Across the Great Divide

Well, Campers, I wish I was going to be talking about the great Kate Wolf song with the same title as this post.  But. . .

I fear I may have used up my allotment of miracles.  After every part of my body was poked, probed, scanned, inspected, and detected with none being neglected, the findings were a blood clot in my left lung, pneumonitis (an infection of the lungs), an increase in the pulmonary fibrosis, and a massive decline in overall lung health.  The irony is that this is right on the heels of improvements of the initial cancer.  Another irony is that some of of the treatment working against the cancer may be helping the disintegration of the lungs.  One of the drawbacks of fighting two terminal diseases concurrently.  To paraphrase and channel my inner Tennessee Ernie Ford "If the first don't get ya, the next one will."

So, the grand plan is that I stay in the ICU until the point that my oxygen requirements are low and stable enough to let me leave the hospital and in the meantime, open a dialog with Hospice to see what needs to be done so I can receive their services while still living at home.  This would most likely entail bringing in a hospital bed and setting up the required oxygen delivery system.  Then, they would provide a home caregiver on an "as needed" basis and the medications to ease any pain.  Fortunately, there are a lot of you out there to provide moral, spiritual, and emotional support.  All will be needed, I'm sure, on this race to the finish line.  (A slow, slow race, I'm hoping.)  As some of you know, we had an excellent experience with Hospice when David passed and then again a few months ago when my mother-in-law Norma passed in Venice.  My hopes are the same that David expressed 11 years ago.  He wanted to die at home with as little pain as possible.  And that's how it rolled, with him surrounded by loving friends and family.

Years ago, when Chicago Bears great Walter Payton was diagnosed with cancer, a feeble-minded sportswriter asked him if he was scared.  Walter looked in the eyes and said "Damn right I'm scared." If the man who retired as the NFL rushing leader could admit to being scared of what he was facing, I can too.  But I will face it with as much strength as I can muster and will live with as much enjoyment and love as I can.

Till next time, peace and love to one and all!!!
Joe

When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. . .

Well, Campers, one more day is turning out far different than I expected.  On Tuesday, I went to Moffitt for my three week check up and infusion.  The good news is the the cancer seems to have stabilized - no new growth.  Then Wednesday, I began to feel bushed and had difficulty breathing.  Well today, Thursday, was worse.  I never was able to catch my breath.  I talked to Elaine who's still  up with the grandkids in NJ and she said I should get myself to the ER.  So Joey drove me here and I'm in the process of getting checked in to the Sarasota Memorial Hilton for a few days.  More news will be posted as it comes available.

Peace and love to all!,
Joe

Yes, I'm Still Around. . .

OK, Campers, much to catch up on. . . First, on Tuesday, July 26, we welcomed our new grandson, Marshall Albert Klinek, into the world!! Mom, Dad, big sister, and baby are all doing fine.  And Amelia adores her baby brother.  She's already tried to feed him a banana in case he was hungry.  Elaine went up to NJ to help out and will be there for two weeks.  In her absence, her sister Diane is down from Seattle to look after me and Joey and Tabatha will be down from Atlanta this coming weekend to spell her off.  I'll be in good hands!! 👐

All in all, I'm feeling pretty good, though I did have a scary escapade.  For a few days, I was having severe shortness of breath, even when I was sitting.  Turns out, I was in the throes of anxiety.  I'm now taking Xanax daily and all is much better.  And I began cardiopulmonary therapy a few weeks ago.  So three times a week, I go for an hour of treatment where they claim to be making me better by trying to slowly kill me.  The sessions consist of 15 minutes on a treadmill, 15 minutes on a stationary bike, a couple of weight machines, and some stretching.  Needless to say, I sleep well the nights of therapy.

And Elaine's family's family reunion was held a couple of weeks ago on Siesta Key right here in sunny and scenic Sarasota.  It was a really good time and I really enjoyed seeing everyone.  And one and all were quite effusive in their love and support.  Those are some really special people.

It seems like there was so much more I had to say, but I can't remember.  Oh well, I'll have more for later!!

Peace and Love to All!!!
Joe