Weekend Update - 11/25/16

I am now celebrating TWO years out since my big cancer operation. This is one of those moments for me where I am realizing how fortuitous, fluky, accidental, blessed, fortunate and just plain lucky I am to still be here breathing let alone be sitting here writing this. As this is the “Thanksgiving season” I am called upon to remind myself what I am thankful for. Please note that the following items are not listed in order of “importance” or in any other order for that matter. * All of the doctors, nurses and other staff at Emory. * The people in my life who pushed, shoved, dragged and otherwise encouraged me to get that second opinion after my initial cancer diagnosis and followup terminal cancer diagnosis. * The love, forgiveness, and patience of family and friends who have been walking with me throughout my life’s journey. * The people who have loved and continue to love me through my cancer journey so far. * The great depth of the patience and forgiveness of damn near everyone in my life as this journey unfolded and continues to unfold. * The gifts of time and resources, financial and otherwise, I have received and continue to receive from family, friends and total strangers. * All of the car rides to doctors and the ER and for sitting with me through out those adventures. * All of the nights spent with me as I was recovering. * The free sharing of the unique expertise of everyone involved in my recovery and the willingness of a few of you to see all of me in all of my glory….notably the baths and of course the wound care which was pretty gnarly. * The cancer support groups and the other cancer patients who continue to keep my perspective about me and my cancer journey in reality and me sane. * To the “powers that be” for continuing to remind me I am not alone, I am wanted, needed and expected here on this planet and I still have things to do. I did see two more of my doctors this week and blood work looks good and all else is “normal”. Now to keep this real…..my new words for my life are (drum role please) … fecal incontinence. Look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls. That is a gift that keeps on giving and is another gift of my radiation treatment. All I can do is laugh and run to the bathroom. One more thank you for everyone….. Thank you all for being here in my life. I would not be here without you. And back to my fiscal reality…… Due to my latest surgery and resultant trips to the doctors/labs things are stretched more than ever at this time so I am asking all to please share my story once again emphasizing that no amount is too small and that $10.00 - $20.00 is better than $0 dollars. A continuing big “THANK YOU” to all who have and continue to share their experience, strength, hope, time and resources. Your time and gifts are, as always, greatly appreciated and still needed. I so look forward to the day when I do not need to ask for assistance. This continues to become much more of a humbling experience. ***Please note that the 12/3/15 post in my blog is one which I encourage you to share freely.*** Please read and share my story. www.gofundme.com/j55wek

Weekend Update - 11/18/16

This coming Monday the 21st is the second anniversary of my big cancer surgery. This is the surgery where they removed my prostate, testicles, bladder, 43 lymph nodes and I received the gift of my urostomy. This surgery, along with the followup radiation treatments etc, saved my life. I will be forever grateful to Dr. A for not believing in “no win scenarios”. At this moment the above events are almost surreal to me. The fact that I am still here two years on is … I am not sure at this time how to describe it at this time. Doctor appointments continue to be ongoing. Hopefully these will continue to be the bearers of good news. They are now concerned about some blood in my stool. This most likely is a continuation of the radiation proctitis. More will be revealed. A part of me is so very tired of having to deal with all of this. “This” being the ongoing medical appointments/procedures, the physical/mental aspects of dealing with all of this and how my life has changed and continues to be impacted by my terminal cancer diagnosis. I continue to live with my “new normal”. New bills continue to arrive and I am trying to do the next right thing. The most mature and responsible thing I can do right now is to continue to check my pride and ego and continue to ask for the help I need. Due to my latest surgery and resultant trips to the doctors/labs things are stretched more than ever at this time so I am asking all to please share my story once again emphasizing that no amount is too small and that $10.00 - $20.00 is better than $0 dollars. A continuing big “THANK YOU” to all who have and continue to share their experience, strength, hope, time and resources. Your time and gifts are, as always, greatly appreciated and needed. I so look forward to the day when I do not need to ask for assistance. This continues to become much more of a humbling experience. ***Please note that the 12/3/15 post in my blog is one which I encourage you to share freely.*** Please read and share my story. www.gofundme.com/j55wek And read my blog at: riksjourney.blogspot.com

Weekend Update - 11/11/16

This week a good friend reminded me through casual conversation as to how deeply my cancer diagnosis and my journey thus far has affected him. Under the heading of things you think you know but don’t……… How my cancer journey has affected the people in my life and how clueless I have been to this fact even though I have been so aware of this and thought I “knew” about this. This has been a time for me to pause and acknowledge to you and reiterate to myself that I am not alone, I am loved and my life on this planet is far from over. This week has been very humbling for me. Other positive notes are my blood work continues to look OK but with another change in my thyroid medication. More will be revealed. The fatigue continues along with my other normal issues. I am spending extra time talking myself into leaving the house and eating and doing the most mature and responsible things I can. And while I would like to live in a bubble, I do not. In talking with some other cancer patients I have to agree that the events of this past week have caused me to be the most depressed since the day I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I am so grateful for my friends and family. You continue to provide me shelter and a reality check against the dark thoughts I have and times we live in. I hope at least in some small way I am able to provide some degree of comfort and grace to you. *** Please note that financially times are extra tight for me right now so… Due to my latest surgery and resultant trips to the doctors/labs things are stretched more than ever at this time so I am asking all to please share my story once again emphasizing that no amount is too small and that $10.00 - $20.00 is better than $0 dollars. A continuing big “THANK YOU” to all who have and continue to share their experience, strength, hope, time and resources. Your time and gifts are, as always, greatly appreciated and needed. I so look forward to the day when I do not need to ask for assistance. This continues to be a very humbling experience. ***Please note that the 12/3/15 post in my blog is one which I encourage you to share freely.*** Please read and share my story. www.gofundme.com/j55wek And read my blog at: riksjourney.blogspot.com

Weekend Update 11/4/16

Great news from my oncologist this week. My PSA remains undetectable and my other blood work also looks good. Aside from a little bowel issue and some fatigue I am having a good week. I have decided to take some time off this week as I just want to turn off the world for awhile. I am going to do my best to just be a good human being doing good human being things. My continued thanks to all who continue to walk this path with me. Much love to you all. Due to my latest surgery and resultant trips to the doctors/labs things are stretched more than ever at this time so I am asking all to please share my story once again emphasizing that no amount is too small and that $10.00 - $20.00 is better than $0 dollars. A continuing big “THANK YOU” to all who have and continue to share their experience, strength, hope, time and resources. Your time and gifts are, as always, greatly appreciated and needed. I so look forward to the day when I do not need to ask for assistance. This continues to be a very humbling experience. ***Please note that the 12/3/15 post in my blog is one which I encourage you to share freely.*** Please read and share my story. www.gofundme.com/j55wek And read my blog at: riksjourney.blogspot.com