When Elvis bought the farm it was in his bathroom. My friends, , as I have been told, my saga also started in the bathroom with a little twist. My life saving wife pulled my fat butt from the bathroom back to our bedroom. Whenever she recomends we call an ambulance and go to the hospital I make a comment like “I will sleep this off, forget the hospital cause I’m dying anyway.” As a blank stare took over my face Barbie ignored my request and called 911 anyway, Next thing I knew 5 or 6 fireman had loaded me on a chair and were hauling my fat ass down 2 flights of stairs and to the hospital ICU. During this ICU experience I suffered a memory scramble, couldn’t remember my birthday or the actual date or day. The capper was I couldn’t even remember who the president was! I only replied to questions with a yea, yes or no with no other details. What I guessed was a stroke was actually an extremely infected kidney. Doctor after doctor asked me the same questions over and over what year is it, who is the president, where are you. The last thing I remember was being taken to an operating room, with my daughter Cassie saying a prayer for me. I thought that this was the end from all my children were there all looking like this might really be the end.

O.K. it’s been nearly three years since my prognosis with stage bladder cancer! Had a bout with mexican revenge that landed me in the hospital around a year ago with sepsus.

Sepsus. Outside of that, and some blisters on my feet, I have walked this cancer path with very few side-effects. This side-effectless cancer all came to an end last Wednesday.

This time I lost my ability to talk, a week later I’m back, kind of. I’m guessing 90% of my verbal skills are back; hopefully, my writing skills are also back.

Since I have rejected chemotherapeutic treatments they have decided hospice services for Harry.. Kind of scary that they are are no longer interested in life saving strategies like transfusions! Provided my body continues to make blood that should be good.

Anybody who has experience here, does my Medicare and supplemental coverage still work?

Another journey of learning has just begun. The short story is I’m back, for a while anyway!

Been thinking about mortality recently. After examining my last CTscan I had tumors which were being somewhat stable with no cancer treatments in 7 months.

Considering that two separate cancer centers were now offering me “old school” chemo treatments as a kind of last ditch attempt I had to reach a decision fast. I decided to put off any other considerations for treatment for another six months or so until I had another CTscan to measure tumor activity albeit positive or negative.

Presently still fighting a few persistent sores on my feet where massive blisters have receded recently. After visiting a wound treatment center to examine two persistent sores on each my heels it was very good news. I’m both “on the mend” and I should be thankful to my care giver. (ie. shoutout to Barbie, they even offered her a job wrapping feet!)

Getting ready for a little adventure time, but I’m still deciding on what?! I’ve narrowed it down to a few choices:

• Hawaii for 2 weeks of vegetation
• River cruise through Europe
• Rent a canal house in Jordan, Amsterdam for 2 weeks
• Drive up coast from Marin County thru Bodega Bay and thru Avenue of the Giants (repeat trip)

Got to finish this experience by later in June so I don’t miss my 50th Class reunion party in Peoria, Illinois. (Didn’t think I was going to make this reunion a few years ago, go figure and don’t forget to praise the Lord.)

So, no news has been good news. Hoping to stay on the mend and explore a few more places while I can. Can’t really thank everyone enough for the continued prayers and positive thoughts.

Happy Trails until we meet again.

Had to postpone a trip to Amsterdam, but there is still some tulip time left!  Depending on a few side-effects that seem to be on the mend.  Decided it would be a great time to visit my old home and try to get Normal for a minute or so.  Packing the G-wagon for a drive back home to Illinois.  Planning on a short stop in Santa Fe for food, sleep and shop.

As I have been considering alternative treatments, I keep hearing Kenny Rodgers, The Gambler.  Funny how this can apply to cancer treatments.

What started as a pre-registration for an out-patient surgery turned into a five night hospital stay.  Here is a hint for all, you must be your own best advocate when it comes to health care.  Just waiting for your doctor to tell you it will all be alright may have worked in Mayberry, Las Vegas not so much.

I haven’t had any cancer treatments since October or 2018, that’s six months on my calendar!  Still waiting for a treatment option; however, only option so far is a pretty dangerous, risky chemotherapy approach.  The delay in Keytruda treatments is because of a few negative side-effects, primarily blisters on the soles of my feet and a few on my hands.  Planning on looking at some alternatives in Bloomington.

My side-effect symptoms are finally, knock on wood, disappearing.  Hands just about clear and vast majority of foot blisters have disappeared.  All things considered, it could be worse as in, I could be dead.  Grateful for this last reprieve.

So if you will be around Uptown Normal drop me a line and let’s share a coffee.  Happy Trails, until we meet again my friends.  By the way since I haven’t had any cancer treatments for over six months, prayers must be working.  Thank you.

Sitting around thinking about my next move in my life battles with cancer.  Just reviewed my CT Scan and got some news I was dreading.  After months of positive therapy reports the tumors in my lungs have started growing again with no treatment in the last three months.  additionally, one of my kidneys is having blockage problems passing into my bladder.  

Appointment with urologist in the morning to determine if a stint is possible to relieve pressure on one swollen kidney.  After this minor surgery, I am scheduled to report back to oncologist to either start treatments again or determine if another appropriate drug trial might be available for my case.  Whichever way I go, treatments will likely start again around March 22nd.

Examining ones faith is far easier to talk about in theoretical way than in a reality check like this one.

Anyway first things first,  urologist tomorrow and review some of the available drug trials I might qualify for.  Nothing about fear is worse than the feeling of fear when it manifests itself within yourself.

I’m not giving up quite yet, hopefully the rabbit has a few more tricks up it’s sleeve.  As always, I appreciate your prayers and I will reaffirm my faith in whatever destiny lays ahead.

Hope this new blog format is easier to read and navigate.

Decided to remain in Las Vegas and let Barbie return to Normal for a while   I’m certain she needs a break from this illness and nothing helps more than grandchildren.

Note– take a minute to appreciate your loved ones today because, you never know when your story here on earth is over.