The Rematch
A few days after my first round of chemo, my daughter Lauren asked me how I was feeling. When I told her that I was doing much better than I expected, she said without missing a beat, “Daddy 1, Chemo 0.” Even though 85% of my hair is no longer on my head (and thus we now have a carpeted bathroom that didn’t cost us a penny), I feel that I really did get a freebie with the first cycle.
Memorable moments from round one include two Thursdays ago, when during the 8am hour I felt as though somebody slipped me a couple of martinis. I was DUI (deejaying under the influence), but no alcohol was involved. It’s an interesting exercise to try to talk on the radio and run the control board while the chemicals make your brain think it’s riding Space Mountain. Also there were a few days recently where my voice started strong, but then was pretty much shot by 10am. I had to turn into a mime each day until the next morning to be able to do my job. My wife seemed to enjoy the peace though. Another weird symptom was that most music, jingles, and even our home phone seemed lower in pitch. I’m not saying that Madonna sounded like Barry White, but there was a morning where Erica’s voice reminded me of Larry King.
Everything is back to normal now, but with treatment number 2 coming tomorrow, I’m sure we’re in for an even more interesting ride.
We’ll see how hard the chemo tries to tie the score.
June 26th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Scott, I’m very sorry to learn of your cancer and will be praying for you and your family. I’m sure your positive outlook (as is evident in your blog) will be a great ally in your fight!
Seeing the photo of you in the NKO studio brought back a flood of great memories. (remember “hallway golf” and practicing 6-iron shots outside by the towers?)
I always knew your personality and big talent would take you far in the broadcasting world. Get well so we can play golf! (and not just in the hallway!)
June 27th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Scott,
You are so brave to keep working through all of this. I’m going to speak for all fans and say that we give you permission to take time off as you continue your chemo. Of course we will miss you on the air, but, we want you to be as healthy as you can be and to be in the comfort and safety of your home while you are feeling lousy (an understatement if there ever was one).
I always record your annual “Best Of” shows. When my “Mama” had cancer last year and I was traveling alone back and forth to GA, I would listen to those tapes. They kept my mind off Mama’s illness and gave me the opportunity to laugh during a hard time. I wish that I could do something for you and your family - something tangible that would really help. But all I can do is keep you in my thoughts and prayers. And that I will certainly do!
Please take some time off when you’re feeling bad and come back to us when this nasty experience is behind you.
Beth
June 27th, 2008 at 6:22 am
Wow nice biceps Scott. Yeah for Scott’s team that is who we are routing for. We have to put you on the Hot Tamalie Train. Keep your positive attitude and I know you will beat this thing.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:06 am
You are so brave to keep working through all of this. I’m going to speak for all fans and say that we give you permission to take time off as you continue your chemo. Of course we will miss you on the air, but, we want you to be as healthy as you can be and to be in the comfort and safety of your home while you are feeling lousy (an understatement if there ever was one).
I always record your annual “Best Of” shows. When my “Mama” had cancer last year and I was traveling alone back and forth to GA, I would listen to those tapes. They kept my mind off Mama’s illness and gave me the opportunity to laugh during a hard time. I wish that I could do something for you and your family - something tangible that would really help. But all I can do is keep you in my thoughts and prayers. And that I will certainly do!
Please take some time off when you’re feeling bad and come back to us when this nasty experience is behind you.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:33 am
We will be thinking of you today (not that we don’t think of you everyday!)and praying that once again this treatment you are the Winner.
June 27th, 2008 at 9:22 am
I was so shocked when I checked into your blog for the first time today. My husband and I are long time fans - since you were announcing for the Solar Bears! What good times those were.
We will be thinking of you and your family and praying for you all. Your positive attitude is awesome and should serve you very well. We will be following your recovery all the way and know that more good times are coming.
June 27th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Scott, I’m with you all the way as you go through your chemo treatments. I was diagnosed with CLL, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, in 2005 and have gone a few rounds with the dreaded Rituxan. I know what you are going through and I can say for sure that your attitude, your fantastic sense of humor, the support of your loving family and all of your MIX “family” will get you through this. Have a MIX day!
June 30th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Scott - heard for the first time today of your diagnosis and treatment. I’m not much of a Blog reader but had to find out the history since I listen to you every morning and have not heard anything before this am. We will hold you close in our prayers and hope for you to continue to face this with braveness and humor. Laughter is such a healer!!! You have many friends in this City that you don’t even know. God Bless and we hope for you to have continued victories!!!!
June 30th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Scott,
I’ve been listening to you since day 1 of Scott & Erica. I remember in the 1st days, Erica’s big hair & that LAUGH . I remember you always talking about the love of your wife & daughter. My kids grew up with Mom listening to MIX. I rarely miss your show. My husband & I were both listening the day you announced your cancer. The two of us just looked at each other & couldn’t say anything at first. I started to cry and then you just sounded so positive about what was to come. I’ve been wanting to read your blog and tonight is the 1st time I’ve had a chance to do so. Nothing you say surprises me regarding your optimism & that of your family’s optimism. That’s always been YOU. You are truly one of a kind. I feel like I know you so well as I’m sure all your longtime listeners do. Anyway, I’m rambling, I know but I’m pulling for you like crazy; I’m so sorry about your sister; and when I have a bad day, I’m going to slap myself and say “shut up” !!
July 1st, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Scott,
I was shocked to hear the news - like all of your listeners I am sooooo sorry. I have only lived in Kissimmee for three years - Scott & Erica is the only morning show I listen to. My prayers and well wishes are with you and your family. A sense of humor and laughter really do work wonders and you have both. If you ever feel yourself running a little short - let me know and I will send you some of mine! XOXOXOX
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:52 am
Scott - you received an email this week from Kathy, who said her best friend was diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer last fall (9/27/07) - that friend is me. I also did the R-CHOP for 18 weeks and could write a lot about it, but I’ll keep this short. I think the best piece of advise came from a nurse who simply said “you will adapt”. I did. One of the first things I did was “shed my cape” and accepted help from friends and family. Did you go outside and lift your car with the help of prednisone yet? I know the feeling! (don’t you just love your pill box?) My nights became my days and I stopped looking at the clock. I also took control and shaved my hair off (very empowering!). 2 great books to read: Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips and The Last Lecture (visit Randy Pausch’s web sight - very inspiring). In case you didn’t know, R-CHOP was developed by 2 French Doctors about 5 years ago - it has a very high success rate! 2/4/08 I received the “All Clear” from my doctor. I’ve had 1 pet scan since then and another one coming up next week. My positive thinking knows this is gone from my body (I had the other lymphoma that is quick spreading, but highly treatable). The mind is a powerful thing - use it to build those heathly white cells. I read somewhere “Optimism will be my companion and victory will be my hallmark”. Best of luck to you - you’ll be fine.
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Scott,
June 24th made 3 years cancer free for my husband. With faith and a positive attitude you can beat this. My continued prayer for you and your family. Livestrong.com is a great resource if you want to read some success stories.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Heard you mention today on the show how your germaphobic has become worse since Chemo so I had to go on the website to see what was up. As a cancer paitent/survivor, I understand. I have been getting cancer treatments for the past 15 months and I will have my last treatment tomorrow. I always had you on the radio early in the morning as I made my weekly drives up to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for treatments. The Dr.’s and Treatments today are fantastic, but as everyone mentions, attitude is King. Hate to say it, but Cancer does change your life forever, for the good. Kinda sick, isn’t it. I will add you to my prayer list. God Bless.