The Hematologist said the indications of reocurrent Hodgkins are not present. My blood counts are up to normal levels, platelets at 87 (getting closer to normal.) The lymphs in question appear to be normal also. There is no conclusive evidence to a relapse or any infection. His recommendation is monitoring and follow ups as scheduled with my Oncologist. Whatever has been suppressing my blood production is no longer present. While unable to identify exactly what the cause was, he is confident that I am on the way to recovery, all blood tests confirm this. (Audible sigh of relief). Thanks Tim and Julia for being with me!

The fog rolled in and it got cooled down. What an interesting evening. Been slaving on a project for work, almost finished, another hour and I should be done, give or take my laziness. Taking a break and watching Survivor China. It hasn't disappointed. Neither did yesterday's premiere of America's Next Top Model. The show's back on, heading to the couch . . .

Tomorrow I have my follow up with the Hematologist.

What a gorgeous night! I love this kind of weather, got my windows wide open. My PT/INR is at 4.5 so the doctor reduced my dosage again! One day I will hopefully not have to take Coumadin. Work is keeping me busy, I'm actually going to be bringing some home with me the next couple of days. Got to make up time I'm using going to all these doctor appointments. One day I will hopefully not have to go on a weekly basis.

I haven't done much today, just went to work. Stopped and got my blood drawn to have my PT/INR checked, needed to have that done. Pretty much the same old routine here, reading and watching TV. I really have been feeling pretty good lately.

Warm days and cool nights. Seems like Fall. The weather promises to get more Summerlike in the next few days, which I prefer. I got out shopping, stopped for coffee with Doug, enjoyed the weekend. Back to work tomorrow. I'm excited about the new television season starting. This week both America's Next Top Model and Survivor premiere. I am a reality show junkie. I get to hear what the Hematologist has to say on Friday. Been feeling really good as of late and all my blood tests have been encouraging.

It's finally the weekend. Of course I want to do 100 different things and will most likely not do any of it. I am attached to my couch, like reading, watching TV, relaxing. I should get out, the sun is shining, but it's early yet. I just may surprise myself and actually get motivated. Who knows, it is the weekend after all.

Thank you everyone who walked with me and Lighting the Night! It was awesome!

Woke up with a sore throat this morning. Grumble grumble. The heat kicked in last night. I fell asleep really early, before 7:30pm. About 10:45pm, I woke to a strobe effect. The Cudahy Police (Four squads, a paddy wagon) and the State Police were arresting someone right out front. I had to get up and look out the window, had to watch. I noticed the smell of heat and the radiator was warm. By 11:30pm the police were gone and I crawled back to the couch and fell back asleep. Then I woke up with a sore throat. Grumble grumble.

The Light the Night walk is coming up! Please meet at 6:00pm on the corner of Prospect and Mason. This is located at the northwest corner of O'Donnell Park. I will have my cell phone with me. The banner is complete, nothing spectacular, which everyone who walks will have to sign. I will be down there by 5:00pm. Get our your walking shoes and let's walk for a great cause!

Lounging today. That's all I have been doing. Reading, watching TV, napping. I need to go grocery shopping, which I will do in a while. I'm enjoying just laying about. Days like this are good for me.

I've been reading and watching another ANTM marathon on TV. Met Kim for coffee for a few hours earlier. Last night I feel asleep before 8:00pm and slept until 2:00am, up for a while then back to sleep until 7:00am. I'm going to have some left overs for dinner and more reading tonight. My couch is my santuary.

It's been a long day. The Hematologist ran 15 different blood tests and reviewed my case with me. While my red and white cells counts have responded very well to treatments, my platelet count remains suppressed. My marrow does not indicate the presence of Hodgkin's. I am not recovering from treatments the way other patients are. There lies the issue. I have another appointment in two weeks, and the Hematologist is going to review the scans to determine whether another lymph biopsy should be done and what node to remove. He feels this would be the best course of action to take at this time. I'm not out of the woods yet. I can only take it one step at a time.

The rain is finally here after a long stretch of beautiful weather. My windows are open and a nice breeze is coming in. Tomorrow I'll be at the Hematologist office. It'll be interesting to hear what they say about my blood. I have been feeling great lately. I've been such a homebody, I think I need to get out and about this weekend. Of course the pull of the couch will be tough to contend with!

Back to work today after a nice three day weekend. I had work to do to keep me busy. Tonight I'm lazy, just lounging on the couch. I really should go grocery shopping but not motivated in the least. I'm feeling good, no issues to complain or worry about. I'm off to the couch to read.

Yesterday I went out for breakfast with Mom, Dad, Tim, Julia, and Dave. Then I went shopping with Tim and Julia. I spent enough money and got some nice things. The outlet mall was crowded. We spent a good number of hours wandering the shops. We went to Red Lobster for dinner. Afterwards, I came home and proceeded to fall asleep. I was woken up about 2:00am by shouting outside. There were two police cars with lights flashing subduing a suspect right in front of the building. A short time later an ambulance arrived and took the guy away. I wonder what happened. I watched until the police left, then went back to the couch and slept. Today I'm going to the baseball game with my dad. It's been a good long weekend overall.

It's been a nice day, got out and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Did some laundry, been reading, and watching another marathon of America's Next Top Model (yes, I am warped). Feeling great, buoyant. I have been drinking 72 ounces of water a day since Monday. Your body really does need water to function. It's a good habit to get into. Tomorrow promises to be another great day, I'm going to get out and enjoy it and go shopping with Tim and Julia to the mall in Kenosha. I want to buy some new clothes!

I had my INR checked yesterday and it's at 5.0, so the doctor is lowering my Coumadin to bring the level down. I think that is great news, my blood is working properly. Maybe I am finally getting to a point where my body can manage without medical intervention. I'm getting excited about Light the Night, Thank you everyone who is committing to the walk and those who donated too! It's going to be a fun evening! I'm glad it's a holiday weekend and an extra day off even though it's the unofficial end to Summer. I like warm weather!!!

The Light the Night Walk for Leukemia and Lymphoma is exactly two weeks away. I would like everyone who is going to walk with me to get registered. Once I know who will be joining MattAtomic, I'll be able to plan a meeting spot for everyone the night of the walk.

Here's the link again: http://teams.lightthenight.org/MattAtomic

From hot and muggy weather to cool and humid in 24 hours. I like Summer, not dreary Fall. Stopped at Target tonight, bought a few things to keep me entertained, I'm such a homebody. Orderred luggage from Disney online too. Charcoal gray with a Mickey insignia. I finally own actual luggage! Feeling pretty good, no physical aches or pains, no mysterious fevers or night sweats either. I started a new book, so I'm off to the couch to read a few more chapters.

I talked with the nurse from the Hematologist office today. I have to be checked to see if there is a problem with the production of blood products. So there are lab work and exams in my future. As much as I don't want to have to go through more tests, I do need to keep on top of things, so I will go. I had dinner by Mom and Dad, with Michael tonight. It was nice to sit and laugh for an hour. I'm letting things get to me lately, and it's making me agitated.

it's funny how you adapt to a routine so easily. A short four day vacation and I want my days to continue like I'm still vacationing. It was a rough morning, getting up and ready for work. You would think that I would have that routine down after all these years.

I've been contacted by a Hematologist who reviewed my case with my Oncologist. I am not sure I want to go to another doctor, have a multitude of blood work done, go through more exams, and wear myself out. Tomorrow I'll call to find out why they want me to come to the office. Unless there is a concrete reason and a definitive course of action, I do not want to deal with another doctor currently. It's never ending.

I had a great time in Michigan. I enjoyed riding the train. Mom and Dad are awesome to travel with. It was especially nice to see Pat, Toni, and Christopher. Way to go Chris! He competed in the Cold Water Mini Triathlon. What an inspirational and exceptional thing to do. It's nice to get away, but even nicer to get home. I'm sure I'll be travelling on the train again.

I'm heading out of town tomorrow, be gone until Sunday. I just have to go see Christopher participate in the Triathlon. Taking the train to Battle Creek. I'll rant and rave when I get back.

If you're going to walk Light the Night, don't forget to register online. It's coming up, Thursday September 13th. Here's the link: http://teams.lightthenight.org/MattAtomic

Have a great weekend, stay dry.

So after the Doctor told me my marrow was good, he talked and talked and concluded I should be monitored to see how my blood is progressing for the next couple of months. After having blood tests, which all my levels were also good, I got a free month supply of Nexium and was sent on my way. There is no reason to get any type of treatment at this point since the lymphs effeted in my chest are miniscule and without a biopsy there is no way to identify what has caused the inflammation. I am relieved!!!

Lost myself at the bookstore for a few hours this morning, cut myself off at three books even though I had quite a bit more. I now have a five book back-up, so plenty to read the next few weeks. It's still gray and gloomy, but the rain isn't as heavy and it seems a bit warmer than yesterday. I didn't win Powerball. Yet. One of these days. Ahh to dream. Candy raisins are addictive, I ended up with a bagful yesterday and have been snacking on them since. The call of the couch is getting louder and louder, so I'm off to lounge and read some more.

What a dreary cool day. Feeling rather well, upbeat, been spending my time reading and napping. Perfect activities for a day like this. Tomorrow I will adventure out, tonight I am a homebody.

Optimism returns in many ways, from a good laugh with a friend, to a hug from my mom. I know that right now I do not know what my body is going through and I haven't given up the thought that it could be something minor or nothing at all. I may not have mentioned that in previous posts, but the thought is there. I would like nothing more but to be all right. I don't feel sick, don't seem dragged out like I did, so it makes me wonder, and it makes me hope.

I can't begin to explain the range of emotions and thoughts rattling through me the last few days. No matter what people have been saying, I ride the roller coaster. Hearing that I may have cancer again disturbed my psyche. I feel like my body has been battered enough and the possibility of facing more treatments is unnerving. I have spent time researching reoccureance and what I have read has somehow calmed me. With each type of lymphoma, there are chances of reoccurence within the first year, and treatment is similar to the first time, and the success rate equal to the first. Until I know exactly what I am dealing with, I can prepare. Of course I want this to be an infection or something minor, but I must face that I could be in for another battle. Despite all this, I remain strong, even though I have moments of anger, sadness, crankiness.

I slept through the evening and night, my body is worn out. Today I felt like I had been run over. Now the achiness is subsiding. I just want to go a few weeks without being jabbed with needles, IVs. While it's been a rough few days, I'm doing all right. I'll see what the test results reveal and go on from there.

I feel like someone beat me with a two by four. My arms are sore from IV's and needles from what seems like gallons of blood drawn this last week. My veins ache, I need a break. My left hip bone is sore from the bone marrow biopsy. I actually fell asleep during the procedure, so I didn't notice any of the effects, the pressure or sensations or the pain. Now the wait begins again. My follow up appointment is next Monday. The following days are all about mending. My body really needs to rest at this point.

If you are going to walk with me for Light the Night in September, you need to register online. Here is the link for my team MattAtomic. I will post this frequently.

http://teams.lightthenight.org/MattAtomic

Everyone is welcome to join me!

I didn't get the news I wanted to hear today. Both the CT and Pet scans showed an area within my chest is questionable. The Oncologist called me a mystery. Physically, he said I am in remission, but the scans are suspect. He felt that if only one had indicated something, he would be inclined to monitor things. Since both showed up, he has decided to go ahead with the bone marrow biopsy and additional blood tests. I have them tomorrow. My blood levels are up, he is encouraged by those results, my body is producing blood products. He prescribed Folic acid and Chromagen tablets for me to assist in blood production. The news left me a bit unsettled, I have calmed down, have gotten lots of encouragement from family and friends.

I had a really good time at the picnic yesterday. Today I'm just going to kick around the apartment, maybe head out to the bookstore, and go to a cook out by my brother's house. Tomorrow, I find out the results of the scans. I am surprisingly calm, thought I'd be apprehensive. Sitting in the waiting room could be a challenge though. I'll have to stop and get a starbucks coffee or something to tide me over.

I had a really good birthday yesterday. I went to Taco Bell, saw Walking Man, Spent time with Mom, Dad, Tim and Julia, and ate cheesecake. Definitely a good day. I'm going to be heading out to my company's summer picnic in a few hours, going to hang out, eat some food, listen to some music, then come home to lounge.

It's My Birthday!!!!

I am doing well. The last couple of days there hasn't been any headaches or muscle cramping. I take that as a good sign. I didn't nap today, am actually doing some laundry. It always seems to pile up. I haven't been preoccupied with my test results as I thought I would be, here it's Thursday all ready and I find out the results on Monday. There's really nothing I can do, so worrying is pointless. I will be watching TV and reading tonight, I like lounging if you haven't figured that out yet!

http://teams.lightthenight.org/MattAtomic

Here is a link to Light the Night, where you can sign up to participate in the walk.

"Light The Night® will return to O'Donnell park in Milwaukee on September 13, 2007. Check in begins at 5:00pm with the stage presentation and Walk beginning promptly at 6:30pm. Join us as we walk together to accomplish the Society's mission: to cure leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
You have the chance to be a part of something great. The Society is the largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding cures for blood cancers. Because of the success of Light The Night walkers across the country, we are well on our way to accomplishing our mission! Research is where the answers to our questions about cancer lay, and the Society is investing in the most promising research available, and investing a lot. The Society leads all major nonprofit health agencies in the percentage of dollars raised directed to research.
Teams are the heart of Light The Night. They are made up of people just like you: friends, family and colleagues joining together to accomplish a common mission - finding a cure!"

I will post additional information as it becomes available. I hope you all join me for this, I'm excited about getting a lighted balloon!

I can honestly say that I'm feeling pretty good today. No headaches or muscle cramps to speak of. The transfusions have improved my physical condition. For each day I feel good, my mental condition just may improve. It sure is hot and sticky out, even with the short bursts of rain moving through the area. I stayed up too late last night watching the 100 greatest songs of the 80s on VH1 Classics. It was entertaining, and I love 80s music. Of course I couldn't nap when I got home because I had to watch America's Next Top Model at 4:00pm. Why am I so enthralled with that show?

Well, I'm in for a nerve-wrecking week. I had the CT and Pet scans today, have my follow-up appointment next week Monday. I was surprisingly relaxed through the whole experience, the time went fast, from waiting the hour after given the contrast material and dye to the 45 minutes through the machine with my arms raised over my head. I'll be thinking clean, clear scans all week. I want to be done with this, tired of needles, blood work, transfusions, hospitals. I want to run, play, and be strong again.

There's something about waking up on your own couch after 12 hours sleep that is relaxing, refreshing. Let me back pedal to Friday. I went to have tests done at the Oncologist's. The blood test revealed I was still very anemic. It was decided I would be hospitalized until they find out why. I got home, packed a bag, and waited for the call from the hospital. My bed would be ready at 7:00pm. Dad came and got me. After settling in and eight vials of blood, I received blood transfusions. Saturday, tests didn't reveal anything on why I am anemic, but the transfusions improved my levels. I had an ultrasound, which showed the blood clot had dfinitely been reduced in size. I received another transfusion (900cc in all) and released from the hospital about 7:00pm. I came home, laid on the couch and fell asleep immediately. I just woke up about thirty minutes ago. It was nice waking up on my couch. All medications have been stopped to see if any are effecting my blood production and will be following up with the Oncologist tomorrow. I will have a bone marrow biopsy done once I am off the Coumadin. I have the CT and Pet scans in the morning. Today is all about lounging.

someone is making cinnamon toast here at work and it smells delicious. it's driving me crazy, I want some!!!! I have been doing all right, the headaches have lessened to a much more tolerable level. I have blood work and scans scheduled for Monday August 6th. I will be relieved when this is over with and I'm not contending with headaches, muscle cramps, weariness. I know it's been a tough week for me, but I'm pushing through.

September 13, 2007. Write the date on your calendar. I will be writing more about the event when details become available. It is a two mile walk through downtown Milwaukee. I encourage everyone to join me. I will be registered as a team captain of "MattAtomic". This is a benefit to raise awareness and money for the leukemia and lymphoma society.

Last night was much better than the previous one. Only a slight headache, nothing too painful, easy to contend with. I had a delicious dinner with Mom, Dad, Mike, and Erin. Meatloaf, roast beef, green beans, potatos, rolls, applesauce, and chocolate pudding. I read some, watched TV, and went to bed by 9:30pm, fell asleep immediately. I feel rested, not worn out. I'll have to keep the iron regiment going. Blackstrap molasses tastes like licorice to me, it's good in my morning Cream of Wheat. I limit my caffiene intake to one mug of coffee in the morning, then switch to orange juice and water. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. It's interesting how much you learn while dealing with health issues. Here's to a better day!

It's been a rough day, I feel like I'm struggling to get by. My head is pounding and I'm agitated. I made it through the day, but seem to have fallen apart once I got home. I'm scared. This anemia bout has me worried. I'm trying to increase my iron and B12 intake to compensate for the low levels. I know it's going to be a while before I get better, but I just want the side effects to subside.

I had a good day. Started out with breakfast with Mom and Dad, and Dave and Mary. Two eggs over easy, french toast, bacon, and coffee. Then Mom, Dad, and I went to the Lake View Mall in Kenosha, I wanted to spend hundreds of dollars, but limited my purchases to a pair of sandals and a jacket. I want to go back to get a sweater I liked at the Calvin Klein store. Maybe in a week or two. If it's there, I'll buy it then, otherwise oh well. I came home and have been reading and watching tornado intercept shows. It's been a good day.

Last night was a restless, anxious night for me. I was agitated by the day's events. I finally fell asleep around 11:00pm into a nice, peaceful sleep. I awoke this morning feeling relaxed and renewed. I did something I haven't done in months, weeks, days. I exercised. Push ups, sit ups, jumping jacks, and a short bike ride. It felt wonderful, I didn't push myself, but actually got myself working out. I had some breakfast, showered, and went out to the book store. Going to just lay low and rest this weekend, shake off the remnants of yesterday. My arm is bruised and sore from the IV that I inadvertantly pulled out yesterday while twisting my body in the uncomfortable hospital bed. It was comical and frightening, the IV flying and blood soaking my gown. The nurse came and cleaned it all up. My trip to the emergency room was interesting, scary, unnerving, and relieving. I hope these moments are few and far between.

I never got to Janet's. While packing up the Jeep, I got light-headed, dizzy, and an intense throbbing headache in the back of my skull. I came up to the apartment, sat down and felt worse, broke out into a sweat. I became scared, called the doctor and ended up going to the emergency room. Luckily, there's no bleeding out or a clot in the brain, but I am severely anemic, my body is not producing blood products, so I am facing more transfusions. Unfortunately, there will be no camping, and I will be resting at home. Will it ever end?

Heading out to pick up Janet and venture to Collins Park in Rosholt WI for the Klugiewicz Family Campout. Last year I had to miss out because I started my chemotherapy that same weekend. I'm excited to be going this year. I'm all packed and ready to go. I'll post when I return on Sunday. Enjoy your weekend! Oh, I had my blood tested and my PT/INR is at 2.5, therapeutic. I don't have to get my blood tested again for another few weeks!

Another early morning post. I'm at my desk, ready to start my day. I have a ton of things to do tonight after work, laundry, packing mostly. I'm so unprepared for camping this weekend. Excited too. Had my blood drawn yesterday, hopefully the thinners are still thinning and I won't have to test every week at this point. I'm watching out the window, waiting for the rain and thunder. waiting. I'm sure it'll storm this weekend in Stevens Point!

Early Tuesday morning, just staring out the window, from my desk. Summer is flying by. Had dinner by Mom and Dad's last night with Michael and Scott. Awesome shredded beef sandwiches, corn on the cob, roasted potatos, and fresh green beans. I enjoyed it very much. Went home, read, watched some TV. Tonight I will do some laundry and some shopping in anticipation of camping this weekend up in Stevens Point. Well, back to work for now.

The Brewers won!!! 7-5 against the San Francisco Giants. My voice is hoarse from yelling. I got a kick out of the pyrotechnics after each home run (two of them) and at the end of the game. Tailgating was fun, loads of great food. I am wiped out, been going since 7:00am. Heading to the couch to rest for the evening.

What a beautiful day for a walk and for shopping. Went down by the lake and wandered the bike trail for about an hour this morning. Got in the car and drove to the store and bought fruit for tailgating tomorrow. Instead of putting it into a large bowl, I have packed individual baggies for convenience. Tonight I plan on reading and watching TV, looking forward to the Brewer's game. Early start, meeting Steve and Tracy at 9:30am, and everyone else by 10:00am. Collectively there's 40 people going to the game. I got hot dogs, fruit, m&m's, and Lost Dysfunctional energy drink to drag with me. I'm sure it'll be a blast.

Another weekend is here. I plan on running around tomorrow, going to construct a fruit salad to take to the tailgate party on Sunday for the Brewers game. Tonight I stopped at KFC and tried the boneless teriyaki chicken wings, they were all right, the mashed potatos rocked. There's an America's Next Top Model marathon on TV and of course I have to watch it. I am such a dork.

My PT/INR level is at 2.2, which is therapeutic. Now I must maintain. Call me insane, but I went book shopping and found a new series called The Kingdom Keepers. The author is Ridley Pearson, who co-wrote the Peter Pan novels with Dave Barry. Taken from his website: 'In this fantastical thriller, five young teens tapped as models for theme park "guides" find themselves pitted against Disney villains and witches that threaten both the future of Walt Disney World and the stability of the world outside its walls.Using a cutting-edge technology called DHI—which stands for both Disney Host Interactive and Daylight Hologram Imaging—Finn Whitman, an Orlando teen, and four other kids are transformed into hologram projections that guide guests through the park.The new technology turns out, however, to have unexpected effects that are both thrilling and scary. Soon Finn finds himself transported in his DHI form into the Magic Kingdom at night. Is it real? Is he dreaming?Finn's confusion only increases when he encounters Wayne, an elderly Imagineer who tells him that the park is in grave danger. Led by the scheming witch Maleficent, a mysterious group of characters called the Overtakers is plotting to destroy Disney's beloved realm, and maybe more.This gripping high-tech tale will thrill every kid who has ever dreamed of sneaking into Walt Disney World after hours, and wondered what happens at night, when the park is closed.' A MUST READ!!!

Still waiting to hear from the doctor about my latest PT/INR level. Guess I'll be calling the office tomorrow. Went grocery shopping, did two loads of laundry, and now watching some TV.

I went to the website www.simpsonizeme.com and became a Simpsons character!!!

Another busy weekend. Got to Bastille Days, ate at the Hollander Cafe (Dutch food), shopping, McDonalds, got refills on Coumadin, lounged, read, watched TV. Summer is going fast, got to enjoy the days.

No more injections! I like that. My PT/INR is in therapeutic range so I do not have to give myself Lovenox shots. I will have my blood drawn again on Monday to check the levels again. It is the weekend, time for rest and play, and I plan on doing just that.

My PT/INR is currently at 2.7!!! I have finally gotten to therapeutic levels for the first time in two months!!! The doctor had me get my blood drawn again this morning to see where I am at so he can adjust the medications accordingly. (cross the fingers, NO MORE INJECTIONS!!!!)

Tonight I plan on shaving. Since I got my haircut (Thanks Kim!), I figure I should clean myself up. This morning I got into my car and got tangled up in a spider web. A little spider had spun one from the rear view mirror to the steering wheel and the gear shift. I had to clear it out and find the spider, which was hanging from the mirror. I had to chuckle about it. I stopped and got my blood drawn after work, so I shall find out my PT/INR tomorrow. I scheduled my scans for August 6th. Now I'm going to forage for something to eat.

Another hot steamy day. I have won the battle with the yellow jackets building a nest in my front window. A few days of spraying the nest and window frame and they are eradicated. Now to clean up the window sill and get the window closed. Feeling pretty good, tomorrow I'll get my blood checked. The oncology clinic called to schedule CT and Pet scans for early August. I'll arrange that in the morning. Tonight if the weather holds, I'm going to run out by Kim. Otherwise tomorrow for sure, I could go swimming. Sounds like a good idea.

It's been a hot couple of days, been doing fine. Rain rushed through earlier, but now it's getting steamy again. I don't mind having to give myself injections, but will be glad when I don't have to anymore. I'll have my blood checked on Wednesday.

It's early Saturday morning and the humidity is high, the temperature warm, going to be a glorious Summer day. My PT/INR is up to 1.5, the Lovenox injections seem to be working. Once I get over 2.0 I will be able to stop the injections. I am now taking 15mg Coumadin daily also. Since it is the weekend, I plan on getting outside and wander about, I wonder what adventures await me.

Just got back from Summerfest with Jody. We went down right after work tonight. It rained when we got there, so we bought ponchos. Of course the rain stopped the sun came out and it got very muggy. I had to give myself a Lovenox injection while I was there, so I stopped at the first aid station and they were very accomodating. Much better than trying to give myself the shot in the public restroom. We saw a couple of bands, ate some food, and people watched. I had a really good time. In the morning I have to get my blood checked, hopefully the PT/INR level has risen to therapeutic levels. Keep your fingers crossed.

Well, Dad and I withstood the wind, rain, lightning, and thunder. We watched the entire fireworks display. We had met Kim, Scott, Sarah, and Nicholas down by the Veterans Memorial about 7:00pm. First it started raining lightly, then increased in intensity, followed by lightning, thunder. The park started emptying out, many people leaving. We hunkered down under umbrellas and waited. For a few moments, we wondered if they fireworks would be cancelled. The show began at 9:30pm as scheduled. The wind and rain kicked up for awhile but the fireworks continued. At one point fireworks were bursting in the sky as lightning was flashing out over the lake. It was beautiful. The show lasted about an hour. I had a really nice time, and since the crowd had thinned out, had an easy time getting out of the parking lot onto the freeway and home. Happy Fourth of July! Enjoy the holiday.

It's been one year since I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. What a rough year it's been. Even with the chemotherapy, radiation, transfusions, injections, thousands of blood draws, I stand. It's a bittersweet moment, looking back and actually cringing at what I've endured, looking forward to all that I want to accomplish. I went to the fireworks last year as someone who wouldn't let cancer stop me from doing what I love to do, and I go tonight as a cancer survivor doing what I love to do.

All of a sudden, it is July. I've seen fireworks, been to parades, gotten sun burnt, rode my bike, been to cook outs, spent time with family and friends, it's all good.

My pro-time (INR) level has fallen again to 1.2, which isn't a good thing. I may have to take Lovenox shots to get the level back up. I will have my blood checked again next week and if things haven't improved or the level falls once more, then it's more needles for me. It's interesting how things can go awry, but I will follow the doctor's orders and hopefully things will get better. I'm feeling fine, wouldn't be able to tell you things are going badly with the Coumadin. Speaking of Coumadin, it's time for me to take my daily dose.

Tonight I will be going to see the fireworks down at Summerfest. I stopped at the hospital on the way home and got my blood drawn to check my pro-time (INR) level. It bleed more than it has recently so hopefully that means the Coumadin is thinning my blood and I will reach the therapeutic level.

As I stated in an earlier post, one year ago, I went to the hospital to have a biopsy done on a swollen lymph node. What a year it has been. All sorts of conflicting emotions are running through my brain as I recollect, but I am amazed at the difference between then and now, just how good I am doing. Summer's here and I plan on doing all that I didn't do last year. Today is a scorcher, oppressive, yet wonderful. Each day is wonderful no matter what the experience, I'm alive, have an extraordinary family, and an incredible group of friends. First and foremost I will be going down to see the big bang fireworks opening night of summerfest. I can't think of a better way to start my summer.

Monday went by as quickly as the weekend. I'm busy at work, which is a good thing. I can't believe how nice the weather has been lately, nice to get outside to walk or bike ride. I'm looking forward to watching some good fireworks this week at the big bang and the 3rd of July. Last year I missed the big bang because I was in the hospital (after the biopsy) so I definitely want to go this year.

The weekend has been busy, fun, and now I'm ready to relax. I went out by Kim's Friday night and we all went out to the new McDonald's in Waukesha for dinner ($1.00 Quarter Pounders) then to downtown for Friday night bands. We wandered around, listened to music, watched a pottery demonstration, looked at tattoos, and had gelato. Saturday I helped out at Kim's rummage sale to raise money for the 88th Signal Battalion, then we went to Scott's sister Melinda's Summer Solstice party. I had a really good time hanging out with Kim, Scott, Sarah, and Nicholas. I got home around 10:00am this morning. I plan on relaxing, reading, doing a puzzle or two, watching TV. It's been a great weekend.

My pro-time is hovering around 1.8 and I need to be at 2 or above to be therapeutic. My medicine has been increased to 10mg a day to bump up my levels. I have to get my blood checked again this coming Thursday. Yay, more needles.

The food at work was delicious. For lunch I had a shredded beef sandwich, deviled egg, shrimp salad, chips and dip, fruit pizza, and of course, some of my banana cream trifle. I got compliments on my creation and it was almost gone by the time I left at 3:00pm. I stopped and had my blood drawn, to find out how my counts and pro-time are doing. I'll get the results tomorrow. Tonight I'm going to watch some TV and read a bit. I'm doing well, feeling great.

Tomorrow is food day at work. It is a picnic/pool party. I just made a banana cream trifle. I hope people like it. It contains layers of banana bread chunks, bananas, banana cream pudding, chocolate pieces, and cool whip. It was really simple to put together. There's going to be beef barbeque and shredded turkey sandwiches and whatever sides, snacks, desserts people bring in. I love food days!

An open audition to the producers of The Price is Right and CBS executives: I am interested in hosting the game show. I am witty, entertaining, and engaging. I can relate to people easily, am confident, secure, and knowledgable. My family, friends, cohorts, and their friends can attest to my genuine character. Please contact me for further information, I look forward to standing in front of a test audience. Thank you.

Stopped and got more prescriptions refilled after work (Coumadin and Nexium). Dragged the bike out and rode the trail for about 40 minutes. Napped on the couch for a while afterwards. Now I'm wondering what I'm going to do for dinner tonight. Too lazy to cook, but even lazier to get in the car and go through the drive-thru. Microwave cooking it is!

Just got to work, thought I'd post before the day begins. I am relieved by the drop in humidity, opened windows in the apartment, there was a nice cool breeze off the lake. Storms rolled through after I went to bed, woke me up briefly, but I went back to sleep immediately. I just remembered I was going to stop at the store on my way in to pick up something for lunch. Guess I will be running at noon.

This is my 301st post. I can't believe I've been writing all this time. I want to thank everyone for their continued support and interest. I am doing great. Things are so different from a year ago, when I was sick, but didn't know what was going on yet. At this time, I had the enlarged lymph node, low grade fevers, night sweats, and weight loss. Now I only sweat from the humidity and can't seem to lose the extra pounds I have since put on. Today is Father's Day and I am going to meet Mom and Dad for breakfast. Later on I hope to get in a bike ride, if the weather holds up. It has been beautiful out this past week. I'm off to start my day.

My DVD surround sound system died last night while I was watching Finding Nemo. Not sure what happened but the movie cut out and none of the command buttons worked. I couldn't even open the player to retrieve the DVD. I used a screw driver and unassembled the box to get it out. Needless to say it's still in parts on the floor. I will not attempt to reassemble it, but will start shopping for a new system. It's a good excuse to get out shopping!

What a beautiful string of days. It's the weekend, which looks good, nice temperatures. I plan on hanging out, keeping busy, riding my bike, visiting my parents. Nothing stressful, just enjoying the nice weather while it lasts.

I managed to get in a bike ride, do some laundry, and am now wondering where I going to pick up dinner from. I'm doing well, everything is fine, not anything too concerning. Considering a year ago I was in the beginning stages of my illness, anything that happens now pales in comparison. The weather has been beautiful, I'm glad I got my bike out. I'm still receiving disability checks from the government, which baffles me. I have contacted them about returning to work, have provided the information they requested. I'm not cashing any of the checks, waiting for notification from them that my payments have stopped. We shall have to wait and see.

Tonight is laundry night. Tonight is biking night. I have decided to start by biking two blocks south, two blocks west, four blocks north, then two block south. Every week I will add two blocks as I strengthen up. My legs are still sore from my biking adventure on Saturday.

Why do weekends fly by? Never enough time to do what you want to and sleep. Yesterday I bowled for a MS benefit. Three games, 113, 100, and 116, good for me. I had a good time, won a door prize and a raffle prize. Today I did a lot of running around, got outside. Now I'm ready to lounge.

I'm up early, going to head out on my bike shortly. I went over by Brian's after work yesterday and got the bike tuned up and we went for a short ride. I definitely have to rebuild muscle mass. It was great getting on the bike though. My blood counts are still low, more monitoring. I'll have it checked again in two weeks. I got home last night, had some dinner, then proceeded to fall asleep on the couch. Guess I was tired. Well, I'm off to the bike trail.

I got my blood drawn, will find out results some time tomorrow. I've been watching the news, they are being vigilant about the approaching storms. The reports are making me nervous, I hope things aren't as bad as they are stating. I have my flashlight next to me, water, and shoes ready to head down into the basement if I need to. Tomorrow I am finally going to go for that elusive bike ride. It's supposed to be a nice day.

It seems like I'm always hungry and tired. Today especially. Not much to rant about, it was a quiet day at work, kept busy. Tonight I am going to read. Not too exciting. I'm feeling good, hungry, and tired. Got a nice walk in after work, took a short nap, and had dinner. Tomorrow I will be getting bloodwork done, checking levels and Pro-Time. I'll stop after work to have that done.

Very cranky right now. About 2:30am the smoke detectors in the apartment started going off. It seems the drunken guy in apartment 1 fell asleep with a pizza in the oven. While there wasn't an actual fire, the halls were filled with smoke and the horrible smell of burnt pizza. I finally fell asleep around 4:00am. Up at 5:20am and out the door by 6:00am. What a loser. I'm sure the manager and owners will be getting lots of complaints today. I stopped and picked up a mocha at Starbucks on the way in and right by work there were four deer along the creek. Calmed me and actually made me smile. Now I'm ready for a nap. Back to work.

After work, I stopped at home, got the mail, and headed over to Mom and Dad's for dinner with them and Michael. Shredded Beef, yum! When I returned home, the news was covering a plane crash. I watched the coverage and wondered if the plane had flown over my apartment building on take off. What a terrible tragedy. The news will be covering this story for days.

I went for a long walk on the trail along the lake, got caught in the rain. I got soaked, but oh well. The doctor told me to increase my physical activity. Going to Steve and Tracy's son Ryans 2nd birthday party in a while. Jody and Kim will be there. I'm doing well, feeling good, it's the weekend after all.

Had my follow up with the Radiation Oncologist today. Overall everything looks good, the prognosis very positive. The residual effects of the radiation will last up to six months after treatment. My counts are all down 25% across the board, platelets being the worst. Those damn platelets! I have to monitor the levels now to make sure they rise to normal levels. Next check up is in six months, all tests handled by the Oncologist at this point.

Another nice day, warm temperatures, cool breezes, and a nap. I was beat when I got home from work, so I laid on the couch and fell asleep. Now I need to decide what I want to eat for dinner and what to watch on TV. Such difficult decisions to make!

Today went by uneventfully. I was busy, but not too busy at work. It is definitely warm and muggy out. I sorted clothes to do laundry when I got home, but lost my motivation. I'll do it tomorrow. Feeling pretty good, nothing troubling me enough to write about. Looking back over the past 12 months, I am stupified by all that I went through.

Just like that, the weekend is over. I'm preparing to go to bed, work is looming 10 hours away. I did manage to get out of the apartment today. I went over by Michael's and we watched episodes of the Venture Brothers. We've been talking about doing it for months, finally got around to it. I came home and slept for two hours. I've been reading since. My body has forgiven me for abusing it on Saturday. Good thing I didn't do anything yesterday. Weekends are never long enough, even with an extra day.

Yes, I am up. I was out the door by 7:00am, did some grocery shopping. It was a long gruelling evening. It took forever for 12:00am to arrive. Once we got through a few technical issues, the rest of the evening went okay. We had a lot of requests for current hip-hop music, which we only had a number of options. To keep the dancers grooving, we played what we could. I got home by 1:30am and as tired as I was, I didn't sleep well. I am going to be lounging today, napping. DJing is fun and exhausting.

My day begun early when the power went out. I woke up to every electronic device squawking as the power returned. I did manage to get a good nights sleep. The car is loaded up with equipment and music, my clothes, and a cooler full of water. I'm set for the reception. In a few minutes I'm going to jump in the shower and start getting myself ready. I will run out to Julies house, pick her and the rest of the equipment up, and head on out to the hall in Brookfield. We can set up any time after 3:00pm. The reception starts at 5:00pm. Getting prepared and working the event is a 24 hour job. Here's to a busy, hectic, fun time.

Getting out of the shower, getting dressed, and getting to work was a breeze this morning. I didn't have to wrangle with my hair. I like my cut! Thank Kim! Every three weeks I will be at her house. I'm buried knee deep in CDs, sorting out ones to take tomorrow to the reception. Julie and I haven't DJ'ed since September 2005. It'll be interesting and challenging to get through the day and night. It's all about the music tomorrow. The remainder of the weekend will be all about the lounging.

After having my blood drawn to measure my Pro-Time and a quick nap, I'm going to get my hair buzzed off. No more curls! The time has come. It is the Summer of short hair, by choice, not chemically induced. I've gotten so many compliments on my curls, but I just don't like my hair. To me it's unruly and unmanageable. I like jumping out of the shower and not doing a thing to my hair.

Made it through another day. It's absolutely beautiful out, I'm thinking about going for a walk. I'm feeling well, have been for days, weeks now. Everything's good, all my counts are where they should be. Lots of season finales on TV tonight, hard to decide which ones to watch. I'll figure it out after I get back inside. Time for me to get outside.

The weekend never lasts long enough. No matter how much lounging I do, I still want more. I'm at work, beginning my day, daydreaming of the couch. I spoke with my second cousin Patrick from Arkansas last night for quite a long time. He has encountered Lymphoma twice. We compared our experiences. It is quite interesting to hear about others struggles with the disease and the treatments. I enjoyed our conversation. Well I'm off to process some quotes for work, enjoy the day, enjoy your couch.

It's a beautiful day out, I actually went for a long walk this afternoon along the lake. I had to enjoy the nice weather. Tonight I'm going to go with Char and be a groupie for her band. It's been a while since I got to see her sing. We are both laughing fools about getting out together. I always have a great time with her, I'm looking forward to it.

Been a long day for me. I always feel worn out by Friday and today has been no exception. I laid my head down for about an hour after work, still could use a couple more. I think I'm going to get all the curls cut off, my hair is getting shrub-like. Kim is going to have to use pruning shears!