Well we took my dad off life support today at 2:00. The doctors said that he would probably pass within minutes to an hour. He was a fighter. He looked great and was fighting like a champ but because his lungs were so bad he was only getting about 40% oxygen into his body and organs. His coloring was better then ever and he held on until a little before 7:00 p.m. He was surrounded by his family and an amazing hospital staff. Meridian Park ICU staff were absolutely amazing throughout the entire ordeal.
My father did not want a traditional funeral service. He only wanted an Irish Wake - not in the traditional form but in the party form. He wanted people to get together and drink and share stories about him. We are unclear on when that will be just yet. We were thinking maybe on his birthday next month. I will update this blog when I have all of the details.
It's still so unreal that he is gone. I understand we all have to die but this just seemed so unfair. I wish he would have gotten a few more years to enjoy his retirement. It seems like he had one thing after the other setting him back.
He was a great man and will truly be missed. Thank you all for being a part of his life. He loved you all.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
Update
This update is from his daughter, Anne. As most of you may know, my dad went into the hospital 9 days ago with pneumonia. After getting the news from the doctor that he was very sick and that they would do everything they could but that the outcome did not look good, he first became very sad and then at one point he became very angry and made me promise to post something on his blog for him. So here it goes... My dad wanted to share that he is pissed off. He had come to terms with the cancer getting him but he is so pissed that his lungs were doing this to him. It wasn't fair and he is beyond angry.
I understand his anger. I too am angry. My dad is a very physically fit man. He ran most of his life and when he could no longer run, he stayed active with golf. He was not a smoker and it is not fair that he has a smokers disease and lungs of a smoker. I'm pissed that he got through his chemo like a champ just to end up like this weeks after his final treatment.
I'm pissed that he has had such a struggle. He beat pancreatic cancer, several surgeries, lung cancer looked to be gone. He was a good man, that worked hard, served his country, raise a family and all he wanted to do was enjoy his retirement. I'm very angry. I'm angry that he had to be scared and sad. I'm angry that he got so sick so fast. No time to tell him how much we loved him. No time for him to have one last trip. I'm pissed off.
My dad got sick on a Sunday. He called the doctor and got in on Monday. The doctor told him they would need to do a blood transfusion as his white blood cell count was low. They sent him home and told him to come back on Wednesday for the blood transfusion. I believe had they not sent him home and had they admitted him that day, he would have had a better shot at beating this. Anybody knows that someone that has done chemo is at high risk for getting pneumonia. Why wouldn't they check him for that when he went in? When he went in on Wednesday, they finally sent him to the emergency room. When I got there he was on a small oxygen mask. He was having a hard time breathing. He was a little out of it but not too bad. Within an hour of me being there (I got there around 2:00), they sent him to Intensive Care. That following morning the doctor came in and told us that he would need to go on life support. He was very scared and not ready. My mom and brother had just left. I had no time to contact them to let them know. It was fast and extremely scary. He has made very slow progress and the last couple of days he has gone backwards. Pneumonia is getting worse instead of better and last night one of his lungs collapsed. His lungs are so damaged he does not stand a chance at a normal life. If we keep him on life support he will be in a nursing home with a trach tube in his neck for oxygen. He'd have months to years of physical therapy and he'd never golf again. Any of you that know my dad, know that he doesn't want to live if he can't golf. He is sedated but his body is so tolerant to medicine, they cannot keep him sedated enough. He is miserable and not happy. The one blessing in this horrible situation is that a day after he was put on life support, he was able to talk to me by shaking his head yes or no. He did tell me that he was okay. But he no longer responds, he just squirms and grimises in pain, his eyes open and you can only see sadness. No real response. So it is with very heavy hearts that we have decided to end his pain and take him off life support. We will be doing so tomorrow around 2:00. So please say a little prayer for my dad tomorrow at 2:00. I still can't help but to hold out hope that he will breath on his own and be fine. I hope that he will be able to post on this blog himself. It would take a huge miracle but I am still holding out hope.
I want to thank all of you at Summerfield for being a great community and friend to my dad. Bob, I am so grateful to you for your friendship and you being there with him through his chemo treatments. He loves you very much. I always talk to him when I visit and when I would mention your name, his face would turn or his eyes would open. I got to the point where I would mention your name just to see some response. You are a very great friend.
With all of his health scares, I feel like the porch light was turned on for him to go home a long time ago but he just kept circling the block. He has such a zest for life and wants to enjoy every second. I hope he gets another lap around the block.
Sorry for all of my rambling. This was suppose to be short and sweet but I take after my dad - I never stop talking. Hopefully he will post an update in a couple of days but should he "go home", I will post an update.
I understand his anger. I too am angry. My dad is a very physically fit man. He ran most of his life and when he could no longer run, he stayed active with golf. He was not a smoker and it is not fair that he has a smokers disease and lungs of a smoker. I'm pissed that he got through his chemo like a champ just to end up like this weeks after his final treatment.
I'm pissed that he has had such a struggle. He beat pancreatic cancer, several surgeries, lung cancer looked to be gone. He was a good man, that worked hard, served his country, raise a family and all he wanted to do was enjoy his retirement. I'm very angry. I'm angry that he had to be scared and sad. I'm angry that he got so sick so fast. No time to tell him how much we loved him. No time for him to have one last trip. I'm pissed off.
My dad got sick on a Sunday. He called the doctor and got in on Monday. The doctor told him they would need to do a blood transfusion as his white blood cell count was low. They sent him home and told him to come back on Wednesday for the blood transfusion. I believe had they not sent him home and had they admitted him that day, he would have had a better shot at beating this. Anybody knows that someone that has done chemo is at high risk for getting pneumonia. Why wouldn't they check him for that when he went in? When he went in on Wednesday, they finally sent him to the emergency room. When I got there he was on a small oxygen mask. He was having a hard time breathing. He was a little out of it but not too bad. Within an hour of me being there (I got there around 2:00), they sent him to Intensive Care. That following morning the doctor came in and told us that he would need to go on life support. He was very scared and not ready. My mom and brother had just left. I had no time to contact them to let them know. It was fast and extremely scary. He has made very slow progress and the last couple of days he has gone backwards. Pneumonia is getting worse instead of better and last night one of his lungs collapsed. His lungs are so damaged he does not stand a chance at a normal life. If we keep him on life support he will be in a nursing home with a trach tube in his neck for oxygen. He'd have months to years of physical therapy and he'd never golf again. Any of you that know my dad, know that he doesn't want to live if he can't golf. He is sedated but his body is so tolerant to medicine, they cannot keep him sedated enough. He is miserable and not happy. The one blessing in this horrible situation is that a day after he was put on life support, he was able to talk to me by shaking his head yes or no. He did tell me that he was okay. But he no longer responds, he just squirms and grimises in pain, his eyes open and you can only see sadness. No real response. So it is with very heavy hearts that we have decided to end his pain and take him off life support. We will be doing so tomorrow around 2:00. So please say a little prayer for my dad tomorrow at 2:00. I still can't help but to hold out hope that he will breath on his own and be fine. I hope that he will be able to post on this blog himself. It would take a huge miracle but I am still holding out hope.
I want to thank all of you at Summerfield for being a great community and friend to my dad. Bob, I am so grateful to you for your friendship and you being there with him through his chemo treatments. He loves you very much. I always talk to him when I visit and when I would mention your name, his face would turn or his eyes would open. I got to the point where I would mention your name just to see some response. You are a very great friend.
With all of his health scares, I feel like the porch light was turned on for him to go home a long time ago but he just kept circling the block. He has such a zest for life and wants to enjoy every second. I hope he gets another lap around the block.
Sorry for all of my rambling. This was suppose to be short and sweet but I take after my dad - I never stop talking. Hopefully he will post an update in a couple of days but should he "go home", I will post an update.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Letters From the Chemo Lounge
HOOOOOOOOOOOOOORAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!IT'S OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For now. Sorry it took so long to post this letter. But, between feeling the affects of the last 3 day Chemo session and being very busy with 2 Men's Club Tournaments and the Aug Chapman I just haven't sat down to finish this Blog. I hope this will be the last letter for good. Will not know for sure for about 3-4 months. In the next couple of weeks, I will have a Cat scan, and then another in about 3-4 months. The Oncologists will than decide whether I need more treatment or whether I'm good to go for another few months. To celebrate my last Chemo session, my Daughter (Anne) brought a cake to share with my fellow patients and staff. Everybody enjoyed the festivities. As I left that day I gave the normal Chemo Lounge goodbye "Good Luck and I hope I never see you again"
I'm really looking forward to a break from all this. GA and I will be on the road playing Golf and visiting relatives for a couple of weeks in Aug. It will do us both good to get away and perhaps forget for awhile.
Will let you know the results of the Scans as we go.
Ron
I'm really looking forward to a break from all this. GA and I will be on the road playing Golf and visiting relatives for a couple of weeks in Aug. It will do us both good to get away and perhaps forget for awhile.
Will let you know the results of the Scans as we go.
Ron
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Welcome to the Chemo Lounge
Today is Monday, my first day of my 5th 3 day session. I feel a well as I have since I started this adventure. It took about a week to 10 days to get over the effects of my last Chemo session. Each one gets a little worse. I have no reason to believe this session will be any different. At least, I will have only one more 3 day session starting the 15th of July. According to my doctor I will have a CAT scan after I finish all my sessions and then another scan 3 months later (mid-Oct). Then they will evaluate my progress and go from there. Hopefully, I will be in remission. If not, they will come up with another plan of attack to deal with the cancer. Different Chemo chemicals and treatment plan. At least I will have 3 months off to be normal again. It seems like forever since I have felt normal. Will go to Idaho in Aug to visit relatives and play golf and hopefully forget about my cancer for a little while..
Igor, my bartender is taking a few weeks off to visit his home in Serbia. Just my luck, I was just getting him trained. Sean will be substituting and I hope Igor left meticulous instruction on the right mixture of rat poison and vodka.
Today is Tuesday and I'm starting to feel it. It looks like another bad week, but, it is to be expected. Pretty tired so I won't write much.
Now it's Wednesday and it's almost over. As soon as I get home I will go to bed. I'm very tired and will spend about 18 to 20 hrs in bed for the rest of the week. I will try to play golf tomorrow but we'll have to see how that goes. If at all possible, I will play.
Today is Sunday and I'm starting to feel a little more human. As expected this week was tough. But, I'm not the only one going through this. I am constantly meeting people who are going through the same thing I am. They don't understand why any more than I do. They are just ordinary people with extraordinary problems, and it is difficult to comprehend.
Sunday is golf day with GA and I hope I can finish the round. I do enjoy my Sundays' with GA because it gives us a chance to enjoy day together doing what we enjoy. Hopefully, there will be many Sundays' to come.
Signing off from the Chemo Lounge
Ron
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Letters From the Chemo Lounge
Well, today is not a Chemo day, but I thought I would update you and let you know that I managed to survive that last Chemo session. Today, Sun the 16th,I just returned from playing golf with GA and friends and felt really good. I shot one of my best rounds this year. I even felt so good that I walked (WOW). Unfortunately, I only have another week to enjoy before I have another Chemo session. I know it has to be done, but I don't relish the after affects. Each session has been worse than the last. But, the show must go one. At least when I finish this session, I will only have one more to go.
Thanks again for all the wonderful support that you have given me during this adventure.
Until we meet again in the Chemo Lounge
Ron
Thanks again for all the wonderful support that you have given me during this adventure.
Until we meet again in the Chemo Lounge
Ron
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Letters From the Chemo Lounge
Well, here we are again in the Chemo Lounge with my favorite cocktail waitress (Tess) and bartender (Igor). This is my 4th 3 day session out of 6 total. This week I will be over half way through Chemo. Only 2 more 3 day sessions to go. That will take me out to mid July. I finished radiation a week ago and I have already noticed that my throat is feeling better. It's nice to be able to eat again and almost enjoy it. Monday turned into a party atmosphere as we had a good, lively, crowd. Mindy was telling stories about her pet snake (Rex), and Brenda and I were really playing it up. The best story was when Mindy went grocery shopping and forgot that Rex was wrapped around her neck. She couldn't figure why people were reacting so strangely until she realized that Rex was causing all the fuss. She quickly put him away in her purse, and hasn't been back to that store since. What a hoot!!!!!!! We were having such a good time that we decided that our new motto would be: "What happens at the Chemo Lounge, stays at the Chemo Lounge." It's amazing the number of interesting people that I have met during my Adventures. Keep it up Ladies.
Last week, a good friend, gave me a pocket angel to carry. It's supposed to watch over me and help me through the bad times until my adventure is over. I'm not a particularly religious person, but for some reason this little gesture really touched me. Maybe, it was that it meant something special to the giver, and that by giving it to me made me feel special. Now, I don't go out the door without it in my pocket. And another special thanks goes out to Mary for knowing just what I needed that last week of radiation when my throat was at it's worst. Homemade Custard. Boy, was that good. It really hit the spot. I really feel a special bond with Mary, because she went trough all this last year and seems to know exactly what I'm going through at every stage.She is a very special lady. If she was from Georgia, she would be real "Georgia Peach". She has really been helpful and encouraging through all of this. Thanks Special Lady.
I started this letter Monday, and now it is Sunday. It has been my most challenging week yet. The cumulative affect has really hit me. Usually, when I go play golf, even if I don't really feel up to it, I always feel better after I start playing. But, this week was different. I didn't feel better. The longer I played, the worse I felt. I have spent most of the last 4 days in bed. It really kicked my A**. I was determined not to let my Cancer get me down. That I would continue to live my life just as if nothing had happened. My personal motto was that "Cancer might kill me, but I wouldn't let it beat me". Cancer won this week. But, I'll be back.
Until next time:
Ron
Last week, a good friend, gave me a pocket angel to carry. It's supposed to watch over me and help me through the bad times until my adventure is over. I'm not a particularly religious person, but for some reason this little gesture really touched me. Maybe, it was that it meant something special to the giver, and that by giving it to me made me feel special. Now, I don't go out the door without it in my pocket. And another special thanks goes out to Mary for knowing just what I needed that last week of radiation when my throat was at it's worst. Homemade Custard. Boy, was that good. It really hit the spot. I really feel a special bond with Mary, because she went trough all this last year and seems to know exactly what I'm going through at every stage.She is a very special lady. If she was from Georgia, she would be real "Georgia Peach". She has really been helpful and encouraging through all of this. Thanks Special Lady.
I started this letter Monday, and now it is Sunday. It has been my most challenging week yet. The cumulative affect has really hit me. Usually, when I go play golf, even if I don't really feel up to it, I always feel better after I start playing. But, this week was different. I didn't feel better. The longer I played, the worse I felt. I have spent most of the last 4 days in bed. It really kicked my A**. I was determined not to let my Cancer get me down. That I would continue to live my life just as if nothing had happened. My personal motto was that "Cancer might kill me, but I wouldn't let it beat me". Cancer won this week. But, I'll be back.
Until next time:
Ron
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Over Half Way There!!!
I just finished my last radiation treatment Friday (May 31st). It feels great. No longer will have to go out to the Hospital every day at 2:30 pm. It wasn't a big inconvenience but it was every day. Now I can nap, play golf, or just punk out.
As I mentioned last week I really felt the effects of Chemo. Each session really takes it's toll. It definitely has a cumulative affect and I have to admit, this session really kicked my butt. Wasn't sure I be able to play golf for the rest of the week. It really gets hard some days to go out there, but it is very important that I do. But, I did manage to play most days.
This week I have felt pretty good. Slept well, and manage to play golf every day. It feels like I have turned the corner on this adventure and I believe that I will feel better as the next few weeks go by. Chemo weeks will not be great, but I seem to be getting stronger every day. Now that radiation is over, my throat should heal and hopefully I'll be able to eat more solid foods.
The end goal for all this will be to go into remission. If I can stay in remission for the next 24 months, I will have a good chance that it may not come back. But only time will tell.
Although I have finished radiation, I still have 3 more 3 day sessions of Chemo. I should be getting a C scan in the next two weeks to check my progress. Will let you know when I get the results.
That's it for now from the Chemo Lounge
Ron
As I mentioned last week I really felt the effects of Chemo. Each session really takes it's toll. It definitely has a cumulative affect and I have to admit, this session really kicked my butt. Wasn't sure I be able to play golf for the rest of the week. It really gets hard some days to go out there, but it is very important that I do. But, I did manage to play most days.
This week I have felt pretty good. Slept well, and manage to play golf every day. It feels like I have turned the corner on this adventure and I believe that I will feel better as the next few weeks go by. Chemo weeks will not be great, but I seem to be getting stronger every day. Now that radiation is over, my throat should heal and hopefully I'll be able to eat more solid foods.
The end goal for all this will be to go into remission. If I can stay in remission for the next 24 months, I will have a good chance that it may not come back. But only time will tell.
Although I have finished radiation, I still have 3 more 3 day sessions of Chemo. I should be getting a C scan in the next two weeks to check my progress. Will let you know when I get the results.
That's it for now from the Chemo Lounge
Ron
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Letters From the Chemo Lounge
I started this letter on Monday, the 1st day of a 3 day session of Chemo. I had planned on finishing it on Tues or Wed, but here it is Sunday, a full week from the beginning. I've heard that the Chemo and Radiation effects are cumulative, but I didn't expect it to be this bad. It has been a very bad week. I have lost another 5 lbs, down 20 lbs since I started my adventure. Eating is still very difficult and of course nothing taste good. Add to that no appetite at all and you have the secret to losing 20 quick pounds.
As of this week I am half way through my Chemo. I will finish by the 1st week of July. Bob came with me on Monday. I told him that he doesn't have to come but he insist, especially on Mondays which is my long day. The Gypsies were playing on Monday, so I told him to go play golf but he is as pig-headed as I am. I have to admit though, that I do enjoy his company. My daughter, Anne, joined us for lunch and we had a good time. She also visits me on Wed.
The good news is I only have one week left of radiation. It has been quick and easy, but it has been every day. It will be nice to be able to get away for a couple of days if we want, or, just lie around and not worry about going out to the hospital at 3 pm every day. Hopefully, some of the side effects that I have suffered from the radiation will start to diminish in a couple of weeks. The biggest problem has been my throat. It's has been very difficult and painful to swallow. Even liquids are painful. I have to sip very slowly. I'm really looking forward to the day that I can actually enjoy eating again.
Our hope is that by late July or early Aug, GA and I can get away for a little golf excursion to Idaho for a week or so and maybe forget about this for a few days and pretend every thing is back to normal. It would be nice.
Until next time,
Ron
I started this letter on Monday, the 1st day of a 3 day session of Chemo. I had planned on finishing it on Tues or Wed, but here it is Sunday, a full week from the beginning. I've heard that the Chemo and Radiation effects are cumulative, but I didn't expect it to be this bad. It has been a very bad week. I have lost another 5 lbs, down 20 lbs since I started my adventure. Eating is still very difficult and of course nothing taste good. Add to that no appetite at all and you have the secret to losing 20 quick pounds.
As of this week I am half way through my Chemo. I will finish by the 1st week of July. Bob came with me on Monday. I told him that he doesn't have to come but he insist, especially on Mondays which is my long day. The Gypsies were playing on Monday, so I told him to go play golf but he is as pig-headed as I am. I have to admit though, that I do enjoy his company. My daughter, Anne, joined us for lunch and we had a good time. She also visits me on Wed.
The good news is I only have one week left of radiation. It has been quick and easy, but it has been every day. It will be nice to be able to get away for a couple of days if we want, or, just lie around and not worry about going out to the hospital at 3 pm every day. Hopefully, some of the side effects that I have suffered from the radiation will start to diminish in a couple of weeks. The biggest problem has been my throat. It's has been very difficult and painful to swallow. Even liquids are painful. I have to sip very slowly. I'm really looking forward to the day that I can actually enjoy eating again.
Our hope is that by late July or early Aug, GA and I can get away for a little golf excursion to Idaho for a week or so and maybe forget about this for a few days and pretend every thing is back to normal. It would be nice.
Until next time,
Ron
Sunday, May 5, 2013
4 Weeks In
This week has not been to bad. My biggest problem is with my throat. It's very difficult and painful to swallow. Even soft foods are a problem. My diet is basically pudding, ice cream, milk shakes, mac & cheese, soup, and ensure. I wish I could enjoy it. When this is over I will have to get back to a normal diet. I'm still very tired all the time, but manage to get through my day relatively normal. I try to have as much fun as I can . It's very important to have fun in the good times, but even more important in the bad time. And thanks to all my good friends we manage to have some good times. Keep it up guys. Humor makes the days a little easier to get through.
I haven't talked much about my treatments. The Chemo lounge is a very friendly and comfortable place to be. During the hours that I'm there you can use your computer (they have WI FI), use your cell phone, read, or take a long nap on the big easy chairs with pillows and warm blankets. You can even have guests. Bob Meek has visited me during one of my long sessions (6 hrs), and my daughter, Anne, joined us and brought lunch. We had a good time. The time really does go by pretty fast. If any of you want to check it out, just let me know.
Radiation is quick and easy. I'm in and out in 30 mins. The therapists are really great. Lots of pretty young ladies who fuss over me during my treatments. Having such friendly places to go really helps me get through my adventure.
I still have along ways to go, but we are seeing some great progress. My tumor has shrunk over 50%, so hopefully by mid July I will be in remission.
Until later
Ron
I haven't talked much about my treatments. The Chemo lounge is a very friendly and comfortable place to be. During the hours that I'm there you can use your computer (they have WI FI), use your cell phone, read, or take a long nap on the big easy chairs with pillows and warm blankets. You can even have guests. Bob Meek has visited me during one of my long sessions (6 hrs), and my daughter, Anne, joined us and brought lunch. We had a good time. The time really does go by pretty fast. If any of you want to check it out, just let me know.
Radiation is quick and easy. I'm in and out in 30 mins. The therapists are really great. Lots of pretty young ladies who fuss over me during my treatments. Having such friendly places to go really helps me get through my adventure.
I still have along ways to go, but we are seeing some great progress. My tumor has shrunk over 50%, so hopefully by mid July I will be in remission.
Until later
Ron
Sunday, April 28, 2013
3 weeks into therapy!
The 3rd week I really started to feel the cumulative affects of chemo and radiation. I hadn't lost any hair the first 2 weeks but boy did it start coming out in the 3rd week. It was everywhere. My sheets and towels needed washing every day. I'd wake up with hair in my face and mouth and hair on my tooth brush. It was coming out in lumps. So I got it cut off. No one will probably notice because half the men in Summerfield are bald. I'll blend right in. So I'll be the bald guy in the golf hat, if you can find me. But there is a silver lining to this dark cloud. I shaved a week ago and it's just like I shaved yesterday. Usually I shave every 2 or 3 days. If not, I start getting hell from Mel who threatens to cut off my supply of orange slices. Now that I mention it, Jim, you could shave more often as well. There were days we played together that we both looked pretty rough. The radiation has had it's side affects as well. A nasty reflux in my throat and swallowing has become very difficult. I'm now eating mainly soft foods, such as mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and ice cream. That sounds like a kids delight, but with my taste buds pretty much destroyed nothing taste very good. So, when I eat, I pretty much have to force myself to get it down. But there is some good news. My latest CAT scan shows that my tumor has shrunk to less than half. A very significant change and it shows that the therapy is working.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Welcome from the Chemo Lounge
My treatment plan calls for 7 1/2 weeks of radiation and 6 3-day sessions of Chemotherapy every 3 weeks. The Chemo is what most people are a little anxious about and I'm not exception. the 1st day of Chemo is my longest day at about 6 hours. I get the IV hookup in my arm (they leave it there for the 3 days), and then they give me a bat of anti-nausea medication, then a bag of Potassium, a bag of Magnesium, and 2 bags of different kinds of Chemo. The individual who mixes my special "Cocktail" is named Igor (I kid you not), who is the bartender and the nurse, Tess, who hooks it up is my cocktail waitress. So you can probably see where I get the title of my blog. It takes Igor about 30 minutes to mix up my cocktail. I keep asking him to put a little more vodka in it for me, so he is still working on the perfect cocktail. One of my doctors told me that people who drink alcohol tolerate chemo better because some of the effects of a little too much are very similar to some of the chemo affects. So, Larry, fix me another Rum & Coke.
Unknown to me was how all this would affect me. Whether I would be sick in bed or unable get out of bed. Golf? Would I be to sick to play. I had no idea. But I was surprised for the 1st two weeks. I felt pretty good. I have some anti-nausea and steroids pills that help minimize the effects. So I was able to keep up with my usual activities which is one of the best things I could do to help me through this. Besides, would I rather not feel so good in bed or on the golf course? Obviously, playing golf alone made me feel better than staying home. First, I get my mind off it, and playing golf with my friends and the trash that goes along with the game, really helped me feel normal. So keep it up guys!! That is very important for my recovery. Please don't treat me any differently now then you did before I was diagnosed. I you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'm willing to talk about about my Adventures and don't feel that you may be intruding. Don't treat me with kid gloves. I want to be treated just like you always have. There a couple of notable exceptions. I really enjoy the hugs ladies. And Mary, although we don't need any help with meals, Grace Ann is covering that very well, I really enjoyed your cookies (ate them all in one night) and the wonderful pound cake (GA would not let me eat them all in one night). Although it was not necessary, I really appreciated yours and Pat's thoughts, cards and treats. I was very special!!
Unknown to me was how all this would affect me. Whether I would be sick in bed or unable get out of bed. Golf? Would I be to sick to play. I had no idea. But I was surprised for the 1st two weeks. I felt pretty good. I have some anti-nausea and steroids pills that help minimize the effects. So I was able to keep up with my usual activities which is one of the best things I could do to help me through this. Besides, would I rather not feel so good in bed or on the golf course? Obviously, playing golf alone made me feel better than staying home. First, I get my mind off it, and playing golf with my friends and the trash that goes along with the game, really helped me feel normal. So keep it up guys!! That is very important for my recovery. Please don't treat me any differently now then you did before I was diagnosed. I you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'm willing to talk about about my Adventures and don't feel that you may be intruding. Don't treat me with kid gloves. I want to be treated just like you always have. There a couple of notable exceptions. I really enjoy the hugs ladies. And Mary, although we don't need any help with meals, Grace Ann is covering that very well, I really enjoyed your cookies (ate them all in one night) and the wonderful pound cake (GA would not let me eat them all in one night). Although it was not necessary, I really appreciated yours and Pat's thoughts, cards and treats. I was very special!!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Putting your affairs in order!
Once I had accepted the realities o my prognoses, I had to prepare Grace Ann for the possibility of moving on without me. We had been putting off updating our wills. It's never convenient and, it is easy to put off. I manage all out investments, pay all the bills; etc. She's more than capable of doing these things, but didn't have the interest. So, I had to come up with a plan to get all of our affairs under her umbrella. I had a cousin who, coincidentally, died of lung cancer, who was the greatest guy in the world. Loved him dearly. He was so convinced that he was going to survive, that he did not prepare his wife to handle their personal affairs. Hope is a wonderful thing, but it can be your greatest enemy. When he died, he not only left her emotionally devastated. But, for months after, she was trying to find all of the important financial, legal, and personal documents. It was an ordeal that no spouse should have to deal with. You have to have hope, but you have to prepare for the worst. So, I have made a list of all the bills and how they are paid (auto-deduct, mail etc.); I have set up our investments under a financial manager; even little things like how to turn on/off the sprinkling system. It's amazing how many little things there are to remember. But, the point is you must prepare for the worst, hope for the best.
Ron
Ron
Friday, April 19, 2013
Update
For those who are following my Adventure's with the "Letter's from the Chemo Lounge" my updates will be from 2-3 weeks apart. Look for my latest by the 24th of April
Sunday, April 14, 2013
letters from the chemo lounge
I'm not sure why I'm writing this so called journal or letter. I've never been a demonstrative person, just like the family I grew up in, but that doesn't mean we weren't a loving family. We just didn't show it. Just the opposite of my wife Grace Ann's family (Italian of course). Their traditional greeting was always hugs and kisses. I wasn't used to it, but that sure didn't mean I didn't like it.
But sitting here in Chemotherapy, I realized that it was still difficult to express myself to my family and friends. But perhaps I might be able to do so through writing. I shall refer to this experience as an Adventure (sounds better to me). For, like any adventure, it will be full of the new and unknown. There will be high points and low points. Good times and bad times. It's not like I don't have the time. Every 3 weeks, I have 3 days of Chemo. 1st day is a double dose for 5-6 hours; 2nd & 3rd days are 2-3 hours. And of course I have Radiation therapy 5 days a week for seven weeks. I know this is nothing new to many of you who live in Summerfield with me. Many of you have not only been through the same, but far worse than what I'm experiencing. But, again, it's hard for me to talk about my fears and anxieties so I will try to put them down in words.
But, of course, this is not the 1st time I have dealt with the big C. In 1999 I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. But, my doctor told me that I had won the lottery and they had caught it in time and were able to perform surgery before it was too late. 2 weeks later and I would not have rung in the Millenium. They still thought it would come back, but after many commutes from Olympia to Seattle for 10 years, I was pronounced cured.
But, as life can sometimes do, it decided, "not so fast, bucko. You got off easy the 1st time, so we are going to start a new Adventure". I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer on March 21, 1013. Again it hit me like a hammer. I asked the same questions I asked 14 years ago: Why Me????? But this time surgery was not an option because of the tuyupe and location of the tumor. It is a smalll cell cancer which is considered the more aggressive and is most associated with smoking. I quit smoking almost 30 years ago, but be assured, past smoking can come still come back and bite you in the A**.
I went through the usual denials. It must be a mistake! But at about 3 AM the next morning it finally hit me and I woke up and started crying. All those plans and dreams GA and I had for our retirement were shattered. That winter home we had planned to buy. All those trips we were going to take. But, I had to get a hold of myself and start dealing with realities. Again, I know that this has happened to many Summerfield residents, but it sometimes seems that we are all alone.
On one of my 1st days I met a young lady who was going through this same Adventure and we began to chat about it. The first question she asked me was, "Did I have a support group?" At first I wasn't sure what she was referring to, but then I realized that she was referring to was my family. I have a loving wife, two wonderful kids, and 8 grandkids in the immediate area. They have, of course, been very supportive during this Adventure. But the most amazing part of my adventure so far has been the "Overwhelming"k support from Summerfield. Summerfield isn't just a neighborhood or community, but a family also. So many friends and neighbors and friends have told me they were praying and thinking of us; and if we needed anything such as rides to Chemo or Radiation, run an errand, pick up groceries, etc. all we needed to do was let them know. The question asked by my fellow Adventurer had an answer: I have the best support system that anyone could have.
But sitting here in Chemotherapy, I realized that it was still difficult to express myself to my family and friends. But perhaps I might be able to do so through writing. I shall refer to this experience as an Adventure (sounds better to me). For, like any adventure, it will be full of the new and unknown. There will be high points and low points. Good times and bad times. It's not like I don't have the time. Every 3 weeks, I have 3 days of Chemo. 1st day is a double dose for 5-6 hours; 2nd & 3rd days are 2-3 hours. And of course I have Radiation therapy 5 days a week for seven weeks. I know this is nothing new to many of you who live in Summerfield with me. Many of you have not only been through the same, but far worse than what I'm experiencing. But, again, it's hard for me to talk about my fears and anxieties so I will try to put them down in words.
But, of course, this is not the 1st time I have dealt with the big C. In 1999 I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. But, my doctor told me that I had won the lottery and they had caught it in time and were able to perform surgery before it was too late. 2 weeks later and I would not have rung in the Millenium. They still thought it would come back, but after many commutes from Olympia to Seattle for 10 years, I was pronounced cured.
But, as life can sometimes do, it decided, "not so fast, bucko. You got off easy the 1st time, so we are going to start a new Adventure". I was diagnosed with Lung Cancer on March 21, 1013. Again it hit me like a hammer. I asked the same questions I asked 14 years ago: Why Me????? But this time surgery was not an option because of the tuyupe and location of the tumor. It is a smalll cell cancer which is considered the more aggressive and is most associated with smoking. I quit smoking almost 30 years ago, but be assured, past smoking can come still come back and bite you in the A**.
I went through the usual denials. It must be a mistake! But at about 3 AM the next morning it finally hit me and I woke up and started crying. All those plans and dreams GA and I had for our retirement were shattered. That winter home we had planned to buy. All those trips we were going to take. But, I had to get a hold of myself and start dealing with realities. Again, I know that this has happened to many Summerfield residents, but it sometimes seems that we are all alone.
On one of my 1st days I met a young lady who was going through this same Adventure and we began to chat about it. The first question she asked me was, "Did I have a support group?" At first I wasn't sure what she was referring to, but then I realized that she was referring to was my family. I have a loving wife, two wonderful kids, and 8 grandkids in the immediate area. They have, of course, been very supportive during this Adventure. But the most amazing part of my adventure so far has been the "Overwhelming"k support from Summerfield. Summerfield isn't just a neighborhood or community, but a family also. So many friends and neighbors and friends have told me they were praying and thinking of us; and if we needed anything such as rides to Chemo or Radiation, run an errand, pick up groceries, etc. all we needed to do was let them know. The question asked by my fellow Adventurer had an answer: I have the best support system that anyone could have.
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