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, February 2, 2012

"Within You Without You"

My heart goes out to all of the family and friends of Stan Chapin, a great man who passed way too early...

Today's post plays an often skipped Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band tune, probably one of the most underrated Beatles songs of all time.   George Harrison wrote and is the only Beatle to perform on the record.   A bevy of Indian and other musicians help with Sitar, Tambura, and other less than normal rock and roll instruments.   Within You Without You was actually written to be a much longer composition, the five minute condensed album version still manages to get a very good message across to the masses.   The opening lines tell us the central message, 
"We were talking-About the space between us all-And the people who hide themselves
Behind a wall of illusion-Never glimpse the truth-Then it's far too late-When they pass away"
Sadie and I relaxing
George was trying to lay down some basic truths including opening up, love, and what happens when the powerful lose their souls, so intuitive and relative to today! 
I won't rehash the rest of the lyrics other than to say they can apply to all religions, political views, and all good people who will listen, keeping their minds open to goodness.   In the past week plus I have had contact with many people via phone or in person who exemplify the good that George was singing about, thank you for the kindness and motivation to keep fighting.  
I have been told that I am now a recurrent patient, still not able to achieve complete remission and in the "palliative care" area of my journey with Acute Lymph. Leukemia.   The doctors use that term as a prelude to hospice or end of life care.   Being a little stubborn, I said thanks but no thanks, let me see what I can find out there that might still get me to remission.  Thanks to Mike Cowan from Steamboat Springs Colorado, and my son Andrew I found a potential clinical trial in Houston, TX that might take me in.   After some administrative wrangling I was able to confirm at least an appt. and further testing for the trial February 16th.   After 3-5 days of testing I will then know if I can be guinea pig # X for a trial of a new medicine that inhibits tumor growth by intervening in pathways.   It's all very scientific, hopefully I learn more soon.   Is this a miracle?   I feel that I have my share of them along the way...   Only time will tell.    

Yvonne and I attended a Big Climb team captains meeting last week, we just want to say the event is close to selling out, if you'd like to join our team go to bigclimb.org and sign up.   The  password is dolphin8.   Fund raising is going well, for the healthy among us I have Jamba Juice cards to distribute or sell @ $10 each, they are BOGO buy one get one free cards for 8 free smoothies and the team collects half of the money... Just let me know if you'd like some.   The first two requestors also receive a free 16 oz. Jamba of their choice coupon from us.    PS: If you need any more motivation, the X gym produces a great video and help about stair climbing at there website; xgym.com


29 comments:

robinhood said...

As always, Prayers, Prayers, and more Prayers.

Sunni sezzzzzzzzzzz Hello :-)

Cathy Curths said...

You're in our prayers.
Love, Cathy

Anonymous said...

Keeping our fingers crossed for you Greg. Thoughts and prayers. Mark & June

Unknown said...

i hope houston works out well. i so admire your determination and attitude. fight, fight, fight. love, dan and sharon

Anonymous said...

Well, we finally found the reason Greg feels so crappy. In the last 3 days his red blood cells, hematocrit, and platelets took a nose dive. Tomorrow am he will have a blood transfusion. This will be the 1st since leaving Seattle Cancer Care after his transplant. I sure hope this helps get him through this kink in the road. Right now he is getting general fluids in the infusion room.

Yvonne

robinhood said...

Prayers !

Cathy Curths said...

Prayers !

Captain X said...

Do you remember the Nike posters from the 1970's? "There is no finish line". I think the idea was that only you get to decide what you do today. Run, or find an excuse. Push it a little, or coast. Reach a little farther, or play it safe. And tomorrow, get up and do it again. I think we all appreciate the defiance displayed by Mr. Greg every day, and the fire it kindles in us. LiveSTRONG. Every day. And thank you for helping us to also.

Anonymous said...

Greg , hope the transfusion works for you. Keep in touch, Love Dad and Alice

Melinda said...

I agree, keep pushing. I'm wishing you all the best in Houston. I think I'll be joining your Big Climb team. Hopefully there is still room to sign up.

Anonymous said...

Thanks everyone, there is still room to join our "The Long And Winding Road" Big Climb team. I am getting two units of red blood right now, it is already helping. That chemo acted on me in some strange ways. It should be a good weekend, Yvonne's friends Nadine and Julie are arriving today, then Superbowl Sunday and a Danny Woodhead led Patriots victory! Less than two weeks away from my next test in life. Remember life can be short, Live Happy; spread some goodness, and hug someone close to you.

robinhood said...

Glad it is working, enjoy the weekend

Anonymous said...

Glad you are on the mend. Ya gotz sum travlin to do! BigA

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed the post and the song.
So glad to hear you are feeling better. As you enjoy the Super Bowl, hoping you get a big dose of Danny Woodhead spirit--little guy from a little school (our Chadron State College here) beating huge odds to play in the NFL and the Super Bowl.
You have already beat so many odds. You are huge! You are a great fighter!! That makes all the difference.
Hoping things go well, Big Climb and Houston here you come.
Sending double the prayers and love,
Mary D.

Tony said...

5-0 (E),

Only you would come up with Woodhead! Love it!

Lots of good vibes being thrown your way from your pals at KCSO!

I told the "low hanging vegetables" story the other day and brought down the house!

Alice Lor said...

Have a wonderful Superbowl Sunday with your family and friends!!! Glad to know the blood transfusion gives you back some energy and iron out the kink. Keep praying for you and Yvonne to be strong and keeping your faith strong too. Hugs to you and Yvonne!!

bonnie said...

What an inspiration you are to me, your determination and upbeat attitude. Your posts have made me reflect as to what life means and I try to let those around me know how much they mean to me because you are correct, life is too short. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Edie said...

You are so cool.
Enjoy the Super Bowl!
You know who we are cheering for... the Pats & You! The ECC

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Two days of sunshine in a row must mean something! We are enjoying a visit from Nadine and Julie, and I feel much better after receiving two bags of A+ blood yesterday. A big thanks to the super kind people at the Sheriff's Office, nice to hear from you Bonnie- I trust you are doing well. Edie, tomorrow is going to be even better! I might have to buy a Sam Adams to celebrate!

Cindi Reigle Schwemmin said...

You are going to Texas and getting in...I know it!!!!

Anonymous said...

Well here we are again another bag of blood and tommorow.

Yvonne

Cathy Curths said...

I hope it helps
Love You,
Cathy

robinhood said...

Continued prayers

Hank

Anonymous said...

Saturday was good, then a steady decline until today. They are doing two more blood transfusions today and tomorrow morning. Dr. appt tomorrow afternoon too, I think Dr. Senecal will support going to Houston and trying the trial. We are scheduled to leave for Denver Thursday... Roller Coaster again

Anonymous said...

Many positive thoughts and wishes from SeaTac. Chris P.

Anonymous said...

greg, what did your doctor say ? We are still having problems with our internet. Love Dad and Alice

Anonymous said...

Dr. Senecal approved of the travel and thought that the Clofarabine was still working and maybe even doing some good. It's hard to describe, but I too feel the chemo is still working even with new tumors popping up. The old tumors seem to be shrinking. I have a weird taste that won't go away either- another chemo indicator. We are packed and almost ready to go, Houston via Denver tomorrow.

Cathy Curths said...

Prayers for a successful trip and healing.
Love, Cathy