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
Thursday, April 21, 2011
That's Life
Day before Easter hike to Skoomum Falls
L-R order on who's the boss in the family
I will start today with some new news we have been waiting for. After much preparation, conditioning, and a lot of appointments in Seattle we received a new recommendation from the experts yesterday. The entire group of transplant doctors, a long term follow up doctor who specializes in graft vs. host disease, and the preeminent ALL expert all got together to discuss my case. The unanimous recommendation was for me to put the brakes on and not have a second stem cell transplant (YES!) They also recommended 1-2 more courses of Nelarabine chemo. Yvonne and I put the team to the test, in essence I had a late graft (new cells) versus leukemia effect occur after I started the second transplant process. The effect took my blood components and rearranged them to the positive, to the point now where my blood is in the normal ranges. At the same time the graft versus host disease flared in my face/skin and liver. That is in the process of being corrected with some medications and is mostly under control. The hope is that the extra chemo and graft vs. leukemia effect will move me to continued remission for as long as possible. While we spent a lot of time preparing for what we were told was necessary, we are very thankful that there were delays in donor selection to buy me time to see the original transplant actually working right now. I am very thankful for all of the prayers and support of you all which has kept me going in a positive direction. I can't say thank you enough!
It was 1966, the USA had just survived the first Musical British Invasion. I was about seven, my memories of the time are limited to probably the big stories of the time like civil rights/unrest, the beginning of the Vietnam war, baseball, neighborhood friends, and of course the Beatles. I didn't ask mom and dad to buy Frank Sinatra albums I will admit. Frank Sinatra released That's Life in 1966, (written by Kelly Gordon and Dean Kay.) If you look at the lyrics and listen to the clips, it is a message to us all. Roll with the changes, pick yourself up when you fall and get going... Like Frank crooned, when you are riding high in April, shot down in May; get back on top in June! Off to the races!
XLNT news. Heres' to many more miles on you! My hope for the next few days is to make a successful third attempt to climb and ski the infamous Bighorn Couloir in Wy. You can check out the mountain and route on summitpost.com
I wasn't sure what all that added up to but it sounds like good news?!! So your body is getting stronger and fighting back! That is fabulous. Not going through another transplant sounds like a good thing. Wishing all smooth sailing and open road to recovery! Hope the snow has melted. Already did here but may be more coming. You guys hang in there and keep up the great work!
Master, I know things have been very rrfff for you the last couple of years. Good to have some grrreat news. Thanks for taking such good care of me in spite of things. Thanks for taking me for walks when you may have been feeling only about 50%. Thanks for making me a priority in your life even when you could have just thought about yourself. Love ya dog... er Love, your dog; Sadie.
Sadie, what a nice message! You are so welcome. Today's hike at Skookum Flats was very nice. We had a lot of fun watching you smile the whole 4 miles, never forgetting your family. I wish you didn't have to hurt after your long walks. Your unconditional love has really helped me over the past 18 months!
Greg you look great and that is good news you recently received. Sadie is a tropoer and very eloquent with her words. We have a new 4 month old Golden Retriever and wellshe keeps us hopping. Take good care and out thoughts and prayers are always with you. Bob Meyer
Happy Easter to the Dymerski family!! Very happy to learn that you have a team of doctors that got your back and your first transplant is working in your body, that's wonderful news indeed!!:-)Thanks for posting Frank's song, the words are lovely!! Live Happy and Strong!! :-)
Alice and Bob- Thanks for the kind words. I count myself as very blessed to have such great people with love in their hearts who support me. I wish I could do more to thank you.
Hi Greg, not sure if you remember me but I have been following you journey through mutual friends with the department and just found your blog today. I think you are so inspirational and your blog is fun to read. Wishing you all the best and continuing to send prayers your way!
18 comments:
Awesome news Greg, I'm glad your body is getting stronger and fighting bad things off on its own. Stay strong.
Thanks Melinda, now I have to see if I can make it to Victoria again!
XLNT news. Heres' to many more miles on you!
My hope for the next few days is to make a successful third attempt to climb and ski the infamous Bighorn Couloir in Wy. You can check out the mountain and route on summitpost.com
Great news. Keep up the good work and keep your chin up...TRex
Good news Greg!
I wasn't sure what all that added up to but it sounds like good news?!! So your body is getting stronger and fighting back! That is fabulous. Not going through another transplant sounds like a good thing.
Wishing all smooth sailing and open road to recovery!
Hope the snow has melted. Already did here but may be more coming.
You guys hang in there and keep up the great work!
Love,
Mary D.
Praying !
And thank you for the Voice finally of a GOOD vocalist!
:-)
Master, I know things have been very rrfff for you the last couple of years. Good to have some grrreat news. Thanks for taking such good care of me in spite of things. Thanks for taking me for walks when you may have been feeling only about 50%. Thanks for making me a priority in your life even when you could have just thought about yourself. Love ya dog... er Love, your dog; Sadie.
Sadie, what a nice message! You are so welcome. Today's hike at Skookum Flats was very nice. We had a lot of fun watching you smile the whole 4 miles, never forgetting your family. I wish you didn't have to hurt after your long walks. Your unconditional love has really helped me over the past 18 months!
Sadie, I almost forgot- you are pretty funny too!
Sunny is an official Service Dog as of today :-)
Greg you look great and that is good news you recently received. Sadie is a tropoer and very eloquent with her words. We have a new 4 month old Golden Retriever and wellshe keeps us hopping. Take good care and out thoughts and prayers are always with you. Bob Meyer
Happy Easter to the Dymerski family!! Very happy to learn that you have a team of doctors that got your back and your first transplant is working in your body, that's wonderful news indeed!!:-)Thanks for posting Frank's song, the words are lovely!! Live Happy and Strong!! :-)
Bob, Sunni is a 2yr 10mo old golden
Alice and Bob- Thanks for the kind words. I count myself as very blessed to have such great people with love in their hearts who support me. I wish I could do more to thank you.
That goes to everyone Hank, including Sadie and Sunny.
You did a long time ago Sir !
Hi Greg, not sure if you remember me but I have been following you journey through mutual friends with the department and just found your blog today.
I think you are so inspirational and your blog is fun to read.
Wishing you all the best and continuing to send prayers your way!
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