Welcome to my Blog

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, October 6, 2011

Everybody Loves Somebody

Greg/Yvonne Grand Canyon 2007
Today is my anniversary of sorts.   I really try to avoid "I" as much as possible when I blog, but will be using it today as this is my second anniversary of being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.   Anniversaries don't necessarily elicit songs like birthdays, so looking around the jukebox I chose a happy song made famous by Dean Martin.   Once recorded by Frank Sinatra, and others, written in 1947, Dean made E.L.S. his own standard in 1964.   The clip shows Dean in his normal early 60's fashion, drink in hand making nice with the crowd, then crooning.   I happen to be watching our president say that the "occupy wall street" people are representing the American people's frustrations and he basically supports their movement.   Oh my God!   It's bad enough that there is a class war, now the commander in chief legitimizes and supports income redistribution and anarchy...   O.K., back to my anniversary.   Two years after the diagnosis I am still kicking.   I was fortunate to find a willing Donor (Edie) who sacrificed for me in May of 2010, sooner than most patients and now I am coming up to survivability odds that were not very good.   I plan on exceeding those odds by as much as I can.    This 2nd anniversary makes me more determined to keep at this fight while I comment and become more controversial.   Like Dean Martin with his drink in hand, being real is a lot more fun than the opposite.   I really appreciate my family- especially Yvonne and the love and support from all.  Edie's selfless donation, her and her family's support have also been extremely important.  The prayers and kind words from everyone keeps me going even when it is tough, Yvonne and I are blessed for sure.   I am continuing to improve from the blood clot issues, I swam two times this week, very slowly.   We might hit the sun for a week's R&R to continue our improvement too.   I sincerely hope that the future is bright for everyone out there, even the protesters who want someone else to pay their way.   Live Happy-


           

19 comments:

robinhood said...

OK well Love Dean and Thank You.
And the Socalist is trying as hard as he can to create a crisis that he can use to try to force the country closer to socialism.


for you still Praying and will call latter to day.

robinhood said...

This still brings lots of smiles :-)

Christine said...

I am so glad you are starting to feel better and getting back to the activities you enjoy. I also hope you are enjoying some apple pies and pumpkin cakes to recover that weight loss. Continued thoughts & prayers sent your way.

Cathy Curths said...

I'm glad you are feeling better, too.
Love, Cathy

Sue Reppen said...

Greg, you are rewriting the odds books. Keep in mind how new so much of this medicine is, and the deep stats just aren't there. Lead the pack!

Anonymous said...

Since I can''t win a games of chance I hope the luck transfers to this crazy disease. So far, so good thanks to the support. :)

robinhood said...

Good Statement .
AMEN

Jackie MacDonald said...

Dean Martin. Good choice. That would make my mother (the elder Edie) very happy. Keep the faith Greg. Many prayers for continued improvement.

Anonymous said...

unless you are the lead dog, the view is always the same..... that's from your old dog handler partner...TRex

Anonymous said...

Hey hey hey, yep that rear echelon view is always the same. I think the swimming helping me get better, day four today of that- I'm up to almost an hour of exercise and no ill effects. Have a great weekend!

robinhood said...

Eggs, Cottage Cheeese , Toast and Coffee

Edie said...

Even though we have not officially met - I feel such a deep connection, admiration, and respect for you. Your family and friends (the ECC included) that rally around you is so uplifting and makes me feel so happy for you. I feel blessed to have been able to help you fight this disease and with all my heart want you to succeed and beat all odds, obsticles, and challenges sent your way. If anyone can do these things I truly believe it is you. Swim, gain weight, LIVE HAPPY!!! Have a great weekend :)

Anonymous said...

Edie. I can't wait to get healthy enough to visit. It might be late Fall or Winter- but it will happen. Yvonne bought me a cane today, I am looking forward to some R&R this next week that will hopefully make a big difference and I can put the cane into storage. :)

Anonymous said...

Greg, great news that you are feeling better. You just keep coming back at it--You go, guy! Love Dean Martin. Hope you find the sun and enjoy.
Constant prayers and love to you both.
Mary D.

Unknown said...

This is my first time posting on your blog, we just wanted you to know our thoughts and prayers have been with you and will continue to be. We hope you keep feeling better and getting stronger. And thank you for sharing you insights and courage.

Mary-Beth McMurray of the ECC said...

Greg, so happy to hear things are going well. The fact that you are out and about more, swimming and are able to enjoy makes my heart soar. We think of you all the time and when we do, we cannot help but include Edie in those thoughts. She is an awesome person and my best friend. It will be so very nice when you get to meet her. Needless to say, I am going to meet you too as we do everything together. Wishing you and Yvonne a wonderful weekend and week ahead. All our thoughts and prayers are with you daily.

Mary-Beth of The ECC

Alice Lor said...

So happy to hear that you exercise at least an hour a day!! My thoughts are with you each step of the way!! Hope you do not need to use that cane like you said, but in the mean time, just make Yvonne feel better and use it for now! :-) Get stronger everyday!!

Anonymous said...

Greg , hope you guys are enjoying the sun . Love Dad and Alice

Anonymous said...

I used the cane one day, for a little bit anyway. I decided to chuck it and for the most part never really needed it. If anyone needs to borrow a camo-cane, give me a ring. The R&R is working, if I could just quit bumping into things. :)