The Ups and Downs of Chemo

As I've entered week two of the second round of chemo (the second of each two week regiment is suppose to be a  recovery week), I can honestly say, I'm ready for recovery.  The first week of this session seems to have taken its toll and side effects lasting much longer then the first round.  I'm especially tired, most all the time, but I don't often fall asleep...  this too will pass, chemo is still my pal and leading me to a cancer free life down the road.  Although I'm trying to relay my journey down the chemo pathway, I'll honestly say I think I have had it very easy compared to the many friends and acquaintances who have gone before me.  My hats off to you and the strength you've endured.  Many thought and prayers for all of you, wish we could all walk together in the survivors walk at Relay for Life.

Since facing this medical ordeal, I've become a Massachusetts Medical Marijuana card holder.  We won't talk about the "so-called" process and collection of fees to become a card carrying member, just the use of marijuana itself.  Talk about being clueless on the topic, I knew nothing...and have read a bunch, and still feel clueless.  Maybe I'm just overwhelmed and can't take it all in now like I was able to focus on learning before.  To make a long story short, it's done nothing for me.  Luckily, a friend of my daughter works at a dispensary in another state and has been helpful... thank you Bryan via Beth!  As Beth relayed information to me from her hubby, she said she felt as lost as I was since she was just repeating what he said.  I asked her if she ever stayed at a Holiday Inn Express.  She didn't understand until I provided one of the many links on the subject, like this one: https://vimeo.com/51166685

It's not all bad.  The silicone bracelets my daughter ordered have arrived.  They are awesome! I have adopted a hashtag of #HaveBelief as I go down the path to recovery because you must have belief you work your way through the ordeal and come out on the other end better for it.  Secondly I also use #HaveFaith since you must have faith that God will ensure we get to the goal he has for us in this like.  My decision to use these hashtags for my recovery from cancer was purposely selected so that the anyone suffering from anything, could use #HaveBelief or #HaveFaith as a reminder that whatever they are going through, can be overcome!

Would you like to support my cause with your own #HaveBelief bracelet?  Both hashtags are imprinted on every bracelet, one on each side.  I am requesting a donation of $2.00 each or 3 for a $5.00 donation.  Want more, give me a shout, we'll work something out.  Add an extra buck and I'll get it mailed to you anywhere in the country.

I have #HaveBelief tee-shirts becoming available soon for you to order as well...  They will be $20.00 each.  Send me a message and I'll let you know as soon as they are available, or, let's connect, you can pay now and I'll order as soon as possible.  Shirts will be available by the June 8, 2018 Quabbin Valley Relay for Life event in Belchertown, MA if you want to come down and walk a lap with me.  I also have a tee-shirt available to order now, in support of my personal battle with colon cancer.  This shirt would make an awesome, unique gift for someone turning 50 this year... or for a birthday gift for anyone you know that has been putting off having a colonoscopy because of embarrassment or they think "not

me".  My goal is to encourage at least 100 people who have put off a colonoscopy to have one done or at least scheduled this year.  Don't do it for me, do it for you!  Meaning you, men, and women ...  if you are 50 or older, you need to be screened soon, colonoscopies SAVE lives.  The shirts are available to order until May 10, 2018, also for $20.00 each, The net proceeds will go to the Relay for Life team and a few other cancer related charities.  Order the "Check UR Colon" shirt at http://bit.ly/checkURcolon.

Thank you for your constant support.

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Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us
Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/JoinDan

Interesting in reading about my fight with cancer?

Read about it here: https://www.gofundme.com/dan-greeley039s-fight-against-cancer

Read about Take Them A Meal page my daughter setup

See it here https://takethemameal.com/TXAE7050

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

I Lay Here Helpless, Yet in Awe

As I lay here in recovery mode, feeling totally helpless to do many simple things for myself, watching out the window watching my son Ryan working in my yard, applying the landscaping skills he’s learned mixed with hard labor.  What a kid, what a responsible young adult.

While I watch him I hear Carol working laundry and Tyler putting groceries away.  Should I happen to make a noise, they are there to check on me, bring me meds, to take care of my needs and wants.

I have a support system that is unparalleled and not what I am use to.  I’m saying that is a positive way, they’ve all always done these things, I just always wanted to be or preferred to be the one providing to comfort

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Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/JoinDan

Interesting in reading about my fight with cancer?

Read about it here: https://www.gofundme.com/dan-greeley039s-fight-against-cancer

Read about Take Them A Meal page my daughter setup

See it here https://takethemameal.com/TXAE7050

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

Round 2 Hasn’t Been All Roses

Round 2 seems to have gone pretty much as planned, but the last couple of days have had their challenging moments.  As much as chemo is my friend and working to rid my body of any micron-sized cancer ridden damaged cells we can’t even see, there are a few side effects I am learning to deal with.  Annoyances by some standards, Godsends by others - this is part of the recovery and elimination of that which ails me.  It’s not that I’m not positive and fighting right now, I’m just at a complete lack of energy.

I began feeling tired and exhausted before this infusion was complete this round.  That’s a few days earlier than in round 1 and I don’t feel I’ve made the turn yet and feeling better.  It’s a 2-week cycle ... infusion for 3 days, knocked on my butt mostly sleeping for a couple days and then turn the corner and begin feeling a bit better.  I’ve really been in a “fog” the last 2 days, mental slow motion, some balance issues, and really tired.  The weird thing is there are some things going through my head that don’t seem foggy at all - it’s just different.

It’s not all bad.  I also had plenty of good things happen which really raised my spirits.  In no special order except it’s always best when my kids come to visit... but here are some of the standout things that blessed me

• My daughter Rebecca and a couple of my grandkids visited with a few new treasures.  A 12 picture frame to document my infusion journey with room for a picture a week.  
• I received a bags of goodies from my daughter Tina.  The two books, WTF and Weird but True will keep me occupied and filled with knowledge if I ever appear on Jeopardy or Who Wants to be a Millionaire.  Best of all, a gift card to Outback so I can knock that steak and lobster tail dinner off my bucket list.
• FaceTime with My Guy Hudson is always fun.  David and Aimee connected with my from their Myrtle Beach vacation so I got to talk with Hudson.  He’s so cute and smart!
• I’ve launched 3 Scentsy basket parties in the past week with the third going out this weekend.  This thrills me!  It’s helping me make a difference Helping me with my business, helping me financially, and getting me closer to my Scentsy goals even while I’m in recovery.  Anyone can be successful in network marketing regardless of your situation, it just takes work.  No matter where you live I can help you with a Scentsy basket party too, just connect with me.
• My son Travis came and spent the better part of the day Saturday with us, might have been so he could do laundry, but I enjoyed just having him here.
• I received cards in the mail from people I honestly didn’t expect to hear from. People from my past that I’ve lost contact with. I also received a card from my daughter's former in-laws how touching is that? It’s often just a little thing we can do to really make a difference in someone’s lives. Thank you, Madeline and Janie.
• I also launched a fundraiser this weekend in support of my team at Relay for Life.  We’re selling the “check your colon” T-shirts for $20 with all the net proceeds going to relay for life and cancer connection. Check it out at http://bit.ly/checkURcolon. Shirts are on sale through May 10, 2018.
• Earlier this week, there was a huge post on the GoFundMe page Ryan set up from “John Doe”.  I am in awe of the generosity I have received and want to give John Doe, public thanks to whomever you are.

Hopefully this funk I’m in right now will pass and I’ll have more energy and stamina ... soon!  Continued thanks to all for all the support, encouragement, and love.  I love you all.

           

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Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/JoinDan

Interesting in reading about my fight with cancer?

Read about it here: https://www.gofundme.com/dan-greeley039s-fight-against-cancer

Read about Take Them A Meal page my daughter setup

See it here https://takethemameal.com/TXAE7050

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

The Mission - Early Detection

Since I learned of this medical bump in the road I am now faced with, one of my desires and goals is to promote cancer early detection.  Since I've started taking it up, I have been aware that at least 1 friend has already had a colonoscopy this month; another friend has been on her husband's case to have one done (I came back with her too - we could start a new thing, couples colonoscopy's), and yet another friend has put it off even though his wife had her's completed ...  he's committed to scheduling it (you're committed, don't make me say your name in public). 

Today, Caregiver Carol bought me a new shirt that totally supports my mission of encouraging Early Detection.  This shirt ROCKS!  Let's be clear, this is not a male thing - this is an everybody thing, both you boys and girls.  We all have the parts I'm talking about, we all need to have them checked starting by age 50 unless you have a family history and your doc wants you checked sooner.  Yup, it may seem embarrassing, uncomfortable, and any of the other excuses you may come up with.  Get over it, you've got a butt, I've got a butt, we all have butts - a Gastroenterologist has seen them all and from that end, they all look the same.  A Gastroenterologist is a specialist in gastrointestinal diseases and has received special training in colonoscopy. Gastroenterologists perform more colonoscopies by far than any other specialty. Non-gastroenterologists are five times more likely to miss colorectal cancer during colonoscopy than Gastroenterologists.  Be sure you see a Gastroenterologist.

Carol also ordered the first set of wristbands which also act as a constant reminder of #HaveBelief, #HaveFaith, #Hope, #BeFierce.  I'm having some made with #HaveBelief for my Relay for Life fundraiser - Let me know if you'd be interested.  Also will have #HaveBelief tee shirts available.  Again, let me know if you'd like to be notified when they are available.  No obligation if you do let me know, I'll just respond with the details for you to consider.  We'll be attending Relay for Life in Belchertown, MA with tent and all the fixings on June 8, 2018.  I also plan of walking in at several other venues too.  If you are planning on doing an event in my general neck of the woods, let me know, I'll come walk a few laps with you.

As a parting thought, this is not all about colon cancer, this is about cancer in general.  First and foremost, the early detection of potential cancer.  It may seem scary, but believe me, knowing sooner rather than later is BEST!  You ladies, this one is especially for you, you must also consider the American Cancer Society guidelines for early detection of breast cancer.  TYou can read about their recommendations by clicking HERE.

Lastly, if in fact you take some of this laymans advice and do get screened for early detection or because you listened to your body and had concerns what you were hearing, I'd love to know you took the advice.  My goal is to find 100 followers...  after all, my email address is DrGreeley@gmail.com and I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express - I must know something!

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Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/JoinDan

Interesting in reading about my fight with cancer?

Read about it here: https://www.gofundme.com/dan-greeley039s-fight-against-cancer

Read about Take Them A Meal page my daughter setup

See it here https://takethemameal.com/TXAE7050

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

Second Infusion Underway, Minor Difficulties So Far

Finally made it to the beginning to round 2 of Chemo. on my road to recovery and cancer elimination.  Of course, continued prayers are encouraged and welcomed, I remain positive and #HaveBelief I will get to restart an active life in about 6 months or so when round 12 is complete.

Admittedly, today didn't go quite as smooth as round 1 did, but, like troopers, we made it through.  My treatments always begin with a blood draw for my Oncologist to ensure I am healthy enough for the infusion - which does tend to kick your butt, makes you tired and a whole host of other potential side effects, its important I am as healthy as can be.  There would normally be a lot of needle sticking during this long process, however, since I had a port implanted, we named Chester Thirdnip (Carol the Caregiver came up with the final name), all needle pokes take place through Chester.  With a little pretreatment with Lidocaine, I feel nothing ...  it's awesome, I love it!  Blood draws, chemo infusion, whatever is needed for CAT scans, my pal Chester Thirdnip handles.

The apparent red dot is the emergency
exit sign over the door across the room

I got a good look at the needle assembly used to connect to Chester Thirdnip, I almost never watch when I'm being poked or having blood drawn...  it has a tendency to give me an unplanned instant nap...  what a woose.  It doesn't usually bother me watching them take blood from you, just don't like to see my own sucked out of me.  The needle looks kind of serious and big.

There was no problem with the connection the during the first round, but, we had issues this time.  After connection, my nurse and her backup nurse had a problem flushing the connection as if it was blocked.  They were about to try some meds to dissolve any blockage, which can and does occasionally happen when Carol reminded them that at the time of implant, the report showed there was a slight kink in the catheter that may have to be rectified (that means replaced to me).  We laid my chair back, I raised my left arm and voila, things began working.  I had to move to get things flowing during the infusion several times to clear the pumps "downstream blockage" error message.  The portable pump has been doing okay with no problems yet, it infuses very slowly over the next 46 hours.  

If there are problems again during infusion 3 in a couple of weeks, they will problem had radiology intervention take pictures to see what's going on with the catheter itself.  We'll cross that bridge then.

Once the 2 hours infusion is done, there's a flush and then a kick starter for the 5FU and portable pump connection.  Fluorouracil (5-FU), sold under the brand name Adrucil among others, is a medication used to treat cancer. By injection into a vein, it is used for colon cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer.  So happy that kickstart is done via the port and not by direct injection - look at the size of that syringe!

It's all good, chemo is my friend right now.  I #HaveBelief and #HaveFaith this will play a significant part in my recovery and air int he killing and removal of the bad cells that may continue to lurk within me.  That, improving my diet, doing my exercise (thank you Susan and others for encouraging me to exercise more than I was).  I am well on the road to recovery.

One last parting thought, I so much appreciate the words of encouragement, the brave souls that have gone this route before me, the GoFundMe support, cards, emails, text messages, food, and more ...  we live amongst amazing people, especially you!  Many thanks.

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Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/JoinDan

Interesting in reading about my fight with cancer?

Read about it here: https://www.gofundme.com/dan-greeley039s-fight-against-cancer

Read about Take Them A Meal page my daughter setup

See it here https://takethemameal.com/TXAE7050

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

My Bucket List

It was suggested to me I make a list of things I want to do over the next several years ... I guess that means my "Bucket List".  Never had a list, just ideas and thoughts of things I wanted to do, places to go, and other cool stuff.  When this post is done, I'll have a written down, post on the refrigerator, Bucket List, Dream Board, plan for the future.

For now, here goes, in no certain order:

• I want to go bass fishing with my nephew Jason Cyr ... he’s a pro (at least in my eyes) and knows what he’s doing
• I want to take Carol to Hawaii for a vacation.  It’s not that I ever wanted to go, but years ago, she said she wanted to.  It would be my way of a little thank you for being my cancer caregiver.  OK, so here’s a twist for me - my Scentsy friends Becca and Terry Levi go to Hawaii for several months of the year.  I’d like to go when they are there and meet them for dinner one night
• I want to build window frames to spruce up the appearance of the front of our house
• My son Ryan wants to go to a hockey game at all the NHL arenas.  I want to go with him to as many as possible
• I want to go to Florida and visit my Mom again soon
• I want to do something I always said I would never do ... the details won’t be disclosed until I actually do it
• I need to sell my BMW - I’ll never be able to get it fixed, it should go to someone who can give it new life (but I’m not giving it away!)
• I want to go visit my old HS days friend Barry and Ruthann - just want to say I love them and miss them
• I want to go to Kael and Bryanne’s wedding in Cancun, May 2019
• I want to cruise on Norwegian’s new Symphony of the Sea
• I want to go on a friend and family cruise.  Pick a date out in the future ... invite anyone to go on that cruise.  We don’t all have to hang out together all the time, just lots of friends and family having an amazing vacation 
• I want to take Stepheni to a Red Sox game at Fenway
• I want to re-earn my Scentsy Director title ... the Star ... then Superstar Director ... being one of the first men to do so, if not the first.
• I want to earn the right to attend Scentsy Leadership 2019
• I want to earn the next Scentsy Incentive Trip
• I want to see Mt Rushmore
• I want to see the cherry blossoms in Washington, DC
• I want a steak & lobster dinner at the Outback
• I want to spend a day lobstering with Tony Eugley and hear how his story is coming
• I want to get 500 people to complete cancer screening (colonoscopy or mammogram) who have put if off in the past
• I want to clean my garage and enjoy doing it
• I want to go back to NY and visit my relatives I don’t see often enough
• I want to visit Lakewood Church in Houston and meet Joel Osteen
• Say that I am cancer free ... I don’t have cancer, I “had” cancer #HaveBelief
• I want to find a way to help disadvantaged/hospitalized kids - like going to hospitals and making things happen to make them smile or laugh (I remember taking costumed cartoon characters to Newington Children’s Hospital in Newington, CT probably late 1970’s - don’t know why that didn’t continue.
• Participate in Relay for Life at as many places as I can

Okay, that’s a pretty good start.  Not too bad of a start.

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Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/JoinDan

Interesting in reading about my fight with cancer?

Read about it here: https://www.gofundme.com/dan-greeley039s-fight-against-cancer

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

National Siblings Day ... I Give Thanks

I know I’m a little late, but I wanted to ensure I gave credit where credit is due on National Siblings Day.  I have two of the finest sisters a guy could ask for, especially considering I was not the easiest brother to live with and love.  We’ve had ups and downs, but, through thick and thin, even while cursing under their breath at me (which is only my speculation that’s what they may have been doing), they hung in there and stood by my side.  Sometimes, literally.

If I were able to recall all the examples of where they may have wanted to disown me or cast me away, Moby Dick would seem like a short story to read in an afternoon.  To this day, I will swear, I never ever meant to be a jerk brother, big or little.  Unfocused, spoiled maybe, and not really “getting it” as I wished I had, they were there.

So I don’t bore you with the details of my own inequities, I’d rather focus on my sisters heroics, which is how I see it, and how they each were always there, always.  I can never thank them enough or ever pay them back for all they have done.

My best shot at pay back is passing along to my children, and the others I interact with, their qualities and the life lessons they showed me, to help them be better people. The ultimate pay it forward passing through me.

Karen, Deb, and my brothers-in-law that also endured me, Bill and Steve, thank you, thank you, thank you.  You’re all the best.

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Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/JoinDan

Interested in reading about my fight with cancer?

Read about it here: https://www.gofundme.com/dan-greeley039s-fight-against-cancer

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

Another Scary Post, At Least For Me

Here I sit about 3:30 or so a.m.  I’ve been awake for over an hour with stomach cramps, bad taste in my mouth (more like an aftertaste from drinking Crystal Light, can’t sleep, can’t get comfortable.  Another bloody nose, which has been common place for a long time (partially what sent me looking for another doctor that would help figure it out - it’s been going on since I was seeing Dr. Mintz over 3 years ago).  I figure it’s just the reaction to chemo last week, or is it, my mind wanders.

It wanders and wanders, the new norm.  It’s often hard to put the good face forward when your mind is going in other directions. It’s hard to reel the thoughts back in when it seems like deja vu and you’ve been down this path or thought process before.  Is it already written in stone and I’m just playing out the days?  

As my stomach sits here gurgling away, I suddenly think, deja vu again.  This is exactly why I drove myself to the Emergency Room on February 20th - the same gurgling, the same stomach pains, the same sick feelings.  Was my disease just taking me over?  Was it spreading already?  Will my next CT Scan show that what’s left of my colon was just becoming a breeding ground for the cancer within me?  I hate this feeling.  How do I get it out of my head?  

I want to beat this horrific situation and move on with life.  It’s very difficult to see that happening and feeling my insides are just NOT normal anymore.  The support and love of friends is amazing.  The outpouring of so many well wishers is touching, some of them almost outright shocking. Nevertheless, I can’t help but think it’s all just part of the script with my tragic ending.

Heavenly Father, I beg you for the strength needed to make it to the next phase of my life on earth. I hope my wishes are the same as yours.  I am weak, I need your hand and love now more than ever.  This in the name of Jesus I pray.

#HaveBelief

                                              - - -  

Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/JoinDan

Interesting in reading about my fight with cancer?

Read about it here: https://www.gofundme.com/dan-greeley039s-fight-against-cancer

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

Just a few little foods for thought ...

See more of my favorites on my Pinterest page: "Best Quotes and Sayings"

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Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/JoinDan

Interesting in reading about my fight with cancer?

Read about it here: https://www.gofundme.com/dan-greeley039s-fight-against-cancer

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!