My Journey

Time for the Annual Hospice Face to Face Campaign.

2014-09-13T15:41:00.004-04:00

Well friends it's that time of year again, time for the annual Hospice Face to Face campaign. It works like this; you find 10 friends to donate $10.00, then you invite 9 or more of your friends to do the same and donate $10.00! Easy, you just have to have 10 people donate $10.00 or more each.

So I look forward to you helping me reach and pass my goal of $100.00 and appreciate any help you can give me with this. I have about 2 weeks left to accomplish this. Thank you!

P.S. Also keep an eye out for me returning to writing my blog real soon, till we meet again.

Tim.

Living with Melanoma

2013-03-13T11:43:00.003-04:00

Today's guest post comes to us from Valerie Johnston who is a health and fitness writer located in East Texas. With ambitions of one day running a marathon, writing for Healthline.com ensures she keeps up-to-date on all the latest health and fitness news.

Melanoma is a very serious skin cancer that can sometimes be lethal. If not caught early enough, melanoma can become very difficult to treat and will most likely lead to death. However, for those lucky few that are able to find it early enough, life with this debilitating cancer can still be very rough.

Melanoma, like any other cancer, requires intense treatment to cure and force into remission. Some people may have to undergo months or even years of treatments and surgeries to remedy their cancer; and, even then, a majority of them will not make it out on the other side.

Treatment Options

For people living with this cancer, there are many different routes that they can take as ways to possibly cure their melanoma. Surgery is probably the most common and easiest way to treat malignant melanoma. The affected areas are removed from the patient’s body and then follow up treatments are prescribed. Though surgery is usually successful for removing the cancer patches, many times there will be additional cancerous cells that were not found and that will eventually end up killing these individuals. This is not always the case, but it is sadly more common than most people realize.

Radiation therapy is one option that some patients have for getting rid of their melanoma, though it is not guaranteed to work all of the time. Radiation is typically implemented only after a surgery is performed to remove the infected areas of skin. The purpose is to keep any new cancer cells from forming and to kill any that may have been left over. Unfortunately, this type of treatment does not usually prolong life expectancy for these patients.

Chemotherapy has been around for many years as a way to help kill cancer cells and sometimes even force the cancer into remission for some people. Chemo is usually a pretty effective means for fighting cancer, but sadly in the case of melanoma, it is not nearly as successful. There are a few other options that people can consider, but the overall outlook for melanoma victims is not very bright.

Keeping It Positive

Somehow, these cancer patients must find a way to keep their minds positive even when they know that they will most likely not live through this disease. Coping with the reality of a pretty certain death is not an easy thing to do, but there are ways to make life a little bit easier for these people.

Support and love are two of the most important things someone can give a cancer patient. Without any kind of positive influence in their lives, it is easy for cancer patients to become severely depressed. Depression on top of this illness is definitely not a good combination and can leave individuals feeling entirely hopeless.

Another thing that melanoma patients can do to help keep a positive spin on life is to live every day to the fullest possible potential. Maybe they are too weak to go for a hike, so taking a helicopter ride could be the experience of a lifetime. Even going to Disney Land or somewhere they have always dreamed of can provide so much happiness for people coping with this cancer.

Whether their cancer is stage one or stage four, melanoma sufferers have a rough road ahead of them, especially having to face the fact that they may not live much longer. Sometimes there is no solid answer when dealing with such serious matters as a terminal cancer like melanoma, but there is always something that can be done to make living with it a little bit more comfortable and happy.

NOTE: I will be returning soon with my personal blog notes. Stay tuned, and enjoy the guest blogs.

Coping with Time-Crunched Physicians

2013-02-13T16:06:00.000-05:00

What Patients Can Do to Get the Most Out of Their Office Visit

It’s not your imagination – you’re getting less time with your doctor.
Primary care physicians are in short supply in the United States, which means increased pressures and heavier workloads for those in practice, says Dr. Paul Griner, (www.drpaulgriner.com), author of “The Power of Patient Stories: Learning Moments in Medicine.”

“Many physicians say their favorite part of being a doctor is the relationships they form with patients, but those are harder to cultivate now because physicians are so squeezed for time,” Griner says.
More than 80 percent of physicians said patient relationships were the “most satisfying” part of their job, according to a survey of more than 13,000 doctors last year by The Physicians Foundation.
But nearly 40 percent said they were seeing 11 to 20 patients a day, and nearly 27 percent had a daily load of 21 to 30. On top of that, they spent an average 22 percent of their day on paperwork that had nothing to do with patient care.
“A good doctor-patient relationship is essential to achieving the best possible care, but the reality is, most doctors have less and less time to spend with each patient,” Griner says. “So it’s important for patients to take some responsibility for that relationship, too.”
By preparing for your visit, you can ensure you make the best use of your time together, he says.
He offers the following suggestions:

• Prepare your thoughts ahead of time so that you can be as precise and accurate as possible. What are the symptoms? When did they begin? What were you doing at the time? How are the symptoms affected by activity or rest? What makes them worse? Have you been able to do anything to relieve the symptoms? How have they affected your daily activities? Don’t withhold any information that might be relevant to your symptoms.
• Be on time or early. Up to 15 percent of patients are late for their doctor’s appointment, which adds to the time crunch. Arrive early so you’re ready when the physician, or the physician’s team, is ready. While the doctor is the senior person on the team, he or she also relies on advanced practice nurses and physician’s assistants, who have received extensive training in their areas of responsibility. Give them time to obtain your medical history or perform preliminary tests. Their functions are an important aspect of the overall quality of the visit, so it’s important to allow for that time. View the wait as valuable personal time for reading and relaxation.
• Research your health concerns ahead of time and use the information to help focus your questions. Use reliable sources for research, including www.mayoclinic.com or www.uptodate.com; information from the well-established and respected organizations such as the National Cancer Society; and written materials such as the Harvard Health Letter.
• Avoid unnecessary office visits. Some things can be done by e-mail, Skype (or other video hookups), or new technology such as iPhone recording and transmission of your EKG.

Other things you can do to make the best use of the visit include:

• Bring your medications, or a list of them, with you.
• Bring copies of the results of tests or procedures from other physicians.
• Wear clothes that make it easy for you to be examined.
• Let your doctor know when you are using any complementary or alternative medicine.
• Bring a spouse or other relative with you when the problem is complicated. Two pairs of ears are better than one for remembering what the doctor said.

About Paul Griner, M.D.

Hematologist/internist Paul Griner has had a 59-year career in medicine. He is a professor of medicine emeritus at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and was a consultant at the Massachusetts General Hospital, senior lecturer at Harvard Medical School, and consultant to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) in Cambridge, Mass. He has written or co-written 130 journal articles, book chapters, and books on clinical medicine, medical education, and health policy. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences and was president of a number of national medical organizations, including the American College of Physicians.

Family tragedy and an Update.

2013-02-01T12:23:00.002-05:00

Richard M. Lefaive

On January 18 2013, I received the news that my cousin Richard Lefaive had passed away while at work that evening. He had fell and cut his arm and had gone to the nurses station and was told there that he needed stitches and the nurse bandaged his arm and was sending him to the hospital by cab.

Rick was headed to his locker to retrieve his coat when while walking down the hall he just "passed out" and collapsed to the floor. Efforts were started at his workplace to revive him while they waited for the ambulance. Upon arrival at the hospital further efforts were made to revive him but they were to no avail. Rick was gone, he had passed away at the young age of 55.

The news of Rick's passing was devastating to everyone who heard it, after all Rick was the go to guy for any handyman projects. From car repairs to doing a basement rec room he did it all, was always willing to help anyone who asked, and always pleasant to be around.

He knew how to have a good time too. I recall our "youthful" days and all the incidents we got into, the good, the bad and everything in between. Those were the days, let me tell you we had a blast.

Rick was just a couple years older than me so he was the cousin closest to me in age and his brother Ron who we lost several years ago to cancer was just a few years older than us and we always hung out together. I am missing them both, Rick is now with his brother Ron and their Dad, Donald Lefaive. May they all rest in eternal peace.

Moving on to other news, my last chemotherapy treatment did not go as expected. Due to low blood counts (weak immune system) and developing a high fever the evening of day one, my second day of chemotherapy was cancelled. The thought was that as I came in on day one with borderline counts, that after having chemotherapy on day one, my counts would have lowered even more already.

That would have meant that should I have gone through with day two, I would have most likely became neutropenic. Which would have meant that within a day or two of receiving that second treatment I'd have ended up being admitted to the hospital being neutropenic and confined to a room hooked up to antibiotics for 4-7 days, until my white blood cell count and neutrophils came back up into a safe range.

Yesterday (Wed. Jan 30) I had several appointments at the Cancer Center. My first stop there was at the lab where I had a blood draw, then it was over to see my Social Worker Nancy Hannon for one of my regular appointments. After that I seen my Dietitian, Donna Danelon and had my weight taken. I was up about 3 lbs which made her happy as I had been on a losing trend the past several months.

Me, Dr.Schneider & Brenda at the
Relay for Life event in 2010

My next and last appointment of the day was with Dr. Schneider my Radiation Oncologist for my six month checkup. Dr. Schneider on this visit decided to check my throat with the camera just to have a look and make sure all was still well. Well, the result was not bad news, but not good either! There appears to be a small spot in the area of were I had the biopsy taken which turned out to be the Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Ever since the biopsy and the radiation treatments that followed I have never worried or even really thought about that returning or causing any further issues as we caught that in a pre stage one situation. Well, now I worry, even though Dr. Schneider believe it is just a spot of inflammation, he wants me back in a month to recheck it.

So a bit of a worry for me, never a dull moment! I will get past this as I always do and for now I will go with what the good Doc said and hope it is just a spot of inflammation. For those of you who read this and are dealing with or have dealt with cancer and relapses, you know how any little thing plays on your mind. So as much as I try to believe that it's just inflammation, my mind will take me other places! Time to fill the candy dish with Ativan again! lol. (I use Ativan for anxiety when needed).

Take care for now and be good to one another, and take life for what it is, enjoy each and every day you have to it's fullest.

Special Feature by; Michael Levin

2013-01-29T15:58:00.000-05:00

My Amazingly Evil Plan To Win The 2013 Boston
Marathon And Then Apologize To Oprah For
What I Did Wrong

By: Michael Levin

Like all of us, I was deeply affected by the revelation that Lance Armstrong had been cheating all those years when he won the Tour de France.

It inspired me to cheat, when I run this year’s Boston Marathon.And not get caught .

For years and years.

And then go on Oprah and tell a shocked and grieving Nation that I won the 2013 Boston Marathon by cheating.

And then go on a nationwide Apology Tour, during which I will visit all of the major media markets with my new book, “Rosie And Me,” about how guilty I feel that I cheated to win the Boston.

Okay, not that guilty, but I’ll seem like I feel guilty. Just like Lance.

I have in fact run the Boston Marathon four of the last eight times, including the very windy 2005 edition and the stinky hot 2012 version. So I am no stranger to Heartbreak Hill.

Or the Store 24 where you can load up on Snickers bars and Haagen-Dazs after the race.

But enough about me.

Here’s my evil plan.

First, I have to shave four hours off my finishing time. Without that, I really won’t be in contention.

Next, I will identify the six runners most likely to win the Boston if I don’t. They shouldn’t be that hard to find – they’re the people who beat me the last four times I ran Boston. Okay, so did 20,000 other runners. But first I have to identify the likely winners.

Now this is where you come in.

Just as Lance raised money for a charity, I also raise money for a charity. Mine is Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which raises millions every year for basic cancer research. It’s a great cause because 100% of the money raised goes to cancer research and not one dollar to overhead.

It allows young researchers to overcome the Catch-22 they face: they can’t get grants for high-level research without first demonstrating results; and they can’t demonstrate results until they have money to do research. The millions raised during the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge goes to these researchers, so they can prove initial results and thus qualify for major grants to continue their research into causes, treatment, and prevention of cancer.

Over the years I’ve raised about $40,000 for Dana-Farber. But this year, I’m going to do something different.

And evil.

I’m inviting you to make a donation to my Dana-Farber campaign by going to this location: http://www.runDFMC.org/2013/michaell.

What so evil about that?

In between working on cutting four hours off my marathon time, I have actually written a computer program that secretly diverts the money you donate to Dana-Farber into a secret offshore slush fund. I will secretly divide that money among the six most likely finishers so that when they see me making my big charge down Boylston Street, they will all either feign injury or just get out of my way.

And thus I will win the 2013 Boston Marathon.

Is it wrong? Is it evil?

Yes.

Do I feel guilty about my plan?

No, not yet. But I will in a few years, after an extensive investigation by Travis Tygart and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. They will not turn up any evidence that I used illegal drugs to shave four hours after my marathon time, because I will have done that honestly and fairly. But there will be whispers in the media and the blogosophere that a slow-moving 54-year-old had no business sneaking past those top six elite runners.

And then comes Oprah, the apology tour, the best selling book, “Rosie And Me,” and then a retreat to the private island I will buy myself with the money from book sales.

So that’s why it’s so important that you donate to my Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge drive.

I’ve already raised $5,000 through legitimate means, but I’m tired of being honest. Writing to friends and business associates and asking for money is so last year. So please give generously, confident in the knowledge that you get the tax write-off for the donation and I get to win the Boston Marathon.

My 12-year-old daughter asked me to conclude this by reminding you that this is all nonsense to make you laugh and donate to my race, because otherwise you’ll think that I am, in her words, a “lunatic.”

New York Times best selling author and Shark Tank survivor Michael Levin runs www.BusinessGhost.com, and is a nationally acknowledged thought leader on the future of book publishing.

Visit http://www.runDFMC.org/2013/michaell to donate.

January Update

2013-01-27T10:58:00.000-05:00

A belated Happy New Year to all my readers. I hope everyone had a great Christmas, and I wish all of you success and all the best life has to offer for 2013.

New Years is known to be a time and opportunity for many to make a fresh start or a new beginning. I will be continuing on the course that I have taken with regard to my treatments and such.

My latest health news is a mixed bag of things that have gone on. On January 4th I had a pre-chemo check up with my Oncologist Dr. Kanjeekal. She was impressed with how things were going and my current blood workup results. So overall with good blood work results she said we will keep on with the Bendamustine treatment and go for a full 8 courses.

January 9th, Chemo treatment day 1, went well, that was until I got home. Once home for an hour or so the chills set in and I could not get warm no matter how many blankets I threw on. I knew right then what was going to come next. Fevers, and sure enough after checking my temperature I was already up to 98.0 F. Soon after Brenda got home she checked my temperature and it was up to 101.0 F. After trying to get a hold of someone after hours at the cancer centre and failing that, Brenda was able to get through to my home nurse around 9 pm at which time my temperature was up to 103.4 F., my nurse suggested going to emerg. which after my last experience there I did not want to lay in emerg. for 30 hrs again waiting for a room.

My nurse then suggest taking Tylenol and monitoring the fever. At bedtime it was up to 104.6! Next temp Brenda got me up for was at 103.2 so it was now dropping with the help of the Tylenol. Next morning it was at 100.0 F when I got up and down to 98.4 or so by the time I got ready to leave for the Cancer Centre for day two of my Bendamustine treatment.

Upon arriving at the Cancer Centre and checking in, I informed the receptionist about my chills and temperatures that I had the night before and though my Oncologist should be informed before we began with treatment. I was called in shortly afterward and got hooked up to the antibiotic drip and had my vitals taken. My temperature was now bordering on being normal again.

Just as the drip I was on ended, I was informed that my Oncologist was cancelling this session due to the fevers and chills of the night before. The thought was that if we continued and went ahead with the treatment, that I would most likely I would end up being neutropenic and spiking fevers again, which would only mean one thing, I would be admitted again with no immune system and be there on I.V. antibiotics until my blood counts returned to "somewhat" normal and I could be sprung then and not until.

I did not want any part of that and that was fine with me! As I was walking out the door of the chemo suite when they called me back to ask me to hang around for a couple minutes, they also asked if I had, had a neulasta or neupogen shot recently, to which I replied no. Last one of those was way back when I had the bone marrow transplant in 2008! They said that they might just go ahead with this treatment after having a Neupogen injection to boost my counts. I told them I would be going down to Supportive Care on the main floor for my appointment with my Social Worker and that if they needed me back up sooner, they could find me there.

After seeing my Social Worker I returned back to the second floor and into the Chemo Suite. They now informed my that we would be definitely be cancelling this Chemo Session. So no second half to this treatment due to low blood counts. I returned hope where it was time for some R&R and back to bed for a nap!

It was after getting up from the nap that I had a sore throat and found that I had blisters starting on my lip again. I ordered more Miles Solution and called the Cancer Centre to inform them of this. Ordering the Miles for now is all we are going to due unless it gets really bad. So rinsing and gargling with the Miles it is!

There are some other family related matters that occurred, but I will talk of them in the next blog.

So until be good to yourself and others, and enjoy life to it's fullest!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2012-12-30T09:02:00.003-05:00

First off I'd like to wish all my followers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, hoping you had a great Christmas with family and friends, and all the best life has to offer for the New Year!

I will start out with an update on my health and treatments. I had round 3 of my Bendamustine treatments on December 5 & 6th. The one hour infusions each day went well with no complications. Since treatments I had worried about when the bomb would drop and I would become ill again. Well I'm happy to report that the extra week my Oncologist, Dr. Kanjeekal added in between treatments seems to have done the trick, and gave my immune system more time to recover and make the after treatment effects much less than they were last round.

I see my Dr. Kanjeekal next on January 4th and my chemo treatments will follow approx a week later. I did my weekly blood work on Friday due to the holidays, and have not heard anything, so all must be well with my blood counts which is a good thing.

Moving on to Christmas and the celebrations we had. First off was the annual Christmas eve at my Mom's where there was a house full as usual, little ones everywhere! We actually ended up going over early and had dinner with my Mom, and everyone else started arriving around 7pm. Too much to eat and too many "goodies" as usual, but a fun time non the less.

Gifts were exchanged and the festivities continued with conversation, playing with the kids, and as mentioned just a second ago, all the goodies to be eaten! I think it was probably around 9ish when we left as most everyone else were leaving around the same time.

L-R Brenda, Megan, Emily, Andre &
Chirstina

Brenda with granddaughters Megan
& Emily

Me with granddaughter Megan and
Daughter in Law Bonnie.

On to Christmas Day. The day began with Brenda and I exchanging gifts, which wasn't much as we agreed to keep it simple and set a budget. We were both happy with our gifts to each other. I think it was around or just before noon that my mother-in-law and my brother-in-law arrived and the turkey went in the oven. After the turkey went in the oven and we relaxed a bit and exchanged gifts, again keeping it simple, we sat down to an excellent Christmas dinner prepared by Brenda. Once again too much to eat! but too hard to resist not to sample most of it. Then once again all the "treat" trays were put out.

It was overall a wonderful day with family, exchanging gifts, dining and chatting. Also it was an early night for me as I was very tired, too many "sweets" off the treat trays I think!

My Mother in Law Arnelda, my cat
Squeak and I discussing what is on
the computer.

Trying to get Squeak's attention again.

Squeak and I looking at Facebook
updates on the computer!

We now go on to Boxing day and turkey #2. Boxing day is spent with my son and his family. The weather being crappy we decided rather than making the two trips to pick everyone up we would have them call a cab and we paid for it when they got here. Much easier indeed.

After getting everyone up to the suite and coats hung up we sat around for a bit chatting, turkey was already in the oven as the lessen from Christmas day was to put it in earlier! We then moved on exchanging gifts and watch the grandchildren open theirs with amazement, and happiness. After opening gifts we chatted and played around a bit with the grandchildren, then it was time for dinner.

Again another turkey, an excellent dinner once again prepared by Brenda and enjoyed by all. Once again good food and too much to eat. even though everyone ate well there were left overs which we will be eating for days!

After dinner there was some more conversation and playing around. It was also decided that our grandson Andre would spend the night with us. My brother then came over to pick everyone else up as my granddaughter Emily was going to be spending the night at my brother's place and with his girlfriends kids.Little did I know just how much of a gamer my grandson was.

This pretty much would be how I was pictured trying to
play on the Wii with Andre! lol.

Soon as everyone left he was chomping at the bit to play his Wii game we got him for Christmas. So after everything was cleared up and put away, we played video games with him. As usual I was wore out and in bed by 9:30pm. Brenda and Andre were still up playing games when I went to bed.

Andre was the first one up after me and guess what the first thing is he wanted to do? Yep, play video games. I told him after breakfast and after Brenda was up we would play again, which we all did until it was time for him to leave. My brother came and picked him up as he was going to be spending the night at my brother's place.

Then it was....wait for it.......quiet! Time to take the time and get down to some plain and simple R&R! We were both wore out and I'd have to say Brenda was more so than I as she was the cook and dishwasher for both of these dinners. Two turkeys in two days! That is a lot of work not to mention all the other foods that go along with it. Kudos to Brenda for pulling off two successful Christmas dinners. Everyone left pleased with the dinner, deserts, and full bellies! So must have been good.

After a few days of rest and as I write this we are planning a late afternoon/early evening tomorrow with friends for dinner and a movie. Someone else's turn to cook! Not sure where we are going or what we are seeing at the show at this point, but I'm sure it will be a great time as usual.

As for New Years eve, I think my countdown will be around 10 p.m. I could try to stay up but I'm doubtful I would make it to midnight, but you never know, only time will tell.

So I leave you with this, I hope all your Christmases went well, and I wish everyone success and all the best that life has to offer you for this and all of 2013.

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!

Fifty Four

2012-12-08T11:23:00.001-05:00

Fifty Four, what exactly is that number to me. Well as of today (I posted this Dec. 8 2012) it is my 54th birthday and how old I am now. Fifty four, a year away from fifty five and senior status age for many things which in many ways could be a good thing.

Dr. R. Ramchandren

However, fifty four in my case is what I am thinking of as a "grey area", no pun intended. What I mean about grey area is that back on April 18, 2011 I had an appointment for a second opinion about my current cancer with Dr. Rod Ramchandren a Lymphoma Oncologist at the Karmanos Cancer Cancer Institute in Detroit, Michigan.

During the conversation with him we discussed and he offered many opinions on things that really matched up with what I had already been told by my own Oncologist back home in Windsor. The one thing that came up several times during the conversation with the thought of doing an allogenic stem cell / bone marrow transplant. This means a transplant using the cells / marrow of a donor. My first transplant was an Autologous transplant which used my own cells / marrow.

My thoughts of doing an allogenic transplant are fixed and firm, NO! I will not do one even if it's the last option left to me, my answer would remain a firm no. My reasoning is that the odds of finding a 10/10 donor would be extremely rare if at all, and that the chances of recovering from it would be difficult at best due to my already weakened body and immune system.

What has really reassured me I've made the right decision is the fact that my lead Oncologist here in Windsor sent my file / history to the Hamilton (ON) transplant group which is one of two hospitals here in Ontario that do stem cell / bone marrow transplants. The other is London (ON) where I had my "Auto" transplant in December 2008

The answer from Hamilton came back and in my favor! I would NOT be a good candidate for an allogenic transplant. Some might as why I would be happy with this. Well what I can tell you is I've done the Auto transplant and survived that, even though there were a few hiccups along the way. Let's just say I don't ever want to go through anything like that again! Enough said.

So this being my 54th Birthday my wish, desire, and will is to see my 55th and beyond, even if I only get to December 9th 2013, then I've proved them wrong, and this is not just to prove them wrong but it's my will to live a lot longer that makes this, I'll call challenge for now, easy!

I would like to thank all of you that read my blog and encourage you to share it with others, and I would like to thank all of you that have sent me birthday messages via Facebook, Twitter or any other avenue I'm part of.

In the event I don't get another blog out before Christmas / New Year, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and an extremely joyous and Happy New Year!

Rough Times!

2012-11-18T16:32:00.000-05:00

Well, I've had my first setback with my chemotherapy regimen of Bendamustine. Friday November 2 I ended up the the local E.R. room at Windsor Regional Hospital with a temperature of 39.5 Celsius or about 103 Fahrenheit. Also had a low sugar count of 1.7

Can't really tell you a whole lot about it from my own perspective as I was pretty out of it and don't recall much, as Brenda filled me in on most of it which I don't recall at all! After being seen by the E.R. Dr. on duty I was sent home with some antibiotics. Saturday I was a bit better as well as Sunday, and felt well enough to go to the Spits game with my brother! Not knowing at the time my blood counts were seriously low I put myself in a bad situation that I normally would not have done.

Well turns out I was sicker than I knew at the time as the E.R. department at the hospital called on Monday to say to come back in as they had my blood cultures report back and I had a serious infection and needed to be admitted and put on high dose antibiotics!

After being in a room about 6' x 8' for 20+ hrs in emergency I was finally taken up to a room where I would be for the rest of the week until Friday. I rec'd a fresh dose of antibiotics every 4 hrs. while I was there and was confined to my room and those entering had to gown up! Seems to have done the trick as my counts rebounded back to somewhat normal conditions and I was released about noon on Friday the 9th.

Since then I have been well but tired. I'm keeping myself in a bubble right now and not venturing out too much other than for coffee with my uncle every day and one trip to Costco.

I now have all the medical aids that were recommended for me by an assessment from a CCAC (Community Care Access Centre) worker. I now have a cane, walker, safety bars in the shower, a (wedge) to extend our toilet height and a M Rail for the bed. Guess I shouldn't have mentioned falling a few times! All for my own good though I guess.

Just over a week away till my next chemo, so I hope my blood counts stay good enough to proceed. Seems Bendamustine although less toxic than most chemo is hard on the blood counts and there could end up being more episodes like the one mentioned above and I end up with Febrile Neutropenia again and back in the hospital. Let's hope not though. That was not good times at all, scary when someone fills you in on what happened and what you said or did that you have zero recollection of.

So for now it's staying in as much as possible and watching movies and napping! Until next time..........

This one has been a long time coming.

2012-10-26T19:35:00.001-04:00

OK, deep breath and where to start.

I believe it all started about Jan/Feb of 2004. I was still working then for my, I guess you'd have to say "former" employer for the moment, Morrice Transportation, until my lawyer wraps up my case against them for wrongful dismissal.

One early morning just as I was starting my shift I was headed down the stairs from the dispatch office and slipped and fell down the stairs. I layed there for a few moments until another drive happened to come in and seen me at the bottom of the stairs and notified the dispatcher on duty, who came down to check me out and then called an ambulance.

While awaiting the ambulance I was able to get back up and sit on the stairs and then got up and limped over to the ambulance at their request once they arrived. They offered to take me to the hospital and get checked out and have X-rays. I told them I really did not want to go in the ambulance and they said if I went to the "Urgent Care Clinic" on the west end when it opened at 8am I would probably be able to get in, have an x-ray and see the Dr. in a shorter period of time then going to the hospital anyway.

They then wrapped a "cold pack" around my knee, and I went home to wait until 8am and go to the Urgent Care Clinic. Once at the clinic it was a very short amount of time and I was in and had an x-ray and seen the Dr. He basically said nothing is showing up in the x-ray, however I should see my family Dr. and get a referral to see an orthopedic specialist.

After seeing my family Dr. he put me on "light duty" (No Driving or climbing in or out of the truck) Until I could see the specialist. The company put me on light duty doing mundane paperwork jobs and filing in the office. This continued until I seen the specialist and even afterwards as the specialist suspected a torn meniscus in my left knee, and booked me for surgery, which was not going to happen until December!!

That meant I would be on light duty until then in the office. Over this time period they changed jobs I did in there many many times and as well started changing my hours all the time as well. Then they stuck me in what was known as the "security shack" which was attached to the building but was mostly all glass all the way around. It leaked when it rained and was hot as hell when it was hot out and freezing once winter came. The did put an air conditioner in there which was little help against the sun beating on the glass all day, and as well there was a heater in there but another needed to be added as the one in there could not keep it warm.

I felt I was being moved around and having hours changed just to "harass" me. I believe they were trying to get me to quit as I was a liability to them and also no good to them unless I was in a truck. This happened to other drivers as well and they all felt the same way. There were a few that came and went on light duty while I was doing it.

In December of 2004 I had the surgery on my knee finally and found that even though the meniscus was NOT torn, it had probably stretched and also there was a calcium buildup on the knee which could have been from the fall.

After being off and at home after surgery for a few months I was forced back on to light duty in the office / garage again until the knee was healed and ready to get back in the truck driving. This happened about Jun/Jul and I was finally back in the truck but ended up on reduced hours (no more than 10 hrs a day) driving. This ended up being a permanent restriction as the company kept forcing me over the 10 hrs so the Ortho Dr. ended up making it a 9 hr restriction on a permanent basis.

After all of this time period and the reduced hours and such, we were basically ruined financially as well which was not a good feeling or place to be in life.

In about April or May of 2006, I was on a day shift on a regular run and just did not feel right at the time and could not put a finger on it. Then in about Jun. of 2006 while spending some time at our trailer/cottage I noticed a big lump on the left side of my neck. Knowing that a fellow camper down the road from us at the trailer park had recently passed away from a lump on his neck that turned out to be cancer.

I went and spoke to his wife and showed her the lump on my neck and asked if it looked anything at all like what her husband had, had. She said yes it did, and as a matter of fact she had noticed the lump on my neck and was going to say something to me about it if it remained there.

Now I was concerned so on the weekend when I was off I went to my family Dr. showed him and asked to see a specialist. I told him my concerns about it. After seeing 3 - 4 different specialists I finally found one that did the proper tests and even went further checking me out. Thank goodness he did. This specialist Dr. Elbreki is the one who found the Squamous Cell Carcinoma on my vocal chord, we were not even looking for that, we were looking for the reason for the lump on my neck, and he decided to take a look with the scope down my throat to have a look from the inside.

He immediately booked me for "Day Surgery" to do a biopsy on the mass in my throat. December 2, 2006 was the day of the biopsy and I had booked off work for this and was going to be off for about a week, however due to complications with the soreness in my neck I going to be off a little longer. That all was not going to matter soon, it was about mid December when the results of the biopsy came back and the confirmation that it indeed was cancer!!

Soon after I was referred to see a Radiation Oncologist at the Cancer Center. I seen the Oncologist who is still my Oncologist, Dr. Schneider and he was recommending 25 days of radiation which he felt would permanently eradicate the disease as it was caught early in the "Pre stage 1" status. During this whole time we were still looking for the reason for the lump on my neck. After a couple of needle biopsies on it which all came back inconclusive I developed another lump and this one was on the right side of my neck. I was in about my second last week of radiation when this came about. This time Dr. Schneider referred me back to Dr. Elbreki who by the was is an E.N.T. specialist (Ear Nose Throat) and he booked my right away for surgery to remove the lump for biopsy.

The surgery was done within a few days, and I continued radiation which was now getting to be painful as my neck was starting to "burn" and peel. the swelling from surgery was not helping either as it made my treatment mask much tighter on that side, which made it tight on the area of the burns as well. Thank goodness only a few days of radiation left. It had become so painful I was in tears and begging them to hurry up during those last couple of treatments.

During this time the biopsy results from that lump had come back and it was confirmed that it was cancer as well. A second cancer at the same time!!! This time it was Lymphoma, to be specific it was a T-cell Histiocyte Rich Diffuse Large B-cell Non Hodgkin's lymphoma.

But before I go any further we need to catch up on what was going on during this time with my employer Morrice Transportation and the union CAW Local 195.

When I had went off on December 2nd 2006 I had filed an application for S&A benefits. Seemed quite simple at the time. Took them in to the surgeon/specialist Dr. Elbreki to fill in his portion to say I had "Day Surgery". "Day Surgery" is the important term here. According to the benefit application, if you have "day surgery" you are entitled to benefits from the day you had the procedure otherwise there is a one week hold back period.

Apparently the Dr. checked off two boxes differently but having said that the paperwork he filled out made it clear I had day surgery. Well after two weeks and no cheque for being off yet I was getting worried. It was now a week or so before Christmas and finances were already in the toilet and we were hurting financially. After several calls to the insurance company and Sue Saputo at Morrice Transportation, I was told what I had was a "procedure" and NOT day surgery!! Therefore I was not entitled to any benefit until I had been off a week or more!!

Mike Dunning

I immediately went to the union CAW Local 195 and spoke with Mike Dunning who at the time was Financial Secretary of the local. He stated that this should not be a problem to get resolved "slam dunk case". Well days before Christmas I still had nothing and I was going to be without a cheque until after Christmas now, so yeah, Merry F@#KING CHRISTMAS.

Right after the holidays I again contacted the insurance company, Morrice Transportation and CAW Local 195. Still nothing!! The union was now changing their position and this was no longer a "slam dunk case" and I had no case at all now because I had a procedure and not day surgery according to the agreement definitions. Bull Crap!!

I at this time was very sick and was left to do all this running around myself. Our National Rep Jack Robinson from CAW at the time was now involved. He stated if I could get something in writing saying I had Day Surgery he would take on the case. I went to my family Dr. and got a copy of the paperwork from the specialist saying I had a surgical biopsy on my throat which was day surgery. This at the time cost me $50.00 for the letter!!

Apparently according to Jack Robinson this was not good enough and did not make it clear I had "day surgery" and to get something more definitive! What!! it says I had "day surgery" how much more definitive did he want! He would not say, anything other than we needed something better. After another letter $25.00, it was still not enough! I told him at this rate I would end up spending more than what I was going to get!!

The company Morrice Transportation was not any more helpful than the union was. Seems they were doing everything they could to make sure I did not get paid for that week. Well, I ended up going back to my family Dr. and asking the receptionist if she could go through my file and please find something, anything that said I had "day surgery". She ended up finding a copy of Dr. Elbreki's surgical notes he did during the surgery from start to finish. Put me on the table, put me under, positioned my head this way, used this and that.....etc.

I thought perfect! how could they now say this was not "day surgery" and NOT a "procedure"!. This time I got the a copy of that paperwork for no cost. I took it directly to Vito Saputo who was the Human Relations Mgr. at the time. I asked him to send it to the insurance company and for a copy for myself to see if this would be acceptable.

Well, wouldn't you know, finally proved I was right and had day surgery, however now almost the end of December and still no cheque yet from the insurance company, went the whole month of December with zero income!! I was told the cheque would go in the mail along with the rest of Decembers payment right away. I did not receive this cheque until around the 5th or 7th of January as I recall.

All this while I'm undergoing radiation treatments daily which make you dead tired. I did ALL the running around between Morrice Transportation CAW Local 195 and the Dr.'s offices all my self with no help from any of them whatsoever. So much for the Union taking care of their own.

This was only the beginning of my troubles with Morrice and the CAW. There was more to come!

I believe it was around May or June of 07 that I got a letter from Morrice Transport that they were laying me off, and as a result my benefits would be discontinued one month after the layoff date! What? how can you layoff someone who is and has been off work on sick leave already! Again I filed a grievance with the union CAW Local 195.

After having my grievance denied by Morrice Transportation at levels one and two, after some discussions with the union CAW Local 195 I was able to get them to agree to take this case to arbitration, which they did, and they were also able to get it expedited as well due to the nature of my illness at the time as I was very ill.

It only took a matter of a week to get an answer from the arbitrator which is rather quick. He ruled in my favor!! Told the company Morrice Transportation that they would have to reimburse me for any out of pocket costs related to health care and prescriptions for the time the cut my benefits until the current time. He also ruled the layoff would remain on file and should I return to work and they layoff still be in effect, then they could lay me off. Also ruled all my benefits be restored and remain in place as well. They also had to have my Long Term Benefits restored as well.

This in my own opinion was Morrice Transportation testing the waters to see if they could get rid of me, as I had become a "liability" to them. That's just how they think! seriously, beings there was an increase in their insurance premiums due to the high cost of the drugs I was requiring at the time to sustain my life!

At the next contract negotiations with CAW Local 195 they actually changed our prescription coverage from a $3.00 co-pay to a 20% co-pay with NO cap! At this time I was requiring a drug called Neupogen which is a drug used to boost ones white blood cell count. I had been fight low counts for some time, and this affects your immune system and pretty much leaves you without one! Any little infection or cold would immediately put me in the hospital in isolation and on strong antibiotics to fight off the infections.

These shots of Neupogen that I had to take were NOT covered as part of my chemo treatments as they only cover the cost of drugs given intravenously. These shots were not cheap, they were just over $2.700.00 per shot, and I need one every three weeks! Remember I was on a Long Term Disability pension at the time, and these drug's that were costing me a $3.00 co-pay were now going to cost me around $600.00 out of my pocket now!! Every three weeks!

I even took my receipts to the ratification vote for this new contract with this clause in it. I told the guys what I was going through and that if they voted in favor of this not only would they be signing my death warrant so to speak but they would be in this same situation as me should they or their spouse ever get a life threatening illness.

Seems it didn't matter as they passed the contract! Guess a life threatening illness is something they did not worry about at that time. Hope none of them or their family ever get this sick. They will wish they never favored that contract. They actually had to put a clause in there to cover the period of MY long term disability as they lowered the length of that again too, to three years now instead of the current five which I was on. This clause allowed anyone currently off on Long Term Disability to collect for the remainder of their current term.

This was done as there is a clause which states an employee is entitled to ALL benefits as long as they are in receipt of S&A or LTD. Which means they can now cut all of your benefits off after your LTD expires at the end of three years leaving you with nothing.

Let's fast forward now to March of 2012. It was about a week and a half before the end of the month and I received a letter from Morrice Transportation informing me that my long term disability benefits would expire on March 31 2012. However my group life insurance policy would remain in effect until age 65 or my death if prior to that. This is something I already knew because SSQ Financial Group, our insurance carrier for short and long term disability had been keeping me informed of that.

Morrice Transportation however went further. Not only did they remind me that my long term disability payments from SSQ would be expiring, but that they would also be cutting off and ending all my remaining benefits with Green Shield as well. This includes dental prescription and other health benefits. Not that, that was far enough they went on further in this letter to say that "due to my unfortunate circumstances and the length of my illness" they would also be "ending my employment with Morrice Transportation" as well.

As well this letter was NOT sent out two weeks in advance as per the Canadian Labor Code. If I were terminated I should have received two weeks pay for the improper notice and as well I would be entitled to two days pay for every year worked there which would be twenty days pay for the ten years. Nov. 2002 till March 2012 when I got the notice. They did not pay me anything! That was until a lawyer got involved.

At that time I bet my wife they would all of a sudden send out a cheque within two weeks when they found out I got a lawyer involved! I was wrong the cheque arrived two days later!! Unreal. Then it was only for six days severance pay?? Not even close! I tucked that cheque away until this gets resolved as it should.

Nice huh! Of course I immediately filed a grievance with our local chairman at Morrice, Ben Longpre who filed the step one grievance in a timely manner. It of course was denied with no explanation. I then asked Ben to go ahead and file a Step two grievance. This is where the company Morrice Transportation and the union CAW Local 195 meet and try to resolve the grievance at that level face to face.

I don't even know if or when this meeting was held. I have not been kept informed at all what has been going on with this grievance. all I can tell you is that all the time limits as set forth in the collective agreement have not been met with regard to level 2 or even level 3 which is arbitration and where we should have been months and months ago! Unless there have been changes in legislation and laws, a collective agreement is a legal and binding document, and in this case has failed me as these time limits have not been followed as they are set in writing within the agreement.

Around the end of July or August I contacted a friend who works for a lawyer and is a paralegal for him. My friend came and took my information and all the written documents I had with regard to this issue. I also signed several release of information documents and also stated that I would like to sue Morrice Transportation for wrongful dismissal and harassment, and also sue the union CAW Local 195 for misrepresentation, or in this case NO representation.

My friend took all my information to her boss the lawyer, and as of this writing that is where we are at. All of my documents and information is in the hands of the lawyer and I am awaiting word in writing from them as to where we stand with the case.

I would be curious to any opinions out there with regard to whether you think I'm right or wrong about this and what I'm entitled to or asking for. Media persons are welcome to contact me as well for this story. Please leave a comment below. You may not see your comment on here after sending it, as all comments come to me first for moderation before I post them.

Whirlwind Past Three Weeks!

2012-10-20T13:39:00.001-04:00

I see I haven't written since September 20th, so I guess it's time to update now that things have settled down and I can take a breather!

A lot has gone on since I last wrote, and my journey with chemotherapy has commenced once again. Bendamustine (Treanda) was approved for me on a compassionate basis. This was not easy to get and I have to thank Debbie Gammon in the Cancer Centre Pharmacy for her hard work to get this and also to get it funded for me.

It all started with blood work on Sept. 28th, followed by an appointment with my Medical Oncologist Dr. Kanjeekal to go over my blood work and treatment plan for this round. To start with, my Haemoglobin and Platelet counts were still quite low which explains my tiredness lately and also why get out of breath so easily now.

My first treatment of Bendamustine was on Wednesday, October 3rd. The infusion last about an hour and everything went well, I even brought Peanut Jr. along with me for company! October 4th was day two and once again it was an hour infusion of Bendamustine. All went well this time around also. Now comes the wait until the next treatments. I will be on a 28 day cycle with this, and I believe it will be a total of eight cycles, I will have to reconfirm that next visit as I'm not 100% sure of this.

Me and Peanut Jr. at Chemo!

Prior to my first Chemo on the 3rd I also had a pre surgery assessment at the hospital. This was to get everything in order for the surgical biopsy of the node on my left jawline. All went well as at that time I was still not sure the surgery was even going to happen because of my low blood counts my Oncologist thought it might be best to cancel it for now. But at my request to continue she put it in the hands of my E.N.T. Surgeon Dr. Elbreki.

After Biopsy.

Dr. Elbreki was also concerned about the low counts and if they were at at number comfortable for him he would proceed. If not I would agree to a blood and or platelet infusion and then proceed.
All was fine the day of surgery on Friday October 5th, which was the day after my last Bendamustine infusion. The surgery went well and we did it with just a local anaesthetic and "twilight" on hand to use mildly if needed. After about 45 minutes in recovery I was allowed to leave after eating some cookies and drinking a ginger ale.

Next up was an appointment with my Palliative Care doctor Dr.Giddings. At this appointment it was decided that due to all that is going on and still have some pain in my hands and feet, we would increase my medication by a few mg. just to stay on top of the pain going on.

Chemo Port placement.

This was followed on the 11th of October by another surgery at Hotel Dieu - Grace Hospital to insert a Chemo Port which is used for the infusion of Chemo and for blood work when needed. They had a bit of trouble getting a vein at the first chemo treatment, even after warming my lower arms and hands with warm blankets. So thus the port in order not to have to poke around looking for veins all the time.

I had mentioned to my CCAC worker when she asked, that I had fallen a few times and was having episodes of lightheadedness, She said that she was going to send out Physio and Occupational therapists to assess the apartment for my needs to stay safe and for what my personal needs would be for keeping safe as well. The Physio consultant came on the 12th of Oct. and determined that I should have a proper cane and as well a wheeled walker for getting around outside the apartment.

C.A.L. the Doors L.A. Woman

Finally a break in all of this whirlwind of activity! We were given tickets to us by my Facebook friends, Alicia N-Dana to see Classic Albums Live, perform The Doors album, L.A. Woman in it's entirety. It was an awesome show and the seats were fantastic. These guys are good and you'd have sworn you were at the real thing! They followed the Album set by a short intermission, then came back to perform a whole host of Doors classics. It's just wonderful to get away from it all to listen to some good music and forget just for that time, all that is going on in my life.

"M" Rail.

Back to it all on Oct. 19th when the Occupational Therapist came to assess the apartment for my needs here. After her inspection and talk with me, it was decided that my needs here were to get an "M" rail for the bed, an elevator ring for the toilet to raise the seat 3 1/2 inches and also for a shower / tub chair. She said all these would be delivered and set up for me in a few days, which they were on the 18th. With the exception of the shower seat, the M rail and the seat elevator are great additions that are really helping me, but the Shower chair just doesn't feel comfortable, so I may be sending that back after 30 days. I have all of these free for 30 days to try out, and then the option to purchase them at a discounted price or send them back.

So we'll see how the next days go to see how I feel at the end of it and if I'll be purchasing any of it or sending any of it back.

My Social Worker
Nancy Hannon!

My Dietitian Donna Danelon
and I at the Cancer Centre.

The morning of Oct. 19th was very busy with appointments. It started with an appointment at 9am with my Social Worker at the Cancer Centre, Nancy Hannon. I discussed with her the the options I have with regards to the equipment I just got, and that I will also look on Ebay or Kijiji to find out if I might be able to get the same items used or new at an even lower price, which I will do.We also discussed all that has been going on with the chemo starting and just the overall whirlwind of activity over the past weeks. I then went over to the Lab for 10am to do my weekly blood work. after that was an appointment with my Dietitian, Donna Danelon. The topic of discussion has been and still is the rapid weight loss I've been experiencing and the fact I need to eat, even though I have no appetite at all. She also sent a prescription upstairs to the Pharmacy at the cancer centre for 5 cases of Ensure, this will ensure that I'm getting the protein and calories I need to try to maintain my weight. When all of this started just over three months ago I was approx. 330 lbs.and now currently as of this writing I am down to 262.2 lbs! Too much too fast but with no appetite, I just don't know what more to do.

Wednesday after all of that we had tickets that I had purchased ahead of time to go see Led Zeppelin, Celebration Day which was filmed in 2007 but just released now. Again after a busy day and whirlwind of activity, I was able to get away from it all and lose myself in some great music.

What an awesome show it was, age has not affected them at all, if anything it's made them better. Jason Bonham did his dad proud replacing him on drums, John may you forever R.I.P. and know that Jason has got it! What a night it was, so now the DVD is on my wish list!! Thank you Led Zeppelin for letting me "get away from it all" just for a moment.

Thursday morning I had my follow up appointment with my E.N.T. Dr. Elbreki and prior to the appointment I had removed the bandage and during a shave I accidentally "caught" the stitch and pulled it out, however he said it all looked good and he went over the Pathology report with me which was back. No real surprises but there were some new things that have come forward. It appears I have a "coexisting and clonally identical classical Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma". A mixed up mess it is, but then again what's "normal" about me!

That pretty much brings things up to date and where I'm at now. So the journey continues, my next chemo treatments are on the 31st of October and the 1st of November. This is all after my follow up with my Medical Oncologist Dr. Kanjeekal and blood work. Stay tuned for my next writing it as usual may come at any time!

So for now "Trust your Journey" as "You'll never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have".

Smiles, Events, and a Big Turn!

2012-09-20T17:02:00.002-04:00

Well a bit has happened since my last blog and it is time to update! Since I wrote last time about Dora's Lymphoma Smile Project getting under way in Newport Beach, Ca. She finally made her way into Detroit and to Windsor were she spent 5 days, spreading smiles and awareness to the people or Windsor and Essex County.

Kerry, Me & Peanut Jr, and Dora!

When I arrived at the Amtrak station in Detroit with my brother Jamie and my Son Travis we were met there by fellow Lymphomaniac Kerry Rivard-Allor and her husband Roy! So glad to get a chance to have finally met up, especially when we live not so far apart. After a short chat with Kerry and Roy, Dora's train finally rolled in. She was easy to pick out of the crowd getting off the train with her lime green flowers in her hair and the surgical mask, which protected her from infection on a crowed train. We basically went back to Windsor after talking with Kerry and Roy and getting some photo's with Peanut Jr.. We got her all checked in at the Hilton where she could rest and be ready to go the next day!

RCMP Musical ride about to enter the ring!

Day 2 seen us off to the (WETRA) Windsor Essex Therapeutic Riding Association's stables out in McGregor On. area. We were there to see the RCMP Musical Ride which just happened to be in the area for a fundraiser for WETRA. Joining us was Brenda and her mom Arnelda. Dora was able to capture many smiles and photos of the event which also included the Canadian Cowgirls show. Unfortunately there was an incident later that evening while uploading the photos from her camera to the computer and ALL photo's taken this day were lost for good! So unfortunate as I had even taken photo's of her with some of the people we knew there as well as photo's with one of the mounties in full dress reds!

Windsor Spitfires vs Plymouth Whalers @ WFCU Centre.

Day 3 in the early afternoon we were able to take in a Windsor Spitfires vs Plymouth (Mi) Whalers exhibition hockey game at the WFCU centre. Joining Dora was myself, Brenda, my Brother Jamie, his stepson Matthias and we met up there with my Uncle Don and his grandson Jim and his friends. So today Dora was able to capture many smiles for her collection and no lost photos this time! A fun time was had by all even though the Spits lost the game.

Day 4 turned out to be a wash with the weather and turned into a rest day.

(Click on this link to see various photo's of Dora's visit with me in Windsor!)

Day 5 and Dora's final day has us picking up Dora at the hotel as she had to check out by 1pm and bring her back to my apartment where we spent the afternoon chatting till Brenda got home, and then we went out to dinner and then off to the train station where we seen her off to continue her journey to Washington D.C. and then home to Catonsville, Md.

Saturday September 15th Brenda her Mother Arnelda her Aunt Louella and myself paid a visit to The Henry Ford museum in Dearborn Michigan to take in a special exhibit that was on there. "Titanic The Artifact Exhibition 100th Anniversary 1912 - 2012."

I have to say it was an amazing experience to be amongst such treasures, yet take in the tragedy of it all as well. An eerie felling indeed. The exhibit itself took about an hour or so to go through, so much too see. After the tour through the exhibit we moved on out to the Henry Ford Museum itself as after all these years living just across the river I'd never been to the museum! I will be going back, again so much to see and such little time. I'm including a link here to see some of the photo's that we took on our visit there to the Titanic exhibit as well as the museum. (Click here for photo's) There are few photos as there was a no camera policy so I was only able to sneak in a few pictures!

Now to back up a bit to the Big Turn! The day after Dora left I had a follow up with my Oncologist to go over the results of my latest C/T scan. The scan itself show growth that was normal and expected as usual so nothing new, however I still felt something was not right. Dr. Kanjeekal asked as I was about to leave when my last blood work was. I told her it had been about a month, so she asked that I stop in at the Lab and have blood work done on my way out. No need to wait around for it, if there were any issues she would call.

Well, the next day her office called! there was indeed something wrong and my blood work was indicating a very low Haemoglobin count and also a very low Platelet count as well. The next day, Friday I felt horrible very light headed, weak, no appetite as usual, just not a good feeling at all, so much so I called my CCAC home nurse to come by. While here we took my blood sugar reading which was 3!! very low! my blood pressure was low too! I went to see my family Dr. and we adjusted some of my medications to try to help with all of this.

In the mean time my Oncologist booked a bone marrow biopsy for me, as well she was doing a referral to see my ENT surgeon Dr. Elbreki in order to do a surgical biopsy of the lymphnode on my left jawline.

Also as Health Canada has now approved Bendamustine for use in Canada an application was made on my behalf under compassionate grounds to have the drug made available to me for treatment once we get the results of all the biopsy's back. I was approved the day after the application was made! Thanks to Debbie Gammon at the Cancer Centre for all the hard work she does to get these kind of approvals for patients here in Windsor and Essex County.

So bottom line is that it is time once again to start Chemotherapy treatments.

Thanks to each and everyone out there who is a part of my team whether it be my Medical Team, Support Team or even my Legal Team for taking the stress of fighting my Employer's harassment (Morrice Transport) and my union (CAW Local 195) for their misrepresentation Hopefully I can get this legal stuff settled and behind me before I get too ill.

Now to focus on fighting this battle with cancer and try to put it behind me for the 5th time in 5 1/2 years!

Face to Face Campaign from The Hospice of Windsor & Essex County Inc.

2012-08-31T08:34:00.001-04:00

It's that time of year again for The Hospice of Windsor & Essex County Inc. Face to Face Campaign. It's very simple to donate and it's only $10.00.

Add caption

All you have to do is click on this link (https://www.onlineregistrations.ca/facetoface/list.php) Look for my name on the list to donate in my name which appears as Mayer,Timothy - Windsor. That's it! Simple right!

Please feel free to copy and paste the link and my info to any of your pages. I'm only required to collect $10.00 from 10 people, however participants like I may collect as much as they can, so share, share, share!

My goal is to try to reach $500 by the end of the month, and beings you can donate in my name on line, and my blog here goes world wide, I should have no problem reaching my goal or more! so please share my link above and let's make this GLOBAL!!

Thank you so much for you donation to this,

Timothy J. Mayer

Adoption, Summer Fun, & an Update.

2012-08-28T12:28:00.000-04:00

Yep, you read right, adoption! I along with friend, author, and advocate Betsy de Parry who is also a member of my group on Facebook "The Lymphomaniacs" (it is a "closed" group) have been working over the past few weeks with the people at Jungle Island in Miami, FL. to adopt one of their Orangutans by the name of Peanut.

Peanut!

Peanut is an 8 yr old female with a twin sister by the name of Pumpkin. Peanut is not your "average" Orangutan by any means. She is indeed special, especially to us with Lymphoma. You see Peanut has non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma as well and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments, much the same as what a human would get in the way of chemotherapy.

We have adopted her as our "Mascot" on "The Lymphomaniacs" page where through her handlers we will be cheering her on and sending our wishes for successful treatment of her non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Dora in Portland, OR. with fellow
Lymphomaniac Ellie Marx.

Next up I have to mention that friend and also fellow Lymphomaniac Dora Waddy has taken to the rails and is travelling via Amtrak across America collecting smiles and spreading the word about Lymphoma. This is all a part of her "Dora's Lymphoma SMILE project".

Dora with the Southern California
Lymphomaniacs group!

She will be spreading awareness about Lymphoma throughout her travels and along the way meet up with fellow members of The Lymphomaniacs as she has already done in Southern California, Portland Oregon.... and many more stops to come along the way. She will be here in Windsor,ON from September 1 -5 to meet up with The Lymphomaniacs in this area making day trips within a days drive of Windsor to meet up with others as well. I am looking forward to meeting her myself!

On to some of the summer activities Brenda and I have done. One was the 2nd annual Rib Fest at the river front plaza. Good time and way too much food as usual, even with the little I had it was too much and there was left overs for days!

We also seen a concert at the Chrysler Theatre at the St.Clair College for the Arts, a week ago. We seen Lighthouse live, these were tickets I won through a contest with the St.Clair College Alumni Assoc.

Check out the Stilt Guys on the
Right side of the photo @
Tecumseh Corn Fest.

Finally to this past weekend we went to the Tecumseh Corn Fest were as usual I had to have some of that always delicious corn on the cob. Um um good, best corn on the cob yet this season!
This was followed by a Barbecue and Birthday party at my brothers place for his girlfriend and her daughters Birthdays! Again, good food, good times, and a belly ache. I could not even finish one, yes "one" hot-dog! Which leads us to the update on me.

Last week I called my Oncologists office to say something is just not right, I've now as of today lost 55 Lbs since the beginning of June! No real appetite at all, thus the weight loss of course. The weight loss combined with the "spots" that showed up in my lungs on the last C/T I had in June now, after much research, have me concerned that this might be transforming from a low grade to high grade lymphoma. If this is in fact so, treatment needs to begin a.s.a.p.

I also think there will need to be a surgical biopsy of the lymphnode on my jawline, which is most visible and probably the easiest one to get at. Once removed it should be send for a "full" lymphoma work up to in fact determine if it is indeed transforming or not.

Today (Tues) I had the scan, and this will be followed up with an appointment on September 6th to go over the results with my Oncologist at which time I will ask that the surgical biopsy be done as well. That pretty much brings things up to speed with all that has gone on these past few weeks.

Hope you are all continuing to have a great summer, staying safe and enjoying your time and travels.

Rough couple weeks, and a Check-up.

2012-08-09T10:48:00.004-04:00

I find it difficult to have to start off with the passing of a couple of great people who were friends.

The first I would like to speak about is a person who was taken from us way, way too soon. I know the young woman through her mother and Facebook friend Liz Schroeder Anderluh from Chicago area. I had followed Liz's daughter Shea's journey with Hodgkin Lymphoma since the beginning which was August of 2008 at the young age of only fourteen years old.

Shea's great smile!

Shea was diagnosed with Nodular Sclerosing Hodgkins. Shea's journey with this had many ups and downs, Shea even took advantage of a couple of different clinical trials to try to find the treatment that would send her to the road of remission. That wasn't to be and in the end, after many many setbacks, Shea's body was just too weak to fight off a virus that she had contracted. Shea passed away at home peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her side on July 25 2011.

Shea always, always had a great smile no matter where she was in her journey. Even during the worst of times Shea always had a smile. That will be what I remember most about her is her always warm smile. May you rest in eternal peace Shea.

I had the opportunity to stay at one of Shea's favourite places, and that was her family's cottage in Michigan. Shea's parents were gracious enough to let us stay at their cottage for a week back in June of last year. Having stayed there I seen how that was her favourite place, so peaceful and tranquil. See my blog from that stay back in June last year; "For Four Days I Forgot".

Donations to Shea and the Anderluh's favourite charities would be welcomed. They are as follows;

1 - Shea Anderluh Medical Expense Fund c/o Chase Bank, 1 N. Dunton, Arlington Heights, IL 6000

2- Donna's Good Things, P.O. Box 5706, Evanston IL 60204.

3 - Cal's Angels, 721 Ashton Ln. South Elgin, IL 60117

Mike on one of his many adventures, deep in though.

This past week I have lost another friend and active member of my Facebook group The Lymphomaniacs. Mike Stevely. Mike passed away suddenly with his family by his side on Tuesday, July 31, 2012. Mike was too young as well at fifty eight years old. Mike passed away from sudden complications related to the stage three Follicular Hodgkins Lymphoma he had. Mike was from the Woodstock Ontario area, and he liked to travel and be adventurous most recently doing the CN Tower Edge Walk! not for the faint of heart let me tell you. He was always active with the local history of the Woodstock area, another of his past times. His passing caught everyone totally off guard. Mike you will always be remembered by all who crossed paths with you. Rest in Peace my friend.

Mike doing the CN Edge Walk on May 31 this year.

It is always a difficult time when I lose friends to this disease of cancer! My cancer friends here at home and on line are all like family to me and when they pass it's like losing a brother or sister. Just wish more was being done to get to the causes of the disease. We have gotten good over the years to make treatment's a little more bearable and to make us live longer which are great accomplishments, however we need to get to the causes so we can eradicate this disease. I hope to see that day in my time.

This past Saturday we had a memorial get together and pig roast for a neighbour from when we had our trailer at the camp ground. Tim Beahan passed away in early January of this year while in Florida where he spent the winters. Tim was not a cancer patient, but in recent years had many medical issues. He passed of a sudden and massive heart attack at his home in Homosassa Springs, Florida. Was a great afternoon of remembering, food and drink! Tim would have approved!

I also had a follow up appointment with my Palliative Care Physician Dr. Giddings at the Windsor Regional Cancer Program. He was working with an intern Dr. Bergeron whom did my examination and check up today. She was very pleasant to work with. After her initial check up with me, she left the room to consult with Dr. Giddings.

Medical Resident Dr. Sheri Bergeron and my Palliative Care physician Dr. Gordon Giddings

They both returned to the examination room and they decided that my pain medication would be slightly boosted up again. They bumped me up from 15mg to 18mg of Hydromorph Contin twice daily. We will see how that goes with getting my CIPN pain under control. I have also had some increased pain from a few of the affected lymphnodes which are now viable and palpable. I have one in particular just under my right ear lobe which has been causing me some pain at night while in bed. I lay on my right side normally and the other night I woke up a 3am in extreme agony with pain radiating around my right ear! The one just under and around my right front collarbone also can cause some pain when moving my arm in certain directions.

This pretty much wraps up the latest for now, hope you are all enjoying your summer and taking the time to take care of YOU!. Enjoy.

"Celebrating 2yrs remission!" , "I'm Cured!" .

2012-07-20T08:02:00.000-04:00

If only. Lately I've been reading on-line of some great news from fellow survivors and patients. Some have gone into complete remission celebrating five or more years which is just awesome. Then there are others who are celebrating a year of remission.

This is were the thought comes for this current blog post. You see, I have yet to hit a year in remission since 2006 when I was first diagnosed. Twice, I almost made it. went from January to December only to find out I'd relapsed!

Currently I am in Watch and Wait and thus this has been the first time that I have gone more than a year without some sort of treatment, chemotherapy, radiation, bone marrow transplant...etc. Let me tell you, it's a celebration in itself not to have gone straight to treatment upon confirmation of my diagnosis in early 2011. Even though I almost made the decision to go ahead and start treatment right away, I decided to give Watch & Wait a chance. A chance I'm glad I took, because of my side effects and weakness I really don't know how that would have turned out.

So to look back on it all, and to look at those that are celebrating their well deserved remissions and cures, I've decided that I will take a moment to celebrate as well! Even though it's not quite two years of Watch & Wait, I have made it past the one year mark without treatment, and really missed the mark on celebrating that moment back in January.

I celebrate now! I celebrate life and the wonderful accomplishment of going more than one year without any form of treatment.

So to sum things up here, what is a reason to celebrate? Well, you don't really need a reason, all you need is the energy and the spirit to celebrate life. To celebrate your life daily, this is it, there's no going back, there's no re-takes. This is life and this is what you get. So celebrate it on a daily basis and make the most of each day.

Today I celebrate life without treatment, I celebrate life in general, and I celebrate with all those who celebrate with me!

CELEBRATE!

C/T results, check-up, and just too hot!

2012-07-07T10:20:00.000-04:00

Had my follow up appointment with my Medical Oncologist yesterday morning (July,6/12) and over all things went well. When she entered the examining room she had my C/T results in hand and went over them with me.

Image only, NOT my scan.

It appears that things have progressed a bit since the last C/T, but over all the nodes are still relatively small. Seems more of them are now showing up in the C/T which is matching up with what my PET scan back in Feb,2010 showed. The four nodes in the abdomen are now visible, the two nodes in the mediastinum area are still the largest of them.

She has noted something "new" that we will be keeping an eye on and that is there a a few "spots" showing up in my lungs that were not there on the last scan. I will be doing a chest x-ray in October before my next visit with her to re-evaluate at that time.

I showed her the two "new" nodes that have come to the surface and are now palpable. One is just below my right earlobe in the temple area, this one is actually quite sore to the touch as well. The other is also on the right side and in the upper right chest area just by the collar bone. This one seems to have just "popped" up in the past week.

Over all she thinks things are "progressing" as the should, and along with the tiredness all the time and weight loss, there is a feeling this may or may not be the beginning of something bigger going on. At this time she doesn't feel that it is, and thus the follow up with chest x-ray to check on the lung "spots" and blood work up, just to make sure nothing "more" is going on.

I told her I had mixed feelings about what was going to be discussed at this visit and even mentioned that if it were time to start discussions about treatment, I would put it off for a couple months as I did not feel I wanted to make those decisions at this time of year and would like to enjoy the rest of the summer before doing so. Well, I now know these decisions are not needing to be made at this time, which was a relief.

So, time to get back to summer and hope it cools off soon so we can get out more to some of the local events. There are a lot of events around the anniversary of the War of 1812 all over the area, and Brenda being a member of the Provincial Marines and their 1812 re-enactment group, she too would like to take part in more events. The temps being in the high 90's and into the 100's some days, it's just too hot.

I also have some other issues going on right now with the employer / union situation and will be focused on that for now. So will update as things move along and keep you all abreast of things medically and otherwise, take care and enjoy life!

A Heartfelt Thank You.

2012-07-02T11:28:00.000-04:00

We would like to take this time to thank those who so generously donated to the Fundraiser on Give Forward that my friend Kimberly organized for us, and has now ended. Without you and your generosity we would be facing a bleak future over the next few months. This will help us get by for those few months, while we can only hope that some progress is made with regard to my benefits being restored and Brenda finding gainful employment in a city with the highest unemployment rate in all of Canada.

So we would like to thank the following contributors;

Kimberly Eirdosh Caamano
Daryl & Alice Compton
The Anderluh Family
Rogerman
The Morris Family
Diane Rosenburg
Vic & Sandra

Anonymous
Mia Biltstien
Maria B. Baptista
Susie Long
Dora Waddy
Sharon Edwards
Nancy Best
Maria Zippilli
Patti Spino
Glenda Landskroner-Black
Sue & Larry
Martine Niddam
Steven Shatzkin
Diane, Tom & Shelby
Don & Irene Houser
Cindy Carney
Marie Ross

Thanks also goes out to all of you that took the time to share this fundraiser on your personal and group Facebook pages as well.

To a dear and selfless friend who I only know through Facebook and have never met in person, who took the time to think about the situation than Brenda and I are dealing with and set up this fundraiser.

Kimberly Eirdosh Caamano, YOU ROCK! Words can even begin to describe how we fell about what you have done for us. You don't know us from Adam and yet you took the time to put this together to help us out. It is my hope someday, somewhere or somehow we may meet up and I can thank you in person!

As far as I'm concerned you've earned plenty of feathers toward your angel wings with this selfless act of kindness.

Medical Fundaising Made Simple

Kim, we thank you, and all the rest of you as well. In the end you raised 31% of your goal for an on-line total of $3,093.00, there was also the mail in donations we received as well totalling $230.00 for an overall grand total of $3,323.00!! and you never know more could come and I will correct the grand total accordingly!

Tim & Brenda Mayer.

Fundraiser ends June 30th at midnight so Give Now and help Make a Difference!

2012-06-28T08:53:00.001-04:00

Please find below a copy of the interview I did with CBC Windsor News in November of last Year. I am re copying it here for those who have not seen it or read it, as I am now in the last two days of a fundraiser my friend Kimberly Eirdosh Caamano from New Jersey started for me a while back. The fundraiser got off to a very quick start but then kind of petered out. So I am asking one final time that if you have not donated yet or are considering a donation, now would be the time to do it as the Fundraiser ends July 1st and we are a long way from the initial target. For those how have given and given generously I must say, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Please find below the "written" copy of my CBC story as well as video, and most of all the Link to the fundrasier, and don't forget to share where you can. Let's see how much further we can take this in the next 48 hours!!

Thank You,

Timothy J. Mayer

Man beats cancer four times in five years

Tim Mayer keeps spirits high, finds salvation on internet

Tim Mayer is beating some very bad odds. He has survived cancer not once, but four times in five years.

The link to the fundraiser on Give Forward: http://www.giveforward.com/helptimhammerlymphoma

A new report says the disease is now the leading cause of death in every Canadian province and territory. Latest statistics show it accounts for 30 per cent of all deaths here. It hasn't accounted for Mayer's even though he thought it would.

"You're going to die.That's the first thing that goes through your mind," he said. "And to this day, it still goes through your mind."

Mayer is still here despite a rough five years. He survived three forms of cancer four times; underwent a bone marrow transplant; and was denied experimental treatment he wanted to try in Michigan.

He celebrated each remission, every win. And then last year, when he thought he had finally won the war, his doctor called.

"It's never good when the doctor themselves call you. And she informed me that they found two nodes in my chest," he said from a chair in his Windsor home with two tumours still slowly growing in his lungs.

Life is not the same

Mayer said he feels like he just can't catch a break.

The Regional trucker can no longer work, although he thinks about it. He can no longer perform woodworking or camp — his two favourite pastimes. And his long-term disability insurance and possibly even his benefits run out in March, after five years.

"I try to live life as normal as possible," Mayer said.

The cancer, he said, has made him more caring, more willing to help people and accept help himself.

His story, although extreme, isn't unique.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 40 per cent of women and 45 per cent of men will get a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.

Internet helps him cope

The trick, according to Mayer, is finding a way to cope. For him, the internet has been his salvation.

He blogs and uses social media to connect with other cancer patients who share his fears and reality.

But that also means he loses more friends than the average Facebook user.

"It's emotional; like losing a brother or a sister," he said. "And I've had times where I'm on the computer and I'll break down and my wife says, 'who now?'

Recent high-profile cancer deaths, like those of Apple's Steve Jobs and the NDP's Jack Layton didn't help.

Mayer says the slow growing cancer inside him is just part of his new reality. But he's not calling it quits.

"Death. It's there. And if you let it get you, it will, if you let it," Mayer said. "But you take your moment think about it and then you move on."

Scans, Summer and Relay

2012-06-15T13:01:00.000-04:00

Finally, things are starting to settle down a bit and my case of shingle is slowly disappearing. Seems to be more sore and aggravating as it's healing that when I first contacted them.

Now I've got a case of scanxiety as I await the results of both the Ultrasound I had on Tuesday to look at my right kidney area for a possible kidney stone. As for the C/T scan it was ordered by my medical oncologist Dr. Kanjeekal after my Dietitian Donna Danelon reported my weight loss which was rather rapid and out of character for me.

The way this all came about was that I was at the Cancer Centre for an appointment with my favorite social worker Nancy Hannon. I was in the lobby at the centre making myself a cup of coffee when my primary nurse Debbie came up behind me and gave me a poke, and said that I looked like was loosing a lot of weight. I told her I was not trying and that yes I did notice something was going on as I had to make a couple of new holes in my belt. She asked if anything unusual was going on, I said other than the shingles not really, I do have a loss of appetite.

I described it to her as best I could, and that is I just don't feel that hungry and that it's like I feel full all the time but haven't eaten anything to make me feel full, weird but that's how it's happening. I would say that at least 3 to 4 nights a week all I eat for dinner is a bowl of cereal and that seems to keep me full.

So between my dietitian and my primary nurse telling Dr. Kanjeekal about this she ordered a C/T to see if anything might be going on. I know something is going on as my stomach is always "gurgling" to the point I can hear it at times when I'm lying down. Not sure what that is about. I do take a lot of medications, however I do take a stomach pill to help that.

Now with the Ultrasound and the C/T out of the way the usual scanxiety has kicked in and I'm taking Ativan again to help with the stress and nerves. This node on my right jawline still seems to be getting bigger and bigger, my nurse had noted that to when she felt it there in the lobby, she said she would mention that to the doctor as well.

The waiting always seems to be the hardest part, the hospital is obviously understaffed with regard to radiologists. Taking up to two weeks most times to get scan results.Doctors obviously know that patients go through a lot of anxiety as we wait for results, so you'd think they would do something about that to get more radiologists in there to interpret the scans and write the reports. But with all the cutbacks in health care here in Ontario that is wishful thinking!

I am still waiting for a call with the appointment to see my oncologist to go over the scan results. I'm guessing nothing will turn up, and just can't figure that out as I'm sure something is going on in there. Time will tell.

This weekend is also the start to Summer-fest here in Windsor, and hoping to get out to a few of the events going on. The tall ships will be in Amherstburg and will pass through Windsor as well. The annual Target Fireworks on the river is on the 25th and we will watch from our balcony and avoid all the chaos of traffic and people downtown, it always packs in a million plus between the Detroit and Windsor waterfronts.

This could very well be our last fireworks as Detroit with it's financial woes is saying they can no longer cover the extra $700,000.00 for police coverage for the event. It will be a sad day indeed if that actually happens. Most are hopeful a corporate sponsor might come on board to help cover that cost. These fireworks have been an annual event ever since I can remember, right back to my early childhood.

I will wrap this up as it's Relay for Life day for us here in Windsor/Lasalle and Brenda and I will be attending as I will once again be taking part in the survivors lap which starts off the event. The also hold a survivors dinner so we will be out there for that as well. I'll be posting photo's from the Relay should I not forget to bring the camera! That wouldn't be a first.

Me, My Radiation Oncologist Dr. Schneider and Brenda
Relay 2010

Take care and will update as it comes!

Update / Still time to Donate.

2012-06-11T18:38:00.001-04:00

Well a there has been a few things that have been going on since my last post. The shingles the made their presence known on Wednesday May 30, continued for a week or so to get worse. Now with medication and rest, they are starting to recede/disappear which is good. The soreness and itching drives me nuts! Valtrex was the drug of choice to tackle it.

Kevin Malott
36 years old

Jared McKnight
19 years old.

Two of our loved ones were put to rest this past week. They were both taken from us way too young! and have left behind families filled with grief and sorrow but also pleasant memories.. May they both rest in eternal peace.

I went for an ultrasound on my lower right back / kidney area, and stomach area. My doctor should have the results in his office in a week or so. Maybe this well tell what is going on with the pain I've been having in my lower right abdomen and lower right back/kidney area. Sure was uncomfortable as she did the right side as well even though I informed her I had shingles and they were visible, however none were "open". So I guess that might have been why there was no concern on her part.

Tomorrow I go for an unexpected C/T scan. Since my last visit to the Cancer Centre to see my social worker and dietitian and there was a considerable weight loss noted since my prior visit, my medical oncologist was contacted about it and immediately ordered a C/T scan which I will have done tomorrow morning. Then the scanxiety begins and even though I've been through this dozens of times in the past 6 years, it never gets any easier, if anything, it becomes worse mentally, with your mind playing all it's usual games with you.

This Friday will be the Windsor / Lasalle Relay for Life event at the Vollmer Complex in Lasalle. This will be my 4th year doing the survivors lap at the event. It's an event I look forward to participating in every year and one day hope to be able to put together my own team.

Last Tuesday Brenda and I attended the Roger Waters, THE WALL concert in Detroit at the Joe Louis Arena, Let's just say neither of us were disappointed, we were in awe at how much more crisp and colorful the images on the wall were, and there were some noted musical changes and mentions as well .

STILL TIME LEFT TO DONATE!
Also don't forget there is still time left to donate the the "Help Tim Hammer Lymphoma" fundraiser we are only at 26% of our goal amount and only weeks left to make that donation. Also looking for a group or corporate "Matching Donation Challenge" this is where you ask others to match your $500.00 donation and have fun competing at the same time while others match it! The link as at the top right corner of this page just click on the Orange "Give" button.

Please consider making a donation today!, no amount is too small!

Thank you,
Tim.

Tragedy and Death.

2012-06-02T08:44:00.001-04:00

Been a terrible past few days, not only for my family but Brenda's family as well. On Thursday evening we got the news that my son Travis's (half) brother Jared McKnight was murdered in London Ontario. From eyewitness comments he was called over by a neighbor to the neighbors porch and was then stabbed in the chest by the guy. Jared's girlfriend was with him and witnessed the whole thing. No on should have to witness such a thing.

The suspected was seen and approached by police but ran and got away. He was eventually apprehended on Friday and is now in custody facing a 2nd degree murder charge. In my own opinion if the guy called him over and then just stabs him, I would think that was pre-meditated and thus he should be charged with 1st degree murder, but that's just my opinion.

This has affected the entire family but no one more so than my son Travis who was quite devastated by the news and still is.

Jared may have had his problems and issues but no one should ever have to die in such a manner. NO ONE!
I really don't know what this world is coming to. Why do fights have to be done with knifes and guns or with the intent to kill. Just a sad part of society that needs to change.

Friday mid morning we got a call from one of Brenda's uncle's with the news that Brenda's cousin Kevin was in the hospital in very critical condition from an accident. Things did not get any better for him throughout the night and unfortunately he has passed away.

You always hear the myth that these things go in three's. I sure hope this is not true. Two deaths in two days is a lot to bear as it is. Again our thoughts, prayers and our hearts go out to the McKnight family as well as the Malott family as they deal with their losses.

Life can be long or it can be short, and short by no fault of your own, so cherish every moment you have and enjoy and treat everyday as it's your last, the world would be a much better place if everyone lived by that mantra. A kinder, gentler world, is that not what we all really want. Please do your part and be kind to every person you meet, you don't know their situation is, and a simple hello or smile may change their entire day or outlook on life.

May Jared and Kevin both rest in eternal peace and soar above gracefully with those that have passed before them.

Click here for the article about Jared from the London Free Press.

What a Week!

2012-05-31T06:37:00.002-04:00

Things started out good last week with a day spent at Caesar's trying to win one of the $500 every 20 minutes prizes, put in 8 hours their and no luck, no loss either cause for this contest all you had to do was swipe in with your players reward card and wait! But you did have to be there to win.

Just a massive amount of bikes at the
WFCU Centre where they began.

Had a good time this past Sunday volunteering at the 2012 Ride for Dad in support of Prostate Cancer. Brenda and I were set up out at the final stop of the Ride at the Ranta Marina in Amherstburg, ON. There were just over 800 bikes and riders registered this year, and I'd have to say at least a couple hundred "unregistered bikes took part as well.

The never ending parade of bikes
as they passed by our place.

We didn't have to be out at the Ranta until 2pm so I got to see them from my balcony as they passed by my building. I was quite a site, and it brought a tear to my eye, to see so many come out to support the cause, just awesome. After arriving at the Ranta, we got our volunteer shirts, however we were put on standby as all the jobs were currently filled.

So about 3pm we grabbed a bite to eat, and it was while we were eating that they found something for us to do which was great! We ended up directing the riders after they arrived to go to the blue over head canopies to have their poker cards validated before the went in the entertainment / dining tent. Everything went well, and the early tally of funds raised that day was just over $54,000.00. Nice job people!

So we move on to Monday and another shot at Caesars for $500 every twenty minutes. Again no luck, figured for sure they'd call my name as I had to leave for a couple hours to go to Spanish class over at the Hospice! But, no they did not call my name while I was gone either. My son Travis and my good friends Rick & Bonnie were there too and listened for my name while I was gone. The did try to pull my leg about it, but I was on to them right away.

Then comes Tuesday and my appointment with my Palliative Care doctor. After going over how things were working with the new medications it was decided to up the dose of the pain killer he put me on by 3mg. So not so bad a day there, and everything appeared to go OK.

Wednesday, I had my appointment with my social worker and dietitian at the Cancer Centre and everything went well with my social worker, but not so much the same case with my dietitian. I filled her in on what was going on and how I felt about things and that there may have been some weight loss. Well, turns out there has indeed been some weight loss, just over 20lbs in a few weeks time. Like I told her, I feel like I'm full most of the time and most nights have just a bowl of cereal for dinner. She will be having a chat with my Oncologists about that.

Similar to what mine look like right now.

Maybe that is why there seems to be an increase in size of the lymphnodes and why new ones are popping up. I'm losing weight so they are showing up more and not really growing like it seems they were. Well if that were not enough, when I woke up Wednesday morning it felt like I had developed some kid of rash on my side. Once I took a look in the bathroom mirror I was 99% sure it was not a rash and was the dreaded shingles, not really a cancer patients friend. So I went straight to my family doctor after leaving the cancer centre and sure enough shingles it is! Now I'm on 1000mg of Valtrex 3 times daily to get it in check.

On other news, Brenda had finally gotten a call in the past couple weeks about a job interview. She went to the interview and passed it only to be told the positions had been filled and they would contact her next time they hire, and that she's first on the list. Not holding out on that and she's still actively seeking employment and putting in lots of resumes.

That's about it in a nut shell for now and will keep ya posted.

p.s. Don't forget the fundraiser, it closes July 1/12, you can donate by clicking on the GIVE button at the top right of this page. Thank You.

Five Month Check-up.

2012-05-16T08:57:00.000-04:00

Today will be one of my regular check-ups with my Radiation Oncologist Dr. Schneider at the Windsor Regional Cancer Program. It's been 5 months since my last check-up and I'm feeling confident.

Me, Dr.Schneider and Brenda at Relay for Life 2010

Although the check-up visit today is for the Squamous Cell Carcinoma which was found in my throat just a couple of month prior to the DLBC being found, Dr. Schneider will give me the full look over. He treated me for that cancer which was my first, and then he also treated me for my fourth cancer which was the first diagnosis of the NLPH.

Although these follow-ups may seem at times to have become routine there is nothing routine about them. Let's face it your there to follow up on a cancer that could return at any time, although I don't worry too much about the SCC, I do worry about the current progression of the NLPH that I am dealing with now, which is my fifth cancer!

The Lymphnode on my jawline.

Even knowing that I do have a current diagnosis and that I can judge by the node on my jawline, I still always ponder the question; when will it be time to pull the trigger and start treatment? Being in a state of watch & wait, knowing what your dealing with and what lies ahead for you, can be very stressful at times.

My treatment options for when the time comes are currently few, and there are a couple that my Medical Oncologist and I have discussed and have ready to go when the time is right. But that is it, when is the time right? She has told me the the ball is in my court and I can make the call to pull the trigger to start treatment at any time.

Watch & wait is difficult. You know you have a life threatening illness, you know it's progressing day by day, even though it may be indolent, and you have the power to start treatment at any time, but don't. I don't because I have discussed the situation with my oncologist in full. We have gone over the options, I have gotten a second opinion to be sure where we stand.

The situation is this with the Watch & Wait approach, we are waiting for things to progress a little further, to a point where I start to exhibit one or more of the "B" symptoms. That is when I am told it would be the best time to start treatment, as the outcome would be no different doing now than it would be doing it once the B symptoms start to appear.

So this is why I watch and wait, and also because I had just finished a period of time where I was pretty much in active treatment for four years, and totally wore out from it all. So rather than start treatment again so soon and run all those toxic drugs through my body again, which is only going to weaken me more and who knows how much more, a little? a lot? or even may just too much.

I'll continue to take my chances with the watch & wait approach, keep up with these regular check-ups, the next one of which, will be with Dr. Kanjeekal my Medical Oncologist, who I will see sometime in September. So between the two oncologists I see, I actually get a follow up approximately three months. I can also call in if I think there is something that pops up and I think is urgent or requires attention sooner.

So as you see even though these follow-ups can have the appearance and feel sometimes of being "routine", there is nothing routine about them. After all it's me and my life in their hands and mine. Nothing routine about wanting to live another day, week, month, year, or even years.

Correction note, Re; The Perfect Storm

2012-05-15T09:06:00.000-04:00

Seems I was initially misinformed with regards to one of the statements I made in my last blog.

The situation with regards to having to "sell" my pre-paid funeral arrangements is false. In fact pre-paid funeral arrangements are considered an "exempt asset" with regard to claiming assets which you may or may not have to "sell"

The "exempt asset" limit in our case would be $7.500.00. I have copied the actual statement with regard to assets and exempt assets directly from the Ontario Disability Supports program page and here it is;

"Examples of assets

Assets are property, possessions or money that belong to you or your family. Here are some examples:

cash
money you have in bank accounts
stocks and bonds
Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP)
vehicles
property (for example, land or a house)
trust funds
any other assets that you or your family own.

Some assets are exempt

Some assets are "exempt" - this means they do not affect your eligibility for Income Support. Here are some examples of exempt assets:

the home you own and live in
your primary vehicle (the one you use the most, if you have more than one)
trust funds derived from an inheritance or life insurance policy, up to allowable limits
the cash surrender value of life insurance policies, up to allowable limits
pre-paid funerals
Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP)
Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSP)
necessary household and personal items, such as furniture and clothing.
These are only a few examples. There are many rules about the treatment of assets while you are receiving Income Support.

Your Ontario Disability Support Program worker can help you figure out which of your assets are exempt. That's why it is important that you report all of your assets to your worker.

Asset limits

There are limits to the amount of non-exempt assets you can have and still remain eligible:

for a single person, the limit is $5,000
for a person with a spouse, the limit is $7,500
the limit increases by $500 for each child.
When you can go over the limit

In some cases, you can get approval to save money over and above your asset limit. For example, you may save money to buy an item or service that you need for your health or for your disability. Talk to your Ontario Disability Support Program worker."

The fact remains however that I believe that the step of having to apply for Ontario Disability Support via Ontario Works is a wasted step in the case of an obviously documented disability and is a was of Government money. Unnecessary wages and time for all those involved at Ontario Works.

Their case loads are overloaded now, and to add this "unnecessary" step is just more stress on them not to mention the wasteful spending on the Governments part.

My apologies for any inconvenience the misinformation may have caused.

Tim.