One more surgery

MERRY CHRISTMAS all -

A blessing came my way today in that God finally called my Dad home. He was in advanced stages of alzheimers. Was there yesterday to see my mom and dad. I thank God for taking him from this disease and consider it a gift from God.

I having having my port taken out in the morning. The last foreign object in my body, at least man made object! I take it as a good sign from the doctors that believe that everything is going great! Another great gift from God!

I want to wish all of you a very Merry CHRISTmas. I will really be enjoying my grandkids and family. And slowing down even more to relax and smell the roses. All the family is coming in so it will be a great time. I plan on putting my son to work doing another home project provided the weather cooperates!

I still have the usual stuff wrong with me, but it is minor in the long course of things. Just have to pay attention to myself more.

If it was not for the prayers of all of ya'll, this season would not have been possible. I pray that each of you has a fantastic blessing this Christmas. I know I have already been blessed! Here's to all of you as I sip on a cup of apple cider.......

CT results

I saw all the doctors today, got the results of the scans, and saw both Dr Corwin and Rastogi for the results. And the results were all clear! I was informed that PET scans will only be done if they find something in the CT scan. The doctors were so happy that I am going to a 4 month recheck. Needless to say, I am truly blessed. If I said I was not worried, Iwould be lying, but Christmas will be a special one this year.

Still have tingly fingers and feet. Still have dry mouth. Have a new pain on my leg. No weight gain. Look like I have been starved for months! Still bald headed. Voice still not normal. Taste buds still not back. Energy and strength not where I want them. And to all of that, I say, so what! As of this day, I am healed due to God and your prayers. I have leaned on each and every one of you and God has carried me through these last eleven months!

As I was sitting at Allison today, I thought about the last 8 months, the 3 weeks in the hospital. So sick that I wondered if I would make it. The radiation treatments and the neck burning. The never feeling like I would feel good again. I saw folks that are just starting their treatments and old timers in for check ups. Would I do it over again knowing what I would go through? Not sure. If it came back, would I endure another round, if I could have one? Thankfully I do not have to answer that question. Living life each day is my goal right now. I am trying to let God have his way with me to use as he wants. After all, I think I am here for a reason. Not sure I have found the silver lining in this cloud but I think I have touched some lives that may have made a difference in their lives. I know that the outpouring of the love and support from ya'll have made a difference in my life. I have slowed down to smell the roses. I appreciate the small things in life.

I went to my two grandsons Christmas play today and it was wonderful! My grandaughter ran up to me and gave me a hug. Who could ask for more?

This is a season to celebrate Christs birth. It is also the time we should renew our faith in God. To open our hearts to him. To listen to what he is telling us. And most importantly, to committ to doing it for all of 2010. We wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Let's make it one for the ages. I know I plan on it! Later gang....

The Christmas season is upon us

Thanksgiving has come and gone. It was a good weekend. Have spent the past week working trying to get caught up at the office including cleaning. I had a CT scan today but have to wait for the results for a few days. The wind blew about 70 mph yesterday. Luckily the damage was not much around here. However, I would not have wanted to be on the edge of town of in the country side.

I was so glad that I had gained 2 pounds over the holidays. However, by the middle of the week I had lost it and now again weigh 131 pounds. It could be worse! I could be losing more weigh and am not, so I am thankful. I had a CT scan this morning. I had a beginning nurse at the hospital and he really dug into my arm looking for a vein. The same one the chemo lab has no trouble getting to! But that too is a thing of the past. Just have to wait for lab results. Prayerful consideration that the cancer is still gone!

I still do not have all my energy back but am working on it. And I still have some chemo brain. At least that is what I attribute things I don't remember. Convenient huh? Still getting cold and expect to wear out several beanies, as well as gloves, this winter!

The glands in my mouth are actually coming back. It is that or I have really gotten used to drinking my meals. But each morning I have to drink before talking as my throat is really dry. But then I could have a devise in my throat because I could not speak normally!

I have always enjoyed the holiday season but this year is really special. Without Dr Patel taking out my tonsil last February, I might not be here today. At least in the shape I am today. So I am truly thankful to God for this special year. Our Christmas ornament this year was a special design that this lady makes for cancer victims. I will post after I take a picture of it.

People still tell me they read this blog and 2 new people have read it this week. If I am helping others then it is all worthwhile. I know it is good for men to keep posting although I don't normally have alot to report to this faithful group.

I am telling everyone "MERRY CHRISTMAS" this year. It is time we put GOD back into the forefront of this nation. This nation was founded on Christian religion and I believe this nation has succeeded because of this belief. I know I am preaching to the choir.

When I feel sorry for myself, I just have to look around me. There are those worse off than me. Allison Cancer Center has been wonderful in taking care of me. But the real credit for my recovery comes from this support group and believing that GOD has a plan for me while I am still on this earth. I had an opportunity to talk to someone about cancer this morning while waiting for my CT scan. It is amazing what we can do if we let God direct our lives.

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. We all get busy getting ready for Christmas but remember that Santa Claus also prays. So shouldn't we take a few moments from each day to do the same?