Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend -
Had four days off from treatments for Thanksgiving as Black Friday's appointments were pulled ahead to a week ago Sunday - nice break and it gave me time to read the comments and e-mails that you've all sent since we started this deal last month. Some of you really know how to push my buttons...it's all good.
A couple of thoughts from a guy in his first rodeo... I've come to realize that cancer is a very private disease. Those that have it don't like to talk about it. Five days a week I see Russell in the radiation waiting room. He has the appt right after mine. Hellova nice guy. He'll tell you all about his heart transplant 30 years ago at Henry Ford, the plate in his skull and the story behind it, his plastic knees, hip replacement and those lousy Lions, but when I asked him what kind of cancer he has,he said "the bad kind" and changed the subject. No one converses in the infusion side of the center, either in the waiting or treatment rooms. In fact, I rarely make eye contact with other patients eventhough I try. Not that I'm looking for conversation, just a smile or a nod that says we're in rough waters, but we'll get the boat to the dock... Maybe as I get further along I'll understand why, but I have to admit, other than this BLOG, I don't like talking about it either. Not sure if I'll find the answer in the next three weeks.
My other belief is that no one can fight this alone (thought I could at first) and that's pretty much where you all come in. Have heard from people I haven't seen in years (my fault) people I used to boss around at Ford, Paul's friend that reminded me how much fun fishing can be with a girl onboard, my good friend from Tawas that taught me which end of the rod to hold five fishing boats ago, a couple of (now) grandmothers that used to put on makeup before riding dirt bikes in Rose City and of course family, friends and neighbors from Brighton and Port Austin. All a huge part of the treatment, all enjoyed and appreciated beyond words- keep em coming
kmachala@att.net in case you can't get on the BLOG
LIVESTRONG
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I had a great time coming home and seeing you and the family this weekend. I'm thankful that your throat wasn't bothering you on the biggest eating day of the year.
ReplyDeleteI am loving the blog so far. I think it's great that you're putting in the time to sit and write everyday you have your treatment. It gives everyone a window into your thoughts and experiences through this...and it makes me feel better when I see your personality & humor comes through on each blog. (I know I'm guilty of laughing out loud at most all of them)
I know that this blog has been helping you--especially with everyones positive comments, but I also hope that you help them. I hope that when your friends and family read this that it encourages them make changes in their lifestyle for the better. Nobody wants to fight cancer. Cancer can shake any family to it's core. We've been blessed you've been handling it so well. Keep up the fight, and know that we're behind you 100%.
Love you, Dad
Hey- I'm one of those grandmothers that put on make-up to ride dirt bikes- but it was just to impress you GUYS!!! Glad i don't have to do that to impress the dogs and horses!! Love you think of you and include you in my silly little daily talks to the BIG GUY! Keep up your positive attitude Ken!
ReplyDeleteGigi
Hi! You sound like you're doing pretty good and that's great to hear. Those that have cancer may not like to talk about it, but once they get through the "rough waters" and get the "boat back to dock" and become survivors, I think that's when they do like to talk and encourage others going through treatment...and that will be you....a survivor showing and encouraging others that they can get through the rough waters too...and that even though treatment can be difficult it is all so worth it!
ReplyDeleteHey, most of us gals need our make-up, hair color and on and on...weather it be to go biking, a day at the beach, etc. You guys are lucky..you are just "natural beauties" hehe!! Keep up the good work and tell Joann I said Hi!
ld
Ouch, really struck a nerve with you "biker chicks".Sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteKnowing that you and Betty are survivors did wonders for my outlook. Didn't know - like I said, no one talked about it.
You have the winning spirit. Its times like this that you must have faith that family and friends will help pull you thru the rough water. Were all still here pulling........
ReplyDeleteDinner or a visit soon?
Cindy and Terry
Hey Ken. Thanks so much for keeping us all up to date with the blog. Can't wait for the day we don't have to check it, though! Claudia showed me the email response you sent her -- she was really glad you sent it. You and Joann are in our thoughts and prayers! We'll see about that game of cribbage! Love, MB
ReplyDeleteI think that having good friends and family are the most important "things" in life. These are the people who lift you up when you're down and who love you unconditionally. The best you can do for all of us is to get through your treatment, keep a good, positive attitude and never, ever forget that your fight is our fight!
ReplyDeleteYou are a very lucky man, Ken Machala...you are rich in loving friends and family. No friggin' cancer can survive against all of us!
Peace, Deb & Rocl
Debbie, this will be the one and only time I will ever admit to remembering something Oprah said. It's about friendship. She said "Friends are those that will not only ride with you in the limo, but also in the bus when the limo breaks down". The responses to this thing amazes me.
ReplyDeleteLove ya
Ken