Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Update on Things

Since it's been about a month and a half, I figured I'd let everyone know what is going on.

As of the treatment two weeks ago (previous to the one this past weekend), her CEA count is down to 25, from 800 when she was first diagnosed. Her liver lesions have gone down in size anywhere from 10 to 30 percent (these are based on the various lesions on her liver they choose to watch). This is amazing news in such a short time.

We are very grateful to have such support from everyone. Although we are not in the clear yet, and the treatments still continue. They have added another drug called Avastin, which basically is an agent that cuts off the blood supply to the cancer. She's had two treatments with that, and it seems to be affecting her to a degree, although I can't confirm that for sure. She has been much more exhausted after the treatments the last two, and just hasn't been herself.

We have been keeping up with everything around the house, although with yardwork being re-introduced to the mix, it may get a little more interesting around here. To say that Holly will learn how to mow is an understatement. She may even get her green thumb this summer. We can't wait for Logan's waiver to kick in, so we can relax a bit and get some help with him.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Latest Happenings

Not much has happened since the last posting, which is probably a good thing.

Melissa's last treatment went much better than the first one. No ER visit, no hospital stay. The only issue regarding the last treatment was some weakness, and she caught whatever is going around (as I did as well, but after 6 days, I think I've beaten it). She's over it as well. We are looking forward to the next treatment this weekend, although for me it's going to be a bit of a challenge. I'll explain that shortly.

One of the side effects, the hair loss, has come upon her. It's not completely gone. It's thinned out, and I think she still looks good. Her mother has trimmed it shorter, and it looks really good. She has bought two different wigs so far, and will purchase a third soon at a wig party that some friends from work will have for her in a few weeks. The wigs make her look really good, and it looks so real. I'm amazed how good it looks.

One good thing that has happened is that we have some in-home help with Logan. This will be so valuable during Melissa's treatments, and the couple days afterwards. I'm very grateful for that.

As I stated before, this next treatment will be a slight challenge for me. Melissa's parents left on Monday to go back home. While part of me is relieved that they did leave (I get my space back, so to speak), a bigger part of me misses having them. I think with them around, the general stress level is down, as many of the more mundane household chores got done. Now, it falls all on me, and I'm hoping that I can get as much done as I can, yet still care for Melissa. I'm slightly worried, but I'm hoping it's over nothing.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Never Walk Alone

Right now, I'm sitting in the OSU Emergency Room with Melissa. She's had an adverse reaction to the Chemo or possibly the nausea medicine that they prescribed. I'm still waiting to hear about that. While I've been sitting here checking some things online about chemo and all that it is (I feel like I don't know much about it, like a babe in the woods type thing), something occurred to me.

It occurred to me that I'm not alone in this. I do have her and my family here for immediate support, both with the kids and the house. But I also have the support of all of those who I talk to on Facebook. I've always been a stubborn person. I rarely ask for help from friends. I always preferred to take something on myself, as if I have something to prove.

The support, prayers, and encouragement that I've recieved from everyone has been nothing short of amazing to me. It does inspire me, gives me a reason to smile, and, most importantly, a pool of strength to draw on when it does get rough, like right now.

I freely admit that I've broken down a few times during this past month. It's not easy for me to admit that. I know what I have with Melissa, and it's been hard to see her in pain, and not knowing what the immediate future holds. It does seem brighter, now that we've begun the treatment. I see this current ER visit as a bump in the road.

To all those that have sent well wishes, you have my deepest thanks and sincerest appreciation. Like the Verizon Wireless commercials, I feel like I have the power of one of the best networks behind me. It means so much to me, and is something that I'm not sure how I can every repay.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Update

Today was the first day of Chemotherapy. She did very well. It felt like we spend more time waiting for the blood test results to come back then the actual chemo. I must say that the nurses at the James Clinic at the Martha Morehouse medical center are some of the best nurses I've ever seen.

Right now she is resting with the third drug that needs to be continuously pumped into her body for 46 hours. While we were told about the potential side affects, I'm hoping they are limited, so she can enjoy having her brother here this weekend.

We are very hopeful that this will treat the cancer and push it into remission forever. Prayer and determination will takes us very far.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Update on Melissa

Some things have changed since the last post. We have found out that the cancer has spread to her liver. She doesn't have liver cancer, but the rectal cancer has spread to her liver. She goes in tomorrow to have a port put in her so they can start the chemo on Friday. On Friday, she will begin a 46 hour regimen of chemotherapy. From what I've gathered on my research, this is a fairly new procedure, and seems to be effective.

I am hopeful that this will shrink the growths down enough that they can remove them. While it is something that she (and I) will have to deal with for the rest of our lives, I would rather do that, then not have her at all.

It's tough to see her in pain, and not be the happy person she normally is. My mind does wander from time to time, but I quickly get rid of those thoughts and move on. I have four kids to worry about, including Logan's treatment, Holly's school work, Shannon and Megan are always on my mind as well. I have to be strong for them, and more importantly for Melissa. I'm sure the toughest is yet to come.

I'm very confident that we'll beat this. I have hope, and I'll use that as much as I can.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Life, and it's strange twists

There are several things in life that make you stop and reflect on things. Having a child, a death of someone close to you, marriage (or making a commitment to another person in front of friends and family) are all examples of this.

I recently had one of those moments. The Tuesday before Christmas, I found out that my wife had cancer. Specifically, colonrectal cancer. Needless to say, I was in a state of shock. In some ways, I still am. Someone her age, and she's younger than me, has cancer. It feels like a body blow that I've not recovered from.

I find myself thinking about the potential outcomes of all of this. Some of them, to be honest, aren't very pretty. And I'm scared. The person to whom I've dedicated my life to, in some ways is fighting for her own life. I feel helpless sometimes. It's hard to see someone whom you love suffer. And I do think about our kids and how this will impact them. I think that is the hardest part of all of this.

Through all of it, I've remained as positive as I can be. She's being treated at the Ohio State James Cancer Center, which is considered one of the best cancer hospitals in the nation. That gives me hope, and the determination to help her beat this thing. Most of those who know me, know that I am an optimist. Someone who always sees the good in any situation. While this situation will try that optimism, I'm confident that I, along with Melissa, can win.

I will try and keep everyone updated throughout all of this. I can't make any promises, as we don't know what road we will be going down as we travel. I hope that my next blog will be a positive, more uplifting, post.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Extreme Lazyman Makeover

You would think that me not having a job would allow me to post on here more often. That could NOT be farther from the truth. I'm actually still really busy, although it is of my own creation.

First off is my little consulting business. It's slow, given the economy and such, but I do make a little. It keeps my mind active, and helps me to learn more about computers and allows me to do things I couldn't do at my previous job, or in some sense, allow me. I've really expanded on my knowledge of servers and I'm beginning to grow in my own confidence in setting things up.

The other thing I'm doing is I'm back in school. I'm on my second course this semster. I've taken one three week course that I managed to get an A in. This next one...well...I'm not sure. I'm doing well, but finals are next week, and I'm somewhat nervous about them. I'm anxious to get it over with nonetheless.

Things have calmed down a bit at the center. The state is trying to end run the Federal ruling, but we are fighting them on that as well. They are going to try everything they can to close us down. It's nice to know we have some nice backup in place though.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Walk Blog

I've posted a blog about the Walk for Autism that my family and I participated in yesterday over at http://loganbuddy.blogspot.com

Take a look. It was a great time by all, and I look forward to next years walk.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Autism Walk

Just dropping a line to let you know that I'm going to (hopefully) post some pictures from the Walk for Autism I will be attending tomorrow morning. I will post them at loganbuddy.blogspot.com, and make a post here regarding them as well.

To all of those who donated, I thank you. To those that are joining me in about 12 hours (and yes, I should be asleep right now!!!), thank you as well.

Monday, September 29, 2008

So much to do, so little time

I considered blogging about the current financial quagmire that our representatives in government have bestowed on us all. Since I'm not well versed in that area, and don't want to sound like a complete buffoon, I won't say much.

I had a interesting conversation with a co-worker today, that made me realize that I have about 16 months left until my oldest daughter will be old enough to drive. My oldest is currently a freshman in high school. I'm not worried about her going out and dating, as I feel she has a really good head on her shoulders regarding that subject. But driving is a WHOLE other area that I am realizing that I'm not ready for. I'm thinking that I need to prepare by maybe finding another 16 year old and get all the "bad parent" stuff out of the way. Or maybe Nintendo can come out with a driving set so they can practice without raising my insurance rates.

Logan is doing well at Step by Step. I haven't updated that blog in awhile, as there really hasn't been much going on in that aspect for some time, so I've been quiet on that side. If you want to read the old posts, the blog is http://loganbuddy.blogspot.com.

Melissa is back at work now. She works at Step by Step. She's happy that she's doing something, and I'm happy for her.

I'm also back at studying again. I'm not in school, but immersing myself into learning about Windows Server products and all I can absorb about help desk techniques. Other than my son, I have a passion for computers and how they work. I've also started a small side business fixing and upgrading computers. It's fun, and I've met some interesting people.

I hope to get to post more of my ramblings here in the future. Not having as much time as I used to is taking some getting used to. I hope to get to also talk to those who read this blog and my blog about my son.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Funny things in life

There are times that I just want to crawl into a hole. Notwithstanding the fact I haven't posted in eight months, but with all of the bad news, and oil prices and other things, it sometimes just doesn't pay to get out of bed in the morning. If it wasn't for the the fact that I need to make money, I"d stay in bed all day.

I've been a busy little beaver as of late. Since my lost post on this particular blog, we've been down (state closing Step by Step), to highs (Federal Court blocking state, and the opening of a new, larger Step by Step that can help more children with Autism). I feel good each time I step into one of the buildings and do the smallest thing for the center. These kids need all the help they can get, and I'm so glad I can help in the smallest way.

I've also purchased a new computer. That's right, I got rid of my Windows Vista machine and got myself an XP Pro computer. Oh the joys of reliability. I've been also working hard on learning Windows 2003/8 server so I can increase my knowledge and skill.

I've been lax on posting here, and need to do better. As time permits, and the muse strikes, I shall post here. I post more often on Logan's Laughter, my blog about my son Logan.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

A long time..again

Well, It's been a long strange football season. First, Ohio State (AGAIN!!!) goes to the Championship game, only to be used as a whipping boy for an SEC team.

However, my season can come to a happy conclusion this Sunday. The New England Patriots, at 18-0, have a chance to become the only team in history to play a 16 game season, and go undefeated. I can hear the 72 Dolphins now. They say this did it first...true..you did. However, you did it before free agency, parity, and the 16 game season. You want New England to be 1b. I don't think so. You can't compare what you did then to what they are about to do. Spygate? One game of the year. If New England lost the rest of the year, then maybe I"d buy into that.

I'm super ready for the Super Bowl. I honestly can't wait. Bring on the Giants.

Now, with the recent fight that I'm engaged in with ODJFS here with regards to my son and what type of treatment he is entitled to, let's just say I'd rather win that fight over any other. Those who don't know my son, nor have the skill set to properly diagnose my son, shouldn't be involved in, or allowed to effect, what type of treatment he gets. Let the people qualified to make that judgment do that.

Just my two cents.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

It's a hard knock life.....

It's been too damn long since I've blogged here (I've been blogging semi-regularly on my blog about Logan's autism)

Nothing much has transpired, to be honest. Football is here. That is good. Work is a little overwhelming, but I'll deal with it. I have in the past, and I always will going forward. I think I'd rather be busy than slow and bored. My personal opinion though.

In laws are here. It's nice and relaxful this time, so far. I need to relax this week. at least once, anyway.

Saturday, July 07, 2007

My Thoughts on Chris Benoit

As many know, I am a WWE fan. I've always enjoyed watching professional wrestling. I've always known it's fake. It's like a soap opera for men. Sadly though, reality has set into it.

On the weekend of June 23rd, a wrestler by the name of Chris Benoit committed an unspeakable horror. He murdered his wife and 7 year old son in their home outside of Atlanta, Ga. He then committed suicide by hanging himself on his weight machine. No definite reason has come out as to why this happened, as no suicide note was found. Steriods were found in the home, along with other prescription drugs. Chris Benoit's doctor has since been arrested and charged with distribution of illegal drugs, namely steroids.

There are so many theories as to what caused Benoit to commit these monstrous acts. From "roid rage" to his son having Fragile X and the stress that entails, I think I've heard all of them. I have no insight into this part of it. I didn't know Benoit outside of watching him on TV.

I've also heard criticisms regarding the tribute show that WWE did the night they found out about the tragedy. At the time, they did not know the facts regarding the case. As the show progressed, the facts slowly came out. I'm in agreement with what they did with the facts they knew. The next night, on their ECW show, Vince McMahon, for all intents and purposes, apologized for the show. Since then, there is NO mention of Chris Benoit (save for the title history section), all of his merchandise taken off, any mention of him in their DVD sections erased. I agree with that as well.

Since then, the media has been all over this case. I saw a show on Fox News (ya know, the Fair and Balanced news channel) last night with three former WWE stars who all had different opinions about the matter regarding Steroids. The hosts of the show were very combative and wouldn't let rational thought get involved. They basically tried to say that all WWE entertainers are on Steriods. This forms the basis of every news media's view on professional wrestling. It's sad that mainstream media only focus' in on it when there is a death. And it's always about "HE/She was on sterioids." It's sad that I never hear about the performers going to Iraq and performing for the troops in a war zone. I don't see J-Lo doing that. I don't see 50 Cent doing that. I respect the WWE for doing those shows for the troops. They deserve that much.

So, after all of that, how do I feel about Chris Benoit? Benoit was one of my favorites. He didn't talk much, but I was fine with that. He was about the action. He probably had one of the feel good stories in the WWE, when he won the WWE title at Wrestlemania 20, which if you've seen any coverage of this tragedy, you've seen it. Him, with his wife and son in the ring. That was a great moment. I've been having a hard time separating Chris Benoit the performer, and Chris Benoit, the man. The man was a monster. I can't even imagine hurting my kids or my wife. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this. I probably always will. In the wrestling business, from what I've read and been told by former wrestlers, you are only as good as your last match. In life, you are only as good as your last acts. In this case, Chris Benoit is a monster. He'll always be remembered as such by me.

Nancy and Daniel Benoit, I hope you rest in peace, and are in a better place now. You didn't deserve what happened to you.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Dumb stuff

Why the hell do people insist on being stupid? Is it a genetic defect? Are they brain dead? (Probably)

For instance, why do people ask you to do something, then decide after you are done doing what they ask, decided to do something else. Supposedly, these people are halfway intelligent (presumably) human beings who have the ability to use their minds. I wish they would exercise that ability. I'd also wish they would realize that when you make a stupid request, they are going to get a stupid answer.

I want to keep the names of the useless quiet, because I am afraid of stupid people in large groups. They usually have the ability to rally more stupid people at a moments notice. Because they are all around us.

Monday, May 28, 2007

Oh fun

It's now officially summer. It's hot as well. Had the AC on almost all weekend.

Melissa's grandmother is here visiting. It's great to see her again. Haven't really seen her in about two years, so it's nice to re-connect again. Melissa's parents are coming either Friday or Saturday.

Saturday will be a fun time. I'm going to my cousin Dani's graduation party. I want to go, as it is a big deal about her graduating. I just won't like the drive. I'm not big on any drive longer than 30 minutes.

Work is going well. Working on the new site, blogging, getting store websites done. Just staying busy there.

Sunday, April 29, 2007

2007 Draft

Quick question. What the hell is Bill thinking in New England? Randy Moss? Now, I understand he went to the players for this, and he is taking a HUGE paycut. But I'm more concerned about his attitude. Will he be like Corey Dillon was in when he came in, or will he be the Randy Moss of old? I hope for the former.

Now, I have also been reading that they should just gift wrap the Super Bowl title for the Patriots. Hey, Patriot Fans....That's the wrong attitude to have. While we probably have one of the scariest set of recievers in the league right now, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Our chances are good, no doubt about it.

Let's hope this is a good move.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Utter Stupidity

Recently, a popular blogger by the name of Kathy Sierra was to appear at the ETech conference in San Diego. She had to cancel at the last minute due to death threats made to her within the comments section of her blog and (if I understood correctly) posts on other blogs. There were also some other threats made against her that I refuse to state here. To be honest, I had heard little about her before this incident. But based on some of her previous posts that I've read, I fear that I'll never get a chance to read anything from her in the future.

It should be noted that they have not found the person(s) responsible for this henious act. She is justified in her fear. She has no idea if it's a joke, or if someone is just waiting for her to leave her house. Is it jealousy over the fact that Kathy is a great writer and has more interesting things to talk about? That would want to make me raise my blogging game to make myself a better blogger.

I'm a firm believer in free speech. Always have been. But this crosses the line. I hope those responsible are brought to justice. We don't need to see people like Kathy silenced, because if she is, the world will lose a great and gifted writer.

Her blog is located here. If you read her post regarding the threats against her, I will warn you that there are a couple of graphic photos, as well as some language that is offensive.

Monday, March 26, 2007

Getting there

Wow. What a month. This week is going to prove to be even more fun. My two youngest daughters are going to be at the Invention Convention this week. If they make it to state, I may have to go to Cleveland. While I'd be happy for them (elated would probably be a better word), I'd be skittish about driving all the way to Cleveland for the State finals.

My work blog is going well. I got a great compliment from another blogger here in Columbus. They said that my blog was a good example of a business blog. It's that kind of thing that keeps me inspired to write on that blog daily. Also explains why this isn't updated as much as I'd like, but that's life.

Amey, my author friend, has a new book out. It's called Spilled Ink. She's about to begin a publicity blitz on it soon. I'm proud to say I helped out by writing a press release. I also read some of the poems looking for one that would be good for the release. I'm biased, but I know she has talent. I think it's time the world noticed it. I have a feeling she's going to do well once the world sees this.

That's all for right now. Hope to catch up again real soon.

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Update on happenings

I'm enjoying my life right now. I'm very busy at work, which keeps me occupied and focused. I look forward to going into work everyday. I've only had that with one other job, and not like this. It's never the same thing twice, which keeps me on my toes. We just started a huge project, and I'm excited about it. I'm hoping it takes us to another level as a company.

On the home front, not much has changed. Logan was diagnosed with High Functioning autism. In other words, he extremely intelligent for his age, but has issues with social aspects, and some development problems. It hit me hard at first, but now I see it as a challenge. I have to unlearn some things about raising kids and completely alter them to fit this situation. I embrace that because I know I need to for the sake of my son and my entire family.

There have been some entertaining moments in my life as well. I can't go into detail here, sadly due to the sensitive nature of it as well. Suffice to say that just desserts were ordered, and I didn't get stuck with that tab.

I've been enjoying blogging at work everyday. It's nice to have that creative outlet. Working in the promotional industry is awesome. There is something new everyday, and it's a challenge to keep up. And we have been. Now it's time for us to get in the passing lane and become the leader. It's going to be a great ride.

Oh, and only 6 weeks until the NFL Draft. Let's hope that Brady Quinn does an Aaron Rodgers and falls to late first round. Sorry Brady, but you still need to prove yourself. Ryan thought he didn't need to, and look where he's at now. Coaching at West Texas, and becoming the golf coach. Admittedly though, Troy Smith is no first rounder either. I predict he'll go mid 2nd round to late third. Can't wait for the draft. It will be high drama for sure after this free agency so far.