This is a bit long, but here goes-
Physically I do feel okay most of the time, sleeping good, eating VERY good (I’ve been told not to lose any more weight during cancer treatments). I’ve had six rounds of chemotherapy, which has caused the tumors to either shrink or stabilize, I’m now doing Immunotherapy (chemotherapy, in addition to destroying cancer cells, also tears down the immune system, Immunotherapy rebuilds it). I’ve also started an infusion of a bone hardening drug (Zometa), as the cancer has spread to the bones. This is to reduce the risk of bones becoming brittle or breaking, should I fall. I had my first treatment of the Zometa on Tuesday, and that seemed to go well. Prior to my starting this drug, I had to have some oral surgery at the University of Iowa Dental Clinic, as there was significant bone loss in two of my back molars. Not having this surgery would have me be subject to enlarged or swollen jaw from taking the Zometa, and not taking it was not an option. Two PET scans I’ve had show I may be moving in the right direction. Another one is due on July 9th, and next Immunotherapy and Zometa infusions will be on July 14th.
There was also concern that my enlarged prostate could be a sign of possible bladder cancer. There was a bit of blood in my urine a couple months ago, but a drug I was given for that took care of the issue almost immediately. Still, I’ve been waking up 2-3 times during the night to use the bathroom, so, to err on the side of caution, a cystoscopy of my bladder was done yesterday (that’s where they stick a _____ in my ________). After the nurse finished prepping me, the procedure was supposed to start right away, but they had to wait a few minutes because the nurse was EXTREMELY gorgeous, and I “physically” let her know I found her very attractive.
The actual procedure was done in less than 4 minutes, the findings showed no signs of bladder cancer, now the results go to a pathologist for further analysis, but indications are 95% certain of no bladder cancer. I’ll know in a week the final results. If they’re good, I’ll get a letter. If they’re bad, I’ll get a phone call. So here’s to no phone call.
Kidneys are fine, red blood count is fine, white blood count is fine, cholesterol is perfect, respiratory system seems clear, so I am encouraged. Hoping the progress continues.
I am able to drive myself to appointments, grocery store, post office, or wherever I need to go. I walk 2 miles every day (unlike a year ago when I was doing 5-6 miles every day, but I do what I can when I can). Yesterday when I went for my Urology appointment, the clinic was on the 4th floor, and I took the stairs, and didn’t get short of breath.
Physically I do feel very good, however, I have to say, with everything else going on, emotionally, I’m at the lowest point I’ve ever been in my life. I’m hoping that changes soon. I have been seeing a therapist for this (last two sessions have been via video chat due to the virus). The sessions have been helping. (And this therapist is very hot too, so that’s another added bonus).
Still, I miss my traveling, I miss the concerts, and I’m really REALLY missing hanging out with friends and tailgating.
So, as I said, physically I’m okay, but emotionally I’ve been a bit of a train wreck. I do find that not turning on the TV news and staying off of social media (especially during an election year) keeps my mental state and anger in check.
I am absolutely blown away by the cards, texts, and phone calls by so many of you- other than 3 cousins and an 82 year old aunt in the area, there is no other family of mine close by, only 1 or 2 close friends, so 90% of me getting through this is due in large part to all of you- the parrotheads- who I’ve ALWAYS considered family, and the best therapy ever.
To all of you who I’ve met- please know I truly have savored each and every meeting with each and every one of you. I’ve lived for the moments I gotten to hang out with all of you over the years, and hope & pray for more times in the coming months. I hope you all felt comfortable hanging out with me, because I treasured the times I spent around you. If at any time I ever did, said, or acted in any way to upset any of you, I’m truly sorry, I know I get carried away with myself sometimes, but I never ever wanted to hurt the feelings of any one of you. Please know that when I think of all or any of you, it’s always with a smile and much gratitude.
To those of you whom I haven’t met- I do regret that, and was hoping (still hoping) for a meeting with you somewhere sometime soon.
I’ll close by saying what I said when I started this thread- cherish your life, cherish the ones you love, cherish the ones who love you, if you have a spouse/family who loves you, cherish that, please don’t choose who enters your circle by who they vote for, what sports teams they cheer for, or for tbe way they live their individual life. Everyone you come in contact with in your daily life has something of value to offer. Seek that, cherish that. Give thanks for waking up each day, give thanks for being loved by the ones you are loved by, and, if you’re able, please do what you can to help someone who isn’t as fortunate or as blessed as you. In any way you can. It doesn’t have to be financially. A positive word or two of encouragement does more wonders for more people than you could ever imagine. Don’t forget the animals either- they can’t care for themselves, so we have to.
Thank you for reading this novel- and feel free to text, e-mail or call anytime.
Bless you all. And as The Tams once sang- be young, be foolish, be happy.
Peace & blessings to all.
during that prostate test.
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to ya buddy!! 
