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
The Beatles were on a roll, they had conquered the USA and started the British invasion. 1965 came around and management wanted a follow up movie after the success of A Hard Day's Night. Help! was conceived as a send up somewhere between the Marx Brothers and James Bond films. The original songs and soundtrack were produced differently for the U.K. and American markets in 1965, eventually the re-mastered CD was released in the USA with all of the songs from the UK version. This little ditty is John's song about a losing a love if you don't treat your girl right. Sincerity aside, there is a good back and forth between John and George/Paul harmonizing that make me think of early Beatles songs before the artistic changes coming soon with Rubber Soul.
Since my last post, we've had mostly good
news. My PET scan was normal, so was my
bone marrow biopsy. I seem to have good marrow and stem cell activity from my female donor, after a relapse. I might lose this girl in the future, but we are struggling with the why's and how's. We wondered if more chemo is wise or necessary as it comes with a black box warning due to the potential of bad side effects. We also started a search for a bone/stem cell donor in case a 2nd transplant is the best course of action. After doing as much research as possible, I decided to go with at least one, probably two more rounds of chemo, starting round three of Nelarabine Monday the 21st. Doctors from the Hutch and my personal Dr.are still conferring about what will occur after March 2011, I hope to have some consults soon with the "experts." In the meantime I will continue the every three week chemo regimen which tends to keep me tired for two weeks and good for two weeks. I am happy at home still exercising every day with more walking and continued stationary bike. Yvonne followed me as I tried the stairs (12 floors) at St. Joseph's this last week and made it without a sweat- the big climb is only 57 more floors! Love, Greg
