Hey all! It's of course the day before our national day of remembrance. I have already heard from some of the folks saying we should combine the 11th with the 12th which is a day of service. I say keep them separate, the 11th has to be a stand alone day of remembrance as we have so many who were there, have family or friends who were affected, or continue to work to prevent further acts of terrorism. There are already politicians and Union leaders using Sept. 11th as a launching pad for their own petty reasons! Enough of that B.S. already- we need to remember and never forget. I hope the weekend goes well for you, enjoy your family and friends and weather as much as possible!
On to other things. If I haven't been clear, my ride during the past six weeks has mirrored the stock market, or maybe more precisely the normal ALL cancer story. My official second relapse began around July 15, 2011. I noticed a small lump growing on my head above the right eye. The PA thought it should be watched, but not too closely so we went on our merry way which included traveling to Oregon for Alicia's wedding, a side trip to Bend for R&R, then a road trip to Utah, Colorado and Nebraska. Eventually in Utah things got a lot worse so we turned for home. Aug 1 we learned the bump was a lymphoma (tumor) in and outside of my skull/brain. I had two more along the spine at C-3 and T-10. So we drove back to Tacoma in a day and I did three weeks of out-patient radiation. After three weeks, more problems occurred so that was stopped a couple of days short. The Dr. moved me to a new Chemo protocol that I started September 1. Phase 1 of the chemo (MOAD) will finish Sept 15 and 16. There might be a second phase depending on how I finish the first. So far the first phase HAS KICKED MY A%&! But now I am calmer and hopeful it will improve. Yvonne has been through hell as well, having to drive me around for it seems like at least 30 days to medical appointments, treatments, and for the first time today- an actual visit to the good folks in SeaTac on our way to Lunch.
My prognosis- I am alive, still with some active cancer and after a second relapse in a short time frame things are not as good as they were prior to relapsing. Each of those relapses compounds the situation almost exponentially. From here on out after I get to remission I need to stay there! I hope you like the photos from around the yard, even with our hot streak Yvonne has done a wonderful job of keeping things looking nice!
13 comments:
Very nicely written. Now it's time for you kick cancer's A%&! :) You and your family will be in my thoughts as I continue to reflect on all the heroes of Sept 11th along with my Dad.
I know the I will "NEVER FORGET" the events on 9/11. On Sept 11, 2001 I woke up thinking of my Dad who had passed on Sept 12, 2000. Even though the date was the 11th it was Tuesday and I was thinking about the Tuesday just a year earlier that we said good-bye to our patriotic father.
Wishing you a week of strength and healing. Jackie
Very nice blog and your yard looks great! I don't know how Yvonne does it! You and Yvonne are always in our thoughts and prayers
Love, Cathy
Hi Greg this is Robin (Ken's wife). I know all too well the daily anxiety and concerns that Yvonne experiences each day. You both are amazing and an inspiration to us....
We are truly blessed to live in a country where 40 citizens take it to the terrorists (Flight 93) knowing their most unkind fate. We all should help inspire each other as we move forward. Jackie, Cathy, and Robin- what a great group of supporting ladies who I am sure at times need the support yourselves. Peace and Love!
Hi Greg, eloquently said about 9/11. I am grateful to be in this great country. We will never forget the sacrifices all those had made on that day. We also want to thank you for your service to our community. Hope you and Yvonne are having a wonderful weekend! The bumps and discomfort will pass. You did a good job by fighting back and not staying down! Bravo to Yvonne and her hard work in the garden....I am sure you helped too by bringing her a tall cold glass of water! :-) Live Strong and Happy!!
This was an extremely touching blog from beginning to end. There are so many heroes to remember this weekend (and always), and my thoughts are with you & your family. I could listen to this song over and over. My son started singing it around age 7 and knew every word from beginning to end. It's always been a favorite.
Prayers
Poor Sadie looks so sad when she is not being held by your wife.
you need a service dog.
:-)
Hi Greg,
I've been thinking about you and Yvonne alot lately. Stay strong and keep up the good fight; you're tough! Miss ya!
Greg,might see you later today or early tomorrow. Let you know later. Love dad and alice
Hi Helen, I will be seeing you if you are around the next couple of weeks! OK Dad, we are ready!
Love that song! God Bless the USA and all Americans past and present fighting to keep us safe.
Kevin & I enjoyed talking to you! You will beat this Greg - you have Yvonne along side you and so many people behind you. Better days are ahead.
Have a great week!
The passengers on Flight 93 fought because there was a chance they would win. They had a pilot in their ranks who thought he could land the plane if he could just get to the controls. That's why they are the true epitome of Americans. They don't know what it is like to lose, because they have never given up, and they have always eventually come out on top. I am said those passengers didn't get the result they hoped for, but no one would describe them as having lost that fight. There is a lesson there for us all, my friend. LiveSTRONG!
Yes, lots of painful remembrances on Sept. 11. I asked my students what they remember, where they were...Most of them were in 3rd or 4th grade then.
It was good to hear all the details of what is going on with you and this pesky 2nd relapse. I hope the tumors are going, going, gone. Sorry to hear this 1st phase has been so tough. That sucks. But we hope and pray that you are coming back stronger and better. Your yard and you two and Sadie look beautiful.
Keep the faith. Remission is coming!
love, Mary D.
Post a Comment