SALAD DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN !

SALAD DAYS

                                                  

October 28 has always been an important date in my life . It was 38 years ago on that date that Glenn and I met. Now October 28 has gained additional importance. Friday, October 28, 2016 my wonderful doctor said with a huge smile on her face, " You are in remission - cancer gone."

                                                 

My first response to this monumental news was, " You mean I can go back to eating salads?"

You see, while I was in recovery, all raw foods like vegetables, sushi plus soft cheeses, cream filled anything were forbidden due to possible bacteria which might cause infection. Leave it to me to think of food first. Never mind that this announcement meant no more weekly clinic , multiple medications, frequent blood work - all the poking and prodding that was my new normal for an entire year. 

SALAD - that was my reward.

                                              

                                                   

Dr. Ho laughed admitting that, like me, big salads were a favorite menu item for her. She went as far as to recommend a restaurant.

But I digress. I AM IN REMISSION! I am thrilled, to say the least. I am so happy as is Glenn.

                                        

I just thought you'd want to know.

By the way, yesterday we dined out on 2 big Cobb salads. I am still reeling. 

                                            

100 Days

                                                               

Today marks the 38th day of my recovery . My total recovery before I venture out into the world is 100 days . This has to be the most difficult time of my life and the most harrowing ! My energy is so very low . My appetite thankfully has improved a bit from bad to fair . So I am seeing some progress and the progress is so very slow . I have been home for two weeks now after a long and horrible three-week hospital stay . It was excruciating , isolating and beyond boring. But through all this I have had the most amazing outpouring of love and support from so many people . Although I requested no hospital visits it didn't matter . People were still there for me:

 Thank you Michael , Heather and Stevie for cleaning my house to make it pristine for my return. 

Thanks to Jeanie for checking in with Glenn every single day giving him the very necessary emotional support he needed. 

Thanks to Debbie for her frequent uplifting texts. 

Anne Marie's encouraging texts to me and her supportive calls to Glenn always seemed to arrive at the right moment. 

So many of you found good use for texting at long last. Glenn and I appreciated it. 

The phone calls, emails and messages from close friends to warm acquaintances was staggering. 

This all brings to mind that wonderful line the Wizard of Oz speaks to the Tin Man " Remember my sentimental friend, it's not how much you love but how much you are loved that matters."

                                                       

Michael has been a source of great strength in all he has done and continues to do. Thank God for Michael. Every one should have a Michael in their lives who is, by the way, blessed with a terrific girlfriend like Heather.  Btw, thanks for the terrific elliptical. Glenn's enjoying it - soon for me.

                                                    

Touches of kindness reach me daily:

 Thanks JoEllen for the Sedaris CDs - his wit and sharp eye blended in oddly enough with my recovery mood.

I am looking forward to digging into the two Bill Bryson books Maryanne, Frank and Pete were so generous to send. Must be special if the author is a favorite of yours.

Colleen's thoughtful music CDs and books offered peace and encouragement.

Diane and Maryanne surprised me with an Amazon gift card - one store I don't mind getting lost in.

I was especially touched by the book and beautiful quilt made with caring hands by members of Hamburg United Methodist Church - sent to me early on.

What really astounds me are the hundreds of prayer warriors from Anne Marie's to Michaelene's and beyond that are  praying specifically for me - for me!

I didn't know receiving card's and notes filled with well wishes and good cheer could elevate me to such joyous heights.

I am feeling strong enough to receive phone calls and visits, now. Hope to see and hear from you soon. I know I haven't been able to come to the phone or had to discourage visits and I do hope this wasn't too off-putting for you. I truly just wasn't strong enough. To complete a sentence was a huge effort. Now, things have improved and I am able to speak on the phone as well as visit with you at my home. So please call or drop in. Rules for a visit: no coughs or colds or having been around someone with a cold or contagious situation, don't bring plants, cut flowers or stuffed animals, and when you see me a fist bump is the preferred display of affection. That last rule slays me BUT doctor"s orders.

                                                        

I feel thankful beyond words for my life - thankful that I still have my life. I am grateful that with this life the number one key to its success is Glenn. His calm loving reserve - his exemplary communication skills with doctors and staff at Roswell - his clear understanding of all things me at this most difficult time are truly what saved my life. Above all his dedication driven by pure holy love is my panacea.

                                                      

As I forge ahead in my recovery , I know - Casera-sera whatever will be will be, like the song goes- but I firmly believe that whatever will be will be - will be grand!

                                                      

..

Day 0

                                                         

Wow! Does that sound apocalyptic or what? Day Zero Day 0 ! 

Chilling!

Trying to live in the now, I am attempting to not predict. 

Day 0 is the 2nd day of my rather lengthy hospitalization. It is the day through modern science when I have my own stem cells put back into my body thereby healing this awful thing called Multiple Myeloma. It's like a Michael Crichton novel.

                                                       

I know I am sounding flippant, but this is serious. And after 8 months of successful treatment, this is REAL!

So, to catch all you caring souls up with the latest on Tony Baksa, here it is:

I will be admitted Tuesday morning August 9th to Roswell Park Cancer Institute for a stem cell transplant. It is not surgery. It entails an insertion of a line into me just below the neck where my own stem cells will be given back to me - that is, my cancer free stem cells. The rest of my stay will be physical therapy and monitoring while my NEW immune system takes control. It is like a reboot. After 2 or 3 weeks I return home AND for 100 days, I must live a cautious life avoiding infections. 

When the 100 days is over WE PARTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                       

But seriously, I am grateful for this new lease on life and especially thankful to modern science, As someone recently said, "I believe in science."

Thank you to everyone who has been evident in my life since my diagnosis last November through visits, phone calls, texts, emails and even you silent ones - those of you seemingly absent BUT  hopefully praying and sending those love vibrations my way. 

Through all that is good and fair in this world I will be just fine. 

Love,

 Tony or Anthony or Uncle T or "hey you" 

If you want to talk after August 12 or so my cell is 716.380.6022

Glenn's cell is 917.715.5938

                                           

Love Is The Cure

Life is a gift - a cliche' to be sure BUT oh so true. When one is hit by certain circumstances one learns this to be true - Life is a Gift.

What's in this gift? Well, it's a grab bag of delights, challenges, sorrows and, saving the best for last , LOVE.
                                                         

At the risk of sounding gooey, it is all about love. One realizes - let me drop the "one". I realize due to my current status more then ever that love is the answer to everything. It's what gets you off you. What I mean by that is this: When my life situation changed so drastically a little over a month ago, to my surprise I didn't wallow in self pity. 

What happened instead was my immediate concern for my loved ones, especially Glenn. How will this impact him?  How will Glenn hurt? How will siblings deal? What about my friends? Should we get together and have a group cry? 
                                                      

Seriously, I didn't cry for weeks. I had one good cry - well it really wasn't a good cry. It was painful. But I cried it out. However, I stopped crying with tears to spare. They'll keep for another day. I don't have time for that now. I am figuring out a way to allow people to help me. To understand their pain. To let them react in their own way whether I see it or not. To assume they care. To assume they love me. To know they do to varying degrees. There are those I know won't much care. There are those who will care but not love me enough to make an effort. 
                                          

I have received lovely support emotionally and otherwise from several confidants. Glenn has been my rock. I never doubted that. 

I want all the love you can give me, now. It is the best support I can possibly get. Love me fully, unabashedly with no apologies. The hell with cute embarrassment. Just love LOVE. It's really the easiest thing in the world and perhaps the hardest. But do it. Don't let the day arrive when you will find yourself overflowing with regret. Regret is one of the most painful feelings.

So, treat yourself to love. Avoid regret. It is really for your own good - and mine. 

Thanks - I love you. - t