Rich ONeils Blog

3 Years!

2010-10-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

PLNU College Drop off-8/2010

Hay all,
Yesterday was my three year anniversary. It was the day that Gayle Cekada called me and told me that my white count was sixty thousand. It was the beginning of this whole thing but it was also the day my eyes began to see things differently/better/with clarity/softer/just plain and simple. I am still the same Rich in many ways. Unfortunately, I talk too much (working on it-James1:19) and get bummed at unimportant details in life. However, I still smile everyday because I have been given just one more. Anyhow, I wanted to post a thank you to everyone. I know as a physician that 3 years in cancer survival is not really that long at all but as a patient I am so grateful and will not be planning on anything but 33 more.
Keep in touch
Rich

"These are grateful days my friend"

2010-09-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

I often hear people talk out loud of things they are grateful for and many put post-its up on mirrors or walls as reminders of such things too. I have participated in both of these activities and as corny as they sound in theory, in reality, it kind of works. And the end of a bad day or just a long day, you walk into your bathroom or makeshift gym-look up and see all the notes and pictures of what you have declared as important in your life and a lot of the day is washed away.
So I decided to make a list of what I am grateful for and ask those who read it to do the same. I have had and continue to have many challenges in my life that are tough and difficult but this exercise has helped me put those items where they belong...at the bottom:)
Here they are:
My wife Laura
My faith in Jesus...and His faith in me
My kids Katy, Tommy & Meghan and how they have renewed my love of teenagers
My quintessential Mom & Grandmother Ruth
My memories of my Dad
Leukemia & my transplant and how it has opened my eyes
Surviving this long
My sister Beth who is my perfect match
My sister Cyndie and our relationship
All my relatives "back East"
My colleagues and how they have responded to my cancer
My friends...wow...all my amazing friends who continue to pat me on the back when they see me
Mango my dog
Today

"Get up, dust yourself off"

2010-07-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

OK so I told myself I would keep this blog updated and I will. I am now about a month into these "Bos P" lenses as my doc at USC calls them and they are so much better after you struggle through the initial trial period. I wore contacts for decades but at more than an inch in diameter and hard (not soft like most) these lens are challenging and difficult to insert at first. You really have to listen/try and not give up and eventually you get the hang of it. I really believe my personality (not conducive sometimes to quiet thoughtful learning ha ha) along with instant everything nowadays made it difficult to get the hang of it-plus killer eye pain didn't facilitate the process either. It started as an hour+ process but is now down to about 10 minutes. Don't ever estimate the power of sincere prayer either.

On another subject, we went on a fun cruise to Mexico this June on Carnival with family, grandmothers, sister, nieces and such and really enjoyed it. I got some new sunglasses that shield your eyes from wind and dust along with the usual sun protection and they were awesome. If anyone has trouble with dry eyes (even if it is not off the charts like me) or rides bikes or motorcycles then check out either 7Eye or WileyX. Anyway, the kids and everyone had so much fun. Endless food, warm water, sun and great dinner time conversations over chocolate melting cake...it was great. Also, our anniversary trip earlier in the year without the kids was cut short by these eye issues (such is the life of a cancer patient and spouse of a cancer patient) and the lesson learned is get trip insurance-whew!

Katy is making a college wish list and will be at Point Loma by the middle of August. I am making a slow return to work and will continue to pursue my other interests but, mostly, listen to the advise of my wife and docs and heal. It has been a tough road and inconsistent work, the economy and a college student coming up hasn't made it any easier. We expect changes in the next year and welcome them and His plan. I often look back and think of our old life and my old but pain free body and miss it. However, I never regret my experiences, challenges, amazing family and friends and the most loyal spouse one could hope for and the illness that changed everything. What's next!:)

I hope I can continue to thrive, discover new roads on this journey and inspire others to rely on the Lord and never give up. Lastly, watch and read about the Arthur Ashe Award recipient on the ESPY's this year...amazing!

Graduation Month 2010

2010-06-04T19:15:00.000-07:00

Hay all,
Sorry about gaps in blog posts. I was hoping to have a break here and there and not have to log on for awhile. I recently stepped out of work after battling eye issues. It became apparent that my cGVHD was not going to leave peacefully and after the 10th or 15th corneal ulceration, I cried uncle and told my eye doc I had decided to address the issue head on and take a break from the dry, stressful operating room environment. He just looked at me like most of my physicians do and smiled...He and Laura shared a moment of "we told you so" again and I laughed inside at my stubborn behavior. I have to admit it helps me survive this stuff though so I am not sure I will change too much in the near future:) If anyone has had or has bad dry eyes they will understand how difficult it can be to ride your bike or work in certain situations with this condition. I do think I have found a good resource @ USC Doheny Eye Center (www.bostonsight.org) and will be visiting USC this next week. I will keep you all posted as this is definitely an answer to prayer. After returning home early from our 25th anniversary celebration, staying inside over Memorial Day Weekend and now unable to work and drive, I think I am ready to find a cure for this and face the next challenge...ha ha Jeez, this stuff never ends! Again, my medical group, family and friends have been incredibly patient throughout all of this as I returned to work, play and parenting full time for most of 2010 but I would like to get back to a routine if possible and fade into the background for awhile. The Lord has really been amazing through all of this and has answered each prayer and made me realize He is always there for me despite these last few tough months. Don't give up on Him and never doubt His mercy or think it is up to you alone to "fix things".
Katy graduates in June and will attend Point Loma Nazarene University (www.pointloma.edu) in the fall. It is such a good fit for her and we are so stoked for her after all her hard work. Tommy and Meghan will be sophomores next year and continue to play ball and dance, respectively. I really want to help those who suffer as I have as I continue to learn so much from all my "medical adventures". Laura is the best and continues to guide me through this stuff with her common sense and patience (a lot of it ha ha).
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers as i approach my 3rd year with Leukemia...and without it! It is only a drop in the bucket so far but I will take it and plan on being here a lot longer.
PS-Go Padres-1st Place NLW Go Flyers

I'm an author-well kind of I guess:)

2010-02-11T20:32:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
I was encouraged to write some of my many thoughts (and you know as a direct ONeil descendent, I am not often at a loss for words or thoughts ha ha) down recently and someone chose to publish them in one of our local papers. I have provided the link to this periodical if you wish to read it.
I continue to pray and remind myself when I write or speak to people about this journey that "it is not about me".
I can only hope that it comes across in this article and everyday in my words and deeds.
Enjoy:)
Rich Jr.
http://www.newtimesslo.com/commentary/3972/my-healthcare-crisis-/

2010-01-01T11:38:00.001-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wow-Cool...a new year and we are all here to celebrate it. I had an eventful Fall season with the return of my cGVHD and the need for high dose prednisone amongst many other medications. I continued to work, gain weight and lose my temper (ha ha). Those of you who have had the pleasure of steroid therapy know what I am referring to...However, October through December was totally awesome too. My kids were invited to participate in their schools homecoming celebrationr

and we had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration at Mom-Mom's house with everyone in attendance. Laura and I took the kids to Disneyland for a few days around Christmas too. I am feeling better each day and continue to realize how blessed I am to be able to ring in the new year. Our family was reminded of how precious and fleeting life can be when we lost a friend to lymphoma this December. He was close to my age and his disease much more treatable than mine in all respects. It was a difficult reminder that each day IS a gift and we will miss him.

On a less serious note, June the cat is now 10# and loving the life she lives with Mango as her new pal! Katy is done with college applications and we await her final decision this spring. Laura and Katy successfully completed their half marathon fundraiser in Santa Barbara for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society too. .It was fun to watch and I am very proud of them. Tommy and Meghan are doing great in high school and Laura is more beautiful in 2010 than ever. We have been married 25 years this coming July and she says it is my bad eyesight that makes me say these things...she's wrong:)

Please feel free to email/call/write me anytime. I thank you for your prayers and support and continue to try and get better and live each day just stoked to be here.

PS: Go Bolts!

Two Years

2009-09-22T20:25:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Well, on October 19th, it will have been 2 years since Dr. Gayle, my friend and physician, called me at work and told me my lab results. Results I knew immediately meant I had some sort of leukemia. I didn't know that I would have one of the worst forms an adult can have but it is a day I won't soon forget.

So I thought instead of mundane updates on me and my family, I would just ask you to read two quotes that I came across this week.

The first one is from "Here if you need me" by Kate Braestrup. It is book given to me by a good friend and colleague about a women who lost her husband in an accident and must explain it to her children. It reads " God does not spill milk. God did not crash the car. Nowhere in scripture does it say, 'God is a car accident' or 'God is death.' God is justice and kindness, mercy and always-always-love. So if you want to know where God is in this (your life) or in anything, look for the love."

Lastly, a passage from Lamentations 3:15, 21-23. (Come on-you did't think I let it go without quoting the Bible...ha ha)

It read like this from the NLT, "He has...given me a bitter cup of sorrow to drink...Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning"

So as I approach the 2 year mark, I still try to smile each day and find the hope and gratitude that I am still here to enjoy my family and all of you.

Thanks

PS: June is our new family addition-rescue cat and very friendly:)

Summer is Almost Here

2009-05-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

Hay All,
Well, as you can tell, my posts are getting farther apart as I am getting farther along. It really has been a little over a year and I won't get the green light from my docs for many, many years but I am continuing to trust Him and live each day well. The few side effects I continue to suffer from are pretty tenacious but well deserved I guess after the ridiculous treatment regiment they put you through when you have this transplant. But enough already, I am stoked to report that I was able to help coach Tommy's Babe Ruth team to a 2cd place this past week. It was great because I missed most of last year's games. I am, at this moment, off all immune suppressant medications and my cheeks have returned to normal I've been told:) Laura is still working at Best Care a few days a week and is involved in a "boot camp" athletic regiment at our friends place called Elite Sports (elitesportsonline.com) here in SLO. She is officially in better shape than me and I am stoked for her (However, you now I can't let this last too long...ha ha). Katy is doing great and she and Meghan are dancing still. I am working more each day and everyone at work has been so awesome and all the hugs are really fun...keep it up:)
My friend Curt, who is 8 months post-BMT, looks great and my other friend Basma (http://www.carepages.com/carepages/BasmaKasim) just had her BMT @ Stanford recently. Keep her in your prayers and send her your support if you wish as she begins her journey.
Please continue your prayers for all of us as I will continue to pray for my many friends and family who have supported me to this point. The fight continues and I am winning so far! Thanks!!

BMT One

2009-03-03T21:11:00.000-08:00

Hi All

Well, as most of you read this it will have been 1 year since my BMT. Very cool/God Bless/Thank you/humbled/tired/collateral damage/friends/family/Laura/Beth/Mom-Mom/Mango/Surf/Golf/tri-sports/Cycling outside/running in the rain/alive/back to work soon/CAMA/disablity paperwork/Grace/healing...just a few random thoughts I decided to post.

My 10/10 sister match came to celebrate with me along with my Mom, Laura and the kids. Laura made a great red velvet theme cake (may not be so appealing to those outside the health care field:)) but looked amazing.

Really just wanted to thank everyone (you know who you are) for everything and I look forward to another year and another celebration. I am truly grateful for all of you.

Rich

PS: Peanuts philosophy I read recently ''Be Yourself, Everyone Else Is Taken!'

February is a good month

2009-02-04T11:37:00.000-08:00

Hay All,

January came and went and our family enjoyed the easy pace after the holidays. I am doing great (always hesitant to say this as I feel like I might jinx myself-I know, not very biblical but superstitions often linger for us in the health care field) and trying to get my heart and muscles back in shape. Medicines are piled on but I am able to reduce them each week. Work hasn't started but I am trying to muddle through the paperwork and such so I can start the slow return in the next few months. I didn't expect to return 24 hours after being given the green light, (well maybe I did:)) so I am patient and my group is amazing and accommodating. I can't say enough about the people who I call my partners. They have stood by me the entire time and have patiently waited for me to return to work on my timetable, even encouraging and counseling me to take it easy despite my nature and desire to earn my keep. Wow...they are an awesome bunch!

Laura and the kids are doing great. At the risk of sounding like a cliche Christmas letter, I will take a moment to boast about them-"OK"...Meghan and Katy have been accepted into the American Ballet Theater's Summer Intensive program at the UC Irvine campus this July. It runs three weeks and I am excited for both of them. Tommy starts baseball this month and I think I will try and help with coaching or in some capacity as I enjoy being with the boys alot. He gets to use metal cleats and "fat bats" in Babe Ruth league so should be exciting to watch how they adapt to these changes and the 90 foot base pads too. The picture with my bike is after a long ride (at this point for me long is anything more than 5 miles) on a beautiful day so white face is my attempt at total sunblock so my docs don't cry foul if they ever see this blog. Next month is one year BMT anniversary so I will keep blog updated and pray for continued recovery of collateral damage and all the other "junk" that flies below the radar. After talking to so many people with cancer, I don't think anyone gets out of this unscathed. Good to be here though!

Love ya all,

Rich

2009..."Welcome"

2009-01-15T20:03:00.000-08:00

Hay all,

Well it is obviously a New Year and I hope everyone had a great Christmas and Holiday Season. We celebrated together quietly and healthy and then the kids took off for Disneyland without us. They were escorted to the Magic Kingdom for 4 amazing days, including New Year's Eve by Aly Baker and Joey Williams. Aly and Joey are engaged and good friends of ours...and the kids are crazy about them too. It was a fantastic success and these two people will restore your faith in young people if you had any doubts before about our up and coming generation. They are wonderful Christan role models and we are truly blessed to have them in our lives.

Laura and I drove down and picked up the kids on the 1st of January after spending New Year's Eve alone (it was great). We stayed at our friend's house, the de la Vegas, and went on Friday to the Simon Wiesenthal Museum (http://www.museumoftolerance.com/) with the both families. That was cool and I highly recommend it. Tommy and I then took off for the Lakers/Jazz basketball game (Tommy's Christmas present) and that was even cooler!! Kobe/Gasol/Jack Black/Jack N. all in attendance...very fun as I had not seen a pro game in a long while and it was Tommy's first. The girls chose to shop at the biggest mall they could find since SLO is lacking in that area and we all slept in the next day tired from all the activity.

I am doing pretty well and my visit to Stanford on the 9th was unremarkable. It is a slow grind to the end of all these medications and tests. It will be a decade before I am ever given a clean bill of health but work should be a reality soon and I feel pretty good. I look forward to it but the red tape and logistics needed to reenter take time. March is my one year anniversary so my docs were right about the timeline I guess. I heard today that my sister/donor has a close friend with my exact same leukemia-found out recently. I offered any help I could and will keep all of you informed (if it is ok with him/her) so we can all pray for the family and lend our collective support. It hit close to home for me and I realized how blessed I am...again.

Please enjoy the New Year and 2009 and maybe make your resolution a simple one.

Here are three good ones:

'Be Here Now'-Buddhist philosophy

"How do you make God laugh?...Tell Him your plans"-Old Hebrew Joke

Read Philippians 4:6-9 each day

Feel free to drop me an email anytime. Thanks again for all your continued prayers and support. I still need them and use them as a source of strength and encouragement each day...I really do.

Quite a Few Weeks

2008-12-20T09:24:00.000-08:00

Hi all,
Well the Nutcracker is over and is was fantastic. I got to see it three times! The first time was on Thursday during the special presentation for Oncology & Hematology patients and their families. Cathie Brown was tireless in her effort to make this show a success and safe for families to "come as they are" and she pulled it off. It was sold out and so amazing (it even made the local news http://www.ksby.com/Global/story.asp?s=9509359). Cathie personally cleaned and prepared the PAC (http://www.pacslo.org/) for the show...I am blessed to call her my friend. The Hearst Cancer Resource Center (see links) was instrumental in getting the tickets to all those who wanted to attend this free performance too. Meghan was beautiful as Clara and Katy was so killer in Snow, Ribbon Dance and Soldier...they continue to inspire me daily. Tommy and I survived as errand boys and Laura was on call to create or deliver all the necessary gifts and accoutrement's needed to pull this off. We love it and the music never gets old so it was labor of love for Laura and I.
On a sad note, my good friend Joel Schnackenberg passed away at the age of 48 after a hunting accident this past week. He was part of our Thursday afternoon men's group & bible study and I will miss him. He was so much fun to be around and his passing reminds me to live life each day with the peace that our Lord has everything in His control...not us. For those who knew Joel, I am sorry and please pray for the entire Schnackenberg family.
Recently, my docs and I have been busy figuring out lab issues and medications and so on. Bottom line, I am improving and have been given the green light to golf and surf. Too much rain lately, so I will wait until the ocean cleans up a little (I am a surfer at heart but not that stupid-ha ha) but the clubs are coming down and getting cleaned off ASAP. I will also be able to make a slow return to work in the next few months if my appts at Stanford go well in January and February. I feel a little uneasy as things began to turn the corner and realize this is a very common emotion for cancer patients. So much intervention, medication and appointments come into your life that when it begins to recede you feel a little lost. I've had to stop, take deep breaths and pray that this news was cool and it is OK to get better. So, I am trying to embrace this good news and enjoy the blessings of a Christmas with my family at home. Last Christmas was not good as many of you recall so waking up on the 25th with just Laura and my children will be my best present.
I am going to end with a quote from a book I read recently (it's from another dog book so humor me-I have moved on to other genres I promise)...enjoy the holidays everyone!

A person can learn a lot from a dog, even a loopy one like ours. Marley taught me about living each day with unbridled exuberance and joy, about seizing the moment and following your heart. He taught me to appreciate the simple things - a walk in the woods, a fresh snowfall, a nap in a shaft of winter sunlight. And as he grew old and achy, he taught me about optimism in the face of adversity. Mostly, he taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty.
John Grogan, Marley and Me, 2005

Cold & Chicken Pox Season

2008-12-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Ok, first to recommendations...I just saw "Freedom Writers" on TV. Wow, what a great movie and true story right out of Long Beach, CA. Movie has been around for awhile but it was nice to rediscover it one afternoon.

Now to the crazy stuff-Meghan got Chicken Pox on Thanksgiving or around there. She had been vaccinated, thank goodness, so her suffering was little to none but lesions were present and confirmed by Laura & Kristi Logan (experienced nurses) so we started her on medication right away. I called my docs and confirmed my suspicions. I had to move out of the house for the duration of her illness (about 4-5 days) to the Brown's pool house. It was fun being a bachelor for a few days and the Browns are so awesome (l love that family) but as I discussed what medical interventions I should do with my doctors we all realized how many viruses I am exposed daily in my current compromised state that I don't even know the name of and calmness and common sense ensued (at least for the docs involved). The holiday weekend and insurance hassles had something to do with it too. Funny thing too-Katy was Clara in Nutcracker 3 years ago and on Thanksgiving contracted Chicken Pox! Strange goings on in the O'Neil household with infectious diseases:)

We did enjoy Thanksgiving dinner in blissful ignorance of circulating pox virus with Mom-Mom, Adam (cousin) and Karl (nephew). Nutcracker week starts now and then we will enjoy the slow days to Christmas. Tommy recovered great from his knee injury and is back to full activity. Finals, frugal shopping and reminding myself that last Christmas is not something I remember too clearly (I left hospital AMA to watch presents being opened & returned home sometime in Feb) so it makes this holiday season really special. I am stoked and grateful that the Lord continues to bless me with health, appreciation for simple things and the gift of life each day.

cGVHD is improving each day but I remain realistic that it is not gone away and will continue to challenge me for a very long time. Such is life and I try to stay "glass half full" in attitude but occasional pity parties are allowed I am told. We don't let it get in the way too much now.

Have a great holiday season and don't forget to say "Happy Birthday Jesus" on the 25th.

"Everything"

2008-11-16T21:07:00.000-08:00

Another song title...this one is by Michael Buble. I thought I would include it as it is such a great song and can't help but make one smile. Our good friend, Aly, also introduced me to Mindy Smith and her songs. Try out "It's Amazing" by her...can't go wrong.

Calm waters right now as I am doing well and the predisone gets reduced each month. Any sign of cGVHD and my docs will find it and it all ends and we start over. But "waiting for the other shoe to drop" is really hard to pull off so I have tried to moved my blanket from under the tree full of shoes that is cancer and surviving it and placed my trust in the Lord and I relinquish control of all my life's valleys and mountaintops to Him. It is amazing to realize finally that the valleys are much wider and longer than the ground under your feet on the mountaintops. So as I travel through them toward the mountaintops, as we all do, I find comfort in the daily gifts and blessings. Recently, a local businessman was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) at age 46. We all know him but as I felt it in my gut when I heard, I was again reminded of how life is so cool but so fragile. Dang! I guess these things get to me more now...must be the medications. I pretty much get misty during Disney films too...ha ha

OK in other news, we lost football playoffs and Tommy likely dislocated his knee cap but it will heal with 2-3 weeks of immobilization and physical therapy. He is tough and we are glad the season is over. Everyone else is doing great and we look forward to Thanksgiving and a quiet family Christmas.

Keep in touch.

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers

Rich

Nowhere to Go, Nowhere to Be

2008-11-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

Hay all
Yes, that is the title of a Kenny Chesney song that is great to just chill too. But yesterday was anything but in sync with the lyrics of the song. We made a regular trip to Stanford (with rain 12 hours round trip) and visited with eye and BMT docs. Great visit with eye guy giving me the ok to continue my care locally as my eyes have improved since we started treatment. cGVHD and ALL are progressing nicely according to my BMT MD and we continue to monitor both closely as we all are in agreement regarding how serious both are and how quickly things can change. That being said, he did lower prednisone a little (yes!) and I am praying for continued resolution of my symptoms. My ALL at my age doesn't get the cure nod until 6-8 years out so I am fine with this and so thankful for each day (i know I am repeating that a lot but it's so true...sorry)

Laura is doing great and she is a saint now, officially, as many of you have already acknowledged:) No really she is the best and puts up with the many twists and turns I provide her with this battle. Tommy's team is in playoffs and Meghan and Katy are at Nutcracker rehearsal all the time. Don't forget to attend if you are local and there is a special performance just for oncology patients and their families on Thursday, December 11th prior to weekend performances.

Vote!
Remember how amazing our God is and treat each and everyone with respect and love...He does.
PS: it's OK to agree to disagree too:)

A Nice Walk

2008-10-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

Hay all
Mango and I took a walk tonight and I can't tell you how nice it was to be in the cool air, quiet neighborhood and have the Fall breeze in my face right around sunset. 33 Miles song "One Life To Love" was flowing through my ears and filled my soul with good stuff. Dogs are great:)
Also, on the way to Laguna Middle School this morning with the kids all the horses in the area were talking to each other....pretty cool.
Tommy and I enjoyed the dvd "Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden" by the same guy who did Super Size Me (funny and interesting actually) and Laura and I saw FireProof at the theater (great date night movie but we stuck to less crowded matinee). Also, took Mom and Katy to the movie "The Secret Life of Bees" (warning-serious chick movie) and it was really an enoyable, nice movie...another date night recommendation I have to admit.
My relatives team, the Phillies, are in the World Series so they are excited.
So despite the grind of daily junk that creeps in to our/my life now, it was nice few days and I felt really blessed and fortunate so I decided to "spread the wealth" (sorry-couldn't resist so close to the 4th).
I hope you all enjoyed them too.
Rich
PS: Excuse me now while I go watch a few Gladiator clips.

Day by Day

2008-10-22T17:10:00.000-07:00

Hay all

Well, this has been an up and down week but, overall, good news for my cGVHD. My eye specialist said I was getting much better and my BMT docs also said things are progressing nicely so each lowered my medications...I am on my way to a more slimmer trimmer facial profile. My PFT's or pulmonary function tests were also unchanged and if you would like to hear a great story of God's grace then ask me about my PFT's. It is slow progress as expected and my Stanford team said the best case scenario is it is all a bad memory is 12-15 months! The other scenarios are ok too so far but time period is obviously longer. I should follow the economic recovery almost to the month....ha ha Well, maybe not so funny to some I am sure. It is art treating this so I am patient, stay informed, ask questions and pray continuously.

My mom came for a short visit which was wonderful and Laura and I got to visit with Curt (see my links) while at our Stanford appts. He looks great and he is less than a month away from his 100 day BMT freedom ride.

Tommy's football team is doing great (won by 1 point last Saturday in last 2 minutes) and Katy and Meghan are busy with Nutcracker rehearsals (see my links again). Katy also gets her driver's license this week too....yah!

Don't forget to attend a performance on the weekend of December 13th and anyone you know who is battling cancer then the the specially prepared performance is for them. Call the Civic Ballet for time and info. On that same subject, the fundraiser at Salsbury Vineyards for the Special Oncology performance was a success and it was great to see everyone, break the rules for one night and chat it up with you all.

I am able to get out and exercise regularly despite the 100 degree weather here is SLO lately. Jeez, I am so ready for Fall! This is crazy. Ok Al G. we believe you...ha ha

Thanks for visiting the blog and don't forget to sign in and say hi.

Mango was feeling left out

2008-10-09T22:06:00.000-07:00

Hay all
My Mom gave me a book recently written by Trixie Koontz, the dog of author Dean Koontz. The book is titled Bliss To You-Trixie's Guide To A Happy Life. He put Trixie, his Golden Retriever, who passed recently, as the primary author and all proceeds go to Canine Companion International (http://www .cci.org/).
It was a easy read and a very nice book that made you smile and laugh, especially if you are a dog owner. Another great book geared more for kids but our family laughed out loud reading it every time was Chewy Louie. My advise-get a dog and go get both books:)
Otherwise, I am doing ok adjusting to my new normal and my face gets rounder with Prednisone as the culprit. Meghan thinks I look more like Santa Clause everyday which made me laugh...good timing too as temporary cosmetic changes shouldn't really rank as high on my list as they do sometimes.
My Phillie relatives are up 1-0 and as a former San Diego native, any Dodger loss is a good one.
If you see me (and recognize me), say Hi and we can even shake or hug if you are feeling good-just don't tell my docs:)
Not much else to report but blogs are good for mundane and rambling too right?
Miss you all at work and hope to back in some capacity after the turn of the year.
Day by Day

Rich

PS: pictures up top are my Mango (pup & now) and bottom is Mocha in Maui & Elle in AZ, my sister's new Golden...and she is definitely the cutest:)

Nice Weekend Visit

2008-10-05T18:36:00.000-07:00

Hay all
My sister and her daughter came to visit this past weekend joined by my Mom. We got to catch up, go to Tommy's football game and just hang out. She lives on Maui and misses her mainland family and was able to visit Cyndie in Sedona too (other sis). It rained here in SLO and it felt great to have a little weather and cold as we have had a pretty good Indian summer period so far. I continue to truck along with my this cGVHD stuff with no real changes to report. My eyes are improving according to my Optho doc and the weekly conference call on cGVHD out of the University of Michigan continues to provide me with some really great insight and info. Please pray for my friend John as he struggles through these first few weeks of his BMT. His blog is listed on my site.
It was so great to see you Beth and Emily and if my face gets any rounder from prednisone, I will have to steal political pundit, James Carville's nickname from him (Captain Cueball).
Halloweens coming-'cool'

Rich

Emily & Katy Beth & Emily Me & my future best man, Colin 1977

PS: Go Chargers...please!

One Year and Still Here

2008-09-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

Many of you have received an email about my family starting this blog. I am new to blogging but this one is pretty user friendly so my first entry is to remind everyone that my diagnosis on October 19th, 2007 is approaching one year. To be honest, my BMT was on March 4th, 2008 so my "birthday" of one year will be in 2009 but being alive and with my family each day continues to be a gift I never take lightly.

My chronic Graft vs Host Disease (cGVHD) is stable and will be with me likely into the near future according to my docs and other resources I have investigated. The Stanford ophthalmologist keeps using the word "improving" at our visits each week and my BMT team specializes in cGVHD now so I am stoked about that...such a God thing:) Also, I have connected with a group that has allowed me to access resources and experts around the country if I wish to explore options and second opinions in the near future. Please don't hesitate to ask me if there is someone you know who needs this info or anything from me.

But for now, I continue to chug toxic medications, offsetting them with vitamins, shakes and a workout schedule that demands flexibility but keeps me somewhat limber (less limber also cGVHD side effect-jeez:( Laura has returned to work part time with Best Care as a mother-baby Home Health nurse. She loves those babies! Katy and Meghan are gearing up for their Nutcracker performance in December at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center. Meghan is the lead part of Clara and she is awesome. Katy is an apprentice Company member and will be in many parts of Nutcracker too. Tommy is banging heads in SLO Youth Football and loving it.

Overall, we are stoked for each day together...so stoked! As I often do, I will end with a quote:

"Yesterday is already a dream and tomorrow is only a vision,

But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,

and every tomorrow a vision of hope" Rick Hoyt