Better late then never..

Apologizes out to all those following the blog for our tardiness as we have been busy as all of you have.  I will blame the simple fact that I have not set up my personal computer yet at home and considering my work computer will not allow access to the blog…. there you go.  I will adjust soon and ensure daily updates are inserted.

Last week, bottom line was a tough one to say the least.  The compounding effects of this go-round have been tough for a man like myself to deal with, but with my experience and wages warn I have battled well. 

In 2010 my chemo treatments were one day for 6 hours every two to three weeks requiring anti-nausea medications for maybe one day following my release, which was always the same day.  This time I’m in the hospital for 4-5 straight days where some drugs are administered for 24 hours straight.   The nausea is extensive which is the main culprit for my weight loss.  I’m down to 170 lbs, the lowest I’ve been since my days in basic reconnaissance courseJ  No big deal I’m still working out and attempting to eat when the appetite is there.   Constipation is always constant, but the drugs to battle this ugly reality do their job.

Throat and mouth sours have subsided, but are a constant for 6-8 days following treatment.  General Lamaze and cognitive dissidence is present for a few days, but I’m sure Alex would say longerJ

Well what does a man do with his time under these influences or rather obstacles?  He pushes and executes tasks that make his woman’s life and his easier.  The stay at home “daddy/boyfriend” is fantastic and enjoyable.  I’ve made it my goal each day to rid Alex of tasks that a secretary or herself would normally be required to accomplish.  Living for someone else is always an uplifting endeavor and for her it’s easy.  I also assumed daddy duties for two rescues puppies Alex brought to the house.  Two six-week-old pups with a multitude of medical issues, however none have any negative consequences on me.  A fun disposition cleaning up puppy poop and urine, but being the recipient of their love and care is warming.

 Alex just accepted a new position titling her as VP of Health Information Exchange Program Development at work.  For the past 8 months her daily duties have assumed all of the responsibilities without the title or compensation warranted.  She now has both and we couldn’t be a happier.

Other than that my intent every day is to incorporate some sort of physical activity normally including a trip to the gym and of course a visit to my new home golf course.  Pretty remarkable little establishment that allows me access to all practice facilities along with the game that I love only 10 minutes from the house.  I know, I know….. white boy issues!

Well I have a unique opportunity to step on a soap box with this blog and an issue that arose last week is a good one to deliver.  It involved the balance between two concepts I’ve been preaching for the past six years and at first glance most will perceive them as oxymoronic, but my goal with an anecdotal experience will steer you otherwise.  They are simply selflessness coupled with self interest.  In my mind a copasetic balance of both allows one to live a full and lasting life with the big picture in mind and it truly allows you to bypass most people’s absurdity with their lack of will power and follow through. 

Selflessness encompasses the obvious, living a life where your actions benefit others without requirement for accolades or appreciation because it is the right action, whether that’s religious driven, law of nature engendered, or molded from your upbringing.     Self interest initially appears self centered or arrogant, but it is far from it.  It’s understanding your disposition in life, knowing what you have in regards to assets and liabilities and what you do with drive, ambition and follow through to bring your life success.  When balanced, the successful individual has exponentially more opportunity to live selflessly and assist others.  Generally it means having your shit together, being able to trouble shoot the most mundane task no matter how annoying or troubling, and realizing its end results far out way the upfront and continued effort.   Peter Senge’s “The Sixth Discipline” has an associate define “self interest understood”.

Well last week after release from the hospital there were a myriad of appointments and engagements a “Cancer” patient needs to adhere to and ensure happens.  Most of those revolve around blood tests to confirm my blood levels are within the realm that will allow my body and its immune system to ward off the slightest of infections.   Based on empirical circumstance, I would draw blood the Wednesday following the treatment as well as coordinate a PETSCAN to confirm the current cancer is in remission as to further plan for the stem cell transplant.  My physician’s office, to say the least, wasn’t on the ball and had scheduled my blood draw for a week after treatment confirmed by a nurse.  After a few short conversations and walls encountered I simply asked to talk with my oncologist.  Following our brief conversation he thanked me for following up and instituted the appropriate tests and exams.  Another point of contention was his staff’s display of accepting the “path of least resistance”  The PETSCAN was dissolved and a CTSCAN was scheduled due to the fact that the office said my insurance wouldn’t approve either because I had just received one a month ago.  Having dealt with cancer for the past 10 years I laughed at this occurrences and immediately contacted my insurance company, commandeered the appropriate representative and rode the staff like a donkeyJ  Sorry you can feel my disgust with the health care system.

In these scenarios both selflessness as well as self interest allowed my to navigate my way through a situation that could have ended up with numerous heart aches.  Not my nature and surely not how I allow things to roll.

This week has found me rebounding well from last week’s affects with strong gym appearances and numerous visits to my utopia 10 minutes away.  I still have to watch myself in the gym and ensure I do not succumb to what we assume is anemia, meaning pass out during certain exercisesJ  I know some say “why Andy?” The answer is because the investment has always paid off and I like pushing the limits. 

I’m thankful to have a little trip planned this coming weekend that travels me to Maryland to spend time with best friends from high school at Deep Creek Lake, an annual event in which I attempted to make many.  Good friends, fellowship and hacker golf will be had.

Have a great day and enjoy whatever it is this page finds you doing after reading this blog.

Andy

 

The pic is simply me saying, “FUCK YOU CANCER”!