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