I know, Queen performing Fat Bottomed Girls is not very politically correct. In fact, Brian May wrote this song thinking the same thing, writing for front-man Freddie Mercury's great voice and his preference for fat bottomed partners. Queen released it in 1978 on the Jazz album. It is one of my favorite songs, even if I don't share the same preferences. Does that say a lot about me? I don't know, the song just makes me want to sing- too bad I don't have much of a voice... But those guitar riffs and powerful four-part harmonies are pretty special. I am at a point while dealing with a rare less-than fun disease and associated political correctness is no longer important to me. I don't want to offend anyone, but the muzzle is officially off!
Now that the music is out of the way, here's an update;
I had a good visit today with Dr. Senecal, he was still waiting for pathology results from a biopsy taken from my head last Friday, but was able to explain that I have at least two lymphomas growing in and around my brain. Official results will be in tomorrow. So I was given the option of beginning immediate follow up testing in the hospital or waiting to schedule tests for later this week and into next week- I chose to begin as soon as possible (go figure!) so I am back in St. Joseph's Hospital of Tacoma.
I have an MRI tonight followed by a spinal chemo infusion, and a bone marrow biopsy for tomorrow. If everything is confirmed and I have no other internal problems I will begin a new chemo regimen- also as soon as possible. Yvonne has been here with me all day, we are ready to take on the new battle in what I will call my second relapse. There is a lot of unknown still, but our spirit is strong. If you'd like to talk to me my cell phone is on the disabled list, the phone number to my room is: (253) 426-4101 then ask for room 10A4.
*Update: I was taking one of my can't sleep early morning walks when Dr. Senecal found me not too far from the MRI area. He was very considerate and showed me the MRI from late last night. It still hasn't been officially read by the radiologist, but clearly shows a big lymphoma tumor residing on my brain and another spot next to my spine that wasn't so clear. We are talking about doing some targeted radiation now and then chemo, but still have to wait for the official report. If you happen to be in the Tacoma area I am open for visitors, thank you for all of the support from both sides of this great country.
Live Happy!*Update: I was taking one of my can't sleep early morning walks when Dr. Senecal found me not too far from the MRI area. He was very considerate and showed me the MRI from late last night. It still hasn't been officially read by the radiologist, but clearly shows a big lymphoma tumor residing on my brain and another spot next to my spine that wasn't so clear. We are talking about doing some targeted radiation now and then chemo, but still have to wait for the official report. If you happen to be in the Tacoma area I am open for visitors, thank you for all of the support from both sides of this great country.
23 comments:
Greg:
Sorry to hear of this set-back. Please know that we keep you in our thoughts and prayers daily. Stay strong, fight hard, and I look forward to meeting you in the fall.
MBM of the ECC
You are in our thoughts and prayers every day.
I love you and your fighting spirit
Les and Cathy
Praying kid.
Hang in there Tiger !
Sorry to hear about this latest set-back, Greg. Keep fighting and we'll all keep praying.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, I am sending good vibes your way. Get strong but stay calm and focus in this fight. I like the fact that you are a little mad, it helps to fuel your fight!! :-)
Greg, yes the pc gloves are off. %@#$! This sucks.
I am very sorry to hear about this. Gosh this sucks.
Sitting in front of the computer crying.
Glad you getting right on it. Test, fight, and bully the hell out of it. You have a trip back east coming up. And then to boring Nebraska.
Mega love and prayers.
Mary D.
Saddened to hear the news, glad we visited a few weeks back. Also glad to hear the Yvonne, Greg, and Doctor are right to work on Tx. Will be in touch.
Love you guys, BigA
Mary and Alan- We were really going to make it to exciting Nebraska this time! Then this darn bump got bigger. You are right, this sucks. I just came out of a 1.5 hour MRI that was excruciating since my back pain made laying flat very difficult. But I am going to fight hard, don't worry about that. Mary, you got me crying too. Thanks to all who have commented since I got in, the comments make me want to fight harder. Lights out for now... Love, Greg
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, Greg. Give it your all. Queen, eh? There are lots of great songs to pull inspiration from. I'm hoping "We are the champions" will be one of them. I just know that you can kick this disease's butt. But until then - you are a champion. :) Stay strong - and when you don't feel strong, we will be here to pull you back up.
Jackie of the ECC
Greg, I second those words -- this sucks !! It sounds like you are in good hands and doing what needs to be done. You remain in my thoughts & prayers !
"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.
Some come from ahead and some come from behind.
But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see.
Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"
~ Dr. Seuss
Greg, thinking about you every day, and waiting to hear better news LOve you and your great caretaker. Again, love DAd and Alice
:-)
What the heck! You certainly make the rest of us stop and think before complaining about having a bad day :)
We have faith that you will fight your hardest to overcome this too.
Be strong - stay positive - the ECC -sounds like a motorcycle gang :) - sends love, support, prayers, happy thoughts, and lots of strength to get through this.
Edie, Kevin & Family
AMEN :-)
Hi Edie and family and all of the ECC, thanks for your positive motivation. I am fighting hard and can't wait to start radiation therapy tomorrow. I have three confirmed tumors- mid spine, my neck (spine) and my head above the eye. So hopefully three weeks of radiation and maybe some chemo will knock the little devils down and get me to remission again soon. I am positive and feeling well overall, I am retired now so I can associate with any gangs I want to! :)
Prayers for remission soon!
I am looking forward to being released from the hospital today, starting radiation, and making some changes in the immediate plans- I've learned to be flexible. Thanks again for all of the well wishes and prayers. More later...
I am glad to hear you are going home with a plan of action! Take care Greg & Yvonne
oops - I am anonymous :)
That's good to have a plan, glad you get to go home, too
Love, Cathy
Cindy and I are praying for you and Yvonne every day, you have beat this down once you can do it again.Your strength and desire to fight another round makes me proud. Remember weebles wabble but they don't fall down (not that I think you are a weeble you just bounce back like one).Phil
Very interesting story about gene therapy for the treatment of cancer on fox news this morning. Probably on their website, too.
I saw the T cell killer cell therapy trials for leukemia. Initially I was under the impression that is was only for CLL which wouldn't help me, now I am making some calls just in case it does pertain to me... Dad let me know about it a couple of days ago.
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