Life Event

[Medusa50]

We traveled there a couple years ago and it was striking. It was early Spring so the road to the sun was still closed. Beautiful place.

Due to record snowfall this was only the second or third time the road did not open until after July 4th. They had an estimated 80 feet.

 

[Medusa50]

Today I had my port a cath removed. It was a same day surgery and unlike its placement I was awake the entire time. They gave me a local anesthetic and fortunately I had Lidocaine from when I was receiving chemo.

The process took about 15 minutes. The surgeon makes an incision and with firm traction they pull the device and the catheter out. The catheter was in my jugular and so they suture it up very tight.

After several hours the numbing agent began to wear off. I’m experiencing a lot of pain. It’s much harder than they communicate. Blood pressure was up 50 points because of the pain. I’m doing my best not to let my wife know I’m hurting.

 

[Tom.]

Hang in there my friend, you can do this sh!t

 

[Frogskins]

Hey @Medusa50 - Just checking in on you. How are things going? Better I hope ...

 

[617Harry]

Dude I read the first page and the last page, some advice I received from a person I never expected it from that helped me through the darkest days of my life is

Head up, eyes forward.

that helped to steel me and forced me to adopt a mindset I carry with me today

every cloud has a silver lining.

learning to look for the silver lining has given me a brand new outlook on life, I can see in your initial post you have a brand new outlook on life. Your story inspires me, I aspire to be like you.

Keep fighting the good fight my friend, you are a beacon in the night.

cheers
harry

 

[Lopaka KaMars]

Aloha my brother. Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday and hoping you are doing well. Your absence definitely does not go unnoticed. FYI. You've been in my thoughts and prayers since the beginning of your thread. And I would love to see your writing continued for years to come.

-Lopaka

 

[Medusa50]

Two months. Boy has time flown. A lot has happened since then. For those that are here I will share why I’ve been away so long. But first let me say a big thank you to everyone who has continued thinking of me day to day and the thought and prayers offered by so many. I appreciate them tremendously.

I am doing ok. My cancer is stabilized for now and the doctors all feel good about my current condition. Strangely after I completed chemo I began to have severe back pain and my legs and neck were stiff. I actually thought there were times I felt better even while undergoing treatment.

We sought a pain management specialist and they started me on several pain killers. The referral to a radiologist resulted in them suggesting radiation treatment for 10 cycles over a two week period. Still haven’t committed to doing it yet. I’m not avoiding treatment but I felt I need a break for a while.

My Mom who is 90 suffered a fall and I’ve been spending time with her and my sister the last few weeks. My thoughts are I need to be at my best to assist her. Radiation will likely take away my ability to be much help. I’ll revisit the treatment option again soon.

On a different front I was awarded SSDI and I no longer have to work. My wife and I are looking at health care options since I won’t qualify for Medicare for twenty four months. In October I passed 26 years with my company. A big investment of my life yet considering what lies ahead I realized my work didn’t define me nor who I am.

I’ve found myself thinking a lot in the last two months about who is still there. Not just at work but around me day to day. The vast majority of people are gone. They drift away and never bother to ask how I’m doing or even to say hello. My circle has gotten smaller but it’s gotten better over time. Sadly, people are like leaves falling from a tree in Autumn.

After my Mom fell we spent time with her in an effort to see if she was going to recover. Ever so stubborn she refused to go to the hospital and we began to see her mental condition deteriorating. Last Saturday we were successful getting her to Urgent Care and the ER. Her CT scan was normal and the X-rays showed no fracture.

 

[Steven Goldberg]

Two months. Boy has time flown. A lot has happened since then. For those that are here I will share why I’ve been away so long. But first let me say a big thank you to everyone who has continued thinking of me day to day and the thought and prayers offered by so many. I appreciate them tremendously.

I am doing ok. My cancer is stabilized for now and the doctors all feel good about my current condition. Strangely after I completed chemo I began to have severe back pain and my legs and neck were stiff. I actually thought there were times I felt better even while undergoing treatment.

We sought a pain management specialist and they started me on several pain killers. The referral to a radiologist resulted in them suggesting radiation treatment for 10 cycles over a two week period. Still haven’t committed to doing it yet. I’m not avoiding treatment but I felt I need a break for a while.

My Mom who is 90 suffered a fall and I’ve been spending time with her and my sister the last few weeks. My thoughts are I need to be at my best to assist her. Radiation will likely take away my ability to be much help. I’ll revisit the treatment option again soon.

On a different front I was awarded SSDI and I no longer have to work. My wife and I are looking at health care options since I won’t qualify for Medicare for twenty four months. In October I passed 26 years with my company. A big investment of my life yet considering what lies ahead I realized my work didn’t define me nor who I am.

I’ve found myself thinking a lot in the last two months about who is still there. Not just at work but around me day to day. The vast majority of people are gone. They drift away and never bother to ask how I’m doing or even to say hello. My circle has gotten smaller but it’s gotten better over time. Sadly, people are like leaves falling from a tree in Autumn.

After my Mom fell we spent time with her in an effort to see if she was going to recover. Ever so stubborn she refused to go to the hospital and we began to see her mental condition deteriorating. Last Saturday we were successful getting her to Urgent Care and the ER. Her CT scan was normal and the X-rays showed no fracture.

Glad to see your still around. We are all thinking about you.

 

[Medusa50]

Whoops. Hit the reply button too soon. The story wasn’t over.

At one point we were trying to get her to use the restroom and to lie down in bed. It was almost 3am. As I knelt beside her wheelchair I tucked my head against hers and she said she didn’t want to be a burden. I told her she took care of three kids for a third of her life. It’s our turn to be the ones to make a sacrifice. I will never forget what a tender moment that was.

I’m not a quitter and I don’t use words like CANT. Next year we are making plans for another road trip with friends and setting our sights on the fall of 2025 to revisit Glacier Park. My goal is to hike the Highline Trail again. Because I CAN!

The greatest mistake we all make is Thinking we have more time. Live life to the fullest.

 

[Medusa50]

Glad to see your still around. We are all thinking about you.

Thanks. I’ve been in and out of treatment and there are days when standing up takes several minutes but even when I’m not feeling good I still thank Him for giving me another chance to be with those I love.