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
Greg here, one hand typing as I continue to struggle with balance. I DID NOT HAVE THE BIOPSY/SURGERY AFTER ALL WHEN LAB WORKERS GOT A "HIT" CALLED RSV VIRUS JUST PRIOR TO ME GOING TO SLEEPYVILLE. NOW WE WILL TRY SOME NEW ANTI-VIRALS FIRST AND SEE THEY WORK. ARRGGHHH!
this is Yvonne posting for Greg. He needed a little of help due to fevers, etc.
I wanted to update everybody. Saturday at 5 am we go to ER at ST. Josephs Hospital with difficulty breathing and fevers of 101.5 . He needed to be put on oxygen because his levels were low along with tachycardia. As we were waiting for a room on the 10th floor, all of these symptoms began to improve. He had several tests performed while in ER. The thought was possible pneumonia.
The fever broke for 36 hours then starting spiking again Sunday afternoon along with increase weakness, low oxygen and tachycardia. In the morning he was able to walk around the hospital, but by the afternoon he had difficulty standing or sitting on the edge of the bed.
He still runs variable temps going on day 5. This am it was 103.1, the highest yet. He is still on oxygen, since his levels will drop without it . We are waiting for test result for another day, before it will be decided if a lung biopsy will be performed.
The good news he was able to do 5 laps around the 10th floor with oxygen and IV`s. He continues to be a fighter.
The Pulmonologist just reported his CT scan shows the lungs are getting worse and appears to be an autoimmune disorder. A lung biopsy in the next day or two and a high dose of steroids IV form. The doctor thought maybe graft vs host disease of the lungs. Wow!! As Greg says watch out world!!! ( Due to rage of steroids ha, ha!!! Help me) The IV steroids will even go higher once properly diagnosed for sure.
( Help, help!!!) Once Greg is out of the woods I think work will be good place for me. As the title of this posting says prayers are needed this can be corrected and figured out quickly.
What an opening for a great couple of songs. I was never much of a Journey guy, just heard these songs listening to a great classic rock station in Kauai; "Shaka 103" for some reason I couldn't get them out of my mind. I will get back to Journey later...
I have to apologize for being lazy and not posting for awhile. I have a lot to say but decided to go computer free for 9 days right after we had a visit from my life saver/Donor Edie and her family.
We surprised Edie, her husband Kevin; sisters Christine and Kathy, and Arlene at SeaTac airport; it all started Friday night March 23... We were supposed to have a film maker there to document the meeting for a promotional film he is making for the LLS, but the days got mixed up so we met him at the climb. We still talked and took some photos before we went home, the ECC went to a hotel in Seattle. I couldn't sleep well that night, and eventually got so itchy and painful that wewent to the Enumclaw E.R. for help. The visit didn't help much, so off to Tacoma for a C.T. scan Saturday morning. It made us delayed in meeting up with the ECC, but we finally made it downtown after bad traffic tried to stop us. We found the ECC enjoying lunch at a nice spot at the Pike Place Market. They were enjoying Seattle after seeing Elvis at the Monorail anniversary. We did some more Market exploration and ended up at the Pike Brewery. What a great group of people. Everyone had a good time.
Big Climb team
We next met up at the Columbia Building for the Big Climb on Sunday. I couldn't climb due to weakness, but was able to shepherd the ECC and myself up to the 76th floor to greet our team, and coach Yvonne. Our racers were fast, I think they beat us to the top and we took the elevators! It was a sunny day and views were beautiful. We eventually went down and many of us went to lunch at Fado (Irish place). Our team did a great job in fund raising, close to $10,000 raised for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.
The visit from the ECC was quick, they had to catch a plane early Monday morning back to Boston.
Almost in the air, Natalie, Sam Y and G
We made last minute plans ourselves and thanks to air miles we went to Kauai Monday morning. Cam and Kristen offered us a place to stay with them in Poipu, it was a great trip to get away and see some sun- Thank you C and K! After four days in Kauai we switched islands to Oahu to see our Daughter and Son-in-law Sam. They have a nice home in Hawaii Kai - about 15 miles east of Waikiki. We were able to do a sunset cruise off the north shore, and a glider ride also on the north shore at Dillingham field. We were also able to swim, snorkel, and play at Makapuu and the north shore beaches. There were still some big waves, and the Shrimp shack on the trip was yummy!
Arlene Murphy (cousin and ECC)
Back to Journey- The band started in the early 1970's San Francisco after Gregg Rolie and Neil Schon came from the Santana band. Many iterations later I think they are still touring and making a lot of money. Steve Perry joined the group in 1977 he stayed around while Journey made most of their hits. Perry's vocals took the group to a higher high, no pun intended. His Tenor voice can be heard on such hits as "Send her my love", "Faithfully," "Open arms", "Don't Stop Believin", and many more.
I am still looking for a new kind of way, I'd take a clinical trial or other treatment option while I continue in my relapse. I will be in Chemo M-W-F next week in Tacoma with my old friend Nelarabine. I am hoping it can stop the lymphoma lesions/tumors that seem to be growing more and multiplying. So far the cancer action is limited to the lesions and not in my blood or bone marrow. If the chemo works it can buy me some more time to enjoy life, look for options, etc. Our tan is already fading, Easter is almost here, Yvonne went back to work part time at another clinic, and it has been dry since we got home. Good Friday to all, Live Happy!
