Good news, then "news" that follows it!
Yesterday, Christmas dinner, I had my first piece of beef that tasted like beef in I don't know when. In the last week my taste buds had been "blossoming" so I hoped (and prayed) that is was only a matter of time before this happened. In that week I have been able to eat more and different stuff, but, along with that "privilege" another learning curve has presented itself, upset stomach (if that's what you call what I've got left.)
Doesn't bother me during the day it's just about 3 AM every night that "bubble, bubble, toil and trouble" visit. Called my surgery doc, who said this might happen, and he has me on Maalox Advanced and it's helping some. What I'm learning is that now I can't eat more that "one helping" at a time which is telling me that I will have to eat five times, or more, a day --- at least for a while. The doc sez that eventually my upper intestine will learn " to act as a stomach." Now, you tell me that we weren't "Designed" by a Supreme Being! You might try it but it will not work! Living (thank the Lord) and learning. More info on that, later, as it develops.
Now, one of the reasons the Lord has left me on the earth for now. Last week my (wonderful) Primary Care Physician called and asked if I would mind talking to a Mom (whose age showed her to be a contemporary of mine) whose son had just been designosed with exactly the same type of cancer in the same place that I "had" it and the Mom felt like this was the "end of the line." "Nope," I said, "I would be privileged to talk with her."
Made the call and we had a great visit. Told her, based on my experience --- which I shared with her extensively, there is life "with" cancer and the docs he has (which are the same as mine) are as good as one can get anywhere. I shared with her my Blog site. In about two hours I received this upbeat email to say that she had read it all and forwarded it to her son and many others of her family. Life is good and God is good!
Next Tuesday I have another scan (requested by the chemo doc.) The best scenario that could follow the results is that I'm "cancer free" enough, for now, that I will not have to have anymore chemo. Second option is that, based on the results, I would have to have four more rounds of chemo, one treatment every three weeks, starting just after the first of the year. We will know the results after my visit with that wonderful chemo doc after Jan. 10. You all will be the 2nd to know!
Wonderful Lynda continues to keep me on the "straight and narrow" --- as best she can.
Oh yes, fellow travelers, my oldest granddaughter called on December 23 to announce that she is engaged to a wonderful guy (which Lynda and I have met and he has "passed the test") and now there's a wedding in our future sometime late 2010. Praise the Lord and I'm going to live to see it!
Love you all!

Today is the day for "asides."
Why do I keep updating this Blog when it looks like I've "cleared all the hurdles"? Because I only think I have. And if someone discovering they have this dang esophageal cancer stuff (and they find out about the Blog) they will have some idea what to expect and hopefully how to deal with it as they travel the journey.
May I revisit 2009 in the Railsback household. In January, (the 3rd to be exact), I fell and broke my right femur. This was just a month after Lynda and I had volunteered to be the working chairs for the Harris Hospital Gala, Dec. 4, 2009. (Lynda was pulled fighting and screaming into that responsibility, because our business was taking a lot of our time and we had some major travel plans for 2009.) However, Lynda stepped into the major part of the leadership role when I "went down." The doc pinned my femur back together and finally by June 20 I ran my first foot race in 2009. Eight days later I found out I had cancer, which started the second half of 09 with a bang.
You know what has happened since then. The Lord took care of cutting my work schedule back and with cancer our major travel plans hit the waste basket, so, what was there to do? Concentrate on the Gala. (Ain't it great how the Lord puts you where He feels you can do some good, whether you think you should be there are not?)
Our goal was to sponsor the two scheduled Adult Cancer Camps for 2010. When we walked into the event on that Friday night we were at a Net of $50,000 for the camps. We were at about 60% of where we had hoped to be when we created our budget, Jan. 2009. Plus, instead of having 600 at Gala our actual attendance was about 350. Businesses that we had approached replied, "How can we be a major part in your endeavor when we are laying off people?" The answer was, "You can't." The Gala had no silent or live auctions, just two five minute pleas at the band breaks. The final results are in. We will net over $80,000 for the camps, which will take care of them both. Will miracles ever cease? Not in my lifetime! I'm still flabbergasted. And, there are still some gifts coming in. I kinda think the Lord had Lynda and I where He wanted us. We are proud and humbled to have been a part of a project that will touch the lives of our friends with cancer.
OK, need to add a coupla of names to your prayer lists. I thank you for your prayers for Tommy T. He had a hopeful report from the doc this last week. Answer to prayers. Please add Jimmy D and Tracy P, both facing challenges that place them on this journey with me.
Love you all!
Oh yes, Lynda has forgiven me for committing "us" to the Gala. You should have heard her extemporaneous "pitch" that night at the second band break. She had me crying, but really, that's no big deal I guess. I cry all the time, just lately from joy!
Final "aside." The night of the Gala one of my long time pals came in wearing (the theme that night was "Blue Christmas" because the name of the camp in the Bluebonnet camp) wearing a blue Santa Claus suit that he had made. He was a hit! Just kept bringing back checks from people that he had "buttonholed" all night. Life is Good.

Great news! Had a PET Scan done last Friday. Went to the chemo doc today and he advised that only a small area showed a hint of what could be cancer. Is that an answer to prayer or what? His thought was to check back in three of four weeks to see if it had changed and then think about some more chemo if it indicated any type of growth. What a relief --- for now.
Just getting to where I can eat some food. Had half of a Quarter Pounder with Cheese at lunch yesterday, half of a chili cheeseburger yesterday afternoon and three quarters of a Subway BMT for lunch today. More total food than I have eaten in any week, for the last two months. I know it's all fast food but I have to keep experimenting just to see.
Continuing with my "workouts" (if that's what one would call them) and my strength and energy level keeps "inching" up. Did a mile in 18:02 today.
And guess what? All of this is making Lynda extremely happy. This will mean that we can go out with all our pals again --- to eat! Chemo doc said I was doing exceptionally well. I loved that.
Gone again. Love you all. And thanks to all of you for your prayers because they are paying off. Please keep praying for my pal Tommy T.

Slowly up the mountain you go. Savoring every extra foot of altitude. Knowing that you had seen the peak as you traveled to the base you look forward to reaching it. And then you step thru the trees and the terrain is as flat as a pool table as far as you can see. Suddenly, you panic. Further in the distance you see the top but you begin to doubt if you can get there in the time you have. Quit and go back or travel on? A quick prayer answers that. We started this journey we'll finish it!
All that to say this. I swore I wouldn't write another word until I had something to report --- and today I do. I ate the first solid food in four months that tasted like it was supposed to. A chicken wing. Now, I sure hope some of my tastes come back because it going to be kinda challenging eating chicken all the time!
Went to the surgery doc last week and he released me to start working out. On the orders: "This patient is very deconditioned." Don't know if that's even a word but he was dang sure right. First, they had me walk a mile. Took me 19 minutes and 8 seconds. (Compared to 8:30 last year.) Next came a twenty workout at weights that my wife would have felt were too light. But guess what? I barely made it thru --- and then I went home and slept like a baby for two hours, but it was a start. Small steps but toward the top, which I could never have taken without the prayer support that all you have given me.
Enough for today. But before I go I ask that you add my fellow cancer traveler, Tom Tennery, to you prayer lists. Prostate. Miracles do happen as I'm a living testament. With God, all things are possible! Love you all.

Now we have hit that plateau. Up every AM, feel great (like a real person) until about 11 AM and then it's nap time. Holding my weight at 135. Taste buds are still whacked out. Not much that's solid tastes worth eating. Went to the chemo doc last week and he told (actually "retold") me that at surgery they did some biopises and there was still some cancer cells in my lymph nodes. That means more chemo after I begin to get my strength back. Hopefully, after the first of the year. Went to the surgery doc yesterday and he tells me that where he took out the cancer he also (had no choice) took out the area of the stomach that produces the "thought" that tells me I'm hungry. No more hunger pains for me. I must program myself to eat. (I will be glad to do that when stuff tastes good.} But, even with all that I am feeling better. Received a release so that I can began to work out again. On my note from the doc it said, "Patient is very deconditioned." Boy, is that an understatement!
Tonight is a special night. As I told you earlier, Lynda and I agreed to be the working chairs for the Hospital Gala (non Gala) that benefits an Adult Cancer Camp, and that's tonight. We are staying at the hotel and this afternoon I will rest and "feed" in preparation for the festivities. Who would have thought, last January, that I would be elgible to go that camp, as a camper? It is going to be a fun night and we have already raised enough money to fund a camp for 2010. Love you all and Lynda is surviving well and I couldn't do without her. God is Good.

What can I say? Miracles happen, again and again! Stepped up to the Thanksgiving spread, proceeded to place some of everything on my plate. Not much, mind you, but it was a plate full by the time ran the 10 feet of table. Every thing tasted like it was supposed to! I ended up eating it all and had a sliver of cherry pie with real whipped cream on it. This morning I had ham and a half piece of french toast.
Enough of my food intake. I did sleep on my right side some but still have some pain.
The even better of part of Thanksgiving. All my family were here. We all gathered at my brother Charles's (and sister in law Jackie's) ranch south of Stephenville. All of his family was there plus my sister Phyllis and her husband George. Total, 32. Just wish my Mom and Dad could have seen this beautiful bunch.
This week I begin to "eat in earnest." Want to get rid of this feeding tube but I've got to offset the 1500 calories that I get using it. Am looking forward to (and I'm fearful as to how it will taste) a greasy hamburger. Oh yeah, my mainstay before all this happened, mexican food. You know, if you take "going out to eat" away from the "things you do" you don't get to hang out with many of your friends!
Love you all and hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

You know, sometimes you need your caregiver to slap you up side the head when you begin think your not making progress fast enough. Sunday, I bemoaning the fact that I had hit a "plateau." "Only" able to eat a few solids and lots of fluids. Lynda looked me in the eye and said, "Leighton, what do you expect? You've only been out of the hospital one week, from major surgery! You expect to get better overnight?"
Sobered me up. Now, I'm rejoicing in the "onlys".
Good news on my right chest. It has really hurt. I guess since they had to deflate the lung, cut along below my shoulder blade, squeeze open a coupla ribs, stitch my esophagus and stomach together thru that hole, plus then sticking two drain tubes in it, I guess my chest had a right to hurt. Finally, the last two nights I can lay on my back without pain. Not that I had had a lot but there were only a coupla ways I could get "comfortable" at night so anything helps.
After laying on my back those 10 days needless to say I was really weak, but strength and stamina are slowly returning, but guess what, I have to "go out and get it" they just don't come back on their own.
Went to church yesterday, which was a blessing. Now looking forward to ALL my family coming in for Thanksgiving. God is good!
Love you all!

Thursday morning and it's beautiful. Have had a great week (after the fiasco getting my new feeding tube.) Finally, my right chest has began to not feel like a horse has kicked me. Getting more strength each day. My voice is getting stonger. I got up at 8 yesterday kept moving until 11:30 and then sat down for a nap. I'm sure there was something that happened yesterday that was negative but I sure don't remember it, thank the Lord. Am getting liquid down. Smoothie's, orange juice, apple juice, soups (without any stuff in them) but solid food with any consistencey to it does not taste good at all. Keeping on trying. Gained a pound in the last three days. Up to 132.6. If I stood sideways you could not get my imagine with a camera. Not to worry, Lynda keeps on the staight and narrow. Love you all.

Saturday I came home and I'm glad I did! Needless to say, it was exhausting. Was up and about more that day since I had been in the hospital. Came home, sat down and went to sleep. That evening started my tube feeding again (still working up to "real food.") Last night, in my real bed! Boy did it feel good. Looking forward to today to begin to move around, some. Well, my feeding tube decided, about 2 AM to start leaking. Got up and cleaned everything up. (Actually, I got up and Lynda cleaned everything up.) Same thing happened at 3! Then back to bed and we woke up at 7:30. Guess what, the feeding tube was clogged up and we could not get it to accept "food." So, we "cleaned up" for the third time.
At 11:30 we went to the emergency room at the hospital. I will not bore you with the all the drama that happened I will just tell you that I left the hospital, after watching almost all the Cowboy game, at 6:15. Now, let's say that tomorrow I begin my home recovery.
What I really hate about all this is that it makes you set everyone in your life aside (except those "doing stuff for you")and you get "selfish." It's all about me, me, me! That's not the way I operate and it feels like crap, but you don't seem to have a choice.
God is good and I have such a loving family and loving friends so I hope they forgive me. I will be back!

As in every Thanksgiving, the Lord gives me and family something extra to give thanks for. This year it's the special healing that He has directed my way.
As you know from my early posts the health insurance that we have just about "forced" us to the treatment plan that we embarked on, in our own hometown. We "ended up" with about 10 doctors that were all friends of my brother and were all well respected in their fields. We "ended up" in a hospital that has patient care and "caring" as it's primary focus. One of the "girls" who checked me in I taught in Sunday School 40 years ago. Looks like I will be dismissed tomorrow or Sunday and three of the nurses from ICU took the time to come down today and wished my God Speed. (I've been out of ICU since last Saturday afternoon).Oh yes, and all this is only 5 minutes from home! The Lord puts where you need to be, doesn't He?
I have been surrounded by prayer each step of the way. Three doctors came in today to say how they could not believe how well I'd healed. "Prayer", has always been my answer to them.
Walked a 100 yards twice today and am "chopping at the bits" to get out of here, but it will come when it's supposed to come.
Could not have done it without Lynda and all my family. Debbie, Angie, Sherie plus their respective familiess and friends. My brother Charles and sister Phyllis and their families and then all of you, our friends, literally worldwide, that have been praying for Lynda and I.
OK, enough of all that. Don't think this is the end of this process because until I run another foot race (and I have set April as the month) I'll still will not be "healed." Again, love you all and thanks for your prayers, cards, flowers and visits. ---- More to come.

Not a bad day.Started on a clear diet today. Food (liquid) now tastes close to the same. Drank about half of what they broght me, both times, which turned out to be good. But, I had to request "plastic ware." Regular old flatware turned my mouth to "tin" tasting. My stomach is still trying to figure out what's happening. Tomorrow I get to start "walking about." Each day, new milestones. Energy level moves up each day. One thing I will miss, when I go home, is that sometime each day pain decides to "pay a visit." When that happens I just call the nurse. With a shot in my port she "fixes it." Within two minutes it's gone. Oh well, a price to pay. Will let you know how "running down the hall" works out.

It's great when I don't feel like "posting" and Lynda steps to the plate and puts out the info. What she didn't tell is that in getting the baruim test I was also listenting to the dr that was conducting the test and it was my "assumption" that I had failed. Well, Mr. Optomism went into a spiral. "Woe is me" was my thoughts. When I got back to the room at 10:30 AM I was not a man to be spoken to. Lynda realized it, patted my hand and went home (after trying to pull me out of a funk that I didn't explain to her why I was in.) 2 PM arrived and one of Dr. Carter's associates come in and asked how I was. After the old batter "just fine" and all that stuff I asked about the barium swallow. "Oh, I don't know, You'll have to ask Dr. Carter." Well, have you ever had two doc from the same office visit you in the same day? Not me, so further into my funk I went. "I've lost a day and maybe two." I thought. So, I just rolled over and went to sleep. Awoke at four, clock slowly moved to 5, then 5:15, and then in walked Carter. "How you doing?" He asked. "How am I doing?" I asked. "Well you did well on the swallow test today." he sez. "Then, when do I get these tubes out?" I respond. "Oh, you mean like this one?" and pulled the one from my nose. And then proceded to pull the rest, except the cathater. Boy was I relieved and boy was I ashamed that I couldn't wait on the Lord. Then the doc came by yesterday and gave the orders to pull the cathater and now, when they say I can (and send some to walk with me) I can! Yea! Doc also told me that I would get a "liquid tray" for the next two days and then progress to a "jello and mashed potatoes" after that. And, maybe go home this coming weekend. Boy, did that sound good!
Considering at what happened at Ft. Hood my "journey" pales in importance. I know you all have added those survivors and the wounded to your prayers, and so have I. Love you all!

Update about my guy

Today was a big day!! The first swallow!! He passed the test and out came the tubes. He is one happy man. Needless to say so am I. The hardest thing to do is to watch the love of you life struggle and not be able to fix it. Thank God for the doctors who can. Thank God for the friends and family who prayed for this day. We love you all. Lynda

"Escaped" from ICU and now my next "hurdle" is getting all these tubes out. Don't know how many I have and don't care. Just don't want them out if that's possible. What I have been "looking forward to" is a barium swallow. Yeah, sure! But it's something I have to do to prove my body is ready to move on it's own. So, today was the day. They unplugged me from everything, piled what they couldn't on my bed and off I went down the hall, over 10 bumps, down two floors and was slid over onto a flat cold table, told to "sip" barium, asked if they can stand me up and then listen to them comment what was happening to the barium. And then back to my room the same way. Now I'm back waiting for the results.
Good --- they take out some tubes.
Bad --- then I get to do this again.
Needless to say I sure am hoping and praying for the best! That's it for today unless they come and give me the results. Either way you may hear me hollering whereever you are!

Early on the morning of November 8. Each day is amazing! Today I was "expelled" from ICU because I was, as my surgeon put it, "Too healthy." What good news to my ears. Hated to leave the excellent care I was getting but it was good to "grow out of the need for it." It was exhausting moving from one area to another! Seems that Saturday night was the time they had chosen to go even more computerized! So, the "trip" that should have taked 20 minutes took two hours. Charles was here so he smoothed the process. Looks like I will have excellent caregivers here also. Had visitors till 9. Drifted off to sleep and woke up at 10 with Lynda's lips on mine. She had come by earlier, spent some time, and went off to a party the she and some of her friends were putting on for the daughter of some of our other friends, who is getting married. She said she couldn't go home without kissing me goodnight. Is that swell or what? (And, who uses "swell" any more?) Whatever, I awoke feeling more rested than I have in days. As soon as she left I set about to answer all my emails of 5 days. Now it's time to go to bed.
Love you all.

Just an update on my guy

Today was second day after surgery and for those who have been there -- you know what I mean. Leighton did really well today, but was a little tired so naps were more frequent. Coughing and not swallowing are both on the list of "real drags". But he was able to manage both. We are still just blown away by the love and prayers that continue to surround us. Thanks will never be enough to say -- so we will just try to pay it forward. Good night dear friends and family. Love to all.

Well, boys and girls, here I am again! This will be short and sweet because I'm still in ICU but I'm feeling "great" considering the shape I'm in.
Love U all.

I can not express the joy of seeing Leighton and knowing that each minute is bring healing to him. As his girls call him a strong old "coot", he continues to prove them right. Out of bed and into a chair three different times for at least 30 minutes each. Never a complaint about pain -- just doing what has to be done. When I left the late afternoon visiting hours, he said why don't you all go to a movie or do something fun. Honey, seeing you smile is all the fun I need. So tomorrow I will look forward to that crazy grin and spending time with you. Sleep tight and rest well. I love you.

So Day 2 and everything is looking good!! He did have a fever last night but it was gone this morning. They had to collapse a lung during the surgery and that was a concern but around 3 am he began to increase his lung capacity and that seems to be behind him. They got him up and in a chair and he was able to tolerate the pain. The ICU staff is wonderful, they are really keeping the pain level under control. He continues to become more lucid .... ha!

Our family continues to be lifted up by the overwhelming support
....thank you does not do justice to the love we are feeling!

So we just got HUGE NEWS -- a miracle!!! The surgery is over (4 1/2 hours), the liver and everything else is clear, the docs are very pleased with the condition around the resection. Dad's brother Charlie...went into the surgery and had a peek inside...he was amazed by how perfect everything went!!!
God was watching over my daddy along with some 30 people who came by the hospital. Thank you to everyone who has been praying and encouraging "Pops"

We will keep you guys all posted as he recovers :)

One more day till "D" day! Received an email today that had an Emerson quote.
What lies behind us
and what lies before us
are small matters compared to
What lies within us.
Yesterday was fun. Stepped out of the shower and my feeding tube fell out. Called the doc. (6:15 AM) He sez call the office at the stoke of nine and tell them. They will tell you to go to the emergency room and then a doc will come over and reinsert a new one. (Thank goodness I had just finished my "feeding" at 6 AM.) Since I was still "full" I did my pre op for my Wednesday surgery at 9:30 (after calling the doc as told to) and when that was finished at noon I checked into the Emergency Room. Finally checked out at 5:20 with a new tube. Efficiency in action.
An "aside." If you have any friends that have to do the feeding tube routine the best thing I've found to keep the tube stablized when you are not "eating" is an Ace Bandage.
The last four days I've been stronger every day. Today I weighed 140.2. First time I've been about 140 in about 6 weeks. Yea!
I am so filled with peace that I have no fears about tomorrow. Thanks to all of you, my family and as always Lynda, the love of my life.

Starting Friday, my energy levels have returned to "almost normal". (Granted, it's been so long since I was that way it's really hard to remember.)I told Lynda yesterday that if I could eat I'd forget about doing the surgery on Wednesday. But, alas, alack, I cannot.
It has felt good to feel good. I sleep well, wake up and think of things I need to do, get up and do them and go back to bed. Just like the old days. Which is what I'm going to do right now. Love you all.

To my Blog followers. I wrote the following to all my high school friends that my buddy, Dock Sewell, keeps me "attached" to. Rather than "edit" it, I just copied it over. It contains what I wanted to tell all of you, as the time for surgerey draws nigh. Love you all.

To my Levelland friends:
I know many of you have keep up with my cancer journey on my Blog and on Facebook (which my #2 daughter Angie updates), but there are many of you, like me, that only venture "over on those dark sides" accidentally.
To those, let me bring you up to date.
As you know I have esophageal cancer, right where the esophagus joins my stomach. I have had thirty days of rads and chemo and now that they've beat it up that way (plus beating up my body) the doc is going to remove it. They will take about four or five inches of my esophagus and one third of my stomach and sew them together. I will be in ICU for two or three days and in the hospital for no longer than eleven. The surgery, Nov. 4, 7:30 AM, will take a minimum of 6 hours. The reason for the longer hospital stay is that they want to make sure there are no "leaks" in their work. And I'm OK with that.
I have appreciated all your prayers but I request you hold Lynda and all my family up to the Lord during these trying times.
Your pal,
Leighton

Well, the die is cast. Wednesday, Nov. 4 is the day I will be operated on. Texas Health Resources HEB, Bedford, TX. 7:30 AM Had conversations with two docs today. Both agreed, as did I, now is the time because I'm stronger and ready. I will say I am anxious but I've committed the results to the Lord. I have joined my prayers with yours to ask His healing. The surgery will remove a portion of my esophagus plus a portion of my stomach and then they will sew those two together. For the rest of my life I will then be eating 5 or 6 meals a day. Or, better put, all the time. The doc sez I will be able to hike and run but I've got to learn to "eat on the run" but I've been doing that for years. I will be in ICU 2 or 3 days and then in the hospital for a max of 10 or 11 days. All the while checking for "leaks" which I don't plan on. Don't think I'm quiting this little process! Now, I plan on keeping you informed on "how" He has touched my life, again. Signing off for today. Love you all but Lynda the most!

Sorry team, I've fallen down on my job. The reason is that everyday is the same (which is good because I'm not slipping back), but, in hindsight, I should have reported that. My weight is steady, my color is coming back (per Lynda) and I feel strong every morning when I wake up. Oh yeah, #2 daughter Angie came down from Virginia and a day later her #3 daughter Lyndsey appeared. So with those two, plus Debbie, Claire and Clay (#1 daughter and children) all buzzing around I just haven't gotten close to the computer. Today I meet with the surgeon so he can evaluate my current status and see where he wants me to be before surgery. I do hope that soon food will start "tasting good" to me again. Thank God for feeding tubes. And, I did get out to two "gatherings", Friday and Saturday, and I'm none the worse for wear. Felt good to get out and about. Gone for now, will report on what doc sez!

Little confession right here. Last Saturday, Sunday and Monday I experieced a bit of nausea, each day, and didn't want to say anything about it. However on Tuesday morning I woke feeling better than I have in a month and each day, since then, is progressively better. Able to think with continuity and haven't been as tired each day. Actually, went the last two days without naps, just because they weren't called for. Am riding a stationary bike for about 15 minutes each day and taking walks. Will wonders never cease. As you know, I'm taking most of my nourishment via feeding tube. Five cans a day, 300 calories a can. Found a can that has 560 calories in it and have added one of those each day. Puts me to about 2000. Slowly but surely I'm getting where I can eat, but it's very little. But, I feel good so that will come in it's due time. God is Good! Oh yeah, the better I feel, the better Lynda feels. We, my friends, are in this together. Could not do it without her. Could not do it without you!

Here it is, Tuesday, and another day in paradise. Met with a person who scheduled some stuff for me to eat so that I (just) might gain a little weight and for sure some strength. Lynda made a pudding out of one her recipes today and I'm slowly but surely getting it down. Am scheduled to meet with the surgeon next Monday for him to evaluate exactly where I am on his "where does this guy need to be for me to operate on him." More information on that after I see him. Everybody tells me my color is better and I'm getting a little stronger every day. Took a walk yesterday and it felt good. Today I've not taken a nap, (which works in on getting back on a normal schedule of day and night), and I plan to hook up tonight and get a good night sleep. Love you all. God is Good!

Since Thursday life has been on an even keel. Trying to "set a plan" on getting stronger, which is a challenge. On Tueday I see a person who will advise me on nutrients. I guess I just need someone to slap me up side the head and tell me to get on with it. I'm holding my weight steady but not at the level I need for it to be. Yesterday, had a great visit with my sister and brother in law, from Oklahoma, plus my brother and his wife, two of his daughters, one of his son in laws, two of his grandchildren plus two of my daughters and two of my grandchildren. If that doesn't give one reasons to live then I don't know what would! Oh yeah, have I ever told you that I would be lost without Lynda? Well, I would be. Could not love her any more than I do. She is by my side at all times. Amazing how the things that seemed so important fade from your thoughts when you face life decisions. Love you all, too. God is good.

May I start with, "Today will be a great day?" Yesterday was what it was but it's now gone, praise the Lord! Am gaining stength, but not weight. Looking forward to (kinda) the middle of next month when I get this dang thing cut out. But as we all know, God is good and we accept his His love! Had a great visit with a friend of 60 years yesterday. Love you all. Did I tell you that I would be lost without Lynda?

Today saw two doc visits. One, to take out the stiches on my feeding tube (which it looks like I'll have untill long after the surgery to remove the cancer) and two, to visit the oncologist for him to check my blood levels and overall feelings about what I'm going thru. The On doc told me to not worry about the fact that I couldn't eat solid food right now. Just concentrate on getting the "soup" down and add a an extra can some days. Blood counts were good. Now my responsibility is to get stronger each day and then we plan the surgery. I'm thinking in about a month. Today was a very good day and I expect tomorrow to be better! Lord I love Lynda!

I guess, every once in a while, one must "wallow in your pity." And, the last coupla days were mine. Feeling sorry for myself, feeling alone, feeling scared and just feeling crapy! Did it help? I don't know but I've got it behind me! What I can do is up to me and this morning I just got up doing what I can do. Yesterday I had about 2 ounces of Malt a Meal for breakfast and then 4 ounces of soup for lunch. Today I decided that an scrambled egg should be on the menu, and it was. First time I've chewed anything in 3 or 4 weeks. Now I'm gonna start gaining at least a little weight!

The weekend came and went with not major changes. Opps, let me back up. Started eating a bit. Will add some everyday. Will go to doc on Tuesday. Will report back then. Right now I'm tired and I'm going to bed.

Last post kind of put the next few weeks in prospective. Slow, incremental changes, for the better. Am on my feeding tube regime from 7 to 7. Allows me to "wander" for 12 hours, but, where to "wander?" All the flu going around and with my immune system all comprimised I just hang out at the house. I do ride with Lynda when she goes out on errands, but I just hang in the car. We did go out, for the first time in a month, with two couples last night, and it was a bit spooky at first? Who would have thought that? It was fun but exhausting. Wednesday was a good day, Thursday was a "push" day, not so bad, not so good, but Friday was better than both.
Many of you have asked about the times I add info to the Blog. Seems that getting all this fluid, at night, demands that you get up about 3 or 4 times each night and sometimes you are just not ready to go back to bed. I do get good nights sleep.
Love you all, but Lynda my caregiver, the most.

Incremental change. Less soreness in my tummy. (Thanks for the prayers) Less "upsetness" in my stomach. Feeding rate is now at 120 ml per hour. I have a bit more energy each day. Talked with the wife of a pal, Mike J, and she reported that it was at least two weeks, after rad and chemo, that he began to feel like "his real self." (Mike had exactly the same stuff I have plus he had the surgery, so he's my poster boy.) She also reported that by 5 weeks he really felt good, and then they did the surgery. Can't wait! (Tougue in cheek.)
Thanks for the comments that you add. They cheer me up everyday.

Another day, another pound! Where the doc put in the feeding tube is getting less sore and each day I have a little more energy. Not a thing smells or tastes good so adding anymore calories is a challenge. Have the feeding tube up to 105 ml per hour with a goal of 120 or 125. That allows me to "get down" a bag of "food" in 14 hours working down to where I'm not tethered but 12. Feels good when I can "unhook." Even tho the "food" is going into my intestine, I still feel like I have something in my stomach. And sometimes it's upset. Well, that wore me out just trying to expain it. I sometimes dream that when I wake up my bag will be empty. Please pray for the soreness to finally go away and that I start being able to get something else down. And pray for additional stength for Lynda. Love you all.

Hooray, I'm home. Came home yesterday and home health came by and fixed me up with a feeding pump. Now I get to "get fat." The plan is for me to pick (back) up at least 10 of the 20 pounds I lost and then have surgery to remove the cancer. Hopefully, in about 6 weeks. I feel a 100% better sleeping in my own bed and just cooling it around the house. Lynda and the girls are taking excellent care of me. Lynda and I had planned on leaving on a Meditrranean cruise tomorrow so Tuesday will be a sad day for us both. Twelve of our friends and us had planned on it being fun for 20 days.

Sometimes there is a pivotal day, and yesterday was it. Over the past 5 weeks, Thursdays and Fridays have been the most challenging. Wednesday night I would crash after my Tuesday chemo and Th and Fr would be a stuggle. Plus, every Monday, even tho I would have two day without treatment to recover, I would be weaker that the prior Monday. So, when this last Thursday I woke up with a carved up belly, getting the feeding tube in, I was a "whipped puppy." I oould not see up! And, then I begin to get nourshment and my stomach began to get "unsore" and the fight came back.
Yesterday I was ready to go home but the doc said, "One more day" and I'm glad she did. Last night my back got to hurting (from laying in bed four days) and I got up and sat in a chair. Nurse came in and asked, "Are you hurting?" "Yep" I sez and explain why. She checks to see if the doc has left any pain medication orders. I thought perhaps Tyenol. Nope, morphine. So much for that restless night. It got me from 11:30 to 4:30. Longest stretch of sleep since I've been here. But I believe I'll pass on doing that again.
Can't wait to get home with my sweetie.

Sure enough, it happened. Rad doc came in at 9 AM and discussed the possiblility of putting in the tube, we said yes and at 11 AM they took me to pre op. By, 12 noon I'm back in my room. So, now I'm tethered to a pole with nutrition going in. Oh yeah, with a sore belly. Cut me about an inch each way above my belly button and inseted the tube. I will have to get used to this. The plan is for me to "feed" from 7 PM to 7 AM and then be off my tether during the day. Will drink some on my own during the day. Hoped to go home today however it's the weekend and get all the stuff rounded up for me to have all off what I need doesn't look like it will happen. I can hardly wait to go home.

Hard to believe, looking at the date of yesterday's post, it's only been one month that I've been on the rad/chemo journey. I have to force myself to remember "life before cancer." Not to worry, I can imagine myself out running with my kids and grandkids and escaping to a mountain cabin with my sweetie. The future is what counts, isn't it!
Yesterday did bring us to a crossroads. Endo doc did a dilitation and found that the rads and chemo were not bringing (all) the desired results that had been expected. (My endo doc did the procedure and my chemo doc was there and observed, which was cool and unexpected.) Because my opening closed up 18 hours later on the last dilitation they decided to keep me overnight. Now, here I sit, taking fluids, and my best guess is (based on conversations before the procedure with those two docs) is that I will be the proud recipient of a feeding tube and I may have seen (for this round anyway) the end of rad and chemo. Looks like the "new" protocol of choice is to "fatten" me up and then cut the cancer out. Better than a kick in the butt! Funny how earlier the thought of surgery scared me and now, after the rad and chemo has beat the heck out of me, it would be a welcome alternative.
Your prayers surround me.

Have I said before that cancer sucks? Well, if I haven't, it does. The lastest news its that I'm really doing a bad job getting nutrition down.
Wait, I jumping ahead of my self. Yesterday, being tired of wearing pants that look like they come from my big brother, I went to Steinmart to get some that fit. Knowing full well what I need, I walk in and ask Brenda, my personal shopper, (just kidding), where to find some 30 X 30. "Hon", she said, "Don't belive we've got any today, but you can look." Proved her wrong, after about 45 minutes. Found one pair. However they are "Hip" jeans. Skinny legs, faded, bell bottom, low waist, form fitting, cool, Chuck Schultz jeans. Lynda sez I look like James Dean. What I trying to say, I'm at 137, which is 1953 weight.
Well, the doc sez this will not work. We've got to attempt another dialation as see if we can push that hole to be somewhat bigger and this time it's in the hospital. So, that's where I'm reporting from, a hospital bed. This time they are going to keep me overnight to "observe" me.
Only have 6 more rads and one more chemo. Knocking them down one day at a time. Hmm, wonder if they will let me go down stairs for rad in the AM? Shucks, they can just push me down in this bed.
Thanks again for all your prayers.

Wait! Did I give you the opinion, yesterday, that I felt that I would not feel "good" again until eight weeks from now? Well, something "phenomenal" must have happened then that's made me feel, almost, good? Go figger on that? Did make a committment to get down nourishment, and did a pretty decent job. And I did go to the chemo doc and pick up a "quart" of fluid. But, I've done all that before and I didn't feel like I do now, which is a highly qualified "better." I did go to the movie with my grandchildren Amy, Claire and Clay ("Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs"), could that be it? Whatever! I'm taking this day for what it is and hoping tomorrow is just as good. Today I will knock down my 20 rad (with eight to go) and my 5 chemo (with one to go) so it's a major day. Or, could it be the thousands of prayers that the Lord is hearing on my behalf and all the love that's being shown me? I'll take that one! Stay tuned for tomorrow.

OK, let's talk. This cancer sucks. Now, with only 12 days to go (10 rads, 2 chemos) there are no "good" days. You just measure each one against the last one. If it's better, it's better, if it's worse it's worse. I just try to sleep as much as possible. Two reasons: to use less energy and make the time go faster. Maybe I'm getting 500 calories a day down, at best. Nothing tastes good. Everything smells different, even people. And, it's not them it's that something has broken my smeller, if that's a good word? I played ball with my 4 year old grandson today. I'm sitting in a chair, I throw the ball, he catchs it and brings it to me. I'm not going to be remembered that way. One these days I may go down hard but it's not going to be from this s--t! I will be running and playing with all my grandkids again.
Let me tell you how much the cards, emails, comment's on the Blog, prayers mean to me. No way I could mention one name because then I would have to list everyone, and I don't have that much Blog space.
I will say that I love you all and we will get together again. And, to my running friends. Let me tell you, when I get my feet under me again I'm going to be "Fleet Man." You remember how quick I was at 155, imagine how quick I'll be at 140! Stand Clear! Oh yeah, did I say I loved you all? If not, I do.

Friday has come and gone and I'm 10 rads away from being finished! I just have to point that out every day. Friday was also a scary day. Was able to take liquid early AM, but as the day wore on, NOT! The procedure doc said what he did, in fact, open me up, but the area was constricted and he could not get his scope completely thru. He advised that even tho the tumor had been pushed open it could "rebound" and the opening tighten up. Well, it dang sure did. It shut down and nothing went thru, not even water! I kept trying to drink but to no avail. Kinda starting getting scared. Then, about 7 PM, I remembered a guy telling me that if this happened to get some Calcium and Magnesium, mix it two to one, disolve it in water, (a big spoon, and drink it down. Lynda went to the health food store and sure enough they sell it in that formula. Calmag. I open a capsule, dump it in a spoon full of water, stick it in my mouth and, voila, I can drink again! Needless to say, I have mixed emotions that I have learned this "from the street" and not from my doctor. I suppose it's my responsibility to let them know this "new" find. More on that later. But, as "they" say, "All's well that ends well" and that's what I'm working towards! Now I can look forward to the weekend.

Two days pass so fast! Yesterday was Rad, plus see the doc. Doc tells me I'm a "quart low" again. So off to the chemo place to get a round of "whatever." Comes in a bag, it's clear, goes in my port and I feel better when I leave than when I get there, so I guess it's some kind of super water. The rest of the day goes reasonablly well, but I can't eat anything. I keep thinking, "Tomorrow I get the dialation and I'll be able to eat." The thought wears me out and I'm in bed by 8:30. Up for rad this AM and see the doc. (rad doc) Determines I'm again a "quart low" because my blood pressure is so low. Decides for me to get another infusion in order to make sure I can still do the procedure at 2:30. Get the juice then go to dialation.
(Does it seem as if I'm at the doc's all the time and/or going back and forth? Hey, you've figured it out!)
After the procedure, which did open me up just a bit, I drink soup. Honestly afraid to try out my "new opening." Worry that it will not work and I don't have a plan B. (But I guess I'm not the one who works that out!)
Lynda's home! Find out that my eating passageway has been opened up about the width of my little finger. Yea! Now I can eat soup with stuff in it!
Tonight I was at Bluebonnet Cancer Camp orientation. Camp will be Oct. 2, 3 and 4. My buddy in Tom H. This is going to be fun, both for Lynda and I. She will have a free weekend. Hard to believe that I only have 11 more rads and 2 chemos, but I believe it!

A good day! Rad @ 7:30. Chemo doc appointment @ 8:45, to chemo and "add a quart" immediately after. Finally out of the docs at 2:40, but I felt much better. Am set for a dilation of that blocked area on Thursday. Perhaps I can eat and drink better, at least that's the plan. Did have an increased energy level that evening which, as you can see, has lasted into the night and wee hours of the AM. Lynda and I are working diligently towards raising $100,000 for two Adult Cancer Camps in 2010. That little project helps me focus on someting (worthwhile) rather that this "elephant in the room." Love you all, now I think I'll try the bed one more time.

Today started with radiation at 7:30. Asked the technician if rad could be causing my back to break out. "As a matter of fact, it could." she replied. "I'll get you some Radicream." It does help. I was dragging, and had not eaten or drank very much, so I was sent for extra fluid, again. Quart low, I call it. Met a guy from Childress who has lung cancer. Turns out he works for Five Star Ford in North Richland Hills. His owner, Sam Pack, was mentored by Lee Jarman the Studebaker dealer in Levelland in 1953.
Later today I was treated to visits from two "vintage" friends from my home town of Levelland. Sharon Kirk Wilson and Tommy Sibley. Tommy was on his way to Santa Fe from Beaumont and had to look me in the eye and hug me and Sharon came over to join. This was a good day, especially since I'm halfway thru with both radiation (14/28) and chemo (3/6). Nausea comes and goes. Funny, roller coaster days are good days because at least some of the time you feel about half decent. One more funny thing, I'm looking forward to chemo tomorrow because, if history repeats itself, I'll feel a whole lot better tomorrow afternoon. Of course I'll pay for it on Wednesday, but being the eternal optimist, maybe not.

Sunday, lots of rest. In fact, all day rest! Some nausea, but rest, rest, rest.Does that help? I guess I'll find out today. What kinda scares me is that I can't eat and or drink much, and I know it's very, very important. Keep experimenting, looking for something that tastes even half way good. Soup works the best, but I am getting tired of it all the time, but, it's better than nothing. What's toughest is trying to eat around Lynda. When I can't then she "hurts." And then I hurt. I see my chemo doc on Thursday and I've got to remember to ask how long after the treatment does it take for that to wear off. Thatttts, all folks, for today.

Saturday was not a "bad' day, thank you Lord! Up in the AM, off to work till noon, deflate, "go to chair" in the car coming home (while wonderful Lynda drives) then home for more rest. Start "coming back" about 5, off to a Chamber gala at 6:30, and finish the night, 10 PM, at Charles's grandaughter's birthday party. Ambitious day but I felt better when it ended than when it started.
It's been pointed out that I did not explain what cancer I have. It's esophageal. Just at the bottom of my esophagus and the top of my stomach. The first protcoll was to radiate it, chemo it and then cut out what's left. Now, under this study, we are doing A and B and skipping C, which is a double major surgery. Of course it's not totally out of the picture, we'll just have to see after all the other is done. October 9 will not come too soon.

Friday was a "non" day. Actually, I seem to be hitting a "rythm" and I guess I can't complain. I don't feel so bad that I can't do something but I don't feel good enough to do much. Food and drink just don't smell or taste great, but I have to "have" them, or else!
"Waiting for Gordo", I think was a play that has been around for years and, in memory, it bests illustrates my life right now. In the play these two guys just sit around and talk about when and whether Gordo is ever going to come. My life and the play just keep going on, waiting for a time I'll feel better and wondering if and when. I keep reminding myself, it's just like preparing for a marathon. You set your plan, not too ambitious as to hurt yourself but so that you will continue to stress your body into getting stronger so that you can make the distance in a time you will be happy with. Making it to Radiation every day is like making it to a workout. Then you come away with the plan to make it to the next one, 24 hours away.
Enough of that! 13 radiations down and 15 to go. (Come on Monday!) I'll be on the downhill side. And, with my Tuesday chemo I'll be two thirds of the way done with them.
Now, I'm just not just sitting around all the time. I still have work. I still have my two youngest grandkids and their Mom and Dad just down the street, I still have all my friends that encourge me, I still have my other two daughters and a son in law that call everyday, a brother and a sister and thier mates contantly checking on me, the love and careing of three granddaughters scattered across the US and last, but definitely not least, my wonderful wife, caregiver, lover, sweetheart Lynda. Include all those with prayers from around the world and I've got it made!
Thanks to all of you for joining me on the journey. Today is going to be better thanks to you.

Remember, deciding to move when you were young (or in college)? You just did it. And about two thirds of the way thru, at 3 AM, you realized you had expended every bit of energy that you had, and you realized that was it, at least until you got some rest? Well, that's how this stuff treats you. One minute up, next minute way, way down. Now, that's not to say Thursday was bad, it wasn't. Up in AM, off to Rad, then back home to get some work done. (One must continue ones business if one is to afford having cancer.) 11 AM, deflate! "Go to Chair." Sleep! Ah ha, up and ready to go again. Work, deflate, chair. Work deflate, chair. 6 PM, off to meeting.
(Oh yeah, did I tell you that, last December, Lynda and I agreed -- well actually it was me -- to be the working chairs of the Texas Health Resources Hospital Gala benefitting an Adult Cancer Suvivors Camp? Ironic, wouldn't you say? Now, I R 1!)
Meeting went well, work went well and "out to eat with my pals, afterward" went well, but Lynda drove home, I think, and boy was the bed welcome!
I guess it's the radiation. You are walking around and all of a sudden you feel a tightness in your chest. It's almost like indigestion but more severe, but you just wait for it to pass, and it does, but it sure takes it out of you.
Enough about that. Tomorrow (which is here) is another day. It will be better. Boy, I love my wife!

Tantilizing, is the best way to describe how I felt today. After a really good day yesterday I met the morning sun feeling great, again! You have this feeling, "Is it real or is it Memoriex?" Well, it was real, until 11 AM, and then the bottom fell out. "Whoosh."
(An aside here, when Phyllis, my sister, had whooping cough when she about 3, her bed consisted of two living room chairs pushed together. Reason for her being there was that Charles, Phyllis and I all slept in the same room. Our parents didn't want us to get the WC also.)
The whole reason for the story is that we used to tell sister, "Time to go to chair" instead of bed. Well, when Lynda saw me "deflate," she said, "Go to chair!" Which I have done and read a book. Was able to get some food down and a chocolate malt. Tomorrow will be better! Dang, I'll be ready for some more chemo with steriods! But, it's not to be. 11 rads down 17 to go.

Now I know why, again, they give you Friday and Saturday off every week. By Sunday night you begin to get your wits about you again. Mentally I was ready for Monday but my body was a half step behind. So, after radiation I started dragging and it was kinda like that all day. Went to sleep about 8 PM and let the alarm wake at 7 today. What made it tough was that I counldn't get much food down. No food, no energy --- duh! Since I have now waited until Tuesday night write a lot of yesterday has gone by the wayside when I woke up, so be it! Today was much better, even tho it was RAD and CHEMO. Up at 7,off to Rad by 7:30, talked with Rad Doc and he suggested I get the obstruction "balloned" again, and I wholeheartedly agreed. But first, ran it by the Chemo Doc. "Yep", he sez, so it's set for Thursday week. Hooray! Then to Chemo. Sat beside a guy who's got to be a spy for the US. Cool dude. (Will probably get a visit from the government for putting that in. Will let you know at a later date. If I disappear, you will know.) I kinda knew today would be good because the Chemo has some steriods in them. Tonight I'll take a sleeping pill so I'll sleep. This report was for two days. The main reason I'm doing this whole blog thing is so I'll remember what happened after this deal is over. The score today -----
Rad, 10 of 28, Chemo 3 of 6. We are all an experiment of one! I'm ready to go when the Lord sez, but I make application for an extention every night -- and morning.

Now, with background (mostly) taken care of, let me get on with why I started this blog. Sharing with everyone how cancer, and it's treatment, is treating me.
I'm already 8 radiation and 2 chemo's into my "protocol." (That's the medical name for "treatment" I've learned.) So, let me tell you how it's been.
First day, Tuesday, September 1, I received both radiation, 8 AM, and chemo, 9:30 AM. Let me tell you, after waiting a over a month to get started I was already ready to get it over. Needless to say, with all that pent up emotion I was exhausted at 1:30 when I walked out of chemo, but, I'm moving too fast.
Radiation, it turns out, only takes about 15 minutes. You lay down on a table, they set up the machine that "zaps" you about 6 or 8 places in less than 10 minutes. You get up thinking, "Is that all there is to it?" Well, it's not!
I go have breakfast and then to chemo. Well, it's not just "me" that goes, it's a mob! Lynda has decided that I'll never go to chemo by myself and then about 10 of our "closest and dearest friends" decide she can't go by herself, so it's party time! Finally, the girls "go to the hall" (so as not to distrurb my fellow patients) and the guys hang out with me. But finally, I have to bid them adieu (and tell them to keep the girls out) and I go to sleep.
Bit of info: One gets chemo thru a "mediport" that has been placed in your chest. It transports the chemo directly into a major vein of your body. Sleeping is a good thing while it's going on!
Well, this is to be my "routine" every week for 6 weeks with a total of 6 chemo's (every Tuesday)and 28 radiations. Scheduled finish date, October 9, which, incidentally, would have been the fourth day into a wonderful Mediterranean cruise that Lynda (and 18 of our friends) and I had planned until this "deal" came along.
First week, after the start trauma, you kinda believe it may not be as bad for you as it is for others, but then you realize that we all "an experiment of one" so it's gonna get you! The first week, let's describe as "tired." I learn that I don't waste energy walking and/or working out. I save it for thinking. (Thank God I've got work to plan. It keeps my mind off the cancer, of which I can't do a damn thing about other than what I'm doing!) Let's also say "thirsty." Can't get enough liquid. You should drink water but it doesn't taste good, but you try anyhow. Gatorade tastes good. Now, you pay the price if you don't hydrate. By the second week, the obstruction in my esophagus returns. (When it was orginally found the doc did a "balloon" procedure that "spread it out" and allowed me to eat.) Now I start having a problem getting enough solid nourishment down. That gets partially solved by my daughter Debbie who is juicing for me. But I still want to eat! Sometimes I can, sometimes I can't.
Second week: Chemo on Tuesday. Come home and feel great. Hey, I'm coming back with all my energy! Go great all that day. Go great that evening. Think about going to bed, but still going great! At 5 AM the next morning I'm still "going great" but know that sometime I'm gonna collapse. Finally do that evening. Sleep about 11 hours the next night. Turns out there are a bit of steriods in with you chemo. Now I'll be prepared for tomorrow! Another side effect, which I alluded to earlier, is if you don't drink enough and you don't excercise one "stops up." Well, on Thursday of the second week the radiation people weighed me and decided I was "low on water" so they sent me for a "unit of hydration." That meant going back to the chemo place and have them hook you up for an hour and run liquid into you. Well, let me tell you, that will "loosen you up." On Friday I had my worst day. Had cramps and nausea for 6 or 7 hours. Think it was tough on me? Not as tough as it was for Lynda to watch me! Let me tell you, it would be tough without wonderful care givers! I give thanks every night for Lynda and all my caregivers! My family and all my friends. The are there for support every hour of every day. Calls, cards, emails, visits and, best of all, prayers. Oh yeah, the liquid worked it's way thru my body and I became "new" again! Remember, if you go down this road, drink! Alright, that sums up the the first two weeks. Here it is Monday morning and it's that time again!

Let me give credit to Charles Rodenberger, the husband of one of my high school teachers, (and yes, I did say 1951 or 2) who taught me how to start this blog. He told me, "It's simple! Just look on the home page of the one I set up for Lou when she had cancer and it will ask you if you want to start a blog!" And, there I went. Lou was a brave one. Never gave in or up. She was an inspiration to us all and Charles keeps her memory alive. Molcielou.blogspot.com Lou and Charles attended the Levelland High School Class of 1953 50 year reunion in 2003.

Well, now we are "off to the races." Determine a plan to get rid of the cancer and get on with out lives. We choose not to withhold the "news" from our family, friends or all the people that we work with. Wow, what wonderful support we are surrounded with, immediately. With that support also comes reports from survivors and from ones who love us who have suggestions on where they have seen great results. Wow, again! So, a committee is formed to evaulate the treatments and where to get said treatments. The committee consists of my sweetie Lynda, my three daughters, (Debbie, Angie, Sherie) and my brother, Charles, who is an MD. Let me tell you, they ask questions. First, the home town team of doctors are "checked out." Dr. Mal Turner, Dr. A. J. Dubay and Dr. David Carter. As good as they come! So, off we go with them but we are encourged to at least get "a second opinion", even by the cancer docs. So, based on some great recomendations, we approach MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, a world class cancer treatment center. We gather all the results from all our tests and FedEx them to Houston. "Sorry", they say, "we no longer accept your insurance because they chose what to pay us what they think we deserve rather than what we had orginally agreed on." Well, so much for that so let's get on with this deal.
Dr. Mal, my oncologist, offers the opportunity to participate in a study, (trial), that, if succesful, might keep me from having surgery after I have radiation and chemo. "I'll take it sir" I respond. Now, not only is my brother the MD looking over their shoulders, (did I mention that he is personal friends with them all?), but so are the "study people." What more could I ask? The Lord guides you to where you are supposed to be. Our biggest problem is choosing to turn another way. This time He let me "knock around for awhile" and then gently set me back on the course He had designed.

Just a bit of background. January 2009 brought some unwelcome changes into Lynda and my lives. In 2008, GM, the company that I had worked for 30 years, went bankrupt. In reorganization they chose to eliminate all health insurance for salaried employees on December 31,if you were of Medicare age. So, on January 1 we became members of AARP Medicare Complete from Secure Horizon, an HMO. (My I add here that Lynda and I have been the healthiest 70 year olds on the planet.) This insurance was touted as being "Medicare plus." It did have some "extras" but it sure was different. I'll stop there for now.
January 3, I fell in the hall at home and broke my right femur. Not a fun experience, but with the help of my sweetie and a good doc, on June 27 I ran my first foot race of 2009. A one miler in Plano. It was sweet. However, the prior week I had been having trouble getting food from my mouth into my stomach and my primary doc had sent me for an endoscope. The eno doc found an obstruction, took a biopsy and sent it to the lab. On June 28, Lynda and I took a little R&R trip to Santa Monica and set up camp in a beautiful hotel, Shutters on the Beach. On June 29 I received a call from the endo doc and he told me I had cancer. Stage 3. Well, there you have that!

January, 2009, brought some not so welcome changes in the life's of Lynda and Leighton Railsback. First, GM, my company that I had spent 30 years with, went bankrupt and canceled our health insurance. Luckily, I'm over 65 so I have Medicare (insurance with the government) so it wasn't all that traumatic. However, December 31, 2008, I choose to take AARPMedicare Complete from Secure Horizons as my health coverage. I deemed it "Medicare Plus" because it had some benefits (or so I thought) that made it better than Medicare. In some later post, maybe, I may discuss that. Fast forward, three days, to January 3, 2009. Fell in the hall of our home and broke my right femur. Two days later I got three pins "installed" and I was (to be) as good as new! Rehab went well. Well enough that on June 27 I ran a one mile race in Plano. (Oh yeah, I run.) Then, June 29, while relaxing the beautiful City on Santa Moncia, CA, I found out I had eshopiseal

Well, pals, here we go! Who knows what will wonder thru my brain --- and come out my fingers? I know I sure don't!
OK, here's the "Why" and sometime later, for those who decide to join and read, (and we haven't met), I'll tell you about "me".
Why this blog? Because I've got Cancer. And, because I have family and friends that want to know how I'm doing. And, Hey, this give me the opportunity to talk to more that one person at a time! How good is that?
Now, let me tell you, you will get some "ramblings" so hang on.