Just Checking In

I haven't posted in a while, this week has been hectic. It's difficult trying to work around a chemo regimen. I work two weeks, then I'm off one week. But over those two weeks I'm either trying to get caught up with my team or I'm trying to prepare for being out a week. Kind of makes it hard to get any traction with my projects at work. I am fortunate to have a lot of good people to work with who help me keep everything together.

I'm doing pretty well, my blood counts must be rebounding. Each cycle I feel the effects getting more severe. Low red blood cells cause symptoms of anemia, low white blood cell counts cause all kinds of issues that really suck.

Just one more treatment left! March 14th and then I'm done (fingers crossed).

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month!

Experts predict 30,000 lives could be saved a year if everyone age 50 and older got tested for colon cancer.

For more information click here

Help spread the word by e-mailing this out to your friends and family that fall into the 50+ age range.

Cancer Sucks!

I met Rick/Cancer Sucks over the weekend. It's a local cancer charity. Here's their website www.cancersucks.com

I bought some shirts and wristbands to support their efforts, and I thought they were pretty cool.

-Andrew

Pool Table 4-Sale

I'm asking $500, buyer picks it up or hires a professional to move it. Comes with a set of balls, 4-5 pool cues, rack, and cue mount. I'll post some pics shortly. It has a solid oak top, 3-piece slate, leather pockets, and is regulation size. When we had it moved we were told it would need a new felt top if it's moved again. A professional pool table mover who will tear it down, rebuild it, and ensure that the table is perfectly level will run in the $200-$250 range.



The nice cues and balls are being sold separately:

Meucci Cue (w/red-dot shaft): $300 (This cue is in like new condition and cost over $350 new, a red-dot shaft is a $100 upgrade on its own.
Lucasi Cue: $100 (This cue cost about $150 new and is like new condition.)
Super-Aramith Pro billard balls: $100 (These are in like new condition and sell for $145 online.)

If anyone is interested or might know someone who is interested please send me an e-mail (egcsurvivor@cox.net).

2005 Peloton Project

I really need to get off my arse and do some fundraising. Currently I have $250 in my account. As you can see I haven't been very active. I was overwhelmed with the generosity of others last year. I want to try some new techniques this year and any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

Right now I'm drafting letters for direct mail to businesses, and my brother Dan is organizing a poker night in Detroit. I'm thinking about hosting a viewing party for the conversation with Lance DVD (I got a copy since I was in it).

Livestrong,

Andrew

My peloton project donation link

Test / Scan Anxiety

I've made lots of contacts in the survivor community and we talk via e-mail about the pressures with which we have to cope. One of the worst stressors is the regular CT Scans and tumor marker blood tests (TC has tumor markers or hormones that elevate when the tumors are active.). Once you have been in the Doctors office and heard the words "You have cancer" it becomes impossible to shake the fear that it'll come back. Especially in my case where it has come back once. Last year when I had my first surveillance scans the anxiety was so overwhelming that I had multiple panic attacks. We learn to deal with this anxiety in many ways. Whether it is with anti-depressants, counseling, support groups, or just communicating with other survivors that can appreciate what you are feeling.

This is where the internet is a godsend. There are many great resources.

www.acor.org
www.livestrong.org

And of course this blog allows me to journal and share my experiences.

-Andrew