Wednesday, December 18, 2019

It's Getting Harder and Harder ....

I am so under the weather and feel like a loser ...
Much of it may be mental, but the numbers have turned against me.
I'm just not ready.

Having difficulty putting up the fight ...

Feeling its all for naught.

How do I stay positive?

I don't know.
How am I able to get up and move?
I do not know.

How do I put up a fight?

My mind is full of losing the fight.
I can't clear my mind.
I'm so alone, but I know you're there.

I was suppose to start my second 28 day round of chemo (lonsurf) ...

But the doc says I'm not well enough ...
This is when people die from chemo she says.
I'm not ready to go.

My CEA score went from 29.2 on my birthday, December 5th, to 85.1 today.

That is about double my previously highest score ever.
the norm is less than 5 ...
this is not good.

Don't get hung up on CEA they say ...

but when it almost triples in 2 weeks, something is wrong.
Blood counts are low, too low.
I can't get sicker, I have nothing left inside to fight with.

Thanks for not giving up on me, I feel too weak to fight for myself.

We'll test it again next week ...



If you are over 45 years old ...
talk to your doc and get screened if you haven't already.
Don't wait, it can only get worse ...
Find this rat bastard early and sight to beat it ...
but get screened EARLY.

I beg of you.

- - -

Join and support my Relay For Life Team at: http://bit.ly/JoinTeamDan2019
Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us
Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/2JoinDan

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





Friday, November 1, 2019

I'm So Happy October is Over

October was not a very nice month for me. It seemed like one thing after another went sour or downhill.  As much as I hate bitching and moaning, I have little good to say about October, it is what it was!  Please bear with me and hang with me, I can really use your support.

The Good


There were many good things that happened, but it seems like many of us, me at the top of the list, allow the bad to just overwhelm and erase the good.  As a fighter, I at least recognize that and try to use the good to overcome.
Price is Right Contestants
  1. We got away for a couple days to visit you younger sister and brother-in-aw at their home in Maine.  A few days of peace and relaxation (headache included)
  2. Had several phone calls and messages from well wishers, supporters, friends, and those that really mean a lot to me.  I don't mean to leave anyone out, but for sure that's you Becca, Heidi G and Heidi T, Antoinette, Deb, Doug, Barry & Ruthie, Kevin, Kim, Wendi, Donda, Rebecca, Crystal, Stacey, Catherine, Penny, MJ, Anne, Jill, and so many more of you.  I sit here going through the list in my head because thinking of so many of you gives me so much strength and inspiration.
  3. The help and support from Paul at Exotic Motors in Hadley.  I had to reach out to Paul several times this month and he is just such a great guy ... always there and willing to help.  
  4. Trick or Treating with my grand kids, kids, Carol and other friends.
  5. Watching Carol start with Christmas decorating earlier than we ever had in the past.  It such a nice time of year, why not celebrate it more, after all, WalMart does.

The Not So Good

  1. An MRI at the beginning of the month showing us all that my cancer has stopped responding to the chemotherapy ... thus, I have been taken off FOLFIRI.  Now just waiting for the next steps.  So, I've sat here for a month just watching my tumor markers go higher and higher, and there no urgency to action being taken my the medical community.  UGH!!!
  2. I think my car, or the cars I have borrowed while mine have been in the garage, probably a half dozen times this month and who knows how many hundreds or thousands that has cost us.  UGH!!!
  3. Mental break down and falling into the pit of worry, and losing the ability to be in control. UGH!!!
  4. Having to write to my kids about topics none of us look forward to talking about.  Topics like wills, burial, desires after this journey ends, or just talking about the end of the journey.  Which leads me to ...
  5. Lonsurf.  The oral chemo the medical team wants me to start taking.  Its not a first or second line chemo, it a chemo trying to buy a few extra months.  That topic alone is not helping ... I'm looking for 15-20 years, not 5-10 months.  UGH!!!  This by far has been my biggest issue this month.
  6. The lack of timely response ... excuses of "miscommunication" ... the lack of nothing happening.
So where do I go from here?  I've been trying to get in contact with Corrie Yelland, a cancer survivor from Canada that I'm hoping to get some expert contact information from for cannabis dosing experts.  I don't seem to have any other options, so I am looking for alternative treatments, especially in the medical marijuana arena.  I have a belief that when I did a protocol of Rick Simpson Oil early this year after my liver surgery, it did help me and reduced the growth of my cancer.  My gut is telling me I have that and divine intervention to look forward to.


I'm looking forward to a much better November.  We are hosting a Scentsy Meet and Greet here at our soon to be decorated home, open to our team family members and guest interesting in hearing more about the Scentsy opportunity.  If you're not in this area and want to connect, let me know so I can get you connected to the event.

In mid November we are going to Orlando and I'm attending Mastermind 2020, I look forward to seeing so many of my bigger Scentsy family members, it will be a great few days, then we are celebrating Thanksgiving with Tyler and Zack.

I know there will be many more good things too, including the MRI I am having of my head/brain in about an hour.  Thus, I have to so see you soon and thanks for all you do to support me, I so much appreciate it. 

- - -

Join and support my Relay For Life Team at: http://bit.ly/JoinTeamDan2019
Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us
Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/2JoinDan


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






Sunday, October 20, 2019

Strange But Interesting Story


Did you know ....

That in the Horror Film Character Freddy Kruger was based on a real life serial killer who lived in Rockville, Iowa in the 1800s. According to court county records of the time, Mr. Kruger was known to have killed at least twenty children within a three mile radius of where he lived. He reportedly murdered most of the children using only a Gardening claw. 


He lived inside an old abandoned cement factory north of town where he would bring his victims. Having set up a small living space (and torture area) within the "mechanical room" of the facility. Oh yeah...back then, a "mechanical room" was also known as a "boiler room". 

Mr. Kruger was eventually caught by his own recourse by accidentally starting a fire in a portion of the factory where he was burned over 70% of his body. While in the hospital recovering, Police investigated & he was arrested after they found his room of horrors. He was tried, but found to be criminally insane and spent the rest of his life in a Psychiatric Hospital before dying in his sleep at the old age of 72. 

But shortly after his death a string of unexpected deaths occurred in Rockville involving young teenagers & children while they were sleeping in their beds. Before they died a few parents said their children would wake up in the middle of the night from the night terrors to what they called a burned & scary old man with a claw was trying to kill them and refused to go back to sleep....we now know why....

To this day (and LONG before the Elm St. films) Rockville has since became a ghost town where all residents have long moved away in Fear that it was haunted by the ghost of Freddy Kruger.

Actually, I just Googled and found these pictures and made all that up....... Halloween is almost here everyone! Boo

The "Pie in the Face" Challenge

If you're randomly seeing this post, you are unofficially invited to take part in the "Pie in the Face" Challenge.  If you we sent a challenge with a link to this page, you are officially challenged and we’re hoping you graciously join the fundraiser!  It's intended to be a "fun" fundraiser in support of the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life (RFL).  This challenge is the same kind of theme as the ice bucket challenge was a few years ago.  

I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer in February 2018.  After colon resection surgery that removed the entire right side of my colon followed by several rounds of chemotherapy I was declared cancer free in September 2018.  In December, it was discovered my cancer was in fact back and had spread to my liver, I was now at stage 4.  More chemo and liver surgery in April 2019.  I recently completed my 22nd round of chemo in October 2019 and my latest set of CT and MRI scans so improvement in some areas, but growth in others.  I've grown resistant to the current chemo cocktail and am now looking for other options to get my cancer under control.  More research and new discoveries are needed to help get it under control for me and for others.

I joined Relay for Life as a Team Captain in 2018 just two months before the Quabogg Valley event under the team name "Director Dan", which follows my name as a Scentsy Independent Consultant.  PLEASE, feel free to follow the links and JOIN my team!  I also joined the Event Leadership Team  because I wanted to help, find out more, and to share my journey.  We've raised about $11,000.00 in the past two years.  My goal this year is to far exceed that total.  The funds raised are used so much for all the great programs ACS has to help patients and caregivers 24x7 with whatever they are facing, we support places like Hope Lodge that serves as a place for patients to stay for free when they have to travel away from home for treatments, and for research.  They have been some great news in the field of cancer treatments this past year, but more is needed.  I need help finding the right solution to get my cancer under control.

Here's a video introduction for how the "Pie in the Face" Challenge came about and how it works.



The Donation page should look like this at secure.acsevents.org


What to do when you are challenged

  • You find 2 people willing to make a tax deductible donation to American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay For Life for Director Dan’s team for the right smack you with a “Pie in the Face”.  Note: If you have a couple of kids, grandkids, or others who you want to smack you with the "Pie in the Face" , feel free to make the donations yourself, have fun with it, the kids will probably enjoy it just as much, check out the video, my wife and kids loved it and they;re adult children!
  • Each person who agrees to make the donation, I recommend a minimum of $5.00, but more is totally acceptable.  Use only the link above to make the donation so it goes to the right place and is credited to this challenge correctly.
  • Take pictures and or a video when you get the "Pie in the Face" Post them to social media and link back to this page (you can use http://bit.ly/Relaypieintheface - the name IS case sensitive).  Use the hashtag #RelayPieintheFace
  • Most importantly, you then challenge 2 people to take the challenge themselves.  They don't have to be the same two people that smacked you with a "Pie in the Face".  You do need to follow up with them, if either backs out and does not complete the challenge within a week, please challenge someone else.

But I Don't Want a Pie in My Face!

Bummer, can't you play along and help us out with the cause?  Some may just not want to.  Our suggestion is that you buy your way out by making the donation yourself, pie or no pie, however, please try to find 2 others nevertheless.

If you are the one that challenged the person that doesn't want to participate, please try to find two others that will participate, that is how we can really help.

It’s each challenged person goal to find 2 people who will accept the challenge.  This can run through the end of the RFL season, ending about Sept 30, 2020.

- - -

Join and support my Relay For Life Team at: http://bit.ly/JoinTeamDan2019
Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us
Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/2JoinDan

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

Friday, October 18, 2019

Some Days are Just Better Days


I'd have to say that yesterday was just one of those better days.  Finally a day when more things were right than wrong, and it felt good.It all started when I received a call from my oncology scheduler at Dana-Farber called to say they got me in for an appointment on Monday, that's huge to me.  It's been so frustrating trying to get this appointment ever since my most recent MRI suggested changes in my treatment were in order.  Still a few days away, but at least we are a step closer to next steps.

We've begun fundraising for Relay For Life 2020 and I have some exciting things planned or in the works, at least I think they are exciting.  The best thing you can do right now is just join my Relay team.  You can do that be going to My Relay 2020 page.  As a cancer survivor and fighter, you know that when cancer strikes, it hits from all sides. It takes a wealth of support, services, and treatment options to fight back. The American Cancer Society works 24/7 to provide all of these, and much more. I would be honored if you would join my Relay For Life team and help us in the fight against cancer.  If you'd like to help me with the fundraising, its easy peasy ... just connect with me and we'll figure out what you're best at or enjoy doing.  Things you might enjoy could be walking or running in a 5K; baking and hosting a bake sale; hosting a Scentsy catalog fundraiser; bike riding; playing corn hole; coordinating a restaurant dinner event; ANYTHING you might like doing I can help you make it into a fundraiser.  How about a paint and sip party?



- - -

Join and support my Relay For Life Team at: http://bit.ly/JoinTeamDan2019
Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us
Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/2JoinDan

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


Tuesday, October 15, 2019

A Better Day, of Sorts


I thought I might make a short video post to follow up on my Renewed Death Sentence announcement the other day.  Although still trying to get through all that, I'm working to keep on living a happy life.  I just don't feel well and am very frustrated as I continue to learn about this mysterious rat bastard many refer to as cancer.  Had my local oncologist not stopped further chemo treatments, I would have started my 23rd round today, and today is the best I have felt since finishing round 22, 12 days ago, not that I'm perfect by any means, but today, is a much better day than even yesterday.

We are in the midst of peak leaf color in this part of New England, in fact, coming to a fast end of peak color.  We decided to take a picnic lunch to the Windsor Dam here in Belchertown which is at the southern end of the Quabbin Reservoir.  It was a nice day out, first time we actually ever visited there in the 14 years we have been living here.  If I hadn't been so tired, it would have been a great walk.

As we returned to the starting point, Carol went along by herself to go get the car, I was pretty wiped out from the short walk, less than half way across the dam, which I think is about a 1/2 mile long.  Nevertheless, I wanted to record a video to let everyone know I was OK and that the fight continues.


Not as upbeat and positive as I hoped, but, it is what it is.  I'm doing fine, just very frustrated at the moment at the lack of things going well for a change.  Still no call from Dana-Farber to set up an appointment.  My truck remains in the garage being worked on, since last Thursday.  Today, our outgoing mail is stolen from our mail box and several other people's outgoing mail is deposited in our mail box, all opened and checks removed from payments being mailed by our neighbors.  Just one hassle after another.

On a good note, got to Facetime with my son and 2 grandsons today, that is always a great pleasure, they are so cute!  Wish I had the energy to be with them more while I have the chance.

Lastly, thank you.  Thank you for hanging in there with me through this journey, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Your continued words of encouragement are never ending and I so much appreciate you.  I want to send a huge shout out to my old Navy buddy Rich, he is constantly there for me on Marco Polo, I need to dig up the energy to send him replies ...  thanks Rich for always being there.  To Doug, you ROCK buddy.

- - -

Join and support my Relay For Life Team at: http://bit.ly/JoinTeamDan2019
Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us
Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/2JoinDan

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





A Renewed Death Sentence of Sorts

I had n MRI and CT scans 2 days ago and received a call from the local oncologist which essentially made me feel like I had just received a renew death sentence.  Nothing in the call was positive and nothing that I had hoped and prayed for.  My local doctor had spoken with my lead oncologist at Dana-Farber and said they both felt the cancer had progressed, although not running rampant, and all my tumors had grown.  This sucks.

She said that it appeared that my cancer had built up an immunity to the chemo (FOL-Firi) I had been receiving for the last 11 rounds and was no longer responding.  I really don't get and understand that because ever since my liver resection to remove the original tumors on my liver, my CEA scores and blood work all seemed to be going in the right direction.  I guess that's part of what make cancer so mysterious, the rat bastard.

Further, my local doctor said she did not feel that surgery to remove the tumors was an option.  What?  Why not?  I was told that too much would have to be removed and they were concerned that putting me through the surgery and then having the possibility of a new tumor starting was worth it.  On the surface, I can't say I can grasp that logic, but I don't have all the information yet to really make that decision.  The logical part of me says anytime you remove the cancer, how can it be a bad thing?  Isn't part of the problem with cancerous tumors compared to non-cancerous tumors is that pieces break off, can land somewhere else, and start a new growth?  I need expert advice on this.

 No more chemo for the foreseeable future.  I'm still waiting to get the appointment with my Boston doctor scheduled to see what she has to offer or suggest, to see if there have been any breakthroughs and a clinical trial at some location may be available... I will go anywhere that offers hope.

I really hated to hear what she had to say and was optimistic that it would be better news seeing that blood work, CEA numbers, and other factors had seemed to be improving.  My tiredness hasn't been a consistence improvement, in fact, quite the opposite this past week, but, nevertheless, I was hoping for better news.  I am really sadden at my renewed feeling of the death sentence that I felt in February 2018 at my original diagnosis.  I'm going to try to stay positive and know that I am in the hands of God and live what ever days I have left in happiness and to make a difference in your lives in a positive way, shape, and form too.  Do NOT put off any screenings you are due for, early detection can save your life and or extend it  I need and want another 15-20 years to make a difference in this world.

I'm honestly surprised at how I am feeling.  Sadden yes, but not violently angry.  Unlike Alex Trebeck, I am not satisfied with the good life I have lived thus far ... I want to feel better before its over, do many of the things I once did, and most of the things I yet want to accomplish.

I was honored to be part of a radio talk show a week or so ago talking a little about my journey and Relay For Life (RFL).  The American Cancer Society (ACS) does so many good things and is one of the leaders in research along with others, such as Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund.  Last night it was my pleasure to support "Real Men Wear Pink of Western Massachusetts" by having dinner at Texas Roadhouse in Springfield, MA.  Looks like another branch of raising funds for ACS I can be more a part of next year.  Of all the great things done by ACS, I'm now a big advocate of research to find was to stem and manage cancer, especially in kids!

How can you help and how can you get involved with Relay For Life?  First let me say, there is a way for everyone to help, no matter what reason you think you can't help.  What is something you excel at?  Maybe not even excel at, something you like to do?  Do you bake and could host a bake sale in front of a local grocery store?  Do you love playing horse shoes and could help put together a small, local horse shoe competition?  Are you a sports umpire or referee and would volunteer your time to do a few games and donate the pay to RFL?  Could you help host and coordinate a Scentsy fundraiser with a group or sports team ... I can make it happen.  How about hosting a paint and sip party with your friends?  I have the resources to help you make that happen as well.Think of something that interest you and lets make it happen.  Start by joining my Relay For Life team, it cost you nothing.  Donate if you wish or let's talk about something you could do.  You can sign up or make a tax deductible donation at my 2020 Relay page by clicking HERE.

Please, don't feel bad for me and the twist that my journey is now taking me on, but please do support my causes:


Why, because it is what we as humans can do to truly make a difference.  Making a difference in the lives of those around us, in our world, and because it is really the right thing to do.  It doesn't need to be just your money, your time, efforts, and support are all just as important.

Thanks for being there with me on this journey, you are what keeps me going.

- - -

Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us
Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/2JoinDan
Check out the DirectorDan Happenings page at: http://DirectorDan.com

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






Friday, October 4, 2019

I need your help for Make-A-Wish

On Tuesday, October 1st, I went to start my 22nd round of chemo to fight off my stage 4 colon cancer.  It is a battle I will not quit.  I an focused and able to fight the beast within me.  Unfortunately, the battle with cancer has its highs and its lows.  The days leading up to this round were at the very low.  But fight it I will.

I will not give up telling my story and doing everything I can do to help others.  I especially want to help those who could be facing a similar challenge as I am.  However, there are those facing challenges I can't even imagine.  In this case, I'm talking children.  It tears me apart thinking of what some of these young people are going through, and they are so tough and are amazing fighters.  I know they have low points in their fights as well.

As a Scentsy Independent Consultant for nearly 10 years. I thought November 2, 2019 will mark my 10th year, but in fact, it will mark the start of my 10th year ... the chemo brain is messing with my math.  Back to the topic I want to share.  

Imagine a world where your wildest, most fantastical wish can come true. Make-A-Wish® brings that special kind of magic to life every day — for children who need it most. Because we believe happy, healthy families build vibrant communities.


I'm asking you to join us in supporting Make-A-Wish America, dedicated to granting the wish of every child diagnosed with a critical illness. From Sept. 1, 2019 to Feb. 29, 2020, Scentsy will donate $7 USD from the sale of each Disney Tinker Bell: Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust – Scentsy Warmer to Make-A-Wish, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $100,000.

I'm not stopping there.  I would normally earn about $11.25 for the sale of each of these warmers I sell.  I will donate that entire commission to Make-A-Wish America as it is paid to me, thanks to you!  As I fight me fight with cancer, I want to help these kids fight the fight they are facing too. Won't you help?

I have taken 8 orders in the last 2 days and I can't thank those who have ordered enough.  One order was in fact from another Scentsy Independent Consultant, who could have easily ordered it herself and keep the commissions - but she stepped up as many of us consultants do and are paying it forward.   We live by Scentsy's mission statement: To bring value to the world by providing an industry-leading, family-friendly business opportunity selling creative, artistic, high-quality products that Warm the Heart, Enliven the Senses and Inspire the Soul.  That's how many of us roll,

So, do you buy birthday gifts?  How about Christmas presents?  Get Well flowers?  Any kind of thank you, from the soul kind of gift?  Why not a Tinker Bell, Faith, Trust, and Pixie dust warmer?  If you do that, you'd be giving double - to those you love and a child in need.  It doesn't get any better than that.  If you just have no one else to give a warmer too, connect with me and I'll make arrangements to get it to a person in need, from you.  Perhaps a child at Shriner's Children Hospital in Springfield where I have given before.  We can do this.  You can order the warmer, and maybe some wax bars by clicking here and ordering today.

I have a lofty goal of 500 warmers by the end of next February, 2020.  Thanks about 100 per month ... I need your help in even sharing the message, won't you help, share on social media, tell your friends, have a Tinker Bell party!  I'll help you!

Not to bring this message to a downer, but I want to share a video message I made in the middle of the night before my chemo infusion this week.  I am in much better shape than I was when I recorded this, but I want to be honest, fighting the beast within is not always an easy task, but I will prevail and I will keep fighting, not just for me, but for those kids who need us fighting for them too.



- - -

Join and support my Relay For Life Team at: http://bit.ly/JoinTeamDan2019
Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/2JoinDan

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





Thursday, September 19, 2019

A Long Over Due "Cancer Life" Update

I haven't written much about my journey with Stage 4 Colon Cancer lately, that I recall anyway. The fight continues and things appear to be looking better ... I feel somewhat better, still tired a very lot, but, on other fronts, things are moving in the right direction. I will fight this beast into the ground.
Thank you for the constant words of encouragement, your positive thoughts, and love you have shared... it means so much more than you can even imagine. Why? Because it is not all fun and roses ... there are many days, it is tough to put on the positive happy face and appear that all is good. A week or so ago, I was almost not online at all, very few post, just hidden away in a tired misery, I couldn't help it. I was an emotional wreck. So many of you asked how things were and where I was, I found it very hard to even respond, and in many cases, I did not. I'm sorry, like being on a roller coaster, sometimes you're up, other times your down. It was a bad week mentally, physically, and emotionally. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I'd love to thank each and every one of you personally, yet I can't mention any names, because there are so many supporting me and I don't want to miss anyone ... childhood friends from high school I haven't seen in years, thank you ... my Scentsy family friends, from the very top head quarters people to the many, many I haven't even personally met yet - I will be in Salt Lake City next year for my 10 year walk! Thank you. So many co-workers and friends from my work career, I appreciate you all so much, Thank you. Also my newest Relay For Life family of friends, what a support group you all are ... I'm ready for Relay 2020, Thank you. Lastly, to my Marco Polo connections, even though I don't often get a response back to you, I love hearing and seeing your messages - so encouraging. Thank you. And to all of you who may not fall into one of those groups, you are just amazing friends and supporters, thank you. Now promise me, all of you, get screened! Colonoscopies save men and women's lives! You lady friends, you have more screening to do, do NOT put them off, early detection is key.

Here's a great bit of information I read tonight about colorectal cancer, it wouldn't hurt for you to take a look at "Colorectal Cancer Myths and Common Questions

I finished my 21st round of chemo today and am looking forward to the day ahead where I might be able to have a reprieve and step away from chemo for a while, and really begin to feel "alive and well", that day is coming. My blood work numbers aren't perfect, but they have been constantly headed towards normal even since Dr McCleary (my lead oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Center in Boston) changed my chemo dosage to a level that matched what my body could handle without putting me in the hospital every few weeks, I'm really thankful for that. I am blessed that she also found fault with my attitude that at least I was alive and not pushing up daisy's. She is working too get me to a point of not only being alive, but feeling good too rather than just existing. I really appreciate that and the boost it gave to my spirits.

I've more of less regained my appetite, I seem to eat everything in sight. Including some things I perhaps shouldn't be eating or drinking, but, I'm working on that. I have gained several pounds back that I had lost, I'm thinking a few more than I really wanted too so I continue to try to control that, but, I feel good and I feel alive!

Through all this, I've had my best 2 months in operating my Scentsy business that I have had since my diagnosis - I am fighting through this and keep the business moving forward. Have you ever thought about a part time job (although I don't consider Scentsy a part time job at all), an extra payday between now and Christmas - you can join with my this month only, September 2019 - for only $15.00 and you will receive much more than that in product and supplies just by giving it a chance. I'm here to go with you every step of the way. Let's talk about it soon! Lastly, we have been hard at work transforming a house - sort of like our own "Fixer Upper" - its been a complete transformation and we are really proud of the outcome. Watch for the before and after story that will be coming soon - Our completing date has been set for September 27th. So proud of this work and how it has helped me, even though some days I can be found napping in the car sitting in the driveway! It's been a labor of love.

Thank you once again, for all you are to me in this life - I choose to be happy and live well.

- - -
Join and support my Relay For Life Team at: http://bit.ly/JoinTeamDan2019
Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us
Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/2JoinDan

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

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Not All Days Are Great Days, but, Always Look For the Silver and Gold Linings

As good of a day as I had last Monday (when I connected with Dana-Farber), the last 3 days have been pretty tired and wiped out days.  It's the way it goes when you are sick I guess.  I'm so frustrated about the lack of energy.  It seems like I sleep all the time.  I even slept through game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals ... my Bruins fell a bit short, but they had a great season.  Congrats to the St. Louis Blues on their first Stanley Cup Championship ... you earned it (dang it).

Wendi after doing her cartwheel 2019
Although I feel exhausted, there are still many good things in my life, the golden moments.  I wish I could share with you a video my friend, and Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Northeast Region, Wendi Weber made for her birthday.  She says "My goal is to do a cartwheel every birthday until the end. So grateful to celebrate another year".  As cancer survivors, it is all about celebrating more birthdays.  I guess I've got until December to figure out what fun thing I can do to celebrate my next one too.  
Her words to me mean so much during this time that it is so easy to slip into that dreaded "fear factor" that comes with the territory.  Her words echo what I have tried to do with this story and blog, to provide courage and inspiration to other on the journey.  She said "We are in this together. I am here to provide any support and encouragement I can. Staying in the space of gratitude and having goals are so helpful for me. Whether the goals are by the minute, day or month it helps to move forward. Stay strong and positive and know you are loved and supported.  Thanks Wendi for the inspiration, friendship, care, and compassion.

My second good thing this week was an email from my sister Karen.  She forwarded me a blog post from Pastor Rick's current teaching series titled "How God Turns Setbacks Into Comebacks".  Pastor Rick says "When Elijah faced that experience, God led him to do three things that helped him recover—and they’re things that can help you recover, too, when you’re at the end of your rope".  He goes on to give me a reason why I am so tired all the time when he says "In the world’s most famous psalm, the Bible says of God, “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (Psalm 23:2 NIV). Sometimes God must make you lie down because you’re unwilling to do it on your own. You can’t be spiritually and emotionally strong while you’re physically depleted".  Check it out, it's worth the read.

Lastly, a video message I recorded yesterday, when I was on day 2 of being really tired as I am again today.  I did get a few things done, but, not feeling like I use to yet.  Come on energy!


Until tomorrow or some day soon ...

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Tuesday, June 11, 2019

I Found A New Starting Place

A couple weeks ago I received news that no one ever wants to hear from their doctor "There's nothing more we can do for you".  Why those may not be the exact spoken words, those are the words that I heard and felt.  It was 
devastating.  Mad as hell, I beat the crap out of a couple trees, broke a few balusters from the new deck railings, wrecked my hand, and screamed at the top of my lungs.  It wasn't fun.  It was allowing my emotions to run out of control.

Fast forward a few weeks and I am good.  I have broken out of the fear I have been locked in for the past year and a half.  I got my head back on straight.  We met with an oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DF) I had seen a while back to review my case ... Dr Nadine McCleary, and I'm so happy to be working with her again, and my entire team of women!  She does NOT believe there is nothing more to do ... in fact, she thinks there are lots of things we can do.  Those changes are underway.

I was glad to be there the moment Dr. McCleary stepped into the room ... nothing but positivity and an action plan already in her head.  I was super excited, so much so, after leaving DF, I called Massachusetts General and cancelled my appointment there for next week.  I don't think there is anything they could have offered at this point I think would be a better plan that what we had at DF.

This is what I sent to my kids following my appointment: "Just leaving DF and very happy with the conversation with Dr McCleary ... she wasn’t happy they told me there was nothing more they can do. She is putting be back on the same chemo but at a much lower dose.  Also getting rid of neulasta and doing something else instead ... saves $22K per infusion, insurance companies will probably like that.  Going to redo the genetic/molecular study to see if there were any changes ... there is probably more, Cooch will update, but, over all, very happy with the appointment and being there.  They also took 2 tubes of blood to doing some kind of tumor marker that is different than CEA I guess .... looking for weird molecules in my blood ... said it was sort of a quick form of the genetic kind of testing, looking for bad cells."

Cooch, my wife Carol, clarified and explained a bit more to the kids for me, saying: "The initial plan is for Dad to do four rounds of chemo. The irinotecan (chemo) will be administered at a much lower dose and another chemo drug, Avastin will be added. As Dad mentioned, no longer getting the shot of  neulasta after chemo (too hard in the body).  

Dad needs to meet with Dr Ferrone again (liver surgeon at MGH) so she’s aware there are more lesions in his liver. Surgery is highly likely down the road.  Depends on how the lesions respond to the newer rounds of chemo. 

Once the blood work results come back (two weeks), Dr McCleaey will also use those results to see if there are clinical trials available for the over 450 markers they are testing.  Dr McCleary will also be requesting the liver biopsies taken on 12/31 and 4/2 undergo additional testing so she has more information about the specific makeup of Dad’s cancer.  That’s all I can remember for now. If you have any questions let me know and I will do my best to answer them. Love you all!!"

Lastly, I have a new supply of RSO and will be restarting the RSO protocol of ingesting 60 grams of high THC concentrate within 90 days.  It is very interesting that I completed this protocol once, reaching my daily target of 1 gram per day.  During the entire first round of RSO, I really don't feel it "hit" me like many said it should.  I've heard that everyone reacts a bit differently.  On Saturday, I started with a 0.28 gram capsule (that we made and used during the first go around).  Two hours later, while sitting in a restaurant, it hit me, like a ton of bricks.  Nothing like I had felt ever during the first round.  It was weird and a bit scary, I was out of control.  Nothing in a bad way, but, as my son might have said, "I was baked".  I didn't like it and I'm going back to start a slow workup again.



OK, so this will be my "lastly" item for this post.  You've probably heard me preach about getting screened - "Colonoscopies Save Lives"!  I already have cancer, do I need a colonoscopy?  You bet.  I had both an endoscopy and colonoscopy a week or so ago.  Two polyps found, taken and biopsied.  I just expected them to be cancerous, but they weren't.  They were precancerous and it circumvented them becoming more cancer within me.  The point - get screened, for all types that there are test for, at least colonoscopy, mammogram and PAP Smears ...  what ever applies, just get with your doctor.



I guess I should make sure my hair looks better so I maintain these good looks everyone keeps telling me about ... until next time ...

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Thursday, June 6, 2019

It's Been A Good Day

Short and sweet tonight, I promise. #LetTheFightBegin.  Best day in a long time.  Still short on energy and endurance, but, that;s coming back slowly as your well wishes, prayers, and divine intervention is doing it's job.


The plan is coming together:
  • An appointment with my Boston area oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) - Dr. Jill Allen is set for June 17th
  • An appointment with my oncologist at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Colon and Rectal Cancer Center - Dr. Nadine McCleary is set for June 10th
  • A redoing the RSO protocol (60g of high THC, greater than 70% within a 90 day window) 
  More to come.
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Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Just Me Rambling About Potential Treatments

Just a bit of rambling today, not a lot of substance, it's just how the day went.  Spoke with my local oncologist and met with my local oncology Physicians Assistant today, along with speaking with my built in second opinion, the amazing Dr. Steve Paul (one of my awesome brother-in-laws).  With the best caregiver I could have hoped for, we have come up with a plan of attack.  #LetTheFightBegin.


The rough plan includes:
  • Reconnecting with my Boston area oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) - Dr. Jill Allen with hopes for a clinical trial or other approach she might suggest.
  • Reconnecting with an oncologist I asked to review my diagnosis and treatment plan several months ago - Dr. Nadine McCleary at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Colon and Rectal Cancer Center. 
  • Connecting with MD Anderson Hospital in Houston in search of clinical trails I may be eligible for.
  • A redo of the RSO protocol (60g of high THC, greater than 70% within a 90 day window) ... this is subject of a whole other post over in my CanCannaCure.com blog.  More to come.
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