What to think…

Updated Saturday morning:  9:43a (see bottom) 

So, what do you think of the new layout?  I had a few complaints about the other one.  I thought it was peaceful and then I came across this one and reminded me of my previous post when I talked about astronomy and such.  I keep being blessed by CML.  Just in the past few days I have been contacted by more friends, fraternity brothers in particular, and reconnected.  So many fond memories of those times when we had so much fun trying to grow up.  Being in a fraternity is one of the top learning experiences in life.  It taught me so much!  Being a Sig Tau wasn’t all about being the most fun, best looking and most popular fraternity on campus.  Which, by the way, was not something handed to us.  We banded together as Brothers and built that identity.  We made a difference in our community through service projects, etc.  We also hosted the absolute best “social functions” on campus.  Being a Sig Tau was and still is based on the Principles of Value, Learning, Leadership, Excellence, Benefit and Integrity.  If you don’t believe me just ask any of the guys that pledged when I was Pledge Trainer!  Those poor guys!   We all came out stronger because of it.  Not sure how I got on this subject but it’s fun reflecting on it.

I have some good news.  I slept straight through the night!  Funny how that’s a relief.  As my friends and family that have or have raised children would attest to, that is a blessing!  The Dr. appt went well this morning.  Apparently my left foot is trying to grow a bunion.  Any advice on this?  Please share!  I am to start taking a mild steroid that, you guessed it, may upset my stomach.  I’m waiting until I’m done with the anti-biotics before starting it.  That will give me a little time to research this affliction as well. 

Last thought of the day.  Always save the best for last, right?  Right!  Gregg joined Kate and I for a delicious spaghetti dinner and a yummy dessert of fudge pops.  Besides getting to hang out with some of my favorite people I got my Bday present from Gregg.  Are you ready?  I’m excited to tell you!  I got an Ipod Nano!  SWEET!!  I am enthused to load some songs and ride my bike!!  Did I not tell you all what Kate got me for my Bday!  Wow, I can’t believe I didn’t share it.  A weekend at Snowshoe!  Am I blessed or what?!  Can’t wait till Fall.  I love Snowshoe when the Fall foilage is at it’s peak.  We’re gonna have a great time!  It’s so beautiful there.  Well, the only thing left to mention is the appt with the oncologist tomorrow morning.  Kate and I both feel kind of indifferent about it.  Sure we have questions and all but it’s not stressful.  With that I bid you all goodnight and many thanks for the inspirational thougths, support and most importantly the PRAYERS!  Each of you is truly a blessing!  If at any time you don’t think so, just think about what you have done for me. 

All the Best with Love,

Chip

PS- Don’t forget to root for the Mountaineers!

PSS- If you’re postig a comment visit the TOP of the post and click “comments”.

PSSS- The oncologist visit went well Friday.  My wbc is up to 7,000 which right in the middle of the normal range.  All other tests look so good that now I only have to go in once a month for blood tests and to see Dr. Frame.  At my next visit he will do a bone marrow test.  Nothing like the first!  This will be an easy one from an arm bone.  That will be to see if I am having a cytogenic response.  The absolute best thing to happen is for that test to be good and I would get to stay on Gleevec indefinitely.  As far as bone marrow transplant that is the last resort and being that I most likely have no biological matches in my family we would turn to the national registry.  Still not sleeping well but I’m making the most of my naps.  I’m almost done reading “Every Second Counts” by Lance Armstrong and am finding it inspirational.  It’s a kick in the pants I’ve been needing.  As Andy Dufraine says in the movie Shawshank Redemption, “get busy livin’ or get busy dyin.”  I choose livin’!

More Love,

Chip

Survivor

I started reading Lance Armstrong’s “Every Second Counts” this evening.  Thanks Chuck!  I have yet to read any “survivor” books since being diagnosed and felt it was time to get some new “help”.  The book has me thinking about my survival story and how I’m going to write it.  I know I’ve posted comments and talked about it but I hadn’t yet committed to my own story of survival.  Apparently all survivors go through this.  Anyway, as I’m thinking of my story I reflect on the overabundance of support that I have received.  I think of many of you throughout my day and want to reach out to everyone but, as you know, it really isn’t possible.  It is almost troubling to me at times because I care so much about each of you and pray for you all too.  Sure we’re communicating through the blog but those of you that know me well, you know that I relish the individual conversations with each of you.  It makes me think about why we’re all friends.  It makes me think about what we share, what our concerns are, what our joys are and what makes our lives so good.  Of course family is number one when it comes to this! 

Work is going well.  We’re working on some new products that we believe will be valuable to our customers both as readers and advertisers.  The thing that frustrates me at times is my stamina.  It’s too early to expect that I return to 100% capacity but I crave it.  I’m taking short breakes throughout the day but they need to be in meditation or laying still.  I’m working on it. 

I’m still waking up in the middle of the night with some muscle and bone pain.  Last night was rough.  I was up from 2:30a to 5a.  Napped for a little while and got up to see Kate off to work.  I’ve been able to work through it pretty well but today was a little more difficult.  I have to be at the Dr’s office tomorrow at 8:15a tomorrow.  I have had some trouble with my left foot for some time and Dr. Chapman is going to work on correcting that.  He probably has the best bed side manner of any Dr. I’ve known.  I’m confident my frined Dr. Ryan Newell has fantastic bed side manners but since I’m not a patient I can’t speak from experience.  For my birthday Ryan sent me a three month supply of the best vitamins on the market.  Thanks Ryan!  Then on Friday I’m meeting with the Oncologist.  One of most important questions I have for him is about bone marrow transplant.  I’ll be curious to see what he says.  The more I read it seems that most people are sticking with Gleevec and not opting for the transplant.  Either way, there are questions. 

One last thing.  Many of you remember my friend Chris Bostic.  He grew up in Charleston and his Mom (Norma)  still lives here.  Norma surprised me with three birthday cards, an offer of dinner which included a menu and some great pics from when Chris and her stopped by last weekend.  Thanks Norma!

All the Best with Love,

Chip

Tuednesday

Yesterday was so much fun that I just didn’t have the time to post.  Hah!  Yesterday was a good day.  I just didn’t feel up to posting last night.  I’ve picked up a new side effect from the Gleevec.  I have consistently woken up in the 2-3am time frame every night since last Wednesday.  The past two nights it has been accompanied by pain in my right leg.  It’s kind of a combination between the bone and muscle pain I had before.  I’m trying to go to bed earlier to help adjust to it.  I’m definitely not changing when I take the Gleevec. 

Making some decent progress at work and am feeling better in general.  I guess it’s like anything that’s new….it takes time to adjust.  I came to the conclusion yesterday that if I am going to retire in Weston then I have a few financial benchmarks that I have to meet in order to get there. 

Meet with my oncologist, Dr. Frame, on Friday to discuss progress, etc.  Be praying that the Gleevec produces a cytogenic response!

All the Best with Love,

Chip

Monday motions

Well, it’s been a good day!  Some of you on the West coast may be staying up late to watch the lunar eclipse.  If you don’t have that option you can visit the Discovery Channel’s site dedicated to it.  Don’t know why I mentioned it.  Just think it’s interesting.  I can remember as a kid sitting on the roof with my brother Jeff learning about astronomy.  If there was a channel dedicated to astronomy I probably wouldn’t watch much of anything else.  Let the space cadet jokes commence.  Though some of you have no room to joke.  Ha! 

After lunch I went to the hospital to get the cbc tests done.  I was harrassed by the phlebotomists for coming in so late.  They’re both very sweet and have been very very helpful.  I always seem to find myself helping others to have a good day no matter how mine is going.  I’ve often thought that it if you are having a bad day just look around.  There’s always someone having a worse time.  We often are sublime to what others may be experiencing.  I know many of you make the effort to help others and I am thankful for the help, support, and prayers that you have blessed me, friends and family with.  Goin’ to bed…..

All the Best with Love,

Chip

Great Weekend!

I was quite busy from Thursday until Sunday and having too much fun to write.  Obviously, that is a wonderful thing.  Spent the weekend in Weston celebrating my birthday visiting, learning how to play dominoes, golfing, fishing and more visiting.  I have found that when I feel really good I spend the pent up energy and go strong.  I’m learning to observe where the balance is between being active and resting.  For example, I only played 9 holes of golf and that produced a two hour nap.  Finding the balance is key.  Again I must recommend Activia yogurt in helping to find digestive balance.  It seems as though keeping my digestive tract healthy has tremendous effects upon how I feel.  Ok.  That’s enough about that subject.

My birthday was great.  The highlight was having dinner at Stonewall Resort with Kate, friends T & Charly, T’s little brother Zach (aka Sanchez), and Charly’s Mom and Dad (Donna & Greg).  We had a hoot!  They are all wonderful friends and we are blessed to have them.  Thanks for a great time!!  Wrapped the day up when T & Sanchez got an ole’ fashioned whoopin at dominoes.  It’s a fun game. It kinda reminds me of Hearts and Spades.  Anyway, it was a great day filled with lots of birthday wishes and many offers of spanking.  Why do people joke about that?  The last thing I would ever do on someone’s birthday is to spank them.  Unless, they were fraternity brothers.  Oh wait, that was 1992′ish. 

Thanks to EVERYONE for reaching out and making my birthday great and for all the wonderful presents!  Just a reminder, when it’s your birthday make a BIG deal of it.  It’s your special day and besides, others get caught up in your celebration and want to help make it fun.  I could list all the presents but that would be pretentious.  Just make a big deal about your birthday and see what happens!

All the Best with Love,

Chip

Three and counting…

It’s strange that I almost feel guilty for yesterday’s post.  I’ve been letting the this whole situation whittle away at my spirit in the past few days.  Even though friends and family have continued to reach out in ways that I hadn’t even imagined before and shown unwavering support, I feel as though I let myself down.  I know no one is perfect and I’m going to have challenges.   No one told me, and I knew, that this was not and is not going to be easy at times.  So, I’m commiting to being aware of my moods and thoughts so that I don’t get caught in a rut.  Today I got something that I really needed.  My friend Virgil really helped me with my perspective today.  Using the power of the mind to overcome adversity and challenges with my disease can help me in so many ways.  I’m just going to start with small things in everyday life and build upon it from there.  I spoke with another friend today that took the same business course I’ve been in and he too helped with my thinking.  Between the two of them I am seeing this situation in a new way.  Ways that I wished for but wasn’t taking effective action to bring forth.  I will incorporate this awareness with my prayer time, meditation time and practicing Tai Chi.  I truly want to be a champion for myself.  So that’s all I’ve really got to say today besides letting you all know how much I appreciate your love, friendship, support and prayers.  One last thing.  Kate has told me before and reminded me again this evening that she’s proud of me and admires me.  Her love and support helps me to remember that it truly is a blessing to have CML.

All the Best in Love,

Chip 

Managing change…

I have some good news to report.  I went to the Doc today to get the respiratory infection checked out.  He was concerned that it might be pneumonia.  I spent the morning in the Doc’s office and at Mountaineer Imaging.  The x-ray came back negative so that’s a blessing.  So, I’m starting my second anti-biotic in three weeks.  I am better prepared this time.  Bought a bunch of a particular kind of yogurt to help keep the intestinal nightmare at bay.  We’ll see how it works.  I have to admit that being more susceptible to germs, bacteria, etc. takes it’s toll on me mentally.  I know it will take some time to adjust to this but I’m sure you can understand.   It’s one thing to be cautious and work to avoid germs, or at least minimize the risks, but another when you do this and out of nowhere I get a nasty infection, again.   

I remember those days last week very fondly when I was feeling very very good and am looking forward to them again soon.  Thankfully, people continue to pray, offer well wishes and that really helps keep my spirit up.  I’m meeting with a counselor soon.  It seems appropriate to seek unbiased professional help to help me work through these things.  I’m quite tired from not sleeping much last night due to fever etc. so I’m going to get bed to early tonight.  Don’t have to go give blood tomorrow!  That’s awesome.   

All the Best in Love,

Chip   

Good news!

Dr. Frame said today that I only have to go once a week now to get complete blood counts.  Once a month they will check my liver function as well.  Not having to go to the hospital three days a week is a blessing.  When it’s not a good idea to get sick the last place you want to be is at the hospital!  I’ve always had a quirk about door knobs in dirty places so you can imagine me opening all the doors at the hospital with a napkin.  That goes for restaurants, rest areas, and most public places.  In a study conducted a few years ago at Cedar Sinai in California it was found that Doctors have the dirtiest hands in the hospital.  You can imagine the impact this had on the staff as it was made known that the biggest violators were the doctors themselves.

I mentioned several posts ago that my birthday was coming up.  What have I been doing to ramp up the excitement?  Well, I ordered something that I have been wanting for years.  A La-Z-Boy recliner with heat and massage.  It may seem hokie to some but there is something special about a man and his chair.  I had a “captains chair” in college that was awesome!  Green velour low back recliner with an ottoman.  Anyway, I’m looking forward to it.  Especially since I already know that I won’t be able to take the cold like I used to.

The only down side to the day is that it has become apparent that I’m getting some kind of upper respiratory infection or something.  I learned my lesson with the anti-biotics a few weeks ago so I will be better prepared when I go to the doctor tomorrow. 

One last thing.  Old friends continue to find out through the grape vine about all of this so CML continues to be a blessing.  Also, the blog has registered over 7,500 page views to date.  Maybe I need to consider writing a book?  Everyone loves a good story.  Maybe I could start with a “All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy” theme.  Hope you movie fans enjoyed that.  Or maybe a story about Boo Weekly.  A guy in the PGA who wants to golf for 10-12 years and then retire to a life of catching “lunkers“.  He almost tied the record low round in the PGA Championship and didn’t even know it.  He responded with “that woulda been good”.  As my friend Greg would say, “Classic!”

Another good day

Friday was a busy day so I didn’t post last night.  The past few days I’ve felt better physically than I have in a long time.  For months I could never seem to get my energy level back to where it had been in years past.  It didn’t matter how much I excercised, slept or relaxed.  I just couldn’t get my full umph!  While I still don’t have the capacity for sustained energy I feel as though it is returning.   It’s amazing to me when I think that just two weeks ago it took a great deal of effort just to stand up.  Now I’m starting to feel like jumping up and running.  I can’t but I like to think about it.  My good friend Deb Coffman and I were catching up just before the Rotary meeting yesterday and she told me something I found very amusing.  Her sister, Tess, lives across the street from me and her living room window is eye level with my yard.  This makes my behavior easy to observe.  Well, apparently, I used to do everything very fast.  Tess told Deb I was only person she knew that ran when they cut the grass and never just walked up the steps to my home.  Always running or standing still.  It’s important that we laugh at ourselves, right? 

No new real news on the blood counts.  The wbc has leveled off again and is holding at 3,ooo.  Well within what the Docs consider an acceptable range.  When they do the blood work they test about 12 different types of white blood cells.  Bet you didn’t know you had so many different types.  From what I’ve read, one of the more important counts to monitor as the disease stabilizes, or it is controlled, is the absolute neutrophils.  Mine is at 1,650 right now and this is good.  I can’t remember the specific reason why this is important but I as I learn I will share it with you. 

Today started out early with a yard sale.  So I’m sitting in the driveway delivering my best “everything must go” sales pitch.  Pretty good so far.  Between Kate’s stuff and mine we’ve cleared $126 so far.  If I can sell the dining room table, sofa and love seat then we will have had a very good day. 

Everything else is going well.  Tai Chi  was fun Thursday evening.  Kate seems to have natural balance and acute body movement awareness.  Not a surprise for those of us who know her.  I started to say that she has been and continues to be a real blessing but she would agree that we have been and continue to be a blessing to each other.  She has renewed my faith in love and is truly an incredible woman.  Besides, she’s a lot of fun.  We really have a lot of fun together.

All the Best in Love,

Chip

Good Times!

I am in shock.  Shocked about how good I feel.  I am having trouble containing myself.  I felt better today than I have felt in MONTHS!  Don’t care what it means or why it is or how it is.  It just feels great!  Yes, the many prayers, comments, well wishes, flowers, cards, hugs, laughs and visits have all been blessings and have made me feel much better and really helped keep my spirits up in these mentally and physically trying times.  I know anything can happen and but I’m truly happy to have each of you by my side while I am facing these new challenges.  For example, the Miami Dolphins are going to stink yet again this year.  It doesn’t get me down though.  I was talking with my friend Vic Carroll today and we were reflecting on the fact that problems or challenges exist in three different phases.  Either you have one, you’ve just come out of one or your getting ready to go through a problem.  It’s inevitable.  It’s just the way it is.  It is what it is.  Anyway, Vic is a great guy and though we don’t get many chances to catch up when we do it is always fun.  Our favorite place to catch up is on the golf course. 

This may be straying off the subject a little but I feel compelled to share with you a philosophy of mine that I came up with a few years ago.  There is only one day out of the year that is truly yours and can never be taken away from you, so long as your around.  Your birthday, silly!  Instead of celebrating just the one day, I am a firm believer in taking as much time as necessary to celebrate your birthday.  About two years ago it took me 10 days to get it out of my system.  That’s how valuable having one day dedicated solely to me is.  If you don’t subscribe to this philosophy or at least try it once then you’ll never know the full value of such a perspective.  It doesn’t matter if anyone else celebrates it.  It only matters how you celebrate it.  What’s the point?  Well, 8-25-1970 at 8:33a my wonderful Momma welcomed me to this world.  I am forever grateful for being blessed with such a great Momma so, in a way, it’s a celebration for her as well.  How could you not celebrate having such a wonderful son.  I mean, come on!  Ha ha!  Let the celebration begin!!!

Tai Chi was awesome tonight!  Kate and I had a wonderful time.  It is hard to grasp but we are learning to walk again.  I tell you what, the Chinese know what they were doing when they developed this.  Anyway, it is fun to go through this with Kate and we’re going to enjoy the many benefits of it.  Not much else to report except work was very good today and I feel like I’m really starting to build up some momentum.  It’s great to be back in the game! 

All the Best in Love,

Chip

PS- Check out some of the posts on the Pic Page.  Kate and I went to Kure Beach just south of Wilmington in June and spent some time with my good friend from college, Jason, his awesome wife Heather and their even more awesome baby boy, Cole.

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

In my opinion any western with Clint Eastwood is a good movie. Typically you find him to be a hero but not always a real likable one.  In The Good, The Bad and The Ugly he teams up with two other characters who are not angels by any means but they all seem to endear some good qualities.  Have you ever noticed that the lone wolfe, the tough guy that needs no help is often seen as “cool?”  We all know that in order to overcome challenges and difficulties we need lots of help from lots of people.  Only on television does the lone wolfe succeed.  Anyway, I see each and every one of you as GREAT help.  I never feel alone, I never feel that I’m on my own and I never feel that this is my battle to fight alone.  Each of you, in your own way, helps me to stay vigilant, keep my sense of humor, keep my hopes up for a long and good future, to continue to be successful in business, to appreciate the many blessings in life, to feel at peace in the present and future.  I couldn’t do this without knowing how many people care and for that I am forever blessed and grateful.  Thank you!!

Curious about blood counts aren’t you?  Wbc took a little dip today to 3,000.  This is not a problem.  There are actually about 15 plus results to look at on a blood test.  The focus was on the wbc because of the immediate damaging effects.  If the wbc goes below 1,000 then some action will need to be taken.  As I am learning how to read these test results I am learning about what info to share.  We’ll get into that later.  As it stands right now there is no immediate concerns.

By the way, I have felt better today than I have in weeks.  Got a lot of work done today that is directly related to increasing revenue for the company.  Can’t tell you how good that feels!! Caught up with an old friend, Gary Adkisson, today.  He is really a great guy, newspaper man and good Christian.  He and his wife Glenda really have a zest for life!  As do all my friends and family!  Becky (my wonderful friend and neighbor) and I went to dinner tonight to celebrate my upcoming birthday.  Thanks Becky!

All the Best in Love,

Chip 

My thanks to The Aji Network for contributing to my thinking and helping me to manage this whole thing!

The day did and did not start off very well.  I switched to taking the Gleevec with dinner in hopes of minimizing the physical toll it takes on my body during waking hours.  Not only did the Gleevec do a number on my digestive system but it warped my mental state as well.  I woke up in fear of my life, I mean truely terrified.  Turned out to be a nightmare.  Ha ha!  It has been 26 years since I have experienced anything like that.  I plan to meet with a counselor soon to deal with the wide range of emotions and stress from learning of and living with this disease.  The important thing to remember is that there has been great success in controlling the disease and living a quality life is still possible for a long time.

 The morning was great with respect to the conference call at work.  Mr. Butcher has organized a fantastic group of people to work with him and I thrilled to be a part of it.  Just have to get through these interim struggles and adjustments and then I will be able to make some significant contributions.   

 Some of you may remember my good friend Casey Jones from Moundsville, well he called yesterday.  Casey and I caught up on what seemed like an eternity.  He and Janet with their two boys are doing well and they are still in Virginia.  They actually live pretty close to my brother Phil.  I know I have said this before but at times having CML seems like a blessing.  Through this experience I have had the opportunity to reunite with so many dear friends and for that I am truely thankful.  

All the Best in Love,

Chip

Adjusting

Went to church Sunday.  It had been a little while but I was aching for it.  The rest of the day went fairly well.  Went to Greg’s to watch Tiger win yet another major tournament.  I was still feeling a lot of discomfort from the side effects from the Z pack and the Gleevec combination.  But ya’ gotta hang out with your friends now and then! 

The combination of those two drugs really sent me for a loop last week both physically and mentally.  In an effort to make the medicine more tolerable I started taking the Gleevec with dinner today.  It is my hope that the nausea and havoc wreaked upon my digestive system will have less of an impact on the quality of my day by taking it in the evening.  It will take some time to find the right or best combination of foods that will help reduce the severity of the reactions but I will get there. 

As far as blood counts it seems that the biggest initial concern (wbc) has stabilized in the 4,000 range.  Now that it has stabilized I anticipate being taken off Allopurinol in the near future.  I see this as a bit of a bench mark.  The next bench mark is to see if the Gleevec is doing what it was designed to do.  It will be a while before that is known.  The Lord says I will not be given anymore than I can handle.  That goes for all of us!  I’m tired and have a busy day tomorrow.  G’night! 

P.S.  Kate is feeling much and is back to her bubbly fun self.

Small is good…

Not too much excitement today.  Many small blessings throughout the day.  Got a great nights sleep.  Was up around 7 making breakfast and organizing the house a little.  Made Kate brunch and then headed out to Kanwha State Forest.  Thought there was supposed to be a a mountain bike race today but we must have been a day early.  Had a nice hike in the woods and temperature was perfect.  We sat in the car for a while just listening to the sounds of nature.  I think Kate may have dozed off once or twice.  She has not been feeling well but she got a Z pack and is on the mend.  I’m feeling much better today.  The Z pack I took really did a number on my digestive system.  Between that and the gleevec it was inevitable.  Had a nice lunch and a big nap.  Returned something to TJ Maxx and got a great deal on a shirt or two.  Rounded out the excitement with a trip to Kroger.  Now we’re just sitting on the back patio enjoying the beautiful weather and the busy humming birds.  Oh, changed the feeder for them today and they’re buzzing about with great excitement over the fresh nectar.  We’re going to watch a movie and get a good nights sleep.  Church at 8a tomorrow, laundry to be done and Tiger Woods is going for his 13th major.  Should be a great day!

Friday!

This entry comes about as a strong summer storm makes its way into Charleston.  It was very hot today….95.  I’ve noticed that I’m alot more tolerant of the heat now.  My blood isn’t getting as much oxygen as it used to and I believe that has much to do with it.  Accomplished some good things at work today.  Only downside was a bout with, excuse me for saying, diarrehea.  It really took the wind out of my sails late afternoon.  Greg stopped by for a visit and we, as we have often done so in the past few weeks, marveled at his work on his new website.  His marketing skills and passion for life are astonishing but they are only two of the many things that make him a best friend and a great father.  Many of you cherish and appreciate your children so I know you can relate to this.  Maybe some day I too can experience such a joy in life.  If not, I’ve always got great nieces and nephews and the children of my friends to appreciate. 

White blood count is down to 4,200 now.  A hair on the light side but well within the appropriate range.  I sincerely hope that these recent bouts of discomfort, etc. are at an end.  If not, that’s okay because I will adjust accordingly so that I can make the most of this quality life. 

A new found friend in Rotary and fellow board member, Diane Strong, shared a gift and inspiring story today I feel compelled to share.  To sum it up as best I can as I am off to bed is to say that she gave me a marble.  A big shiny blue marble with some white swirls in it.  Basically, I can’t ever lose all my marbles in this new path in life as I always have one big blue shiny one left.  She told the story with the enthusiasm and energy only Diane can deliver.  Again, I see the blessing in having CML.  My love and thanks to all who continue to visit the blog and post comments of caring, support and love.

Make it a great weekend!  I will be doing my best to do so! 

Chip

Milestones

The day started off well with a coaching/ideas meeting at Panera Bread.  Unfortunately they’re a Suddenlink subscriber thus no internet.  Had two other good meetings and produced some effective action along the way.  Went to Tai Chi this evening and found it to be just the means of balance my body needs.  Being in it for the long haul means keeping the body fit so I’m working on just that. 

It piques my curiosity how we learn and evolve accordingly to improve our quality of life.   Didn’t sleep so well last night due to some right arm pain so I’m calling it an early night. 

All is well.  Blood count updates Friday. 

Chip 

p.s. The awesome gift was a bracelet

Good Days

Today was a good day.   I accomplished some things with work.  I even scheduled a couple of meetings and interviews for Thursday.  Keeping “balanced” while adjusting to the changes in my body is becoming a interesting task in itself.  I’m going to start Tai Chi tomorrow evening with a friend from Rotary.  Kate has agreed to take classes with me but she can’t make it this week.  Tai Chi will be good for both of us.  Something fun for Kate and I to do. 

We, collectively, have reached a milestone together today.  Over 6,000 page views to date and many reconnections with friends and family.  I was talking with Rob today, you may have noticed one of his previous posts, we were talking about what  a blessing CML has become for all of us.  It’s brought family close together, revived many precious memories and we’re creating new ones along the way. 

Chip

 This is Kate…

Chip’s internet service is down and he asked that I post this comment for him.  He will post a new blog entry as soon as his internet service is up and running.  Not to worry, he is doing very well and is taking good care of himself.   

Thanks to everyone for visiting the blog, it means to world to him (us)!!!

Kate

Catching up!

The best news of the day is the wbc is down to 11,100. 

Had a great weekend!  Went to Weston Friday evening.  I learned a lesson about pushing myself though.  I don’t know that I truly articulated the severity of the bone and muscle pain last week.  Well, both reached their zenith this weekend and I pushed myself a little to enjoy myself. 

T and I went fishing about 7a on Saturday morning on Stonewall Jackson Lake.  It is an incredibly beautiful lake.  We saw an Osprey, six young Otters, and the few fish we caught.  It was great to be out there in the sunshine and feeling alive.  Mom and Missy arrived around Noon and we went to the cabin we rented to settle in and relax.  A few naps were had that afternoon.  T and Charly showed up around 6p with my brothers Jeff and Phil in tow.  T and Charly prepared us an absolutely delicious dinner of trout, potatoes, roasted corn on the cob, salad and apple crisp.  Afterwards we retired to the yard for a campfire courtesy of T.  He and Charly did so much to accomdate us and make it a great weekend.  Also on Saturday my friend Brent/Peeper ran in a  5k for Leukemia.  He finished in good time and didn’t toss his cookies.  Pretty good for an old man!  Thank you for running in my honor Peeps!  I feel it is my duty to do all I can to beat this or at the very least to live a quality life, every single day.  That’s least I could do to show my appreciation for all of you! 

Sunday we had a nice breakfast, Jeff and Phil headed back to Clarksburg, Mom and Missy went to sight see the area and I returned home.  Through all of this the bone pain went from left leg, to arms and finally the right leg on Sunday.  Accompanied by muscle pain in all of those areas simultaneously.  Looking back it was worth it to see my family and friends and would do it again.  The only thing I would have done differently would be to rest more often.  I ended up having a fever Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.  That is actually kind of a serious thing these days.  If I ever have a fever of 100.5 or more I have to go to the hospital. 

Infection is a serious thing because my immune system doesn’t work well anymore.  A little Tylenol kept it in check and I went to the Dr. this morning for an antibiotic.  Kate had gone to Louisville for a family reunion this weekend.  Her birthday was Sunday and we were to go out for dinner but we opted for a quite evening together taking cat naps and catching up on our weekend.  If you talk to Kate ask her about her awesome birthday present!   

This is Kate….the present IS pretty awesome!

This is Chip again…..Kate is what it is awesome!

Love,

Chip

p.s.  If you tried to leave a comment but couldn’t I apologize.  Glitch in the software sometimes.  Make it a great day!

Whew…it’s Friday!

Well, it’s been a good day.  The early morning visit to the Dr. brough forth good news.  Wbc is down to 21,100!  It’s great to witness the good deeds of Gleevec despite it’s side effects.  The bone pain has subsided a great deal today but the muscle pain has returned with vigor. 

It has been most uncomfortable but seeing good friends washes away the pain.  I went to the weekly general meeting for Rotary today.  My first visit in quite some time.  There were outbursts of laughter, hugs, hand shakes, greetings, smiles and many wishes of good will.  Thanks to all from Rotary who have been so supportive.  I feels so good to be blessed with so many great friends in life, both personal and professional.

Drove to Weston this evening to visit with T & Charly.  I’m meeting Mom, Sis Missy, Bro’s Jeff and Phil here tomorrow.  We rented a great cabin in the woods and we plan to have a big cookout of trout, potatoes and roast corn on the cob.  Courtesy of T&Charly.  T might blush at this but I really do love them both.  You couldn’t ask for better friends.  The lengths that have gone to make this weekend low stress and high quality cannot be measured by mortal standards.  That may seem a little profound but you have to understand that I value them and each of you more than I can really express.  Went fishing in the pond for a little bit and caught a nice bass. 

I won’t have a chance to update until Sunday so I wish you all a great weekend fille        

how fun….new side effects

This will be brief this evening.  The latest side effect is bone and joint pain.  It is quite unpleasant but the good news is that it typically doesn’t last for more than two months.  I believe a week will be sufficient for me.  It started last night when I was sitting on the living room floor with my feet tucked under my backside.  Apparently that was the catalyst to this as I had some trouble get up off the floor.   So anyway, I’m in pain and it will pass.  Thankfully my beautiful and talented neice, Alyssa, reminded me that my body is in a big fight and I better treat it right.  Actually, I changed what she said so that it would rhyme but you get the point.  I need to take short quality rests occassionally throughout the day.  I’m not a napper….too much brain power.  Please folks, no loud outbursts of laughter.

Today was a good day otherwise.  I made some great progress at work today.  I really enjoy what we’re doing, I believe in it and am working on it being a powerful story for everyone in the company.  To me it makes great sense.  A community information resource that is hyper geographic.  Ever heard someone say that people care about what’s going on in their backyard?  That’s what we care about in communities.  Anyway, it’s good business. 

I pray that everyone is well and continued good spirits.

Love,

Chip 

PS….Friday afternoon wbc update!  21,400  ……  Hemoglobin and Platlets are good.