Redirect

As most of you have noticed I have not updated my blog forever. I’m sorry the last 4 months have been very hard and draining on the body with being in and out of the hospital. I have decided to stop updating and redirect you over to Skye’s blog. Plus Skye's writing is so much better (no dirkisms) and bonus insights into the rest of our life (for all who enjoy the extras on the DVD's).

So enjoy.

Here is Skye's Blog http://dreamsofawildflower.blogspot.com/

Advice from a Tree

Ok I have been slacking but what else would you expect from me. Actually at least I have good reason for it this time, I have been living life. I have now returned back to work full time and diving into my new position at Mark Travel. I have also been spending time with Alec and Skye. From playing with cars to reading Harry Potter with Skye. Yesterday we went to the Zoo's A'la Cart and had a blast. Alec loves the zoo and its always fun to try new foods plus the weather was perfect.

Also, Skye's back is killing her. She finlly went to the Dr. on Friday and got a muscle relaxer and pain pills. I must say her back caused a scare for her because it caused her to have sever headaches and of course anytime someone has a headache in our household the first thought is Tumor. But all is well, her med's make her a little more chatty if you can imagine Skye being any more chatty. The med's have a relaxer and caffine in it...a little Heckel and Jyde.

Otherwise not much else tonight. We are going out to a movie and dinner to celebrate 11 years of marriage. We also hope next week to turn on the kiln and start making some glass art. Plus next week the 24th the weight limit is officaly over I can then lift Alec. I must be honest, this weekend I have broken that rule a couple of times now but it's only 1 week away and Skye needs the break to let her back heal.

Until later take care everyone.

I wanted to share this little poem that was passed onto me from a friend...

"Advice from a Tree"

Dear Friend
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of your tru nature
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace the joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring
The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go like the leavbes in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet renewal of Winter

Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night
Sekk nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs away and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view

Until next time
David

Another Quick Update

Well its been little over a week now on the new med's. No really side affects at this time. Yesterday was a little rough I have learned that I need to make sure I eat 3 balanced meals a day and little snacking in between. This seems to be the only side affect. It seems when I do not eat I get really tired quickly and food in gerneral does not sound good. Now I know you are suppose to eat 3 meals a day, it seems I'm a little more toucher on that now.

I did meet with the DR yesterday and has given me the go ahead to start driving again. I still have another month before I can lift Alec. The count down has started. I should find out today about returning back to work or not. Other then that we planted a garden (with a lot of help from some friends) last weekend and went to see the Brewers actually win against the SF Giants. I was almost impressed. I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the weather.

take care David

Quick Update

Ok I saw the Doctor yesterday. I have been approved for the new study. I need to do some base line tests before I start but it looks like I will start taking the new med's early next week. One thing I'm happy about the new med's is I do not have to take on an empty stomach or wait a couple of hours before I can eat.

I have a follow up appt in about 2 weeks. At that point he believes I should be able to start basic driving again (I hope). But my weight restrictions have been lifted a little. By mid to end of Aug I should be able to pick up Alec (30lbs). I have been given the ok to carry about 10 - 15 lbs over the next couple of weeks.

A friend sent this article and wanted to share might have to move to Switzerland
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070709/hl_afp/britainswitzerlandus

I'm slacking...

Ok I'm slacking already in keeping it up to date. I will have more to tell when I see the doctor next week in terms of getting approved for the new study. I also just want to say thank you to everyone who has sent the meals and food over. It has been a great help in so many ways and I apologize for not sending an email, for some reason I can not sign into my work account. But overall I'm feeling good, trying to relax, heal, and prepare for the new treatment. Just waiting for some of the restrictions to be let up from the doctor. It's amazing how many things we pick up that are over 5 lb's. This will pass and Alec will be nothing but happy again soon.

I have an interesting article that I thought some might find interesting, just new possible ways to cure cancer - frogs?

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/news/tm_headline=cancer--bullet-&method=full&objectid=19369056&siteid=66633-name_page.html

Here is another little article that I received in my cancer newsletters. I love the lore of Dragons so thought I would share. Please note i did not write any of this below but love the idea behind it.

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." ~Eleanor Roosevelt~

"According to legend, Shaolin temple monks had to endure an agonizing test of endurance and courage in order to achieve the level of master. They were made to strip naked and embrace a branding vessel that had been emblazoned with an image of a dragon. The resulting "dragon scar" was proof that the monk could face and overcome his fears.

Many people refer to cancer as "the beast," and being diagnosed is often compared to "facing the dragon." Cancer is indeed a terrifying diagnosis to receive, and it is little wonder that the first instinct for many of us is to turn away, to say I can't do this, to be paralyzed by fear.

But I wonder if we might do better to consciously employ a different technique, that of embracing the dragon, and by doing so, to tame the beast and finally defeat it.

One of the earliest stories in which someone who is threatened by a dragon makes use of this technique is the story of St. George. George, (not a saint yet, of course, but just a tribune in the Roman army) came across a maiden who was being held captive by a dragon. The dragon was hiding nearby (they're sneaky that way), and the maiden - quite understandably - was weeping. When George asked her why she was crying, she urged him to "quickly mount your horse and fly less you perish with me."

Of course, the brave tribune stood his ground and asked of what she was so afraid. Just then, the dragon emerged from its hiding place and the maiden screamed (maidens did a lot of that back then). George, however, made the sign of the cross, uttered a brief prayer (it is often necessary to be brief when facing dragons), and advanced on the dragon. Brandishing his lance (don't worry; you won't need one of these), he transfixed the beast and cast it to the ground. He instructed the maiden to pass her girdle (I don't think "girdle" meant the same thing in those days) around the dragon - note that she "embraced" the dragon! - and to fear nothing. When this had been done, the dragon followed her like a puppy!

George and the maiden then led the dragon into the town it had been terrorizing. The people fled, but George called them back and told them they no longer needed to fear the dragon because he had been sent to deliver them. After much celebrating and baptizing, George smote off the head of the dragon.

While we as cancer survivors are not required to face down a fiery dragon (and I for one am very thankful for that!) or do any actual smoting (again, grateful!), we can learn a powerful lesson from the Shaolin temple monks (no branding vessels required) and St. George. By turning and facing "the beast" head on, showing no fear ("fake it 'til you can make it") even when your knees are knocking and your heart is pounding, and maybe even shouting "Bring it on!" above the dragon's roar, we can tame it enough to embrace it, not with affection, mind you, but in an act of power and control.

In yet another bit of dragon lore, it is said that by embracing a dragon, you absorb a bit of its heart and its courage. And who among us couldn't use a little more of that?"

Well I’m back home already.

The Doctors couldn’t find any reason to keep me any more so I’m able to rest in my own house/bed tonight and looking forward to not being bothered every 4hours in the middle of the night for vitals etc….

Its funny some things went easier this time then last time while other things did not. But the important part is that I’m out and stable.

We also received the results of what they removed from the surgery. They found scar tissue from radiation, dead cancer cells and a few active cancer cells. So over all it was a good thing we did go in and do a little clean up. With knowing that a few living ones were up there, we are going to try for a new study. This medication attacks on the proteins that cancer cells use to grow on.

I will be on light duty for a while and have a couple follow-up appointments next week to see how overall I’m doing and to have the staples removed. Until then take care everyone and thank you for all the thoughts and support.

~ David

"Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends" - The Beatles

A couple friends at work asked me to post this on my blog to help get the information out there easily...Thanks you guys. This means more than you'll ever know.

"Let's all pitch in to help David and Skye so that they can concentrate on getting David well. Jean W and Karen S are coordinating meals. If some of you would like to make a meal for David but are unable to deliver it to his home, Jean and Karen are able to deliver it for you. David and Skye are open to most foods. If the dish includes meat, please make it chicken or pork. No fish! You can contact Jean at jwilde@triseptsolutions.com and Karen at ksolliday@triseptsolutions.com. You might want to include both of us on any messages, in case one or the other is out of the office. Please let us know what day you'd like to make a meal and also if you'll need us to assist with delivery."