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Telling Cancer Off

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Telling Cancer Off

Profanity: also known as swearingcursingfoul speech, and cussing, is a show of disrespect, a desecration or debasement of someone or something, or the act of expressing intense emotions. Profanity can take the form of words, expressions, gestures, or other social behaviors that are socially constructed or interpreted as insulting, rude, vulgar, obscene, obnoxious, foul, desecrating or other forms.

A casual stroll through the grocery store or shopping mall while dressed in clothes that so elegantly sport one of many four letter words we have become acquainted with over our lifetimes will surely be ...

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As the Finish Line Approaches…

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As the Finish Line Approaches…

It has been over a month since the last time I have written, and it has certainly not been due to a lack of content. As I progress to the last quarter of my chemotherapy treatments, the side effects become exaggerated. A subtle fog creeps over my mind as the potent poison not only attacks the cancer but nerves throughout my body, including in my brain. You may notice during conversation with me a pause… as words, numbers, thoughts and even names ...

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As the Light Switches on…

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As the Light Switches on…

Recovering from surgery is a long and emotionally trying process. Each day you wait patiently for improvement, for your limb, shoulder, hip, heart, bowels, or whatever was operated on to return to some level of normalcy or regularity. You wait eagerly to get on with your life… maybe even, your new and improved life, as the surgery treated some discomfort, pain or ailment.

Recovering from surgery while fighting cancer is different, it is no longer only a process to return to ...

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A Torch to Lite my Way

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A Torch to Lite my Way

Over the past twelve days while my body battles healing complications, insomnia and discomfort, my mind has been at war with anxiety, frustration and depression and I have not made it out of the clouds yet. Deliverance to a content and confident mind does not come easily… Does one rage against the impending darkness with fight and vigor or attempt to move calmly forward by acceptance and patience? In all honesty, neither come easily nor are they the answer to ...

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Give Thanks

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Give Thanks

To the Troops,

TJ is finally out of surgery and all went well.  Dr. Cusack performed laparoscopic surgery to remove the mass in the colon without any issues.  He will be in recovery for the next 2 hours and then moved to a room where we should be able to see him.  The surgical team got a bit of a late start as the actual procedure began around 12:10 pm. Thanks again to everyone for so closely following Teej’s progress and ...

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Evil Beaver Removal

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Evil Beaver Removal

TJ was “very ready” to get this surgery over with and was brought in at approximately 10:30am to have the mass removed from his colon.  We anticipate the surgery will begin sometime around 11:30am and should take approximately 3 hours or so. It is hopeful that Dr. Cusack will perform the surgery using a laparoscopic technique which will be much less invasive.  .  I will update everyone once we hear from the surgeon.

Again, many thanks to TJ’s Army as everyone’s ...

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Be Thankful and Your Life Relatively

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Be Thankful and Your Life Relatively

Good Morning Friends, Family, Strangers,

I’d like you to visualize an expansive thanksgiving table, the plush cushioned seats are packed with dear friends, family, acquaintances and a sea of other individuals that have at some moment touched your life. The fine china stacked high with delicious golden turkey, casserole dishes filled with sides stealing all the colors of autumn, and a giant karaf of warm, thick, gravy. A picturesque scene that will surely get you salivating, yet, all of these items are absent ...

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As Energy Rises, Pain Dwindles, Clarity returns

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As Energy Rises, Pain Dwindles, Clarity returns

Good morning troops,

I am happy to report that I am finally starting to feel some of the recovery in this recovery process. My energy levels over the passed couple days have perked dramatically to let in a little strength, humor and positive attitude back into the mix. Liver/Gall bladder surgery recovery as I stated in my last blog is an exhausting, painful process. The pain meds also tamper significantly with your mood, perceptions and memories leaving reality as an intangible ...

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“A Gift from Heaven”

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“A Gift from Heaven”

Welcome to the Flipside,

Recovering from liver and gall bladder surgery is a colorful blend of searing pain, delusional fatigue, and utter exhaustion, but you will find that the most delicious of fruits are often protected by a spiny, painful armor and the reward inside once reached is euphoric and well worth the laborious struggle to obtain it. Life is exactly that if appreciated, euphoric. The simple, beautiful, intricate things we overlook everyday can be so amazing if the time is taken to observe, ...

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On the Road to Recovery

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On the Road to Recovery

Everyone,

Great news! We met with TJ’s surgeon minutes ago to hear that TJ had the best of possible outcomes. Dr. Tanabe successfully removed 9 lesions/tumors from his liver leaving enough healthy liver so that he can continue to “Beat The Challenge”. We learned that we should expect some bumps along the road to recovery but again, the surgery, 6 1/2 hours long, was a success.

Once again, we cannot thank everyone enough for the positive thoughts and prayers. At this moment ...

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