Returned from my adventure out East to find a specialist and it turned out to be marvelous trip! All I left with was the clothes that I was wearing...of course my $250 dollar pair of allen edmond dress shoes, ( a reminder to me that I once had some money!) dress slacks,dress shirt,and a light sweater. On my back was my scent free camouflage hunting packpack,I never thought I would be using it for anything other than carrying my hunting supplies. If you remember way back to my earlier e-mails this is the packpack I spoke about eating food out of all the time while bow hunting while I was on steroids!Inside the pack this time was a pair of jeans,two polo shirts,two pair of socks and underwear,gym shoes,bathroom stuff (electric razor,tooth brush ,paste,floss,contacts, glasses, and medicines)and my notebook. No problems getting my boarding pass and going through the check point....I was at the gate an hour before my flight....a good start!
At the gate a black man sat next to me and he started to talk to me,after a while he knew what my trip was about and as we started to board the plane he said...are you a man of faith? Sure am I said. Would you mind if I prayed for you?Not at all I said...well i thought he meant like later when he was alone! No he meant NOW!!!! So he put his arms around me and said about a 2 minute prayer! I think he was a southern baptist ,as we boarded the plane I handed him my book...Have a Little Faith...by Mitch Albom and he was very excited to receive my gift.I put my e-mail inside the cover and will let you know if I hear from him.
Later that day in Washington D.C. at Washington Hospital Center I had my consult with the legendary Dr. Sugarbaker,it was an honor to meet him and his wife, they really liked me,she even gave me a umbrella to keep to go sightseeing because the skies looked threatening.He has saved lots of lives over his career and is the one person who invented the cytoreduction system. However he seemed to me like a old Michael Jordan if you will ,I was not convinced that this was my doctor. Two things about the hospital,this is where Barb Schwanke of Sheboygan had her pmp operation performed over 5 years ago and she is doing great. This is also the hospital that Reverend Jim was born at. The hospital seemed old and dated from what I am use to and I think it is located in a not too wealthy part of town. There was security guards stationed at certain points and I still was approached by pan handlers for money...not use to that! After meeting some wonderful people I was looking forward to my next consult in Baltimore.
My consult with Dr. Sardi could not have gone any better!I met several members of his team and I could feel the warm healing atmosphere.I felt comfortable with leaving my life into the hands of Dr. Sardi and his team! What a huge relief!I am soooo pumped!I FOUND MY DOCTOR! He is also one of the top specialists in the field....he knew everything about my medical history and problems that I have and is going to be contacting Dr. Saad to come up with the most effective and safest plan...a urologist will be in on the operation ,at that time they will take a biopsy of the two cysts on my left kidney to see what is best...options are...leave and watch...remove kidney....or cut out the cysts, leaving about 65% of the kidney. No date has been set but it kind of looks like it may be early June. I have a big birthday on the 5th!!! not that I count them,but maybe shortly after that.Darlene Dr. Sardi's PA gave me some wonderful news...they have I think it is called the 'HOPE'' foundation for people with cancer who travel far away...they provide free hotel rooms for caregivers....she knew that this caregiver thing is a touchy subject because she watches the pmpbellybutton club site and saw that I was asking questions about caregivers...I am thinking about doing the operation without a caregiver...most of you know I am pretty tough...how many of you could wait 6-7 or more days with a ruptured appendix before you sought treatment?(or stupid enough!!)I have had several people some of them strangers who have endured MOAS...mother of all surgeries who offered to be my caregiver! Two of my friends when they heard free hotel in downtown Baltimore(I could not find a room for less than $180 a night!) offered to do it.Rudy and John P but I am sure they would be at Camden Yards watching the Orioles,eating oysters at the fine restaurants located there,checking out all the hot spots,etc. I could just see it...maybe we should check on Markie today! How is Mark? Oh he left a week ago!Looks like Debbi and maybe my daughter will be there for like the first 5 days and if there is no complications I am sure I can handle it by myself.Besides I have set some goals to beat other PMPers who recently had the MOAS.First day out of the hospital...first day getting out of bed without assistance...first day to pass gas!Hard to believe that's a highlight but your whole digestive system has been shocked! But if I am the only one there I can really focus on these things!
At my appointment I met a pmp survivor Bob and his beautiful daughter Pam,he was there for a checkup and Darlene asked if I would like to talk to him.They are from Baaaaaston and talked kind of funny but cool accent .I am sure they thought the same way about me with my Wiscoooonsin twang. We spent about 3.5 hours together and they really made the day much more enjoyable.We took a cab from the hospital,Pam hailed a cab before I knew it! I wanted to see if I could hail a cab because I never did that!(actually I don't think I ever road in a cab before!) Of course hailing a cab women especially a looker has a huge advantage over the men...even if I was wearing my allen edmonds! Bob paid for the cab to the airport and I offered to take them out to eat once we passed security.We found a Chinese restaurant(Bob had Subway...but I thought you can find a Subway anywhere!) We ate our meal and had nice conversation but sadly it was time for them to get to there gate. Pam said ...what does your fortune cookie say? I cracked it open, pulled out the little slip and said......You will meet two wonderful people today!....they laughed and we gave each other a big hug and off they went.I then looked at what the fortune cookie slip really said .......An important discussion will take place today!.....Neat huh!
I want to thank Paul Pachniack who works in Milwaukee for picking me up at the airport and taking me home, saving a family member the trouble of driving to Milwaukee and back to Sheboygan.The only problem was that we stopped at Copps to eat,I ate two huge cheeseburgers and Paul brought me a dish of custard to boot! I was exhausted by the time we got home but was not able to fall asleep because of my stomach being so full! It was a wonderful trip!
I will try to keep things updated and let you know what is going on.Many of you know I am not a computer guy and I am getting my boat out of storage real soon.The Rainbow and Brown Trout fishing on Lake Michigan is upon us so you may not hear from me but do not be afraid to call or e-mail....I will check every couple of days.I am well and hope that all of you are also!
If anyone wants to send me good vibes(to catch fish too!) and thoughts and prayers,I would not mind at all.
SPRING IS HERE!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
turning into" use to be guy"
Ive read from bellybuttons reports about how you will get use to your "new self"over time. To be honest it has been so long(before 2-10-09) since I felt well that I can not even remember what it feels like to feel good! Don't get me wrong I am fighting and doing what ever I can to improve my health....resting,eating healthy,and exercise but I just do not feel or look well.Must be the powerful drugs I subjected my body to along with the disease or diseases that I have. No one is sure if my kidney disease is separate from my PMP.I am flying out early Monday morning to have consults with Dr. Sugarbaker in D.C. and Dr. Sardi in Baltimore and am interested in what they have to say and treatment plans. It should be interesting...I made all of the arrangements and for those who know me well ,I know you are laughing!Jeepers are things expensive out East!!! Especially when I had to make plans at the last minute.Just what I need is more stress! At least I am going alone and only have to take care of myself!
Boy I really took my athleticism for granted! Not long ago I had a 227 a game bowling average,I could drive a golf ball 300 yards,climb trees at will,had a strong throwing arm,pretty good ball player and was still playing fast pitch softball until a couple of years ago against 20 year olds and could still kick there ass.For the last ten years except for last year due to my ruptured appendix I was a volunteer baseball coach at South High...I am going to help out this year as long as I can before my operation....that will help keep things off my mind. I also may hit the driving range to poke some as far as I can.I also will be taking some batting practice and hopefully hit a couple out of the park one last time. I am cognizant these things are coming to a end very soon.
I remember the lyrics from the song"forever young",it goes....forever young,I want to be forever young........do you really want to live forever?
Seems to me you don't have a choice...hey even with my illness each day is not real great...but each day is still good!
Boy I really took my athleticism for granted! Not long ago I had a 227 a game bowling average,I could drive a golf ball 300 yards,climb trees at will,had a strong throwing arm,pretty good ball player and was still playing fast pitch softball until a couple of years ago against 20 year olds and could still kick there ass.For the last ten years except for last year due to my ruptured appendix I was a volunteer baseball coach at South High...I am going to help out this year as long as I can before my operation....that will help keep things off my mind. I also may hit the driving range to poke some as far as I can.I also will be taking some batting practice and hopefully hit a couple out of the park one last time. I am cognizant these things are coming to a end very soon.
I remember the lyrics from the song"forever young",it goes....forever young,I want to be forever young........do you really want to live forever?
Seems to me you don't have a choice...hey even with my illness each day is not real great...but each day is still good!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
destination unknown
Going on walk abouts through swamps ,fields and hardwoods has been one of my favorite things to do ever since I was a kid. As I kid I never really had a destination other than the woods...what you came across during these trips was always a surprise.Yes I was looking for snakes,frogs or turtles and I made plenty of return trips home with reptiles my mother could not stand to look at.After a few days of keeping them in buckets and garbage cans I would take them back to where I found them and release them.These days while looking for new hunting spots it just is not the same....I am "boxed" in...limited on where I can walk and search due to property lines...I would love to explore new lands but these days it is a sure way to get yourself a ticket from the local sheriff!
For this reason I have found fishing in my boat fills my desire to explore and search for the unknown.When you go out on the water with a vessel you can pretty much go anywhere you want... destination unknown....no trespassing signs,no fear of getting a fine as long as you have all the required equipment and follow the fishing regulations.Just enjoying the view and keeping one eye upon the weather,trying new waters for fish...yes having two motors in case one acts up and a GPS to show you the way home sure puts you at ease when you venture out so far that you can't see shore .I have learned to respect the "big pond" conditions can change rapidly. It is always better to fish another day than to test it. That is what I like, not knowing what you are going to experience that day or if you are going to catch fish,neat sunrise or sunset stuff like that.
My illness has put me in uncharted waters...Who will be my doctor? When will I have my operation? Where will my operation be?What will he find? Will I be OK? Will my insurance cover it?Who is going to be my caregiver? Do I need a caregiver?Why put someone else through my battle?How soon will I be able to fish again?Go back to church?Go back to work?Oops...I first must find a job or start a business before I can work. When do I get off these damn medicines?This new drug called myfortic I am taking warns that it may cause anxiety! I have an idea on how to lessen the anxiety!!!!! Don't charge so much money for your drug!!! $400 a month!
While heading into destination unknown I plan on viewing it like a voyage on a new boat.
Enjoy the view
Explore the vessel
Make friends with the captain and others on the boat....God,doctor's,nurses,new friends,etc
Fish a little...only in my mind
Get off when I get home and do good
For this reason I have found fishing in my boat fills my desire to explore and search for the unknown.When you go out on the water with a vessel you can pretty much go anywhere you want... destination unknown....no trespassing signs,no fear of getting a fine as long as you have all the required equipment and follow the fishing regulations.Just enjoying the view and keeping one eye upon the weather,trying new waters for fish...yes having two motors in case one acts up and a GPS to show you the way home sure puts you at ease when you venture out so far that you can't see shore .I have learned to respect the "big pond" conditions can change rapidly. It is always better to fish another day than to test it. That is what I like, not knowing what you are going to experience that day or if you are going to catch fish,neat sunrise or sunset stuff like that.
My illness has put me in uncharted waters...Who will be my doctor? When will I have my operation? Where will my operation be?What will he find? Will I be OK? Will my insurance cover it?Who is going to be my caregiver? Do I need a caregiver?Why put someone else through my battle?How soon will I be able to fish again?Go back to church?Go back to work?Oops...I first must find a job or start a business before I can work. When do I get off these damn medicines?This new drug called myfortic I am taking warns that it may cause anxiety! I have an idea on how to lessen the anxiety!!!!! Don't charge so much money for your drug!!! $400 a month!
While heading into destination unknown I plan on viewing it like a voyage on a new boat.
Enjoy the view
Explore the vessel
Make friends with the captain and others on the boat....God,doctor's,nurses,new friends,etc
Fish a little...only in my mind
Get off when I get home and do good
Monday, March 8, 2010
Seems like yesterday
For those of you who know me well,you know that I have never really liked computers. I am having a hard time finding the motivation to write on this blog.Personally I prefer to write in my notebook where I can keep my more personal thoughts to myself. I also realize that if I do not update this more frequently no one is going to follow it... not that anyone is anyways. It seems like yesterday when Debbi and myself were debating if we should get a computer....you know the kids were saying...come on Mom and Dad everyone else has one,and so on.I remember the arguments with the kids over who is using the computer...I need it for school work...I need it for this and that!
We now have NINE ways maybe more to access the internet in my family. Two normal pc's,two lab tops,one ipod thing,and four cell phones...Last night while watching the academy awards with Debbi and Carlee they were using there cell phones the whole night on the internet...You might think it was family time together but it was far from that...they were who knows where as they jumped around the internet and facebook crap. I do not remember too much from when I was confirmed 35 years ago,but I do remember Reverend Koch placing his hand upon my head as he read to me my bible verse he selected..I do not remember what book of the Bible and verse but I do remember what he said......Test everything, abstain from all forms of evil......I think this internet digital age is sneaking up on a whole lot of people and family's. I am concerned and feel that there is a real dark side to this besides all the obvious evil things the internet offers. I have learned to trust my instincts and the red flag is waving! I imagine the digital devices are just like anything else,if used in moderation it can enhance ones life,but if used all the time addiction is sure to take hold.
There is some good on the net! I have found a site on the internet for people who have the rare cancer that I have called PMPbelly button club and the cancer patients and survivors have been most helpful to me and very supportive .Total strangers pleaded me to seek out a specialist to perform my operation so mistakes are not made like what they have endured because of bad choices they made or doctors not knowing what they are dealing with.I have heard them loud and clear...I have canceled my operation at Froedtert and have sent my medical records to three doctors who are specialists in hopes that they can take my case...Dr.Sardi of Mercy medical in Baltimore...Dr. Sugarbaker of George Washington hospital in D.C.....Dr. Fournier of M.D. Anderson in Houston. Once I hear from them I will be flying out to them to have a consult and when I meet a doctor that I feel comfortable with we will make plans for the MOAS ...mother of all surgeries.
Four people have died on the PMPbellybuton club since I joined 3 weeks ago and this has really shaken me and has brought gravity to my condition and just how serious this can be .I have found myself praying for these total strangers and their family's.I will try to write more often and keep things updated.
We now have NINE ways maybe more to access the internet in my family. Two normal pc's,two lab tops,one ipod thing,and four cell phones...Last night while watching the academy awards with Debbi and Carlee they were using there cell phones the whole night on the internet...You might think it was family time together but it was far from that...they were who knows where as they jumped around the internet and facebook crap. I do not remember too much from when I was confirmed 35 years ago,but I do remember Reverend Koch placing his hand upon my head as he read to me my bible verse he selected..I do not remember what book of the Bible and verse but I do remember what he said......Test everything, abstain from all forms of evil......I think this internet digital age is sneaking up on a whole lot of people and family's. I am concerned and feel that there is a real dark side to this besides all the obvious evil things the internet offers. I have learned to trust my instincts and the red flag is waving! I imagine the digital devices are just like anything else,if used in moderation it can enhance ones life,but if used all the time addiction is sure to take hold.
There is some good on the net! I have found a site on the internet for people who have the rare cancer that I have called PMPbelly button club and the cancer patients and survivors have been most helpful to me and very supportive .Total strangers pleaded me to seek out a specialist to perform my operation so mistakes are not made like what they have endured because of bad choices they made or doctors not knowing what they are dealing with.I have heard them loud and clear...I have canceled my operation at Froedtert and have sent my medical records to three doctors who are specialists in hopes that they can take my case...Dr.Sardi of Mercy medical in Baltimore...Dr. Sugarbaker of George Washington hospital in D.C.....Dr. Fournier of M.D. Anderson in Houston. Once I hear from them I will be flying out to them to have a consult and when I meet a doctor that I feel comfortable with we will make plans for the MOAS ...mother of all surgeries.
Four people have died on the PMPbellybuton club since I joined 3 weeks ago and this has really shaken me and has brought gravity to my condition and just how serious this can be .I have found myself praying for these total strangers and their family's.I will try to write more often and keep things updated.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Thinking of a nickname
Hey guys after a pretty heavy last post I thought I would get back to my strange sense of humor that some of you have grown to love!When I have my operation my spleen and gall bladder will be removed....I also will have a incision that will be from my sternum to well below my bellybutton.I just joined a support group for individuals who have this rare disease called PMP bellybutton club.
I see that many there have a nickname and I am trying to come up with a good one.....This is what I thought up so far but would appreciate any other suggestions!First seeing my spleen will be removed how about.....THE SPLEENLESS WONDER.........What do you think?My second choice comes from that idiot on the hit TV show JERSEY SHORE....if you know what I am talking about one of the main characters name is ....THE SITUATION...cuz all he does is work on his abbs.I got to thinking with my long incision how about........THE SPLITUATION....cool huh?
I asked why they call it bellybutton club and I found out that most patients lose there bellybutton from the surgery....Now I am worried...I have been collecting the "NAVEL LINT" from my bellybutton for quite some time now. I am going to use this lint for filling in a pillow I am making for a friends birthday but I am a little short. Looks like I will have to use "STUFF" from one of my other orifices to complete the job!I can't wait to see the look on PAPA SMURFS face when I give him his present! Is there anyone else out there that wants a gift from me?
I see that many there have a nickname and I am trying to come up with a good one.....This is what I thought up so far but would appreciate any other suggestions!First seeing my spleen will be removed how about.....THE SPLEENLESS WONDER.........What do you think?My second choice comes from that idiot on the hit TV show JERSEY SHORE....if you know what I am talking about one of the main characters name is ....THE SITUATION...cuz all he does is work on his abbs.I got to thinking with my long incision how about........THE SPLITUATION....cool huh?
I asked why they call it bellybutton club and I found out that most patients lose there bellybutton from the surgery....Now I am worried...I have been collecting the "NAVEL LINT" from my bellybutton for quite some time now. I am going to use this lint for filling in a pillow I am making for a friends birthday but I am a little short. Looks like I will have to use "STUFF" from one of my other orifices to complete the job!I can't wait to see the look on PAPA SMURFS face when I give him his present! Is there anyone else out there that wants a gift from me?
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Pseudomyxoma Peritonei-Cytoreduction Surgery
Yesterday Feb. 10th was the one year anniversary of my ruptured appendix. A year later I finally received some hope and some answers. It will not come easy and will require me to go through a nine hour operation with up to a 3 week stay in the hospital . I went to Froedtert on Feb. 10th and gave 3 tests- dexa scan- to check my bone density and possible side effects from over exposure to steroids; An ultra sound to look at my kidneys and bladder, and my 5th CT scan of the year. I then met with my oncologist doctor Sam Pappas at 3:00pm. The previous 4 CT scans showed no change in my abdomen or my spleen which is filled with cysts too numerous to count. Over 30 oncologists at University of Wisconsin and specialists have never seen a spleen like mine. This 5th CT scan shows that my spleen is growing and changing in size. Doctor Pappas showed me the comparison of the previous scan and I could see the difference. He could also see mucus outside of the spleen.
What has happened is that when my appendix ruptured there was a tumor inside of it that spewed it's micro-organisms throughout my peritoneal cavity (my guts) and has started to grow new tumors and also effected my kidneys and spleen. My tumor was labeled a mucinous cystadenoma. The name of this rare appendix cancer is called Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. PMP for short. Fortunately I do not have the more aggressive tumor that can metastasize (SPREAD) to soft organs outside of the peritoneal. I have the low grade malignancy, low grade cancer. As most of you know, I have just completed my 6 month immuneosuppressant treatment of steroids for 30 days, followed by chemo for 30 days, repeating until my 6 months was over. This was for my kidney disease which yielded poor results. It did not work seeing as how my doctors did not know I had PMP. What this treatment did do was it create the perfect environment for PMP to spread throughout my peritoneal cavity because of my immune system, which unable to stop the disease.
For this reason, Doctor Pappas wants to perform the cytoreduction surgery asap. I am schedule to have the surgery MARCH 9th, 27 days from now! It has been a blessing that my rare condition has put me into the hands of the very best doctors. PMP has effected my kidneys and again, no one has seen a spleen like mine (3 times larger than normal.) Doctor Pappas is a personal friend and has worked with the pioneering doctor of PMP, Dr. Sugarbaker. Dr. Pappas also did his studies at University of Pittsburgh and has worked with Dr. Holzmann, another leader in PMP. The good news is, when all the PMP is removed, there is a very good chance my kidneys will come around and work properly! Dare to dream! During the operation, my spleen, gall bladder, and possibly my left kidney will be removed.
I recently met a friend, Dan, who just had the cytoreduction surgery done in Houston, TX. He is back home in Sheboygan doing well. Dan has some great links and some very gross pictures of PMP surgery being performed on the bottom right side of his blog. I would love to add that to my blog, but it is way beyond my computer abilities. (I will have to consult my genius daughter, Mallory.) If you care of read more about appendix cancer and the chemo wash (hipec) that I will have done, his blog is www.oncoloblogy.com. He has been a great help to me; not sure yet how I can return the favor.
I had to wait about an hour and a half in the area of the cancer clinic called "Faith Quadrant," because my tests were completed. As I sat waiting to be called, there was a lady also waiting who I saw was crying and must have been Catholic, because she was holding and caressing Rosary beads. My whole life up until my illness has always been a game to me. Always concerned about enjoying life and having fun. I was blind to everything else going on. I tell you I will never be that person again. On the wall of the faith clinic, there is a quote. "Take that first step in faith.. you do not need to see the whole staircase.. just the first step." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Just letting you know I am well on my way up that staircase.
What has happened is that when my appendix ruptured there was a tumor inside of it that spewed it's micro-organisms throughout my peritoneal cavity (my guts) and has started to grow new tumors and also effected my kidneys and spleen. My tumor was labeled a mucinous cystadenoma. The name of this rare appendix cancer is called Pseudomyxoma Peritonei. PMP for short. Fortunately I do not have the more aggressive tumor that can metastasize (SPREAD) to soft organs outside of the peritoneal. I have the low grade malignancy, low grade cancer. As most of you know, I have just completed my 6 month immuneosuppressant treatment of steroids for 30 days, followed by chemo for 30 days, repeating until my 6 months was over. This was for my kidney disease which yielded poor results. It did not work seeing as how my doctors did not know I had PMP. What this treatment did do was it create the perfect environment for PMP to spread throughout my peritoneal cavity because of my immune system, which unable to stop the disease.
For this reason, Doctor Pappas wants to perform the cytoreduction surgery asap. I am schedule to have the surgery MARCH 9th, 27 days from now! It has been a blessing that my rare condition has put me into the hands of the very best doctors. PMP has effected my kidneys and again, no one has seen a spleen like mine (3 times larger than normal.) Doctor Pappas is a personal friend and has worked with the pioneering doctor of PMP, Dr. Sugarbaker. Dr. Pappas also did his studies at University of Pittsburgh and has worked with Dr. Holzmann, another leader in PMP. The good news is, when all the PMP is removed, there is a very good chance my kidneys will come around and work properly! Dare to dream! During the operation, my spleen, gall bladder, and possibly my left kidney will be removed.
I recently met a friend, Dan, who just had the cytoreduction surgery done in Houston, TX. He is back home in Sheboygan doing well. Dan has some great links and some very gross pictures of PMP surgery being performed on the bottom right side of his blog. I would love to add that to my blog, but it is way beyond my computer abilities. (I will have to consult my genius daughter, Mallory.) If you care of read more about appendix cancer and the chemo wash (hipec) that I will have done, his blog is www.oncoloblogy.com. He has been a great help to me; not sure yet how I can return the favor.
I had to wait about an hour and a half in the area of the cancer clinic called "Faith Quadrant," because my tests were completed. As I sat waiting to be called, there was a lady also waiting who I saw was crying and must have been Catholic, because she was holding and caressing Rosary beads. My whole life up until my illness has always been a game to me. Always concerned about enjoying life and having fun. I was blind to everything else going on. I tell you I will never be that person again. On the wall of the faith clinic, there is a quote. "Take that first step in faith.. you do not need to see the whole staircase.. just the first step." - Martin Luther King Jr.
Just letting you know I am well on my way up that staircase.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
When things don't work out as planned
It was the last morning of our annual fishing trip. I caught 4 Musky during the 5 day trip,I had a one fish lead over Lee in our unspoken fishing tournament. It may have been a competition in my mind only,the other members of our group are what I call casual fishermen.They do not display the patience and persistence it takes to catch Muskie's. They do a variety of fishing tactics where they can relax,have a few beers,and see how many ounces one can pee in the plastic urinal as they wait for there bobber to go down or watch there fishing rod tip while drifting.Nothing wrong with that but I stood and cast for a"real" fish the entire trip,I am not interested in catching pan fish or small walleye's and I have a small bladder!For three days I fished hard with no strikes or sightings of a Musky. Finally on Saturday I caught one musky followed by 3 more on Sunday,one in the morning and two during the evening. Lee is a force to deal with and a real Musky fisherman,he carries 4 musky rods tipped with hot lures and possesses a massive tackle box filled with musky lures.I have one musky rod and only a few lures.
I had the perfect plan for the last morning fishing trip.I knew the whole fleet was going to the small lake where I caught fish the previous day. Papa Smurf and I went to another hot spot on a different lake and had the whole area to ourselves.As a group we agreed upon a time to fish until leaving us enough time to get the cabin cleaned and still be on our way home by noon.With only a couple of mins. left to fish I caught a small northern.I was holding the fish out of the water with my left hand about 15 inches above the fish.I had a pliers in my right hand that I was going to use to dislodge my lure from the fishes mouth,as I approached the fishes mouth it shook violently sending my lure up in the air snagging my left thumb with one of the heavy hooks....fortunately the fish was free because I was in enough pain,just think if the fish was still flopping around with a hook in my thumb!Ouch!After a short while as we both calmed down I taught Papa Smurf how to drive the tiller of the boat because it was difficult for me with this huge lure attached to my thumb and we head for the cabin.
Once back at the cabin Doug offered to drive me to get the lure detached from my thumb.To the west 13 miles away is Park Falls and they have a hospital there.We headed east towards Minoqua to a bait store called "Rollie and Helen's "as I walked into the store a squeamish clerk saw my problem and handed me a bolt cutter especially designed for cutting the heavy hooks of musky lures.As Doug stood by my side cheering I began the surgery without a shot of Jack Daniels!First I cut the hook close to my thumb freeing the rest of the lure,then with a pliers I grabbed the barb portion on the other side of my thumb on began twisting the cut hook through my thumb.Doug was shouting"It's working,It's working..almost...It's out!"If we would have went to the hospital in Park Falls there would have been emergency fees and so on....the real reason I did not want to go there is because at the hospital they have a rule that they get to keep the removed musky lure and it becomes part of a "shrine"a wall filled of lures removed from fisherman.That Squirrely Bert cost me 20 bucks!
That asshole Lee ended catching a Musky that final morning tying my total of 4 .I then had to pull out my Pike ,Round lake Musky Rule Book.It clearly states in "Rule RJ-3...number of fish caught...in the event of a tie the fisherman with the LEAST amount of fishing equipment shall be declared the winner."I WON!!!!
My 6 month treatment for my kidneys has not gone as planned and results have been good for shit!It has been very frustrating,upsetting,disappointing,discouraging,etc.Tests galore a lot of them painful but I introduced some very powerful chemicals into my body for nothing!During my treatment I have had mouth sores,food did not taste right,tooth paste and brushing my teeth was the worst...something with the chemo.My eyes felt funny and I had blurred vision at times.The tips of my fingers and my left heel became numb and tingly for some reason.My "BOYS" swelled to the size of golf balls and were more sensitive than usual from the steroid.My weight fluctuated from 180 to 206...up and down...up and down...up and down.I spoke about my "clown hair"in a earlier post ,I did not lose it but it is very thin and stringy .My immune system is at a all time low ,I have been really sick with a bad upper respiratory infection for over three weeks.Tests revealed a very low white blood cell count,I am anemic ,and I have been on antibiotics for over a week and still have it!Gotta love that chemo...that is why I have not updated this blog...it has been a very rough 3 weeks!
You heard the saying...when the going gets tough...the tough get going!I could ask why,why,why,cry,cry,cry,whine,whine,whine some more but that does not do me or you any good.I must stay in my circle of influence ,focus on what I can control and do not waste energy on things I can not change.First check my attitude as I have been feeling sorry for myself.My life has been crumbling for over a year,today(FEB 10th) is my one year anniversary of my ruptured appendix.When I think about it I have not received any good news in regards to my health and the doctors still do not know what is happening to my body.(I meet with my oncologist today)Boo hew,boo hew,whine,whine and then I realized....Hatti crumbled in 35 seconds changing the lives of thousands in that time frame!I will stop complaining of my small issues and feeling sorry for myself...each day is a gift!
I have done some research on the computer and there is things I can do to improve my immune system.First foods I should eat,omega3 found in fish like tuna and salmon twice a week(I have a freezer full of salmon caught last year)Lots of vitamin C and E,eating whole grains,brown rice,eggs,cottage cheese,white chicken meat,pasta and garlic,6 to 7 servings a day of fruits and vegetables special interest in cauliflower and broccoli. No soda,alcohol,fried foods and avoid meats with too much fat.Regular exercise and at least 8 hours of sleep a night,I must get rid of this upper respiratory infection so I can start exercising once again.For the most part I am doing the rest but I need to step it up a level and build my "Cape of invincibility "surgery is on the horizon!
So that is my plan,check my attitude,go to church every Sunday,eat healthy,get lots of rest,exercise and vent through my blog and stay the course....I sure would not object if I have some wing men or wing women along the way!!
The night after my colonscopy before I got my cold I went to open baseball practice for the high school students at south where they can throw,field,and get in the batting cage.Coaches are to refrain from teaching due to wiaa rules but you can still make small comments or suggestions to them. About 4 years ago well before my current problems I wrecked my right throwing shoulder trying to start a old lawn mower,I kept pulling and pulling and pulling until it started.My whole life in one form or another there was always baseball and I never had any problems with throwing a baseball my entire life...so go figure a old lawn mower get's me! A MRI showed nerve damage and the doctor said there was nothing that could be done and it will just take time. I had a huge ball of muscle on the top of my shoulder and my blade "winged"out like a angel and I could not throw a ball.
With all my other medical stuff going on I forgot about my shoulder.Well I stretchered out my arm,found a partner and began playing catch. I was amazed at how painless and fluid I threw the baseball.I was very accurate in my throws but had no where near the velocity I use to have,but that can be worked on.I do not know how to explain it but this small act has brought me some much needed hope!If I can throw a ball again I can do anything,I can beat anything! My arm is healed and it has given me comfort and peace and is a sign that I am going to be alright!!
I had the perfect plan for the last morning fishing trip.I knew the whole fleet was going to the small lake where I caught fish the previous day. Papa Smurf and I went to another hot spot on a different lake and had the whole area to ourselves.As a group we agreed upon a time to fish until leaving us enough time to get the cabin cleaned and still be on our way home by noon.With only a couple of mins. left to fish I caught a small northern.I was holding the fish out of the water with my left hand about 15 inches above the fish.I had a pliers in my right hand that I was going to use to dislodge my lure from the fishes mouth,as I approached the fishes mouth it shook violently sending my lure up in the air snagging my left thumb with one of the heavy hooks....fortunately the fish was free because I was in enough pain,just think if the fish was still flopping around with a hook in my thumb!Ouch!After a short while as we both calmed down I taught Papa Smurf how to drive the tiller of the boat because it was difficult for me with this huge lure attached to my thumb and we head for the cabin.
Once back at the cabin Doug offered to drive me to get the lure detached from my thumb.To the west 13 miles away is Park Falls and they have a hospital there.We headed east towards Minoqua to a bait store called "Rollie and Helen's "as I walked into the store a squeamish clerk saw my problem and handed me a bolt cutter especially designed for cutting the heavy hooks of musky lures.As Doug stood by my side cheering I began the surgery without a shot of Jack Daniels!First I cut the hook close to my thumb freeing the rest of the lure,then with a pliers I grabbed the barb portion on the other side of my thumb on began twisting the cut hook through my thumb.Doug was shouting"It's working,It's working..almost...It's out!"If we would have went to the hospital in Park Falls there would have been emergency fees and so on....the real reason I did not want to go there is because at the hospital they have a rule that they get to keep the removed musky lure and it becomes part of a "shrine"a wall filled of lures removed from fisherman.That Squirrely Bert cost me 20 bucks!
That asshole Lee ended catching a Musky that final morning tying my total of 4 .I then had to pull out my Pike ,Round lake Musky Rule Book.It clearly states in "Rule RJ-3...number of fish caught...in the event of a tie the fisherman with the LEAST amount of fishing equipment shall be declared the winner."I WON!!!!
My 6 month treatment for my kidneys has not gone as planned and results have been good for shit!It has been very frustrating,upsetting,disappointing,discouraging,etc.Tests galore a lot of them painful but I introduced some very powerful chemicals into my body for nothing!During my treatment I have had mouth sores,food did not taste right,tooth paste and brushing my teeth was the worst...something with the chemo.My eyes felt funny and I had blurred vision at times.The tips of my fingers and my left heel became numb and tingly for some reason.My "BOYS" swelled to the size of golf balls and were more sensitive than usual from the steroid.My weight fluctuated from 180 to 206...up and down...up and down...up and down.I spoke about my "clown hair"in a earlier post ,I did not lose it but it is very thin and stringy .My immune system is at a all time low ,I have been really sick with a bad upper respiratory infection for over three weeks.Tests revealed a very low white blood cell count,I am anemic ,and I have been on antibiotics for over a week and still have it!Gotta love that chemo...that is why I have not updated this blog...it has been a very rough 3 weeks!
You heard the saying...when the going gets tough...the tough get going!I could ask why,why,why,cry,cry,cry,whine,whine,whine some more but that does not do me or you any good.I must stay in my circle of influence ,focus on what I can control and do not waste energy on things I can not change.First check my attitude as I have been feeling sorry for myself.My life has been crumbling for over a year,today(FEB 10th) is my one year anniversary of my ruptured appendix.When I think about it I have not received any good news in regards to my health and the doctors still do not know what is happening to my body.(I meet with my oncologist today)Boo hew,boo hew,whine,whine and then I realized....Hatti crumbled in 35 seconds changing the lives of thousands in that time frame!I will stop complaining of my small issues and feeling sorry for myself...each day is a gift!
I have done some research on the computer and there is things I can do to improve my immune system.First foods I should eat,omega3 found in fish like tuna and salmon twice a week(I have a freezer full of salmon caught last year)Lots of vitamin C and E,eating whole grains,brown rice,eggs,cottage cheese,white chicken meat,pasta and garlic,6 to 7 servings a day of fruits and vegetables special interest in cauliflower and broccoli. No soda,alcohol,fried foods and avoid meats with too much fat.Regular exercise and at least 8 hours of sleep a night,I must get rid of this upper respiratory infection so I can start exercising once again.For the most part I am doing the rest but I need to step it up a level and build my "Cape of invincibility "surgery is on the horizon!
So that is my plan,check my attitude,go to church every Sunday,eat healthy,get lots of rest,exercise and vent through my blog and stay the course....I sure would not object if I have some wing men or wing women along the way!!
The night after my colonscopy before I got my cold I went to open baseball practice for the high school students at south where they can throw,field,and get in the batting cage.Coaches are to refrain from teaching due to wiaa rules but you can still make small comments or suggestions to them. About 4 years ago well before my current problems I wrecked my right throwing shoulder trying to start a old lawn mower,I kept pulling and pulling and pulling until it started.My whole life in one form or another there was always baseball and I never had any problems with throwing a baseball my entire life...so go figure a old lawn mower get's me! A MRI showed nerve damage and the doctor said there was nothing that could be done and it will just take time. I had a huge ball of muscle on the top of my shoulder and my blade "winged"out like a angel and I could not throw a ball.
With all my other medical stuff going on I forgot about my shoulder.Well I stretchered out my arm,found a partner and began playing catch. I was amazed at how painless and fluid I threw the baseball.I was very accurate in my throws but had no where near the velocity I use to have,but that can be worked on.I do not know how to explain it but this small act has brought me some much needed hope!If I can throw a ball again I can do anything,I can beat anything! My arm is healed and it has given me comfort and peace and is a sign that I am going to be alright!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
