I am proud to be a cancer survivor and as such want to help all cancer survivors and patients celebrate more birthdays. My grandfather, uncle, father-in-law, close friends and so many more have been afflicted or lost to cancer. I know many who fight and live with cancer every day. I have seen the smiling faces of children with cancer at Dana Farber and the looks of horror on their parents' faces. Cancer could affect your parent, grandparent, son, daughter, friend, neighbor, co-worker or even yourself. Cancer doesn't sleep and isn't prejudice. I want to help and hope to someday find a cure.
I am walking in the American Cancer Society's Peabody Relay for Life for the 2nd year as the Team Captain of the Mantle Cell Marauders. I walk to give back. I walk because I care. I walk because some can't walk for themselves. I walk to show support. I walk because I am a survivor and want others to be as well.
Please help me, my team, and the American Cancer Society to find a cure. Help us to celebrate more birthdays. Help everyone who is a caregiver, provider, patient or survivor. Research is so crucial and we can't do it alone.
Donations can be time or money. No amount is too small and you could save a life. Copy and paste the link below to read about the event and help if you can.
Thank you and cheers,
Adam
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11NE?team_id=840123&pg=team&fr_id=31173
Monday, April 11, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Bit of a Vent
I am by no means “busy” but I do belong to a few groups and keep a steady schedule with my son. I noticed a revelation yesterday when I was reviewing my calendar for March. Upon viewing the pages, there are no medical appointments for the month. I have an MRI, blood work, check-up, and a Lymphoma conference in April but nothing scheduled for March. This marks the first time in over 3 years, I will go one month without visiting a doctor or medical facility. Of course, this might change but I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Life is filled with ying and yang, give and take, push and pull. You get the idea… By the end of March, my employment with Suntrust will officially be terminated. My position was unprotected and I need to reapply for employment with the company. The problem being the closest open position in the company is over 350 miles away in Baltimore. That won’t cut it.
Here is the point.
When my employment is terminated, I will have the option to keep medical insurance through COBRA. Anyone who is on unemployment already knows, COBRA charges through the ceiling. In my attempt to be proactive, I have applied for Medicare and MassHealth. So although, I have no appointments in March, I am hoping to find a way to keep my appointments in April and still afford coverage for Gabe and my list of prescription medications.
I continue to look for work, through the paper, internet, and friends. Social Security gets me by, but a full-time job would be much better. Supposedly I am eligible for unemployment benefits, so I may be able to subsidize my income there. It is a nerve racking waiting game.
Back on the bright side, my health isn’t getting better or worse. I can live with that. Some days are greener than others, and as we say at lodge, “It is better to be seen, than viewed.”
This was more of a vent than anything informational but thanks for reading.
~Cheers
Adam
Life is filled with ying and yang, give and take, push and pull. You get the idea… By the end of March, my employment with Suntrust will officially be terminated. My position was unprotected and I need to reapply for employment with the company. The problem being the closest open position in the company is over 350 miles away in Baltimore. That won’t cut it.
Here is the point.
When my employment is terminated, I will have the option to keep medical insurance through COBRA. Anyone who is on unemployment already knows, COBRA charges through the ceiling. In my attempt to be proactive, I have applied for Medicare and MassHealth. So although, I have no appointments in March, I am hoping to find a way to keep my appointments in April and still afford coverage for Gabe and my list of prescription medications.
I continue to look for work, through the paper, internet, and friends. Social Security gets me by, but a full-time job would be much better. Supposedly I am eligible for unemployment benefits, so I may be able to subsidize my income there. It is a nerve racking waiting game.
Back on the bright side, my health isn’t getting better or worse. I can live with that. Some days are greener than others, and as we say at lodge, “It is better to be seen, than viewed.”
This was more of a vent than anything informational but thanks for reading.
~Cheers
Adam
Monday, February 28, 2011
I'm Back!
It has been too long. I’ll openly admit to being in a funk for a few months. My uncle passed away. Father-in-law passed away. Both to cancer. Long Term Disability benefits were declined. My official employment termination will occur by the end of March. I haven’t had too much cotton candy or carousels recently.
Regardless let me get you caught up.
My health is decent. It isn’t great but decent. I have felt like crap for over a month and been fighting the flu for the past week. My white and overall blood counts are good. Red blood counts are stable. Platelets are low.
Kidney functions started looking funny, so my oncologists dropped my Lasix (fluid reducer) and once again increased my steroid regimen. Good news. I haven’t gained or lost any weight. My kidneys are normal again but an increase in steroids means an increased chance of infection and sickness, hence the flu.
The dual port, I once so heavily relied on for infusion of chemo and other various substances was removed. It wasn’t working properly and needed to be replaced or removed. I elected to remove it. Of course, on my first trip to clinic without the port and I almost pass out when the nurse is placing an IV line. I may not of liked it, but passing out stinks!
Let’s move outside of the medical world to something less meek shall we? Masonry is treating me well. I truly enjoy going to lodge and the fraternity. It could be a meeting night, weekend breakfast, or Mai Tai with the brothers on a Monday. I have met some amazing people and friends I hope to have for life. I, also, recently became a noble member of the Shrine.
I know many will roll their eyes at the thought of spiritual healing but I believe it works. In January, I passed my Reiki 2 attunement. I am involved with a small and fabulous group of practitioners. Your body is just a shell without the strength of your mind. I highly recommend Reiki and other spiritual healing exercises outside of just medicine and physical therapy.
Lastly and most importantly, I can’t forget my son. Gabriel grows so fast. He snaps the fingers on both his hands. He can almost beat me at video game bowling on the Wii. He loves to dance, sing, color, draw, and so much more. Unprompted, he tells me, “I love you, Daddy.” He is a gift to the myself and world.
I’m sure there are things I’m forgetting but there is always tomorrow. Be well!
~Cheers,
Adam
Regardless let me get you caught up.
My health is decent. It isn’t great but decent. I have felt like crap for over a month and been fighting the flu for the past week. My white and overall blood counts are good. Red blood counts are stable. Platelets are low.
Kidney functions started looking funny, so my oncologists dropped my Lasix (fluid reducer) and once again increased my steroid regimen. Good news. I haven’t gained or lost any weight. My kidneys are normal again but an increase in steroids means an increased chance of infection and sickness, hence the flu.
The dual port, I once so heavily relied on for infusion of chemo and other various substances was removed. It wasn’t working properly and needed to be replaced or removed. I elected to remove it. Of course, on my first trip to clinic without the port and I almost pass out when the nurse is placing an IV line. I may not of liked it, but passing out stinks!
Let’s move outside of the medical world to something less meek shall we? Masonry is treating me well. I truly enjoy going to lodge and the fraternity. It could be a meeting night, weekend breakfast, or Mai Tai with the brothers on a Monday. I have met some amazing people and friends I hope to have for life. I, also, recently became a noble member of the Shrine.
I know many will roll their eyes at the thought of spiritual healing but I believe it works. In January, I passed my Reiki 2 attunement. I am involved with a small and fabulous group of practitioners. Your body is just a shell without the strength of your mind. I highly recommend Reiki and other spiritual healing exercises outside of just medicine and physical therapy.
Lastly and most importantly, I can’t forget my son. Gabriel grows so fast. He snaps the fingers on both his hands. He can almost beat me at video game bowling on the Wii. He loves to dance, sing, color, draw, and so much more. Unprompted, he tells me, “I love you, Daddy.” He is a gift to the myself and world.
I’m sure there are things I’m forgetting but there is always tomorrow. Be well!
~Cheers,
Adam
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Passing Away
In God we trust. It is what it is. Everything happens for a reason.
Believe what you will. There is only one certainty in this life and that certainty is death. This morning Nov. 17th, 2010 at 5:17am, the grim reaper came and took my Uncle Harvey. His 2-year courageous battle with renal cancer came to quiet end.
He struggled through experimental treatments, surgeries, weight loss and gain, taste changes, loss of feeling and movement in his arms, and finally the inability to speak. It is horrible to say such words, but I know his passing is a blessing, so he and his family need not suffer anymore.
Rest in Peace my uncle, brother, and my friend.
Believe what you will. There is only one certainty in this life and that certainty is death. This morning Nov. 17th, 2010 at 5:17am, the grim reaper came and took my Uncle Harvey. His 2-year courageous battle with renal cancer came to quiet end.
He struggled through experimental treatments, surgeries, weight loss and gain, taste changes, loss of feeling and movement in his arms, and finally the inability to speak. It is horrible to say such words, but I know his passing is a blessing, so he and his family need not suffer anymore.
Rest in Peace my uncle, brother, and my friend.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Gobble, Gobble
With my favorite holiday only a week away, I enter into this joyous, family, and friendly oriented time of year with a heavy heart and mind. Besides, my son’s 4th birthday in just 6 days, I am laden with questions, concerns, and deep thought.
I believe in the rule of 3. Things happen in 3’s. If you do on to someone, it will come back to threefold. Already this month, the son of my mom’s friend passed away from cancer. Just yesterday, she found out a member of her book club passed away from cancer. And my uncle is currently dying of renal cancer. Hospice comes in daily to clean him, move him, medicate him, and whatever else is necessary at the time. He can’t move on his own and has all but lost the ability to speak. Three losses…one month…all cancer.
I ventured into the world of Reiki and found energy within me I didn’t know existed. However without warning, my Reiki Master was released from her position on Friday afternoon. I will remain her student and patient outside of the office walls, but am bothered by this decision as the office nor her patients were notified or could have predicted this coming.
Friday morning I close one chapter and attempt to move on with my live. At 8:30am at Salem Probate court, I will walk into a divorce hearing to take the final steps into a year and half long separation. As we say in my religion, this is a mitzvah (blessing). There is no denying divorce is the best option for my eventual ex-wife and myself, but I know we both made mistakes and it never had to come to this. I hope only for Gabriel‘s benefit, that our relationship stay amicable so his best interests are never compromised.
Seeing this is a blog about my health, I might as well throw in something. I joined a gym. Yay!!! The more amazing aspect is, I’ve used it. 3 visits in 2 weeks. My knee feels worse if not better and my weight is going up not down. (this could be due to the reduction in Lasix, which is causing more adema to swell in my arms and legs.) I’ll know more about the increasing kidney functions, the removal and replacement of my IV port-a-cath, and eventual total knee replacement in the following months to come.
I’d like to wish my friend, Sarah, a Happy Birthday. Her mother, like I, is a Mantle Cell Lymphoma stem cell transplant survivor. I also want to wish my son, Gabriel, my motivation in life a happy 4th birthday. Chuck e’ Cheese will never be the same, nor will my house. I purchased him a starter drum kit. I know, I know….what was I thinking. Gabriel, Daddy loves you.
And in closing, I want to congratulate my brother. He is being honored Thursday morning at Barnes-Jewish hospital in St. Louis. He is 1 of 10 recipients for an award, which is only given to employees who are nominated by their peers. Barnes employs over 9000 workers. Do math. It is quite the honor and I couldn’t be more proud. I only regret my inability to share the moment with him in person.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Be safe!
~Cheers
I believe in the rule of 3. Things happen in 3’s. If you do on to someone, it will come back to threefold. Already this month, the son of my mom’s friend passed away from cancer. Just yesterday, she found out a member of her book club passed away from cancer. And my uncle is currently dying of renal cancer. Hospice comes in daily to clean him, move him, medicate him, and whatever else is necessary at the time. He can’t move on his own and has all but lost the ability to speak. Three losses…one month…all cancer.
I ventured into the world of Reiki and found energy within me I didn’t know existed. However without warning, my Reiki Master was released from her position on Friday afternoon. I will remain her student and patient outside of the office walls, but am bothered by this decision as the office nor her patients were notified or could have predicted this coming.
Friday morning I close one chapter and attempt to move on with my live. At 8:30am at Salem Probate court, I will walk into a divorce hearing to take the final steps into a year and half long separation. As we say in my religion, this is a mitzvah (blessing). There is no denying divorce is the best option for my eventual ex-wife and myself, but I know we both made mistakes and it never had to come to this. I hope only for Gabriel‘s benefit, that our relationship stay amicable so his best interests are never compromised.
Seeing this is a blog about my health, I might as well throw in something. I joined a gym. Yay!!! The more amazing aspect is, I’ve used it. 3 visits in 2 weeks. My knee feels worse if not better and my weight is going up not down. (this could be due to the reduction in Lasix, which is causing more adema to swell in my arms and legs.) I’ll know more about the increasing kidney functions, the removal and replacement of my IV port-a-cath, and eventual total knee replacement in the following months to come.
I’d like to wish my friend, Sarah, a Happy Birthday. Her mother, like I, is a Mantle Cell Lymphoma stem cell transplant survivor. I also want to wish my son, Gabriel, my motivation in life a happy 4th birthday. Chuck e’ Cheese will never be the same, nor will my house. I purchased him a starter drum kit. I know, I know….what was I thinking. Gabriel, Daddy loves you.
And in closing, I want to congratulate my brother. He is being honored Thursday morning at Barnes-Jewish hospital in St. Louis. He is 1 of 10 recipients for an award, which is only given to employees who are nominated by their peers. Barnes employs over 9000 workers. Do math. It is quite the honor and I couldn’t be more proud. I only regret my inability to share the moment with him in person.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Be safe!
~Cheers
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Halloween - Don't Fear the Inevitable
Allow me to indulge myself and then proceed to another topic. As my 2nd birthday passed by, I can’t help but see how far I’ve come and yet how far I still need to go. Some conditions get better. Some stay the same. Some get worse. Some are just starting.
The lymphoma is in complete remission. My blood work looks stable aside from some heightened kidney functions and low platelets. Although, my legs are strengthening the knee joint itself continues to weaken and get worse. It will require a total knee replacement at some point in time. Lastly, the IV port (placed on May 14, 2008) is finally failing and needs to be replaced. This will require a minor surgery to remove and insert a new port. For the average patient, a ½ inch incision is a 2-3 week healing process. For me, it is a 2-3 month healing process, with a high risk of infection.
In better news, Wednesday Nov 3rd I will take my Reiki 1 attunement. I’ve been receiving Reiki healing for several months and am now ready to start practicing myself. November will be busy. Besides Thanksgiving being my favorite holiday, my divorce hearing is finally scheduled for Nov 19th and my baby boy’s 4th birthday is Nov 21st. Things happen in threes. These will be three events to celebrate. Thanksgiving is just a great bonus!
Yesterday, hospice was called in to attend to my uncle. Uncle Harvey (my father’s only brother) has been fighting renal cancer for close to 2 years now. Unfortunately, it looks like the fight is coming to an end. There is nothing I can do to stop the inevitable and after seeing him a few months back, I can’t bring myself to see him again under these conditions.
Some may call me a coward or weak. I understand the need to be surrounded my loved ones in a time of need but it hits too close to home for me to be with him now. It sounds horrible but I’ve made my peace. I can’t witness him now, without visioning myself in his place. My father understands my feelings and I hope the rest of my family does as well.
When my uncle moves on, it will not be easy for me. As the appointed Chaplain of my lodge, I will be required to do ritual work at the funeral ceremony. I am hoping to find the strength for my uncle, my lodge, my family, and myself to fulfill this obligation. My uncle enjoyed Masonry and wished he could have been more involved. I know he was proud to hear of my raising and appointment as Lodge Chaplain. If only in death, I hope to honor our brotherhood as Masons at his funeral, so he can see me one last time in full tuxedo, apron, and jewel of my profession.
To all those, who sent prayers and gave their well wishes to my uncle, I thank you. Only one person knows how long we have in this life. We just need to make the most out of that short time we’re given.
Two other quick thoughts. My father is going in to the hospital Tuesday for his 3rd catherization and stent-placement in the past month. Hopefully, third time is a charm and his cardiologist will finally provide him with some much-needed relief. Also, I want to congratulate my brother on being nominated and winning the David AG award at Wash U. It is a prestigious award only given out to 10 recipients of the hospital each year. It is a great honor and I couldn’t be more proud.
Best Wishes to all on Halloween. This message is not meant to be scary, just honest.
~Cheers
The lymphoma is in complete remission. My blood work looks stable aside from some heightened kidney functions and low platelets. Although, my legs are strengthening the knee joint itself continues to weaken and get worse. It will require a total knee replacement at some point in time. Lastly, the IV port (placed on May 14, 2008) is finally failing and needs to be replaced. This will require a minor surgery to remove and insert a new port. For the average patient, a ½ inch incision is a 2-3 week healing process. For me, it is a 2-3 month healing process, with a high risk of infection.
In better news, Wednesday Nov 3rd I will take my Reiki 1 attunement. I’ve been receiving Reiki healing for several months and am now ready to start practicing myself. November will be busy. Besides Thanksgiving being my favorite holiday, my divorce hearing is finally scheduled for Nov 19th and my baby boy’s 4th birthday is Nov 21st. Things happen in threes. These will be three events to celebrate. Thanksgiving is just a great bonus!
Yesterday, hospice was called in to attend to my uncle. Uncle Harvey (my father’s only brother) has been fighting renal cancer for close to 2 years now. Unfortunately, it looks like the fight is coming to an end. There is nothing I can do to stop the inevitable and after seeing him a few months back, I can’t bring myself to see him again under these conditions.
Some may call me a coward or weak. I understand the need to be surrounded my loved ones in a time of need but it hits too close to home for me to be with him now. It sounds horrible but I’ve made my peace. I can’t witness him now, without visioning myself in his place. My father understands my feelings and I hope the rest of my family does as well.
When my uncle moves on, it will not be easy for me. As the appointed Chaplain of my lodge, I will be required to do ritual work at the funeral ceremony. I am hoping to find the strength for my uncle, my lodge, my family, and myself to fulfill this obligation. My uncle enjoyed Masonry and wished he could have been more involved. I know he was proud to hear of my raising and appointment as Lodge Chaplain. If only in death, I hope to honor our brotherhood as Masons at his funeral, so he can see me one last time in full tuxedo, apron, and jewel of my profession.
To all those, who sent prayers and gave their well wishes to my uncle, I thank you. Only one person knows how long we have in this life. We just need to make the most out of that short time we’re given.
Two other quick thoughts. My father is going in to the hospital Tuesday for his 3rd catherization and stent-placement in the past month. Hopefully, third time is a charm and his cardiologist will finally provide him with some much-needed relief. Also, I want to congratulate my brother on being nominated and winning the David AG award at Wash U. It is a prestigious award only given out to 10 recipients of the hospital each year. It is a great honor and I couldn’t be more proud.
Best Wishes to all on Halloween. This message is not meant to be scary, just honest.
~Cheers
Monday, October 11, 2010
Reflections
There are all sort of calendars and birthdays. For instance, I celebrate 3 birthdays. On May 19th, I celebrate my actual birth into existence. November 18th is my Masonic birthday. The day of which I was raised to the Master Mason level of Free Masonry. And lastly, October 23rd…my 2nd birthday since receiving stem cells in 2008. As this date is rapidly approaching, I feel it is time to reflect on my past year’s events and progress as well as setbacks.
Thankfully, I no longer wear a surgical mask or gloves when leaving the house. I can freely attend parties, visit the mall, movies, restaurants and even travel on public transportation, subways, buses, boats, and airplanes. My oncologists still advise me to visit and travel these places during lower traffic hours, as my immune system will always be compromised. That is where good ole’ fashioned common sense comes into play.
I was able to participate in Gabriel’s Halloween parade and his 3rd birthday party. I went on field trips with this school. I read his class books and attended Father’s day and other school events. We met Santa Claus together and went on 2 duck tours. I watched him learn how to write his name, order for himself at a restaurant, become potty trained, built Lego towers taller than me, and just enjoy being a kid, playful and free.
I got on a plane for the first time in 2 years and traveled to St. Louis to visit my brother, Beau, and his family. He allowed me to get drunk, no matter how obnoxious I became. He introduced me to his Methodist church and took me to an awesome Mongolian grill and kick-butt Super Bowl party.
Proudly, I was raised to the 3rd degree of Free Masonry by my father. It was an honor for him to do so and now I sit beside him in the East of our lodge as Master and Chaplain. The Free Masons are an unbelievable group. Sad to think, that if I had never gotten sick, I would not have had the time nor inclination to get involved. Some things do happen for a reason and I am thankful for this one.
I have attempted to be here for my parents as they are ill as well. I know they take allot of verbal abuse from me and I need to find a better outlet for my ongoing frustrations. They both do so much to help me on a daily basis from dealing with Gabe, feeding me, and not to mention giving me a place to sleep. Perhaps my newest endeavour into the world of Reiki will calm my nerves, so I may focus my energy on positive thoughts and stop taking life out on the one‘s I love.
Lastly, my health is what it is. Blood work is stable for the first time in 2 years. My overall cholesterol is the best it has been in a decade. I have a left knee that will undoubtedly need to replaced at some point in the near future. My back compensates for the balky knee causing daily pain. However, given these physical setbacks, I am mentally strong and ready to take on the world.
On November 4th, there is a hearing date in front a judge for my divorce. Gabe will always be my son but his mother and I can finally move on with our individual lives. My life…what will I do with the time I am now given?
As I mentioned, I am beginning Reiki 1. I am compiling my journal and blog entries into an eventual book. I continue to create and try new recipes for another eventual cook book (possibly co-written with my mother). I aspire to be a better father, son, brother, co-worker, friend, and person. Nothing in life is set in stone, but if you are waiting for a hand out…you might as well just step out of line.
I wish all my family and friends a happy fall season. This is the best time of the year. Best foods, cool weather, outdoor fire pits, changing of the trees, good times and good friends.
~Cheers
Thankfully, I no longer wear a surgical mask or gloves when leaving the house. I can freely attend parties, visit the mall, movies, restaurants and even travel on public transportation, subways, buses, boats, and airplanes. My oncologists still advise me to visit and travel these places during lower traffic hours, as my immune system will always be compromised. That is where good ole’ fashioned common sense comes into play.
I was able to participate in Gabriel’s Halloween parade and his 3rd birthday party. I went on field trips with this school. I read his class books and attended Father’s day and other school events. We met Santa Claus together and went on 2 duck tours. I watched him learn how to write his name, order for himself at a restaurant, become potty trained, built Lego towers taller than me, and just enjoy being a kid, playful and free.
I got on a plane for the first time in 2 years and traveled to St. Louis to visit my brother, Beau, and his family. He allowed me to get drunk, no matter how obnoxious I became. He introduced me to his Methodist church and took me to an awesome Mongolian grill and kick-butt Super Bowl party.
Proudly, I was raised to the 3rd degree of Free Masonry by my father. It was an honor for him to do so and now I sit beside him in the East of our lodge as Master and Chaplain. The Free Masons are an unbelievable group. Sad to think, that if I had never gotten sick, I would not have had the time nor inclination to get involved. Some things do happen for a reason and I am thankful for this one.
I have attempted to be here for my parents as they are ill as well. I know they take allot of verbal abuse from me and I need to find a better outlet for my ongoing frustrations. They both do so much to help me on a daily basis from dealing with Gabe, feeding me, and not to mention giving me a place to sleep. Perhaps my newest endeavour into the world of Reiki will calm my nerves, so I may focus my energy on positive thoughts and stop taking life out on the one‘s I love.
Lastly, my health is what it is. Blood work is stable for the first time in 2 years. My overall cholesterol is the best it has been in a decade. I have a left knee that will undoubtedly need to replaced at some point in the near future. My back compensates for the balky knee causing daily pain. However, given these physical setbacks, I am mentally strong and ready to take on the world.
On November 4th, there is a hearing date in front a judge for my divorce. Gabe will always be my son but his mother and I can finally move on with our individual lives. My life…what will I do with the time I am now given?
As I mentioned, I am beginning Reiki 1. I am compiling my journal and blog entries into an eventual book. I continue to create and try new recipes for another eventual cook book (possibly co-written with my mother). I aspire to be a better father, son, brother, co-worker, friend, and person. Nothing in life is set in stone, but if you are waiting for a hand out…you might as well just step out of line.
I wish all my family and friends a happy fall season. This is the best time of the year. Best foods, cool weather, outdoor fire pits, changing of the trees, good times and good friends.
~Cheers
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