> I just wanted to give everyone an update on things. I finished radiation> treatments on Thursday Oct 22.....right in time to go to my three day lab at> Kent State Astabula. I survived radiation fairly well(actually really well)> only receiving a couple minor burns and being way too busy to think about> getting too tired. Yesterday, Wednesday I saw the Oncologist, THE SCANS> ARE 100% clean! (no cancer anywhere). My white blood cell count is almost> back to normal (9.6, 10-14 is normal) and red blood cells and hemoglobin are> back to normal ! The Physician assistant and physician said said they> never have taken care of anyone who withstood all of the chemo,radiation,> surgery, etc. as I did since I got the maximum of everything.> All that I have left is a surgery (probably in December) and taking some> type of medication (yet to be determined ) for the next five years, plus of> course follow up scans periodically.>> I can now officially say I am a CANCER SURVIVOR....I didn't just survive> it, ERADICATED it! With the prayers, good wishes and help of so many of> you!>> All I can say is thank you once again to everyone I (and the family)> couldn't have done this without the support of all of you! Now that this is> almost over I can now admit, when this all started (after being diagnosed)> I have probably never been so terrified, and so stunned. From that day> until I had the surgery, it was hard to focus, hard to function, and a> whirlwind of "unknowns". (sorry to anyone who didn;t receive full attention> from me back then). Once I had the surgery, however, it was "GAME ON", and> this was one "competition" that I decided my body and mind would WIN! It's> been a long process (it will be a little over a year by the time I have> surgery), and at the start of it all seemed overwhelming, but as with so> many big challenges you just take things one step at a time......and just> keep checking things off the list.>> So again thank you to all of you who have given your support in so many> different ways. If I can be "of assistance" to any of you, please let me> know....also if you or a loved one or friend are faced with an> insurmountable challenge, let me know if I can help you get through it. You> just take things one step at a time, and look at that glass as half full> instead of half empty.

Hoping everyone had a fun Holloween.....Skin has peeled and burns are gone....all is well, should have a great Dr. apt. Wednesday.....

Beautiful weather...feeling great! Thanks to all who participated in the HVL Zoombathon we raised $ 1200 for cancer research!

Burns pretty much gone! Now getting a "tan". tough way to get a tan! Qouldn't recommend it.
Hair is growing back pretty quickly...thinking another month and the wig may be history!

Everyone enjoy.........we won't have this weather for long!

Weekend lab is over....amazing how well a person can think when there are no chemicals in the brain! Burns are going way.

What beautiful weather today......28 mile bike ride today.....leaves are looking spectacular...hope everyone is getting out and enjoying this.......

LAST DAY OF RADIATION! One more thing checked off the list and completed! The Physician today said he is amazed at how well I withstood everything compared to any other patient he has had especially since I had both sides radiated. I did have to remind him that I am not like any patient he has had....he agreed!

Even though I am burned, with one area close to blistered, he said my symptoms are much less than any he has seen...,,all I can say is I'm sure happy that if this wasn't much, I didn't see anyhting severe!

Wed Nov. 4 will see the Oncologist. not sure whats after that hopefully NOTHING! Except the last surgeries. which won't be until early December.

I certainly know how to celebrate being done with radiation....will leave tomorrow for the next three day lab at Kent State, take lots of tests, midterms etc....oh boy, can hardly wait!

Everyone needsss to get out and enjoy this weather, hopefully I can get on my bike next week hopefully a little more time!

Ravens game was really neat......was fun that the Bengals won, but since I worked with John Harboughs wife, I often root for whatever team he is coaching!

Only 4 more radiations....good thing I think my body has taken just about all it can handle, Have alot of red burns, and itchy skin,,,,still not as bad as chemo, but happy its soon to be over.....actually will get my last radiation then take off and drive to the 3 day lab.....what a way to celebrate!

school is once again getting almost overwhelming with everything else going on. 7 more radiations to go! Skin is starting to get "burned" but its not terrible, itchy as well.......hopefully this will be about the worst!