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
Monday, December 5, 2011
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
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
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
Thursday, December 1, 2011
12/1/11
TJ Hopkins is 29 today. The days go slow, but the years fly by so fast. I could not be more proud. Thank you for your service son.
The Grateful Dead – Bertha
The Grateful Dead – Terrapin Station
Dropkick Murphys – The Warrior's Code
Billy Bragg and Wilco – California Stars
Billy Bragg & Wilco – Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key
Dave Matthews Band – All Along The Watchtower
Gothenburg Symphony Brass Band, Ouverture Solennelle "1812,"
Wow, what a difference a day makes. I find myself crying with complete strangers. They must have extracted my testosterone during the treatments. I don't leave the house without 2 clean hankies, and a small purell.
My father, George Robert "Skip" Hopkins died on this day in 1999, at the age of 66. I know that he is pretty happy with the way things are working out. He left a wonderful legacy that is manifest in the lives of his family, and the people he touched. When I was a little kid I knocked his front teeth out when he threw me a pitch from just a few feet. I had a red Bam Bam bat, and he threw a whiffle ball without holes. I ripped into the pitch like Joe Charboneau, and caught him square in the grill. He didn't even get mad. He just shook it off, and moved back a couple of steps. I thought he was really impervious to pain and indestructible. I became aware much later that his teeth were dentures, and that it didn't really hurt. In my head I knew that he was as tough as anyone I would ever meet(until TJ). Dad was a pretty decent Irish Tenor. Al Jolson – When The Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobin' Along He loved to sing and had good pitch, and range. He combined songs that had nothing to do with one another. I remember him combining Loudon Wainwright III – Dead Skunk, and Lou Reed – Walk On The Wild Side, go figure. There's a dead skunk in the middle of the road doo da doo da doo da do do do.
Beth and I had our first date at The Recovery Room, in Morristown NJ on this day in 1989, and my life has improved exponentially.
Our lives are unfolding into goodness.
TJH
The Grateful Dead – Bertha
The Grateful Dead – Terrapin Station
Dropkick Murphys – The Warrior's Code
Billy Bragg and Wilco – California Stars
Billy Bragg & Wilco – Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key
Dave Matthews Band – All Along The Watchtower
Gothenburg Symphony Brass Band, Ouverture Solennelle "1812,"
Wow, what a difference a day makes. I find myself crying with complete strangers. They must have extracted my testosterone during the treatments. I don't leave the house without 2 clean hankies, and a small purell.
My father, George Robert "Skip" Hopkins died on this day in 1999, at the age of 66. I know that he is pretty happy with the way things are working out. He left a wonderful legacy that is manifest in the lives of his family, and the people he touched. When I was a little kid I knocked his front teeth out when he threw me a pitch from just a few feet. I had a red Bam Bam bat, and he threw a whiffle ball without holes. I ripped into the pitch like Joe Charboneau, and caught him square in the grill. He didn't even get mad. He just shook it off, and moved back a couple of steps. I thought he was really impervious to pain and indestructible. I became aware much later that his teeth were dentures, and that it didn't really hurt. In my head I knew that he was as tough as anyone I would ever meet(until TJ). Dad was a pretty decent Irish Tenor. Al Jolson – When The Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobin' Along He loved to sing and had good pitch, and range. He combined songs that had nothing to do with one another. I remember him combining Loudon Wainwright III – Dead Skunk, and Lou Reed – Walk On The Wild Side, go figure. There's a dead skunk in the middle of the road doo da doo da doo da do do do.
Beth and I had our first date at The Recovery Room, in Morristown NJ on this day in 1989, and my life has improved exponentially.
Our lives are unfolding into goodness.
TJH
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Status Updates 11/29/11
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
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
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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