7-15-10 The End I hope

Well it's been a long hard battle, but for the time being, I have no detectable cancer in my body. I must get a CT Scan tomorrow because I was to get one this past week, but no one told me about it. The surgeon's right hand is not much good. He was to tell me a lot of different things in the Hospital and failed to do so, and he was to call and set up a CT Scan for me in Fort Wayne, but failed to do so. Dr. Rushing is very high on Dr Reiger, but not so much on her Doctor Assistant.

I got a good report from Dr. Reiger as to how the surgery went and how I am recovering. I think I mentioned that I was swimming but that I was not allowed to swim until I got permission from Dr. Reiger. Again that was to be told to me in the hospital, but it was not. I now have permission to swim in my pool but no where else for 7 weeks. I can exercise, but not to lift more than 15 lbs. My scars are still healing on the outside, and there are still stitches on the inside that need to be healed.

I'm scheduled to see Dr. Rushing in two months to see how things are progressing, but he feels confident that all will be well. I feel pretty good, but still have some pain in my chest or lungs. My scars are healing, but they don't have skin covering everything, so I have to stay out of any water that might have any little critters in it.

I don't think I mentioned it before, but my eyesight has been getting much worse in the past two months. I went to the eye doctor today to find out that I do have cataracts and will have to have my eyes checked and new glasses at least. It is caused by the steroids that I received with the chemo. If it ain't one thing it's another, these days. I've really noticed it when I drive and I can no longer read the street signs. I've also had trouble trying to read the paper etc. I really noticed it last week when I went to the gym and they have no sound on the TV's, just the closed caption. I could not read the fast moving caption part. I could read the head lines, but nothing else. Today when they tested my close up vision on my left eye, I could only read the really BIG letters. My right eye I could read down to the forth and fifth lines, but my left, line two. I'm talking BIG LETTERS.

Well kids for now I'm going to close the blog. I hope it is forever, if something else happens. I'll put it on FB and then maybe start doing the blog again. Let's pray that never happens again. Again thanks for all your prayers and concerns. It showed that over 150 people read this blog at one time or another. Thanks to all of you. Love Tom

7-7-10

It's Larry's 62nd birthday. He could stop working and take his SS and get Medicare. If I were him, that's what I did. Thank God for Medicare, and Sharon's medical from the State of California. It has saved us a small fortune in medical bills. It's bad enough having to pay all the co-pays, but to had to pay for the surgery's would have put us in the poor house.

Speaking of the poor house. We had our insurance canceled two years ago after the two water losses in the basement. One in June the other in January. We had to pay over $7,000.00 for our homeowners and then it was a $5,000.00 deductible and limited coverage on everything. They would only cover up to like a $500,000 on the house and $50,000 on contents. They then canceled our insurance this year because they said our credit was bad because we fought the insurance settlement with the guy from Service master and lost because they said I got paid so I had to pay this guy whatever he asked for. It didn't matter that I had a $1,000 deductible and he overcharged me some $3,000.00. The judge didn't even consider it. She just said if the insurance co. paid you, then you have to pay them what they ask for.

Well thank God they canceled me, because we found another Insurance Co. that wrote a real Homeowners Policy with the correct amount of coverage on the house and replacement cost on everything and full coverage on contents. It cost $18oo.00 a year. I tell you, you better look before you buy.

As for my health. I seem to be getting better day by day, but not near as quickly as I would like or that I expected. I tried taking just one pill at a time, but trust me that only worked for about an hour. I usually have to take two pill every 4 to 6 hours. If I let it get much longer than that, it takes too long to catch up. I had to get more pills today and found that they can't get me the really good pills, because they are #2 rated narcotics and that can only be gotten by written prescription. So now I have 90 of the weaker version but still limited to two every 4 to 6 hours. They told me to take 4 number 200 advill in the morning and the evening plus the pills. He said that should do about the same as the good stuff.

I have an appointment for the 14th of July to see the surgeon and Dr. Rushing. I should know more then and will let you all know. In the mean time, it will be little action on the blog. I'm swimming each day for about an hour. I try to do at least 10 min. at a time free style and then the rest of the time brest stroke or just cleaning to pool or whatever has to be done in the water. The pool is again in beautiful shape. When I can swim every day, the pool is always first class.

I tell you more when I know it, probably on the 14th or so. Love to all Tom

7-3-10

Well, I finally got someone over here so I could do some chores. My brother David was so kind as to come over on Thursday. Since then we have been on the move. Thursday we got the pool up enough so we could at least get in, but we were shooting for 85 so it would be comfortable. Friday it finally reached its mark, but first we had to do some chores.

Our first stop was to the butcher shop to pick up a case of steak. Then we headed for Kroger's so I could refill the house. We had been gone since June 3rd as far as my shopping was concerned. As Sharon always says, you do the shopping, because it has to be what you want and how you want it so everyone is happy. I don't know why she says that, but it must be true if Sharon always says it.

We also had to go to the bread store because we had no bread at the house of any kind. My last bit of a bread product was an old flat bread from the freezer.

We also went to the Cony Island to have a great breakfast. If you have never had a cony breakfast, you just haven't lived. I've been trying to tell them to have a special with a omelet and then cony sauce over the top and cheese on top of that. For some reason they just don't want to do it. They have all the typical breakfast specials, but the one thing that they could have that no one else could have, they just will not do. I've tried to tell them that I am a food expert, but they just don't seem to care. Since at least half of the Fort Wayne police force eats breakfast there every day, I guess they think they know more than I do.

So after our chores were done and our breakfast complete, we headed back to see how the pool was doing. It was flat ass perfect, 85 degrees and a beautiful clear and worm afternoon. Sharon came home for her afternoon nap and after she got up she came down and watched us swim. You can't really call it swimming for me yet, but I do get under the water and I must mention I don't have anything on. I have been trying to get some of the bandages to fall off of me. When the surgeon did it, she took the skin with it. They did all fall off yesterday after the swim. I still have plenty of stitches, but they said it's ok as long as they are not open, to keep them exposed to the air etc..

I'm still having to take pain pills about four to six hours, but I'm going to try today to only take one pill each time as apposed to two that I have been taking. We'll see how that works out. The good thing about that is that if you feel you need another, you can take it, since you can take two every four to six hours. As for the rest of my health, my BP was 123/76 and my HR was 84. My BS was bit high because we went to the Essen House for dinner last night and I had some things I should not have had. We then came home and when Sharon finally arrived, we watched a movie together.

Well I'm going to get David up and we are going to go buy fireworks for tonight and tomorrow. I've also just been asked to go to the Lake from my neighbors who just moved up there while we were in Carlsbad. They miss us already. So I'll sign off for now, I'll start again on Tuesday. Tom

6-30-10

I have found out that you forget a lot when your on pain medication. Sharon asked me today if I applied my medication for my radiation recall. I remember thinking I should do it, but I never carried out the thought. That has happened a lot recently. I keep thinking it's Tuesday because it has only been two days since I've been home and that means it's Tuesday not Wed. That makes sense doesn't it. It seems perfectly logical to me.

My BS is still a bit screwed up. It was 189 this morning. My BP was 112/71 and my HR was 73. I found another insulin pen today that I can use when my BS is too high in between meals. I don't like to use them, but when you are trying to get regulated, it's the only thing to use. Hopefully it will be corrected by the weekend.

Brian, Darrin, and the kids took off for Tim's in Northern Michigan at around 2pm today and will be gone until Monday. I'm home alone, so if anyone wants to come over and cook etc. feel free to do so. You can actually do what ever you want too. The pool is in great shape and warm. I'm easy to please food wise, and I'm a brilliant conversationalist. I broke, so don't expect any money, just plenty of thank yous and pleases. I'm very easy to take care of as long as you do it just the way I like it. Just ask Sharon, she has been doing it her way for 47 years.

Hopefully by the time the kids get back, I will be off the drugs and able to drive the car I let them barrow for the week. It's great having Darrin and Riley home, but there not actually here very long at all. We did get a chance to be with them in Carlsbad, so it is about as long as we ever get to see them. I think there was a song about that. "I'm going to grow up just like you dad."

Love to all Tom

6-29-10

Hi ya kids hi ya hi ya. Well I made it through the surgery and now I'm at home recovering. I do want to thank all of you for your prayers and concerns. I will now give you a funny blow by blow of what I can remember of the surgery days or is it daze????/

It's 5:20 am Friday the 25th. of June 2010. I'm in front of the check in lady, and she has no idea what she is doing or why she is doing it. She asks Matilda some questions and she too has no idea of what they are doing. We ask if we should take the ribbon of paper we just produced when we checked in. She's not sure and asks Matilda again. Matilda is not sure either. They both decide it's best if we both sit down and wait to be called on by Sapphire. When we get the call, Sapphire, as you might expect, is new, and has no idea of how to even work the typewriter. Yes, I said typewriter, the computer is not working. We find that Sapphire, is new, because she is from a crack team of fill-in's. It seems the POOL of fill-in's are being tested to see if they have any, who can actually, FILL IN.

We are finally escorted to an actual medical pool that is also being occupied by the FILL IN'S .COM club. This one does say RN on her name tag, so we expect she is actually an RN. Or at least we think so. She is now asking actual medical information. Such as are you here for an operation?????? Explain the procedure you are expecting. Are you able to do this procedure yourself???? No, she didn't say that!!!! I just thought she might say that at this point. She then asked all the stuff about my medical history and the medications I was on etc. After that, I was escorted to another exam room and a new nurse appeared. This one had no identification on her at all. When I ask her about that fact, I was told she forgot it in the car this morning. I told her I would wait for her to get it, she just laughed and continued to give me a BP test and a Blood sample for diabetes. I then asked her where she went to school, for what she asked? I said for Nursing. She then asked, are you kidding me, I said no I'm just shitting ya. No. I want to know where you went for Nursing. She went to a two year accelerated program from Ivy Tech. I wanted to ask which parts did they eliminate in order to accelerate the program.

I finally met up with a real doctor and she was just that, a real doctor. She was Asian, but she could type faster than Cate, so I knew she was good. It turns out she went to Yale and was quite smart. She then handled all the other information until we met with the actual team that was to do the surgery.

The doctor that was going to handle putting me to sleep was a resident from Australia and she was in her final year of residency. More on her later. Dr Reiger was the last person I met with before the actual surgery. She again explained what she was going to do and how long it would take etc. We had been told up to four hours, but she said it would not take more than an hour and a half. With that I was escorted into the operating room after I kissed Sharon good bye.

In the operation all I can remember is how damn cold it was. When I saw Dr. Reiger in winter thick gloves, I panicked, but by the time I could say anything, I was asleep and the next thing I could remember was waking up in recovery.

Eight hours later I was finally sent up to a room. The floor that I was to be on for the next four days was completely full. I don't remember much until Saturday morning. The effects of the drugs were just wearing off and I was getting a bit testy. All I can really remember is telling the nurses that I was not going to take their drugs that I have much better drugs of my own. Believe it or not, the one nurse bought that line. As it turns out, so did the doctor that was on call for my surgeon. He said I could take my own pills except for the diabetes medication. He said they had perfected a great diabetes procedure and I would have to take theirs. Believe it or not, their's sucked. I still had to take it. I will not get into the disagreements, but they never got my blood work below 180, and it was as high as 320. Today my BS was 152 after only half a day on my system. I will not go into all I had to do to be able to get home yesterday, but let's just say I had to challenge the doctor on call to a foot race. I said I felt just fine, but they made me get off all the medication for pain and all my injections before I could leave. I did, but it was not easy to do so. I'm now on just pills for pain, but I am able to do it. It will be a week or so before they get all the tests back, but I'm sure I will free from any detectable cancer at that time. I have it from a good source. God. He told me that I would be OK, at least for now. He did say however that prayer was still a darn good idea. Thanks all, I love each and every one of you. Tom

6-22-10

For those of you that thought I dropped off the face of the earth, you were wrong. I just could not get to the computer. At the CBI you are only allowed to use the computer for 20 minutes at a time. I have a hard enough time just signing in, much less answering any e-mail etc. I could not write much in the time left over. I then came home to find that my internet was down due to a storm on Friday. So today we got the new Router and now I can communicate again.

I hope I have not lost too many viewers, I'm scheduled to go to the hospital Thursday and I will have my surgery at 7am on Friday. If they can do the scope type surgery, I'll be out in two or three days, if they have to do more than scope, I will be in another day or so. I have to go Thursday to get some tests done etc. I did have my blood test done and my hemoglobin came from 7 up to 11.2. I found out that normal is from 12 to 18. However they said it was good enough to have the surgery.

I have been trying to do as much activity as I can stand. Today I had to cut 16 bolts out of the cement where we had the slide, that the Insurance Co. said I must eliminate, used to be. It seemed like a simple job since we have a drummel tool that has every attachment known to man. However this man was not able to put the right combination together to get the job done. I tried like four different combinations and all of them were too small to actually cut the bolts. Since they have been in the ground since 1988, I guess they were harder than the new junk they sell today. I finally had to get a drill driver and an old cut off saw blade that I had and got down as close to the cement as I could and cut them off. Of course I had to change all my clothes because I was scared to death that something would go flying and cut me somewhere. So I'm out there in a winter jacket and long jeans and goggles and winter gloves. It had to be at least 85 and I was sweating like a stuffed pig. It would have been OK if I could have done it quickly, but it was not happening quickly. Besides that, after I cut them off as close as I could, I had to then grind them down so they did not stick out of the cement. All in all it was a two hour job, and then I had to put all the damn tools I had gotten out, away. Hell, it took another 30 minutes to do that. I still haven't wound up all the power cords I had to use to get the power to the drill. That's another thing, I could not find my battery powered drill, so I had to have three power cords that I had to hunt for, to get the job completed. Now I'm tired after writing all this out.

As to my health, I'm still have to treat the radiation recall with the three different topical treatments that I have. It has gone down quit a bit, but it still is swollen. I had to use it quite a bit today with the drill and all, but it seemed to be OK after I was finished. My BS was 125 this morning which is OK but not great. My HR was 79 and my BP was 128/72. I have much more energy, but I still have to rest after about 30 minutes of activity. I have been sleeping well and getting about 7 to 8 hours a night.

I will try to keep you all up to date as to what is happening. I can still use the prayers, I did get the Prayer for the Sick yesterday, but I will take all I can get. Thanks for listening. Love ya, Tom

6-14-10

The weekend was busy and now I'm waiting for the gang to get here. Tom and I are going to the Del Mar Fair tomorrow and I'm excited to see how far I can go. I've been feeling good, but my radiation recall arm is still big and red. I've been using my medication, but it is being mean. My BS is OK and was actually at 86 one morning. We went to Pollo Loco and the meal was great. Tom did not want to go, because he said it wll just be another fast food junk place. He loved it. So did I. They grill the chicken and it has the best taste and it is moist as it can be. It actually falls off the bone, but it is still moist.

I'll let you know how I do tomorrow. I'm going to see how many of Sharon's old Lottery people are around at their booth. Untill later. Love Tom

6-12-10

I thought it was time to let you know that I still exist. I've been in Carlsbad for an Annual meeting and then I headed for Phoenix on Tuesday. I had some things I had to do and some people I had to see. By the way, the real estate market is still in terrible shape. Most of the homes are upside down unless you bought in the early 90's and I did. Most of the ones that were bought in the 2000's are as much as 1/2 there original price. It might be a good time to buy, but not a good time to sell.

From Phoenix I went to the Las Vegas area, and it ism no better real estate wise. The strip is still there and there were a bunch of California people driving to Las Vegas from LA etc. I stopped to see a friend who has a new business near Las Vegas and he thinks things will be good for him shortly. Now only time will tell, we'll have to see how them wind blows.

As for me, my radiation recall has returned. I've got the medication, so it should get better in about a week. No way to check my BP and HR but my BS has been OK I'll keep you informed

I was on the computer at the CBI and there is a 20 minute limit and I had been on much longer than that and a lady ask me to please let her use it for just a few minutes. Being on the board, it's not a good idea to tell her no.

The entire family will be here in less than a week. It's Caila's 18th birthday on the 18th of June. Her golden birthday. It's the only time in her life that it will happen. It's also the only time in her life that she will turn 18. So any way we are going to celebrate.

Love to all


Tom

6-02-10

Happy Birthday Sharon, she has finally caught up with me, we are both the same age for the next 3 months. As she said today, she got the best birthday gift she has ever had. We found out today that I have only one Sarcoma, left on my lungs. It is close to the surface and should be able to be gotten with a scope and a camera. When I met with Dr. Rushing today he was very matter of fact, and called me a survivor once again. He examined me and said everything look just fine. He then went and looked at the CT Scan. When he came back in, he said I have some very good news. There is only one Sarcoma on your lung, and it has shrunk in size from the last scan. He then went on to explain what that could mean. As he said, they will not know if it is entirely dead at this point, or what % of the sarcoma is dead and what part alive. He also explained, for the first time, that the sarcoma on my arm was actually different than what he had at first thought. Sarcoma's are the rarest of all cancers, but there are still many different kinds of sarcoma's. The reason they stopped giving me chemo the first time was that they could not stop the sarcoma from growing. The chemo they decided to use was not the best one for the kind of sarcoma it turned out to be. The one that I have on my lung is as rare as hen's teeth. The surgeon was actually excited to be able to remove the sarcoma so she could have it analysed and tested to see what chemo's work on it, and which ones do nothing. She told us they never get to see this kind of sarcoma. I've known I was always special, but I didn't know how rare I was. This whole thing has been an experiment I now find out. It was a new use of already tried chemo's, but they were administered differently and in higher amount than normal. They took me down as low as I could go. I found out today that there was no way I could have had any more chemo.

I still do not know what happened to the other sarcoma's that were first visible on the scan. As Dr Rushing said, I know what we can do, I still do not know what God wants to do. He explained that they have not been able to kill sarcoma's under normal circumstances. They have killed just about every kind of cancer in the lab, but not in a human. I only know this, I will never underestimate the power of prayer. I know I had a tremendous amount of people praying for me. I even had a lady at the grocery tell me she was praying for me. To my knowledge, I have never met this lady. I was checking out and she was in front of me, and as she was ready to go and I was getting things out of my basket, she touched my hand and just whispered, I praying for you sir, good luck with your cancer. The ladies at the bread store told me Tuesday that they were all praying for me.

The other prayer that has come almost true it the fact that Maura's old roommate that owns the Boston Celtics, has offered me and Maura a ticket to tomorrows game. I must now some how get on the early flight out of Fort Wayne to Dallas so I can get into San Diego early enough to catch the 6pm game in LA. Now I still need prayers for that to happen. I know it is not all that important, but it sure makes a guy feel special. I knew there was a reason I was always nice to her when she would come to visit during college with Maura. She has been a great friend to Maura and her family.

As for me, my BP was a little high today at the Dr's office 140/78 and my HR 76 This morning it was 123/65 but my HR was also 76. My BS was a little high again at 156. I feel so much better, I drove both ways, 250 miles today. I did happen to get a hours nap after I got home at pm. It's now 8:30 and I have to o pack. This might be my last blog for a while. It depends on when I can get on a computer in Carlsbad. Love to all. Tom

6-01-10

June 1st., do you believe it. I got up early today, 6:30am and took a long hot shower and got dressed and headed for the bread store. It is the first time I have done the bread order in about three months. I had to get five racks of bread, so it was one of our larger orders. If you get there around 8am there is usually only restaurants there fighting for the good stuff. This time there was a church that gives the bread to the deserving people of their church. There was one of their guys on the floor kneeling in prayer in front of the white bread. I sort of joked and said something funny, at least I thought it was funny, and the other guy said he is giving thanks for the abundance of bread today. I wanted to say if he gets out of the way, there will be twelve less loaves to pray over. I've seen these guys before, but have never seen the guy who was praying. He seemed to be one of those over the top religious guys that prays over anything. When they couldn't find the kaiser rolls I wanted him to pray for me. Not really, I just asked one of the girls if they had any in the back. Thank God, they did. So I knelt down and said my prayer, paid and left.

My next stop was the butcher shop to get some beef for the beef Manhattans. Believe it or not, beef has gone up 20% in a week. Pork went up 40% a week or so ago. We will definitely have to raise prices if this keeps up. It's ok if it is just up for a couple of weeks and then comes back down, but this is crazy.

By the way I was able to walk and do all the lifting in the bread store. At the butcher shop I had the boy lift the 50 lbs of beef, but I did walk the entire distance back to the back of the store. It is a very large place, they have an electric cart, but I walked today. I then took of to the Essen House and was able to walk all the halls of the Manor House. I have not been able to even walk from the restaurant to the nurses station for at least the last two months. Today I was able to walk the entire circumstance of the place. I feet hurt, but I at least have the energy to do the walking. I'm sure that by the time I get back from Carlsbad I should be much stronger and able to walk much further and faster.

My BP today 123/56 my HR 68 and BS 171. It was a bit high today, because Brian brought home some cheddar cheese pop corn and I had some before bed time last night. Brian made me do it.

I'm all pack and ready to go to Carlsbad. Tomorrow we head for Indy early for a 10:30 appointment with Dr. Rushing and a 11:30 with the surgeon. We will know what's what tomorrow and I will let you all know tomorrow night because I will be busy Thursday on my way to Carlsbad.

Thaks all yolks, Tom

5-30-10

Well the 500 was a very interesting race with Dario Franchitti winning it all. This is his second win and he led most of the way for those of you who don't follow such events. Helio was second most of the race, but stalled his car in the final pit stop and lost 10 places coming out. My friend Arie had a young driver Mike Conway who actually got to lead the race for 15 laps until he had to pit and everyone else had already pitted. It doesn't really matter, what you can always say is: I let the Indy 500 for 15 laps in 2010.

I was talking to my brother David and two years he an I and Larry were guests of Arie for the time trials. He was working with an other young man named Alex Loyd. That year he ended his race right in front of Arie's suite in a crash coming around turn four. Today, Mike Conway ended his day in almost the same position, against the wall and damn near destroyed his entire car. Fortunately for both of them, neither was hurt badly. Alex Loyd finished 3rd. today and Danica Patric finished 5th. That's her best finish to date. What is crazy, is that she was so upset early with how the car was handling it didn't even look like she would finish. I've been interested in the 500 since 1958 and have come to understand that it is all won in the pits. You can have the best car going, but if they mess up in the pits you can loose 10 positions in 5 seconds. That's just one little mistake. When you consider they are traveling 100 yrds in seconds, it doesn't take long to loose a lot of precious time.

As for me today, I got up very early and could not sleep past 5:30 so I went to early mass and went to the store for Sharon and came home and tried to do some more work around the house and yard. My BP was high today for some reason 147/80 but my HR was OK with 81. My BS was 121. I feel pretty good, but still get tired way to fast and have to be careful about dizziness.

Well my beautiful wife wants the computer, so I'll talk to you tomorrow. Love to all, Tom

5-29-10

Now this is what a normal day should be closer too. Up at 6:30 and take a nice long shower. Take my time getting dressed. Go down and see all the stuff on the computer. 7:45 head to Sam's and the meat market to pick up some supplies for the Essen House. 9am arrive at the Essen House. Help Sharon get the meat out of the car etc., still not able to do much lifting. I did open the doors for her though. 9:15 help myself to the breakfast buffet. I'm just starting to get my taste buds back. There are some things that I can taste and they taste pretty normal, but sweet and salty thing are still strange. I can eat cold stuff like ice cream with sugar, etc. but I still don't like the taste of chocolate. And I love the taste of Chocolate.

Next thing Sharon had for me to do was to go to GFS and get some makings for the salad bar. So off to GFS some 20 miles away and almost across the street from where I got the meat this morning. After getting the GFS stuff I wanted to go to Lowe's and get some chlorine tabs for when the pool opens this week. So I ask this CUSTOMER SERVICE lady if she can help me and of course she said she could. So I took off for where she pointed me to and of course it was not there. I then asked the next CS person where to find the chlorine and was sent to the garden center. At the garden center they wanted to send me back to where I just came. Finally I remembered at the other Lowe's closer to my house the chlorine is behind the garden furniture not the garden plant area. So off I went to the garden furniture area and was able to locate the chlorine, but no tabs. It has now been about 30 minutes and I'm getting plenty tired walking around. I finally found another CS rep and asked if they could check to see if they had chlorine tabs. I finally left 20 minutes later after not hearing back for the helpful CS rep.

Now I'm sure most of you would have given up hunting for chlorine tabs at this point, but not this old fart. I went to my Lowe's and went to one of my CS people and he got Jim and Jim went right over and got the tabs and brought them to me. Then when I tried to check out there was something wrong with the computer and so I stood there for another 20 minutes while they called the bank card center to see what the problem was. Now after entering my credit card number by hand, I was ready to get the hell home.

After making my lunch at about 12:30 I sat on the couch until about 3pm and then decided to go out side in the pool area and start setting out all the pool furniture. It took a lot longer to do that job than I remember. I could get a swing out and then sit down and take a break. Get the pillows out and sit down. Get a table out and find the legs and put the table together and sit down. Finally about 4pm Sharon came out and said she was going back to the Essen House. I then completed getting all the furniture set up and decided to give the weeds one more squirt of weed killer. When I feed the birds in the winter, I find that all that stuff is, is weed seed. It causes more damn weeds and stuff than you can count.

Now that's the kind of day I used to be able to do. However, I was so shaky that I decided not to cook for myself, but to go out to eat at a new Chinese Buffet. Not a good idea, it was worthless. So now I'm home and waiting for the LA game to start to see if I'm going to see the LA vs Celtics game or the LA vs Suns. I don't care which one, I just want to see one of them in person. I can go to Phoenix if I must, but I would much rather see LA vs Celtics.

As I said to a friend today, it's nice to have friends in high places. It's also nice to know the Grossbecks. And my daughter Maura, who would give up her seat for her old man. Since I'm the one that stayed up until midnight watching the game last night, I get the ticket. Anyway no matter what happens, I want the Celtics to win again.

That's all for now, Love ya, Tom

5-27-10

It has just been a year since I started this blog. That is when I found out I had a Sarcoma and that I would have to have surgery to have it removed. I also was informed that there was no actual cure for the cancer, but that they have had some success with removal and with chemo and radiation I might just beat it. They said that I had a 80% chance that I will still be alive in 12 years if all goes well. They then explained that if it came back, the one place I didn't want it was in my lungs. They also felt that they had all the Sarcoma's when they did the surgery. It looks like they did get all the cancer in my left arm, the problem became the fact that is spread to my lungs.

When I saw Dr. Adhami in Fort Wayne the second time in January, he admitted that he was very surprised to see me this soon. He did again explain that Dr Rushing was still the best doctor that I could be seeing for a Sarcoma. He then went into the treatment that Dr. Rushing was prescribing for the treatment. He said that it would be rough on me and that it was somewhat experimental in it's amount and duration of infusion. He said that they would probably do 6 rounds of chemo and then an operation on my lungs. As of today we did 5-1/2 treatments.

When I went in today, I was told that I would not be given the final chemo treatment. My hemoglobin was too low to get the hard chemo treatment any more. I had to get two leader's of blood. B-Negative is my blood type and they had to order it from the Red Cross. Since I have not given blood since the 80's they asked if I knew people that may have donated blood that I could request their blood. I said that I didn't know any personally, but that I was a Harley rider and I know that they give blood each year and maybe they would do it for me. Within a few minutes they came back and said they were preparing the blood for me.

I'm not sure who gave me the blood, but thanks to whom ever did it and I will say a prayer for all of those that may have done it for me. The other thing that happened while I was getting blood is the fact that the American Cancer Society provided food for all of us that were receiving blood and other medications. I have always resisted donating money to many of the different charities because you never know what they are doing with the funds and how much they spend on the administration of the funds. The young lady said that all the food in donated and that it is volunteer that deliver the food to the hospitals and place like the infusion center. I will be much more generous the next time they call.

Well here is what going to happen. Tomorrow I go to get the CT Scan at 10:00 but first I go to the chemo center to have the access my port and draw the blood that Dr. Rushing will need on June 2nd. They need to see how my hemoglobin count has come up and to check in general how my blood counts are. If all is well I will go to see the surgeon that remove the Sarcoma's from my lungs. According to the nurse at Dr Adahmi's office it should be at least a month before they would do any surgery. I have an appointment at Adahmi's office set for June 21st. when I get back from Carlsbad. Again that is to see how my blood counts are doing and to see if I need any more blood. She felt that if I do the working out etc. that I should be fine. She said that all my BP 123/72 and HR 84 etc was very positive indication that everything was going to be fine on the 21st.

As for the blog, I stopped the blog once because I thought I was cured so to speak. At this point I don't know that fact. I will be slowing down on my reporting because I will be in Carlsbad and Arizona and will have little to know ability to write when I'm in Arizona. I will be staying at friends homes and don't know what there computer situation is. I do know that one of them has now friggen computer. I will jump on when possible and there is something interesting to tell. If someone knows how to make the blog tell when I have reported something, let me know. Until then thanks for everything and I will hope to see many of you soon. Love ya Tom

5-26-10

Today I got a post on FB from a old friend and he was talking about a website that was for banning demonstrations at soldiers funerals. Before I had my cancer I was given the opportunity to ride in a Patriot Gard ride to a fallen Hero's funeral. As it turned out I had my picture in the Fort Wayne paper as I drove under a large American flag that had been hung across the street. Believe me I saved the picture, but with many of the things I wanted saved, I put it somewhere for safe keeping, and now I can locate it. I was very lucky in the early 60's and Sharon and I had three children and I was never contacted for the Service. However, with my father having served in the Big One, I joined the American Legion as a son of a vet and have been active until my cancer. The other thing that happened was that they were forced to close the swimming pool because the stated got all over them for the Cherry Masters that kept the club in the Black all these years. They now play Texas Holdum, but in the same area where there used to be a pool. I haven't been there lately, but it still does not lessen my feelings about our armed forces, and the hero's that protect what we have.

Tomorrow is fast approaching, I still have the same feelings. Let's get this damn thing behind me. I ordered some special donuts for the nurses tomorrow. I wanted to have a special desert, did I spell that wrong?, made, but our poor restaurant manager is down with a bad back. She too has to get a CT scan to see what may be the problem. The nurses make the process so much easier. They have to deal with people like me every day. They have to be some of the most dedicated people on the planet. They all know that many of us are going to feel like #%^&&^%$$$. for the next week of so, but they still try to make us feel as good as they can while we receive the infusion.

Sammy is finished with school today, so I get her for the next week until the Kinder Care gets their summer program going. The really have a great program for the kids. Every day they go someplace special for the kids. They go swimming, to the zoo, you name it and they keep them so busy for the entire summer. I'm having our pool opened on June 2nd. so she and the kids can swim while I'm in Carlsbad. When I say kids, I mean big kids, like Cate's friends that are still living in Fort Wayne. Even some real big kids that are friends of Sharon. They love to sit at pool side and then jump in when it gets to hot. The one old kid is getting married and I'm sure she will be working on her tan before her wedding in July. Someone has to watch the chemicals in the pool.

For those who care, my BP was 111/63 and my HR was 83 today. Since I had to take the steroids, my BS was 268 this morning. I'm trying to eat right, but it is almost impossible to keep it under 200. I'll keep you informed as best I can for the next few days. If you don't hear from me, you all should know by now. Love you, Tom

Tuesday 5-25-10

Forgive me to those that try to read this every day. I just don't like to write when I'm not feeling well. I'm so excited about having my last chemo and then being able to go to Carlsbad, I can't wait. I hate the effects of chemo believe me, but it's like many things in life, you just got to get through them. As Sharon keeps telling me, at least your not in the hospital. There is a lot to be said for that. As the doctors have told me, my hemoglobin is so low that I can't have any energy. The chemo lowers my immune system, so I get this damn cough back each time. It's easier to just sit on the couch and let the time go by than to try and fight it.

Today is much better, my BP is 130/70 but my HR is still way to high at 115. My BS is 134 and I think I've got a handle on it. I say that, but last night when Sharon came home, we were both hungry for some sweet stuff and she went to Zesto's. I agree with Cate who says: there is just no substitute for that stuff. I just had a medium in a cup, but I did put a shot of chocolate on the top. I don't know why I do that, because I really don't like the way it tastes while I'm having chemo. If anyone doesn't believe the fact that we eat with our brain, I've got some good evidence to the contrary. I see something that I know that I used to like, and I eat it even if it doesn't taste the way I want it too. Am I the only one that does that??? Come on Maura and Cate, give me some feed back. You too Moe, even you Larry. I know all you guy love the sweets now and again. Will you eat it if it looks good?? Anyone!!

So enough about food. Now I want to talk about getting back into shape. Believe it or not, I get tired cleaning the bathroom. I decided today to clean my sink and toilet. By the time I cleared the sink of all the junk that has accumulated over the past few months, and cleaning the toilet, I had to sit on the toilet for about five minutes and recover. That's how bad I am at this point. I want to go to the gym, but since my HR is already at 115, I'm afraid to take it much higher. The reason I agreed to go to Carlsbad is that we have a great gym and I can start to walk on the sidewalk that faces the ocean. I remember when I had the back operation and I couldn't even remember how to walk. I started to walk down 3rd ave. and get to Callaways. Then I tried to get to the second block and so on. Hell I was young then, I sure hope I will have the guts to do it at 67. It will take lots of prayers guys, because I've become some what of a lazy guy these past few months.

What I do know for sure is that I have to do it so I will be strong when I have my operation. I still have the fishing trip to Cabo planned for October, and that is the kind of thing I have to set as a goal for the rest of my life. One step in front of the other and keep on keeping on. I also want to take a boat and go up the Sea of Cortez sometime this year. I'm going to need a lot of money, so I sure as heck hope the Manor House get full soon. We are now at 42 and counting. Just 10 more and we are full. We hope to get some more money and go for 24 more rooms. Again that's the kind of goal I need to keep on keeping on. I really can't do a whole lot anymore with the construction side, but I do know how to make sure the others work their asses off. I can also keep Louis focused on the task at hand. He has so many projects going, I'm the one that has to keep him headed in the direction that will help me and my family. It's all about me you know. I think I've said that before. Well it's still the same!!

I do want to thank all of you that read this blog., it keeps me going, knowing I have to write this each day. I also want to thank Sharon, Brian and Louis and Mary and Anna, for all they do each day to make the Manor and Essen Houses going. They have kept it going when many have said it will never make it. Thank God for all those that work for us and keep that place going so well.

More tomorrow. Tom

Saturday 5-22-10

This is day 3 of chemo and I feel like ^%(&%&%. I'm just glad the time 500 time trial are on from 11am until whenever. Helio won the pole for the 4th. time. He is also going for his 4th. win. It was a good day for everyone. There were only two crashes and one of them got back in the race.

Cate and a few friends were in the fourth turn watching the action. She called me because that is where we sat the first time I ever took Cate to the Indy. She, as many young ladies is a Helio fan. She might also have a girl favorite also, I didn't talk to her about the woman that are trying to get in the race this year.

As for me, it's one of those head to bed deals. It's hard to believe I quickly you turn from feeling OK to feel like you have the flu. My BP was 123/67 but my HR was up again to 90 this morning. My BS was 101 so I've got that baack under control at least for a while.

Not much more to say, I hope to be feeling better tomorrow. Love Tom

Friday 5-21-10

This has not been a good week for my classmates of LCC. First it was Kathy Quinn Lynch and yesterday it was Carol Prenezio Fleichman. Both were friends of my since grade school.

For my family, Carol was the daughter of the husband and wife that owned the clothing store up on Allentown rd. they sold mostly children's clothes. Mom would take me and you guys and go cloth shopping. One of the first times I went in I saw Carol and recognized that we went to school together. I can't remember if she actually worked in the store or if she was just the a lot. Over the next few years we became better friends and always talked at school and when mom went shopping I would always volunteer to go with her. Moe, I remember going with you more than David and Larry. You never liked anything and hated putting on clothes. I doughty that you remember her, but she was a very nice young lady.

It is sad to see people under 70 passing away from things that I think had to do with that damn refinery. John and Dan Bowler both worked their and they both died of cancer. So many people in Lima have died of similar problems. Strokes and heart attacks, cancer, you name it, much can be linked back to that awful smoke and junk that they spued out of that place. I remember as a kid stepping in some kind of toxic junk that ate the bottom of my shoes off. Some one then told us to get the hell out of there and never come back in here again. Sometime after that the entire place was fenced off. I'm sure it was a dumping grounds for toxic waste of some kind.

If everyone that reads this blog would say a prayer for their souls I would appreciate it. Also say a prayer for anyone that lived their in Lima and may have a serious health issue.

This is day two for me after chemo and so far I feel OK but not great. My BS was 495 last night but down to 185 this morning. I had to take a large dose of insulin last night to bring it down. My BP was 135/70 and HR 83. I started with that cough again but am going to the drug store to pick up a script to take care of that.

More tomorrow. Love Tom

Thursday 5-20-10

Believe it or not this is my 180 blog. That's damn near one a day for a year, I mean one every other day for a year. It's that damn chemo brain already. I know what I want to say the fingers and brain can't get it together. I tell you kids, it ain't my fault. I can spel add and do at that stuff, it m mind that gets it all wrong. I smrt as can bea.

Well today is the last of the single chemo's. One more next week, and then get well and have surgery. I can't wait in once seance, but not really excited about the surgery. It's like the old thing and the stepping into the fire. It hurts like hell when you do it, but feels so good when you stop.

Next Thursday is my last of the two chemo treatments. I'm hopping that I don't have to get the stuff for the white cells. I'm actually going to Carlsbad on the 3rd of June and not coming back until the 20th. they said I need to really get fit in order to get ready for the surgery. We have a great workout room and plenty of sidewalk to walk along the beach. the great thing is they have about three miles up an incline, and benches along the way. It's easy to walk until your tired, it a bitch when you have lasted as long as you can and have no way of getting back. With me, I'll go as long as I can and then sit until I feel I can make it back. If not I sit my ass down and wait until I feel I can go on. It's not as thought I trying to win a race. I'm just trying to push myself to get stronger and better cardio.

If anyone from the Carlsbad area is still reading this blog, know that I am available for what ever. I'm also thinking about going over to Phoenix to see some of my property and see Karen, so know that Karen, I know you sometimes read this blog.. I also have a very close friend in Wickenberg who owns two nice ranches one in the Wickenberg area and one in Big Timber Montana, who I just might drop in on. To say you are going to drop in on him is a misnomer. His drive way in Montana is 28 miles from the lower ranch to the upper ranch. If he doesn't know your coming, you might miss him for a week or more. Arizona is not so bad. It only about 8 mile from his house to where the cows etc are housed. He has a an unbelievable set up on the ranch. He has three or four actual rail road cars set up. One is a bunk house which was a passenger sleeping car or just one car that was set up for someone to live in. He also had a cook shack as he calls it. It must have been where they cooked for the train and then a mail room car that he uses for supplies etc. There are a bunch of corrals and other out buildings, but it's like a scene out of a western movie. He always kids about have a place to stay if France, his wife, ever wants to get rid of him for a while. With all this he still does not own a computer or an internet connection, so I don't have to worry that he will read this blog. and see what I have to say about him. He also has a beautiful home, but if I don't let him know I'm coming, I'll end up in the bunk house for sure. Hell one time in the Kaibab, he put me in a horse trailer and he sleep in the back of a camper in a warm sleeping bag. I was under a horse blanket. He didn't tell me to bring a sleeping bag etc. he just assumed I traveled with such supplies. Hell doesn't everyone?

Just so you know and for those keeping score, my BP 120/60 and HR 72. See when I've had a week or so off, I bounce right back. I also have put on 5 lbs. which he said is good. My other problem however is my hemoglobin is 8.5 and it should be at least 10 and 12 is best. I've got to bring that up for the next chemo and he surgery. It's what gives you energy etc. At this point I'm very low on energy. I feel OK, I just cant do ^%$#&#^.
That's it for today, Love ya all Tom

Wed. 5-19-10

It's a very sad day today. Kathy Quinn Lynch died yesterday after a long illness. From what I was told she had been in a great deal of pain and finally died from a massive stroke. We all know she is in a better place and at long last at peace. We all know that we are going to die, it's different for each of us. I've know Kathy almost my entire life. I've not had much contact with her for the past thirty or so years, but I know her well enough to know that she suffered silently. She will be missed, but not forgotten. Many of you who read this blog knew Kathy, I know you, as I do, wish her family well. That's all for today. Love ya Tom

Tuesday 5-18-10

I'm just fine, but just don't feel like doing much writing these days. I'm just happy to be feeling well before my next and last chemo session. It always happens right before I get my chemo. Once I've been off for a full week I start to feel better. I have been busy with other things and I keep busy until bed time. I've just watched American Idol and I think that Lee will win and Chrystal will come in second. I have not watched it a lot this year, but I do think the last three are very talented.

Maura's neighbor Nix, has Burn Notice and a new show with Tom Hanks son that looks like it will be funnier than can be. Maura saw the pilot and said it was excellent. It's some what of a cop show but funny. It's going to be on FOX.

Two more days and I start the last round of chemo. I'm excited to get it over with, but a little hesitant about the surgery and when it will happen. We want to go to California for Caila's 18 birthday of the 17 to the 21, but it will depend on when they want to do the operation. We have a call in to the Dr. to see if it can be after the 21st, but we have not heard back yet. We'll keep you i touch.

For now,good night! Tom

Sunday 5-16-10

Big day today, got up at 6am and got ready for the day. BS was as low as it has been for some time 93. That meant that I had to make breakfast very quickly. I don't do well below 100. Many people want to be that low, but I'm much better at around 110 or so. My BP was 128/75 and the HR was still too high at 91. Breakfast was 2 eggs three bacon and one piece of rye toast. I was off to mass at 7:20. I had the Indian priest today and he had one of his days where he starts talking so fast I can't understand him. It started out with Christ ascending into heaven, but he lost me after that. I do remember the last part however. Christ is the one you can count on.

After mass Sharon and I got ready to go to Indy and see Cate and Kyle perform their dance. They have been taking dance for the past several months so they will be all ready for a 7 wedding summer. They were like number 75 so you had to sit through all the other dances if you were a true dance lover. And you got to know where I fit in there. I did do it however. Bob, Kyle's father, some how had a deal at church that he just had to go to after about 30 min. We got there at one and they danced at three. There were some good dancers, but the thing I loved to do is watch the dance instructors prancing around the room getting all the students to get ready etc. You could dance with your own partner like Cate and Kyle did, or you can dance with your instructor or a friend. I can't take two ladies dancing together. Much less two guys. That didn't happen. But there were many that probably would have preferred dancing with a guy rather than some of the partners they were paired with. I'm not sure what motivates people to take dance lesions, but some of the older ladies I think love those little instructors. They had one guy in a wheel chair that sort of freaked me out at first, but he had two girls that fought over him and it was one of the funniest numbers of the day.

Believe it or not, Cate and Kyle's performance was one of the best of the beginners. They rate the dancers as to how long they have been dancing etc. Cate and Kyle were at the first level. After they performed, their instructors came over and said what a good job they did for their first performance. After that we decided it was time to leave and we headed for Granite City for a bit to eat. I must say the flat bread pizza was good. I was not all that hungry and I didn't want much, but for a very plain pizza, the peperoni pizza was OK. After dinner Sharon slept and I drove home. Sharon's comment as we pulled into Fort Wayne was: It sure is nice to have a day where I didn't have to do a damn thing. It makes me feel good to be able to do something for her, because she works 7 days a week at the Essen House and then comes home and does house work.

It's almost 10pm and I'm heading to bed. More tomorrow Tom

Saturday 5-15-10

Yes, I have been busy, and no, to any more garage sales. I have been very busy with the garage sale, but didn't make and money. I had this older gentleman at the last minute come in to see if I had any fishing equipment for sale. I said not really, but I do have some ocean rods and reels if that is of interest to him. He said yes that he has been pulling in some large river cat fish and would love a good big outfit. He came into the separate area of the garage where I have the big rods etc and started looking at one of my most expensive set ups. He took it outside and wanted to see all about it. He was very excited and thought it would be just the thing for what he wanted. He asked me what I wanted for the unit, and I gave my standard line when somebody wants something of mine that is not really for sale. Your the one that wants the outfit, what do you want to offer. He said will you take 15.00 for it. Since I only had about $500.00 in it I was very happy to accept a bid of $1,500.00 for it. He then noticed that there was a piece missing. I told him he could probably get that replaced for less than $50.00 and even less if he went to the Penn web site and got it directly. He then looked at me and said he was only bidding $15.00 on the entire thing. I looked at him and just shook my head. I asked him if he knew what a Penn real was worth. He had no idea. I had explained to him that it was made of bronze and would never rust or deteriorate. I also explained that you could use it to catch up to a 200 lb fish with no problem. He had looked at a tuna set up that I have and I explained about tuna and how big they got and how you had to have the special rod that he was looking at to really catch a big tuna. I told him the rod alone was over a grand. I guess he was just not into listening. The great thing was at the end he wanted to give me his name and if some how I found the missing piece, to give him a call. He then made me find a damn piece of paper and a pen to write his name down.

I then cleaned up the best that I could and headed over to the Essen House for that wonderful fish buffet. They were so busy that I couldn't even see Sharon for about a half an hour. Usually these people like to eat by 6pm but I guess with the day light savings they are starting to eat later in the day. Once Sharon got free we both went out to look at all the possibilities for the next expansion. When I lay awake at night I try to think of possible dimensions to make sure we will have enough room between the restaurant and the existing phase three to put in 24 more rooms and a nurses station. It has been so darn wet that I have not had a chance to pace it off all the way. We have to have at least 50 feet for the width of the building. We have an easy 54 with plenty of off sets. The dimension that I was worried about was the length. As it turns out, we can make it with ease. I stepped off 100 paces which should be somewhere in the 300 foot area. We only have to have 150 at the small end and 200 at the better dimension. We should have no problem. That is before we get the architect involve and see what the restrictions are on the type of build and tenants we will house.

We also looked to see what we can do with the ice cream parlor, and we think we have that figured out also. I'm so glad we had the opportunity to look all this over, now maybe I can fall back to sleep when I get up it then middle of the night.

Today was also very busy, up early to get a present for Mary L, it was her 29th. birthday again. As I said on the card, she is the hardest working lady we know. Took the card out to Mary and did some shopping for Sharon. At about three o'clock I went out to find I had a bad flat on my passenger side rear tire. That was the second flat in two weeks. Sharon reminded me we had to go to Indy tomorrow and I better get something done now. So we went to Kroger, got some air and headed to Discount Tire. I really like DT because even though these tires were on the Esclade, they would fix the tires for free because I'm a returning customer. That policy paid off for them today. As it turns out, the flat was because I wore right through the tire. Once they looked all the tires over they said I did need at least three and that if I purchased four now I could get two different discounts and as much off as $150.00 off four tires. So four tires are now on the Esclade. I'm now home writing to you guys and just about to say good night. We'll let you know how Cate and Kyle performed their dance. Good Night Tom

Thursday 5-13-10

All day yesterday I got ready for the garage sale, so I didn't have time to write, so today I had to sit there all day and wait for the garage salers' to come by. Believe it or not it was 45 degrees this morning. As the day wore on it finally got up into the 70's but it took until 2pm or so to do so.

It's very interesting to watch the different kind of people that do garage sales. I had this one guy come in early and started to look at some of the 300 books I had out and finally turned to me and ask if I had them in any sort of order. Now after you have been look at a bunch of books for about 15 minutes, couldn't you tel if they were in any sort of order. When I said yes I do, he look at me and said what order. I said random. If it was if he didn't understand what I just said. So he stood there for a little while and finally said: I'm very busy today and can't seem to figure out your indexing system, could you tell me where all your history type book are located. I finally said said, sir I don't have any kind of system, I will tell you that there are history type books in there, but you will have to search for them. He said well I just don't have the time today. He then spent the next twenty minutes doing nothing but talking to me and explaining how much he joys he great southwest. How he always wanted to be a 49er. and wished he lived back then. I explained that I had lived in Tombstone and also enjoyed the Southwest. He then started talking about the West and finally asked again if I had any books on the Southwest. Once again I explained that I might, but he would have to search for them. After a few more minutes, he just turned around and left.

The one's I saw the most today were grandmothers and mothers of small children. There were some grandfathers there also, but mostly they were carriers of items that grandmother found for the grand kids. Since Brian was selling many of Sammy's old clothes and toys, it was a popular palace for grandmother to spend some time looking. I love these older woman who will spend an hour looking through clothes and then finally come up to you and ask the price or the size. I had one lady who brought about ten items up and wanted me to tell her first the size and then how much for all of them. Sine I can't see for nothing, I was unable to find the size either so I asked a Mexican lady if she could help find the size. As she did so there were two items that she liked and wanted and then it started. It seems the sizes were very different. One's were size 3 and the next was size 5 and so on. The Mexican lady was obviously looking for her own child and could hold up the clothes and tell if they would fit, the grandmother had no idea what size to choose. As it went on the grandmother picked out a snow pants and coat and was very happy with the idea that her granddaughter would someday grow into them. The Mexican lady bought a Barbie bike and three different outfits.

One thing I did find out today, It's not near as much fun selling things at a garage sale as it used to be. I was able to sit and move around from 8am to 4pm. That was a good thing, but sitting around when it was 45 degrees was not fun. It did get to where I had to take off my winter jacket etc. but have to stay in one place for 8 hours was a pain in the kister. I didn't even have time to take my BP or my HR or my BS today. All I can say is I made it until 4pm., came in sat down on the couch and fell asleep until 4:45. I then came in hear and wrote this blog. I get to do it all over again tomorrow and Saturday. Saturday Brian and Sammy will be able to help me out and do most of the running. I keep you informed. See Ya Tom

Tuesday 5-11-10

I was thinking it was the 10th again today. I looked up the cost of the air fare to San Diego today, and they want a bunch. I can't believe the American Airlines agent that said the cheapest seat was $525.00 and when I questioned her she got snotty. I hung up and called back to find it was only $375.00 if I flue from Fort Wayne to San Diego. I thought it would be cheaper to fly from Indy to LA so that is what I asked for. It's crazy what they are trying to do with the air fare. This carry on luggage thing is also a rip.

I'm feeling somewhat better today. I was able to get out today for a while and went to breakfast out and then have been working on the computer most of the rest of the day. I have been able to find most of the information I had on the old computer. They just put it on a separate file rather than on documents. If I take my time for the next couple of days, I'm sure I'll find most of it.

Tom Whitney if your listening, send me that info on all the class of
'60 and '61 again. I saved that on my favorites and I can't seem to be able to bring it up. I can get the first one you sent, but not the last one's.

I'm trying to get healthy so I can possibly go to the Indy 500. Cate and Kyle have tickets and I would like to be able to see the race, but climbing all the up to the Paddock Penthouse would be a bitch. Maybe I can just get a seat in the Paddock this time. Sitting I can do no problem. It's walking a couple of miles to get to the seat that I'm a little concerned about. I'm going to try and get to the gym here the next few days and see how much cardio I can get going. When I work on the bike thing I can usually go for 30 minutes. If I don't have to walk much further than that, I should be OK. I'll keep you posted as to how it is going. I'm hoping not to have that last shot after my last chemo treatment. The shot is to bring up your white cells and if I don't have to have any more chemo, I should be able to do that naturally and not have to get that damn shot. We'll see what they say. My last chemo is the 27 and the race is the 30th. that cutting it about as close as I can. If not, I sure I will be feeling much better when Darrin and Riley arrive at the end of the month.

More later. Love to all, Tom

Monday 5-10-10

I'm going to cut to the chase real quick. Sunday and Monday have not been good to me. It seems that the third and fourth day after chemo and that shot for the white blood cells sucks. I was able to go with Cate to the Essen House for the fabulous buffet, but she had to drive, and I was not having a good day. For some reason my eyes have a very difficult time with the bright light and it was nice and bright yesterday. Sharon had a great crowd and was not even able to stop and eat with us. They just had the best weekend ever. They had a big birthday party on Friday and then apparently all kinds of family was in town for Mothers day and they all decided to come to the Essen House for dinner. Sunday, Mothers Day, is always big, because we have Prime Rib on the Carving Station along with Ham and Port Tenderloin. You can't beat the price of $13.95 for that kind of meal. It only goes from 11 until 2, but we sure pack them in.

As for today, the same kind of side effects, no energy, dizzy and don't feel like doing anything or eating. It's a little better tonight. Bobbie just stopped over to help me get this computer going. It looks however like they didn't save &^%&% on my documents. I can't find anything even with Office in here. I hate these computer people that tell you they can do something and then can't. Some day I will learn to save all this stuff on some source in syber land.

I'm still ok on my BP 121/72 and HR 94 today. My BS is still a bit high, but that's because I'm trying to eat things that will taste good and that is very hard to do right now. Nothing taste good. I had pineapple today, which I love usually, and it was not even close to being good. I had Taco Bell tonight because I was thinking that would taste good. Not one bit, I can't use salt any more because it does not taste good, so I was thinking that maybe hot would work. Not so much. Well I only have one more round of chemo and it should be better. Enough bitching for the day. Love to all. Tom

Saturday 5-8-10

I didn't get time to write yesterday, I was very busy with having to go back to chemo to get a shot that helps increase my white blood cells. I also had to find out what I could do about my low hemoglobin count. It seems the only thing that will increase it is meat, eggs, and dairy products. So I went to the store and stocked up on some things that will help me but not kill me. The eggs are actually no problem as far as I am concerned. My father ate at least 2 eggs every day of his life when he was my age. Now Margo says he didn't do that towards the end of his life, but Ithink that is more because his health care providers thought as do many Americans, that eggs increase your cholesterol. Since I have visited a very large eggs producing farm and talked to some people that really know about eggs, I have changed my mind about the connection. Eggs do have cholesterol, but it does not cause increased cholesterol in your system. My total cholesterol is 104, so I can't see them hurting me all that much. It much the same with meat. I try and eat more of the low fat meats these days. I bought black Angus beef that was already cooked and had very little fat in it at all. I then got some turkey, and some ham that again was very low in fat. I will have to admit that there was some sausage on sale that was probably not my best choice, but I will put it in my salad, so at least I'm not going to put it in a sandwich.

I also spent a great deal of time trying to get this computer to act like my old one. For some reason I can't get the different programs to keep me signed in all the time. I have to always put my aol password in and when I sign in to blogspot I have to do the same. It happens with ebay also. Anyone with some ideas as to what I should, please let me know. It is much faster that my old computer. but they lost most of my documents or I can't open them yet because my Office product is old and the computer guy will not use my disc because I don't have the codes anymore. I've asked three people to look into getting me another Office, but no luck yet. Cate is here this weekend for mothers day, so maybe she can get Bobbie over here to help me out.

While I was working on putting in all my phone numbers and addresses for my friends and family that were lost in the conversion, I had two very disturbing phone calls. Marc Kouzmanoff called me to tell me that an old friend from RIA had died. He was the head editor of the Federal Tax Coordinator and had become a good friend. He and I had a day on the podium together where he challenged me, almost by accident, as to how CCH was used correctly. Now that was our largest competitor at the time and he and the staff did use it all the time to do the tax research that analysed and put in our own tax service. I made the statement that most tax researchers don't know how to use CCH correctly in the first place, with that he took exception and said I should no make statements like that. He felt I was almost insulting a researcher like himself. I then had him show me and the entire sales staff how he used CCH. When he was finished, I asked him if that was all he did. His answer was, that's all you have to do. I then showed him how they updated their service and that he had left out three of the most important steps in the research process. When it was over he sat me down for about an hour and discussed how important it was that I did that in front of the entire sales force. He told me how important it was to understand how to do tax research correctly and in all his years he had never realized how to update the service and how difficult it was to do. He then admitted that he always wondered why my region always sold so many Federal Tax Coordinators and why everyone who worked under me seemed to be so good when they were promoted. For the next 8 years he always sat down with me when I was in New York and wanted to talk. When I was fired, he was the only man from the home office staff that called me and said how sorry he was to see me leave. He eventually learned that I had won the law suite and again called me to tell me how sorry he was that the whole thing had happened and he felt they had made a big mistake to have ever let me go. I am also very sorry to see him go. He was the only black editor that we had and a very smart man and wonderful person. He will be missed.

I got another call from a classmate, Chuch Reid, my best friend from Marmion, letting me know that Paul Danahy had a stroke while on vacation with his wife. He had never had any kind of trouble that anyone knew about. He was in good physical condition and not an once of fat on him. He loved to do field testing with his dogs and was a big bird hunter. He was resting on the beach and one minute he as alive and the next thing he was dead. You know when you get sick with cancer you have some idea that your time may be up soon and you start to do some thinking about what has to be done now, when you think your in good health, sometime you do not think about what you should be doing to get ready for eternity.

I'm feeling pretty good for the second day after the shot I got yesterday. I must admit I have had to take some pain medication, but that just because of the Radiation recall and the fact that your bones hurt like you have the flue. My blood pressure was a little high today, but that I think is because of the flue like symptoms. 141/72 my HR was 81 and the blood sugar was still out of control at 365. It should be getting back to normal today or tomorrow, I stopped taking the pills last night. It usually takes a day or so to get back to normal. I'll keep you informed.

Have a great weekend and don't forget about Mom, living or deceased. Love to all Tom

Friday 5-6-10

I'm still trying to get this computer to perform like the old one was set up. I still can't get the fonts and size of font to work. This damn thing still likes to do it it's way. My aol has a mind of it's own also. I can't get an icon to go on my start up screen. I have to go to the Internet icon and then it comes up aol. I've tried to put in two of my important programs and they will not set up correctly. My printer will not do the HP start up screen so I can decide what I want to do. You can do a number of things, fax, copy, scan. and some other things I don't need that often. I can get it to do anything but copy. That is a manual thing that I can actually do with the copier. Darrin, I can't wait until you come home and show me what the ^%$^**^$* to do with all this stuff. The other thing is this shuts down when you don't use it for some time, it's one of those green things I guess. If it stays off too long then the entire computer shuts down and they you have to go through boot up. I love change.

Today was my first day for the two chemo's. I got there at 7:30 and got out at 1:30. Not bad when you consider that Adahmi didn't show up for out 7:45 appointment until about 8:30. He always has some great excuse for not being on time. He then takes about 10 minutes to look at my chart to see who I am and what he should be talking to me about. I then have to remind him of the mistakes that were made the last time and ask him to change it on the chart. I take 12 pills so I don't have to get the one medicine that kicks my blood sugar sky high. It still goes up, but when they give it to me in my port, it is too much to fast. It lasts longer in my system also. This will effect me until at least Sunday. I can't really taste anything anyway so food is not all that important any way. I went to the Golden Carrol today because I wanted a salad and some meat. The salad was OK, but the meat was bad. Or at least too me it was bad. I took a bit out of each thing and set it aside. I was able to find the spinach and cauliflower and it was OK, noting special. As mom always said: put enough butter and salt on it and it will taste better.

The experience at the chemo session was OK once I got into the chemo fusion area. It just so happened that it was Nurse appreciation day and no one in the place knew it. I heard it on the radio as I was coming in, so I wad a hero when I wished each of the nurses that helped me. a happy nurse application day. I then told them they should be on the DR's butts for not knowing it was nurse appreciation day and they should have planned something special for them for lunch or something. As I was leaving I did see one of the Dr's being cornered by three of the nurses. I gave them the thumbs up and left. I love seeing action taking place. I'm sure the Dr's will love me.

I didn't find out today that my hemoglobin is lower than it should be. They don't like to give the chemo if it is below 10, mine was in the 9's. They do have a pill that they can give you that will increase it, but if it goes above 12, you might have a heart attack or a stroke. I told him I didn't want any part of that pill so let me have it the way it is. He said I would be very tired and that I should not try to work out for at least a week. Since I off for a week I hope that by the 20th. It will be back around 10. If not I might have to get a blood transfusion before they will give me chemo again. They don't really like to give a transfusion unless it is in the 7's. So I will need the prayers to get it back in the 10 for the next time. My BP was good 123/70 but my HR is still high 113. I'll keep in touch. Love to all. Tom

Wed. 5-5-10

Remember when I said my computer was having problems? well it did. I know have a new tower and that's about it. I don't have any of my old programs or any of my settings. It's a bitch when you get old and your computer takes a dump. I just tried to set my type and letter size, it will not let me do it. I love it when your computer thinks it's smarter than you are. It is a lot faster than my old computer, so it types letters that I didn't want in the first place. Now though I will have a good excuse for mis-spellings. I just tried to set my fonts again, no &%&% deal.

To bring you up to speed. I had a very nice Saturday and was able to get a lot done for the party on Sunday. I had the entire family less Larry over for dinner. I had Margo and Don at the Essen House for Brunch. Don had never been there before and tried to make up for that at the buffet. I guessing that he liked it. Margo said he has not had that much food in a long long time. We then toured the Manor House and I showed them what we are going to do for faze four and five the Ice Cream parlor and the Rehab to Home and the Alzheimers(sp)unit. We will be adding a total of 24 rooms. 12 for the rehab to home and 12 for the alzheimers unit. The state has said that the need for both type of housing is critical for this area. We are very close to filling the Manor House and we know that there have been residents that have had to leave us because we could not handle rehab or alzheimers.

After we left the Essen House and Manor House we headed back to the house to see all the family that was to arrive. Cate showed up just as we left Antwerp and Moe and David showed up about 7pm. I had made Beef Wellington and Margo made potatoes and broccoli and a salad. It was enjoyed by all, since no one talked during the meal. I usually only cook the beef wellington at Christmas, but since Sammy only has one First Communion, I thought I would go all out. It was Zestos for desert or is it dessert. Any way they had that after dinner and we are not in Arizona, so pick the one that is the after dinner treat, OK

Sunday was the big day for Sammy. She and Cate had practiced receiving her first communion, so it went off without a hitch. Unfortunately I was not feel well and was unable to attend the service. It's usually that third day after chemo that is the worst. I was able to stay down stairs, but I mostly stayed on the couch. Monday was somewhat better, and I have been well enough the past two days to actually workout for 30 minutes at the gym. I need to work on the Heart rate, because it has been higher than normal when I work out and just in general. My BP is still well under control, but my HR has been 124 and 113 just after working out. It usually is no more than 103 or so. I have to start taking the pills that jump my blood sugar today, it also keeps me up at night. Last night I got up around 3am and went down stairs so I didn't wake Sharon. I got into a coughing jag and finally got up so I didn't wake Sharon. I took some medicine when I went down stairs and the coughing stopped. Sharon thinks the cough medicine is the thing that is causing the high HR because it has some sort of medicine in it that increases your heart rate. It's going into the second week with this cough, I hope it ends soon. It just zapa all the energy I have, which is not much to start with.

Well, I'm going to try to get this computer put back together again. I'll lwt you know tomorrow as to what happened. Love Ya Tom

Friday 4-30-10

It was an interesting night. They gave me steroids yesterday to make sure I didn't get sick or anything. However there are some side effects. Like your blood sugar going so high it just shows on the meter as HI. It also prevents you from sleeping. I went to bed at 11 pm and finally fell asleep at 5:30 am. I then got up at 7 am.



What I was able to do during that time was to correct the entire Economic Structure of the Western Hemisphere. Now it will take some time for the changes to take effect. But under my plan the elections of 1011 will see a big change in the makeup of the House and Senate. After that there will be some serious changes in some recent legislation. After that there will be lowering of the tax rates and the business people of America will show the way to recovery. I also have some plans that can't be discussed in public, but you will see them when they happen.



I was also able to design the new building project at the Assisted Living. I actually got up at 3 am and came down to my office and looked at pictures that would enable me to get the damn plans out of my head and on paper. It is genius if I have to say myself. I believe very much that the Lord does give you inspiration when you need it. I had been concerned as to how we were going to do it on the one side of the old gym, and all of a sudden it came to me as to how we could attach it to the Manor House and also connect it to the new dining hall area. I had to get up to see if there really was room to do everything I was thinking about. As it turns out it just very well might work. It will save a bundle if it works out. It also allows us to put the new ice cream parlor in front of the kitchen and does not necessitate a drive up window at all.

I'm sure that most of you wonder what the hell is he talking about, but I do hope to have all this on my blog. as you may see there are pictures of the Manor House and Essen House now. Take a look, it is genius you know. I also have some great pictures of the boys and me down in Cabo. I think there is also some Aspen pictures there. You know my kids love to take pictures. Darrin and Brian both have degrees in film. I try to claim all the credit for their abilities to take pictures, but I think they think their education helped them more than my genes.

I thought the computer crashed, but it just farted I guess. If all is well with it, I write tomorrow. Love to all Tom

Thursday 4-29-10

Day one of the second to the last chemo session. As I finished my chemo I called Sharon to see how everything was going and she could hardly take the time to talk to me. She was jammed and the cook got sick and Anna had to take over the grill. Her words were, CAN YOU HELP??? I quickly got on 469 and headed to 24 to Antwerp. When I got there she was full in the back room with quickly arriving rotary people and in the middle section with residents and in the front with hungry customers. Since I have not been trained to take a customers order, I was assigned the residents. It used to be that I knew almost all the residents by name and what they liked to drink etc. Well guess what. We now have 41 residents and many of them are brand new. We lost three residents to the Lord and then added a bunch of new ones. I quickly went into funny mode and tried to use what names I could remember and then laughed about chemo brain. Since we have a special of the day, most of the residents want food ASAP so if you just say: Want the menu today or do you want the special, they will say OK and it is somewhat easy. Since Anna and I used to work together on feeding the residents it went pretty smooth. You see I don't write anything down and just shout out: I need three menues or three specials. If they get them too me quickly, I can remember who I was suppose to serve the specials too.

After about twenty minutes of mayhem the chemo started to do it's business and I was whipped out. I was able to see one of my chemo friends, Diana, who had just graduated from her chemo after one year and a day. She had breast cancer and is now cancer free. She came in to celebrate. Sharon comped the meals, and they were truly happy. They are heading to the Blue Chip Casino and for some reason feel REAL LUCKY!! God love them, they have been in my prayers ever since I met them a year ago. You can beat this stuff, at least for a while. And sometimes, forever. Only God knows which way that's going to go. We can only accept what he has in store for us.

I'm now home watching Sammy, and we have this agreement: Help grampie with what he has to do and the treats are yours. She is like any kid at that age and will usually start with the sweet stuff, but she also like the healthy stuff. Today it was two sweet and one healthy. Well that was Brian on the phone and grampie just ordered a subway, BMT for me. I'll have enough for at least three meals. When I get the chemo I feel hungry, but I never can eat much. I have not taste buds and food soon becomes uninteresting and I just stop eating. I will usually loose 6 to 8 lbs in the two weeks of chemo. I don't stop eating, I just don't eat near as much.

Well time to go, Brian is on his way. Love to all

Wed. 4-28-10

Well tomorrow is the first day of the chemo and then just three more and I will be done. I have one next Thursday and then I'm off for a week and then I have another on Thursday and then the last one and I'm finished with chemo. It is something I look forward too but not something I want to think much about. You just have to raise your head above it and know it will soon be over. I still need your prayers.

Today was a very interesting day, I had to get everyone in the family on the same page. It's like a Chinese fire drill trying to find out who is coming when and with whom. I will report her on what I know for sure. Moe is coming on Saturday as are Don and Margo. D&M will be at the Essen House at 11:30 so Don can try the Saturday morning buffet. Moe is also invited if she wants to meet us there. Cate said she may also meet us at the Essen House, she will leave Indy at about 9 or 9:30. David is coming on Saturday also, but no one know what David will do, not even David. He does want to do his fryer, so get ready for Onion rings and potato chips and French fries. It will a very healthy First Communion party. It gives you a chance to be sure and pray for your health at mass on Sunday. Since David will not be attending the mass, we will pray for him.

It's great having these family get togethers. We used to do it, but when we lived in California and we had to fly everyone out there, it just wasn't near as often. Sammy is the guest of honor this time. She has her First Communion on Sunday at the 11 am Mass. After mass we will have our full family gathering. Bring your camera.

As for me, I'm feeling much better with the caught. The medicine that Carol gave me as certainly stopped the caught. There is still some junk down there that I need to bring up, but I'm not continually coughing. BP 125/67 HR 84 and BS 149 this morning. I was able to get out and get some walking in today. I went shopping and made a point of walking fast and going up and down all the isles. The problem with that approach is you buy too much #$#%% . I'll let you know how it went tomorrow. Love Tom