tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82800411011218526342024-03-13T21:17:38.044-04:00B L O G G E R H O O DIt's a beautiful day in the BloggerhoodRichardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.comBlogger314125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-16012735954109212172018-05-28T17:45:00.000-04:002018-05-28T17:46:45.745-04:00Memorial Day<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Take a minute today and give thanks for all the men and women who have put their lives on the line in service to our country. It doesn't matter what your politics are, we live in a world where military readiness is a necessity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's another contribution to the "new normal".</span><br />
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Send me East</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Send me east in the morning</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Let me face that rising sun</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Send me east as to wedding feast</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Though there’s fighting to be done</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Let me rise up with glory</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">And find my way to you</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Make me ham and eggs and coffee</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Like the way you used to do</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Then send me on my merry way</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Giving kiss and hug goodbye</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Knowing it’s you I’m thinking of</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">As off to war I fly</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Send me east in the morning</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">To lands of death and shame</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Where cultures clash and warriors dash</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">And IEDs kill and maim</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Send me east in the morning</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">And tell me that it’s true</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">That being here is meaningful</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It counts; this thing I do</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Then send me west in evening</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Back to family, home and wife</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">And tell me that the things I’ve done</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Helped to make a better life</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">That's it from here,</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">RT</span></div>
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<br />Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-83667436345953491272018-04-12T15:24:00.002-04:002018-04-12T15:24:28.250-04:00Good News<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I realize I haven't been very good at keeping up with this blog. The last time I posted was in February. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Things have gone pretty smooth since then. We got our RV sold a couple of weeks ago. That takes a big load off my mind and it saves us a $120 a month for storage and insurance costs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am entering cycle 4 of the clinical trial this week. It started yesterday. Monday I had blood work and a CT scan done at Mayo Scottsdale and we got the results yesterday with a visit to the oncologist at Mayo Phoenix before my Chemo.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is the really good news. My tumor markers are down by 50% and the largest tumor is reduced by 20%. It looks like the treatment is working. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Vicki was more relieved by this than me. She was nervous all day till we got the test results. I feel better than I have in some time, though I still need to gain some weight.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So that's the latest from here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hang in there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RT</span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-40374787317280120122018-02-12T12:40:00.000-05:002018-02-12T12:40:07.936-05:00Another Clinical Trial<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I started another clinical trial last Wednesday. This one includes infusion therapy on day one of the cycle with pills twice a day for 14 days. I get the last week of 21 day cycle to rest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The infusion on day 1 is two different drugs, one of which may be a placebo. You don't get to know since it is a blind study. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I have already had the pills and one of the infusion drugs in previous treatments. So I kinda know </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">what to expect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In addition to starting the new clinical trial last Wednesday I had another <span style="background-color: yellow;">thoracentesis</span>. Because of the pocketing of the fluid in my lung they were only able to draw 250 ML of fluid, so the shortness of breath continues. My pulse rate is still elevated between 97 and 107. This one concerns me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's it for now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's this week's contribution to my "New Normal".</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Biker’s Valentine Card</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Get this straight you lovely bitch</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I’m not with you cause you’re rich</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I like your smile, your skin, your touch</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You’ve got edge, but not too much</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You make me hot, don’t leave me cold</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">You’re funny; you’re smart and even bold</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So if it’s not out of the question or just uncool</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Would you be the Valentine of this fool?</span></div>
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Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-28439379082761171082018-01-20T17:42:00.000-05:002018-01-20T17:45:06.437-05:00Wednesday's Appointments<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So.... I met with my oncologist and my pulmonary doctor on Wednesday. My first appointment was with the oncologist. He suggested 3 options including stopping treatment altogether. I chose another clinical trial. I just wanted to get my lung issued taken care of first. We left if like that till I met with pulmonary doctor at my next appointment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The pulmonary doc was great, but I got a not so good surprise. After x-rays and some other tests it was determined that my Pleurex catheter was clogged and I still had fluid in my lungs causing shortness of breath. They managed to get me scheduled the same day for removing the catheter (which I really wanted out). I had been draining every 4 days and getting nothing, so it had to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The procedure to remove the catheter is done without anesthetic, just topical numbing like at the dentist office. It is a little freaky because they literally yank the thing out of you, no kidding. It doesn't really hurt, but when that thing comes flying out of you it's a little troubling.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">All went well and we were home by 4 PM. We started at 9 AM so it was a long tiring day at the hospital. I am always impressed with the way Mayo operates. The doctor went out of his way and rescheduled his day to accommodate me and get it done in one trip. I am very appreciative of that and told him so.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I did tease him a little bit though, referring to myself as his patient zero since he had been dealing with me since 9:40 in the morning and we were just getting out of the operating room at 3. That's a long time for a doctor to spend with one patient.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The bad news in all this is that I still have fluid compressing my lung. We'll see what happens next. In the meantime I should start on the clinical trial in the next week or two.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That's it for now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's this weeks contribution to my "New Normal".</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Explanations</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Explain to me again why you’re leaving </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">she asked with a curious sigh</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I can be happy with only you</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If that’s what it takes to get by</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">No, my own desires and faithlessness</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">match your whims for sexual play</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I can’t keep up with the roster</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">of who’s on who today</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It’s nice that they find you attractive</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">and experienced and oh so sly</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If ever your talent for business wanes</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">as a courtesan you’d get by</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">And I the trailer park gigolo</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">hoping from bed to bed</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">a sad little cheating jerk of a man</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">lucky now not to be dead</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We sated our passion time and again</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">experimented with oils and scents</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">came together like snakes and wolves</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">then slunk out the back through the fence</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I wanted romance and mad passion too</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">yet it turned out so cheap in the end</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">without some trust and kindness there</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">it’s not in the cards to be friends</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">We’re left just with scars and bruises</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">both on our bodies and minds</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">nothing explains how we got this way</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I didn’t pick up on the signs</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">So yea, I guess I’m leaving</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Better gone than standing here</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">with the shame of disappointment</span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">betrayal, lies and fear</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-19486277963270153742018-01-12T19:16:00.001-05:002018-01-12T19:16:29.833-05:00The New Year is getting interesting<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I haven't posted in a couple of weeks due to laziness. During this period I had an appointment with the VA to review my compensation for Agent Orange. What will come of that I don't know.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My participation in a research study for Veterans with terminal cancer continued. My nurse came out to the house twice and we finished sections 3 and 4 of the 7 part program. It is helping. The whole purpose of the study is to help me find meaning in my life in its final stage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My next appointments at Mayo are with the pulmonary department to see if I can get the Pleurex Catheter removed and with my Oncologist to determine my next course of treatment. According to what comes out of these appointments I will know more of what comes next.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In the meantime the new Medicare RX plan I signed up for has denied my pain killer medication. It seems you just can't win with Medicare Drug plans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's it for now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's this weeks' contribution to the "New Normal".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Every Now & Then</b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Every now and then a feeling comes my way</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">That takes me back to a place & time</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I would have loved to stay</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Romantic were those days</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">my spirit always hot</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">and I in search of love and life</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">confounded by others not</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Oh lovely Fredericksburg </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">In winter clear and cold</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The “Natural Child” that coffee shop</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Where Hippies go we’re told</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">And Katherine and Linda </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">And Christian and Arlene</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">My heart was broke a hundred times</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">And healed and then made clean</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">By Folk songs sung by friends of mine</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">About the world we knew</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">And war and change and love of course</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Though our experiences were few</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Midnight walks through college grounds</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">ignoring the winter chill</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">a sly embrace at dorm room’s door</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Enjoying the forbidden thrill</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">A ride through town in VW Bus</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">named with humor Thor</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">bubbles streaming out the windows</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">of the bus’s door</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">brightly patched bell bottoms</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">nestling on sweet hips</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Embroidered shirts of Chambray </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Unlipsticked and unglossed lips</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The smell of patchouli and clean young bodies </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">smiles winsome and willing without guile</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">a toke and a bit of Hendrix</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">An adventure for a while</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">The year was nineteen-seventy-one</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">When boys turned into men</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I miss the feeling of that time</span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Every now and then</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hang in there, </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RT</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-11266881183739138922017-12-19T17:48:00.000-05:002017-12-19T17:48:41.322-05:0031<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today is our 31st Anniversary. It doesn't seem like it has been that long. We will celebrate with a catered (sort of) dinner from Olive Garden tonight. It's one of the few food choices that I believe I can eat. My nausea and lack of appetite keep me from enjoying foods I would otherwise love.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We both noted that the time has seemed to fly by. We looked back at our time together in our 30s, 40s, and 50s and wondered where it all went. The special thing about this anniversary is that we both know we love each other more now than ever. It would be impossible to stay together otherwise. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Vicki has been taking excellent care of me even when she is feeling under the weather. It has been a struggle for her. We are hoping she will get some relief next month from the pain in her legs. She is scheduled or will be scheduled for vein surgery. I am hopeful that it helps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am draining my right lung every 4th day now. That is a 3 day interval. I'm not getting much fluid which gives me hope that they will remove the pluerex catheter as soon as the end of January. We just have to wait and see what they say when I go back to the Mayo Clinic on the 17th.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My Grandson Caleb visited me today. He brought me cookies my oldest daughter Bridgette had made me. It was nice to talk to him and find out how things are going with him and his brother. It turns out that he was really messed up when he broke up with his first love. They had been together for several years and he took the breakup very hard. I hope he can get himself back together. I believe he is trying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am doing my best to eat and gain weight back. I am down to 151 which is too low for my size. Ergo cookies and Ice Cream whenever I feel like it. My breathing is coming easier as well. I am able to walk to the mailbox and back without running out of breath. I will start walking as soon as I can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am off the clinical trial for Stivarga and won't know what we will do to combat my cancer till my appointment at Mayo on the 17th of January. Right now my focus is on getting my lungs in shape and getting rid of this catheter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's it for now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's this weeks' contribution to the "New Normal" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Unintentional</b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Rain drips, soggy trees bend in wind</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">the skylight sounds like a snare drum</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">when the storm throws its fury down</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">in long lashing streams of liquid bullets</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">ricocheting off the house and landing harmlessly</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">on lawn and flower bed and shrub</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">a small river runs down the middle of our street</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">washing from side to side and then finding its course</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">the low spots of the tarmac are instant riverbed</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">detritus, leaves and other debris float by</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">like tiny barges set out for market </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">only to run aground just past the pothole</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Winter’s waning with this storm</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">the moisture stays after the fury is gone</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">bringing succor to bulbs and living roots</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">giving hope to new life and friendlier days</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Though the Storms outcome </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">is surely unintentional</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hang in there,</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">RT</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-20748024919879528742017-11-30T16:34:00.003-05:002017-11-30T16:34:47.456-05:00Better Late than Never<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It has been a couple of weeks since I posted. There is a good reason for that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After my first visit to the ER at Mayo I've been back in the hospital (Mayo) for a four day stint. During this period they installed a Pleurex Catheter in my right side. This allows me to drain the fluid buildup at home instead of going in to the hospital. It is not that comfortable, but doable with a little help from pain killers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In addition, one of the doctors on the Palliative Care team recommended I stop taking the Stivarga as well as the Semvastatin I've been taking for years. He researched my file and could not find any evidence that the Stivarga was doing me any good. The Semvastatin has been shown to cause muscle weakness when taken for long periods. I am hoping to see my energy and stamina increase.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There was a complete screw up with getting the Pleurex Bottles and Sterile kits which caused Vicki to have to make 5 separate trips up to Mayo to get bottles and kits so I could drain at home. The case of bottles just arrived yesterday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">At first I was draining every day and getting a full liter of fluid. That went on for four days. The fifth day of draining only got 800 ML of fluid and I had extreme pain in my back and shoulder. I called Mayo and they recommended I come in to the ER again. We decided that I would just go to Chandler regional and get an X-Ray. The X-Ray showed the catheter was in place properly and they released me to got home. I waited a day to drain and got 500 ML of fluid.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I skipped a day again and then got 300 ML of fluid. After two days I drained again and got just 50 ML. I reached out to Mayo and they had me come in for another X-Ray. That was yesterday. The X-Ray was good and they put me on a 3 day drainage schedule. So I won't drain again till Sunday. If the fluid output remains small they will pull the catheter in a few weeks. That's the best news I could have gotten.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While at Mayo yesterday I had my first session with a Veterans with Cancer project that is set up to help Veterans with terminal illness. It was very interesting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I will continue with the project if possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So that's why there have been no posts till now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's this weeks contribution to the "New Normal"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Time Was (a singular conversation)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>“Time was when we were relevant</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>movers and shakers were we”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Some can still shake it a little</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Others think they have the moves</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Now I don’t mean to belittle</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">but this crowd has lost its grooves</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>“Time moves on it’s the true Mover and Shaker</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>No holding it back or slowing it down”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I concede time’s the action taker</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Nothing stops it coming around</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So maybe we can’t shake our money maker</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">The way we did with the 60s sound</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>“Still we feel inside like we did back then</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Though our exteriors have changed their shape”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Don’t blame us for feeling lost at times</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We’ve forgotten more than you think</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">We’ve listened to many decades’ chimes</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">and many ice cubes clink</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>“We’re on second and third and 4</i></span><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-size: 9.3px; line-height: normal;"><i><sup>th</sup></i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i> Careers</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>We’ve retired and come back again”</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Many have found new spheres</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Of influence and endeavor</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">So be wary my little dears</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Though old we’re still quite clever</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's it from here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hang in there,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RT</span></div>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-29011911462957188512017-11-12T20:12:00.001-05:002017-11-12T20:22:38.405-05:00My Veterans Day<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This year Veterans day came on Saturday. It meant it was the first time since I was released from active duty in 1971 that I actually had Veterans Day off. Unfortunately I was unable to put it to good use.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the 3 or 4 days leading up to Veterans Day and especially the last 2 days I had trouble breathing along with severe pain in my right chest and back. Unable to sleep for those 2 days, exhausted and depressed, I made up my mind to get in the shower on Saturday morning, shave and brush my teeth so Vicki could take me to the Emergency room at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I chose to go up there rather than the closer Chandler Regional Hospital because they had already drained the fluid from around my lungs once back on October 19th. They had all my records, my latest scan and I believed they would just do a better job at helping me. I was right.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vicki pulled up to the emergency entrance and put me in a wheelchair. When I told the nurse who came out to get me that I was having trouble breathing she immediately took me into a triage room, pulled up my records and got me into a treatment room. There they hooked me up to a heart monitor, an oxygen monitor, performed an EKG and got me ready for the ER Doctor. He came in shortly thereafter and asked me what was going on. I explained about the fluid build up and the pain. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He ordered a shot of painkiller and a couple of x-rays. The x-rays showed more fluid than I had back in October. I was taken into the ultrasound room where a technician prepped me for another Thoracintesis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The radiologist came in and started draining the fluid. Once again it went smooth, I felt no pain and all was good till the very last. This time they removed 2.2 liters of fluid, a large amount. During the final moments I came down with a hacking cough and severe wheezing. It was very scary. I felt as if I couldn't get my breath and panicked a little bit. Luckily the cough and wheezing went away, then returned again, the went away again. It freaked me out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Due to my coughing and wheezing they were unable to drain any more fluid. The ER Doctor had x-rays taken after the procedure and they showed I still had a substantial amount of fluid left. We discussed my options which were having a catheter implanted to drain the fluid or have the lining of lung scarred surgically to cause the inner and outer linings to adhere to one another thereby leaving no room for the fluid. There doesn't seem to be any way to just stop the fluid build up. Kind of a bummer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My next appointment is this coming Tuesday. I will talk with the Clinical Trial Coordinator and the Hemo nurse about my options. I feel like I need to stop or exit the trial and get this problem fixed first. The combination of the exhaustion caused by the Cancer drug and the inability to catch my breath (just getting up to go to the bathroom required a few minutes to get my breath back) mixed with severe pain and the inability to sleep makes the prospect of repeating the process intolerable. I truly feared for my life at a couple of points during the previous week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am unsure what will come next. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's this week's contribution to my "New Normal"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Uncommon Tones</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Not everyone has the sweet mellifluous tone of Jewel</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">or the raspy, catchy blues brilliance of Stevie Ray</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Some try their best but the result is cruel</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">and they find themselves unable to say</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Just what it is that works them inside</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Heightens their fears and makes them abide</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Alone and afraid just wanting to know</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">That there’s someone to whom they can go</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">For shelter and comfort </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Laughter and Play</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hugging and Kisses</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Someone who’ll stay</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">With them the whole night</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Not slipping from their bed</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Waking up in the moonlight</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">No note that they’ve fled</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">And leaving them lonely, stony and cold</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">There in the bedroom with no one to hold</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Wondering, pondering were they the fool</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Thinking they could sing their love like Jewel</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hang in there,</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">RT</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-81647882249359289802017-11-02T16:43:00.000-04:002017-11-02T16:43:51.432-04:00Halloween, The World Series, and nearing a week off<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For the first time in a couple of decades my wife and I participated in handing out Halloween Candy. This was due to our Granddaughter Briana asking us to join them at their house in Gilbert on Halloween night.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She and her boyfriend have just purchased their home and we were glad to see they had such a nice house. We put chairs and a table in the driveway and gave candy to the trick or treaters. Briana did the actual handing out and Vicki and I engaged the parents and kids in conversation. It was a nice night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The World Series ended Thursday with Houston taking the championship. I hope it helps the Hurricane affected folks feel a little better. The series was both interesting and entertaining, with some midnite drama in game 5 with a final score of 13 to 12 for the Astros. The Dodgers tied the series at 3 to 3 in game 6 forcing a game 7. For the first time in many years the games kept my interest and were enjoyable to watch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This week and the first of next marks the end of taking pills for Cycle 5. After this coming Tuesday I get a week off. I am hopeful that this month I will regain some strength during my off week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's it from here,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's this weeks' contribution to my "New Normal" </span><br />
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">Stuck (Poet’s complaint)</b><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I am stuck with unfinished poems</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Like laundry left undone in the machine</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Some thoughts and threads do splinter</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Before I find out what they mean</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I’ll take it as a sign to be patient</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Forgetting the ease of the past</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Remembering what work must be done</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If what I’ve created will last</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Even though to me they’re living</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Just in this moment alive and complete</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">To readers or listeners in the future</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Perhaps they need legs more than feet</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">To mention their timely creation</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">And their living in memory so brief</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Would be far more than gilding the Lily</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">More like teaching theft to a thief</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">More like mist are these thoughts poetic</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">More like rain than water or ice</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">More intense than flame or fire</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">More often more naughty than nice</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">If given free rein this thing would remain</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">In limbo neither darkness or light</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">So I attempt to control, though I often extol</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Damn it’s difficult to get them just right.</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hang in there,</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">RT</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-41319391230293832642017-10-20T18:39:00.000-04:002017-10-20T18:42:33.116-04:00Cycle 5<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On Tuesday of this week I started my 5th cycle of the Clinical Trial. In addition I had blood work and a CT scan the same day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I met with my Oncologist and told him about my shortness of breath and the fullness in my chest he showed me the scan taken that day. There was a lot of fluid in the space between the inner and outer lining on my right side. Way too much. He scheduled me for a Thoracentisis to drain the fluid.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was not familiar with this procedure, however we scheduled it for yesterday and they drained over a liter and a half of fluid from my lungs. I feel much better. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The scan also showed that the tumors in my lungs have not grown and may have even diminished a little. My Oncologist stated that the drug is working and we will continue on with the trial.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">All in all good news. I am experiencing less fatigue so far and I have a good appetite. This is about as good as it gets while in treatment. We'll see how the next 3 weeks goes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now for this weeks' "New Normal" contribution.</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Twixt</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Twixt perfect and decrepit</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">that’s where I belong</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">on the way out but trying</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">to go out feeling strong</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Twixt smart and seriously stupid</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">not a genius but not a dunce</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">One who learned from his mistakes</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">though some happened more than once</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Twixt handsome and butt ugly</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">scars and deformities abound</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">yet still presentable in public</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">as funny as that might sound</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Twixt sober and inebriated </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">that would explain this rhyme</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">not for nothing is it “Twixty”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I’ll explain it some other time</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hang in there,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">RT</span></span></div>
Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-20611308699597673522017-10-15T02:20:00.001-04:002017-10-15T02:20:32.355-04:00Simple Pleasures<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In spite of the continuing fatigue even though I am in my off week we had a fire in our fire pit tonight. I had a stogie and a couple of whiskeys as well. These are the simple pleasures I miss so much.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Vicki and I sat in our backyard around the fire pit and reminisced about times we spent camping with the kids on our boat on Apache Lake. The fire brought back a lot of great memories. We talked about her parents, her high school years and lots of other stuff. I treasure these times. There are never enough of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My "Off Week" has been somewhat disappointing. For what ever reason I have not gotten my strength back this week. I struggle getting out of bed and feel too tired to do much of anything. Just splitting some wood for the fire wore me out tonight. Never the less we had a great time and I enjoyed a good cigar and some good whiskey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are 2 more days left before I start taking pills again. I intend to enjoy them as much as possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On Tuesday I will get a scan as well as some blood work at the Mayo clinic. I am hoping for good results.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's it from here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hang in there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here is this weeks' contribution for the new normal,</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>The Answer</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">In time </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">I found the answer</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">to the question</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">life had put to me</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">nothing big and spectacular</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">just what it meant to “be”</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Our very mere existence</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">a miracle so rare</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">we take for granted every day</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">we just can’t see it there</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Yet if you’ll heed what I say</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">perhaps you’ll come to care</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">That God is in the living</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">the here and now and you</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Believe it if you feel it</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">come to know it’s true</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Be thankful for every little bit</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">of water green and ocean blue</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">God’s in everything you see</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Observe and get a clue</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">RT</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-3664838152750481702017-10-10T00:21:00.001-04:002017-10-10T00:31:50.471-04:00Peach Cobbler<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The last 4 pills of cycle 4 of the clinical trial went down tonight. I celebrated with the last of the Peach Cobbler that Vicki and I made last week. For some reason I had a craving for cobbler; peach, blueberry, or whatever other kind of cobblers you can make.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cooking with Vicki is one of the joys of our being retired. I look forward to cooking many more dishes (mostly desserts) with Vicki. Food is still important to us, though we are having to change our diet to more healthy offerings. She ordered a book for pre-diabetics that contains a lot of new recipes we can try. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This next week I hope to get back some energy, start walking in the mornings and just generally feel better. I feel like I have aged past my chronological age during these last few years of chemo and cancer treatments. It would be great to be able to get back in to shape, if even just a little bit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We are going to our daughters' for haircuts on Thursday. That will probably be the only time I get out this week. Maybe we'll stop by the cigar store on the way back and pickup a cigar for me. The nights are getting cool enough for a fire and smores. We can hang out in our back yard and I can have a drink and a stogie. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I know, the excitement never stops, huh?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That's about it from here. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Since we're talking about food, here's this weeks' offering.</span><br />
<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;"><br /></b>
<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px;">The Crockpot</b><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">On those Sunday mornings</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">when my wife puts beef or pork</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">into her crockpot</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I find myself transported by the smells</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">which for me are like hyperlinks to past times</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">and my childhood</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">On this morning with hands in dishwater</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">looking out the kitchen window</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">at Robin and squirrel and solitary finch</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">the aroma of the crockpot wafts me back</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">to family homestead and country life</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">a small rural Alabama town</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Boiled peanuts and largemouth bass </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">my first motorcycle and my first kiss</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">when the world was still new to me</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">and I to it.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hang in there,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">RT</span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-66434531600584201572017-10-01T03:28:00.000-04:002017-10-01T03:35:53.461-04:00More New NormalI<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">t's Saturday night and I'm watching the premier episode of Saturday Night Live. I miss the good old days of John Belushi, Gilda Radner and Jane Curtain. The weekend update is still pretty good most weeks, but the sketches these days are lame. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The yard is looking great thanks to our gardener, Ryan, who takes great care of all the plants and trees. I have 9 days left in my 4th cycle of the clinical trial and then I should feel good enough to have whiskey and a cigar in the off week. It's very pleasant to sit on the patio and view the yard in the cool of the evening.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">These last two weeks have went pretty good, though we did go to a funeral service for Vicki's Uncle Clint last Saturday. He was 79 and contracted a fatal infection in his spine after receiving an injection a few months ago. He was a nice guy and a good Christian man. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On the way home I got caught by a red light photo camera at an intersection on Arizona Ave. I went into the intersection under 40 mph on the yellow but it turned red when we were halfway through. Vicki says they won't send me a ticket, but I am doubtful. State law says if you enter the intersection on yellow it's legal, though I think they will send a ticket anyway and I'll have to fight it. We'll see.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Speaking of Vicki, she went to her Doctor this last week and they are changing her Thyroid medication to help</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> with her aches, pains, and fatigue. I am hopeful.</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In keeping with the "New Normal" here's this weeks' contribution.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>I live with a Woman</b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I live with a woman who I Love</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">When snuggling we so tightly cling</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">And fit together like hand in glove</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">That between us there can be no thing</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">After all these years, hours and days</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Many kids, jobs, houses we have had</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Still I prefer her special ways</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Of being like a second skin clad</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Of moving with me, against me slow</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Then warming needing space and time</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Yet knowing when the need does grow</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Back into my arms and sphere to climb</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I make time and take time </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">If needs I push and shove</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">To clear the deck for mission prime</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">To live with the woman I love</span></div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
Hang in there,</div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;">
RT</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-22862674210100905822017-09-15T21:44:00.000-04:002017-09-15T21:45:36.697-04:00My "Off" Week<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This Monday was the last day of my third week in cycle 3 of the Clinical Trial. I will not have to take any pills till next Tuesday. While I have this time without Stivarga in my system I hope to be able to enjoy some different foods and maybe even a Cigar and a Whiskey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It takes a few days for me to bounce back and each time I bounce back it's a little slower than the time before. I held off on taking Marinol today because it makes me tired and I am tired of being tired. There were a couple of errands that only I could do that needed to be done(just one really, getting propane for the grill) and I gassed up the car as well while I was out. That was a major event for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We had some sad news this week. My wife's uncle Clint passed away earlier this week. They have a big family and it will take some time to get the whole family together. His service will be on Saturday the 23rd. Vicki has just one surviving Uncle now who lives in South Dakota.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I said in last weeks post about my new normal, I have some writing from 10 years ago that I am adding to my posts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Here's this weeks' contribution, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Life & Death</b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><b></b></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Love is such a powerful </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">force for good </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">or bad</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I blush to think of what I’ve had</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">and wasted, trashed and thrown away</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">thinking there’s always another day</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Friendship is so</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">wonderful and</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">rare</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Simple pleasures you can share</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">when someone fits into your life</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">is there in pain and bitter strife</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Breath in the</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Delights of</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">existence Grand</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Rejoice in those who take a stand</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">to live as fully as they will</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">take the cup and drink their fill</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">For pain and suffering </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">will surely </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">come</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">It’s up to you to add the sum</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">of life’s sweet blessings into the mix</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Knowing that fate will play its tricks</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">And stand and fight for all you can</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Make the best of your maker’s plan</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Live with Passion to your last breath</span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14px;">Your story’s told between life and death</span><br />
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">There it is, </span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Hang in there,</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">RT</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-59961119725432872062017-09-06T19:13:00.001-04:002017-09-06T19:13:48.085-04:00The New Normal<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am well into the third month of the Stivarga Clinical Trial at Mayo. My strength and stamina are slowly getting better on most days. If I am to continue to take this drug for the foreseeable future it will take some adjustment on my part.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I must be willing to get up off my ass regardless of side effects and do something, anything really, other than laying around in my easy chair and wishing I felt better.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">While I may not be up to great physical exertion quite yet, I am going to attempt some intellectual muscle building at least.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have held off commenting on our current political status and hope to continue in that mode. Instead, I dug up some writing I did in another time and place. At one point my wife and I moved to a small town in North Carolina and bought a fixer upper in a semi-countrified community just north of the town on a lake.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">During the almost 2 years we spent there working on the house I had a few months of inspiration and found myself awake at 2 in the morning writing poems. I am going to add one of those to each of my blogs till I run out of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Here's this weeks contribution.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ANYBODY CAN</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anybody can write anything these days</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And post it on the Internet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Not really dependent on older ways</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Of finding audiences with interests met</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I know this factually to be true</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">of course the deed I've surely done</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">not willing or able to wait on you</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">just writing like I'm the only one</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">who has got the magic words</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">to tell the world it's troubled state</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and not giving the reason why </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it's coming from this old reprobate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fortunately or unfortunately for my reader this is but one of 50 or so I penned during my period of inspiration a decade ago. Be warned, more will come. This is my new normal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Till next time,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hang in there,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RT</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-5458738827322274602017-08-23T20:04:00.000-04:002017-08-23T20:04:33.987-04:00The Results Are In<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had a full day yesterday going from my early morning appointments at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale to my afternoon appointments with my Clinical Trial Coordinator and my Oncologist at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The results of the lab blood work were good with a couple of exceptions. My platelet count is still at 81,000. I would like to get it higher to control some minor bleeding problems the low platelets cause. The rest of the numbers were either just a little low or good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The scans of my head, chest and abdomen were mostly good. There was no evidence of any neurological reason for my headaches, so that was very good. We had to check because my father died of an aneurysm in his brain at 67.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The chest scan showed that the 7 small tumors in my lungs had not increased in size and no new tumors were discovered. That's very good news. The Oncologist and I discussed what to look for in the next scan which will be in 2 months. At that time it could be possible to see some change in the tumors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The not so good news is that I must continue to take the maximum dose which can be quite debilitating.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's a small price to pay for continued survival, it's just that I want to be more active. I need to get to work on the RV and help Vicki around the house.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So that's it from here. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hang in there,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RT</span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-2796879745479137012017-08-17T03:30:00.001-04:002017-08-17T03:30:35.994-04:00Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got my dates mixed up on the 2nd cycle. I actually finished taking the pills on Monday the 14th, but won't get my scan till the 22nd at Scottsdale Mayo. I am easily confused these days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Went to my cardiologist today for another 6 month check and all was well. I have been running on my bypass for 4 years now. I see him every six months so things don't get out of hand with blood pressure and other heart stuff.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I worry that all the drugs I've been given will damage my heart or my one kidney. I was told by my hemo nurse that the current drug I'm taking is processed out of my system by my liver. That's another organ to worry about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I may get to take a smaller dosage of Stivarga in the next cycle. It depends on the scan results. They think I shouldn't be as tired as I am from the drug. We'll see. I want to be more active.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">No more news from here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hang in,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RT</span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-56036567164167619242017-08-12T21:25:00.000-04:002017-08-12T21:25:22.829-04:00Close to Finishing Cycle 2<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There are just a few days left in my second month of the Clinical Trial. On Monday I will get lab work and a CT Scan to see if the drug has had any effect on the tumors in my lungs. In addition I may get a full body scan. My Hematology Nurse wants to see if something organic is causing my headaches.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have days with some energy and days with none. The nausea comes and goes along with the corresponding digestive issues. My weight is staying around 160 pounds, a little low, I continue to try to eat as much as I can.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have procrastinated on the RV parts. I still need to order a battery disconnect switch and a solar battery charger and solar controller. Just haven't had much energy to do anything lately.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Vicki is still struggling with her right shoulder. In addition she pulled a muscle in her stomach lifting a case of water last week, so she is hurting a bit. We are chilling this weekend. We'll watch some Game of Thrones tonight and maybe a little Saturday Night Live. Other than that we will rest up till Monday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We have to be a Mayo Scottsdale at 6:45 in the morning on Monday. That means we have to get up around 4 or 4:30 in the morning. That's much too early for us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have both labs and a scan at Scottsdale, then afternoon appointments at Phoenix Mayo. It will be a long day. I just hope the scan shows something positive this time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's it from here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hang in,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RT</span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-3048058440575218652017-07-30T03:26:00.000-04:002017-07-30T03:26:15.456-04:00Second Cycle<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I started the second month of the Clinical Trial last Tuesday. It is referred to as the second cycle in the Trial Diary. I continue to take the maximum dosage each day, though I have changed the time I take the pills to just after dinner. It helps with managing the nausea.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">My energy level today is pretty low. I have stayed up tonight to get my stomach more under control before going to bed. I think I'll hit the sack after I finish this post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Vicki was very tired today. She cleaned the entire house this last week, plus we had Zero Rez in to clean the carpet on Thursday. We're just getting ourselves back together this weekend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We moved most of the furniture from the living room and dining room. That took a while to put back when the carpet dried on Friday. The bad news is we're both beat, but the good news is the house is clean. If only we had the energy to start working on the RV. That would be great.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Speaking of the RV, I have ordered the first set of parts needed to make a battery shut off switch and solar battery recharge system. I still need to order the solar panel and solar controller for the system. There are a bunch of products out there and I am continuing research before ordering these items.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When everything comes in I will get my mobile RV tech to come and install the system. I may need a chassis battery as well. We'll just have to wait and see.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's it from here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have a great weekend,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RT</span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-70839125890853087042017-07-22T05:09:00.000-04:002017-07-23T21:01:50.463-04:00First Month of Clinical Trial Review<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Right now I'm in my off week. Over the past 21 days I took 84 pills, four a day for 21 days. That's the maximum dosage for Stivarga. Some patients have had a harder time than me and I guess some not as hard a time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was hoping to feel better with more energy during this off week. So far it's been about fifty/fifty. I feel better more often than when I take the pills but I am still having trouble sleeping and I am getting headaches that so far have been hard to fix.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have not a great deal more energy either. Today was the first day that I was able to go out. I needed to get some stuff to work on our bathroom sinks at Home Depot. Vicki needed some prescriptions picked up at Walgreens and we needed a loaf of bread. I wanted to go to the storage yard and check on the RV as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I accomplished all my errands, came back to house and picked up Vicki to join me in looking after our RV. We found the front two Tire covers had blown away in a storm and spent some time looking around the Storage Lot to no avail. Worse than that though was the condition of the RVs batteries. They (all 3, the one under the hood and the two for the RV) were dead as doornails. Pretty discouraging. Now I have to get them recharged if they aren't ruined and set up some kind of solar battery minder for both the chassis battery and the house batteries. This is another project I may not be able to do.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I spent some time tonight researching RV solar battery minders and I still don't know which one to get. I think I will give my mobile RV tech a call on Monday and see what advice he can give me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's important that we maintain the RV while renovating it or things will get worse rather than better. During the past month I was unable to get up and go check on it and that's my fault. I should have made arrangements to have it checked at least once a week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The only good news from all of this with the RV is that we didn't see evidence of any storm damage or water leakage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I hope I can get my act together on this thing and as the Cable Guy says " Get Er Done."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Of course the biggest issue will be what effect the Stivarga is having on my Cancer. It will be another month before I will know that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Have a great weekend,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">RT</span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-88441377084538882162017-07-11T19:36:00.000-04:002017-07-11T19:43:42.528-04:00Second Scan in 2 Weeks and a little scare<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So... I have been having some trouble with pains in my chest and stomach. During my appointment at Mayo on Monday I let my Hematology Nurse know that I was feeling more pressure in my chest. She scheduled an X-Ray for me that afternoon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vicki and I left Mayo a little after 4:00 and got home around 10 after 5. By the time we looked at our phones we both had messages from Kelly (the Hemo Nurse). Something had showed up at the edge of the X-Ray in my abdomen. A little after this a scheduler called and set me up for a CT Scan this morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">By 2:30 today Kelly called and told me the scan was good. It seems that the X-Ray had showed what appeared to be an air pocket in my abdomen, which would indicate a perforated intestine or colon. Luckily that was not the case. I appreciate the thoroughness of the Mayo folks in spite of the scare. These people don't mess around. I feel like they are looking after me as best they can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Another bit of good news came out of this as well. The fluid around my lungs has decreased.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am still struggling with managing side effects, but I have </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">just</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> a</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">nother week and then a week off. I am hopeful it will get better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hang in there,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">RT</span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-50416867695798900122017-07-06T14:56:00.000-04:002017-07-06T14:56:54.153-04:00The Clinical Trial<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm almost 2 weeks into the clinical trial. The side effects have been mostly manageable with a couple of exceptions. During the first week I had a couple of times when I vomited. The first instance was pretty tough, the second a little less. It had to do with my diet and eating times and the time I took the pills.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This week has gone better so far. I met with Trial Coordinator and the Hematology nurse on Monday at Mayo and went over my condition and side effects with both of them. They suggested some options for management. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The biggest affect the drug has had on me is fatigue. Along with the fatigue comes headaches for which I don't take medication to alleviate. The drugs that work on a headache contain naproxen or aspirin, both of which suppress platelet replenishment. Not good. Oh and one of the symptoms of low platelets is headaches. Go figure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, I am trying to work stuff out each day to get by. So far, so good I guess.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That's it from me,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RT</span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-56305105338736694022017-06-23T17:58:00.000-04:002017-06-23T17:58:55.105-04:00Finally Passed<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yep, I did it. It took another 2 blood tests to do it, as well as some dietary and medication changes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">After the 4th failed blood test (my platelets actually went down from 95,000 to 89,000) I went on line and researched low platelets. It turns out that some foods can help, like salmon, tuna and some veggies I can't remember. In addition some foods and medications can hurt. That was the key.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I get headaches every day (which I assumed was a holdover from chemo) and I took Ibuprofen to help. Unfortunately this drug contains Naproxen which suppresses the production of platelets. I also learned that one of the symptoms of low platelets is headaches. What? Yes, I get headaches, take Ibuprofen then get more headaches. Sounds like a vicious circle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So I stopped taking Ibuprofen, ate some salmon along with spinach and my last blood test showed a platelet count of 112,000. Twelve thousand more than I needed to meet the Clinical Trial's criteria. The kicker to this is that the trial had officially closed and had I flunked this last time I would have not made the trial.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Luckily I did. On Thursday morning of this week I had a CT scan at Mayo in Scottsdale. Later in the day I met with the clinical coordinator and Hematology nurse at Mayo Phoenix to complete my paperwork and get randomized as to what group I would be in. It is still a little unclear to me which one I will be in, but I believe it will be the group that takes the maximum dosage from the start along with the steroid cream for the main side effect, hand foot syndrome.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I go back this coming Tuesday to Mayo Phoenix to get the medication and review the trial directions. At that time I will know for sure what group I am in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I feel very fortunate and blessed to have made the Clinical Trial. My latest scan showed growth of two tumors in my lungs along with added fluid between the lungs and lining that surrounds the three sacks of the lungs. If this increases there is a procedure to drain some of the fluid that will need to be done.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So... Next week will be the first week of the rest of my life so to speak.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Keep your fingers crossed for me , will ya?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RT</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-87357608141317021832017-06-16T05:16:00.000-04:002017-06-16T05:19:29.308-04:00Well Hell, I Flunked Again<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can tell from the post title that my platelet count is still not high enough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That's the bad news. The good news is that it went from 82,000 to 95,000. It needs to be 100,000 to pass the test and meet the criteria for the trial. My Clinical Trial Coordinator and my Oncologist at Mayo think it will be good by next Monday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Because I can't go Tuesday the 20th for a scan (Vicki has an MRI that day) I will go back to the Phoenix Mayo clinic on Monday the 19th for Lab Work and then out to Scottsdale in the afternoon for a scan. It will be another all day affair. Appointments at the Phoenix facility all morning and a late scan (3:45 PM) at Scottsdale. I won't actually get the scan till close to 5 because they give you a bottle of icky stuff to drink for an hour prior to the scan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My Coordinator told me that if all goes well I will be able to join the Trial on Thursday of next week. Now I just have to get the nausea medication out of medicare and it'll all be good. I received a call from them today and they denied the drug under my part "D" but approved it under my part "B". I am going by the Walgreens here in Sun Lakes tomorrow to talk to the pharmacist again and see it has gotten down to them yet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Vicki's MRI on Tuesday is about her shoulder. She may need surgery for a rotator cuff injury. We hope we can find out and get her shoulder fixed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's been so hot that I've held off on working on the RV. We'll see if we can get some work done on it in the next week or two. Now that the RV specialist I hired has finished his part, it's up to us to finish the carpentry and painting that remains. I also have a little plumbing to do in the bathroom as well. We bought a new bathroom sink which I got installed when we moved the shower faucet, but the new RV toilet is still sitting in my living room. I guess that's better than appliances on the front porch like back in Alabama, but I still feel like it's the redneck in me coming back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That's all the news that's fit to print with one exception. Our middle daughter and her family are moving back to Oklahoma on the 22nd. Vicki is miserable about this, but the kids have a son who is going to be a freshman at OU this fall and they want to be there with him. My son in law and he are both big OU fans.</span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">They will live in Norman to be close to our grandson, plus they really like the small town life better than here in Phoenix. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I want them to be happy and will miss Jamie (my middle daughter) like hell but I think it's the best for them. We will make Norman, OK one of our first stops when we get the RV finished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Try to stay cool this coming week and be careful out there,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">RT</span><br />
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Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8280041101121852634.post-68579290221441219122017-06-09T20:03:00.000-04:002017-06-09T20:03:26.055-04:00I Flunked My Tests<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I went in to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix on Thursday of this week for tests needed prior to my joining the Clinical Trial for Stivarga. The day was to be filled with interviews with the Trial Coordinators, signing consent forms and a series of basic lab tests along with an EKG and a Cat Scan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They give you the lab tests in the morning in order to determine if the condition of your blood meets the trial's criteria. Mine did not. My platelet count was too low. I flunked. Luckily I get to retake this test. We canceled the scan till my platelets get better. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They made an appointment for me to go in to the San Tan Mayo facility on Wednesday of next week for just blood work. If I pass this time I will then go to the Scottsdale Mayo clinic the next day for a scan. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The coordinators seem anxious to get me in the trial. Everybody I've dealt with at Mayo has been great. The place seems like a first class operation and the people as well. From my nurse to the lab tech and the EKG tech to the doctors and admin folks, they have all been great. I am hopeful the drug and the results will be as good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is good news this week as well. Vicki is feeling better. We went out to our oldest daughter's salon today and got our hair cut. So if nothing else, we look sharp.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am still having problems with my Part D medicare getting the anti-nausea drug I need while in the trial. This particular drug is the only thing I've used that worked during the last 3 years of my treatment. When we had private insurance it was no problem, now it is seemingly unattainable through medicare. I am very disappointed with medicare so far.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Perhaps I'll bring our RV to the house this weekend and get some work done on it. That would cheer me up tremendously. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Have a great weekend,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">RT</span>Richardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17028871782757014447noreply@blogger.com2