Update from Sam,Video

Serenity Now…

13 Aug , 2015   Video

If you don’t know this term, watch the video, it’s a quick education on it’s meaning.

I’ve used this term a few times lately, its been very relevant to some situations that have surrounded my treatment and transition to Duke. I’ll give ya’ll the nutshell version and maybe you’ll understand why!

So I had a good initial meeting with Dr. Ready, the oncologist at Duke. He had me come in the following week to get some screening and preliminary stuff done before getting the trial started. And, had me go get some blood. My hemoglobin was way low. I went to UNC and got two pints. A bit of a nerving experience. But we got it done. That was on a Thursday. On Monday, I woke up to my right clavicle area swollen and very sore. Right near where my port tube meets the artery it’s connected to. I thought the transfusion had irritated it. We’ll come back to this.

Blood_work

That aint my blood.

 

Few days later, after a number of phone calls and emails, I got my appointment to get my screening done. EKG, blood work and a CT scan from top of my head to my pelvis. This turned out to be a LOOOOOOOOONG day. Most of them are in the hospital. That blood transfusion went from 11-6pm. But we got it done. EKG fine. Blood fine for the most part. CT scan not so good. Dr Ready called early Friday morning to tell me I have  blood clot in my left lung and to get my tail to the hospital ASAP to get a blood thinner shot. So another day at the hospital. And it came with a kicker. I have to give myself 2 Lovenox shots EVERY day. For life.  Not exactly what I was wanting to hear. But again, we got it done, and I’m handling the shots ok. Needles are only about 1/2 inch long. Goes in your belly fat (which I have very little of), kinda like a diabetes shot.

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Music,MW News & Notes,Video

The Sounds and Sights of Spring…

1 Apr , 2015  

Sat on the back porch tonight with my Pop. Maybe 5:30 or so. Sun sets directly in our back yard this time of year. Beautiful scene. Creek is flowin’. Green grass is poppin’. Flowers bloomin’. Commented on the many birds feeding on this squirrel-free rigged feeder, naming what we saw, listening to the hundreds of calls in the trees. We actually saw one on the feeder we didn’t recognize (it was a Warbler, we haven’t figured out which type). Pops has been a bird watcher since before I was born, and as many of you know, I dig birds too. My bro and I know a good bit about the animal world b/c of our upbringing and respecting nature. Thanks to my Dad for this. For tons of reasons, but for one, it makes 30 minutes in the backyard with him that much more enjoyable and interesting. Every time.

Sitting there breathing it all in, including the pollen too unfortunately, I thought about home. I’ve been here for almost 4 months now – December 1 is when Christian told me I have cancer. I’ve had wicked good support from family and friends here. Jo Ann and Dad have been amazing. Mom flew cross country in the freezing temps to see me for a fun week and I’m gonna head her way soon. Friends and neighbors I’ve known 25+ years stopping by with food, a hug, a joke, whatever. We’ve weathered the very cold winter (as these parts go), and this health mess so far, and it feels energizing and comforting to be sitting at home with my Dad as the sounds and sights of Spring are kickin’ in. There is no other feeling like it.

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Music,Video

The Mojo is Risin’…

19 Jan , 2015   Video

This is Hughes. Hughes is a longtime friend from freshman hall in ’89. Hughes is talented. Hughes is funny. Hughes is bringin’ major MOJO…and made my day.

Plus, a few of you Warriors  made the video. Enjoy!

Video

Stu…

5 Jan , 2015   Video

I cried 3 different times yesterday over the loss of Stuart Scott (TarHeel). Hard not to. The guy has been part of my version of reality TV since college years. Who didn’t like the guy?

The ESPN office commercials have always been good. I remembered this one – made me laugh and showed that Stuart could be humble, even in making fun of his signature term…

Video

“If one of ya’ll says some silly ass name…”

19 Dec , 2014   Video

Laughing is good therapy for most any anything. Good for your mojo. Plan is to drop in something funny everyone once in a while on this blog to keep things light. This skit from Key & Peele will never get old in my world.

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