Six month update?
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Posted:Oct 10, 2013 7:46 am
Last Updated:Oct 16, 2013 11:14 am
11096 Views
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Guess I really should update this more often. Usually when I think start to, I get sidetracked and forget to do it.
We had a great summer sailing and managed to get in a lot of tiller time. Some relaxing sails into the sunset. Some sailing to beach parties the sail club put on. Some racing, mostly the fun races. but all in all a good summer.
Last spring I had symptoms of apparent heart disease. Had EKG's, stress tests and ultimately a heart cath. Everything turned out normal for a man my age. So, the diagnosis was basically scratching their heads saying "we'll call it angina for now".
A week or two before the "angina" pains started I noticed a lump on my neck just behind the jaw and below the ear. I thought it was just an enlarged lymph node but did mention it to all the Dr.s that I saw for the heart related issues, as well as my Primary Care and the Oncologist I see on a follow up basis for the rectal cancer I was diagnosed with and treated for 4 years ago.
The Oncologist on my Aug. visit decided the lymph node had been enlarged for too long and sent me to an Ear, Nose and Throat Dr. for examination and fine needle biopsy. Not only did he agree on the biopsy of the lymph node but also felt a mass on the parotid gland (saliva gland in that area). Biopsies came back "indeterminate" ('nother head scratcher). This gave the Oncologist enough to get the insurance company to authorize a PET scan. I must have lit up like a cheap Christmas tree. Many enlarged lymph nodes in upper chest, back, upper arms and underarms, neck and esophageal area showed up. Since there was no primary site (such as lung tumor) both Dr.s suspect Lymphoma.
It was determined the best course of action was to do an incisional biopsy and parotidectomy to remove both the affected lymph node and the mass on the parotid gland and part if not all the parotid. This was performed yesterday with no complications. Should have pathology and biopsy results tomorrow. The ENT that performed the procedure did say he saw something he had never seen before. Apparently 3 or 4 lymph nodes had massed together and all had to be removed. He felt the growth on the parotid was likely benign and with the number of lymph nodes he removed should give enough material to determine if in fact I do have lymphoma or if there is something else causing the enlarged nodes.
The Oncologist did say that he could start treatment for lymphoma based on what he had. Which I responded that doing that would be like going fishing with dynamite without knowing if there were any fish in the pond. That got a laugh out of him, finally after 4 years.
So, now just sitting here drinking coffee trying to keep from yanking this drain hose hanging out of my neck.
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WOW!! Long time since my last post!
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Posted:Mar 31, 2013 9:11 am
Last Updated:Mar 31, 2013 9:51 am
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Just after my last post, Titania and I were out for an evening sail when she started showing signs of a heart attack. Fortunately, we had just set out, and had just raised the sails. Turned right around and headed back in and off to the hospital we went. Turns out she didn't have an actual heart attack, but did have a blocked artery and a stent was put in.
The following Jan. I was changing out the hot water heater and had her help me muscle the old one out and the new one in. Unfortunately, she tore her rotator cuff. Bummer! Because she had just had the stent put in 6 months earlier, her cardiologist wouldn't clear her for surgery on the rotator cuff for another 6 months. She ended losing her job due running out of medical leave. Good news is she is back to work and the shoulder has healed nicely.
Last weekend, I ended up at the E.R. with left arm, back and jaw pain. All indicators of heart problems. Seems no hospital in Tulsa does stress tests on the weekend, so I was kept for observation until I could have a stress test on Monday. Turns out, no abnormalities were found, and everything looked healthy. Still having pains in the left arm and tightening of the jaw muscles and now having chest pains. Fortunately, I've got an appointment set with my Primary Care Doctor to follow up on the stress test and try and figure all of this out.
Spring is here, we've had some good rains and the lake levels are back up. We're both ready to get back on the lake for a nice leisurely sail. But that will have to wait until we're both healthy enough.
It's hell growing old!!!
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Sailing, sailing
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Posted:Jul 2, 2011 8:54 am
Last Updated:May 2, 2024 9:58 am
13533 Views
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Since my last post, Titania and I have been getting in some sail time. Although, the high winds this year have been giving us hell. We've still managed to get out on some evening and moonlight sails. One, we got out late, had problems with the outboard (I won't leave the dock without the back-up putt-putt running right), and left only an hour before sundown. Because of the late start, we couldn't find a suitable anchorage to spend the night so we just sailed for about 5 hours, enjoying the sunset followed by a sliver, crescent moon and starlight. Another time we rode with a couple from our sailing club.
We also started taking a sailing course for adults. While it is designed for beginners, it does help reinforce fundamental skills and get rid of bad habits. Training is done on 14 foot racing dinghies, which is a totally different feel than our cruiser. These boats accelerate fast, turn on a dime and heel, A LOT. Plus, they are a blast.
This past Thursday evening, Titania was worn out from working all day, so I attended on my own. The guy I was paired with was a true beginner and needed lots of tiller time. So, I let him drive and I crewed. Winds were 12 to 15 mph with gusts to 20. Waves were about 1 1/2 foot with well formed white caps. Needless to say, we had our work cut out for us. Out of the 5 boats our class took out, 4 were knocked down. What a chore it was to get a turtled boat turned back over with the long stick pointing straight up! This is the first time I had ever "hiked out", actually sitting on the side of the boat. What a ride! It was a great learning experience.
Titania and I are getting ready to go out today and again Sun. and then participate in a long distance race on Mon. That will be a first as well and should be fun. It will be too hot to stay out overnight, but we are planning on finding a new anchorage (its a small island about 1/2 a mile up a small tributary) and getting in some play time in the water. Should be interesting.
More to come later.
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Thursday, wonderful day for a sail.
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Posted:May 27, 2011 7:26 am
Last Updated:May 3, 2012 5:57 pm
13820 Views
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Gorgeous weather yesterday, sunny with temps in the low 70's and light variable winds. Titania and I decided to go sailing after her noon meeting. It would be a good day to test out the new main sail and rudder, not to mention just get away for a peaceful, relaxing afternoon.
It was actually mid afternoon by the time she returned from her meeting, grabbed a bite to eat, drove to the lake and splashed (launched) the boat. We sailed out to the middle of the lake, making a few tacks and just getting a feel for the boat again. After all, this was our first sail this season. I'm happy to say, the new main sail had a wonder feel to it and performed well in the light air. The new performance rudder was like adding power steering and I had to be careful not to over steer.
It was so nice and peaceful out in the middle of the lake with only a couple of other boaters out. Basking in the sun, enjoying the scenery with some Bob Marley playing on the new stereo I installed earlier this spring. We were so relaxed that it didn't even bother us when the dreaded Oklahoma dead calm winds set in. There we were, just bobbing around on the lake enjoying life. Now and then we would tease, flash or grope each other just for fun.
Since Titania had to work today, we had to return earlier than we would have liked. Would have been a lovely evening to find a cove and anchor out overnight. So, we started heading back, catching a puff of wind here and there, just enough to keep us heading in the right direction. We finally gave up on the wind coming back up and fired up the putt-putt (small 2 stroke, rice burning outboard, noisy and obnoxious) and motored back into the marina.
Overall, a nice first sail of the season on a lovely day, after a week of deadly storms. Memorial Day is our next chance for a sail, but high winds are forecast all weekend, so that may be a bust.
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What's with this crazy weather?
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Posted:May 22, 2011 8:10 am
Last Updated:Mar 18, 2014 3:54 pm
13676 Views
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I've been fighting this crazy weather for a month now. Rainy and windy. Line after line of thunderstorms passing through. I keep tabs on the forecasts using several sources mainly the extended outlooks and planning accordingly only to have change, change back and then change again.
For the past month, I've been working on sprucing up the sailboat getting ready for a show and sail event our sailing club was having yesterday which was open to the public. While the day turned out to be a gorgeous day, bright, warm and sunny, the wind was quite high with gusts. We watched a few brave souls attempt to sail and could see them fighting the wind. At one point one was almost knocked down, but managed to correct and control it. Too much work for my tastes. For us, this is supposed to be a relaxing, leisurely pastime.
Through the wind, passing storms and rain showers we experienced on Friday, we managed to launch "Puck's Titania". Actually, it was sprinkling at the time. She looked so pretty all spruced up and shiny, all decked out for the show. And from the comments we heard, we had done a good job. I would like to think "Puck's Titania" herself was attracting the attention, but believe it was the homemade tie-died flag waving in the stiff breeze that first caught peoples eyes. All in all, it was a good day at the lake, just too windy to sail.
At last minute, we decided to spend the night on her just tied to the dock. So, we ran home to get some food for dinner and sleeping bags and other things we would need. Some nasty, naughty fun that could be had sort of crossed my mind. However, when we got home, I did a quick check of the forecast and saw a line of thunderstorms firing up to the southwest of us, and winds for this morning to be almost twice what they were yesterday. So we decided to run back out and retrieve the boat before the storms arrived. This was the first time I attempted to drive the boat onto the trailer and managed to do it on the first try, even fighting a stiff cross breeze.
We were certainly tired by the time we returned home and grabbed a bite to eat. I started looking at the extended forecasts for Thurs. and for Memorial day. Thursday was looking good, but has already changed a bit and now I'm not so sure. Just hoping Memorial Day turns out nice since we've lined up a crew member and coach for the long distance race that day and we have not raced in the past.
Yes, this is some crazy weather we've been having.
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Easter Weekend
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Posted:Apr 23, 2011 7:57 am
Last Updated:May 8, 2011 11:42 am
13942 Views
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Wow, Spring weather sure hit the past couple of days and more today.
We've spent Thurs. and Fri. out at the lake doing maintenance on the sailboat, getting ready for the sailing season. Tired and sunburned, dodging rain and thunderstorms, we've managed to get most of it done.
We splashed the boat yesterday and I was surprised that the little putt-putt outboard started up on the second pull. Drove it around the marina and put it on the sail clubs hydro hoist to inspect the bottom and the centerboard and replace the cable on the centerboard. Found out the centerboard is damaged and in need of repair, but would be easier to just put out the bucks for a new one. Now the decision to go with the stock one for a couple of hundred or put out 3 times that for a much studier after market one. Hmmm... decisions, decisions.
Titania has been a lot of help with the maintenance, even though she doesn't think she's done much. Just having her around in skimpy shorts and thin t-shirt certainly kept me going. Can't wait to see her out on the boat in her new bikini.
It's supposed to rain off and on all day today, so the planned wash and wax will have to wait for a better day. Although, it wasn't that many years ago that I would go out in a good rain and wash the car. Just grab a bucket of soapy water and let the rain do the rinse.
Well, time for another cup of coffee and go perv some profiles.
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What happened to Spring?
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Posted:Mar 27, 2011 11:20 am
Last Updated:Apr 1, 2011 4:37 am
14170 Views
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It's been quite a while since I posted anything and Spring has come, or so I thought. But, Old Man Winter is hanging on.
I spent an one to two hours every evening this past week working on the sailboat. First installing a stereo and then straightening out all the wiring. I don't think it has ever taken me so long to install a stereo and four speakers. Thankfully, I'm done with wiring for a while. Friday Titania and I put the mast back up and tuned the rigging. It was hot and we were both sweating profusely, but we finished it up in only a couple of hours.
We had a social event at the sailing club yesterday and nearly froze out butts off. What a change from Friday. Might have skipped out, but since Titania is the "Activities Captain" we had to be there to coordinate everything. Not really sure she knew what she was getting into when she accepted being nominated and then voted in. And of course, I get the overflow that she can't handle or doesn't have the time for, meaning all the little errands, lol.
This week is supposed to stay on the cool (meaning cold) side, so doubt I'll get anything done outside. But, next weekend is looking nice. If it is, I'll probably get out and wash and wax the boat. I still need to float it so I can replace the rotted bunk boards on the trailer.
I've got an Oncologist appointment in a couple of weeks. Just a routine check-up. I fully expect a good report with no sign of cancer. I just hate getting blood drawn. Over the past 18 months or so, I've been stuck with so many needles I feel like a pin cushion. But as long as the result is good, it's worth it. I expect he will schedule my yearly PET scan at that time. Everyone is worried about the radiation in Japan, I'm more worried about the amount I'm receiving from all this medical care.
Well, guess that's all for now. Another cup of coffee and then it's time to get some laundry done and ready for another long work week.
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Week in revue
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Posted:Feb 13, 2011 7:27 am
Last Updated:May 2, 2024 9:58 am
13671 Views
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Wow, what a week! More snow on top of the record snowfall we had the previous week. Record low temperatures. And today, it's supposed to get up in the low '60s. Work is getting back to normal after all the down days due to the weather. As well, so is life. It's no longer a hassle to get out of the neighborhood due to the packed snow/glaze. Yes, life is returning to normal.
Titania was nominated and elected "activities captain" for the sailing club we belong to. That is really keeping her busy, even this time of year. Next weekend is the awards banquet that she is preparing for. Which means I get roped into a lot of running and errands for that. While all this keeps her busy, it allows an outlet for her creativity.
Sailing season is just around the corner and I for one, can't wait. I did make a run out to the lake yesterday to check on the boat after all the snow we received. The boat was fine, but couldn't make it all the way down to the lake. The road down was still snow packed and slick. I could see that the lake was still frozen.
I still have some work to do on the boat and with the warmer weather should be able to get a lot done. A new mainsail has already been ordered. I need to install the stereo I picked up. I also need to sand stain and varnish some wood pieces. I also want to put down some outdoor carpeting inside the cabin. None of these items are difficult or very time consuming, providing the weather cooperates.
I guess that's enough for today. Time for another cup of coffee and then get busy cleaning the house and doing laundry, my normal Sunday routine.
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It's snowing agan!!!
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Posted:Feb 4, 2011 8:42 am
Last Updated:Feb 4, 2011 10:23 am
14128 Views
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Just looked out and yes, it is snowing again. Really, just flurries. But, even that is too much on top of the 14 inches we received earlier this week. And more on the way on Sun and Wed.
I'm sore from shoveling the driveway and a path to the front door. I did manage to recover both vehicles and get them home. The tow company wouldn't tow on residential streets, so I had to walk the 3 blocks to where they were stuck and when they pulled the first one out, drive it home. Then, walk the 3 blocks back, and drive the other home. I was surprised they didn't charge more than $75 for the both of them. Actually, felt lucky to get off that easy.
We're supposed to work a booth for the sailing club we belong to at the Tulsa Boat, Sport and Travel show this afternoon. From what we've heard, so far, there hasn't been a large attendance. Wonder why? Actually, the thought of sunshine, warm weather and nice steady winds sounds really good right now.
On the good side, the driveway and walk to the door is clear and salted. We're supposed to be above freezing the next 2 days before the next round begins.
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Should have done the smart thing first.
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Posted:Feb 2, 2011 10:15 am
Last Updated:May 2, 2024 9:58 am
13740 Views
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Finally finished shoveling out the driveway and managed to get the pickup out. Went to the local convenience store and got cigarettes and some food items. Stopped by Titania's SUV, 3 blocks from the house, to try and get it unstuck. Didn't make much progress in getting her's going, but did manage to get the pickup stuck in the middle of the road. Fortunately, it's a residential street. Should have done the smart thing and just called the tow truck for hers in the first place. Hate to see what the bill will be for both vehicles.
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It's official
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Posted:Feb 1, 2011 8:32 am
Last Updated:May 2, 2024 9:58 am
13697 Views
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It's nasty out there. This much snow for the Tulsa area is just not normal. And to think that this past Fri. and Sat. were in the '70s. Tried to get Titania to work (her work has insisted on keeping the store open) and ended up getting her SUV stuck 3 blocks from the house. That was after getting stuck at the bottom of the driveway trying to get into the street.
Forget trying to get the pickup out. Even though it's got the clearance, traction, even with a bed full of snow just isn't there. And I'm just not willing to risk getting both vehicles stranded. Just too cold to keep walking back to the house.
So, guess I'll have another cup of coffee, brave the cold to get some firewood in and see what "trouble" Titania and I can get into.
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Saturday morning
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Posted:Jan 29, 2011 7:47 am
Last Updated:May 2, 2024 9:58 am
13705 Views
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Just sitting here sipping coffee and trying to plan out the day. Temps are supposed to be in the '70s again today. Not your typical Jan. day here in Oklahoma. It would be a good day to run out and get started on some boat maintenance. I did manage to get out yesterday between errands and pull the mainsail and get it in and measured and a new sail ordered. Should be ready in about 6 weeks. I need to pull the tiller, step into the cabin and a couple of other wood pieces and sand, stain and varnish. Also need to get started on installing a stereo. That will take a bit of time to run all the wiring, locate and install speakers, etc. We had been using a boom box, but after some hard 20 deg. heels it became a missile flying around the cabin. I'm surprised it even still works.
I'm trying to get everything taken care of early so when the time comes, Titania and I can spend some quality time on the boat, as well as some overnights. And yes, that could include some skinny dipping and nude moonlight cruising.
I'm still trying to get my mojo back after all the health concerns of the past year and half. The radiation, surgeries and chemo really killed the sex drive but that is slowly returning. Hence, the more time spent here, more frequent blogs,etc. My strength, stamina, and general health continues to improve, with no signs of cancer. There is a local meet and greet scheduled for next month we would like to attend, but too soon to make a firm commitment to that.
Titania has become quite involved in our sailing club and we're scheduled to work the booth at the boat show next Fri. As well, we have an awards buffet scheduled for the weekend of the M&G. Not to mention all the other activities associated with the club she has us scheduled for over the next couple of months.
Well, need to quit procrastinating and get busy. While the weather will be nice today, the bottom will fall out tomorrow with a "major winter storm event" is forecast for Mon eve. and Tues. Looks like a cold week ahead.
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Way too long.
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Posted:Jan 15, 2011 8:10 am
Last Updated:May 2, 2024 9:58 am
13979 Views
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Just looked at my last blog post and realized how long it has been since I last posted. So much has taken place since then.
I recovered from the hernia repair surgery quiet well. Started back to work the middle of September and that was a killer. Nothing like sitting around not doing much (not allowed to) for 6 months to get a person out of shape. My job is a physical one and fast paced. Made me question why I wanted to get back to work. Oh yeah, it was because my medical leave was about to expire. Not a good time to be without a job. After 4 months back on the job, I've gotten my muscle tone back, not to mention the eye hand coordination.
My latest check-ups and lab work have been good. No signs of cancer. Not that I'm cancer free, only that if it is there, it's too small to see. I still have to have regular check-ups with the oncologist and 6 month PET scans. At my last Oncologist visit, after reviewing my blood work, he declared that I couldn't be any more normal. People who know me, esp Titania, question that statement. I sometimes question his sanity. But I take it as a good sign. Next PET scan should be in June.
The Holiday Season came and went. Thanksgiving with Titania's family, as well as Christmas. We decided to do the driving this year and took gifts by my and daughters. Spent some good time with my , -in-law and grandkids in OKC. My was inexplicably unavailable. That was a disappointment. Haven't seen my grandkids in over a year.
Just before Christmas we started receiving worrisome e-mails from my sister-in-law. My oldest brother was not doing well. He had been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer 3 years ago. He as given a prognosis of 6 months, possibly a year with surgery. He refused the surgery because they wanted to remove everything below the bladder and he wanted the jewels left hanging in the closet. He did consent to drug and radiation therapy.
Just after Christmas, his wife e-mailed and said he was in the hospital and might not make it much longer. We managed to make it down to Lubbock New Year's Eve in time to visit a bit while he was still cognizant enough to know we were there. He passed away New Years Day.
On another note, my sex drive is coming back. The surgeries, radiation and chemo therapies and recovery over the past year or so had just about killed it. Perhaps it was the strange hotel bed, or perhaps just spending alone time with Titania stirred up the juices and we had sex for the first time in over a year. After which Titania declared in a voice loud enough to hear throughout the hotel "MY PUCK IS BACK!!". Yes, I'm back or at least getting there.
Well, guess it's time for one more cup of coffee and let the whining cats out.
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To link to this blog (Puck_n_Titania) use [blog Puck_n_Titania] in your messages.
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