Wow, over 5 years have passed, what a crazy ride its been. (and continues to be)

Sooo much has happened in the last 5 years.  Peggy, who is as awesome and sexy as ever is on her way back to Fielding Elementary to teach this coming Fall.  I have a dream job where I get to go to China occasionally and speak Chinese most days.  Shaeli and Josh are married and have a beautiful daughter Ezzy.  Morgan has come back from his mission to Germany, and works and lives in Logan.  Caity works in Logan, and as Ezzy (the granddaughter) puts it, "has a man", she has also bought a horse and is now training it.

Ok, I think that was the down and dirty of it all.  (I know there is way more than that but hopefully, I can keep blogging and getting you all up to date.)

First off, I know, I'm still alive!!!!  Who'd a thunk it?

The last few years have not been without trials.  But let's start backwards, shall we.

The start of 2021 was a rough one.  It started with me going in the hospital with Covid. I was intubated and put under for a week, then a week later I came home(that's 2 weeks in the hospital for those counting along at home).  The Dr.'s thought it was crazy that given my health problems with my lungs I was able to recover so quickly.  But you know me, I like to fight for my life.

It is now May, and I am still dealing with the ramifications of having had covid.  I was able to start back to work on April 1, but I am still on oxygen when I go out and about, and when I sleep.  I am working on getting my breathing back so I can play with Ezzy more.  

I know this is short for being gone so long, but I will try to make more updates and catch you all up.

Merry Christmas and have a lovely day,

Love, Andy

Friends, Family, and Neighbors make the world go round

So, still on the nostalgia train.  I must acknowledge how lucky of a person I have been throughout my life.  I have had the opportunity to learn from many different people, sometimes what not to do, but primarily the right thing to do.  The tenacity of being held to the same standards to others no matter size or ability is a very valuable trait, for which I thank Stacy and Tyler for showing me that in highschool on the football field every practice and every game.

When I moved from council, I thought my world had come crashing down.  Just a few weeks after we moved, I went to work for a farmer and had a stack of hay fall on me and shatter my leg.  So, there I was, a new kid in a place where most of the adults knew who I was because that was where my parents were from.  Laid up, on pain pills, (kinda like right now - minus the pain pills) and a couple of young men stepped up and befriended the weird kid who always wore his football jersey.  Phil would come over on a frequent basis and sit with me and play nintendo while I was drugged up.  As dumb as this sounds, it started a relationship where he has saved me on many more levels than he ever could have imagined.  Sam was another one who has been a stalwart friend.  Working beside me, getting in trouble, and having a lot of fun. Wes, Jed, Brandon, Stephen, and many other great guys in Trenton welcomed me in.  Not to mention all the girls. They treated me pretty good as well.

This has gotten away from where I originally wanted to go. So sorry for the abrupt change in flow.

Through high school, my LDS mission to Taiwan, my schooling and my family. People have always looked out for me.  I have always tried to be a friend to everyone I met, and still do.  I hope that through some ignorant act I have not offended,nor caused anyone harm. I am humbled on a regular basis, daily, on how many people reach out to check up on me and my family and wish us the best.  There was a time that I was always trying to help others, and giving service on a regular basis.  I must confess, in the last 5 years I have become indebted to all of the great people around me.  I look what I have done for others, and in return what others have done for me and stand head bowed as an unworthy person, grateful, but unworthy.

I guess what I really want to convey is a truly heartfelt thanks.  Thanks for all of the love and support that you all have given me and my family over the years. I pray I may have the opportunity to give some of that back.
Thank you, Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.
Love Andy Layne

Looking back - An appreciation for nostalgia

As I look back over my life, I can't help but recall some of the people who had an influence in my life. One of the best times in my life was when I lived in Council Idaho, and the fierce friendships that have developed and have endured over the years from those few people from the most awesome place on earth.  The lessons of religion, or politics not mattering.  It was as simple as having common morals and ethics, working together to be happy and have a good time. Friends that taught me the importance of knowing things. Like baseball stats, and geographical information.  The only reason I know how many feet are in a mile is because of Ryan Hatfield.  He knew so many numbers and could recall them at an instant. I felt I needed to memorize something, so it was the mile.  David Fisk a true friend if ever I had one. We had tons of fun together, worked hard beside one another so we could go goof off , it didn't matter whose chores needed to be done, the important thing was hanging out.  Christy, Alta, Shari, Tammy, and the other Tammy, Kala, Heather, and the other Christy, Tangi, I know I am forgetting a few all helped me to talk to girls. Which at the time I didn't realize how important that one little thing would be in my life.  And many many more I don't have the brain capacity to name. Many church and civic leaders, my friends parents. And I can't forget Glen, a mountain of a man even in the eighth grade, who is one of the kindest people you could ever meet.  Last but not least was Jason, who was always up for anything.  He just wanted to be going and have everyone going along with him.

Now if I didn't mention your name don't think you are forgotten, and if you feel I mis-remembered you, well there is a comments section.

Anyway, the reason for this post is I wanted to thank some of the people in my life who have done little things for me that have had a dramatic long term affect on me.  Part of it might be the pain pills talking, the other might be the lack of sleep.  No matter the reason, I have realized the last few days how someone in an instant or a few hours can have a life changing impact on you, or rather, me.
I recently found that when coming out of anesthesia, I am well, a little unpredictable and very much unlike myself in some ways and overly like myself in others.  I swore a bunch, was a smart aleck, told a guy he was satan because I was in hell.  And through it all the icu staff at huntsman still managed to continue helping me through their laughter and good times of working with a senile young (getting closer to middle aged) man. Their help made a huge difference in my state of health. Even though it was just 12 hrs at a time.  Many I never saw again and will probably not have the chance to meet again.
So to all of you who are working hard at what you do. To be the best everyday. I offer my humble thanks and sincere gratitude for making a small difference in someone's life, even though you may not have the chance the hear it from those you help.  As a kid who moved around a lot, my first real home in my memory, even though it was just a few years, is Council Idaho, the home of the Lumberjacks!

I know other places have treated me very good as well, but that is for another time.

Merry Christmas, and have a lovely day,
Love, Andy Layne

Holy hell and hand grenades

well, to start off, I am on drugs while I post this.  It all started with me getting am iv then not giving a darn for about 26 hrs. Some of you may know that I usually have interesting recovery stories. This time is no different.
But we need to back up a little. Also keep in mind I am using my iPad and it has autocorrect so it makes my semi illiterate words totally illiterate. E
When they got inside they found that my tumor that was supposed to me 9mm.  About the size of a fingernail, it ended up being somewhere between a goofball and a baseball. So they had to do a complete lower left lobectomy not sure what it is but it has turned me into a cyborg with tubes coming out of my chest. (Sorry for the visual). They said I was not happy with one of the nurses. His name is Matt. If you remember. Matt was the same nurse that wouldn't look for my cat when I ripped out my iv while doing IL2. I also spoke a little Chinese to the Drs and nurses. The day nurse said I was doing really well. They wanted me to do three laps. When she left I had done 7. I have now done ten with a goal of twenty by midnight. Which will be a mile. Let's see what happens.  The dr seems to think that I might be able to come home  Saturday even with the lobectomy. Prayers and good thoughts are appreciated. And keep the dr.s and nurses at huntsman in you prayers too please.
Merry Christmas and have a lovely day,
Love Andy

Humbled once again

As I sit in my living room unable to sleep and stress level through the roof, I can't help but acknowledge the amount of love and support I feel from all of you, my friends and family.  I have some greatly mixed feelings.  Not really keen about having surgery again, especially having part of my lungs removed.  But I am really excited about the notion of being cancer free.  The timing is less than optimal. With the kids starting school, and Peggy starting a new job as a Special Ed teacher. I can't help but think, "what the hell am I doing?"  Then I remember this wasn't a rash decision. Lots of time on my knees praying, doing a lot of research into the procedure, doctors answering endless questions, (I know the questions weren't endless or I would still be asking them.)  This has been helpful, I just fell asleep while typing. I am heading to bed.



Oh I almost forgot, Caity got asked to homecoming tonight. She is excited, so it must be a good thing, ;)

Merry Christmas and have a lovely day,
Andy Layne

A change, for the better we hope

I apologize for my infrequent posting this year.  It has been a crazy year.  First the life impacting information then how things have been going for the year.

I had scans last week, and met with my doctor this week.  My tumor has shown some minimal growth while decreasing in metabolic activity.
What does this mean, no real change, so the tumor is still stable.

After counselling with my cancer doctors, we are looking at surgery to remove the tumor.  I have already met with the surgeon and his team.  We (and I say we because it will affect my whole family) will be having surgery on September 9th.  So prayers would be appreciated.  I will be having a resection of my left lower lobe.  We are hoping for a quick recovery and the good news is I will be cancer free.  Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Since my last post Peggy has graduated and has accepted a teaching position at Three Mile Creek in Perry Utah as the special education teacher.  I credit myself a lot for preparing her for this job.  Primarily the challenges I give her on a daily basis.

This kids start school on Monday, Caity is a senior and Morgan is a sophomore.  Shaeli is finishing up school for being a medical billing a coding person.  Things are going really good right now.  My health insurance business is continually getting better.  Even with the uncertainty of having surgery we are optimistic of how things are going.  I will try to keep you up to date on how the surgery goes.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Lovely Day.
Andy.

Super Bowl Sunday, Hooray!!! who's playing again?

I made it before the month was over, I know its the last day, but I made it.  Goings on:  Peggy is doing her student teaching, Shaeli is working as subway still, Caity and Morgan are being studious and learning.  And I am working hard at selling Health Insurance.  So if you need health insurance give me a ring.  435-230-0278.  I might be able to help.

Ok enough of the sales pitch.

We have been working hard at keeping some new years resolutions.  Peggy's is to have me lose weight and eat healthier.  Mine is to make Peggy Happy.

Through the goodness of others (thanks Ron and Joan)  we have acquired a Bowflex Treadmaster.  It has been kicking my butt a half hour at a time.  Peggy, Shaeli, and I have been using it to see how the three different body types respond to the exercise.  I have lost several pounds and a few inches.  My goal for the year is to lose about 20 pounds, this machine has helped me jump start my year.

I have scans the beginning of March.  So we are hoping for no new tumors and if there is any growth it needs to be less than 20% of my last scans.  If we can fall in these parameters that would mean no treatment for a while.  As always my goal is 10 years from today.  Lots of love to you all and thanks for your concern and prayers.

Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.

Andy

If its not broke, mess with it for a while and it will be.

First off, thank you to all of those I have ran into this Christmas season and mentioned that you keep up with us by reading the blog.  This made me realize I need to try and post a little more frequent.  This holiday season has been great!  Going back to Thanksgiving, spending time with family, laughing, joking, and sharing memories of years past.  This year Peggy's family made balkenbrij.    With all of her Uncles and Aunt together, it was a lot of fun being with them for an afternoon.  And the balkenbrij was wonderful, especially sliced thin, fried and on toast.  Mmmmm, mmmmm, good!  This recipe was derived from the Dutch Gods who thought lets throw all this in a pan and see if its edible.  Total winner on this one.

With Christmas coming fast and close on the heals of Thanksgiving we had to plan getting the house Christmasified.  It has long been a family tradition of putting the Christmas tree up the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  We missed it by about a week.  But got it up none the less.  We also opted to simplify this year.  We overdid inside and didn't put up anything outside.  I like doing this a lot.  It made the house feel a lot warmer with all the lights up and other nick-nacks setting around.  

We also had some really emotional times this Christmas.  We had some wonderful Angels do a "doorbell ditch" and leave a big box of wrapped presents on our front porch.  It was for the 12 days of Christmas.  The kids were so excited, there was a note that said open now.  So the kids started opening the presents that night.  About halfway through we realized it was for the 12 days of Christmas and discussed what to do now that half of the gifts were open.  They chose to open them all and make sure that we do stuff every night as a family.  The best part of all of this is the realization that through all that is going on this season, that there are still people who have our happiness on the front of their minds.  We also had one other Angel drop some stuff off at our house.  Lets just say, we had some major blessings this year and some prayers were answered.  I can definitely say that God hears our prayers and uses everyday people like you and me to answer those prayers.  I thank Heaven for those who listen to the inspiration from the Lord to have a good impact in others lives.  We took some time this Christmas to discuss how important it is to pay it forward.  Because there may always be a time when situations out of your control put you in a position where others may pay it forward to you.  

As the new year approaches, we have the opportunity to set goals and resolutions for the upcoming year.  I encourage you to set lofty goals that  you have control over.  I will be posting another blog when I get my goals finalized.  I know one of them will be to blog more consistently.  I enjoy sharing things with my friends, and family.  As I have traveled this long path you all have become my family, through prayers, and good thoughts sent our way, we have all become closer than friends.

May the Good Lord bless you and keep you safe.

Merry Christmas and have a Lovely Day,

Love Andy, Peggy, and the Kids.

For those of you still hanging in there.

So........ it's been really crazy for the last few months.   I started a new/old job, selling health insurance.  Its been going slow but consistent for the last month.  So if you need health insurance in Utah give me a call or shoot me an email.  We were supposed to have a follow up scan a few weeks ago, but the insurance company, not listing name, felt they knew how to better care for my cancer than the specialist.  After some phone calls and some complaints we are back on schedule but with some risks.  I had to compromise and have a ct scan, which I am allergic to the contrast.  So lots of pre-medication and lots of post-medication to keep me well and alive.

 I had scans on Wednesday and met with the Dr later in the day.  What we thought was a new tumor isn't and my old tumor is not growing so woo hoo, or WOO HOO for us!

I have dealt with the side effects of having the ct contrast.  I am feeling better today, still have some red flushing but not much.

I am doing well, Peggy is in the final stretches of her schooling.  She graduates in June.  The kids are all well, sort of, Caity and Morgan are accident prone, and have injured their knee and ankle. Both are healing up.  Shaeli is working at subway in Tremonton, so if you get a hankering for a sandwich, stop in and say hi.  Still a little groggy from all the benadryll I had to take over the last day.  So I will end here with a Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.
Andy.

Update on scans

Sorry for the dry spell, but I didn't think you wanted to hear all the goings on in our life without reporting on the cancer.  It has been a long summer.  I was laid off the end of March, Peggy is starting school, and Shaeli graduated, and Caity and Morgan are heading to school next week.

Cancer update:
No significant growth in current tumor.  Possible new tumor in scar tissue of right lung.  This is likely the scar tissue is absorbing the radioactive isotopes.  I will have to have more scans in 8 weeks to verify this.  The doctor seems to be fairly confident that this is the case.  If not there is a new drug out to treat the tumors that has shown to be very effective on killing the tumors.

So this is good news, no treatment for now, and we will check and see if there is a tumor or not by evaluating the differences in the scans.

Merry Christmas and have a lovely day,
Andy 

The sound of my voice, and awesome thing to hear.

Today I had the opportunity to talk at the patient melanoma seminar at Huntsman Cancer Institute.  I was on a panel of cancer survivors.  I was one of five who shared their stories and how they have dealt with the treatments and side effects.  I have spent this last week going through old posts to figure out what happened when.  It was a sweet sorrowful trip.  I laughed a lot and cried a little.  I realized how important you all are in supporting me and my family through our trials.  I read some posts Peggy wrote, that I don't recall ever reading before.  Some making fun of me, and making me laugh, some praising me and making me cry.  I was up late last night reading posts and putting together my talk.  I didn't sleep well and was up early.  I guess sometimes I still get nervous talking to people.  Which is weird because I don't normally have a problem talking to people.  I learned about some new treatments coming down the pike, which are awesome!  They have been able to get some new treatments that inject a cold like vaccine into the tumor and the body creates antibodies which kill the tumors all over the body.  It was a really good seminar with tons of information.  I have a lot of information to digest and get some clarity on which ones might work for me.  So.. it was a great thing to attend.  I was able to talk with the leading specialist on TIL procedures in the nation - Dr. Patrick Hwu.  He had been talking to my Dr. about my situation and had some interesting things to tell me.  We looked a TIL back in 2012, it is the one where they take a sample of the tumor, grow antibodies from the tumor and then reintroduce them back in, where they go and kill the tumors.  He told me that I should try a few different options before looking at TIL.  They are new options and are a lot less intrusive and toxic than the previous treatments I have endured.  So good news all around.  They recorded the seminar and I will be posting a link to it when they make it available.

That is all for now.
Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.
Andy Layne.

Bring it!!!!!

Ok, No news on the cancer update.  But things are going well.  Peggy has about a week left for schooling.  Shaeli looks to be graduating, Caity is still a pill, and Morgan is still dorkus son of dork.  Having said that, the stress around the Layne household has increased.  On April 1st, I found myself unemployed.  I am now looking to better myself through meditation, and trying not to pull my hair out filling out all the stupid paperwork and forms that are required to file for unemployment.  Tell me this, I have a letter from my employer, but I need to give my DNA, put my children up as possible indentured servants, and promise to open my house to occupying troops.  Ok, I am really going off the deep end here, but I see what I have had to go through to get approved for unemployment and can't figure out how people are able to take advantage of it.  And don't even talk to me about food stamps or medical assistance, they make you feel like a criminal and look into all of your friends and their friends, friends.  Ok, me going off again.

But I tell you all of the crap to share one other thing with you.  All things were put back into perspective, last Friday (April 11).  A friend from years ago let us know she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  I took this opportunity to realize that my current trials are trivial.  I remember what it was like when I was diagnosed.  My empathy for this family has made me reevaluate my attitude and show a more gratitude for the good things I have.  If you have a minute in your prayers keep those who are suffering with ailments to the forefront if you would.
Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.
Love your friend,
Andy

Winner winner chicken dinner

Ok great news!!!!!!!  I feel like I've won yhe freakin lottery!  no new tumors.  Current tumor is stable and the growth value of the tumor has decreased by almost a third.  Scans have ben stretched out to six month increments, and I was invited to sit in on a panel.
So cross that with the fact I just received a lay off notice for the end of march, and it is still an amazing day.   Woo hoo for us.  If you can't tell, I/we are kinda excited about this.  We even had a celebration party with cake and ice cream.  It was neat.  I am looking at a couple of options for work so I'm not freaking out yet.  ok that does it for now.  Merry Christmas and have a smokin awesome day!!!!!
Andy Layne

The only constant is time

I was once told that the only thing constant is change.  I am not sure I believe this anymore.  The only constant is time passing.  The rate at which it passes seems to fluctuate based on whether I am enjoying myself, or something is mundane and tedious.  I have heard another saying, minutes pass like hours, hours like days, days like weeks, months like minutes.  I know there are variations to this saying, but in general, the now seems to take forever and the tomorrow seems far off, but yesterday seems such a long time ago.  As  I get ready for scans again, yep its time again, I can't help but think about the crazy ride over the last nine years.  In case you missed that, it has been nine years since my initial diagnosis on my right ear.  So you can expect another post next week.

On to other things, last week was Valentine's Day.  A day generally shunned and held in disdain in the Andy household.  If you have to have a holiday to show someone you care about them, you have bigger problems in your relationship than you are aware of.  I try to buy flowers on a fairly regular basis, I try to write letters to Peggy and hide them different places on a frequent basis, I even try to form poetry phrases when I get the chance.  So I don't need a holiday to tell me to show my sweetheart I love her.

Have said that, this year I did participate in the festivities, not because I was compelled to by mass marketing and commercialism, but because the opportunity arose and I felt inspired due to recent events.

Background:  I bought Peggy a pretty cool ring a few years ago, a purple almond shaped stone with flecks of different colors in it, well a week or so ago it misplaced itself in the halls of Weber State somewhere.  She was obviously upset, so I took the opportunity to distract her with a new ring, and some chocolate covered strawberries from Sweetly Divine in Logan.  They went over well, and she is happy again, still missing her other ring, but being consoled by her new friend.  If you see her ask her about it.  The ring shines almost a brilliant as her eyes.

All is well, and I need to head to work.
Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.
Andy Layne.

New Year, New Perspective

Howdy all,
Ok, I have some repenting to do coming into the new year.  I am sorry.  I am sorry, I have really sucked at posting on this blog, or any other blog, I even suck at posting on facebook.  I have a new (I don't want to say goal here) ideal about posting blogs.  The way I look at it, You all have stuck by me through all the bad times and the really bad times, and I have appreciated it more that I can express.  I have not given you all the opportunity you deserve to share in the good times as well.  I can justify it away by saying this was a venting, therapeutic way for me to distress, and allow myself to feel better about not posting, but that is a little cheap, and you deserve better than that.  So for the next little while I will be posting a catch up of the last few months mingled with some current goings on.  Some funny, some serious.  So...... Here goes.....

At our last scan ..... wait I have to read what I already posted.......wow that was pretty vague, sorry.

At our last scan we crossed a threshold of goodness.  We have reached the point that a lot of the 'tenyearers' get to (keep in mind, I wasn't supposed to make it this long.)  With this we are really excited, for those of you who don't know it, I have a daily goal of "ten years from today."  That's all I ask.  But for once in what seems like a long time, this is totally doable.  I still have one active tumor in my right lung, but its small and is just hanging out not doing a whole lot.  Prior to this latest scan the magic treatment size was 9 mm.  With the stability and the size 7mmX9mm so 8mm we are now looking at a different treatment trigger.    (Insert drum roll here)  We now need to see a 20% growth in the tumor between scans to trigger treatment, or ( and here is the catch) any new tumors showing up.  Those two thing will trigger treatment, or the new tumors by themselves will be a trigger.  So for the time being, press forward. 

My shoulder is healing up nicely, I still have some soreness, but keep in mind I had my bicep cut off and reattached.  I am surprised my arm is still cooperating. 

Christmas has come and past, as well as new years.  I made a change this year, I normally don't do resolutions, but I thought this year is a good year to start one I can keep. 

I thought long and hard on this and wanted a broad, but specific resolution.  I also wanted one I could write and put up in different places that wouldn't draw too much attention.  So here it is, "To take control of the things I can control."  This simple phrase allows me to focus on simple decisions everyday and give myself the freedom of not setting goals that I will likely fail to complete. 

Thank you for your patience and I will try to update a lot more often that I have been. 
Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.
Andy.

Good news once again

I can't help but feel truly blessed.  We received exceptional news on Tuesday.  We got the scan results, and they are good, once again.  No new tumors and no growth in the tumor I currently have.  I will post more later.  But the important news couldn't wait.
Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.
Andy

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

June, what a month its turning out to be.

June, the month named after the Roman/Greek God Juno/Hera.  It is also the month I married my beautiful wife Peggy.  (for those of you keeping track,  it is also the month after melanoma awareness month.  He he he.)

We have been married for 19 years.  Time flies when you are having fun.   In the nineteen years we have been married, we have managed to work at ensuring our posterity in trifecta.  With any luck they can find a way to avoid the ailments that have become the bane of my existence. 

I don't have an update for my cancer this month, but my shoulder is doing really well.  I have been told it will take a year to get my bicep attachment as strong as it will ever be, six months to get to 80%.  A lot of it depends on how I do my therapy. 

I have been doing my therapy everyday, and started walking.  Peggy is training to run a marathon, whether it happens, that's up to her, but she has been running every night for the past week.  I started walking with her, only slower and not as far.  She starts out with me until I get tired and have to slow my pace, then zooms off like a shot and when she turns around so do I, when she catches back up I walk faster for a little while then we cool down together.  So far its working well.  I haven't keeled over yet.

My scans will be around mid July.  My results will be a few days after on the 16th.  So for a cancer update, check back on the 16th of July.

May your June be filled with fun in the sun, with sunscreen of course and summer activities.

Merry Christmas and have a lovely day.
Andy

Happy belated melanoma awaremess month

As you all know, May is melanoma awareness month.  It is the beginning of spring/summer type activities.  I have been wearing my stupid looking cowboy hat out when working in the yard, yes I said working in the yard.  Now keep in mind that my version of working in the yard is mainly yelling at the kids to do something while Peggy gets all the work done and the kids and I just cause each other grief. 

But my shoulder is healing.  Slowly but surely.  I am up to 5 ish pounds I can do curls with.  If I am a good boy, I should be released around mid September.  Every once in a while I do forget and do something silly like reach for a closing door, or punch Caity in the arm.  Bad news for me on both of those. 

We are taking it easy on the cancer front, the out of sight, out of mind, attitude.  My next scans are in July.  So until then we just don't worry about it and keep planning for our future. 

It rained here today, as it has for the past few days, what a welcomed event!  The back field is sprouting forth some alfalfa.  The girls just cant wait to haul hay again.  Too bad for me I will likely be in shape to haul it next year. 

I am also doing a weight loss blog, not for the faint of heart, or weak of stomach, there are pictures of a really fat guy shirtless on that blog.  http://taleoftheshrinkingman.blogspot.com/ 

If anyone has a set of dumbbells they would like to loan me for a while (someone close)  I would appreciate it.  They need to start at 10 lbs and go up in 5 lbs or less increments.

Anyway, life is good, we are blessed, and sorry for the long spaces between posts, but that's a good thing right?

Have a Merry Christmas and a lovely day,
Andy.