Welcome the the rest of your life

One thing that was said to me in my youth, I don't remember by who, but kinda stuck was "Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life." 
At the time I thought well that was dumb.  Of course its the first day of the rest of my life, just like yesterday was the same thing and tomorrow will be the same thing too.

What I didn't realize is that knowing this and understanding what it meant was empowering.  Every day you wake up and get going, is another day you have to make a difference, change your destiny, or just lay back in bed and do nothing.  By the way all of which are acceptable depending on the day and the reasons for doing each.

Today feels like one of those days.  The last week has been extra stressful coming up to the scans.  So far I have been able to dodge the cancer bullet, for having treatment.  Getting our news today was both concerning and refreshing. 

************* No new tumors and minimal growth in the active tumor I have!**************

So there is the news.  If that is what you wanted to know, you may quit reading now.  If you want the rest of the story, by all means, carry on. :)

The cancer has increased in size a little over the last four months.  It is now 9mmX8mm.  Not quite 1cm, that is the magic number where we start looking at treatments.  So another four months of no treatments.  WOO HOO!!!!!!!

There are some concerns about my thyroid which has given me problems in the past, but nothing a little hormone therapy wont help.  So more tests and wait to hear on that.

Obviously you can guess the refreshing part was little growth and no new tumors. 
The concerning part has to do with my heart.

I met with my cardiologist today as well.

My numbers didn't look as good as he wants, but due to my recent surgeries he will let it slide with a slight reprimand.  There are some concerns with my weight, which is over, and my numbers which are high.  So I need to make some changes and work harder at getting less plump.  (I know skinny will never be a word that describes me.)

So good news on the cancer front, and nothing bad, just concerning on the heart front.

Happy July!!!!!

Ok, I realize my posts are becoming less and less frequent.  But this is a good thing right?  We had a stellar, non-police involved Fourth of July celebration.  I love fireworks.  Funny story this year.  As some of you may know, Utah has legalized class C fireworks, like aerials.  Ok exactly aerials.  I love them!!!  Here is the funny story I mentioned.  I go and buy fireworks.  Not a whole lot but enough to have fun.  I lit them in the field behind my house that was recently watered.  Sending showers of freedom and independence into the air.  My family and friends on the other side of the hedge, squealing with delight (or so I thought).  What was really happening was they were screaming because the cardboard shrapnel from the awesome fireworks was raining down on them.  So I logically assumed that they were having the same amount of enjoyment as myself.  Therefore I kept on lighting the fireworks.  With each exploding aerial display, a holler of glee was coming from the backyard.  After the grand finally I glimpsed to the back yard and nary a soul was in it.  They had all retreated to the front yard for safety and good viewing purposes.  No one was injured or hurt and fun was had by all.  Next year will be bigger and badder, and farther from the house.

Ok, I had scans the other day and I realized something... I do have a reaction to the MRI contrast.  It makes me really tired.  Laying on the scan table for a few hours makes my hip not work properly too.  Hopefully there will be good news on Tuesday after I meet with my doctor. 

So until Tuesday, I bid you adieu and Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.
Andy