Saturday, December 31, 2011

What a Year! Did that just Happen? 12/31/11

Had a lovely light lunch poolside, with Stanford Football Team.
Ensemble - The Lion King – Circle Of Life
Stanford University – Come Join The Band(for all the Stanford readers)(probably a small number)(probably a fraction, or decimal, a quotient, or integer, or a binary notation, or a derivative)
University Of Wisconsin – On, Wisconsin(A larger number of readers, possibly a prime number.)(not an SEC bone in my body, Go Bucks!)


   I am closing the book on this year at The Fairmont Scottsdale Hotel. We are headed towards The Willow Stream Spa, for the day. A spa day is the perfect way to finish up a year that was anything but a spa year.

   Beth and I were married 20 years ago today. I am blessed.

   I cannot begin to thank all the people who have supported me through this difficult process. Your kind thoughts and prayers supported me through the dark times. Some of us may never meet, but thank you. You inquired, you paid attention. You asked regularly "How's your husband, brother, cousin, father, uncle, nephew, buddy? Why did he stop writing? Is he dead?" You physically, and metaphysically transported me each day to the treatment facilities, and medical offices. You waited patiently, and welcomed me optimistically as I emerged from therapy. The letters, cards, food, and gifts, were well above and beyond anything I could have anticipated. Your sacrifice, compassion, concern, and generosity are immeasurable.

   The word family has a much deeper meaning than it did just 6 months ago. The sense of community has been enhanced exponentially. I will attempt to repay the kindness as best I can, as opportunities are presented.

   I'm feeling better.

   For my part I will attempt to stay connected. You people are a Power Source.
Jason Mraz – I'm Yours
NEEDTOBREATHE – Drive All Night
NEEDTOBREATHE – The Outsiders

Health, Happiness, & Love!
TJH

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Let's turn the page 12/19/11-12/31/11

Hello Switzerland!

Happy Birthday to my baby brother Marty!(12/24/63)
– Bruce Springsteen - Jungleland
– Bruce Springsteen - Thunder Road

Frank Turner – I Am Disappeared
Frank Turner – I Still Believe
Mary Chapin Carpenter – I Feel Lucky
The Beach Boys – Good Vibrations
Death Cab for Cutie – Soul Meets Body
Boz Scaggs – Georgia
We Just Disagree – Dave Mason

   All of the "cancer related" accouterments have been extracted. The 4 unopened cases of nutritional canned tube food are being donated. The leftover dope has been destroyed. The wraps, bandages, ointments, oils, balms, and pharmacy related products are gone(except the new and improved puke bags those are keepers). I have some clean space on my bathroom countertop.

   The port was removed as scheduled. The power-port was professionally installed by a surgeon, and the same surgeon choreographed the removal. I checked in at 9:30am, and was released at 3pm. This was the final surgical procedure related to cancer. As much as I didn't want to have surgery the week of Christmas/Hanukkah, I really didn't want to carry any unnecessary physical reminders into the New Year. The surgeon came into the curtained pre-op holding area, and gave a good explanation of the procedure, and it's risks. I let him know that we were performance oriented, and that there would be no box of candy if the potential negative occurrences, occurred. The Anesthesiologist went through the same procedure. Beth was given an Outback steakhouse pager, and waited patiently. The surgeon got the candy, and I'm feeling better than expected.

    If I can gradually get my salivary glands, and taste buds back, I will really be ready to kick it in gear. I am currently weighing-in at 158 pounds, and have a limited appetite. I can hold my hands around my thighs, and touch my fingers together. Chicken legs, and wings.

   The Holidays are here, and I have been given more than I could have ever hoped. The gifts received this year greatly outweigh the challenges. I just didn't know it as it was happening. I really do have a better perspective in retrospect.

   An already abundant life hits hyperdrive this time of year. I want to make sure that I give, and take in, as much life as possible.

Here's wishing you more happiness then all my words can tell,
Not just alone fore Christmas, but for all the year as well.

   Beth and I had to say goodbye to our dear friend(13 years) and loyal cat Samson. He sat on my lap every day during the course of my treatments. He heard my fears, and gave me support. He was a very friendly, and trusting lap cat. He will be missed.

   Beth and I are celebrating out 20th wedding anniversary on New Years Eve.
I am Blessed.

Thank you all,
TJH
Dan Fogelberg – Same Old Lang Syne
James Taylor – Auld Lang Syne
Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds – Christmas Song (Live)
Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time

Sunday, December 18, 2011

I have a new navel! Just what I always wanted. 12/14/11-12/19/11

Hello Kuala Lumpur! Yep, I'm huge in Malaysia.
Hello Brazil, Russia, Hungary, Ireland(about time), and USVI.
It's an International Party!

Marvin Gaye(as requested by the Plain Dealer Ohio Golf Coach of the Year TERRY HOPKINS St. Ignatius Notable: Just completed his second season as head coach after spending four years as an assistant. The Wildcats posted the best finish of a local team in the state tournament, finishing fifth with a score of 637. They also won the prestigious Kiely Cup at Canterbury by three shots and a sectional championship by eight shots at the Legacy Course at Sweetbriar. They were second in the district tournament at Pine Hills for the second year in a row.(still looking for a replacement roommate)


Abba – Dancing Queen(per Molly's request)
Weather Report – Birdland
Dropkick Murphys – Peg O' My Heart
Amy Winehouse – The Girl From Ipanema
Vladimir Mischouk – Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Malaysian Romance Song
Jimmy Buffett – Son Of A Son Of A Sailor(Merry X-Mas Captain Kevin Maddock)

   I have a brand new navel, 3 inches above my original navel. Kinda freaks me out. The new navel was not on the list of cancer related side effects. Neither was the Radiation Hairline, or the Radiation Rot in my dental ex-rays. In January I get to get a new crown. My ex-rays in June were all normal. The dentist said I did very well, considering the treatment regimen. They made 2 sets of mouthpieces to be used during my treatment. They gave me lozenges, rinses, and a prescription fluoride toothpaste. I coat the mouthpiece with prescription fluoride each day for 15 minutes.Glad I took the oral hygiene warnings seriously. I don't even want to think about what kind of condition my teeth would be in if I had not been diligent(Meth Mouth).

   I found myself trying on tuxedoes this week. Not sure why I felt moved to start so soon, the wedding is not until August 11. I own some baggy assed tuxedoes. Which shoes should I wear? Black patent leather, black tie ups, black loafers? Which studs, and links? Which dress watch? Should I grow my hair out? A beard is definitely not an option, even though I'll be right near Amish country.

   I have had a pretty good week. I received some phone calls that brightened my days. The Season has added to my already heightened emotional awareness. The kids, lights, traffic, and general speed is somewhat daunting. I feel like a kid trying to get back into the jump ropes.

   I made my way out to a couple of social functions this week. My enthusiasm is high, but my stamina remains below average. The parties were great, and I was able to get myself cleaned up, and into the mix. The mix is a little overwhelming. Everyone knows that I was sick, and that I'm very lucky to be celebrating anything. The friends that I run into, are constant reminders of the love that exists in my life.
    
   People are welcoming me back to life. I've been missed. I did overhear a friend of mine comment "I liked him better when he had cancer"(he was kidding). I'm definitely feeling better. It's good to be back!

   Tomorrow I check in for surgery at 9:30am. I seriously considered postponing this procedure until after the Holidays. I am such a wimp. The delay would not serve me any good purpose. The timing is perfect. The temporary distress is temporary. The Port must be removed, because I no longer need to have easy medical access to my arteries. They do have to get an IV started prior to the surgery, and I wanted to know why they couldn't just use the port for one last time. She gave me some medical mumbo jumbo, but they are still giving me an IV. I'm drinking another gallon of water before midnight so that I am adequately hydrated, and well veined.

Cliff Edwards – When You Wish Upon A Star
Danny & Dusty – Song For The Dreamers
Sly & The Family Stone – Everyday People
Justin Hines – Say What You Will
The Head And The Heart – Lost in My Mind

Be Safe,
TJH

 

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Street Cred 12/6/11

Happy Birthday George, you are the best!

The Beatles – Help! [1965 Stereo Mix]
The Beatles – All You Need Is Love
Beatles – Strawberry Fields
Beatles - Yesterday
Roxy Music – Jealous Guy
The Beatles – In My Life
The Beatles – A Day In The Life
The Beatles – Let It Be
The Beatles – imagine
RIP John Lennon
I could listen to his stuff all day!
 
   My ab really hurts. The ab that was exposed when the feeding tube was installed, was re-exposed yesterday during the extraction. The abdomen has never been an anatomical priority. I always had great hair, a fine vocabulary, and rakish good looks.

   It looks like I was shot(with a .45, not a .22), while filming a rap video. I have a larger than expected divot 3 inches above my navel. It is nasty. I took the gauze off in the shower, and my knees buckled. The gauze was semi-stuck to the wound. The Doctor suggested a 4x4 gauze pad, and some neosporin to redress the wound. I have no idea why there were no stitches, or painkillers. I'd like to nick him with a 4x4.

   My inner gangster has not been exposed during my illness. Hopefully you peeps will never get the opportunity to mix it up with my Beast. Helter Skelter!

   I got blisters on my fingers!
Eminem – Lose Yourself
Nellie– Ride with Me
House Of Pain – Jump Around
Everlast – What It's Like [Amended Version]

It is very difficult to find decent gangsta rap without a bunch of F, and N, Bombs.
Come on Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Biggie, ODB, let's bust out some fresh rhymes that don't require censor scrutiny. Oh wait half of you guys are dead...nevermind.
Peace,Out,
TJH

Monday, December 5, 2011

Tube Steak 12/5/11

Happy Birthday Colleen!
The Tubes – What Do You Want From Life?
The Tubes – White Punks On Dope
Nena – 99 Red Balloons
Goldfinger – 99 Red Balloons
Junior Wells – (I Got A) Stomach Ache
Buddy Guy & Junior Wells – Messin' With The Kid

   The feeding tube was professionally installed in June. I was prepped for surgery at Banner Baywood. I had a pre-surgical consult with the anesthesiologist, and gastroenterologist. I had a warm blanket, to help keep me comfortable. I was sedated, the tube was professionally installed, my vitals were monitored throughout the night, and I was released the following morning. I felt confident, and assured.

   The feeding tube was removed today, on an outpatient basis, at my gastroenterologists office. I was the last patient of the day. Troy took my blood pressure, and laughed out loud when I asked about the procedure. Dr. Umar joined in the raucous fun when he came into the room. There was no sedation, or warm blanket. Dr. Umar unbuttoned my shirt, put a bib around my tube-sight, ripped the tape off my chest, wrapped the tube in his right hand, gave it 2 uncomfortable cranks (like a Model A), and then ripped the tube, and balloon, from my gullet, just above my navel. He was giggling when he told me to open my eyes, and breathe. A tube removal is a Holiday favorite. At the end of each day the staff gets a little bonus. Who gets to go in and prep the tube extraction patient? Pure entertainment. A $40 dollar co-pay? They should pay us they have so much fun. Dr. Umar's office has been terrific throughout this ordeal. Really nice folks.

   I suppose I may have incited some of the commotion, and I know they had some fun at my expense. I also know that I appreciate their expertise. They allowed me to continue to take nourishment, when my throat was closed for renovations.

   The subclavian port is the only cancer related remnant. It was surgically installed, and will be surgically removed. It allowed Doctors, Nurses, and Techs, access to my arteries, without drilling a new hole each time. I may not have mentioned this earlier in my writing, but I am Vasovagal. I faint when they come after me with needles. Always ask for the bed when going for a blood test. Those silly little desks do not hold up when gravity calls. The removal is scheduled for Monday, December 19th at 11am. No food or drink after midnight. Warm blankets, and anesthesia. A civilized procedure. I am somewhat interested in keeping the port, it really does make blood work painless. I wonder what the warranty period looks like on a Port?

 The Youngbloods – Let's Get Together
Don't look for me at the blood drive.
TJH



 

 

Feeling better is exhausting 12/4/11 & 12/5/11

Welcome Ukraine! I'm huge in the Ukraine, and Belarus! The must have hooked up with the dude from Latvia. An International Party!

 World Party – Is It Like Today?
Annie Lennox – Walking On Broken Glass
Annie Lennox – No More "I Love You's"
Rickie Lee Jones – Chuck E's In Love

  I've been on a bit of a bender since receiving the clean Pet scan. Oh let's go out and celebrate, no problem. Friday night was an art show, dinner, and time with friends. Saturday was an all day marathon of coffee, and an emotional carnival. The ups, and ups of good news are tremendous. I've spoken with family, and friends all week, and each encounter has been a blessing. I have a ton of phone calls to make, and will do my best. The blessings are taking a toll on my physical ability, but I'm heading to a Holiday potluck in 20 minutes. I guess my body will let me know when enough is too much.

   Since I have been on the sidelines so long I must admit that when I walked into the art exhibit Friday night, I was overwhelmed. I looked in the Gallery, and saw so many friends. People that had been praying for me. People who had sent cards. People who love me. I was surrounded by love.

Time for the Party...Gotta Go!
 
   I crashed hard at about 6:30pm, and woke up in time to see Aaron Rogers beat the Giants. I woke up feeling cancer free. I hope I don't forget to be thankful for waking up cancer free, and for going to sleep cancer free.

   The parties are wonderful. I am glad to be invited, and able to participate.

   I spoke with TJ, and Kevin today. Neither of my two sons were overly sympathetic to the removal of the feeding tube this afternoon. Insensitive Dogs! TJ said "it's just like pulling off a band-aid." The tube was surgically installed, with a great amount of seriousness. The installation was done by a gastroenterologist, not a urologist, as previously reported. They made sure I didn't eat or drink anything after midnight(not even water). They had me check in 2 hours early, and needed all of my living will and next of kin info. This afternoons procedure is being fit-in, between surgeries. Ho Hum, just get the pliers, and duct tape. Not even power tools.

Are we there yet?
TJH

Friday, December 2, 2011

It is OK to breathe! 12/2/11

Latvia, where the hell is Latvia, and why are they reading this?
Welcome Latvia!

Pink Floyd – Breathe
The Police – Every Breath You Take
Better Than Ezra – Breathless
Richard O'Brien – The Time Warp
Little Richard – Midnight Special
Josh Groban – Hidden Away
Josh Groban – You Raise Me Up
Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin'
The Byrds – Turn! Turn! Turn!
The Byrds – Mr. Tambourine Man
The Troggs – Love Is All Around

   Beth and I have been holding our breathe for the past 6 months, and now when I breathe I realize that I was suffocating. The specter that surrounded me has been removed, and I need to learn how to breathe again. I did not teach myself how to breathe when I was born. I was gifted with the ability to breathe. I am now able to appreciate the magnitude of the gift.

  I appreciate getting a clean slate, a fresh start, a do over. The trick for me will be to reflect my appreciation on a daily basis, and not take this experience for granted. I hope to take this experience as a manifestation of Grace. An unwarranted, and unexpected gift. I am humbled.

   I get the surgically implanted feeding tube removed Monday at 5pm, by my Urologist. You may ask yourself, as I did, "I wonder how long the surgery to remove the feeding tube will take?" Apparently the installation requires surgical skill that is not required with the removal. They probably bring in a landscaper for the extraction, and he can reuse the parts at the golf course. "Oh you'll love it, they just deflate the inside bladder, and yank the tube out." Of course they do. Shouldn't there be some anesthesia? There is a 1/4 inch hole in my abdomen with a tube protruding. What happens to the stuff on the inside of my gullet? Shouldn't that stuff be removed? Should I get a 2nd opinion on the tube extraction? My goodness, I certainly can make a mess out of simple procedure. Oh well.

   I get the surgically implanted port removed from under my right shoulder blade on Monday the 19th. The port surgeon is a professional, and the SURGICAL extraction will take place in a surgical facility. The Urologist could learn a lot from the port surgeon.

   My attitude has been adjusted, again. Sorry about the Josh Groban stuff. Don't hate me, but he's got great pipes.

   I'm huge in Latvia!
TJH