Hi Greg. Thanks again for your comments on my blog, and especially your words or encouragement. You always have something positive to say. I feel better now that you too had to have an MRI. Another blogger also added that comment. I feel more encouraged now that all will be ok.

I guess I should have waited instead ranting on and feeling sorry for myself. So many people are going through a lot more than I am. Anyway, thanks again man. I’ll post another blog when I know more. Regards, Frank

Posted on August 13, 2010 at 9:02:04 AM PDT by azdadybear

Hey there Greg. Thanks for your comments again. At least I know one other person is doing about the same as me since we’re about one month apart in our treatments.

Sorry to hear you were not able to enjoy the ribs. I know you’ve been looking forward to having them for a long time. I have a hard time with meats of any kind except fish. But this is what I do when I want to eat meat.

I simmer meats or bake them until very tender and cook them into gravys, sauces, very mild chili, or soups. They’re very easy to eat that way. I did manage to eat some ribs I cooked by grilling them first, then simmering them very slowly in a mild slighty watered down bar-b-que sause I made. They were fall off the bone tender and they went down quite easily with all that sauce.

Of course, I love to cook and I find that eating soupy, saucy, wet things are easy for me. Veggies are also easy especially in salads.

The things I used to love like pork chops, hamburgers, fries and steaks are out now for me. But I can still enjoy them if I get creative and cook them differently where they are wet and easy to swallow.

Anyway, thanks again for keeping up with me and I’m glad you are doing ok. I hope one day we both can have water mellon or a Reece’s Peanut Butter Cup taste sweet again. Maybe in a year. Regards, Frank

Posted on July 7, 2010 at 4:13:42 PM PDT by azdadybear

Hey Greg. Thanks for your comments. You always say something positive. My blood counts are in the normal range. They have been throughout my treatments for some strange reason.

I know they removed your feeding tube before your PET scan. Why? Three of my Drs don’t want mine removed until after the PET scan to be sure the cancer is gone. Perhaps your radiation oncologist is convinced that all is ok with you. Mine seems to think so too and wants to remove mine as soon as I am able to eat 3 square meals per day. I think he’s also convinced that I’m ok.

I’m still trying to work out my swallowing issues but it seems to be getting easier every day. I’m curious about wether you can eat ribs yet. I remember you wanted them so bad a while back. I so crave them now that the weather here is warm but I know I can not eat them yet. I hope you’re eating well buddy.

I hope your blood counts go up to normal soon. I’m praying that your PET scan will be negative. Please post a blog and let us all know how it turns out. Regards, Frank

Posted on April 26, 2010 at 12:52:26 PM PDT by azdadybear

Hi Greg,

Thanks again for your kind words. It seems the main thing that got me thru all of this is “Faith” Glory to GOD! This was truly a “hellwalk” I have NO good memory about it. So every time I sit an say how wonderful I feel—I immediately think of the others who are right behind me. I feel the need to let everyone know that it does get better.

Im happy to hear they removed the PEG…What a great sign that you are off to “Eating” again.
Good Luck to you Greg And GOD BLESS

Best Regards,
Elena Cuomo

Posted on March 23, 2010 at 10:23:24 AM PDT by elenacuomo

Hi Greg,

You have no idea how much I look forward to your posts and comments. You are a “Child Of God” whom I make a point to draw near to. The Scripture in 2 Corinth “we walk by faith and not by sight” I have repeated constantly. While I was in treatments I used to lay on the table and pray to GOD…and I would tell him how much faith I have in his healing me. Sometimes it did get hard bcuz (you know) rads just made it so hard to ever feel good. I thought I was never going to feel myself again….—-NOT—- I am an overcomer!

Now, I feel almost 100% again. I do have some issues but I mean I’m almost ME again….AND all GLORY GOES TO GOD! He got me thru this and I will NOT BELIEVE that I have “C” anymore. I will in my heart believe this is A false positive!! Thats why Im kinda taking my time sceduling the MRI!! Im NOT gonna worry for GOD has already healed me.

I claim GODS promise in healing for my body by “FAITH” in HIS word. I thank HIM that the very source of my sickness is destroyed and according to JESUS’ promise I WILL RECOVER in JESUS NAME I PRAY!

Greg, I thank you for your support and your belief in GOD will get you thru this TOO!! You are an Over comer also….I love Joel Olstein and I love being around and talking with people who are into CHURCH, THE BIBLE, AND GOD…GOD works wonders—-its believers like you who help me..

You take care—we are in the biggest WAR and we will conquer with GOD on our side… ADIOS SATAN, ADIOS CANCER

Best Regards,
Elena Cuomo :)

Posted on March 5, 2010 at 8:50:55 AM PST by elenacuomo

Dear Greg—
Thank you for your very touching comments about me on our newbie, Michelle’s, blog. You are so kind! I can’t help but notice how supportive you are to so many others here. You are truly a wonderfully caring person and always seem to know the right things to say. I realize that you are still climbing uphill right now, which makes it even more amazing to me that you take the time and energy to boost others’ morale. But, like me, I’m sure you realize that to get you must give. There are so many on this website who are so giving of themselves so that others will have an easier journey. You are definitely one of those people! Thanks again for your support and lovely comments. You’re one in a million and I wish you the very best! I send you positive thoughts and will keep you in my prayers.

Martha

Posted on March 3, 2010 at 4:19:25 PM PST by mp327

Greg,

Thank you for that heartfelt letter. You really put yourself out there to convey your message to me. I think you are brave for sharing your feelings like that and it meant a lot to me.

Thank you for writing me.

Much Love & ((hugs))
Sonia

Posted on March 3, 2010 at 10:38:22 AM PST by bleunote

Thanks Greg,
I got that e-mail as well. Hopefully they will figure out what the problem is and it will get through.
How are you feeling today? I pray improving every day!
GBlessings,
Larissa

Posted on March 2, 2010 at 4:37:08 PM PST by larissa

mmmm….thank you for that verse. It was gorgeous and to be honest I don’t know that I remember ever hearing or reading it, yet I have had to at some point. Funny how you can be in the word yet still be blessed with something so new, what a gift for me!
How have you been feeling this most recent days? I pray that you feel some type of renewal on a daily basis…it takes time but it comes.
Here’s to many happy days in your near future!
Blessings,
Larissa

Posted on March 1, 2010 at 5:03:37 PM PST by larissa

Hi Greg,

Thanks for the support. Yeah I read about the Zinc helping out the tastebuds. Let me know if it works. And RE: the constipation, yik I know I dont want that. Lately everything seems to be functioning normal (except my throat) and I dont want to mess with that. This “C” journey definitely makes you NUTRITION Concious!! When Im able to swallow I would love to add the healthy supplements into my routine. Im also blessed bcuz my husband works in a Fruit & Vegie mkt—so Ive been BERRYING myself..LOL

I love reading the scriptures you find. Im actually listening to a healing CD and reading the Bible right now… its so rewarding.

Welll HAve A great weekend. And I know all your future REPORTS are gonna be CLEAN TOO!!

Best Regards,
Elena : )

Posted on February 19, 2010 at 9:48:42 AM PST by elenacuomo

Amen! Well said my friend, and thank you for sharing how God has worked in your life. You are correct, even with the most positive outlook it takes work. The most beautiful garden only stays that way with the constant weeding, feeding and tender care. As with life, we have to pay attention to how we tend it!
Be blessed and know I continue to send up prayers that your journey hold many good things.
Love to you and your family,
Larissa

Posted on February 17, 2010 at 12:06:05 PM PST by larissa

Hi Greg: I sure miss reading about whats going on with you.. tomorrow is my once month after radiaition, i am like you want this to be done, but from what i read, it wont be for a long time..
i am so sick of drinking shakes i go to the doctor
tomorrow and see what he has to say..i am glad i am on lexapro to help me not be so sad about all this.. keep me intouch and hope you are doing ok
dont you think the end is the worst?
diane w

Posted on February 15, 2010 at 3:33:58 PM PST by dianew

greg, please e mail me at rlwcpa@execpc.com and
we can compare stories
diane wagner from wisconsin

Posted on February 5, 2010 at 11:42:25 AM PST by dianew

greg, please e mail me i dont get on this web site too much anymore rlwcpa@execpc.com.. my last
radiation was jan. 19th and oh is it true that the worst is the end.. so much mucas and non sleep and fatigue.. i am wondering when i will every eat regular food again, still on the shakes and some soft food, yogart and applesause at least i did not need the feeding tube and did not lose too much weight but i do need to lose 30 more lbs on my own.. abut i will take the 15 lbs for now.. keep in touch hope you are fine
diane from wisconsin

Greg—
Thank you for your kind comments on my blog. It is nice to see that you are still checking in here and keeping up with everyone. I hope you will be able to get your blood counts back up with the Neupogen injections. I had those once and they worked! Just be prepared for some achiness in your bones and muscles following them—this may last a couple of days and make you feel “flu-like.” I’m sorry that you missed a couple of scheduled chemos due to low blood counts, but hope you will be able to get back on track and move forward from here on. As for the emotions during this time, do not feel that you are the only one who experiences this. I think it’s safe to say that anyone going through cancer has the same feelings. I am glad that your doctor has given you something to help and I hope it is effective for you. Coping with all the aspects of cancer can be difficult. When you are up to it, I hope you will give us an update as to where you are in your treatment and how you are feeling. Until then, please know that I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.

Martha

Posted on January 12, 2010 at 1:53:27 PM PST by mp327

Hi Greg!
Just wondering how you’re doing. I hope all is going well. Keeping you in my prayers my friend!
Hugs,
Trice :-)

Posted on December 16, 2009 at 6:04:57 AM PST by patrice

Hi Greg—
Well, usually my timing is lousy, but I am so glad I got it right for once with the courage pic! I couldn’t resist putting that on BFAC, as I think it speaks volumes about the kind of people we are, going through this disease that turns our lives upside down. However, here we are, all continuing to put one foot in front of the other. I want to wish you the best with your start of tx tomorrow. I am sure that all will go well for you, but understand the anxious feelings of uncertainty. I was so fearful that day I went for the first tx, but I survived it and every day thereafter, and you will too! I will be sending you positive energy tomorrow and thinking good thoughts. As always, you remain in my prayers.

Martha

Posted on December 6, 2009 at 4:41:04 PM PST by mp327

Greg—
Thanks for the quick response to my question. I’m so glad to hear that the port procedure went well. I wish you the best with your appts. tomorrow and hope that you will be one step closer to beginning your tx’s and being cancer free! I’ll look forward to your update. Take care.

Martha

Posted on November 28, 2009 at 5:37:54 PM PST by mp327

Greg—
I was just wondering how you were doing after the port insertion on Wednesday. I hope all went well and that you are recovering. It’s nice that you have that behind you now and can get on with the next phase. I hope you enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving with your family. As always, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Martha

Posted on November 28, 2009 at 5:19:39 PM PST by mp327

greg had my mask fitting and pet and ct scan
with the help of alprozolam got me thru.. had my
first chemo erbitux on the 23rd that was fine until about 10:00 pm and had a bad headache took
tynelol at night but had to call the doctor as
that did not help so he said this once i could take advil had it for a couple of days.. reading all these blogs helped, but also scared me as i am
on lexapro to help me
good luck and keep in touch
diane in wisconsin

Posted on November 27, 2009 at 12:24:04 PM PST by dianew

greg, i never did hear about the chemo that you will be having.. did you get fitted for the mask..
i go for my final fitting tomorrow before the rad starts on monday.. have a happy turkey day
diane w at rlwcpa28@yahoo.com

Posted on November 24, 2009 at 5:33:54 PM PST by dianew

greg and all does everyone go thru the same
operation for getting their feeding tube?
my doctor will not give it to me right away
what treatmetns did you decide? keep me in formed
thinking of you
diane w from wisconsin

Posted on November 20, 2009 at 6:27:52 AM PST by dianew

we will be going thru this together i see my
doctors on nov. 5th and will have to have
my treatments soon after seeing the dentist
and having a pet scan.. did you have a pet scan yet? did you get fitted for the mask.. are you as nervous as i am? diane at rlwcpa28@yahoo.com

Posted on November 2, 2009 at 1:53:25 PM PST by dianew28

Just checking in to see how you are holding up. Prayers have been flying up on your behalf and for your family as well. Take care, and keep your mind focused on healing!
Larissa

Posted on October 27, 2009 at 5:24:35 PM PDT by larissa

Hi Greg—
I just wanted to let you know that I have not forgotten about you. I know that your surgery was yesterday and I hope and pray that all went well. I know you are in good hands, so just rest and get out of that hospital ASAP! By the way, the reason I am late in posting this is because I was gone a few days—to the great state of Illinois! Had to go visit my mom. It was COLD up there and I’m happy to be back down south. :)
I’m sending you many well wishes and healing hugs. May God bless.

Martha

Posted on October 21, 2009 at 6:08:38 AM PDT by mp327

Hi Greg—
I just wanted to let you know that I will be thinking of you today as you go for your consult at Loyola. I hope all goes well and you meet some good docs who will take excellent care of you. Best wishes!

Martha

Posted on October 7, 2009 at 5:35:12 AM PDT by mp327

No matter what happens we are truly blessed Greg. I still have to say cancer has allowed me to come to know some of the most amazing people on thus earth. Thank you for the gift of this song…”each time I come into your prescence, I stand in wonder once again”...your grace still amazes me. I will steep sound tonight with those words going softly through my soul. :D Leaving for NY on Tues. but know I am praying for the next step in your journey on the 7th if you don’t see me on here. Remember to breathe!

Posted on October 4, 2009 at 9:08:44 PM PDT by larissa

Oh do I feel for you right now. I want to blurt out that horrible saying “it will be fine”, but I hated that saying and you just don’t feel it when you are on the part of the road you are on. Watch our lives unfold before you and you can indeed get a glimmer of how things go and what things work. You are the head of your household, provider, husband, Dad and will continue to be regardless of this “glich” in life. Your possitive attitude will take you miles beyond anything else you do in life, keep that up.
Prayers to you, and I will share all the wisdom I have gleened from those before me.
Larissa

Posted on October 2, 2009 at 12:53:20 PM PDT by larissa

Prayers are still going up for you…keep us posted so we know your specific needs. Be strong, and remember to breathe…:) Larissa

Posted on October 1, 2009 at 10:27:18 PM PDT by larissa

Welcome Greg,
I saw your post on Larissa’s site, and what a wonderful time release she gives. What a great way to put it. I just had my five year anniversary with no cancer in my body, after they told me when I was diagnosed to prepare my eight year old for my death within six months. Miracles do happen, positive attitude helps, all of us have our grumpy days, and this site is one of the most powerful antidotes I have found. Please expect the best and don’t hesitate to ask questions as we are all on here because we want to learn as much as we can about our disease and we are proactive in our care. Peace, Sharron

Posted on September 28, 2009 at 2:23:40 PM PDT by simplysharron

Greg—
I just wanted to wish you the best with your scans today and surgery tomorrow. I hope the scans show that your cancer is localized to the tonsil only and that the surgery will be successful in removing all the cancer. Good luck and please post an update when you are able. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Martha

Posted on September 28, 2009 at 5:41:56 AM PDT by mp327

Uncle Greg,

I just read your blog. My thoughts and prayers are always with you, especially on Monday and Tuesday. I love you very much! God be with you.

Love you,
Heather

Thanks Greg, I hoped that sharing my journey would be useful to others. There is alot to be said about the fact we are not alone in this. As supportive as our friends and family can be it is our fellow survivors that truly know what we may be feeling. Stay strong and know that we will be holding you and your precious family in our hearts September 29th. Blessings to you and remember to live each day like it’s the BEST day of your life. :D
Larissa

Posted on September 24, 2009 at 7:23:18 PM PDT by larissa

Greg—
Thanks for the encouragement on my blog regarding my upcoming appt. I wanted to wish you the very best with your surgery on the same day—I will be thinking of you on the 29th. I just know everything will go well.

As you can see, there is lots of support on this forum. We are all here to help each other through the rough spots, so if you ever find yourself in one, just log on and we’ll help you get through it. I see that you ran the Chicago Marathon! I’m so impressed. I have always wanted to do a marathon, but the closest I’ve ever been is a half-marathon, which I’ve done twice. I’m not sure if my bones will tolerate 26.2 miles since having radiation. I run on a treadmill, usually 3-4 miles, 5 days a week. I find it much easier on the old joints!

I am sending you positive energy for your surgery on Tuesday. If they won’t tape your fingers crossed, I’ll understand—but I will keep mine crossed for you! Best wishes.

Martha

Posted on September 24, 2009 at 1:23:37 PM PDT by mp327

Greg-

I missed your first Blog….....my apologies. I just happened to read your comment on Martha’s blog about your pending Tonsil surgery. Just wanted to say welcome to the family, and here at Blog for a Cure.

I’m a 16 year survivor of type 4A Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the tonsil, I hope that gives you some comfort. In addition as you may have read, there are several others her who recently (this year) survived tonsil cancer as well. Keep a positive attitude and you too will be a survivor.

Feel free to ask any of us about what lies ahead. Although tonsil cancers are similar, the treatment issues vary from patient to patient.

I pray for a successful surgery this coming Tuesday, you will be in my thoughts.

I wish you enough!

All the best,

Ron

Posted on September 24, 2009 at 6:57:42 AM PDT by roncancerfree

Hello
Here it is midnight again.. have to get up early to go to the range. My small boys and older son want to go try out some new guns. I do not shoot much anymore. I passed on the love of it though.
My ear has sonic hearing from tumor damage so not pleasant even with ear muff to shoot. Kids know to talk at other side of me and to NOT whistle near it.usually ;)
My gratitude for your message. It si fun to meet people on here ..even though in hard scary times most of the times.
I am so happy to be able to grow from others on here. I am thankful everyday I am here and glad”er” to be alive knowing so many fihgting simply to live to put up with all the stuff life tosses at us.
Well, my twin says she got out of a lot of crap by dying! Most days it can be true but she loved life! She was right though.. life can be a hard deal at times. BUT so wonderful anyway! Breath in breath out.. I love life. I love fishing, cooking,. being wiht my family. ALL in all it is very worth any trouble.
I hope you victory over this and the incredible gift to learn who you are in a way only this can show you. I loved what my tumors taught me. I do forget and then I remember as I fold 5 loads of laundry last night at one AM..These clothes represent love..and a family. simple things.
I hate sore throat so badly I rather the headaches I had to that! I am sorry for you! ouch! every swallow..so many in a day. I will pray for you to have the burden lightened.
good night—prayers first.. :) before I forget your name. One night I had to say about a member on here as I prayed…”you know who” not good.I am real bad at names.
BARB R

Hi Greg—
Thanks for your kind message to me. I never met a Greg I didn’t like! :) You asked what “tx” means—it is the medical abbreviation for “treatment.” You will see it used here often, along with some other occasional abbreviations. If ever you want to know what one of them means, just ask me and I’ll try to help—I used to be a medical transcriptionist!

It appears to me that you have a very positive attitude about what lies ahead for you. That is how I tried to approach my situation as well, but I have to admit to having a couple of meltdowns. Then I just picked myself up and kept going. You have many people on here to help you get through this. There are some bloggers, such as Ron, Anna, Dennis and Jacques, among others, who have lots of good recommendations for getting through tx for tonsil cancer. I’m sure you will be hearing from them!

I wish you the best with your upcoming tonsillectomy and what follows. May your scans show no other involvement and your tx be successful. I look forward to hearing more from you as you start your journey. May God bless.

Martha

Posted on September 22, 2009 at 5:48:55 PM PDT by mp327