Riding the Pain Train

I thought for a while about blogging about this. But after reading the thread at the feral Irishman Thought it might help if I just put down some notes. I honestly don't know how I tore my rotator cuff. There were some things that happened a year ago or so that caused me a lot … Continue reading Riding the Pain Train →

Rest in Peace, EVH

Eddie Van Halen passed this week after battling Cancer. Throat Cancer is where it started. It's a pretty common form among men. Matter of fact, it happened to me. You can read about it here. I was told that if it came back, it would come back in my lungs, which is what appears to … Continue reading Rest in Peace, EVH →

Don’t Grow Old

My grandmother was one of the few in my family tree to grow old. I think there's maybe three that lasted past the age of 70. Every now and then, when we'd chat she'd say "Don't grow old". At the time, I blew it off. What did I know? I was a dumb kid. I'm … Continue reading Don’t Grow Old →

That light at the end of the tunnel…was a light.

The light at the end of the tunnel of my cancer journey turned out to be an actual light and not a train. I'm finally ending this chapter of my life. I was due to visit my radiation doctor for what was really a six year visit. Normally, it's five years before the cut you … Continue reading That light at the end of the tunnel…was a light. →

SitRep Year 3: Can I wrap this up?

When I started down this journey, nearly every doctor I met said something to the effect that I had two months treatment, high cure rate, I'd be fine. Only one - the radiologist (I'm not sure what to call him) basically said something along the lines of "Hah hah...uh. no. More like three years". Damn … Continue reading SitRep Year 3: Can I wrap this up? →

Two years on. SitRep…

It's been nearly two years since I finished treatment. I had a scan this month, which was clear. Again. And I'm gearing up to cut loose a slew of my medical entourage. Partly because they provide nearly no value, and partly, thanks to my insurance, I pay more out of pocket. So, I'll be cutting … Continue reading Two years on. SitRep… →

Epilogue: How does this story end?

I'm a big fan of the "Deadliest Catch" series on Discovery. Catching crab in the Bearing Straits is a crazy way to make a living, and there are some compelling characters on the show. Sometimes, they offer some really good lines. For instance, at one point the late Capt. Phil is stuck in the harbor … Continue reading Epilogue: How does this story end? →

Tips for surviving cancer therapy

"Hey! Look at you! You made it!. Got through all your treatments, didn't end up having to go to the hospital. You're looking good!" So said one of my doctors on a follow up visit a few months after therapy. I had no idea that it was special not having to check into the hospital … Continue reading Tips for surviving cancer therapy →

Where am I today?

Months after this ordeal I'm still getting used to the "New Me". Like I said on the last post, every few weeks or so something starts working or working better. I still can't taste anywhere near like before. For instance, I can't taste sweet. But to some extent, I can taste salty, bitter, savory. Earlier, … Continue reading Where am I today? →

Climbing the hill

After I started eating again, things moved pretty quickly. It seemed like only three weeks or so and all of a sudden I noticed the pain was gone. There was probably a good reason for this, which I'll get into in a bit. After a month I went back to work. Probably too early since … Continue reading Climbing the hill →