Random Update
With things going swimingly after my second tour of duty at Camp Chemo, I can fill you in on random details of my redirected life:
My next treatment is on my father’s 90th birthday. I can finally beat him at golf, but he’s lived 90 years cancer-free, so we’ll call it a draw.
I’ve greatly improved my diet, but finding a place for my increased servings of vegetables is a little awkward. Yesterday for lunch I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a side of asparagus.
To even the skin tone of my hairless head, I’m driving home each day from work with the sunroof open.
With all the recent rains, the mosquitos are landing on me, but not biting. My chemo-tainted blood must taste like peanut butter and jelly with asparagus to them.
A tank of gas lasts twice as long now that I’m pretty much just driving to work and back each day. I’d probably get even better results if I didn’t have the sunroof open.
I didn’t realize I own so many hats. I’ve gone a month without wearing the same one twice. But I still wear the same shoes everyday.
Since my diagnosis, all of my normally sarcastic guy friends have shown me a caring, sensitive, communicative side that I didn’t expect. If we get any more in touch with our feelings, we’ll be quilting together.
My wife and I have never spent this much time together. We share dinner together every night. We walk almost every evening. We watch movies on the weekends. The more I’m with her, the more I miss when we’re not. I think she likes me too.
To keep my system spotless, I’ve had nothing but water to drink since I started chemo. I don’t know how fish maintain their will to live.
I don’t know if it’s the chemo taking over, but I downloaded a Helen Reddy song to my iPod a couple of weeks ago (”Peaceful”). As I was at my computer the other day, it came on, and my wife couldn’t understand how one person (me) could enjoy iTunes’ segue from Helen to Zeppelin’s “The Lemon Song”. To me “Redd Zeppelin” seemed like a perfect mix. But to a person, no one, not even my previously-mentioned “Spitters and Knitters” men’s club can look me in the eye anymore once they know I have Helen Reddy in my collection.
Thanks again for reading and caring. I’ll check in next week before round 3.
May your lemons be peaceful.
July 10th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Scott,
It’s one of your “normally sarcastic guy friends” here. I just wanted you (and your listeners) to know that being “caring, sensitive, and communicative has not come easy for me, but I’m adjusting. I look forward to my visit to Camp Chemo next month and plan to throughly shave in solidarity (I won’t tell you where) before I get there. And don’t worry… I’ll bring my own beer, twinkies, Ho Ho’s, and lard. Since I anticipate remaining indoors with you, I’ll bring my cap guns and cowboy hat. (Hopefully you have one of those of your own) We can play Lone Ranger. Once again, showing my sensitive, caring side, I’ll be Tonto and you can be Chemo Sabe.
Anyone that knows you, friend or listener, was shocked with your diagnosis. But, true to form, YOU have kept us all laughing through a very tough time. Being able to “joke” about Cancer may seem so wrong to some, but I know it’s so necessary for you. Not everyone could pull that off, but you do it with taste and class. In fact, I think cancer has made you funnier. I also know that cancer HATES laughter.
I look forward to cruising Orlando with an open sunroof, crankin’ up Helen Reddy ’til the windows shake, and polishing off a six pack or two of Poland Springs!
Love
Charlie
July 10th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I was wondering if you’d be willing to show us a ‘no hair’ photo, and I’m appreciative that you’re willing to share - thanks for that!
I must admit that my dad has gone through his own issues with cancer over the last 7 or 8 years, and while I always knew that my parents loved each other and had a strong marriage, it really meant a lot to me that they were willing to be vulnerable in front of us kids. I don’t know why, but I think it just made me think they were stronger for doing that (geting a little teary while I type this, sorry). So thanks for what you show to us - both the humor and the rest of it. Sometimes I think we try to make light of the emotion we’re feeling, and even though we do that, we’re still putting our vulnerabilities out there.
July 10th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
As a loyal listner I always knew you where a true professional. As you share your journey with us I am learning what a truely strong and wonderful person you are. While this blog may give you a bit of an outlet it lets your family and friends know how strong you are and they will draw their strength from you. Thats a wonderful gift you are giving them. As terrible as cancer is it is truley amazing how many wonderful things you will find out about yourself and your friends and family on this journey. Believe it or not you will find many blessings along the way. Thank you for sharing your strength with all of us.
July 11th, 2008 at 4:28 am
Well Scotty - you are doing so great - and I am happy you are blogging - its therapy for you and an inside view for the ones that love you which helps us cope with the anxiety of you and cancer. And for the sense of humor - where would we ALL be if we didnt have that! Life would be unbearable without it. Stay strong Chemo Sabe! ribbit
July 11th, 2008 at 7:16 am
I know from my own experience that cancer can bring out 1 of 2 things in a person…a positive (I’m gonna win!) attitude or a negative (I’m gonna die) attitude. I chose the first and found that, now in remission for 4 years, I continue to see the upside of most situations. You too Scott, are learning how to live with this in a positive way…not that I’m surprised due to the wit you share every morning. If nothing else, your outlook will see you through the trying times. Don’t be afraid to tell us if you have a bad/sad day or you’re sick and tired of all the questions you’re asked. I hated becoming with my friends and co-workers, a patient rather than just a friend…but I knew they meant well and with time, those kinds of looks and questions ceased. Still, it comes with the territory. It’s okay if you’re not always up and funny. The bottom line is, you WILL get through this and be an example to many, many people. You already are. Hang in there friend. You’re doing great and are such an awesome person. I love your family and how good you are together.
By the way, where did Lauren go? I couldn’t listen the whole time when you were going to tell us about her summer trip. Hope she’s having a blast.
July 11th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Dear Scott,
What an amazing sense of humor you have under very difficult circumstances. I see you have the latest in style hairdoo—you just don’t have to shave!
I have known about your condition for awhile and pray for you often. There is an entire village sharing their love for you.
Hopefully when all your treatment is over and you recouperate, you will be better than ever.
Love, Bev
July 11th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Scott,
I really admire you and you truly are an inspiration to your listeners. There aren’t many people and myself included who can maintain an upbeat attitude while dealing with all you are going through.You are thanking us for reading your blog, but we are the ones who are thankful to you. Thank you for continuing to entertain us each morning and for helping to make our start our day on a happy note.
I’m happy to hear that your chemo treatments have not been too harsh on you and I will continue to pray that God gives you the strength you need to get through this. Thank you also for sharing this with us and we sincerely do care about you and wish you the best.
You’re a very loving and caring guy and your family is truly blessed to have you. God bless you and keep you strong!.Thank you for being you.
Rose
July 11th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
From lemons to lemonade. It seems your life has become richer. I’d say in the fight between you and cancer, you’ve already won. As an added bonus, you have a nicely shaped head and no tangles from leaving the sunroof open. Much love to you and your family.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:59 am
Amazing! Totally Amazing! That is you Scott. I thank you for being more than a voice on the radio and letting us the listeners in on your galant ride to victory. I enjoy your blog of laughter and some tears that I find how silly I am at times wondering if I am classified as insane for feeling so close to someone I have never been face to face with or even broke bread with. It really doesn’t matter how I am classified as you have touched my heart and I do care for you, your radio family and your real family and I know as you laugh I laugh as you cry I cry and when you are finally complete with Camp Chemo and you become vitorious we too will be vitorious! God Bless!
P.S. You are quite handsome without hair!
July 14th, 2008 at 7:25 am
Scott, I check your blog every day to see how you are doing and have to tell you that I am inspired by the way you are moving through all that comes with a cancer diagnosis. You are in inspiration to all of us, cancer patients, their families and your loyal listeners.
July 15th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Scott,
I love your sense of humor and attitude toward this time in your life. I find that you are very cute & sexy with or without hair and you have a wonderful family to keep you going. What a lucky man you are! I will watch for you cruising down the highway, sunroof open and a bottle of water in one hand and listening to Helen Reddy! You are an inspiration to all of us devoted fans & listeners. You are in my family’s prayers every day.
Karen