Cancer has probably touched someone in your life, no doubt. It took my father and many other relatives that I loved very much. And now it has grabbed onto my wife. It has become very personal to me again. I hate cancer. Christina told me the other day that "cancer has humbled me." She's right. It has humbled me as well. You have to rely on doctors and nurses and drugs for your very survival. You realize very quickly that you are not 100% in control of your life.
The only thing you can control is your attitude. Christina has been flawless in that regard. She remains humble and kind (yeah I stole that from Tim Mc Graw's latest single-but it is true!). She is there to talk to anyone going through the journey and the battle. She smiles and laughs way more than she frowns and cries. I have said it many times in this blog but she is my hero. My humble hero.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Sweet sixteen
Chrissy and I just got home from a fabulous weekend in Napa. One of the Angels in our life, K, again showed us how good humans can be to each other. He is the most generous person we have ever met and continues to amaze us every time we get together. It capped off our 16th wedding anniversary that started off on Friday with a quiet night at home.
It's been just over a year since "the lump" started us on our cancer journey. Christina has shown so much courage and strength throughout the year, enduring endless treatments, appointments and two surgeries. Our 16th year together as a married couple was definitely one that I didn't expect but as Forrest Gump said "life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are gonna get." How true. We don't take anything for granted as we know that cancer is always working it's sinister plan to take us down.
I love you Christina as do so many others in your life. I hope and pray that we have many more anniversary dinners to share. And wine. And kisses. The last last sixteen have been so sweet.
XOXO
Butchie
It's been just over a year since "the lump" started us on our cancer journey. Christina has shown so much courage and strength throughout the year, enduring endless treatments, appointments and two surgeries. Our 16th year together as a married couple was definitely one that I didn't expect but as Forrest Gump said "life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are gonna get." How true. We don't take anything for granted as we know that cancer is always working it's sinister plan to take us down.
I love you Christina as do so many others in your life. I hope and pray that we have many more anniversary dinners to share. And wine. And kisses. The last last sixteen have been so sweet.
XOXO
Butchie
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
45 And Alive!!
Christina celebrated her 45th birthday last night at home with our roommate/niece. It was a relaxing evening filled with laughs. The two of us had spent the weekend in SF eating and drinking our way around Nob Hill and the downtown areas. I love and hate the place. I love the uniqueness of the many hills, building designs and views of the bay. It truly is a special place. I've grown weary of the thousands of panhandlers/homeless/drug addicts and the insanely stupid politicians. Enough about that...
We had several great snacks and meals over the weekend and our niece and her friend joined us for a night. Christina is feeling stronger each day although the joint pain and stiffness from one of the post surgery drugs is really causing her discomfort. It seems to be under control if she pops Ibuprofen. Hopefully, it decreases in severity and does away.
It is amazing to think that a year ago it was a small lump and a question of whether it was anything serious. Well, that has been answered. She has endured an incredible amount of treatments, appointments surgeries and chemotherapy since then. Always looking on the bright side, her theme this year is "45 and Alive." I dig it!
We had several great snacks and meals over the weekend and our niece and her friend joined us for a night. Christina is feeling stronger each day although the joint pain and stiffness from one of the post surgery drugs is really causing her discomfort. It seems to be under control if she pops Ibuprofen. Hopefully, it decreases in severity and does away.
It is amazing to think that a year ago it was a small lump and a question of whether it was anything serious. Well, that has been answered. She has endured an incredible amount of treatments, appointments surgeries and chemotherapy since then. Always looking on the bright side, her theme this year is "45 and Alive." I dig it!
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
RUN Forrest (Errr... Christina) RUN!!!
It's official: my wife is a badass. Yeah, Yeah, we all know that but just in case you forgot! Christina ran for the first time since December 20th on Sunday evening. Don't tell her doctors-she isn't supposed to be running or doing "full activities" for another week or so. She asked me if I thought it was good idea and I nodded approval. Just over 7 miles on her normal loop. She said she struggled at first as she has been enduring intense joint pain and stiffness as a side effect from one of her drugs.
For good measure, she ran again last night at dusk. Same trip with a better time and less of a struggle. The words back to normal are fitting here. The smile has returned. I just hope she doesn't decide to run across the country like Forrest Gump did. On the other hand, if she wanted to do that, she could. Trust me, she could...
For good measure, she ran again last night at dusk. Same trip with a better time and less of a struggle. The words back to normal are fitting here. The smile has returned. I just hope she doesn't decide to run across the country like Forrest Gump did. On the other hand, if she wanted to do that, she could. Trust me, she could...
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Hello there!:)
Sorry for the lapse in keeping you up to date on Christina. She is doing great. Her reconstructive surgery went flawlessly and I was wheeling her out to my car two hours after it.She continues to amaze!Christmas and New Years were very nice although quieter than most years. We relaxed and had some family over on Christmas day for a nice visit. It's not about the gifts for us. We just like being around friends and family and enjoying each other.
Christina isn't able to run and won't be for a couple more weeks. She is, however, walking as much as possible to keep her fit. She says "it keeps the demons away." We all need that. She is taking a few medicines and they do have some side effects but she takes it all in stride. Her hair is thick and wavy-I cannot wait until she starts wearing a short hair style. Her wig, "Felicia," still looks beautiful. She really would like to have the option of not wearing it every damn day. Many people don't even know that she was ever battling cancer or that she was bald, including co workers and neighbors. Some of them will be shocked when they finally see her.
She meets with her plastic surgeon next week to check on the healing progress. I know that she is dying to run and will very soon. A year ago, it was a small lump and a question in our minds. Man, what a year..
Christina isn't able to run and won't be for a couple more weeks. She is, however, walking as much as possible to keep her fit. She says "it keeps the demons away." We all need that. She is taking a few medicines and they do have some side effects but she takes it all in stride. Her hair is thick and wavy-I cannot wait until she starts wearing a short hair style. Her wig, "Felicia," still looks beautiful. She really would like to have the option of not wearing it every damn day. Many people don't even know that she was ever battling cancer or that she was bald, including co workers and neighbors. Some of them will be shocked when they finally see her.
She meets with her plastic surgeon next week to check on the healing progress. I know that she is dying to run and will very soon. A year ago, it was a small lump and a question in our minds. Man, what a year..
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Just in case I am hit by a bus tomorrow. Let me say thanks!
Christina worked for a man who had an envelope labeled "hit by a bus" on the outside. I never saw it but assumed it had all the important financial stuff in there along with personal messages to his family just in case he wasn't able to say goodbye.
So, just in case I get hit by a bus tomorrow I wanted to leave a public note thanking the people that have helped C and I so much through our journey this year. I won't use last names and sometimes only an initial to protect your privacy. So let me me say thank you to:
K-you have been an angel in our lives since C met you. I don't ever take for granted all of the wonderful generosity you have shown over the past few years. You are amazing!
Mo and Bill- since meeting you in Capri, our life is better. Period.You are the classiest couple I have ever met. I don't have many heroes in my life but Billy O' is one of them. Every time we think of you, laughter and smiles follow. Especially the stories of your French lessons!!!
Jo- You are solid. Rock solid. You are always there when we need something. We love you.
Den and Lea- you have been so supportive and generous since day one of the cancer journey. We cannot thank you both enough. The keys were epic!
Annie-They say that laughter is the best medicine. Well, if you could bottle your sparkling personality, then millions of people would be cured of disease. And boredom. You really do light up a room!
In laws- I know the news of your daughter being diagnosed with breast cancer was a shot to the gut but you both have been very so helpful. Anytime we need something, the answer is yes. That means a lot to the both of us.
Rosie- your daily prayers were answered! I love hearing from you and hope all is well with you:)
TPG peeps- Wow, the fact that C still loves to go to work each day is huge. It's been a big part of her recovery. T, Tricia, Jimmy, Maggie, MP, Eva and many more-you are the bestest!
CS- you have been very supportive to C and I. We cannot wait for opening day 2016 so we can celebrate with you and the gang. It's our favorite day of the year. No kidding!
C's cousins and Aunts/Uncle- the love you have poured from your heart towards Christina has been incredible. I know now why she is so blessed to have all of you in her life.
Nieces- We love you to pieces! Thanks for making Nina laugh and smile.
Asao- You make C happy when you text or email her. Don't stop...
Tom M- You and your family have been in our lives for 15 years now. Thanks for all of the notes of support. You are a bedrock of stability and have always been so thoughtful and generous.
Mirella- You are so graceful and beautiful. You are like an aunt to Christina. We love you so much!
This is far from a complete list but I wanted to put it out there for all to see. Oh, and if I actually DO get hit by a bus tomorrow, can someone please take Christina to her surgery on the 21st. I will be permanently unavailable it seems:)
So, just in case I get hit by a bus tomorrow I wanted to leave a public note thanking the people that have helped C and I so much through our journey this year. I won't use last names and sometimes only an initial to protect your privacy. So let me me say thank you to:
K-you have been an angel in our lives since C met you. I don't ever take for granted all of the wonderful generosity you have shown over the past few years. You are amazing!
Mo and Bill- since meeting you in Capri, our life is better. Period.You are the classiest couple I have ever met. I don't have many heroes in my life but Billy O' is one of them. Every time we think of you, laughter and smiles follow. Especially the stories of your French lessons!!!
Jo- You are solid. Rock solid. You are always there when we need something. We love you.
Den and Lea- you have been so supportive and generous since day one of the cancer journey. We cannot thank you both enough. The keys were epic!
Annie-They say that laughter is the best medicine. Well, if you could bottle your sparkling personality, then millions of people would be cured of disease. And boredom. You really do light up a room!
In laws- I know the news of your daughter being diagnosed with breast cancer was a shot to the gut but you both have been very so helpful. Anytime we need something, the answer is yes. That means a lot to the both of us.
Rosie- your daily prayers were answered! I love hearing from you and hope all is well with you:)
TPG peeps- Wow, the fact that C still loves to go to work each day is huge. It's been a big part of her recovery. T, Tricia, Jimmy, Maggie, MP, Eva and many more-you are the bestest!
CS- you have been very supportive to C and I. We cannot wait for opening day 2016 so we can celebrate with you and the gang. It's our favorite day of the year. No kidding!
C's cousins and Aunts/Uncle- the love you have poured from your heart towards Christina has been incredible. I know now why she is so blessed to have all of you in her life.
Nieces- We love you to pieces! Thanks for making Nina laugh and smile.
Asao- You make C happy when you text or email her. Don't stop...
Tom M- You and your family have been in our lives for 15 years now. Thanks for all of the notes of support. You are a bedrock of stability and have always been so thoughtful and generous.
Mirella- You are so graceful and beautiful. You are like an aunt to Christina. We love you so much!
This is far from a complete list but I wanted to put it out there for all to see. Oh, and if I actually DO get hit by a bus tomorrow, can someone please take Christina to her surgery on the 21st. I will be permanently unavailable it seems:)
Extra! Extra! Extra! Read all about it...
I hope all of your Thanksgiving holidays were fulFILLING (get it?)..Sorry, I could not resist.
Christina is continuing to inspire and amaze every day. She is gaining strength and endurance with each passing day. She ran "double days" on both Saturday and Sunday which is 14 miles per day split between two separate runs. Pretty amazing stuff for Cancer kid!
Her hair is growing back slowly but steadily and hopefully within a couple months, she can start wearing a natural short hair style to work. I know she is gonna rock that look and surprise a few people who never knew she was even sick over the past 10 months. Think Mexican Demi Moore. But hotter..
Reconstructive surgery is scheduled for December 21st in SF. I know she is good hands at UCSF but a few positive thoughts and prayers that day would be appreciated. Try to say sane during the holiday rush and remember that we are all blessed!
BP
Christina is continuing to inspire and amaze every day. She is gaining strength and endurance with each passing day. She ran "double days" on both Saturday and Sunday which is 14 miles per day split between two separate runs. Pretty amazing stuff for Cancer kid!
Her hair is growing back slowly but steadily and hopefully within a couple months, she can start wearing a natural short hair style to work. I know she is gonna rock that look and surprise a few people who never knew she was even sick over the past 10 months. Think Mexican Demi Moore. But hotter..
Reconstructive surgery is scheduled for December 21st in SF. I know she is good hands at UCSF but a few positive thoughts and prayers that day would be appreciated. Try to say sane during the holiday rush and remember that we are all blessed!
BP
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