Great progress and Exciting Times....

Good Day

Well it has been some time since my last post and not much has gone on, but allot if progress has happened.

First lets start with a funny....

What can be found at the bottom of the sea that twitches......  A nervous wreck.

Now that you have had a giggle - time for some smiles.

Where to begin.......

My Garden
I had some fun this past summer with our small vegetable garden or should say mutant pumpkin patch.  Here is a pic from what it looked like towards the end of July.  By the end of August the wheel barrow was hidden by the plant.  The thing just kept growing and growing.  In June I ended up manually pollinating 2 pumpkins as the bees did not seem to be doing their job.  I noticed 2-3 female flowers had not started growing and died.  So we had 2 good sized pumpkins on the way.Very Happy.  Was also growing some small watermelons - and harvested several cucumbers and zucchini.  This being my first year with the garden - I feel it was a success and planning for next year has begun.  The plans though will include some gates to stop would be garden raiders.  The watermelons and 1 pumpkin were victims of a midnight raid.  Lesson learned.

Now the good stuff you all have been waiting for......

I have completed all required tests by the surgeon and spoke with him last week about the results.  Basically all looks good and he has recommended a round of Radiation to allow for a safer and more accurate surgery.  Extremely relieved to hear this from him.
Then I had a phone call late Tuesday afternoon about an appointment to meet with the Radiation Therapist on Wednesday.  - which was fast.  So went to the appointment and I am all scheduled up to begin Radiation therapy at the end of October.  First I have to get marked - little tattoos so they know where to point the laser.  Then the zapping begins for 28 sessions, being done Monday thru Friday.   During this treatment cycle I will still be doing a Chemo - in a pill form though.  No having to go in and hang out in the chair for 4-5 hours or have the infused bottle for 2 days - yeah.  Once I am done the Radiation treatments in December there is a 6 week recovery period - then an MRI to see the results of the Treatment.  The hope is to reduce the size of the rectal tumor and its stranding allowing for a safer and more accurate surgery.  By end of January - happy birthday to me - we will know if surgery is next or a look at other options.  
There are no words which can express the glorious feeling I have right now.  Imagine winning the lottery - not $100 - but the big one - that is where we are at.  I am one lucky guy.

If all goes well - when Teresa and i are back in KW in June for Relay for Life - we are going to have a party.  


Keep on Smilin

Jtee

End of sumner is near

Good Day

Well as they say - all good things must come to an end - and that includes summer.  For you out there travel this weekend be safe and mindful of others on the road or water.  Since the kids are back to school next week - try not to celebrate to much while they are around and they may do the same. 




So to help wrap the summer up I thought a good knee slapper was in order.   Enjoy.........


What a great couple of months it has been.  Went by way way to fast.  Most people go on a weekly cycle of doing things.  Well with all the stuff I have on the go - we are organized on a 2 week cycle - so I feel as though we only got HALF the time.  Though seemingly short was splendid and full of a great amount of joy. 

Now that summer is leaving - what is next for J and T you may wonder.

Pumpkins in the Garden and some watermelon
In the spring we planted a pumpkin plant which went mutant on us.  The thing grew well beyond the fence and even hid the wheel barrow leaned up against the shed.  Right now we are nurturing 2 pumpkins.  Both just a bit bigger then a basketball.  Will post some picks next week for y'all to check out.  Considering they have about a month to go should be very nice for seeds and carving.  And in the middle of this massive 20ft+ monster of a vine sits the watermelon plant.  5 just bigger then a softball melons sit there. Hope there are enough growing days left for them to mature properly.  But they have both done their job.  Fill in the garden are so we are not looking at a bunch of weeds.  Next year will be a great variety of vegetables.  Going to start planning soon.  Tips appreciated as I have never planted anything and can barely grow weeds.  (as in the pest plants not the smokey smoke type)
 


Upcoming consult and Tests

Busy couple of weeks coming up with treatments and such.  Meet with the Oncologist next Tuesday to discuss the Surgeons consult and get his opinion.  Really looking forward to this.  Will help with understanding timelines of what is about to happen.  Then Treatment on Wednesday, Ultrasound on Thursday and my MRI on the 13th.    Yeah 2 weeks till on the tests are done and then the next step - Surgery.  So close. 

Before surgery though - we are taking a quick trip.  Made possible with the help of a good friend. Thank you Scott for helping to make this upcoming trip possible.

Dallas and Vegas  - Grizwalds not invited

End of October off to Dallas for an extended weekend.  Visit with the Bidans for abit and Cousin Kathy and Fam.  Oh and cant forget a tour of Southfork when in that region.  For those who are unsure - Yes the ranch in the TV show Dallas.  Teresa schooled me. 
From Dallas we are headed to Vegas baby.  Never been and really pumped.  Going to party it up with a great bunch of friends from back in KW.  More details to follow.

Had a great couple of months and amazing things on the horizon. 

Keep on smilin everyone.  Cause if my record'n of this journey over the past 18+ months is not reason to have hope for better days ahead....... boy oh boy......  a smile will always cheer you up and give hope to another. 



Jtee

and let there be light

Hello whopper of a Wednesday, I see you met terrific Tuesday and had to show'em up.

Where to start?
How about a silly joke:

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Got
Got who?
Got some good news for U.

Well,  met with the surgeon today and was blown off my feet.  The discussion was much more then expected and for the first time there was optimism expressed on the situation.  The MRI results are going to be sent to the liver doc for review, though he is not really concerned as the spots have shrunken to near non existence.  He is going to order a specific ultra sound and maybe another MRI so he can determine exactly what the best options are for surgery.  There could be a round of pre-op (love saying those words) radiation, which will be determined after the test results are in.  That will be discussed with my oncologist and his final say so. Surgery itself will be a complete rectal resection leaving me with a permanent colostomy bag. Which is OK, better then the time bomb.  7-10 days in hospital and a couple months recoup / learning.    (no surprises there)  The discussion was not if or perhaps - it was when and will be.  

In summary - the doc turned on that light we have been looking for.  This long, bumpy, windy and unknown tunnel finally has a light.  The Path of hope is becoming reality.


For all the sadness this stupid disease brings - the amount of joy I have today - nothing could touch that.


There is still alot of hard work to do.  I am ready though.
Keep up the prayers, light those candles and send the positive vibes - together a difference is being made.

Cheers everyone - time for a celebratory pint.

Keep smilin

Jtee

MRI thank you - GOT the referral.

Terrific Tuesday to everyone.

No jokes today - just smiles and a quick update.

Some of you may have read, stumbled upon or heard of the Book of Awesome I would like to add my own Chapter:

Getting referred to a specialist.

When someone is sick or battling a life threatening disease there are not always answers available right away.  It may take some time of taking medications or minor procedures before there is head way to have a path outlined for what is next.  Waiting and the unknown can be scary and frustrating at times.  As long as there are little steps of positive progress the wait is worth every second.  Tests, scans and imaging can all be done - then you are stuck waiting for results.  Then something happens,  you get the word from a doctor that gives you some options never available in the past – the referral to the specialist.  The specialist which can help determine what the next steps are, the potential opportunity to be moving on from the disease. What follows those magical words from the doc is an incredible rushing flood of emotions.   Learning that there could be options and a specialist is going to check things out and there is real hope. No other feeling like it. In 1 word – AWESOME!

MRI Results

The results were undecided – the spots on the liver are too small to determine what they are. So that is good and somewhat no so good. Though we are meeting with the surgeon again next week to review my current state and what some options maybe. I am also being referred to a liver specialist so they can determine what options maybe there. Today is the first time this has ever been an option. Treatments will continue as they have been and meeting will happen as they are scheduled. Good things ahead. Still going to be sometime before we really know what the clear path is – but in the mean time a foggy path is better then no path. 

Next date - Aug 13th  (which is a complete surprise)

Cheers everyone - keep smilin - cause I will.

Jtee

This efin disease takes another

When I was first diagnosed my good friend Garry, who sometime later lost his mom to Cancer, said.  "this terrible disease always picks the good ones".  His comment has stuck with me ever since. I know every day people lose their battle with Cancer, and I agree with Garry's statement.

       Since being diagnosed a year and half ago we have lost a family member and 2 others I knew to Cancer all part of this group we call the "good ones".  Then there is another gentleman here in Regina. whom I never met, though through conversations with our close friends - I feel I got to know him over the past year.  Just last week his journey ended and Cancer took another good one from us, at too young an age.  We are saddened and heart broken for the family's loss. 

here is a brief story - which may sound very similar to some of you. 

  This wonderful couple, in their mid thirties, had just enjoyed a vacation and ready to move on with life.  The holiday was to hep coup with being  advised by doctors they would have trouble starting a family.    A tough emotional situation to go through and it took some time. Then but while away he started not feeling well.  Visits to the doctor they were not able to pin point what was wrong right away.  After a battery of testing the diagnosis was an advanced stage 4 Cancer. Treatments would start right away and another challenge faced this couple. 

Daffodils - the flower of hope.

 Teresa and I have been able to relate to their situation since upto that point we have the exact same story and could relate to how they were feeling or going through. Their battle with Cancer had many turns and bumps over the past number of months.   This is where the emotional roller coaster begins - when I learn of someones journey turning for the worse and Cancer taking another good one.    Whether I personally knew them or not.

Feelings of sadness, guilt, anger and heart ache all happen at once.   The Leviathan at Wonderland has nothing on what this roller coaster is like.  There is no 30 second heart bounding drop.  It is days and weeks of ups, downs  twists turns and a few drops.   

In the end we can only celebrate the life that was had and remember the smile.  Hope is one day we can end this maddness and give the big C the boot.

Jtee

Time to enjoy the summer

Good day all

For those in Ontario  -  Wowsers you are getting blasted with some serious heat. Hope you are able to stay cool. (you are all "cool" in my books already)   We have a few scorchers and a few rainy days - the rest are wonderful sunny days which I enjoy.  That is why you have not seen any recent posts.  I am doing well - not much to update - just enjoying some outdoors.

Dont forget to use plenty of sun screen and reapply as needed.  Protection from those harmful rays is important.

Earlier this week I went for an MRI.    Good thing I am not claustrophobic.  I think the design of the machine is an inside joke to some really smart people out there at Philips. Why such a small opening to stuff you in for taking some snapshots of yer body.  There has to a technician giggling somewhere.  So after an hour of playing sardine we were done and will get the results August 7th.   The results maybe reviewed by a Liver specialist to see if there are options as well.   In the mean time waiting it is. 


What has been going on with my chemo treatments otherwise you wonder?
Well the same old, no change as of right now.  We will stay the course and keep on hoping the spot on the liver continues to shrink.    There are options if that spot goes away.  Keep the prayers and positive thoughts flowing.   - most likely after the MRI results the doc will suggest to keep on treatment for a few more months to see if the spot clears.  I am good with all that as it is all good steps forward. 
   
Otherwise I am working hard on keeping busy.   Recently put up a small fence in the back yard so Keimo can run free - no more tied up dog.  He is happy and the squirrels are annoyed.  He can now run after them anywhere in the back yard and provides some great entertainment. 

Also watching my vegetables grow.  Planted some Zuchini, Cucumber, Pumpkin and Watermelon.  No gourds or actual melons as of yet but the vines are starting to grow like crazy.  Will post some pics soon and will bore you with some garden updates this summer.


Summer time TV shows are also fun and entertaining.  Especially on the to hot to be outside days.
If you have not had the chance to check out Newsroom - a new Aaron Sorkin show starring Jeff Daniels.  Please do.  It is extremely entertaining.  Jeff Daniels does a great job.  The hummer and dialogue is typical Sorkin - lots of fun.        http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1870479/
And Wipeout - twice a week - not sure if I can handle that. 
American Ninja warrior - needs to end quickly then filed away with the likes of the movie American Ninja.
Someone please throw some rocks at the Glass house.  BOOOO Bad. 
I will admit though Dallas has lassoed me in.  That sorta makes 2 soaps - Young and the Restless is the other one which I am exposed to as an innocent by stander.

If you have any viewing suggestions - please pass along. 

Stay coooool  - hydrated and keep on smilin.

Jtee

Latest CT results

Boy what a way to start a new week. 

Late last night I double checked the time to meet with the oncologist to for our monthly review.  For the past year and half this appointment has always been the day before treatment.  Well this appointment was not - it was this morning - not tomorrow.  Which is not a big deal, just meant a 6am wake up to get my blood work done before our 815 appointment.  Though really the appointment time means nothing as we did not see the doctor till almost 9am.  Waiting was all worth it. 

Great news - everything still looks stable   The liver spot has continued to shrink and is down from 8mm to 5mm. Yupp that is correct half a centimeter now.  Boy oh boy that makes me smile. 

I am truly blessed with how effective chemotherapy has been.  A great big hug goes out to all those who are behind the research and development of these medications.  I also give thanks to those patients who participated in the trials and testing. Their courage is admirable and very much appreciated.

Wednesday I am off to treatment so those nasty little Cancer cells can be beat up some more.     Just a quick image reflecting how I am feeling.

 Have some fun - smile lots and the world will smile back.

Cheers    Jason and Teresa. 





 

That's a wrap.

Good Day

Bad joke about miracles:
Jesus and Moses are sitting in a boat fishing when Jesus says,
"I want to perform a miracle so it will feel like the good old days."
Moses says, "Yeah, sure."
So Jesus gets up and says "I think I'll walk on water, that was always a good one."
So Jesus walks over to the edge of the boat, steps into the water and sinks
like a stone. Moses drags him back into the boat and revives him.
Moses says, "What's the problem?"
Jesus replies, "I don't know, but it could be these holes in my feet!"


Now what do I do?  Regina Relay For Life 2012 is over.  No more boxes of stuff to occupy our dining room / living room. That is at some point next week as I still have a few boxes of "stuff" to arrange.  Was a great 5 months of planning.  But what now?   Well I guess time to start on 2013 Relay.  Sorry T - I will try to keep stuff out of your dinning room till next spring.  :)  

Friday was a long day - though a great day.   Our Relay committee pulled of a terrific event and I am very thank full to have been a part of making this happen.  I believe we accomplished what we set out to do.  Throughout the day - tears were shed, laughs were heard from all around and memorable moments occurred ever minute.  What more could you ask for?   The saying goes a picture says a 1000 words - well so does a smile and Friday there were lots.   Even the 4am rain could not dampen those smiles into frowns. 


This year was my first Survivor Lap experience and I must say - there is no other feeling like it. Every step you become more empowered -  everyone on the sidelines clapping was like a heart beat pumping new life and lifting you up so you keep going.   Teresa and I walked our lap hand in hand - and soaked it all in.  The lap was very representative of this chapter in our lives.  Together we walked along with support all around till we came to the end and began new step. 

Teresa also had a moment of recognition for all her hard work and super duper heart.  She was asked to co-carry the Caregiver Banner at the beginning of the Caregiver Lap.  Well little did she know that would include announcing her name.  She helped carry the banner and led an amazing group of people around the track as all in attendance cheered.   Hmmm that camera guy sure did alot of taping - wonder is that will be part of our local coverage.  Will have to see.  Teresa was a real trooper as she's not to fond of stuff like that.  Was alot of fun.  


In summary - we had a good time, Teresa nor I had a camera so unfortunatly I dont have a single picture to share with you - only some words.   

 Thank you to everyone who participated, especially my fellow Survivors. 

Keep on smiling

Jason

Luminaries - what is this?

Good Day Everyone

So comes to an end a fun filled warm and sunny weekend.   Those in Ontario hope you were able to stay dry and warm.   :)    
- Congratulations Dan and Lisa on the upcoming arrival of your baby boy.  Aunt Teresa is looking forward to pinching some baby cheeks.   


Funny joke - the truth here though is if you want something to happen or be true, you may just dig enough to see it that way.  Sometimes you just have to accept things for as they are and let the shovel rest. 



__________________

The count down to Regina's Relay for Life is on.     Friday June 8th is the day.


Thank you everyone for your outpouring of support again this year.  Not just the monetary support to help us raise almost $5000 again this year. High fives to everyone - each dollar has an important roll.  But besides the money - your encouragement, item donations, volunteer time and even just taking some time to chat have all made these past months wonderful.   This is one of the great positives we have found while on this journey, a way to support the community while having an impact on those in similar shoes.  A very special thank you to Teresa for all her help with our Relay Team and support while I was volunteering as part of the Committee.  Never forget you are a wonderful, kind hearted person who is loved by many. 

So with the big day heading our way - next week I start planning for next year.  And I may have a surprise or 2 in store for 2013.  (wink wink)  Yes my mind has already moved on to next year.  


Purchase a Luminary in Remembrance of someone or in support of someone fighting Cancer.

One of the most spectacular sights and moving moments of Relay for Life is the Luminary Ceremony.  This is a time when a candle is lit in honour of someone living with Cancer or in Remembrance of someone who has lost their battle.   The luminary bags will outline the track area while you walk and truly provide the energy needed to keep on stepping.   


Purchasing a Luminary is easy and is $5

1 - Look up your local Relay for Life website.   relayforlife.ca
2 - Click the buy a Luminary Button
3 - Fill in the details including your message
4 - complete payment details.

Purchase a Luminary to be displayed at the Regina Relay for Life

______________________

And late last week I mentioned you should stay tuned.  Well there is some press coverage coming up for Regina's Relay for Life and I am going to be sharing my story about why I Relay.

Thursday we will have coverage in our local newspaper - the Leaderpost - not to worry I will share the article when it comes out.

Then Thursday Morning  I have am being interviewed on Regina's CTV morning show - 630am and then on CBC Radio.   Confirmation times for when to tune in will follow.  Below are the channels and web links to tune in and listen. 

Bell Express view -     CTV — Regina. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Shaw Direct (Star Choice) -   CTV Regina    315 / 29
CBC Radio   http://www.cbc.ca/radio/     - Select Regina as the region.

Keep smilin  - the world will smile back.

Jtee