Alan

Hi you guys, Hey Randy, Morristown, N.J.? I spent 2 years at prep school in West Orange. That's not too far, right? Patterson got hammered with flooding. Judy KW, you must be somewhere in that area too. My old school was closer to the Caldwells. Anyway, it looks like a rainy week ahead and we'll ptobably miss out on our ball game in Phila. I have to be there anyway for that CT scan. Maybe we can still go. Who knows. See you guys later, just checking in. Alan

Hi you guys, Hey Judy, we're still here, sometimes just don't have much going on. That's OK isn't it? We're getting 2 days of heat. It's going up to 90 maybe. The cool nights have put the pool into put it away mode. Too cold for these old bones. Labor day weekend, think I'll grill some burgers later. Still have a few beefsteak tomatoes left and some candy sweet onions. To heck with turkey burgers and lean meat, I'm going with the grond chuck or something equally fatty. (it drips away, right?) Nothing else going on, no guests, no family, just us. can't wait. Going to Phila. for scans on Wed. We're fitting in a Phillies game on Wed night along with 30 or so other survivors from the center. We'll all be wearing their T shirts and a display will be scrolling around the stadium. Maybe even the jumbotron. It should be fun. We did it 2 years ago. This time I have hair. Looks like the storm that's hitting New Orleans could arrive here just in time to ruin all that. Hope not. I've been talking to my new found "buddy" every couple of days. You all need to help out and do the same if you get the chance. Ron really appreciates the calls. I didn't think I'd have much to offer until I spoke with him. His concerns are the same as all of ours were in the beginning. Some moral support and reassurance are seemingly small things but huge for him. Just something as simple as how Senicot can be helpful to a new chemo patient, know what I mean? Oh well, on that note , I'll sign out for now. Be safe and have some fun. Alan

Hi you guys, Well, almost back to normal. Power is back on in most of our area. some still without, can't beleive how little it takes to incapacitate a community. We just got brushed by it. Poor Vermont, what a mess, can't imagine being slammed like that. Hope all of you readers are OK. You are welcome Katie, It is so rewarding to hear that a little help like a simple phone call means so much to someone. We as survivors and caregivers alike should be happy to be "buddies". It's as good for me as I hope it is for a new patient. When I was first diagnosed and going through the initial treatment, I never heard of a "buddie" relationship. Looking back, I can see why it is so important. I don't think i ever felt so alone and lost in what was happening to me. After a while it got better . It was those first days, I'm sure you can all relate. So, just do it.. I have my 3 month CT next week. All the regular little aches and pains feel like monsters right now. I hate that. I know it's nothing but there it is. I'm positive the scans will show no new anything, they'll move me out to 6 months and send me home. Someone back in the beginning told me to always stay positive. I try but don't enjoy curve balls. We'll see Alan

Hi Kimmie, Holy cow, what a story. You sure have been through it. I had 5 Cyberknife sessions. 18 is alot. My cousin has a brain tumor and they wouldn't use Cyberknife. They opted for a longer program of lower doses of radiation. I also thought that Gammaknife was the preferred brain radiation. Every case is different and you can't take all you read on the internet as gospel. I'm glad that you decided to share your story here.You are sure to be an inspiration to a great many people. Maybe you could share your method of being still for Cyberknife. Mine was in the form of a pill prior to treatment. Did you ever get your jersey? The Saints ought to honor you at one of their games. You are my new ultimate cancer fighter. Welcome. Alan

Hi you guys, not much going on here in central Pa. We had about 3 inches of rain., much more to our east. Alot of wind blowing this morning but no damage around here., no loss of power. The patches we put in our basement walls with hydraulic cement worked great. 3 inches of rain, normally we would be down there squeegying (is that a word?) Anyway, looks like just a little more work and our basement should stay dry. It's been a big pain for many years. Hope all are ok. along the east. Not as bad as predicted so that's good. Be safe everybody. Alan

Hi Judies, Yes, I know where you both are. guess I have to say KW or MI, right? You both have boats and docks. are you sure you're not the same person? I'll try harder.

Hi again you guys, Ginny, Just outside of HBG. I come to Phila. for treatment. I'm on 3 month surveilance., next time coming up real soon. (Sept 7th). Starting to get itchy if you know what I mean. (scanxiety, I think someone called it). Back to drivers, We have a stretch of I-83 here that has more deaths per mile than any in the country. It can be a scary trip outa here sometimes. In the rain, you can barely make out the lines. I-95 almost anywhere from Boston to Richmond gets a little frantic too. Can you tell I'm a country boy? Hey Annette, tell us all about the earthquake. It was in your backyard, right? I felt nothing here, I was driving when it happened but Sue called and said she heard and felt the ground roll a little. Big deal on the east coast. You west coasters are probably laughing at us right now.

5 years.. Wow! that's huge. congrats. My current goal too. Keep up the good fight. Alan

Hi you guys, OK, Judy, the drivers? I'm sure being from Jersey, You've come out the other end of the Lincoln tunnel a few times. NYC, nuff said. Besides that, D.C. beltway at rush hour. Pa. drivers are great by comparison. here's a little poem by Emily Dickinson to brighten your day. Hope is the thing with feathers. that perches in the soul. and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all..... have a good and safe day everybody. Oh, And don't any men look at this site? Give me some company guys. Alan

Hi you guys, Another day with the neices planned. Yesterday, Amish country and Strasburg RR. Today, Millersburg Ferry across the. Susquehanna. Oldest sternwheeler and only one left. No offence taken on any jackass stuff. Lord knows I qualify at times. OK, alot. I think we all do dumb stuff regardless of gender. There have been a million times I wanted to turn back the clock and do something different. I'm sorry to read as always where some of you are getting test results you don't want to hear. That part of this trip is so mean. I hope for good results from any test and understand it can't always be good. All the new technology gives me more hope though. I'm just trying to get to 5 years. there was a time I thought 1 year would be a miracle. Next Sunday there is a 5K walk run downtown for lung cancer awareness. We'll be there. I wonder how big a turnout there will be. I know I can do 5K. It won't be the run part however. Have good days everybody, Alan

Hi you guys, tried to post yesterday but something happened again an poof it was gone. Then as I read the responses about men being jackasses, I figured no one would want to listen to me jabber. Yes KW Judy, Pa. roads are nasty. When I go to Baltimore, the sign that welcomes you to Maryland is accompanied by a sudden smoothness in the ride. On trips, it feels great to get to another state. Our roads are terrible. Mi. Judy, I hope all works out for you. Cancer truly changes our lives. I don't know what to say.,I'm sure it will resolve. Eric, looks like a fast trip home in the air. I know you had a great experience here in the U.S. An amazing journey and thanks for sharing it all with us. I saw you speak in Seattle thanks to U tube. Sorry I missed you. Like you said, we'll be here for 20 to 40 years so maybe someday. Have good days everybody. Alan

Hi you guys, I have a couple of years on you Bud so I get the regular thing. Only 5 days left with the kiddies, then back to normal. It's been interesting for sure. Roger and Tucker absolutely love the playmates. (they are my dogs). I forgot how kids can stay in the pool forever. I found myself checking to see if they were still on the surface. I mean for hours. Today they go back to spend a day with their great grandmary. She's 88. Hope she can keep them amused. Just wanted to post something, gotta get them over there. I think an afternoon of napping is coming up. Rain all day into tonight, so stuck inside. Man Mi judy, You didn't book that getaway did you? Things just keep happening to you. You really need a break. I don't mean any more bones though. Take it easy,will ya? Eric, if you're reading any posts, let us know how your return journey is going to go. Where will it take you? Are you ending in Phila.? Your trip has been amazing to follow. What great pics. Your ability to make friends must have been a joy for you. Have a great day everybody and be safe. Alan

Hi Judy, Judy, Bud et all, Am I a regular? I'll pitch in here. Susan and nieces out doing girl stuff. They lost me. Gee, too bad. Hershey was a blast. Haven't been there in oh 10 years or so.I went on all the coasters but one. That line was 2 hours. Not doing that. Those over the shoulder hold you in the seat bars press right on my port. I thought it might be an issue but wasn't. Had great fun, first coaster rides for the oldest. She was scared stiff. Didn't cry complained and smiled at the same time so all was good. Extremely crowded made for good people watching. Went fishing on the river again with my old bud. no fish, not a splash nothing. bottom of the river is brown and slippery. I'm afraid for our beautiful Susquehanna. Usually at dusk you could catch plenty. I never kept any , no one really does. There just aren't any. Something bad is going on over the entire watershed. Where is everyone is right. What, there's only half a dozen posting ? Judy, you made me feel guilty a little but I have been occupied with family and just stuff. Stay safe everybody, peace be with all of you. Alan

Hi you guys, I,m doing this on our little tiny itty bitty very small miniscule undersized and hard to use tiny computer. Not used to it at all. Like my big giant enormous screen. Anyway, took the run to BWI at 4:00 am to pick up kids. They could have flown into HBG but would have to change in CHicago. Parents did'nt want that. Raining all day today. they are asleep with time difference. Good for me. Judy KW have safe travels. RVing has to be the be the best way to go with your own bed and facilities. Again, I'm jealous of everybody. Beaches, Fishing, Traveling, Working haha to you.I eat well and feel good though so I,ll maintain right here. Got a call yesterday from the cancer center to see if I could go down there to visit with a new patient. Sounds like he's a bit frazzled with all that is before him. Happens alot. I offerred to go early next week, see what happens. Seems there is no family willing to make the trip. How sad. The least any of us can do as survivors is offer a hand whenever possible. As this site proves, sometimes an ear and open heart are that it takes to make someones day. You guys make mine everyday. Alan

Dear Dawn , I hate to hear stories like this. I'm afraid it happens more than we know. You could try this. Go to www.Healthwell Foundation.com. you may be surprised. It is definately worth a shot.

Hi you guys, No kidding, you guys crack me up. What a joy. Janet, I think living on the beach is everyone's ultimate dream. Too bad about the noisy place near you. Happy birthday to all you young ladies. Hope your celebrations and dinner dates don't have to be cancered. Eric, that is an absolute joke that happened to you. I'm glad you saw the humor in all of it. Well, I did. When the concierge asks you how many hours you'll need the room for, RUN. Nieces arrive tomorrow. Lots planned to keep them busy. I bet they just want to watch tv. We the old farts will no doubt bore them to tears. I hope they enjoy HersheyPark as much as I will. Also a horseback tour of Gettysburg battlefields. A trip to coal country and mine tour too. They want to see how their grandfather and great grand father made their way in America. It also caused both of their early deaths by lung cancer.I have to convince them that their great uncle won't follow that course too. I've already convinced myself. Have good weekends everybody, I'll look forward to more laughs later. Alan

Hi Dee and welcome. I understand your "fear" about recurrence. I live with that every day too. It's been almost 2 years for me. I've learned to ignore or hide it for the most part. I know the cancer team I rely on is watching out for me and I trust them completely. I also know that if it does come back, it'll be just like another round in a boxing match. I will answer the bell and I will be fighting. There is too much to live for and I'm determined to ruin all the statistics. Some say we are living from scan to scan. I say we are just living. I've come to accept all that. I try not to be anxious about it. When the next scan is approaching, I think we all feel the heat.Like Randy said, see the good reports for some encouragement. Plus, new technologies are making treatment better and easier as time goes by. I've been told that mine will recur and it's when not if. In that case, I almost can't wait to see what's next. Crazy huh?

Hey you guys, late in the day, but some funny stuff, had to respond. I might cancer happy hour today. Eric, some small towns are depressed areas because all the jobs are gone among other things. Still a slice of America that you're lucky to see. You might not think that now. People are disgruntled and react stupidly sometimes. I bet they were smoking too. Get to a good place and hoist a pint. this one's on me. The new neighbors sure like to party. I got up at midnight to let the dogs out and they were singing along to the radio. Both at full volume. The place is so neglected, I hope they wake up one day soon and begin to clean it up. It needs one of those TV show guys to show up with a landscape crew. Oh wait, that's what I need. Their celebration continues. Still cloudy here with some much needed rain. That's the weather report from me. Not much to say, I already purged on another topic for today. Must get busy. Be safe everybody and peace back to you Janet. Al

Hi Nick, Judy and all, My friends and family were concerned and shocked really when they all found out about my surprise. Well, when it happened, it wasn't much of a surprise to me. They sent cards and e-mails and called to check in. No one really wanted any details, mainly showed concern and worried about Susan, my wife. Many of them seemed like they were afraid to be the one next to me if something awful happened. They kept their distance or so it seemed to me. It was interesting because family was never all that close anyway. One of our oldest friends is a chemo nurse and she wanted every detail I knew. She helped me through alot. I want to talk about it but only if someone is really interested. Turns out they are the ones who have been affected by some sort of cancer in their family or group of friends. None of this is new I'm sure to any of you. I find that when I'm with a group of other survivors, the talking can last forever and turn to laghter then tears then laghter. No one can get a word in edgewise. One time 4 of us were asked to attend a sort of conference to talk about things the hospitol could do better for patients. The moderator at times looked like a 3d grade teacher trying to keep a group of unruly brats in line. We got so far away from the subject and were yacking at eachother. It was crazy. Anyway, I discovered how easy it was to open conversations with people who looked so alone and scared. Like me or anyone else, they are always happy to have an ear nearby. Those are truly the most rewarding and welcome times. People have their own issues whether it's cancer, heart problems, anything. I would never open any conversation with my problems. Some have said "if there is anything I can do". I think from now on I'll tell them to make a charitable donation of their choice. Maybe they will think about it. Maybe I'll tell them to paint my house. That was out of line. sorry. I didn't discover this group until almost 2 years from dx. I can talk about it here all I want. How cool is that? I read almost all the site. I'm surprised by the number of people who have been writing for years and years. I hope I'm still writing some years from now. (you may not). Anyway, talking is much easier with other survivors. When I read Judy's note about being the speaker at her upcoming function, I welled up myself. She said she cried through her speech. I'd cry right with you, I wish I could be there. Alan

Good afternonn yous guys, Don't know if this note will go or not. Big computer glitches lately. Susan ordered a new tower from QVC. $$$ but no tax. Oh well, s#%t happens. Iwanted to thank you all for the congrats on 39 years. I agree, a trophy will suffice. I wound up cooking. We had to grocery shop so I sneaked back to the seafood. All that talk about fried fish the other day got to me. None of the fish excited me so it was scallops, clams, whole lobsters and corn. Not the North Carolina steamer pot, But really good.The best fish I ever had was in Marco Island when we beer battered some grouper we caught that morning. Yummy. KW Judy, I,m sure you've done that. Turns out we couldn't resist going next door afterall. I guess they were stressed, I don't know. Good fences do make good neighbors. Too bad you can hear through fences. Eric, again wonderful shots. Did your new friends happen to show you pics of how that beautiful lake looks in say February?? I'm glad for you that it's summer. Hey Bud, maybe you should have some insulated shoes and some mittens. You are nuts!!! Your story should make a documentery on ESPN. An ESPY award..Lets all nominate Bud for the Jimmy V award. seriously, that should happen. I was afraid I might not get back here due to this glitch. It kinda got to me a little. I like your chatter and like blabbing too. Do I need a hobby? Just kidding, got those too. Neices arrive saturday, lots to do. They want to investigate their heritage, so a few trips to old homesteads etc. coming up. ( some old family favorite food spots too). It always comes down to food somehow doesn't it? Sure hope this got on the air. Katie, "airheads" really? OK.

Hi Char, Welcome . I too am sad for your situation, but glad that you found "us". When you read all our histories as I did, you'll see that we all have our own journey. When I was in the middle of all the chemo, I got dehydrated to the point that the nurses nicknamed me Mr. Weeble Wobble. I was so dizzy when I stood up I could barely walk. I even fainted one day as I was getting off the elevator. They stuck me in a room and started liquid drip and O2 for 2 days. Even on days with no chemo, I went just for a big bag of liquid. My throat was also burned from all the nearby radiation so it was hard to swallow. I drank as much as I could. Most centers offer a support system to help with emotional and spiritual help too. Ask about that. My cancer is in remission now but they told me to expect a recurrence. They suggest that I keep the power port even. So, You are definately not alone. He knows he's not alone too. It is a tough fight and I along with this group can be with both of you through it . It sure helps me just to vent or whatever. There is comic relief over on "just for fun" I'm an admitted babbler so be forwarned. Alan

Good day you guys, ts, the neices will be here then. Their dad is a coast guard commander and relocated to Seattle from Anchorage a few years ago. He had other choices and picked there. The pictures are beautiful that they send. Whales swim past their house at times. We were supposed to go last thanksgiving, but there was that blizzard and we had to cancel. Can't wait for another opportunity.They reserved a lightkeepers house on the southern tip of the island for us. too too bad for us. Today is Susan and my 39th anniversary. She just wants to stay home and cook out, maybe enjoy a bottle of wine. Next year might be a bigger deal at 40. New neighbors fought like cats and dogs last night way out loud. I thought a new house would be exciting and fun for them. We wanted to take a bunch of flowers from our gardens and greet them like new neighbors. There were alot of "F" words flying around,so maybe another time. (or not). I swear that house has a curse on it. We've been here and watched as families come and go. The last 2 ended in divorces. I hope they're not doomed. Hey Eric, what's the next leg of your journey look like? Across Montana and the northwest? I flew over it once. The pilot pointed out the good stuff like Mt. Hood and St. Helen's and other stuff. It was fantastic. Will make for a long rail trip though. It'll go fast as you will be glued to the window. Have fun. Gotta go do my outside work. Seems it never ends. Bye all.

Hi Laurie, My mother lives just north of you in Orange City. I was there last year for a week. Her family is from Racine, Wisc. They took me along when I was 2 for my great grandmother's funeral. I do remember the house was right by the lake and freighters would go by. We drove in the Nash. I think I slept alot. Anyway, be safe. Here we go with the food again. A foot long chili cheese dog, MMM. I'll be right back. There's a DQ about 20 minutes away. Bud, you can have whatever you want I say. Getting new neighbors today. Long story, we'll see how that goes. Susan's neices are coming for 2 weeks. They live on Vashon Island in Seattle. Gee, I should be going there. have safe travels everybody. Fun seeing so many friends here.

Well, Happy Monday everybody. Eric , I'm glad you ate that dog in Chicago. The Navy Peir a perfect place to enjoy that. I'm also glad that tour minglings with the natives has been a pleasure for you. 1 wrong turn in some neighborhood could offer up completely different results so maintain your vigilence.(sp)? anyway, keep the pics coming. You're doing a great job of that. The part of the country you're enjoying now is the beer brewing capitol of our nation. Enjoy some varieties and some microbrewers too. Some have their own pubs and have great menues too. My sister lives in London and has for 40 years. She can't understand the healthcare situation here at all. What you described and how the fund is fed to cover all citizens sounds like plain common sense. Our govt. doesn't understand the term "common sense". A complete overhaul is in order for sure. I hope it happens for generations to come. Off the soap box. Have great day everyone, get some sun. Alan

Wow!! Sunday must bring out the munchies. All that food talk. Now we're talkin. Not to foul up stuff, but we ordered a pizza. Too much Friday and Saturday. Needed a day off. What a great weekend. Sorry about all you worker bees looking forward to another 40 hours. There were years and years that I couldn't wait for Monday and some more challenges. I'm still not really used to not working so hard. Eric, You are doing retirement in style. I don't picture you slowing down either. Cancer ate my wallet. Still waiting for the ship to arrive.Well, have a good week everybody. Enjoy the heat. It only lasts a little while. Alan