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



Tuesday, December 13, 2011

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

26 comments:

Mary-Beth McMurray of the East Coast Clan said...

Thrilled, absolutely thrilled with this news. I knew Santa would read my list! Pays to be a good girl!!! LOL!!

Enjoy the season, may you and Yvonne get some much needed sleep and peace.

Mary-Beth

robinhood said...

The worst for the moment is you seem to be all set for hollowweeeeeeeen:

Will keep praying, and "Thank You Lord Jesus" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Merry Christmas, and keep smiling :-) :-) :-)

robinhood said...
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Anonymous said...

What no Halleluja chorus music here? You're slipping!
:-) That is amazing news!! Halleluja is right! So glad to hear the latest biopsy was good. Bell's palsy? What a nice common thing to get...:-) Isn't there a song about "funny face"? We all love seeing that face no matter how funny. Keep up great progress, next stop the top of the Big Climb! We're putting money on it.
love and prayers,
Mary D.

Melinda said...

Awesome news Greg, now onto enjoying the rest of the holiday season.

Cathy Curths said...

God hears al of our prayers and answers them in his own way. I'm glad that you are getting answers. Yes and here's to sleep and peace!

Unknown said...

what great news. one step at a time. love, sharon

Anonymous said...

Good morning Greg, Allan, Phil's brother, developed Bells Palsy last April. Took him about 6 months to get to about 3/4 recovery, it's as good as it's going to get. It's not fun, but so glad it was that and not something more serious - cancern related!! Merry Christmas

Mike said...

Greg this is a multifaceted attack on the new conditions that have arrisen for you lately. Family support, prayer, friends, medical RXs and of course your own personal will and drive to work through these hitches is what bouys you at low tide. The power of prayer is truly an amazing thing. This Christmas Season should be a bright one. I give thanks and praise to God for the good news you received. "Merry Christmas"

ecc mj

Christine said...

The Christmas Spirit shines on !! You must have danced your way out of that appointment after hearing the news. May you & your loved ones have a VERY MERRY Christmas !!
~ecc Chris

Anonymous said...

great news Greg. I actually think we made those faces at a few council meetings or staff meetings! So, you look pretty normal to me. Take care! Oh, it's warmer but rain..feels like Seattle. Bob Meyer

Edie said...

ahhhh! Awesome news. Bell's Palsy - not fun. If you lived a little closer Mary-Beth would be bringing you chicken soup to make you feel better. Again lovin' the positive news. Sleep well, breath a litter easier, stop winking :), and enjoy this wonderful Christmas Season!
Kevin, Edie, & Family

ECC said...

oops - I meant breath a little easier :)

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Thank you for the nice comments, I had some dental work done to the left side this morning, and was numb all over when I did some visiting afterwards. All in all a very good day! I got in my last of three chemo sessions yesterday too, the next round begins Dec 27. So here's to a couple good weeks for everyone.
Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Excellent, stay the course

Capt. Ron

Cathy Curths said...

Sitting here with Cathy for a short visit during a ski tour may see you later AD

Anonymous said...

Greg - - stay strong, and God bless you richly (thanks to dentist, numb on left side, too!) +- Dave Perrine

phil said...

This too shall pass my friend. My brother Allan and Cindy have both gone through a bout of Bells palsy recently, given your history of kicking lymphoma's butt, you should fly through this. Winking and the letter O have always been over rated any way. Merry Christmas to you all, God bless you and your family.phil

Sara Sandefur said...

Great news!!! Hallelujah is right! So happy to hear it. Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the support again! Went in for a spinal tap with ara-c chemo infused on the sly today. The combo of that and the three Nelarabine infusions beat me up good. I will find out if there is any disease in my CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) by Tuesday. I will be in bed early, but have to shout out to Edie and Michelle from the ECC for a great Patriots blanket I received last night. Just in time to root for the Patriots on their way to the AFC crown!

Joe Peluso said...

I had Bell Palsey & look how I turned out. Scared you didn't. Hang in there my friend & theprayers continue !

robinhood said...

Continued prayers

Carol said...

Greg
Very glad to hear about the results. Sorry about the Bell's P. I have known several people who have had it and they have all recovered but it I know it isn't the gift you wanted for Christmas.
What I really want to know is where is the link to my favorite Halleluja song by Jeff Buckley?
Carol

Anonymous said...

Greg, we leave Sunday, hope you guys enjoy your Christmas holiday. We will call when we set up in San Diego. Love Dad and Alice

Anonymous said...

A Patriots blanket! That's a fabulous thing to get! There's a ton of Patriots fans here at Chadron State College, home of Danny Woodhead. Usually this is Broncos country but not last weekend. Many Chadron fans at the game. He's a player who beat so many odds. Just like you, Greg! Go, fight, win!

Mary D.