Ahead Of The Game and A Game Of The Head
Chemo treatment number 3 (out of 6) is in my body and, while I’m sure my blood cells and organs aren’t too happy about it, they’re keeping their opinions to themselves and not bothering me. When I wake up in the early morning and know that I feel good enough to go to the radio station and play with my friends Erica and Jay, that puts me ahead of the game. I’ve been skipping my vacation time and banking the days in case I need them for health reasons later. I’ve considered taking a couple of long weekends, but for now, having fun on the radio has done more for me than any medicine could, and I haven’t come close to needing a sick day yet.
I’m well past being self-conscious about my bald head. I only wear hats at work to keep the concern from my caring co-workers down and to try to keep things as close as possible to business-as-usual. As soon as I leave each day though, I take the hat off. But here’s the issue. I now get “Hat Head.” The indentation rings that my hats create on my head last all day. I look like Saturn. And each hat seems to press a penny-sized pink concave button into the top of my forehead that is almost permanent at this point. It looks like a big outside-in zit. I realize that in the world of stage 4 cancer this is a picky point, but since I don’t have hair to obsess about, I have to over-think something.
My sister Terry, who was diagnosed with breast cancer within two weeks of my lymphoma diagnosis (see earlier posts), is doing well after round 1 of her chemo. She passes along her thanks for all your support and prayers. I don’t think you know how much it means when you express your concern to people who have suddenly had their health yanked out of their hands. You’ve been so wonderful to her and to me.
My next big event is my mid-term exam on Monday, August 4th. They’ll give me a shot of radioactive material, which will light up the cancer cells for the body scan machine to take pictures of. The last PET scan I had was the one that confirmed I have cancer. This one will hopefully show that I can turn most of my attention now to curing my Hat Head.
Talk to you next week!
July 23rd, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Hi Scott,
I think its time to buy a bigger hat. Or my second solution for the indented zit is a tam (you know - like the French people wear). How about a cowboy hat a la Gene Autry or The Lone Ranger (probably before your time). You could try a bandana like the bikers (or the olden days pirates). I am sure there are many more options but I am brain-dead at this time of night. Glad to see yours is intact and operating at full creative capacity. We love you! Good luck on 8/4. Love to Fran and Lauren.
Lynne
July 24th, 2008 at 5:37 am
well.. hat head is better than fat head..teehee..you are doing so good. I get the Pet Scan every year since my Thyroid Cancer - glad they have this machine.. at first I said PET SCAN! What am I a dog? teehee.. You are more than half done with it all.. Life is Good!
July 24th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Scott- Howdy from the Lone Star State of Texas!
I am keeping tabs on your progress by reading these great entries in your blog. You are such a great storyteller!
Although I no longer get to listen to you every morning…or get to see you from time to time at work, your blog entries keep me connected and informed. I am so thankful that you are sharing your journey with us.
You are truly one of the SUPER nice guys in this world and, although I am several hundred miles away, I would do anything…at any time…to help you and your sister kick cancer’s butt.
Know that I am pulling for you and saying a little prayer every day.
Keep Fighting, Keep Laughing and Keep Doing What You Do. I love you man!
All the best to everyone.
Pat
July 24th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Personally, Scott, I think you would look awesome in an Indiana Jones-type hat. My husband wears them and looks great. Just something different to think about! Lots of prayers still coming your way from our home!
July 24th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Hi Scott,
May the sun shine on your speedy recovery, but not to much on your bare head. From two people who have both had skin cancer, WEAR SUNBLOCK!
Thoughts and prayers for you and Fran.
Jim and Nancy Cruce
PS I work with Fran.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
What a great hat collection you will have!! I am sure this will start a surge of all of your fans sending hats from all over!! I think about you often and my prayers and good wishes are with you. Everyday when I turn on the radio in the morning and I hear your voice makes me feel good!!
July 24th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
Scott,
I’m so happy to hear round 3 went well for you and that your sister is doing well after her first round. My prayers are with both of you and your families. I can only imagine the stress and anxiety your parent’s must be going through.
I hope and fervently pray that you will receive good news on 8/4. As always, thank you for keeping us updated on your progress as well as your sister’s.
I wish the both of you the very best. You certainly deserve it!
July 25th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Scott
You are such a positive person! I think you look fine without the hat and I bet Fran thinks you are just as cute as ever. I have been keeping up with your progress everyday from your blog and I pray each night for you and your sister. God’s hands are huge and he holds both of you on the tip of his finger. Good luck on 8/4! I hope nothing lights up!
July 25th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Scott,
It’s been a while since I wrote, but I read every week. I’m glad that you are doing well. I started a new job and just look at my cancer experience as something I had to go through. It has helped be more compasionate towards others. (not that I was ever a rude, insensitive lout.) My hair has grown back completely and I have more than I had before. I listen to you guys every morning and enjoy every moment. Good luck with you PET scan, mine is in 2 months. I don’t mind the test, it’s the stuff in the lead case that bothers me. I’m glad you sister is doing well, both of you are going to be just fine. Well, take care and I’ll be reading your blog every week and answering as often as I can.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:55 am
I agree with the others buy a different hat or bigger one. LOL I am so happy that all is going so well. Can’t wait to hear about the PET scan as I am sure they won’t be able to find any cancer! Thanks for keeping us up to date on you and your sister. My best prayers continue to go out to both of you!
July 30th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Scott… I am sitting here in tears and not only b/c of thinking about you having to fight this terrible fight that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy let alone someone that has kept me laughing for years in the morning. I am also crying b/c you are still you and you have this great attitude and I Pray that this cancer just goes away and never returns to such a wonderful person. I think of you often along with your home family and your work family. I wish you ALL the best! Thank you for being you and what an inspiration you are to so many people.
July 30th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Hi Scott,
I’m a long-time amd loyal listener (since I was a kid in the 70s!). Even so, this is the first time I’ve been to the Mix Website and read your blog. I heard the on air announcement about your cancer, and was glad to get the opportunity to catch up on how things are going for you and your family. Thanks for opening this difficult part of your life. Your attitude is commendable and an inspiration. I hope I would have the same courage and faith to face a challenge like this as well as you are. I pray the joy and laughter you bring to thousands of people each day will return to you and your family in abundance.