Here Comes The Sun (Bossa Nova)

Portuguese, an interesting language.   Back in the colonial days, Brazil was the largest of the Portuguese colonies, but those amazing seafarers went far and wide exploring the world, setting up colonies in China, Africa, South America, minor stopovers in and around India and the Philippines including one of my homes away from home- Hawaii.   Back in the late 50's through the 60's the term Bossa or Bossa Nova relating to music had its roots in Samba.   Soft, sexy, Caribbean, and definitely jazzy influences combined with folk, pop, and many a cover version was recorded "Bossa" style.   I have of course featured Here Comes the Sun before, the George Harrison classic is probably my favorite upbeat Beatles song.   I hope you enjoy the Bossa version.

I highlight George's tour de force today (not that I have scientific data to back me up)  - I can see my tumors and lesions shrinking on my legs and body.   Our "Sun" here in the Pacific Northwest is where you find it.    My sun comes from feeling depression starting to sink in when I experienced my third relapse, words like "innumerable" were used when describing cancerous related lumps and lesions throughout my body.   Then... I felt the largest one yet, a thumb size lump on my right flank.   It grew and grew.    I forgot to check it for a couple of days and this morning it is the size of a small finger- that is success in my book.   The first sign of relapse in November was a very recognizable lump on my right shin.   It grew to the size of a quarter and it protruded about 1/3".   It is now almost flush and the color is changing from red to normal skin.    So, early yes; but this round of MOAD seems to be slowing or stopping my tumor/cancer growth.   I will finish the first round next Tuesday then Monday the 9th of January.   I will share some pictures when we get a little more time.   Occupy a seat or stand and live Happy!     

Jailbreak

It was 1976, I was in my prime as a 17 year old know it all who had just bought the car of my dreams (1968 Chev Malibu with a 327 V-8 and 4 speed!)   AC/DC had recorded their version of a song titled  Jail Break in 1974, not really my cup of tea those Aussies at the time.   Fast forward a  couple of years and I got my first taste of Thin Lizzy.  For the untrained as of yet classic rocker, Thin Lizzy was formed in late 1969 like many bands after growing up with The Beatles, Elvis, etc.   Thin Lizzy was fronted by a Black Irish unfortunate soul named Phil Lynott, who like many rock and rollers of the day developed a drug and alcohol problem.   He moved to heroin and died at age 36 in 1986 from sepsis and all sorts of heroin related issues.   Once I get past the drugs, Phil and his musical genius (Whiskey in the jar, The Boys are back in town, Cowboy Song) are hard to argue with.   I chose the song today because of something Yvonne said yesterday.   We were originally told I would be in the hospital for five days, with a different chemo protocol.    Yvonne told me we were breaking out of St. Joseph's Hospital come hell or high water today.   Being that I've never been incarcerated I can only relate to movies and arts.   So, Jailbreak started playing in my mind as we conspired to get this chemo done ASAP.   Luckily Dr. Senecal changed his mind to the MOAD protocol which has 2 days of chemo followed by chemo on days 8 and 15.   Then... St. Joe's didn't have enough of the Peg-Aspargase, today's chemo on hand.    Calls had to be made locally and Swedish had some.   We finished at about 2:30 PM today and am now home as I finish this post.    We made it home in time to cook some Lasagna for Christmas Eve, and enjoy a big Honey Ham for Christmas.   It is all about the food while I can still taste for a few days.   While in the hospital we had two different Christmas caroler groups come by and sing for us, a visit from Stephanie and a gift of her rum cake, and a lot of support from the team of nurses and doctors at St. Joseph's. Once again, Merry Christmas!    

 

Happy Xmas (War is Over)

Our big "Charley Brown" tree

Last year I titled my Christmas post, Happy Christmas so as not offend anyone by using XMAS.   This year one war is over for the most part and since I love the song so much I will use the actual title John (and Yoko I guess) used to title their song about Vietnam and war in general from 1971.   The Beatles were fresh off the break-up, John had become much more political and quite the activist in the early 70's.   The video and audio is pretty rough, a demo which includes some Merry Christmas messages at the end from a movie about John.   John and Yoko were involved in a project to end the war by promoting slogans like "war is over."  John and Yoko's idea was realized during John's brief life, probably nothing to do with the three words, but in my humble opinion a better way to protest than the weathermen or other domestic terrorists who were running around hurting or killing others for the cause.   
During Christmas season I don't want to exclude any other faiths or beliefs, my hope is that everyone uses this or any other time of the year for positive change.   To the Christians, I do want to say that I hope you remember what this time of year memorializes.   We should be able to take this joyous annual reminder and turn it into a time of giving of ourselves, drop the expectation that it's about shopping and material things, and get away from expecting anything in return.   I hope the spirit of the season is first and foremost in your hearts and helps to shape the basis for how you treat your fellow man.   I don't know if the sole message is that life is precious, short, and often taken away so easily or if it is some other innate self realization.   I do know that I will try to give (of myself) more than ever this year.   If you see me out and about, make way for a half smile and some kind words.   To all of the commentators, supporters, and genuinely nice people- I owe you so much. Get better Cam; Andrew, Natalie and Mikhael expect me to give you some more calls!     
I will provide some health updates on the comments section later, I am seeing Dr. Senecal Tuesday...   Speaking of giving of oneself, I count myself lucky to be one of the Best Doctor's in Washington's patients. The man is a Saint. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

  

Halleluja

I had a difficult time coming up with a title today.   Not to get too mystical on my virtual readers, but we were very worried going into today and my oncologist appointment.   I knew we would be going over my head MRI from last night, and as usual (I've been conditioned) I thought of all sorts of cancer-related causes for my facial numbness and partial paralysis.  Yvonne and I missed a little sleep, and prayed and hoped for the best.  Dr. Senecal had just returned from a hematology conference, we figured he would impart some newly learned gems and in fact we had some questions about new protocols, etc. Instead of that, he hit us with all sorts of good news almost country-doctor like.
My bone marrow biopsy showed only microscopic cancer levels; .006 of blasts in my marrow which is very good for me.
My brain MRI showed a minor inconsistency or two, but no obvious cancer or tumor growth.
I was referred to a Neurologist to get checked for Bell's palsy, and off we went to Federal Way. Dr. Wendt diagnosed Bell's Palsy as well.   Now instead of worrying about the brain I can look forward to a month or two of getting over the Bell's palsy.   (If you don't know, I included some pictures of me trying to smile and close my right eye, two things Bell's palsy restricts.)
I can't think of any other reason other than the power of prayer and support that has helped us get through this bump and many other as we have gone through this journey.   To everyone from the west to the east coast of the good ole' US of A to people from parts unknown around the world I am one blessed person. I am humbled by the support and spirit. Please don't laugh too hard at my photos, they might cause you your own medical emergency!

Smiling and closing the eye at the same time.

Trying to make an "O"

Living happy again,    Love Greg

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Paul Simon wrote this Simon and Garfunkel standard in 1969.   Art Garfunkel sang the song for the album of the same name after arguing with Simon about who should sing it.    I think they both knew it would be a big hit.   Garfunkel thought Simon's falsetto would be better for the song...   Oh well, the die was cast and Garfunkel's sweet wispy voice was used in the recording.    Many acts covered the song, my favorite version happens to be the Elvis Presley version.   Elvis also recorded the tune, and it was a mainstay in his live shows during the early 70's.   I can't think of too many times where I've featured Elvis, not because I don't like him, maybe because he was The King and most people have seen or heard about his exploits. 

Glenda Neece, 1953

Elvis had a knack for recording songs at the time he needed them.   He was having some late career difficulties during his "comeback" when Bridge was recorded, the same can be said for other Elvis songs like Suspicious Minds, and The Wonder of You.

Glenda H.S. Graduation w/Mom (Posed?)

Enough about Elvis, the reason I used his version today is that Mother loved Elvis. I know my mom is in heaven looking down on me, this is another of my tributes to her. Glenda L. Neece/Dymerski was only 56 when she passed away on Dec. 12, 1992. About four years after John Lennon- wow.   I didn't have a good chance to say goodbye the day she died, I was in Seattle, she was in Portland.   I do have some pictures, and memories abound.   My sister Cathy shared many of these photos, so I have to thank her.  I can remember our 5th or 6th grade choir singing Bridge Over Troubled Water and maybe being the first time I actually listened to lyrics and tried to make sense of them.

Glenda, Natalie 1986

Glenda w/ Cathy and Greg 1961

Mikhael, Glenda 1992 Whale watching Oregon

The lyrics of Bridge Over Troubled Water speak to someone being there for someone else.   There have several interpretations over the years, Paul Simon said he just wrote a love song and might have included a bit about his wife finding some gray hairs... It's just a pretty song, Elvis' interpretation is very Gospel like, which is good for a day of remembrance.   Please do some remembering yourselves, we have so many people to thank for our success or where we are right now.   As I go to the third chemo round today I am looking upwards for help, Mom was always there for me and I know she will be again.   Live Happy!

Imagine

One more year goes by, John Lennon was gunned down in New York City on December 8th, 1980, ending his life and brilliant musical career.   Imagine is considered my a majority of critics and fans as his swan song- so I post it with a message.  My message is simple- you can look at the words with a series of tinted shades.   I am just concentrating on one word- Imagine.   Please imagine what will make things better for you and/or your loved ones without harming others.   Then ACT!   God Bless all of the sincere who do this every day.   For the rest of us, there is always hope in emulating those great examples.   Please enjoy the original promoted video   :)

Chattanooga Choo Choo

December 7, 1941

"A Date That Will Live In Infamy"

How do I, a mere baby boomer a little light on history best express my reverence for the Greatest Generation, and their times?   I did a little research, discovering Glenn Miller and his Orchestra had the number one song in the USA on 12-07-1941 when Japan attacked our country.   Chattanooga Choo Choo and the "Big Band Sound" was dominating the music scene, acts like Glenn Miller were all the rage.   A very popular musical of the day; Sun Valley Serenade included Chattanooga Choo Choo and the talents of Sonja Henje, John Payne, Glenn Miller, and @ 2:45 of the video- Uncle Milty strutting his stuff.    A lot of generations can say they had their heroes, how can we compare to this, the greatest?    Glenn Miller went on to make many hits including In The Mood and also volunteered to serve his country, eventually being lost in a strange airplane accident/disappearance while flying from England to Paris Dec. 14, 1944.   I read the lyrics of Chatanooga Choo Choo  it makes me twist and shout about going home.   I think it is a song about making your destination in style.

*Style, another cultural component that seems to be lost with time.   So in the end I determined that we can't compare, but we can remember and try to better our selves and our culture.   It won't be through occupying anything in my humble opinion, but by grabbing what is real, responsibility,  compassion, and hard work. The blame game is so over!   Thank you for setting the tone Glenn (and others), I hope we capitalize on your example.
Medically, I had eventful times at the newer St. Anthony hospital and the St. Elizabeth hospital yesterday.   The bone marrow biopsy went well in the morning, a little blood leak on the way home was fixed before the car seat was ruined... The pain came later.   So bad in fact, that little old worry wort me had Yvonne take me to the E.R. when I started having chest pains and saw blood in my phlegm at 8PM.  As best as we could figure the arm pain was caused by my lymphoma lesions and my Heart was fine so we made it home by 11:30PM.   I will make it to my destination today, the chemo infusion center at St. Josephs @ 2:00PM.   Then it's more waiting to see how the Nelarabine can stop the leukemia. All Aboard! 

"Help"

Roxette, a 80's pop group covered one of my favorite Beatles songs in 1995.   Roxette is two singers from Sweden who made it big in the eltropop formula during the 1980's.  Dance halls were still popular, their big hits were; "Listen to Your Heart, The Look, It must have been love."  They were long time MTV regulars.   I chose to show a covered version of Help since I used this title once before a few days after my January 1, 2011 relapse.   Another relapse is in the process of occurring right now.  (I will not so affectionately call it 3)  I knew I was probably relapsing deep down a few days ago as my pain and weakness increased exponentially.   We saw Dr. Senecal Tuesday November 29 and got some tests scheduled for early and mid December.   As usual, my situation changed for the worse these past few days, no sleep, constant pain, etc.   I was able to get the PET scan rescheduled and even got some preliminary results last night.   I also moved the bone marrow biopsy up to Tuesday Dec. 6th.   The PET did show that I have 12 active lymph nodes growing in a bad way.    The bone marrow biopsy will show if the marrow or spinal fluid is under attack too.   I was asked which particular chemo regimen I would prefer to fight back and chose Nelarabine.   This relapse looks like relapse 2 so far, the lymphoma (tumors) instead of the leukemia (blood).  as my cousin said so well in his crazy video- "Here we go again!"

Black Friday on Puget Sound

Sam and Natalie- we missed you and your backs when we went up to the mountains yesterday to cut our two Christmas trees down. We only got stuck once, and after a little shoveling and tree branch placement we got out and made it down the snow covered logging road.   Thankfully Mikhael was with us and did most of the work.   Sadie had as much fun as a Lab can have smelling all of those woodsy sniffs.


"Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being round.
Help me, get my feet back on the ground,
Won't you please, please help me, help me, help me, oh." 


Living Happy and I can't wait to start some treatment soon!