is necessary though.
Praying !
How is your Labrador doing ?
Sadie is fine, we have some more blood work that needs to be done. I wish my chemo infusion was on time, I got to the clinic at 0815, and am still waiting for the chemo to start. Add the fact that I don't possess patience...
Does not appear to be posting.
OK so I could bring a "friend" by if you are to bored.
Hank, we are visiting my son from Ellensburg. No worries for now. Greg
Great news about pet scan and bone marrow biopsy! That has to be good to hear. (I bet Sadie gets great pet scans from you everyday. :-) 12 flights of stairs!! Fabulous. I dare say most people in the US couldn't do that these days. You are very strong and that helps immensely with all you are going through. Hope the chemo goes well and you will feel ok. Prescription glasses? Maybe that is just normal middle age? Enjoy your new fashion accessory.
Good luck with the Big Climb. We are there in spirit every step.
love and prayers,
Mary D.
good news Greg. Keep up the fight. Got home finally and am trying to recover. The last week really did me in but I refused to get a wheel chair. Keep in touch. T-Rex
Snow in San Diego?! That's what we saw on tv this morning!
Kenny, you are a strong guy. You have inspired me more than I can say. Cheers to your completing the chemo and here's to your beating it for good. Greg
Greg, might see you late March or early April. Hope you handle everything ok . LOve Dad and Alice
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