medic0020's Group - CLOSED--BUSTIN AT THE SEAMS (Page 45)

Only if I want to freeze to death   Think I am leaving the window closed! 

Pam,  I don't think you will have to worry about this stuff for a very long time... the joys of youth... 

It is weird that you mention that...last year I was having hot flashes...yeah I am only 22... the doctors could only conclude it was high levels stress that was doing it.  Not fun stuff. 

Amy, I plan to meet Julie on Sunday and we may see each other again when I run Big Sur later in the month.  With luck, I will meet you by early summer... That will make three...  What fun!!!  When I get my lecture/teaching schedule for the summer, I will see what other cities I will be in so I can meet more of the group... EK

Pam, stress if a vicious thing!!!  It will destroy your immune system, bring on depression and all sorts of other nasty things... Make it a point to not get into a job or relationship that takes you there and never take things too seriously.  You will live much longer and much happier....  I know, I am probably your dad's age... Emerson

Greg,
I'm so sorry to hear the new challenges that you and Stephanie have to face.  During my own illness, I really came to believe that your mental strength really does make a huge difference, not only in your ability to fight your cancer, but also to continue to live your life despite the huge cloud hanging over you.  Get busy living or get busy dying is never more true than when we are faced with any medical challenge.  Stephanie sounds like the type of woman who won't stop fighting no matter the odds.

I'm just a month shy of my 3rd anniversary of completing chemo (May 19th).  By pure coincidence, Karen and I got married May 20th one year later.  We didn't intentionally pick the date with that in mind, it was just the date our wedding location was available. 

Many of you can understand some of the mental challenges that I've been going thru.  Since I was sick about 3 weeks ago, I just haven't totally kicked it.  It's just enough to remind me of the way my symptoms first started four years ago.  I guess you never totally get over the fear that "IT" can come back.  I've got my next CT scan May 8th (AFTER my first HIM!!!) and I'll be dreading things a little until I get my report back the next week.  In my mind, I think it will be clear but there is still just a twinge of dread and fear hanging around.

I hope everyone had a great day. I was away from the office teaching today and will be tomorrow as well, so I'll be off the grid.  Back in the office on Friday.

Eric,

I understand.  Every time I get "bone pain" I get concerned.  I get a test to check on my cancer a couple of times a year and have never gotten used to it.  I watched my father die of the cancer that I have now survived almost four years.  So, Peg and I approach life with a simple view.  We live each day to the fullest.  We see each day as a gift.  We work hard and we play hard.  We serve life with purpose.

This is the mission that I start each day with:

I open each day seeing life as a gift, opening my heart to the goodness in people and an uncluttered mind to see and serve others in truth.  I center myself with integrity, a drive for excellence, serving others and maintaining humility in the process.  I am a supportive man to my family and friends.  I am a guide to my children. I am a pillar of strength for my wife and a supportive son to my mother.  I will forgive, including those with no remorse.  I am patient, loving, and strong and allow the gift of God’s wisdom to be heard.  I live each day with the richness it deserves.

It helps me live each day the way I believe it should.  Not the way it comes flying at me...

Your friend, Emerson

Eric and Emerson,

I've never walked in the your shoes (the patient) so I know my experience is different. Yet, there are similarities. Every time Stef would get sick, or a strange ache, or whatever, I'd wonder if it was IT. The scans were always tough when she was in remission. They are even harder now because we have come to almost expect bad news. It's funny how she and I are under the same roof - same bed even - yet have completely different experiences to the beast that has hit us.

No matter what happens in our case, I want you both to know that I am cheering your survivorship (and the others as well) from the mountain tops. And as Eric said, attitude is a lot of the battle. There are so many things cancer cannot do - I'm sure you've seen the poem. In my mind, Stephanie has already won the battle on cancer. Why? Because, like another friend in the area says, she may have cancer but it doesn't have her.

Be well all,

Greg 

Anyone heard from Amy of CA -- abud7373 -- for a while?  She is usually flying by from time to time. 

Amy of CA, if you are out there, I hope you, your lovely kids and special Husband are all well....

Amy of IN, thanks for all the prayers.  I have seen the miracle of prayer and a good attitude in Peggy's life.  What you do makes a difference and we appreciate it...  Can't wait to meet you soon.  I will be in Cincy from 4/14 to 4/20.  Peggy and I will be back for the summer from 5/18 to about 9/15.  Let's be sure we cross paths somewhere...

Eric, I am with you.... my next test is July.  I don't think about it in-between, I live life to its fullest...  My answer to cancer!

Dee, I truly appreciate all the support you give to so many.  You deserve all the happiness life can offer.

Pam, learn from this group, we have traveled a lot of tough roads.   We all would like nothing more than have you learn lessons from us and skip the trials we have all trudged trough.

Julie, just a couple of days... be in touch soon.

Gregg, we are with you.  I look forward to the day I can look you in the eye and shake your hand for showing us all what commitment is...

Good night all, Emerson

amy mutz - 2008-04-10 4:59 AM It's Thursday and it's going to be a great day!!!!! I will accept no less. I "will" be working all day today...hmmm Then have my son's track meet, and then I'm going to try and hit the Y at 7:00pm for a swim with my tri sis Shelley, but if we are under a tornado warning like they predict I will just go home. This the season for Tornados here. Hugs to the bunch of you. Have a wonderful day!!!!!

Good Morning and Happy Thursday to everyone as well.  4:59 AM, I am such a slacker  I did not get on line until a little after 5:00 AM.... Now, onto the day.  Let's all make it a day worthy of our effort.  Emerson

Great vid! I'd not seen that one before and the timing was perfect.

 Last night I signed up from my first Half Ironman. The swim and bike don't bother me. I've got to start hitting the running hard. I'm pumped because I've got something to work for. Now, I just have to get to work. I'll be watching that video a lot.

 Have a great day!

That's an awesome video.  I was watching some this weekend and watched ones on the Blazeman and also on Dick Hoyt and his son.  If you haven't seen them before, be ready for some serious sentimentality.  Awesome stuff