Advice for Riding the Pain Train

I have a friend that was just diagnosed with throat cancer. Man, that sucks. I got it when I was 51 or so, he's a bit older. So I've been trying to give him advice. If this happens to you, first off read this blog's No euphoria category. But now that it's been so long … Continue reading Advice for Riding the Pain Train →

I can’t believe…

I've been searching my postings, and can't believe I've never posted about this. All through cancer therapy, my stupid cat wouldn't let me alone. No matter where I was - the office, on the couch in the living room, on my bed, she was by my side. Now she's old and fat. Literally the old … Continue reading I can’t believe… →

Rough Week

It was a rough week last week. I started the week off with an upper G.I. scoping that was the result of a visit the week before. It was pretty much a follow-up visit I have every year, but they decided to take a peek and also to stretch out my destroyed esophagus and throat. … Continue reading Rough Week →

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? →