The Who – I'm Free
Bob Marley – Redemtion Song
Hallelujah Chorus (from Messiah)
Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah
Tom Waits – Ol' 55
Culture Club – I'll Tumble 4 Ya
Still waiting to leave for the test results, but since Kev just called to check on my status, I figured I'd update you. We certainly know how to update our statuses, don't we? My status? Hmm?
Cautiously/Aggressively Optimistic...Nervous...Quiet...Pensive...Ready...Humble...
......Just got back from 2 much anticipated medical appointments, and I would like to officially update my status to: Cancer Free
The results are in, and it is confirmed by science. I don't know why, but I feel much better when I have a piece of paper that says "Based on a battery of scientific evidence... Blah, Blah, Blah,...Cancer Free.
The medical professionals are very happy with my recovery to date, and remain optimistic for a full recovery. They assured me again today that I have held up to the treatment protocol better than most of their patients.
Beth and I had lunch at The White Chocolate Grill between medical appointments. We mentioned that we were celebrating to our server. She asked what we were celebrating, and when Beth said "we were cancer free" we all cried. I can't tell you how relieved I am. I know you know exactly how I feel. The server knew exactly how we feel. The dude with the Michigan shirt knows exactly how we feel. The pipe coverer, the hairdresser, the pizza guy, the accountant, the lawyer, all know how we feel. We feel human. We feel love... Go figure.
Taste buds be damned, I'm having milk, and cookies.
Thank You!
Sorry for the Blogblock for the past month, but I couldn't risk spilling some beans on the WWW.
Kevin Patrick Hopkins has been dating a lovely young woman by the name of Erin since he was a senior at Villanova in 2006. Through the years I've remained respectful and supportive. I finally got to the point where I stopped asking Kevin when he was getting engaged. I went to the more tactful approach of asking him if he heard anything about Erin getting engaged. I am a subtle man.
Erin accepted Kevin's marriage proposal in the parking garage of Liberty International Airport(Newark). She was duped into thinking that they were picking TJ up to surprise the family for Thanksgiving. They then boarded an international flight bound for Paris. Major style points. Welcome to the family. I'm pretty sure that I will be a most excellent Father-In-Law.
I love sharing good news, and hope that the people who read this are full of good news through the end of this year, and well into the future. I know that we are all faced with difficulties, heartache, and disappointment. I would suggest sharing these difficulties with another human being. It has worked miraculously in my life. You have worked miraculously in my life. I will keep you posted on any status updates.
We are Blessed,
TJH
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
PET Scan 11/21/11-11/29/11
I'm going to be a Father-in Law(more on this, and TJ the tourist later). I've been on blog blackout due to privacy concerns, not because I don't have anything important to burp. Where's my bib?
Congratulations!!! Erin, and Kevin!
PORNO FOR PYROS – Pets
The Beach Boys – God Only Knows Pet Sounds
Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls
Taking Back Sunday – We All Love Our Pets
Positron emission tomography - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
We'll make great pets.
I have my much anticipated, and once rescheduled pet scan today11/21/11. The scan was originally set up for November 7th, but was postponed due to an infection in my throat. There seems to be a need to have my throat irritation settled prior to the test. They should have thought of that before they gave me enough radiation to make my throat uninhabitable for the rest of the millennium. The explanation makes sense, my reaction to the cancellation was initially uncomfortable. I wanted scientific evidence supporting my position that I am cancer free, and was disappointed with the delay.
Well here we are 45 minutes until the results of the PET scan are delivered by the quirky little medical oncologist. I've been fairly settled since the scan. The X-ray tech who did the scan last week was not tipping her hand, but told us to "not worry, and to enjoy our Thanksgiving". She didn't say "Cancel your trip to the Baja, and put on your big-boy pants".
Cover me, I'm going in!
TJH
Congratulations!!! Erin, and Kevin!
PORNO FOR PYROS – Pets
The Beach Boys – God Only Knows Pet Sounds
Pet Shop Boys – West End Girls
Taking Back Sunday – We All Love Our Pets
Positron emission tomography - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
We'll make great pets.
I have my much anticipated, and once rescheduled pet scan today11/21/11. The scan was originally set up for November 7th, but was postponed due to an infection in my throat. There seems to be a need to have my throat irritation settled prior to the test. They should have thought of that before they gave me enough radiation to make my throat uninhabitable for the rest of the millennium. The explanation makes sense, my reaction to the cancellation was initially uncomfortable. I wanted scientific evidence supporting my position that I am cancer free, and was disappointed with the delay.
Well here we are 45 minutes until the results of the PET scan are delivered by the quirky little medical oncologist. I've been fairly settled since the scan. The X-ray tech who did the scan last week was not tipping her hand, but told us to "not worry, and to enjoy our Thanksgiving". She didn't say "Cancel your trip to the Baja, and put on your big-boy pants".
Cover me, I'm going in!
TJH
11/2/11-11/8/11
Adam Ant – Goody Two Shoes
Buddy Holly – Everyday
I spent a quiet weekend at The Holy Trinity Monastery, a Benedictine Community in Southeastern ... The net result was an appreciation for the gifts I have received, and for the ability to connect. I walked in nature on Saturday morning before dawn. The walk allowed me some insight. The sky was moonless, and I was given access to a spectacular view of the heavens. Orion, Taurus, and the 7 Sisters were showing off. There were shooting stars, satellites, and Jupiter was very distinct. The wind blew through the cottonwoods creating an incredible musical backdrop. My recent illness had put me in a position to withdraw from many of the day-to-day activities I enjoyed. The normal interactions that I came to take for granted, were replaced with a medical protocol to be endured. Not today! FYI PET Scan Monday at 6:30AM. Not today!
The monastery is inhabited by a few dozen peacocks, and peahens. They walk around during the day and are beautiful. They are a large flightless bird that can do some serious flapping, and are world class jumpers. I recommend avoiding disturbing them when they are sleeping. They have a terrifying scream, that will wake the dead, and ruin your meditative walk.
The ability to connect is something special. The ability to not be separated. The opportunity to let people in, and to welcome interaction, has been missing. I've been so myopic, and so focused, that I nearly wound up cross-eyed. I have spent enough time with my nose stuck in my naval to know that the view is lousy. Getting outside myself is not always my strong suit, especially when I am given a socially acceptable excuse. Cancer...Oh you poor man! Yes...Let me tell you all about it. When you get tired of yourself, you can be sure that others have been worn out much earlier.
Time for others, time to give back, time to show my gratitude, not talk about gratitude. Get my wife a cup of coffee. Offer to listen to a friend. Encourage a new resident to join me for breakfast. Welcome strangers, and give access to the outsider. Just as I was welcomed, listened to, and encouraged.
Todays Playlist:
Feeling much better,
TJH
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