Much Better last night.

Only had to exit the bed twice before getting up to jog @ 6:30.  So what did I change that worked better?  Hard to say because I changed the whole day around...........  I ate a much more normal lighter fare during the day.  I stayed out of the heat, going into the a/c at least twice so's not to overheat.  I took some new health supplements like the leaves of cilantro and ginger root capsules; 24 hours removed from the last chemo.  Who knows but everything was back to normal this am.

Jogged my 1.7 course, all the way, no walking, worked up a sweat but after sitting for a few was able to fill the bird feeder, pick a few weeds ( they're everywhere ) check my tomatoes.  Then shower and clean up.  So back to the family for the last full day of time together.

I probably will not attend the race, afraid of the heat buildup during the race and especially on the 1 mile walk home in the sun.  My brother has secured us air conditioned seating in recliners watching the race live on ESPN, 50" plasma tv.  Thinking that sounds like a pretty good deal.  No we're not in any suite, my sister's house is just down the street from the party and the cost is minimal................

So overall the chemo is not affecting me much and I still am thanking all for their prayers.  Now hoping that is is affecting something inside my body, especially the liver.

God Bless you all, Captain

Restless Night, Pushin the Run

Went to the "Drip Den" ( chemo ) yesterday and it went fine.  Took my brother and his wife with us to see what it was all about.  We then went to the Circle City Mall and ate lunch at Johnny Rockets, walked to Nordstrom's to see if there was anything on sale we couldn't pass up as this was their last week end before closing this store.  We walked out of there without spending a dime.  We then drove the bro past the Lucas Oil Stadium "Home of the Super Bowl" next Feb., they were impressed.

Then we headed to the parents house in Speedway as more family was gathering.  My brothers family had now shown up, they had taken various routes driving to Speedway from FL., and it was great seeing family again.  The grand kid's sure do grow in only 1 year.  We then ate my wife's famous ham loaf at around 6PM, while leaving for our grand kids to perform in a variety show at their daycare.  Very nice time had by all, finally home around 9 pm pretty tired from all the eating and the activity.

My stomach seemed so full and uncomfortable, although I ate during the day I did not overeat at any time.  I went to bed and was up every hour on the hour to visit the john.  I saw every number on my watch for sure. Then about 4 am I had a headache at the base of my neck.  Tried ice pack for that and finally got up @ 5:20 am to go running.

Of course after a week of jogging I felt a need to run farther today and I did.  I jogged and walked my 2.5 mile course.  I jogged about 2 miles and walked the rest, it took all I had.  By the time I was done my headache was better, I was dog tired and sweating like a pig, but I made it.  I then sat on the porch for about 45 minutes waiting for the sweat to stop rolling so I could shower.

So I'm trying to figure out why all the restlessness occurred?  Was it because of the eating?  the drinking too much water? the saline drip during the chemo? the second dose of chemo ( like starting to build up in my body ) ?  was it just too much activity and no nap during the day? was it the heat?  I don't know, but today will be much more quiet.  I'm am fine just have to recover some strength is what I feel for today.

I may try  to close my eyes in a few minutes for a quiet nap, before starting the family visits again today.  Many thanks for the many prayers, and positive thoughts.

My friend Mo is home from her Gall bladder surgery and is so sore she can't believe it, but she is  on the recovery side of surgery, thanks for thinking of her.  Of course her Mini training is way behind, lol.

God bless, Captain

Got that REST on Weds

Felt good to get some rest yesterday, but again we had a great time.  I jogged the complete 1.7 mile course again this AM and all is good on the running front except for the heat.  Very oppressive.

Now to get ready for the Brickyard Race this week end. Going to see my brother and wife who arrived from Florida late last night, rest of their families, 2 boys and grand kids will be in tomorrow.  So it will be a busy week end of loving, laughing and crying I'm sure.

Chemo again tomorrow, but just for 1 hour.

God Bless and thanks for all your prayers on a daily basis,  Captain

Don't know about the REST day????

5 Hours at the Children's Museum with a 5 year old is not as much rest as I anticipated, but it was a great day spent with out of state relatives. I think they saw it all, Lulan ( 5 year old ) loved the dinospear and went through it twice.  Really enjoyed them for their short visit and now they leave all too soon.  Had the Birthday day Bash for my wife last night with our kids and grandkids and was again very good time had by all.

Today I was up early at 6:30 and jogged the complete distance of 1.7 mile, felt good, breathing was ok, stride doing good, just still looking for some cooler weather.  Can't wait for those 52 degree mornings, so much easier to add clothes for the cold, only so many you can remove, at least in my old condition.

Going to get ready to take the guests by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the site of the Super Bowl on the way to the airport.  So I will talk with you tomorrow.

God Bless, Captain

REST Day July 26th

Lot's of reasons........Today is my wife's birthday, we all can only guess how many years?  I've jogged 3 straight days, so after 2 weeks off, it's good and OK to take a rest day.

Also my nephew is up from Texas visiting til tomorrow with his 5 year old daughter and we're getting ready for a visit to the Children's Museum in Indy.  Then to meet the family @ Appleby's in Brownsburg for the Birthday Dinner Bash.

Please remember my friend Mo who is having laparoscopic Gall Bladder surgery today, in theory should be home today maybe a over niter.

Thanks again for all the love shown to me and my family, God Bless you all, Captain

7/25 Monday After

Still doing good, jogged 6:15 AM about same as yesterday 1.3 mile, walked the rest of the way.  No nausea, etc., taking the pills as required.

Took a pair of pants to be signed by my local DR and friends in his office, and met the Pathologist who gave his report that I had cancer.  But he was a very nice helpful kind of guy, who seems to take an interest in what he does.  He has been checking with my Dr. to follow up on what is happening during my treatments.  Anything goes in a small town, now be truthful here.  How many of you can say you met your pathologist and can talk about it???????    

Not hearing anyone speak up here................lol.

Anyways, all is as good as can be.  One of my nephews is flying in today with his 5 year old daughter from Austin, TX, will be here til Weds. afternoon.  We have a close bond and he wanted to use up some free flying miles.  But we should have a great time.

Talk with you later, God Bless and thanks for the prayers,  Captain

Still doing Good After Chemo

Jogged again early this AM, like 6:15, jogged about 1.3 mile, walked the rest, took water.

No nausea, taking my pills to fight it, took some Magnesium on my own to fight constipation, sorry, I know it's too much info, but I feel it could show up unannounced at any time.

Went to church, feeling fine, no problems.  Just giving you a quick update. See you tomorrow.

God Bless and again thanks for all the good positive thoughts and prayers,  Captain

Not too bad for the day after

I have a slight headache- that's all so far.  I woke at 4AM couldn't sleep, at 5AM read the Bible, at 5:30 I laced up the running shoes, and walked my 1.7 mile course.  Although it was 83 here w/ 93 % humidity, it was not too bad, of course I took water with me.  The doctors have all said to keep my strength up - stay fit.

Somehow in the last 2 days I have gained 4 pounds, what's up with that?  But I'm taking that as a good sign.

Not sure what else to say, pretty much feel ok, took 1 nausea pill 30 minutes before my meal, will take the other with Waffles and blueberries.  yum,yum...........  Wish you were here...lol

Continued thanks for the prayers, cards and small books to inspire, saving every one of them.

If anyone of you want a most inspiring book, pick up the book  " 40 days with Jesus " by Sarah Young, probably found @ a Christian book store.  About $ 2.99.  I found them online @ christianbookstore.com for $1.99 and bought 10 of them to hand out to others.

God Bless, Captain

Home Again, Home Again, You're Not Beating Me

Well, for where I was and what I was getting treated for, it was " as good as it gets " I'm home now, I drove home, made a couple of stops, nothing out of the ordinary.  Have 2 prescriptions , 1 for nausea, and another for whatever it's supposed to do.  Getting ready to eat some leftover Chinese food.   Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but I will let you know.  Everybody reacts different to Chemo, so we just don't know.

Today the Chemo was 6 hours long because I had 2 different chemo drugs, and 2 iv's of a saline solution to help flush out the kidneys, because one of drugs could be toxic on them.

I had a recliner to sit in with 2 swivel armrests to rest my Kindle on for reading, a flat screen TV about 4 ft to the right of me, my lovely wife and daughter to get me ice water, ice cream and coffee for them down the hall.  So for what I was doing, I had it made.  There was no kind of reaction during the chemo.

If tomorrow is even half as good as I feel now, I think I will go to the gym and at least walk on the treadmill.  The doctor said to keep working out, the fitter I am, the better everything is.

The WAR is on against this disease.

Once again, you all are so important to me,  God Bless, Captain

Pretty Bummed, No Choices of Colors

The port is in and am working through the bruising and small slash across my upper chest, about 3" long. Can't shower for 48 hours, no swimming or hot tubs.  Nothing like the hottest weather in Indiana and I can't get wet.  What's a guy to do?  Well, I guess I'll just have to sit here in the AC and not sweat. I am very pleased with the IU Hospital system.  We went to IU North at 116th and Meridian yesterday and felt like we were with friends the whole time.  The nurse that was assigned to me from start to finish was a good friend of a good friend of my daughters in the Zionsville area.  Small world, uh?

Going to have breakfast with my son this AM, was going to play golf, but restricted for 2 weeks, but it is only going to be 97 degrees.  You know that sweating thing.

I had an inspiration yesterday. You remember the reason for this blog, running........OH yeah.  I have a few months left on my Health Club membership and I'm going to use their treadmills for a few weeks.  I thought that was a good idea, but I can't run later today ( cause I would sweat ) and tomorrow is Chemo, guessing I won't feel like it, but we'll see.

God Bless you all, Captain

Will try to post something tomorrow, most likely after the Chemo.

Port Placement is today

This is a ( I guess ) permanent IV slot, trap door, whatever for ease of Chemo delivery.  I've never seen one so don't know what to expect.  " I sure hope they have designer colors, different styles for my selection. "  Thinking like I'm going to a LenCrafters store.............lol

It is still hot in Indiana, 97 today with heat index up around 110.  Obviously not running or even walking, but I can't wait to get started again.

Chemo on Friday, a little apprehensive, have no idea what to expect.  Life is always changing isn't it.

A very nice lady and friend from our church brought by a great tasting dessert yesterday, and I can't have any right now because of the "No drinking, No eating" rule before surgery.  But something to look forward to afterwards.

Again I can't walk this path alone and I know you are with me through your prayers, thank you so much.

God Bless you all, Captain

HOT, HOT, HOT

Nothing much today, stayed in the AC.  Right now it is 93 with 104 heat index.  Next medical treatment is Weds. for the installation of an IV port to receive Chemo on Friday.  Chemo on Friday will be 6 hours worth.

Can't wait............lol

My oldest sister dropped by today and surprised me, we talked, laughed and cried for about 4 hours.  Alone and to our self, it was very nice and comforting for both of us ( I'm assuming it was good for her)

God Bless and keep those prayers coming.  Captain

Am not running !

Because of the heat and all than is going on medically right now in my life, I'm taking some time off.  I am a much better winter runner.  Just a few weeks till September and we should see some cooler days ahead.  Trust me, I'm still running the Mini next year, so Mo I'm giving some time to catch up and pull ahead of me, I know you'll need it.  Sorry I suckered you into that gall bladder deal.

I will still give you updates on the other health situations, so don't leave me now.  If it cools down next week, I'll be back out there.  Onward and upward......................

God Bless and keep the prayers coming, I need them more than ever.  Thanks for your love,  Captain

Knockdown Friday................

I didn't post anything yesterday because the news was not what we wanted to hear and it truly took us a while to digest it.

As you may remember we had a surgery date scheduled and we were going to remove the cancer and be cured.  ( first knockdown ) Well the PET Scan, which shows more detail and info than a regular CT Scan showed that the cancer had moved to the right lobe of the liver.  So basically the surgery was off.  Why cut out the left lobe if you still have cancer in the right lobe.  Yes, they could do the surgery and look for the cancer in the right lobe, but they would never be able to find it all.  There are literally thousands of place it could be hiding in the right lobe. Why would you put a patient through all the surgery and recovery only to tell them that they still have cancer and it can't be removed.

( 2nd knockdown )  They were going to put a Chemo pump just under the abdominal wall and deliver the Chemo directly into the liver, in the hopes that with a concentrated therapy like that it might shrink some of the cancer cells where something else could be done.  One last check of the blood work showing current liver functions and WHAM !  The function of the liver that would make the pump work correctly was not working at all, so that option was taken away.  It was not a good day.

I looked at the DR and said "  Is this like the sickest, worst Game Show ever played." ,  my daughter said, "  Yeah, How much Crap can we pile on this family in one Day??? "  and we had a good laugh.

This is a rare and incurable form of cancer unless you can surgically remove it. My Oncologist has much experience in this area and I trust him with my life; he said that he has never heard of a person being cured except by surgery and that was off the table.

So obviously we had a lot to digest and tears to shed as we tried to cope with this news.

But, you can knock us down, but we don't stay down long.  Next Weds, July 20th, a port will be installed in my shoulder area and on Friday we will begin Chemo.  This is like having a permanent IV established to receive the Chemo and even take blood if needed.  We will take 2 months of Chemo and then have another CT scan to try and determine if the cancer is having any reaction from the Chemo.  Remember this will not cure the cancer.  They and we are looking to slow the spread and mb even stop it.

Dr. H, says, " This is not the only tool in the tool box, but let's get it started, see the reaction and then change the plan as we see results. "  Maybe the next step can be more aggressive, but we have to have a starting place.

I don't know what else to tell you at this point.  But we're back on our feet today, and looking forward to the Chemo and the future results.

God Bless you all for your positive thoughts and prayers, I know that God is here with us, but we're also doing a little questioning of him.

Captain

Heading to the PET scan

PET scan @ 8 AM, hopefully last test before surgery on the 27th.  Great weather to run, but no time, probably be too hot this afternoon, mb not.

Meeting with Oncologist tomorrow @ 11AM for results and I guess final arrangements for surgery.

Will perhaps be able to tell you something later, we'll see.

Thanks again for all your support, I know it is making a difference, God Bless, Captain

New info added......
Obviously home from the PET Scan, I have no results or even a clue.  I didn't want to ask the machine operator to interpret what she saw ( and let me worry or feel safe for 24 hours ) when a radiologist will read it and I will know the results tomorrow at 11 AM from my Oncologist.  So tomorrow we should be on the fast track to surgery on the 27th, or press the pause button on the remote and make up a new game plan..................it's just not cut and dried at this point. 

I just had my hair cut, so lookin hot for all those nurses...........lol,  right, I know they are interested in a 64 yr old with liver cancer.hahahahaha  Soon I'm going to have to find a place to park my walker @ UPS.

Thanks again and I will see you tomorrow afternoon,  God Bless, Captain

Met with the Sugeon Today

Things are moving along quickly now. Appt. @ 8:30, finally saw him around 10 AM, probably about normal.  He ordered a EKG and more lab works while we were there.  The operation is scheduled for 7/27 at 3: 30 in the afternoon.  In the hospital for 5 days, recovery at home for 4-6 weeks. So in Sept the weather will be much cooler and I can get back on the MINI training plan, and you and I will see more progress.  Still on track to meet all goals

Operation is about a 5-6 hour ordeal, that's what we hoping for.  Nothing is ever 100 % in this world, and they start out with a small incision in the navel and insert a scope to look around the outside of the liver, (lymph nodes, gall bladder, etc ) looking for any other signs of problems, with the ability to biopsy and have the report within 12 -15 minutes.  The worse answer at this point is there is more cancer out in this area, and they would stop the surgery and close the navel back up.  Why take out the left lobe of the liver if this has gone too far. 

The reality is setting in that it still could go either way.  After that, they would remove the gallbladder ( while in there ) and the left lobe of the liver, depending on what is found in the right lobe it could determine future treatment plans.

I know God has been with me every step of the way, except for the original cancer diagnosis, everything else has been cancer free. He is still with me and the wife, and there is no reason to believe that all will be ok.  We carry daily fear and uncertainty around with us because somehow we don't fully trust him with our heart. 

Got to eat something now, I hope you all believe,  God Bless, Captain

No Run today but other News

Met with a long time friend for breakfast, in fact he was the best man @ my wedding years ago. Now it is way to hot to run, or even sit outdoors.  Guess I worked that out ok?????  ( wink,wink,wink )

I now have that appt. with the liver cancer surgeon for tomorrow @ 8:30 AM.  Will discuss what to expect, timing of surgery and other pertinent info about this upcoming operation.

Will keep you updated as I know things.  Next up is the PET scan for Thursday.

God Bless and thanks again for the thoughts and prayers.   Captain

Early run Sunday Morning

6:15 am, already 70 with 95% humidity.  Ran good, 1.7 miles, notice I said ran instead of jogged.  Felt good and know the speed was better, probably getting close to the 10 Min a mile mark.  Still not wearing a watch but it my be time to wear one to get an updated time to check progress.  But not every day because you'll drive yourself crazy. It would be like driving a car on a 200 mile trip and watching every mile turn over on the odometer.

This won't be a very long post compared to yesterday.  Going to shower and go to church in a bit.

God Bless you all, and thanks for the prayers and positive energy.  Captain

Sorry about NO Posts

Mind has been somewhere else the last few days, things are now happening fast in the cancer department, and God is beside me every step of the way.  On Weds, John and his wife were in town after visiting family in Mich. for the July 4th week end.  You may remember that John is my friend who is running the MINI next May here in Indy.  The one who I was going to run into the ground.....lol.  Well, I will push his sorry body across the finish line in front of me to show my friendship.  You can't have a better friend.

So I called him on Weds. morning and we made plans to meet here at the house for a lunch and visit time.  Well, we laughed, ate and prayer together with his wife and John's father for over 4 hours.  What an afternoon. So obviously I took a rest day to enjoy the time together.

Thursday I just didn't want to run, it was hot ( no excuse ).  Had an appt with the Oncologist on Friday, maybe had that on my mind ( no excuse ) .  I just wanted to see who was reading and paying attention, also I just didn't have anything new to say until after seeing the Dr. on Friday.

So here goes, the dr. ( a very nice guy, took lots of time to explain things to us ) gave us so much information that we were possibly numb for awhile and had to take time to digest it. My wife and daughter were with me, and it's like watching a robbery or car accident where we all heard and saw something different.

Basic facts are, Dr is 95% sure I have " bile duct cancer " which of course is rare.  You can google it and read to your hearts content.  Only about 7,000 cases in US each year, compared to 200,000 for breast cancer.  So right away you can that less research is done here than on the disease that affects 200,000 people.  Chemo and radiation is not very effective on it.  The only way to cure it and remove it from your system is to have surgery and remove it.

Now, could my cancer be operated on, because of the size of the tumor, while in the office calls were made to a " liver cancer surgeon to ask that question.  It took til about 7PM Friday night to find out that they didn't see any problem to perform surgery and remove the cancer and part of the liver, about a 6 hour surgery.

More later, I have to eat some waffles now.

Ok, am back after waffles, sold the Mustang ( I loved that car ) but it freed up $$$$ for what is ahead, and being a convertible, now is the time.

This is getting pretty long, so, on Tuesday I have an appt with a "liver cancer surgeon" to discuss the operation, length of operation, time of recovery, etc.  Thurs, I have a PET scan which looks for any other cancer in the body from head to toes, just to make sure we don't put out 1 fire only to discover another one later.  On Friday appt with Oncologist again to discuss PET scan results and date of surgery. 

Hows that for a medical week of appts.

God Bless you all so much,  I know that we are on the right path with God at our side.  Captain

Early run again, Pushed the distance

It was a cool 66 degrees here @ 6:45 I decided I had developed a mental block against running farther than 1.7 miles.  So I jogged 2.3 miles this morning.  Yes, my mind said " stop, what are you doing", " you can't go that far",  But I persevered and did it anyways.  I just felt I was stuck in that comfort zone and had to push through.  Now more is on the horizon. 

Remember, we're still talking "baby steps" here, but we have to start to slowly increase the distance.  Tomorrow I will probably only plan about 1 mile to rest after a 1.7 jog and a 2.3 jog on 2 successive days.

Nothing has changed on the cancer front until the appt with the Oncologist on Friday.  Will keep you posted.

Again thank you everyday for the thoughts and prayers.

God Bless, Captain

Happy July 4th

Jogged early this am, about 6:45, felt good, but my mind was slow to grasp the idea.  After I got my breathing in rhythm it became a lot easier.  Not much more to say.  Last weeks total was 4.5 miles, highest so far for 1 week was 6.6 but that was walking and jogging, so I'm getting there.  I can tell you one thing, I much prefer to run in the winter than this hot weather.

Yesterday I went to see my parents, hadn't seen them face to face since Father's Day, called my sister and her kids down so they could see I was still me, had hair, wasn't a cripple, etc. I think it helped her children.

Be Safe this Holiday, careful with the fireworks.
God Bless, Captain

Saturday was busy

9 am - Down to help the son landscape, it was good for him as he is having an emotional time, afraid to talk to me on the phone for fear of breaking up.  He was able to see that I was still the same guy, able to work as hard as ever ( ????? ) lol.  And it was just good to see him and talk it through.  Went to  Applebee's for lunch, got home @ 1:45 took a shower and a nap.

Then @ 5 PM back to daughter's for a BBQ festival and fireworks, got home @ 11:45 PM.

Did you see any time to run in there, I didn't.  Good thing I started with a full year to train for the Mini, Uh!!!!!!

God Bless,  Captain

Wait till you hear my next incredible idea, to take you with me to cancer treatments.

Onward to Oncologist

I have an appt. with an Oncologist at the IU Simon Cancer center in Downtown Indy next Friday, July 8th.  It's at 1 PM and just maybe we will be presented with a treatment plan that can get started to kick this baby to the curb.  Nothing against all baby's, don't turn me in to some Government Dept., Social Security is all over me anyways.   lol

It's nice and cool out right now, but I sure don't feel like running.

God Bless and thanks everyday for the thoughts and prayers,  Captain