Thanks all.

It is not unexpected to have the side effects increase over time.
I have been on the nivolumab now for about 8 months.
It's saving my life for the short term, so no complaints about that part of the equation.

As far as being an inspiration?
I hope that is true. I mean that not for myself though, but for others. I just wish to present a view of death that I have just about never heard from anyone I know.

I feel certain that part of God's plan for me is to show people dying doesn't have to be all doom and gloom.
One's life is what you make it for the most part, and dying is the same way, ie what you make of that as well.

There's a flu bug going around SW Colorado, don't know if it's up there or not, but if you had a fever, might have been something different than a reaction to the meds. Hope so anyway.....weird to hope you had the flu, but there it is......

I wish it had been the flu, but alas, it's the meds.
This seems to repeating itself after each treatment recently.

I will muddle through, I always do.

robbiedog is my brother, in case anyone was wondering. And a good brother to, BTW.
He's the financial wizard of the family.

Hang in there lbj - we are all rooting for you!

quote:

Originally posted by lbj:

I feel certain that part of God's plan for me is to show people dying doesn't have to be all doom and gloom.
One's life is what you make it for the most part, and dying is the same way, ie what you make of that as well.

This thread for me has been a kind gift, more than I can say in words.

Hi Tom

When I was in Chemo they gave me a RX for some anti-nausea meds but I never needed them. It was also common to get some mouth sores and that made food taste like tinfoil on cheap candy. They also prescribed something they called magic mouthwash. It was a mix of lidocaine and something else if I remember. The Pharmacy would mix two ingredients together. May want to inquire about anything they could prescribe to help.

Magic Mouth Wash: http://www.mayoclinic.org/test...uthwash/faq-20058071

When my appetite was down the wife would make me some of those Carnation Instant Breakfasts drinks with cocoa powder and ice cream in it. The coldness would also help with the mouth sores. I would have several a day.

Halfway thru the first two rounds of Chemo and Radiation I got so worn down I could hardly get out of bed to go to treatment. The Oncologist ran some blood work and ordered a two unit transfusion that really perked me up.

Just a few things to ask the Doctor or Oncology Nurse about.

As always Prayers sent your way.

Roy

Prayers up, keep up the good fight.

Keeping good thougths for you

Hang in there and keep shooting and buying ammo! Very therapeutic. We did not make it to Kona this winter as planned. Maybe next year. I would like to treat my wife to a night at Mauna Kea, where we stayed for our honeymoon years ago.

I continue to pray for you. I think you are probably more of an inspiration than you realize.

quote:

Originally posted by lbj:
. . . I feel certain that part of God's plan for me is to show people dying doesn't have to be all doom and gloom.
One's life is what you make it for the most part, and dying is the same way, ie what you make of that as well.

"Dying grace" is a blessing from God. My prayers are with you and your family, LBJ.

I had treatment as usual last Friday. It's every two weeks.
I am really tired, but other than that, I'm OK.

I did gain back all of the weight I lost since a few posts above. It leaves fast and goes on fast.

Tonight, when younger daughter gets home... homemade chili dogs.

I've been told to remove the RRA/CMMG AR15 in 300BLK from the kitchen island.
Darn, I guess everyone is tired of looking at it but me.
Come on now, it's only been laying on the kitchen island for about two weeks.

quote:

I am really tired, but other than that, I'm OK.

I am glad you are still hanging tough.

Everyday, each of us is one day closer to our death.

Seldom do we see anyone walk like you.

You honor God and life with all your heart and soul.

It don't get no better than that.

Thanks.

(and why I have the signature I do.)

Keep the faith Tom. I've had you on our prayer list. Glad to hear that the weight goes back on with gourmet food like chili dogs. I think I'll celebrate with tacos tonight!

Lots of way to exhibit toughness. It is indeed inspiring to witness yours--week after week.

So grateful for your sharing. Lifts me up.

Keep strong, chili dogs sound phenominal, and no doubt you're inspiring me.

I found a lot of inspiration looking at my 300BLK laying on the island in the kitchen.
I used to glance at it often from the kitchen table where I do most of my internet surfing.

I tried the inspiration excuse, but it didn't work.
Mrs LBJ is fine with whatever I want that's firearm related. That is such a good thing.

But tonight I learned:
AR15s must be removed from the kitchen by day fourteen.

Glad to see these recent posts. Let me know when you get hungry for real Texas barbecue.

Tom.

It is great to hear the weight came back.

Homemade chili dogs are great.

Got to have some chili cheese and onions french-fries with them.

Prayers as always sent

Roy

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ontmark,

And we're back, it has been a while.

Tonight, it kind of hit me regarding fairy tales and fairy tale endings. Yeah, OK, it might be considered morbid in a way, but such, at times, is the nature of being terminal. For me anyway.

My first and only marriage began when I was 50 years old. And sure, it was a struggle there for a while, it's just how I'm built.
With this marriage came the ready made family with 2 rebellious teenagers.

Now, I figured as I got older, there was no way I was getting married, let alone have kids.
But nonetheless, there it was, and remains, no pun intended.

Too be candid, 10 years ago, I set out with a purpose to at some point create the family unit, and then be strong enough to survive me, although not until recently did the survive me part come to the forefront. It is good for all concerned that this has finally come about.

It was not easy for any of us and it took many years.

Starting about 3 years ago with one daughter, and about a year and half with the other, the strong bond came to fruition.
I mean, it's a tough sell to get super close and tight knit as a stepdad, they have to want it.

Youngest daughter is pregnant, birth to be mid to late May, so I'm going to be a grandfather.
Then it dawned on me tonight that we all know about fairy tales.
Typically, I have never paid much attention to them until just now.

Given the fact that I spent most of life my alone, the last decade has been way different.

I have a rewarding marriage.
I have two wonderful daughters and all of us think the other hung the moon.
One daughter is pregnant and I'm going to be a grandfather.
My family has become a tight knit close unit that is strong and will survive.
The family will grow with the arrival of the baby.
My replacement will arrive on the planet.
I have my family well taken care of after my hoped for graceful exit when it comes.
In my heart of hearts, I have a relationship with Jesus Christ. It strengthens me.
I have had what I consider to be the best time and best life one could ever hope to have.

So there above are some highlights of a great life.
That brings me back to fairy tales.
Please look at the above and I think it is clear...
I'm getting a fairy tale ending to my life... whenever that is.
I have more than I ever thought possible even in my wildest imagination.

Yes, I believe in fairy tales and fairy tale endings, I am living one.