DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4112
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« on: November 24, 2020, 04:50:21 AM » |
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I haven’t written anything at all in more than five weeks now… No particular reason for this hiatus, I just haven’t been inspired or enthused about anything enough to write. Well, there is that other thing on my mind, too…
Just after the FCR, I had some scheduled doctors’ visits to get out of the way… routine stuff, or so I’d thought, and I was thinking of it more as a necessary nuisance than anything else. It’s good to receive some reassurance that all is well, and if there is a problem, it’s always better to catch it early, I kept reminding myself. As only sometimes happens, I discovered that I was wrong this time on a couple of items I'd been taking for granted…
First, during my usually routine but a bit pesky visit to the dermatologist and the always ‘freezing-off’ of a couple of ‘growths’, she discovered a very suspicious looking spot on my face and proceeded to take a sample… "I’ll call you and let you know the results of the biopsy…" Not good, she later reported, so another appointment was made to have that scary tissue cut-out… Dang, I just hate hearing that doggone ‘C’ word!
Following my annual physical, my regular doctor wanted some scans, x-rays, and assorted other stuff done for a ‘deeper-dive’ into the status of this aging carcass, more to rule-out brewing trouble but to catch anything early if there is something going-on… He didn’t like something in that report, and he’d zeroed-in on the look of my gallbladder; so, now I’m scheduled to see a specialist about that and possible/probable removal… ‘Stones’ and cysts were the concern this time, though, but mercifully no use of the ‘C’ word… That ominous term did come back into usage on the next appointment, however, this time on a regular follow-up visit with my urologist…
A little over two years or so ago, I’d been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and that diseased reproductive related item had been removed. Subsequent tests and monitoring had all been quite good and ‘normal’, with improvement noted on each follow-up visit… until this one. My PSA reading had shown an unexpected rise! Not to any alarming level, but there should be no reading by now… Something is going on here…
From the very beginning I’d been advised that if cancer cells had migrated outside the prostate itself, there would be a chance of cancer showing up elsewhere. If that happened, then targeted radiation could be used to attack suspected locations. If that didn’t solve the issue, then chemotherapy might be the next best option. More tests, scans, x-rays, and other stuff were scheduled, and… I was starting to think I might have climbed onto a treadmill of sorts…
I’ve been blessed with relatively good health throughout my entire life. Prostate removal was the first and so far only surgery I’ve ever had. In fact, that surgery also included only my second ever overnight stay in a hospital with yours truly as a patient (I’d been kept four nights about ten years ago due to pneumonia).
I begin my first in a lengthy series of radiation treatments this morning. I’m a bit anxious, obviously concerned, and somewhat worried about some of the prospects. Nope, no depression or near-panic fear going on… just uncertainty and wonder if just possibly this is the beginning of the end for this rider who has come so far already. Things could turn out just fine, and I could be making a return to the coddiewomple in a couple of months… or…
I’m keeping good thoughts, and I’m very much looking forward to better days ahead. My enthusiasm and joy of living are alive and well… However, only a fool refuses to consider all possibilities and give thought to preparation accordingly. I’m generally upbeat, but I realize wishful thinking and phony confidence don’t accomplish much… It isn’t in my nature to be all giddy and apparently ‘sure’ all is going to be OK. Neither is it in my nature to be down-in-the-mouth, doom and gloom, worried sick about what might be bearing down on me. Nope, more like stoic, eyes-wide-open, realistic, and ready to face whatever does come of all of this.
DDT
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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threevalks
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« Reply #1 on: November 24, 2020, 05:10:14 AM » |
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Bruce,
Not the best news, also not the worst. Like you I am not one to get all mushy, unlike you I am not good at writing, so I will just say that it is great hearing from you and you know we are all pulling for you. See ya down the road.
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If you're gonna be stupid, ya gota be tough  |
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Detn8er
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« Reply #2 on: November 24, 2020, 05:16:47 AM » |
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Never Give Up..... Never Surrender.
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da prez
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« Reply #3 on: November 24, 2020, 05:17:13 AM » |
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Bruce , we all wish you the best and Ally will be waiting for you to do the 1,000,000 dance.
Thoughts and prayers.
Ross and Bonnie
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #4 on: November 24, 2020, 05:18:37 AM » |
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Bruce. Queen Dinky and are praying for the best for you. I know the hatred of all things cancer. Hang in there. Just remember you are going to live every single day of your life. Do as you have always done. Make each one count!
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Skinhead
Member
Posts: 8727
J. A. B. O. A.
Troy, MI
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« Reply #5 on: November 24, 2020, 05:35:27 AM » |
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Praying for the best possible outcome for you. Hang in there.
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 Troy, MI |
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cookiedough
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« Reply #6 on: November 24, 2020, 05:49:12 AM » |
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you posting reminded me of a spot on my face has been bugging me off and on for past few years but looks like a freckle about 1 inch below my left eye probably had it for life, but sometimes more lately the past few years is sorta rougher and if touched harder sorta hurts and gets dry. If I put lotion on the freckle spot, it seems better to touch it not as dry. does not bother me but maybe not just a freckle drying up and most freckles are not sore to the touch..
Best of luck hang in there like you said could be much worse.
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Wizzard
Member
Posts: 4043
Bald River Falls
Valparaiso IN
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« Reply #7 on: November 24, 2020, 05:57:43 AM » |
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Prayers for you Bruce. I am confident you will get through this well.
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 VRCC # 24157 |
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MAD6Gun
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« Reply #8 on: November 24, 2020, 05:58:14 AM » |
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Take care of yourself Bruce. You'll be back in the saddle in no time...
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Robert
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« Reply #9 on: November 24, 2020, 06:05:57 AM » |
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You've been here before, it seems the only thing constant in life is change. Keep on going till you cant keep going and like before I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts.
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“Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don’t have time for all that.”
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trout dude
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« Reply #10 on: November 24, 2020, 06:10:33 AM » |
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Sheila and myself will be praying for you I will come down and see you in a couple of weeks take care my friend and you know we are only a phone call away
Dennis and Shelia
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Ice
Member
Posts: 1223
Whatever it is, it's better in the wind.
On a road less traveled.
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« Reply #11 on: November 24, 2020, 06:13:11 AM » |
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Bruce, my dear friend,
We are very sorry to hear all the news. We truly hope all will be well again soon.
You are a tough cookie and I am positive you will be back splitting the wind real soon.
Take good care.
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Valkorado
Member
Posts: 10494
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #12 on: November 24, 2020, 06:25:36 AM » |
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Get 'er done and whoop chili on this, there's a fat lady just raring to rack up the miles with ya!
Good thoughts and prayers from Western Colorado Bruce.
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby"  |
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DirtyDan
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« Reply #13 on: November 24, 2020, 06:46:20 AM » |
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 We spend a LONG time dead.... Enjoy it while you can Dan
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
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Bret SD
Member
Posts: 4306
***
San Diego, Ca.
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« Reply #14 on: November 24, 2020, 07:20:46 AM » |
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Bruce,
Best of luck to you sir, prayers up from San Diego
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Bret
02 Standard -- Blue & White
82 Aspencade -- Red
“No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” Socrates
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RNFWP
Member
Posts: 423
"What color blue is that?"
Greenville, SC
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« Reply #15 on: November 24, 2020, 07:26:00 AM » |
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Bruce, it's good to see you on here again. Your stoic, realistic approach, balanced with your positive, hopeful attitude has brought you a long way and is an inspiration. This bump in the road is no match for you. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving.
All the best.
Ross
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"My dog is one of my favorite people"
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MarkT
Member
Posts: 5196
VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"
Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km
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« Reply #16 on: November 24, 2020, 07:34:41 AM » |
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Our best wishes for you Bruce. Look forward to riding and supping with you again. Cheers! Mark
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« Reply #17 on: November 24, 2020, 07:54:58 AM » |
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Do Dennis and Sheila need to strip you down and give you a good lubing???  |
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15220
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #18 on: November 24, 2020, 08:02:25 AM » |
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Hey old friend, I'm sure you'll come out on top again. Re. dermatologists, mine was a bit of a character when still living in Fla. After freezing some minor spots off my face, he sat back and with a serious look stated "there's one more ugly thing that should be removed to improve your appearance, but most people need it to breathe through!" He then busted a gut laughing and I with him when I realized what he was talking about....I had badly sunburned my nose on the golf course and looked like Rudolph.
If I get down that way in the near future to visit the old stomping ground I'll check in on you.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #19 on: November 24, 2020, 08:11:28 AM » |
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I'm sorry to hear this news. But, I'm glad you shared it with us. I don't have any words of wisdom to share about this. Just know, there are many here (and other places I'm sure) who have you in their hearts. Take care, my friend. |
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Challenger
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« Reply #20 on: November 24, 2020, 08:12:06 AM » |
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Prayers for a speedy and good outcome from IL. Pie at the Jubilee cafe is on me next time you venture through the area.
"Darrell"
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motomama
Administrator
Member
Posts: 1195
Olathe, KS
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« Reply #21 on: November 24, 2020, 09:08:22 AM » |
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Praying for you my friend!
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Motomama
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bassman
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« Reply #22 on: November 24, 2020, 09:30:25 AM » |
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Wishing you the very best for a complete and speedy recovery.
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Oss
Member
Posts: 12606
The lower Hudson Valley
Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141
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« Reply #23 on: November 24, 2020, 10:07:56 AM » |
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My money is on your recovery and future meanderings
Know that you have an abundance of folks that will continue to be saying prayers for you as you
continue life's journey
And I will be one of them pulling for you Bruce as long as it takes.
Oss
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison
When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
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t-man403
Member
Posts: 1663
Valk-a-maniac
Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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« Reply #24 on: November 24, 2020, 10:40:57 AM » |
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Sheila and myself will be praying for you I will come down and see you in a couple of weeks take care my friend and you know we are only a phone call away
Dennis and Shelia
Thank you..... |
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"Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth". Chuck Norris
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #25 on: November 24, 2020, 10:44:15 AM » |
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Sheila and myself will be praying for you I will come down and see you in a couple of weeks take care my friend and you know we are only a phone call away
Dennis and Shelia
Thank you..... +1 |
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Beardo
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« Reply #26 on: November 24, 2020, 01:13:52 PM » |
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Snowy frosty Canadian prairie prayers coming your way Bruce.
You’ve been a riding inspiration to so many of us and you continue to inspire in other ways. All the best, friend.
Jason
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Thunderbolt
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« Reply #27 on: November 24, 2020, 03:53:58 PM » |
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Just another speed bump Bruce. All the best my friend.
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
Member
Posts: 13833
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #28 on: November 24, 2020, 03:56:27 PM » |
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What you need my friend is a ride. Hookin' up with some of the cool kids for a after Christmas ride to warmer weather ( Sunshine State ) . Its all weather pending on my end but its happened many times over the years this ride was a GO . Best wishes my friend |
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 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools. |
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sixlow
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« Reply #29 on: November 24, 2020, 05:05:16 PM » |
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Just another detour on the road of life and I'm sure you will find your way back to us. Liz and I will be keeping you in our prayers.
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Farside
Member
Posts: 2544
Let's get going!
Milton,FL
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« Reply #30 on: November 24, 2020, 05:44:50 PM » |
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 Missing your post I had a feeling something was up Bruce. Taking at face value I feel very much as you would I imagine. Taking this in stride with the confidence that you will overcome is my ammo too. You will over come this small set back but prayers for you for comfort and continued strength.  Maybe you'll feel up to the Zephyerhills Gathering. It will be really good to see you there. Enjoy your Thanksgiving Day bud. 
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Farside
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JFaje1
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« Reply #31 on: November 24, 2020, 06:07:34 PM » |
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Best wishes to you and have a speedy recovery.
John
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hal47
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« Reply #32 on: November 24, 2020, 08:17:53 PM » |
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wishing you the best Bruce,hang in their.
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f6gal
Administrator
Member
Posts: 6882
Surprise, AZ
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« Reply #33 on: November 24, 2020, 09:45:09 PM » |
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wishing you the best Bruce,hang in their.
You got this Bruce... the big C ain't no match for you!  |
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DDT (12)
Member
Posts: 4112
Sometimes ya just gotta go...
Winter Springs, FL - Occasionally...
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« Reply #34 on: November 25, 2020, 04:59:28 AM » |
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Thanks!
I appreciate all the well wishes and positive thoughts steered my way! I feel just like always, and, quite frankly, I'd much prefer to be out yonder someplace wandering around with our girl, but... Whoever coined that phrase, "Old age ain't for wimps' sure nailed it! Oh well, another adventure, I suppose... not one I'd have chosen, of course, but one that appears unavoidable... Nothing else to do but make the most of it.
I had my first radiation treatment yesterday... Those will run daily (except for holidays and weekends) through January 22nd, it appears at the moment, so... looks like I'm in it for the long haul. Because of the area being treated, avoiding adverse side-effects requires bowels to be empty and bladder to be full at the time of application. Dang, for a guy who struggles to walk and chew gum at the same time, that is no small feat! I'm still perfecting that trick...
No unusual feeling or sensation during the session, I just had to remain still while this machine moved around me and worked its supposed magic... The techs were doing their thing from a remote, protected area, which does give one pause... Nothing obvious to it, but you can bet much is going on... I sure hope all of this accomplishes what will result in ALI and her rider heading out in a couple of months with a brand-new take on the good fortune of living in a time and place where that's possible...
DDT
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Don't just dream it... LIVE IT!
See ya down the road...
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Sweet Cheeks
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« Reply #35 on: November 25, 2020, 05:11:03 AM » |
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I was wondering where you were. Absence now explained.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Attitude plays a huge part in overcoming any obstacle, and yours has always been one of the most positive I’ve known. If that isn’t enough, you have more friends, love, and respect in this community/family than anyone I know. When you feel weak, lean on family. We’ve all got your back. You’ve got this!
We are back in Bama, so reasonably close. If there is anything that I can do to assist, please let me know. I hope to see you on the after Christmas ride.
Much love my friend,
Janice
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I am pretty sure my last words will be ... “Well crap! That didn’t work!”
2004 VTX 1300 (sold)
1998 Tourer
2003 Standard
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JimmyG
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« Reply #36 on: November 25, 2020, 06:25:23 AM » |
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Dang it Bruce, sorry to hear your going through this. Steph and I will keep you in our prayers and trust we will see you in the spring somewhere down the road at one of the gatherings we attend. |
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Binkie
Member
Posts: 226
Binkie from the holler
Vonore Tn
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« Reply #37 on: November 25, 2020, 06:58:35 AM » |
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Dammit Bruce, get well right now! That’s an order. Ali told me to say that.
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henry 008
Member
Posts: 1530
BRP
willard, oh
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« Reply #38 on: November 25, 2020, 07:11:01 AM » |
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Sorry to hear of your current health condition. one day at a time, and you'll get thru it |
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Safe Winds... Brother  |
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Ice
Member
Posts: 1223
Whatever it is, it's better in the wind.
On a road less traveled.
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« Reply #39 on: November 25, 2020, 07:11:19 AM » |
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Bruce, my dear friend, you will get better, you have way too much riding to do. Here is a song that may help you get through this...... One of my favorites when all seems like its gone to hell. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l50L4GYhpLc |
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