What does being rich mean?

 Thanks for all the nice comments and encouraging words on my journey. It is greatly appreciated. And in saying that, YES, I do believe I am rich, but not monetarily but rather, with friends, former co-workers, loved ones and my believe in Jesus. I think the belief your are rich comes from within, not what you have in the bank. I take your comments graciously for your caring and well wishes. Thank you!!!

I was always taught to treat people with respect and kindness. Never judge people by their color, race, religion where the live or the car they drive. My Dad told me many years ago, "Never start a fight, but you make damn sure you end it." And that is my plan.

Tomorrow I get a 'port' inserted in my upper chest so they don't have to start a new IV every time I come in for my Chemo treatment. Those who have gone through this know exactly what I mean. And on Wednesday, my first treatment will begin. Plus I go home with a 'belt pump' which pumps more in for 48 hours. OH JOY!  And then Friday I go back to have the pump taken off. This will be repeated every two weeks for three months, be re-evaluated and maybe another three months, or until they see no more cancer. The doctor prescribed me three medicines for nausea, so I guess I'll see how that goes. I guess I should load up some movies on my tablet to watch while they shoot the juice to me for hours.

From what the doctor told me, he believes we caught it early. I think it is easier to kick some butt early in the game than to try to beat a bad-ass. I am hoping that is the case.

I have seen way too many firefighters, relatives and friends battle cancer in one form or another. While some have survived and other have been consumed by cancer, it took its toll on, not only them but their loved ones and their friends and relatives. I don't plan on being a burden on anyone and keeping a smile on my face as long as possible. From what I have been told, I will have good days and bad days. I think I can handle that. I think all have that normally. I DON'T plan on going down easily without a good fight. As they say, "I GOT THIS."

"The function on man is to live, not to merely exist" 

A quote taken from the last James Bond movie.

The next step/s.

 The last time, I sort of mentioned I was diagnosed with some cancer. No one want to hear they have the big 'C' word because a lot of people think it is their death statement, but it is not. Research and hard working caring doctors and nurses have made great strides in the treatment over the past few years. The treatment is usually less painful, and the side effects are many time less too. You don't always lose your hair, but you may have good and bad days as far as energy goes, but usually you can continue your daily activities as normal. Except for more doctors appointments. 

I feel I am a positive thinking person and have faith in medical advancements and the caregivers that will treat me. I definitely will not give up build and restoring cars and trucks. This battle (if you want to call it that) will be on my terms, and I will call the shots. I do not give up easily.

This last week, I met with two oncologists with basically the same game plan. They both are well respected and have had a great track record with cancer patients, and physicians I know personally. After one of them said, "We want nothing more than to make you comfortable with the location and your care."  I really liked that. 

After I chose the oncology physician, I also chose to start with treatment as soon as I could. He scheduled a 'port' to be planted under my skin for access to a large vessel to infuse the Chemotherapy. The chemo is pacifically formulated for that particular type of cancer. So saying all that, the game plan is to get that done with a week, and then start the chemo infusions bi-weekly. This regiment will go for 3 months, be re-evaluated and possibly go for another 3 months until my indicators show no noticeable cancer. 

For those of you who saw your family members or friends go through this, I am sure this is not new to you. Since both my parent died from different forms of cancer, in the back of my mind, I guess, I always thought it might happen to me too. After have multiple minor skin cancers and then prostate cancer years ago, that thought became a more realistic story of my future. Some may think, how could be so complacent about this? I am not the type who would curl-up and cry over this. I would much rather fight this crap as long as I can. No for me, but for my wife, my kids and my grandkids so that I can enjoy them longer, as long as God gives me.

I realize there will be rough times ahead, a I will muscle through them as best as I can and making sure I don't spoil any ones day in doing so. i have always told my family, "Just because you feel bad, does not mean you should other feel bad."

So if you are willing follow alone with this journey with me, I would love for you to come along. So let's go, for better or worse. I will post photos, if not too graphic. Love to you all and take care.

Stories about a person locks in their legacy, or not.

We all have stories about a fawn people we knew. Whether it be a spouse, family member, or a dear friend, acquaintance, or even a celebrity. There was something that made them stand out in a crowd. I guess our hopes are that we each will be remembered in love and as an unique individual that was kind, loving, life of the party, witty, smart, talented, caring, and will be missed forever, but not forgotten. I am sure that is what we all hope. My recent experience gave me LOTS of time the think about how people (and myself ) would be remembered after I am gone. Not that I am planning the leave soon. I hope not anyway. 

On January 6th, Nancy took me to the ER and then I was transferred to a bigger hospital for a scheduled surgery, which was suddenly sped-up to the following Thursday. The surgery went well, as predicted, but then I was told there was something else. I won't go into the gory particulars, but, the part they cut out had cancer. Cancer, yep a hated word. No one wants to hear they have any type of cancer. Unfortunately, over the past years, I have had a few encounters with that "C" word personally.  I won't go into that either. BUT, I have not gone through the rigorous treatments some of my fellow firefighters have gone through. But this time I think my dodging bullets has caught up to me. 

I have not met with any Oncologist yet, but I do have an appointment  soon. I was told he is really good. I do hope so, but I think a second option will be in order too.

Now I thought about talking about this publicly, but I really did not think I wanted to call you all individually so this seemed OK at this time.

Over the past few months, I (our department) have lost from cancer many firefighters that I worked with and knew personally. I begins this cancer thing home hard. At this point I don't know if if was caused from firefighting or not, and I don't care. All I know is that I WILL fight as long as I can. BUT, I also know when a fight is lost. I have Jesus and God in my corner.

I want you all to know, I did not write this for pity or sorrow. This is my journey, and I would love you to travel with me, IF it does not cause you any pain or heartache. For some it may make you remember someone you lost and be too painful. I understand. I love you all.