As I predicted yesterday, I am feeling much better now that I’ve had a good nights sleep.
I considered not posting yesterdays update because it seemed such a downer. But stomach cancer is a difficult thing and there are going to be ups and downs. Yesterday was a down.
I figure if I always post upbeat humorous posts people will start thinking I’m weirder than I actually am. Assuming that’s possible. We’ll, come to think of it, maybe that isn’t possible. But you get the idea.
I figure this is going to be an emotional roller coaster, and the blog can’t help but reflect that. I’ll try not to make it too depressing, but some days are just going to be like that.
Thanks again for all your support. I appreciate that you’re following the blog. It is important to us that so many people care.
We did a little phone consulting with old friends who are still working (old working friends.) Aside from asking them for money we asked about your doctor. The money response wasn’t what we would have hoped, but the word on your surgeon is really good. We actually remember his partner as well. In this case it is all good too. And that is important to know that your surgeon doesn’t have some idiot for a partner (unlike my wife who definitely has an idiot for a partner.)
I think your in good hands from the stand point of having a skilled surgeon. Of course, I’m not paid to think…or perhaps I am, but only what my thoughts are worth which amounts to the same thing. Anyway, you’re quite correct that it’s a roller coaster ride. And the options, choices and information is all overwhelming at times. All we can do is hold on with ya, have a puke bag handy and when we reach the end say, “never want to take that ride again!” I think once the course is charted and you’re on the way to a cure, the twists and turns won’t throw you as much cause you’ll be focused on the goal. Keep your eye on the prize and bitch about the entire thing every step of the way. Bitching is great therapy and the source of good humour.
Ed
Ed’s last two sentences nail it. Keep your eye on the prize, and it’s OK to whine! I’m sorry your summer isn’t going to be a fun one, but at least you’ll have more sun than gloom outdoors, so I hope you can enjoy that beautiful yard of yours, even if you don’t feel very good.
Ed and Linda, your frequent posts are a salve to the soul for both Gary and me. Thank you so much.
Ed, I have to take exception to one thing you said: Your wife’s partner is NOT an idiot.
dear gary
I wish you in the next month’s all the power you can get.
also for your wife Anne.
greetings jo
Ed – It’s wonderful having friends with contacts in the medical world who can scope out the competence of my doctors. It is very reassuring to learn the surgeon is competent. That was a big concern. I also find it encouraging that you seem confident that this thing is curable. In regards to your wife having an idiot for a partner. I can relate. I never understood why Anne married me considering what a mess I was back then. I eventually figured out she was just looking for a challenging project. Fortunately she seems satisfied that the project turned out OK.
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Linda – Bitching and whining really isn’t my style, but I’ll try to find a substitute that works for me. My father would have made lewd comments to the nurses, but I’m thinking there are some family traditions that are best not preserved.
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Anne – I couldn’t have said it better.
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Jo – Thank you from Anne and I for your kind words. I also appreciate the Youtube music videos you have posted on my Facebook Wall. It is comforting to have support from someone as far away as the Netherlands. Thank you.
Gary & Anne,
Hang in there. Where all praying for you guys.
Bob iii
Hi Gary, Incredibly tough thing. Good you’re going into this with a strong body, strong marriage and sense of HUMOR. Older guys look great bald. Do you have a motorcycle? Will keep the good thoughts and prayers heading out…Ellen
Just to clarify, I think Bitching is good. I’m to Bitching what Gordon Gecko is to Greed. But I don’t mean that bitching to me is good. Nor, does it do any good. Because of all the bitching I do, I’m pretty immune to it, actually.
As for going bald, I think a ‘do-rag’ is a bold macho statement to make. It says, “I’m not on my harley at the momment, but I will be shortly.” You’ll need some riding chaps to fill out the look. Might as well get some tats.
Bob – It’s great knowing there are so many supportive people out there. I never knew before how many friends I had. Thanks for the prayers. They are appreciated.
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Ellen – I gave up my motorcycle endorsement the last time I got my drivers license renewed. I figured I’d never need it. Now I know better. Since the bald biker persona isn’t going to work out, I might go for the professional wrestler image. It would be a refreshing change of pace.
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Ed – Excellent point. With the “do-rag” image I don’t even need a Harley. In fact, with a “do-rag” I could do both the biker and professional wrestler image. I don’t know what I would do without you guys to help me through these difficult decisions.