It's been a few days since Bill posted to his blog (and for a very good reason), so I thought I'd bring it up to date.
All in all, it's been a very draining week for Bill. It started last Saturday with a low grade fever that moved into high gear on Sunday and got everyone's attention. He's basically been struggling with the recurring fever all week. It turned out that bacteria was in his chest port, so they pulled the port out yesterday and put a different one in his arm. He'll get another chest port when he stays fever-free for 48 hours. He's gotten platlets several times, as well as blood transfusions, and he's simply feeling extremely puny. As soon as he recovers some strength, he will post his own blog.
My trip to Houston was interesting and educational. I learned that Bill can't leave his room, and everyone who comes in (me, doctors, nurses, food service staff, etc.)has to diligently prepare for the visit - hand scrubbing, booties, gown, latex gloves, mask, and head cover. Only the eyes are uncovered. Plus, I had to go to two classes on port cap changes and Heparin flushing, as well as sterile dressing changes. THEN, I had to demonstrate my skills to a staff member. Someone in the family has to be "certified" to do this before the patient can be released to home care. Which, of course, we don't have a clue yet as to when that will be, but, like a good Girl Scout, I'm prepared!
We are so thankful for the wifi capability at the hospital - being able to access the internet, check email, etc., makes it seem like Bill isn't quite so confined. He loves hearing from you, reading your blog posts, emails, and cards. It makes him feel not quite so far from home. So, a big "THANK YOU" to those who are helping to make Bill's days a little more bearable . . . we like to think of you as angels in his room.
Blessings,
Nola
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
A Long, but wonderful Weekend
Hi Campers,
Will be brief, and sorry for not updating earlier but I've been a little under the weather. Some days are easier than others, this weekend has not been easy. But, the good news is that Nola is here, and she was at the right place, at the right time, to get me over the hump.
Hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. We watched the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR races. You've got to give the "Patriot Award" to the racing organizations for prioritizing a traditional, prayer based, patriotic salute to our nations troops. And its not just on Memorial Day either, every race is opened with an invocation. I hope you caught the Bag Pipers playing "Amazing Grace", or the scene where all the troops were marching on the track, and the fly-overs are just something special to see as they conclude the National Anthem. It takes exceptionally focused leadership to establish these priorities for their business, it vendor's and customers. With a fan base the size of NASCAR, to take such a "risk" in these hyper-politically correct times, is something, in and of itself, to salute.
Thank God this day for your health, freedom, prosperity, love, and family as you go about your daily routine. We all have so much to be grateful for, but sometimes we need a little nudge. As Nola likes to point out, "If there's alot of chaos around you, it's God trying to get you attention." Well, he's got mine. How about you?
In His name,
Bill
Will be brief, and sorry for not updating earlier but I've been a little under the weather. Some days are easier than others, this weekend has not been easy. But, the good news is that Nola is here, and she was at the right place, at the right time, to get me over the hump.
Hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. We watched the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR races. You've got to give the "Patriot Award" to the racing organizations for prioritizing a traditional, prayer based, patriotic salute to our nations troops. And its not just on Memorial Day either, every race is opened with an invocation. I hope you caught the Bag Pipers playing "Amazing Grace", or the scene where all the troops were marching on the track, and the fly-overs are just something special to see as they conclude the National Anthem. It takes exceptionally focused leadership to establish these priorities for their business, it vendor's and customers. With a fan base the size of NASCAR, to take such a "risk" in these hyper-politically correct times, is something, in and of itself, to salute.
Thank God this day for your health, freedom, prosperity, love, and family as you go about your daily routine. We all have so much to be grateful for, but sometimes we need a little nudge. As Nola likes to point out, "If there's alot of chaos around you, it's God trying to get you attention." Well, he's got mine. How about you?
In His name,
Bill
Friday, May 23, 2008
Reagan (a.k.a. "Stinky") Steps Up
Hey Ya'll,
Well as many of you know, God works through people. But, He works through animals too, in this case our Golden Retriever, Reagan (a.k.a. "The Stink"). We'll get back to how he has also lived up to his nickname a little later.
Leukemia patients are by definition, suffering from a compromised immune system, and require regular blood transfusions. I've received three (3) transfusions in the short time I've been here in Houston. Upon admission, the MDA staff informed me that I should ask all my friends and family to consider donating blood, to off-set my need, to their local blood banks. Since blood banks support the need nationally, the call is good anywhere in the country. Apparently, the blood supply is low nationally and volunteers, like you, are needed. We've posted information on how to participate on the top right front page of this Blog Site. Or, you can call Nancy at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls at 322-3035. She is my "go-to" person to find anyone I need at Avera and she will be happy to direct you too.
Back to The Stink. Yesterday, a local resident stopped by to inquire about about an opening at Prairie Coach. He and his wife, a local Vet (animal doc), are both new to the area and not familiar with the local dog population. Well, if you've ever been to our office, Stink is the official greeter at Prairie Coach. You could say he's a working dog. They, like everyone else, immediately noticed that he's larger than you might expect of a typical Golden. (I would suggest that he's the biggest Golden I've ever seen!) The conversation turned serious, as the Vet explained to Nola that another large dog at her clinic was in desperate need of a blood transfusion or he was sure to die. It seems that his blood platelets were below 9,000, and there was no local blood supply readily available.
As God would have it, there's the Big Stink doing what he does best, being obnoxius and begging for attention, or whatever other favor he may extract at the moment. The Vet asked Nola if she would be willing to volunteer the Stink to be a blood donor. Of course, Nola was all for it. But, I couldn't help but think if I've ever heard of a dog needing a transfusion? Considering the situation, the irony is clearly "a sign". Nola, an animal lover like no other, immediately dispatched the Stink into action. He spent the rest of the day at the Dell's Vet Clinic and valantly fulfilled his call to duty.
Nola called last night to tell me how proud she was of her favorite son and that the vet complimented him on his friendly nature. But, the story doesn't end there, and dogs will be dogs. Last night Nola retired early, to rest up to catch a 6:30 a.m. flight to visit me here in Houston. She emailed early this morning, to let me know, that the Stink woke her up in the middle of the night to go outside and, of course, while doing his business, he got tangled up with a SKUNK! Last night, of all nights! Nola cleaned him up the best she could, and once again, we will have to call on Darcy (Reagan's big sister and fellow dog lover) to work her detox magic during his weekend sleep-over at her house.
Like I posted earlier, God has an incredible sense of humor. And, in this case, He reminds us that sometimes, one of His most precious blessings, is standing right there next to you on four legs faithfully witnessing that God has a purpose for all living beings, even stinky ones.
He Made A Change,
Stinky's Dad
Well as many of you know, God works through people. But, He works through animals too, in this case our Golden Retriever, Reagan (a.k.a. "The Stink"). We'll get back to how he has also lived up to his nickname a little later.
Leukemia patients are by definition, suffering from a compromised immune system, and require regular blood transfusions. I've received three (3) transfusions in the short time I've been here in Houston. Upon admission, the MDA staff informed me that I should ask all my friends and family to consider donating blood, to off-set my need, to their local blood banks. Since blood banks support the need nationally, the call is good anywhere in the country. Apparently, the blood supply is low nationally and volunteers, like you, are needed. We've posted information on how to participate on the top right front page of this Blog Site. Or, you can call Nancy at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls at 322-3035. She is my "go-to" person to find anyone I need at Avera and she will be happy to direct you too.
Back to The Stink. Yesterday, a local resident stopped by to inquire about about an opening at Prairie Coach. He and his wife, a local Vet (animal doc), are both new to the area and not familiar with the local dog population. Well, if you've ever been to our office, Stink is the official greeter at Prairie Coach. You could say he's a working dog. They, like everyone else, immediately noticed that he's larger than you might expect of a typical Golden. (I would suggest that he's the biggest Golden I've ever seen!) The conversation turned serious, as the Vet explained to Nola that another large dog at her clinic was in desperate need of a blood transfusion or he was sure to die. It seems that his blood platelets were below 9,000, and there was no local blood supply readily available.
As God would have it, there's the Big Stink doing what he does best, being obnoxius and begging for attention, or whatever other favor he may extract at the moment. The Vet asked Nola if she would be willing to volunteer the Stink to be a blood donor. Of course, Nola was all for it. But, I couldn't help but think if I've ever heard of a dog needing a transfusion? Considering the situation, the irony is clearly "a sign". Nola, an animal lover like no other, immediately dispatched the Stink into action. He spent the rest of the day at the Dell's Vet Clinic and valantly fulfilled his call to duty.
Nola called last night to tell me how proud she was of her favorite son and that the vet complimented him on his friendly nature. But, the story doesn't end there, and dogs will be dogs. Last night Nola retired early, to rest up to catch a 6:30 a.m. flight to visit me here in Houston. She emailed early this morning, to let me know, that the Stink woke her up in the middle of the night to go outside and, of course, while doing his business, he got tangled up with a SKUNK! Last night, of all nights! Nola cleaned him up the best she could, and once again, we will have to call on Darcy (Reagan's big sister and fellow dog lover) to work her detox magic during his weekend sleep-over at her house.
Like I posted earlier, God has an incredible sense of humor. And, in this case, He reminds us that sometimes, one of His most precious blessings, is standing right there next to you on four legs faithfully witnessing that God has a purpose for all living beings, even stinky ones.
He Made A Change,
Stinky's Dad
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Feeling Better and Grateful
If you seen the movie the "Bucket List" I'll ask you to recall the scene when Jack Nicholson was in the bathroom on his knees and feeling yucky, or "driving the porcelain bus" as Alf would say, and he quipped "some lucky B......d somewhere is having a heart attack!"
You kind of get the picture of the scene here last night. But, as you know, there is relief when the driving finally stops! Yeah!
I am also grateful for many things today. We passed our D.O.T. bus inspection with flying colors, thanks to Jeff in our shop; Nola did a wonderful job speaking on my behalf at the groundbreaking of the new Avera cancer hospital yesterday. If there is an Angel on planet earth, it is Nola. She is truly my inspiration daily. What a priviledge for Avera to include us in this event, the largest construction project in Sioux Falls history. I can tell you, Avera is serious about cancer care!
As you know, I'm participating in a clinical trial, and today is the last day of chemo, at least for this month. The plan now is to remain in isolation, like the boy in the bubble, and to avoid any infections. My blood counts are nose diving, as expected, due to the chemo therapy. The goal is to kill the cancer cells but in doing so, the good cells die too. So you have to wait for a couple of weeks for your body to recover and pray that the counts come back up to normal, minus the cancer cells. I've been at this place twice before and, thanks to team Avera, its worked both times, so I'm very hopeful. Depending on the timing for locating a stem cell donor match, I'll likely come home at months end and need more chemo until the match is complete.
I'm also grateful for some great basketball on T.V. The local sports news is that the San Antonio Spurs have made it to the NBA Western Conference Finals, and of course Timberwolves fans have to find solace in having to savor the impact Kevin Garnett has made in just one season for the Celtics. They too, are in the Eastern Conference finals. King James is no Michael Jordan; yet. I wish I had a Nerf Hoop on the door!
I'm especially grateful for the love and support from you my faithful Blogger Friends, and GMail buddies. Pastor Milt Borah is leading a wonderful prayer vigil for me at Quarry Rock Church in Dell Rapids. Thanks Milt. There are talkers and there are do'ers, and Milt's a do'er! Just look at what he's done in just a short time in Dells!!
I also received a very inspiring call from Pastor Michael Brandt from Sioux Falls. He was traveling to a retreat in Ohio but took the time to call and share some inspirational words with me. You may recall that although Pastor Brandt lost his wife to cancer a few short years ago, they chose to memorialize her memory by publishing a book of emails "Sent and Received". The family first shared the emails with their friends and congregation. It later bloomed into a wonderful, inspirational, legacy to a very lovely woman. Not only did this work help keep everyone informed, it witnessed the joy of living fully even under difficult circumstances. I asked Paster B to share his complete thoughts on my Blog, but I'll paraphrase our conversation..."that no matter how difficult the situation, no matter what problems you face just pause and know...Psalm 73:23 'But I am always with you; you have held my hand.' Being still, alone in a hospital room, does provide a wonderful opportunity to know that my God is near"
Well my soup is getting cold, but like I used to say to the kids that worked for us at the Dairy Queen "Some people complain when their ice cream is cold!" So I'll not complain, but I might not eat it either. HA Ha!
He Made A Change,
Bill
P.S. Soup Update: It is still warm, but its a no go for now. But the jello is a goner! Stay in touch, I love hearing from you on the blog or you can get on board the GMail train. Call Darcy or Nola at the office for details if you need help.
You kind of get the picture of the scene here last night. But, as you know, there is relief when the driving finally stops! Yeah!
I am also grateful for many things today. We passed our D.O.T. bus inspection with flying colors, thanks to Jeff in our shop; Nola did a wonderful job speaking on my behalf at the groundbreaking of the new Avera cancer hospital yesterday. If there is an Angel on planet earth, it is Nola. She is truly my inspiration daily. What a priviledge for Avera to include us in this event, the largest construction project in Sioux Falls history. I can tell you, Avera is serious about cancer care!
As you know, I'm participating in a clinical trial, and today is the last day of chemo, at least for this month. The plan now is to remain in isolation, like the boy in the bubble, and to avoid any infections. My blood counts are nose diving, as expected, due to the chemo therapy. The goal is to kill the cancer cells but in doing so, the good cells die too. So you have to wait for a couple of weeks for your body to recover and pray that the counts come back up to normal, minus the cancer cells. I've been at this place twice before and, thanks to team Avera, its worked both times, so I'm very hopeful. Depending on the timing for locating a stem cell donor match, I'll likely come home at months end and need more chemo until the match is complete.
I'm also grateful for some great basketball on T.V. The local sports news is that the San Antonio Spurs have made it to the NBA Western Conference Finals, and of course Timberwolves fans have to find solace in having to savor the impact Kevin Garnett has made in just one season for the Celtics. They too, are in the Eastern Conference finals. King James is no Michael Jordan; yet. I wish I had a Nerf Hoop on the door!
I'm especially grateful for the love and support from you my faithful Blogger Friends, and GMail buddies. Pastor Milt Borah is leading a wonderful prayer vigil for me at Quarry Rock Church in Dell Rapids. Thanks Milt. There are talkers and there are do'ers, and Milt's a do'er! Just look at what he's done in just a short time in Dells!!
I also received a very inspiring call from Pastor Michael Brandt from Sioux Falls. He was traveling to a retreat in Ohio but took the time to call and share some inspirational words with me. You may recall that although Pastor Brandt lost his wife to cancer a few short years ago, they chose to memorialize her memory by publishing a book of emails "Sent and Received". The family first shared the emails with their friends and congregation. It later bloomed into a wonderful, inspirational, legacy to a very lovely woman. Not only did this work help keep everyone informed, it witnessed the joy of living fully even under difficult circumstances. I asked Paster B to share his complete thoughts on my Blog, but I'll paraphrase our conversation..."that no matter how difficult the situation, no matter what problems you face just pause and know...Psalm 73:23 'But I am always with you; you have held my hand.' Being still, alone in a hospital room, does provide a wonderful opportunity to know that my God is near"
Well my soup is getting cold, but like I used to say to the kids that worked for us at the Dairy Queen "Some people complain when their ice cream is cold!" So I'll not complain, but I might not eat it either. HA Ha!
He Made A Change,
Bill
P.S. Soup Update: It is still warm, but its a no go for now. But the jello is a goner! Stay in touch, I love hearing from you on the blog or you can get on board the GMail train. Call Darcy or Nola at the office for details if you need help.
Friday, May 16, 2008
The Power of Prayer
Howdy again from Houston,
It's hard to look too far ahead when every hour of every day contains so many important moments. When I was first admitted to Avera in 2004, Amy, my nurse, paused to emphasize an important concept for me to think about. I sat up a little straighter knowing she was about to share something important with me. She said "just live one day at a time." I thought, "That's it?". Like many other words of wisdom, they're repeated so often that they loose their meaning. Dismissing her wisdom as well intentioned fluff, I smiled politely and thought under my breath,..."Of course I'm going to live one day at a time, I can't live (3) at a time."
Soon, I couldn't help but note the intensity of the care that I was receiving as a patient admitted to Three East at Avera. Three East is a special wing within Avera to treat Leukemia and other blood cancers. The rooms are isolated with seperate hepa filtered ventilation systems to protect patients from breathing the same hospital air. Nurses and their assistants were virtually circling my room. I was instructed to avoid brushing my teeth, shaving (unless electric shaver)or clipping fingernails. Blood pressure, temperature, oxygen levels, and never ending questions about how I'm feeling, any pain, or discomfort. If I was at a hotel, I would feel important but in a hospital it's unnerving to be the focus of such concern.
When the nurse awakened me in the middle of the night to check my blood pressure and temp for the umteenth time in 12 hours, I had to ask. "Is this really necessary? You just checked me over a short time ago!" She politely explained, "Your blood counts are so dangerously low that any change in your vital signs could indicate an infection and most patients don't die from leukemia, they succumb to complications of leukemia." Now, I'm feeling a little guilty, she added "If your temp spikes one degree we are instructed to take blood cultures and look for the bug that's causing it so we can get you the right anti-biotic ASAP to fight it off."
Like most important lessons in life, I had a flash back to nurse Amy and her "live one day at a time" advice. It broadsided me like a Prairie Coach. I was no longer living a day at a time, I was actually living ONE HOUR AT A TIME!!
The situation today here at M.D. Anderson is the same but different. This time I'm able, empowered if you will, to approach this from a different perspective. I don't just know what's going on, I understand it. And there's a big difference between the two. You can read a book and know the concept of how to build a widget, but until you actually build, use, repair and service that widget, you don't really understand what it is, that you thought you knew.
To paraphrase Max Lucado:
"You and I live in a loud world. To get someone's attention is no easy task." ...He or she must be willing to set everything aside to listen; turn down the radio, turn away from the monitor, turn the corner of the page, turn off the cell phone, ignore the T.V. When someone is willing to silence everything to really listen, it is a priviledge. A rare priviledge, indeed.
But you can talk to God anytime, anywhere for any reason. Your voice matters in heaven. No need to fear that you will be ignored. Even if you stammer and stutter, even if what you say impresses no one, it impresses God. He listens to the painful plea of the elderly in the rest home; the gruff confession of the death-row inmate; the alcoholic as he begs for mercy; the spouse seeking counsel, and the business person stepping off the street and into the chapel. Intently, carefully, the prayers are honored as precious jewels...your words do not stop until they reach the very throne of God. You may, or may not, understand the mystery of prayer. Don't fret, because you don't need to. But this much is clear: Actions in heaven begin when someone prays on earth. Just ask me. Because of leukemia, I've gained an understanding of the power of prayer and I know that I am strengthened daily by each and everyone.
Tommorrow, starts the heavy chemo and I'll be moved into isolation. So keep the prayers coming, not just for us, but for all those important in your life. And, if you will, pause all the distractions and extend us the priviledge of your time. Even if its just for a moment, and send to the Throne a special prayer for Nola and I. We pray that you'll fully realize the subtle blessing of knowing and understanding that you are sending a very special gift indeed.
Prayerfully yours,
Blogger Bill
It's hard to look too far ahead when every hour of every day contains so many important moments. When I was first admitted to Avera in 2004, Amy, my nurse, paused to emphasize an important concept for me to think about. I sat up a little straighter knowing she was about to share something important with me. She said "just live one day at a time." I thought, "That's it?". Like many other words of wisdom, they're repeated so often that they loose their meaning. Dismissing her wisdom as well intentioned fluff, I smiled politely and thought under my breath,..."Of course I'm going to live one day at a time, I can't live (3) at a time."
Soon, I couldn't help but note the intensity of the care that I was receiving as a patient admitted to Three East at Avera. Three East is a special wing within Avera to treat Leukemia and other blood cancers. The rooms are isolated with seperate hepa filtered ventilation systems to protect patients from breathing the same hospital air. Nurses and their assistants were virtually circling my room. I was instructed to avoid brushing my teeth, shaving (unless electric shaver)or clipping fingernails. Blood pressure, temperature, oxygen levels, and never ending questions about how I'm feeling, any pain, or discomfort. If I was at a hotel, I would feel important but in a hospital it's unnerving to be the focus of such concern.
When the nurse awakened me in the middle of the night to check my blood pressure and temp for the umteenth time in 12 hours, I had to ask. "Is this really necessary? You just checked me over a short time ago!" She politely explained, "Your blood counts are so dangerously low that any change in your vital signs could indicate an infection and most patients don't die from leukemia, they succumb to complications of leukemia." Now, I'm feeling a little guilty, she added "If your temp spikes one degree we are instructed to take blood cultures and look for the bug that's causing it so we can get you the right anti-biotic ASAP to fight it off."
Like most important lessons in life, I had a flash back to nurse Amy and her "live one day at a time" advice. It broadsided me like a Prairie Coach. I was no longer living a day at a time, I was actually living ONE HOUR AT A TIME!!
The situation today here at M.D. Anderson is the same but different. This time I'm able, empowered if you will, to approach this from a different perspective. I don't just know what's going on, I understand it. And there's a big difference between the two. You can read a book and know the concept of how to build a widget, but until you actually build, use, repair and service that widget, you don't really understand what it is, that you thought you knew.
To paraphrase Max Lucado:
"You and I live in a loud world. To get someone's attention is no easy task." ...He or she must be willing to set everything aside to listen; turn down the radio, turn away from the monitor, turn the corner of the page, turn off the cell phone, ignore the T.V. When someone is willing to silence everything to really listen, it is a priviledge. A rare priviledge, indeed.
But you can talk to God anytime, anywhere for any reason. Your voice matters in heaven. No need to fear that you will be ignored. Even if you stammer and stutter, even if what you say impresses no one, it impresses God. He listens to the painful plea of the elderly in the rest home; the gruff confession of the death-row inmate; the alcoholic as he begs for mercy; the spouse seeking counsel, and the business person stepping off the street and into the chapel. Intently, carefully, the prayers are honored as precious jewels...your words do not stop until they reach the very throne of God. You may, or may not, understand the mystery of prayer. Don't fret, because you don't need to. But this much is clear: Actions in heaven begin when someone prays on earth. Just ask me. Because of leukemia, I've gained an understanding of the power of prayer and I know that I am strengthened daily by each and everyone.
Tommorrow, starts the heavy chemo and I'll be moved into isolation. So keep the prayers coming, not just for us, but for all those important in your life. And, if you will, pause all the distractions and extend us the priviledge of your time. Even if its just for a moment, and send to the Throne a special prayer for Nola and I. We pray that you'll fully realize the subtle blessing of knowing and understanding that you are sending a very special gift indeed.
Prayerfully yours,
Blogger Bill
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Enjoying The Simple Things
Howdy Pardner!
It's hard to believe that its been nearly 4 years ago that I was first admitted at Avera. The ritual continues today, vitals checked every four hours, that's right every four hours 24/7, 8PM, Midnight, 4am and 8am, and so on. So sleeping is catching a nap when you can because in between vital checks, the nurse brings in some new medications, chemo, a swab sample, chest x-ray, catheter surgery, blood tests, blood results, platelet transfusions, etc.
You learn to sleep, not on my tummy like I like, but kinked over on my left side, like I'm spoonin' with myself just so I can elevate my right arm. This way I'm less likely to yank out the I.V. The bed is nice, but overly high tech. I never realized how much I move around in bed until now. Thanks to this wiz bang bed, a routine shift of my weight, and buzzzzzzzz! You sit up, buzzzz! Lay down, sigh heavily, roll over buzzzz! The bed is interactive and it is annoying. It's annoying because the bed has built in air bellows that kick in and buzz at every move. Tonight, I even miss my non-interactive bed.
What's my point in all of this? There's purpose in all things, good and bad, even the most uncomfortable challenges life has to offer. Country singer Trace Atkins illustrates this well in his latest hit "You're gonna miss this." The familiar routine and the every day faces are the ones who matter most but we often fail to appreciate. Seeing the neighbor in the field on his tractor, Nola fussing in the kitchen, or just knowing she's near by reading. I miss my chair, the Argus Leader, the Stink (a.k.a "Reagan" our Golden Retriever)dutifully waiting for something edible to come his direction, while I watch Fox News and then close out the evening with reruns of Frazier. (Come to think about it, Niles reminds me of one of my Doctors.)
The little things really are the big things. The friendly face behind the counter at the convenience store on your way to work, the pheasants darting across the road in front of you. The deer off in the distance near the tree line. Dorothy had it right in 1939, Oz is just a place with a lot of empty glitz. Give me a $5 lunch at Merlins, or the Waffle House here in the south.
A friend of the late American jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes asked him why he had taken up the study of Greek at the age of ninety-four. Holmes replied, "Well, my good sir, it's now or never." When J.C. Penney was ninety-five years old, he affirmed, "My eyesight may be getting weaker, but my vision is increasing."
"Those who try to hold on to their lives will give up true life. Those who give up their lives for me will hold on to true life.(Matthew 10:39)" To paraphrase Jesus, "...The wisest are not the ones with the most years in their lives, but the most life in their years."
Tonight. I am so grateful that I have had so much life in my years and will continue to pursue living. A renewed opportunity with my daughters family, a grand-daughter to spoil, a future to experience no matter how long it may be. Perhaps, that is a mountain in front of me, but I'm a climber and that's no mountain for a climber!
He Made A Change,
Bill
It's hard to believe that its been nearly 4 years ago that I was first admitted at Avera. The ritual continues today, vitals checked every four hours, that's right every four hours 24/7, 8PM, Midnight, 4am and 8am, and so on. So sleeping is catching a nap when you can because in between vital checks, the nurse brings in some new medications, chemo, a swab sample, chest x-ray, catheter surgery, blood tests, blood results, platelet transfusions, etc.
You learn to sleep, not on my tummy like I like, but kinked over on my left side, like I'm spoonin' with myself just so I can elevate my right arm. This way I'm less likely to yank out the I.V. The bed is nice, but overly high tech. I never realized how much I move around in bed until now. Thanks to this wiz bang bed, a routine shift of my weight, and buzzzzzzzz! You sit up, buzzzz! Lay down, sigh heavily, roll over buzzzz! The bed is interactive and it is annoying. It's annoying because the bed has built in air bellows that kick in and buzz at every move. Tonight, I even miss my non-interactive bed.
What's my point in all of this? There's purpose in all things, good and bad, even the most uncomfortable challenges life has to offer. Country singer Trace Atkins illustrates this well in his latest hit "You're gonna miss this." The familiar routine and the every day faces are the ones who matter most but we often fail to appreciate. Seeing the neighbor in the field on his tractor, Nola fussing in the kitchen, or just knowing she's near by reading. I miss my chair, the Argus Leader, the Stink (a.k.a "Reagan" our Golden Retriever)dutifully waiting for something edible to come his direction, while I watch Fox News and then close out the evening with reruns of Frazier. (Come to think about it, Niles reminds me of one of my Doctors.)
The little things really are the big things. The friendly face behind the counter at the convenience store on your way to work, the pheasants darting across the road in front of you. The deer off in the distance near the tree line. Dorothy had it right in 1939, Oz is just a place with a lot of empty glitz. Give me a $5 lunch at Merlins, or the Waffle House here in the south.
A friend of the late American jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes asked him why he had taken up the study of Greek at the age of ninety-four. Holmes replied, "Well, my good sir, it's now or never." When J.C. Penney was ninety-five years old, he affirmed, "My eyesight may be getting weaker, but my vision is increasing."
"Those who try to hold on to their lives will give up true life. Those who give up their lives for me will hold on to true life.(Matthew 10:39)" To paraphrase Jesus, "...The wisest are not the ones with the most years in their lives, but the most life in their years."
Tonight. I am so grateful that I have had so much life in my years and will continue to pursue living. A renewed opportunity with my daughters family, a grand-daughter to spoil, a future to experience no matter how long it may be. Perhaps, that is a mountain in front of me, but I'm a climber and that's no mountain for a climber!
He Made A Change,
Bill
God Answers Prayer on His Terms
Hey Ya'll,
As they say, "Be careful what you pray for!" Well, I've been ragging on the cold, wet and snowy weather for weeks, praying for some summer heat. And, being a man of faith, I knew God would come through. Today's high temp was in the 90's! God also has a sense of humor too... I'm stuck in Houston, Texas. And, for no less than a month!
Imagine, your walking on an asphalt trail across the Badlands on a steamy, sweltering, hot July afternoon, an hour after a drenching down-pour. Now you have a pretty good sense of what a Tuesday in early May feels like in Rocket-land (NBA). After a few hours I've begun a new and improved prayer. I just want to be back where it's often cold, but sometimes hot. Back where it's often rainy, but sometimes sunny. Like Dorothy who realizes she's not in Kansas anymore, there's no place like home.
This Blogging thing is really fun! It's 2:17am and I'm feeling very productive. This is truly the "Early Edition", submitted by your's truly, "Blog" Connor.
Thankfully, team Avera in Sioux Falls caught my relapse at a very early stage during a routine 6-month exam. Considering that this is my second relapse in less than a year, time has become a serious issue and the latest conventional therapy may not be my best option since it hasn't seem to do the trick. So after carefully discussing my options with Kelly, Steve and Christine, we elected to explore the potential of a clinical trial comprised of some promising new drug therapies not available anywhere but at a research hospital. So, I chose to see what the University of Texas/M.D. Anderson Cancer Center might have to offer.
Nola and I traveled south last week to visit MDA and discovered some promising options. But, since these therapies are new, and not FDA approved, they have to be administered here in Houston. We returned home on Friday. Before departing, Avera checked my blood work and monitored my condition over the weekend to keep me safe to travel. After consulting them on Monday we decided to pursue the clinical trial.
After a day of tests, meetings, more tests, a heart scan, more meetings and a doctor consult we selected one of the three available options. It is hoped that this new drug therapy will enhance the latest "approved" chemo drugs. Since, I've been given some of these drugs before, it is hoped that this new "cocktail" will be the combo to stop this disease in it's tracks. I'm not someone who likes to think of himself as a pioneer, cause he's the guy with the arrows in his back. But considering that I'm just the 3rd patient to receive this therapy, there is a sense that the arrows could be flying in my direction.
Keep us in your prayers. Tommorrow starts day one on the road back to Sioux Falls. And if I'm lucky, I'll be back before it snows!
He Made A Change,
Bill
As they say, "Be careful what you pray for!" Well, I've been ragging on the cold, wet and snowy weather for weeks, praying for some summer heat. And, being a man of faith, I knew God would come through. Today's high temp was in the 90's! God also has a sense of humor too... I'm stuck in Houston, Texas. And, for no less than a month!
Imagine, your walking on an asphalt trail across the Badlands on a steamy, sweltering, hot July afternoon, an hour after a drenching down-pour. Now you have a pretty good sense of what a Tuesday in early May feels like in Rocket-land (NBA). After a few hours I've begun a new and improved prayer. I just want to be back where it's often cold, but sometimes hot. Back where it's often rainy, but sometimes sunny. Like Dorothy who realizes she's not in Kansas anymore, there's no place like home.
This Blogging thing is really fun! It's 2:17am and I'm feeling very productive. This is truly the "Early Edition", submitted by your's truly, "Blog" Connor.
Thankfully, team Avera in Sioux Falls caught my relapse at a very early stage during a routine 6-month exam. Considering that this is my second relapse in less than a year, time has become a serious issue and the latest conventional therapy may not be my best option since it hasn't seem to do the trick. So after carefully discussing my options with Kelly, Steve and Christine, we elected to explore the potential of a clinical trial comprised of some promising new drug therapies not available anywhere but at a research hospital. So, I chose to see what the University of Texas/M.D. Anderson Cancer Center might have to offer.
Nola and I traveled south last week to visit MDA and discovered some promising options. But, since these therapies are new, and not FDA approved, they have to be administered here in Houston. We returned home on Friday. Before departing, Avera checked my blood work and monitored my condition over the weekend to keep me safe to travel. After consulting them on Monday we decided to pursue the clinical trial.
After a day of tests, meetings, more tests, a heart scan, more meetings and a doctor consult we selected one of the three available options. It is hoped that this new drug therapy will enhance the latest "approved" chemo drugs. Since, I've been given some of these drugs before, it is hoped that this new "cocktail" will be the combo to stop this disease in it's tracks. I'm not someone who likes to think of himself as a pioneer, cause he's the guy with the arrows in his back. But considering that I'm just the 3rd patient to receive this therapy, there is a sense that the arrows could be flying in my direction.
Keep us in your prayers. Tommorrow starts day one on the road back to Sioux Falls. And if I'm lucky, I'll be back before it snows!
He Made A Change,
Bill
Monday, May 12, 2008
Initialize
Howdy from Darcy & Nola! As we set up Bill's blog for his trip to M.D. Anderson in Houston, TX.
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