It's Like Riding A Bike.....

Most people have heard the above post title used in reference to "having SEX". It all comes back, it's simple, you won't have any problems. Sure. Who started that one.....?  I want to know. I went bicycling today and I had trouble steering and balancing. Went through bushes twice, lost the chain once, and kept cars at bay. The point is that with practice it does come back, not sex or bicycling. I refer to the everyday actions of daily living. Especially after a bout of illness.What we take for granted is not so simple once we haven't done it for awhile? Making your bed, changing clothes, taking a shower. It takes energy and will-power. It takes strength of conviction, determination, and the support of family and friends. Do not give up. It's easier but the sense of accomplishment can initiate a chain of actions, until you achieve goals you never thought yourself capable of. DON'T GIVE UP.

Courage

What does courage look like?  Watch the link below and you'll .know

Vulnerability and Cancer

Painted by Guido Reni (series of seven)

Although St. Sebastian is not the patron saint of cancer victims (St. Peregrine is), St. Sebastian is the most popular image known to most people. He is often pictured as dying as a martyr for his faith, pierced by many arrows. He has been the subject of many articles and revered by many as seen in UK's, The  Independent.  I found the last paragraph very intriguing:

All of which is to say that the secret of Sebastian's success may lie in his ability to be all things to all men. Along with the famous arrows, the symbol of his martyrdom is the rope that binds his hands; yet the shape-shifting Sebastian just won't be tied down. The novelist and political activist Susan Sontag pointed out that his face never registers the agonies of his body, that his beauty and his pain are eternally divorced from each other. This made him proof against plague in 1348, and, in these ungodly times, it still does. A recent book devoted to the martyr includes Aids-related work by artists including Wolfgang Tillmans and Louise Bourgeois. It is called Saint Sebastian: A Splendid Readiness for Death.

'The Agony and the Ecstasy: Guido Reni's Saint Sebastians' is at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, London SE21, 020 8693 5254, until 11 May

So what is my point....I'm getting there. I was thinking about vulnerability and wondered if one can be too vulnerable. I'm not sure. Many women and some men describe themselves as vulnerable, which is the capacity to be hurt, physically or emotionally. But, it may also mean you have the capacity to love more. As with anything, I'm sure it's all about balance. But my eternal quest is : "how do you achieve that balance?"

I do think that cancer patients, from the point of diagnosis to all stages, are vulnerable. First of all, none of us ever expected to be in that category. Once we are, we define life differently and possibly realize the importance of every moment. All our emotions are magnified and very fine-tuned. We are often prescribed drugs to deal with these feelings but possibly we need to explore those feelings. I know that I do. As I try to enjoy these beautiful days in paradise, I find myself often reminded of the arrows of pain that I and my fellow travelers have endured. At the same time, I try to enjoy the beauty that surrounds me. The paradox of pain and pleasure comes to mind.  

I strongly encourage anyone who can, to take some time for some introspection. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you find there....I have to go. I'm having drinks with Sebastian. 

Money Flies....

It just seems to disappear faster than I'd like. The other day, it literally happened. I was at the toll booth.
"That will be $8.00 sir.

"Eight dollars!" I had only gone about 2 miles.  I had been prepared to give up to three, but eight. So, I pulled out my wallet and found a five to hand over with the three ones. At that magic moment when money exchanges hands, I saw my five dollar bill float away toward the line of cars behind me As I watched it pass me, I thought, "there goes another five" and was prepared to dig deeper into my wallet. But the toll taker who has probably seen this happen numerous times, said, "You can still get it. It's right there behind your car. I can see it."

Not wanting to lose it, I jumped out of my car, not realizing I hadn't put it into park. I ran for the five, jumped on it so it wouldn't fly away and watched my car move forward.  Oh yeah, and my dog Nathan was jumping around the front seat. Money or Nathan. I ran to my car and caught it just in time. I backed up to the booth, handed her the money. 

"You nearly lost both." Yeah, I nearly did. I was sure I had given her the money initially, and wondered if she had let it go. I thought she had but I could never prove it. Working as a toll taker must get boring. Before I drove away, she seemed to be muffling a laugh, as she said, "Have A Nice Day."

Paradise

This is what I search for, but alas, it is a pic of the sunset in Maui. Although, not in Maui, I am on my way to Key West. So far, the drive has been uneventful except for being pulled over after 30 minutes into my trip. It seems I took the wrong exit and went through a red light with a cop behind me. (Whoops)  I tried to tell him I was lost, but he said that didn't explain the red light.  I told him I didn't see the sign.  He said that was a big stretch. I finally said, "you're right."  And he said, "Follow me and I'll get you to the right place." Someone just try to tell me there isn't a God out there. 

I drove ten hours and I'm here in wonderful Goodletsville, outside of Nashville. The pool is closed because it is 42 degrees. You may be asking what this has to do with being a Cancer Stud. You have to get peace, quiet, and sun.  You need to relax on the beach. It's all part of the program. Like the cop said, "That's a big stretch."

Diet and Cancer

I have just finished watching a very controversial film, Forks Over Knives. Essentially it deals with the importance of a plant-based diet as opposed to a fat-based animal diet. Exploring the work of Dr. Esselstyn and others, it showed how diet can stop and reverse heart disease, diabetes, and a number of other diseases. It did not go as far as saying it can cure cancer, but it did feature a 70  year old woman who had breast and bone cancer. She switched her diet and recently won a gold medal in her class for a triathlon. Yeah, yeah, you're saying. I've heard about all these miracle cures and how can it help me now. Maybe it can or maybe it can't. But for all of us who have been diagnosed, treated, endured chemicals, and surgery, I do think it's worth taking a look at. We all know how much advertising and lobbyists control what we see, eat, and believe. When political committees are made up of people who have strong connections with dairy, cattle, and other meat, I think we know what they will encourage and endorse. Studies have statistically shown the increase of cancer, including prostate cancer, as communities switch from plant based to meat based diets. Most Americans, including me, were brought up on meat based meals. Most of my family has high cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer. But, I am not on a "soap box" or maybe I am, but I am going to look into this. If diet can help prevent obesity and a number of diseases, which are now beginning to show up in our children, I think it's time to examine anything which could prevent a number of diseases and lower our prescription bills. I say, "Eat a tomato. Cook up some brown rice. Cut out desserts (well, I'll have to give some serious thought to the last one.) But, do watch, Forks Over Knives.

"Guy With The Persian Tattoo"

Above are some images of the Persian alphabet. As you can see, the letters are quite intricate and different from the English alphabet. Now imagine having "good luck on your journeys" along with the letter "M" tattooed on your penis.  This is exactly what a 21 yr. old Iranian man had done recently. A declaration of love for his girlfriend (M). Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your perspective, he was left with a side-effect of being perpetually semi-erect  Who can imagine what was going on in his mind when he had this done.  I know when I was 21, I did a lot of crazy things and  I was usually under the influence when I did them. Whatever happens buddy, I wish you happiness and hope she realizes the depth of your passion. May you both have a life filled with dance and love.

Happy New Year

Last year around this time, I was dealing with a flood in my basement. Although not as dramatic as last,  2011 was marked with some sadness and joy. Everyone has different memories, but Pam Peterson's rendition will make you laugh. I can't think of a better way to start the New Year.

Merry Christmas Everyone

Haven't been on the blog for awhile. Sorry, guys. Currently getting over an allergy and under the weather. Reason for the hospital gown. (My master tends to be dramatic) So, I'm playing it up as much as I can. You wouldn't believe how many treats you can get. If it happens to you, go for it.

But, more than anything, I wish you a Happy Holiday. Enjoy your friends and family. Love you all. 

Iraq War Ends

The Iraq War began on March 20, 2003 and ended on December 15, 2011.Welcome back soldiers. It is so nice to be able to say that. I have found myself taking their presence for granted, not worrying that they are fighting for America's freedom. There have been many wars and deaths. Let's pause and celebrate this happy moment. When you see a soldier don't be afraid to express your appreciation. Give them a hug, shake their hands, or just walk up and say, "thank you." Let them know we are proud of them and glad they are back. 

They are the ones who fought for our freedom. I personally want you to know I appreciate it and welcome you back. Great  job.  (Of course, below is a picture of President Obama but I feel the same.)

Black Friday

A special shopping day observed the day after Thanksgiving. It symbolizes the beginning of the holiday season and retailers entice shoppers with door busters.  People often line up in huge crowds to get the best bargains.

They come by LAND:

by AIR:

                                                                 AND BY SEA:          

But, if you're smart, you'll stay home and enjoy your friends, family, and food.                                   HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Catch up

It's been nearly two weeks since my last post and I'm sorry for not posting earlier. It seems my procrastination is kicking in big time. For those of you who have the same problem, as you know, there is always one more reason to delay. I find I'm probably my most creative in that area these days. Work has been slow because people are out of work and many don't have insurance and getting therapy is not a priority. And so it goes.... I've been spending more time at the gym working out. It keeps the frustration down and it is amazing how good it makes me feel.

                                  I have a few more ideas about getting my book published and have received a few more rejections which is only natural and part of the business. I'm going to start pasting them all over the room. Many writers do. I also have started another project, a play, and am thinking about a funny detective story. The holidays are right around the corner and although I am not a big fan of them, I realize there is no way for me to stop them. I wish I were getting away to some beautiful warm spot in the Caribbean. Since I can't, I think I'll turn up the heat a few degrees and dance around in my speedo                

MONSTAR MASH.....let's all do the MONSTAR MASH

      We should all be dancing on Halloween

Happy Halloween Everyone......

            NATHAN: A BANANA SPLIT

                     

Avoid The Gym

New exercise posted on  YouTube

I know, I know, but if you didn't laugh, I hope you smiled....I did both.

Cancer Dancers......

Every time this plays, Youtube will donate one dollar to cancer research.  It's going viral guys...Check out cancer dancer 

Rock Steady

A little Soul Train to start the week...

Atrocities..

Recently, the United States Preventive Task Force Committee USPTFC put out a proposal saying that the PSA test which is a test used by most doctors to detect prostate cancer is unreliable and essentially worthless. Since my cancer was caught early by means of this test. I strongly disagree as do many others who were saved by this test. The Committee argues that it may lead to biopsies, other tests, and what they call unnecessary surgery. This Committee is lead by Dr. Virginia Moyer, professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and chief quality officer for medicine at Texas Children's Hospital. This same committee ruled in 2009 that pap smears were unnecessary for women as a means for detecting breast cancer. I'm sure many women would also disagree with this.

Although, the Task Force's recommendations are just that, most doctors use the recommendations as a means to decide what tests they give their patients. I think: "Follow The Money." I would guess in someway this is tied to insurance companies exclusion of tests  or government to cut medicare costs.It is another form of Geriatracide, since many of us were diagnosed in our 60's.Since more publicity has come out about prostate cancer, this test is now detecting people in their 50's. I will agree that this test is not perfect, but for now, it is all we have. For someone, who has had a family history of prostate cancer or for African Americans, who make up half of the patients who die from this disease.

I find this recommendation unconscionable. I probably would not be writing this today had it not been for awareness and early detection. This recommendation is immoral, unjust, and needs to be opposed. Public opinion is allowed through tomorrow,Tuesday, October 11, before it becomes final. Please voice your opinions by contacting the committee or USTOO , an organization for prostate cancer survivors or their families. MALECARE is also launching a protest regarding this.                                                                              

                                                        Thank you for reading this. 

CONGRATULATIONS TIGERS

NL WINNERS

WAY TO   GO TIGERS

Steve Jobs....

Truly a genius.  I say that because I am a Apple person. Always have been. He made my life easier but his life goes on every time we use our iphone, our ipad, or laptop. Wish you could have stayed longer but you were loved and we always be remembered as a visionary. Enclosed is a post from Nathan Bransford from CNET. Thanks for everything.steve jobs