Friday, February 6, 2009

Bit of a stuff up!

I will update the blog as soon as I can. I was in hospital for the last 3 days!!!

Carpe Diem.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Comments, emails and phone calls

Let me say, once again, how very much I appreciate all those comments, emails and phone calls. This blog has been a real G_dsend for me and my family. The ability to keep you all informed globally has been hugely helpful and therapeutic for me. The fact that so many of you care and keep up with the blog is incredible. Rest assured that even though I may not answer all the comments posted or am somewhat tardy in replying to the emails and phone calls, I nonetheless take it all in. Like I said on a number of occasions, the kind words and the love and support are incredibly important to me and my family. I am forever in your debt.

Carpe Diem.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Chemo 1 (Round 4)

DING! After a pretty shitty nights sleep it's chemo 1 (round 4). My last chemo treatment was about 6 months ago. What a reprieve!



My Oncangel (Mary) put me through my paces and my ever so faithful side kick and left/right hand lady, Diana, was there with me. It took about 5 hours today. A little longer than usual, but all things considered, it was the first day (round). It usually takes about 4 hours because of the blood work and the pre meds. The next couple of days I have to follow up the chemo with 2 shots of Neupogen. No, it's not some exotic booze cocktail. It's primarily to keep my white blood count from crashing.

Now, how do I feel you ask? Pretty good so far!!! I haven't experienced that sensitivity to cold yet but, believe it or not, I'm taking precautions. I'm also under those watchful eyes of Diana and Mike. The sleeping has been crappy but that's partly because I am on a 3 day regimen of steroids to help with the chemo side effects. Like I mentioned before. For every boo boo they have a band aid.

Carpe Diem.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

This is why I love the bush



Carpe Diem.

You gotta do what you have to do!

This is called "The African Laxative" picture. No, it's not Diana. Can you spot the lioness? I don't even know if this is a real or photoshopped picture!!!

Yes, that's me. Must have been all that fine African food!!!

A dung beetle rolling away the evidence.
Carpe Diem.

Monday, February 2, 2009

The unknown

No, this is not about a Stephen King novel. It's one of my fears! One of the things that I have found very difficult to deal with throughout this ordeal is the anticipation of the unknown. How will the chemo affect me? Will the chemo do it's job and get rid of the cancer in my body? Will this go on indefinitely? Will I, once again, look sick? You get the point. I guess the best thing is to deal with this "in the now". I also need to follow my mantra of "Carpe Diem". Yea, I know! Don't dwell on what could be, should be or would be. Easier said than done, right?

It looks like Wednesday is going to be my chemo start day. I am still waiting to hear about my lung tap surgery day. Hopefully soon. The coughing is quite uncomfortable.

Let me just say a huge thank you to all of you faithful blog readers, part time and occasional blog readers and those who sent emails and notes. You must understand how incredibly uplifting it is to feel the love and support from all of you. Obviously, not to exclude my family, this war is dedicated to you all.

Carpe Diem.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Weekend update

Other than the cold and ice, we have had good news this weekend. Man U beat Everton 1-0 to go 5 points up in the table. But best of all was Kukpot Charlie (alias Mike the chef) getting accepted into the University of Maryland at College Park. Yes, the same school that Rob is currently at. We are really excited for him and he is thrilled. Nice one. It has to be Diana's genes!!!

This is for Emily. If you need the following decoded or deciphered, call me (he he). Sunday morning we watched the Chelsea vs. Liverpool game. To all you Liverpool fans out there, I have 2 words for you all. Bloody lucky! Man U is still in front with a game in hand. By the way, Lampard's red card was pure bulls&%t. Never thought I would say that.

Sunday evening we watched the Super Bowl at some friends. I must admit, it was quite an entertaining game. Once again, there were some really funny ads and Springsteen was amazing at half time.

Carpe Diem.