"For What it's Worth"

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

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:

My Relay For Life Team by joining and or donating
My Tinker Bell warmer fundraiser for Make-A-Wish America to help kids with illnesses
By hosting a Scentsy Party and or fundraiser for Relay For Life

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.

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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/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.

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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.

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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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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, 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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