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?

Merry Christmas

Hope all had a good Thanksgiving! I know I did. Worked hard but enjoyed the friendship and help in putting up a new fence. If not for Jim, Rene, Adam, Sarah and her family and Lucille, I would still be working on it. But it is finished as is the Snow Village.

I still have tingly fingers and feet (especially feet). The fourth bone chip has finally come out and my jaw is still trying to heal itself. Still have a dry mouth at times. Still get real cold. Weighed this morning and now weigh 133 pounds. We'll see if it stays on! Am still having to drink alot of water at meals altough I think it is getting better. Had my eyes checked and they do not seem to have lost much sight with all the chemo and radiation. Can't say that about hearing so I get to use selective hearing!

With the possibility of snow tonight and tomorrow, the outdoor lights may have to wait a couple of days. But plan on really enjoying Christmas this year! I always do but this year will be more special! God has blessed me and my family this year in ways we did not ever think about. It makes me much more in tune with living each day. I don't think I will ever take any day for granted anymore. I hope everyone has a great day..

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, got through the weekend campout ok. Was nice to camp with the boys and see them shoot their guns. Worked on getting a project finished for Thanksgiving yesterday afternoon so am a little tired today. Still shows my energy level not where I want it. And then have to get the snow village put up, so lots of activity to do this week!

I got cold working last night and my tingling fingers and feet really paid the price. Doing much better today. Will have to watch that in the future. Did not think about the cold affecting my hands and feet. My jaw is still hurting as the bone chip is not coming out yet! Hopefully it will come out this week!

Lots to be thankful for. I'm thankful for my family and friends who have continued to support me this fall. I'm thankful for all those who have continued to pray for me as I continue on the road to recovery. I'm thankful for the military for the unselfishness they give to this country. I'm thankful to being able to spend Thanksgiving with family and friends this week.

We have so much to be thankful for due to what God has given us. And praying that he will continue to bless this nation! I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Something to be thankful for

It has been 10 days since my last post. I can't say much has changed overall. I still weigh about 130 pounds. I have another bone chip trying to come out in my jaw. I still drink my meals, although it is getting better. Or maybe my care givers are getting better at making meals more watery! I still have a bald head and I wear a beanie or hat most of the time. My ears hurt because of my jaw and I have aggravated a nerve in my back again!

But before you think I am feeling sorry for myself , DON'T. Things could be alot worse. I get up every day. I am even getting close to getting up with Lucille every morning. Have not done that in a long time. My energy level is improving, I am slowly getting my office back into shape. I am able to camp with my Troop. I get to enjoy my grandkids and my children on a regular basis. I am eating better, although my taste buds are not back to where I would like them. My friends have continued to pray for me and my recovery and to give me words of encouragement.

I am glad to be able to witness to others. I am glad to be able to console Walker as he tries to fight another infection. I am glad to be able to enjoy my family and my friends. I am glad that I am able to work. I am glad I am able to finish some of my home projects at last. I am glad to see the sun come up and go down each day. I am glad to be able to enjoy the fall colors.

And all of this came about because of the prayer and support from you and God. I am still here for a reason and each day I try to do something to let God know it was a good decision.

Christmas is just around the corner. I am trying to put some finishing touches around the house as we get ready for Thanksgiving. I am building an outdoor fire pit for our guests next week. Pictures will be forthcoming. I have started putting up the Snow Village. It is a several day affair. Pictures will be forthcoming on that also. I am excited about this Christmas season. Excited about be able to enjoy it to the fullest. Able to praise God for sending his Son to this earth. I plan on smelling alot of roses this next month!

And yes, I will be saying Merry Christmas to all. Happy Thanksgiving all. Be sure to say a prayer for all our service men and women who are not with their families during this time of year. We owe alot to them!

Later gang!

A good weekend

Good Monday morning to all..

Well Lucille and I spent a relaxing weekend at our dear friends, the McFarlands. We chopped down a tree for firewood, ate, rode motorcycles, fixed a picnic table, rode motorcycles and ate and had a campfire. It was a good weekend!


Did not drink enough water so am having more dry mouth than normal. Will work to get that fixed this week. Have not gained weight but have not lost any either! After this weekend, I found out that my strength is not where I would like it to be. But that too will be fixed some time in the future. Will continue to be active. Only way I know how to get my energy and strength back.