Making The List
Hello all, I am beginning my sixth week of seven. So the end is definitely in sight and they tell I am doing remarkable well considering how much they are trying to hurt me. I sang and played guitar last weekend and made it through both nights. Sunday I took two naps, you got to love Sundays just for that reason alone. I actually sang a few more songs than the previous weekend, so it’s very encouraging that my voice remains minimally affected at this point. I will try to make a repeat performance at the Prairie Tavern In Brush Prairie Wa. this weekend.
I mentioned that my sense of taste has disappeared, some of you are saying it was always questionable. Ha Ha Ha . I guess if you had to choose a sense to lose taking into consideration sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. That the obvious choice would be either taste or smell. So I’m okay with a temporary loss of taste, but on the up side my sense of smell has become super enhanced. I smell everything whether it’s good or bad and those smells whether good or bad are intense. This why I am “ Making The List”
They are going to be many things I can’t wait to taste once my sense returns. But I’m not into gluttony, so this list contains items I want just one bite of. The first bite will be from a Corner Saloon pizza, whatever it was Charlie ordered I can still smell it. It had pineapple and I don’t normally like pineapple on a pizza but it made the list. One Maui potato chip, Oh yes. One bite from a Philly cheese steak sandwich, A Reese’s peanut butter cup. A cup of Moe’s clam chowder, I know that’s more than a bite but hey it’s Moe’s. A bite from a crispy granny smith apple. A bite of a burrito from my fav Mexican restaurant in Mt Angel, Cinco de Mayo. The list will continue oh yes it will expand on every letter from now on. You all take taste for granted, so if you really want to feel my pain draw a picture of a burger on a piece of cardboard and bon appetite.
The previous part was written last night but I will continue to throw in foods that I can’t wait to taste just to keep with the list theme. I just returned from the Doctor and there is no sign of Limpy, he has left the building. He also told me I have the best attitude of all his patience’s. That made me feel very happy and very proud of my self and my support group of family and friends. But it also makes me somewhat sad because I see other people having much more difficult times. I see people that used to have a spring in their step, drag themselves into treatment. I see people who were walking in now coming into treatment in a wheelchair.
I can’t put my finger on just one thing that maybe made the difference but I believe that a positive mental outlook is key to surviving any situation. I prepared myself for this by an amazing trip to Hawaii where many magical things happened. I brought home positive energy from many new friends, people and dolphins alike. I have new skills in chanting for self-healing, I’m using acupuncture, I have been eating through a feeding tube therefore I’m probably eating healthier than I’ve ate before. My blood pressure, which was heading in the wrong direction is now perfect. I have people praying for me to get through this, I have my music which is a huge healing tool.
I’m sure all these things play a significant role in the place I’m at now. Thank you very much for all your help and support. And again I offer any help to anyone at anytime. Oh and for the list, Shishimi with wasabi mmmm, eggs benedict, Lasagna, Pad Thai and Pad Prik King. There will be more. But I will consume in moderation and I will continue to eat healing foods such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower and asparagus.
Next week more books and a new place I’ve discovered through a new friend Dana called Chelsea’s Sanctuary. Way Cool Place
Larry
Friday, April 9, 2010
Larry Smith Letter #4
The C word
I pointed out earlier in a letter that I had turned a blind eye to cancer and how many lives it affects. I would walk through a hospital and move to the opposite side of the hall when the word Oncology or Radiation came into view. Oh I don’t want to get to close to that, I could catch something, well guess what. I now walk through those doors. . I really don’t think it was the signs that got me. I’m sure there were signs, in fact I’ve been reading a lot lately about how cancer forms and how the decisions we make throughout our life affect the chances we will get it. Our western diet is a biggie, filled with animal fats, huge amounts of glucose-ridden carbohydrates and sedentary life style.
My friend Allen gave me a book not too long ago called “ Younger Next Year “ It’s basis is that if you retire at 50 and lay down you will die. If you are willing to put in some effort and commit to a program you can continue to live as you do in your 40s – 50s well into your 80s, and actually get in better shape than you are right now. This book breaks down changes that take place and how to counteract them. It also covers nutrition and how to supply your body for a long healthy ride. If you’re smart you will read this!!!
Thanks Allen
The next book is called “ Hope Medicine and Health “ I have glanced at this book, it covers a cancer treatment center called Oasis of Hope. Very informative book dealing with successful cases and treatments and it also breaks down how cancer forms. It tells of cutting edge ideas that have actually worked but are slow to be accepted by the FDA. Our diet again plays a huge part on how our body processes and uses nutrients and how some of these nutrients can turn against us. It seems vegans don’t have as much of a problem with cancer. I’m not going to turn away from London broil, or T-bone steaks but I definitely am going to limit my intake. Thanks Gwen
The one book that has kept me sane so far is the book on chanting. It is by Dr Sha. The book that found it’s way into my lap is called “ Divine Soul Mind Body Healing and Transmission System “. I’m not going to stand on a soapbox or force this down anyone’s throat but if anyone is interested I would be willing to elaborate on this subject. It works for me that is all I can say. It brought the dolphin into my circle and I require their strength more and more everyday. Feel free to ask, I would love to share and this is a path I will gladly accept. Thanks Carole
Enough of the library corner but be assured I will bring some other books into the picture in the future. It’s my way of sharing things that I have found out the hard way.
My visit with the doctor went well today. My #1 radiation doctor, Dr Holland has been on a 2 week vacation to Egypt, so it has been 3 weeks since he has seen me last. He felt my neck and ran his fingers down the side of my throat and looked at his assistant and asked it was on the right side right. Then he asked me it was a lymph node on my right side and I responded “ it used to be”. He then went wow. He could not find it. They did a scope and things look very normal in there. Yeah Limpy!!!!!
I played music both Friday and Saturday night last weekend although I had a lower than average energy level I still did it. The last song we played Saturday night was “No Quarter” By Led Zeppelin. It can be a vocally difficult song but I nailed it. If you are familiar with the song you know it’s about giving no mercy to the enemy (cancer). It was a personal triumph.
I had a visitor come out Sat night. One of the gentleman, Bob, who administers the radiation treatment to me, brought his wife out for an evening of dancing. During my treatment they strap my face down with a mask. During part of our show we don Kiss masks and play a couple Kiss songs. I had explained to him that wearing the Kiss mask was not as much fun as it used. He was around Sat night when did one of those Kiss sets. I show up to radiation on Monday and he said they had to do some modification to my mask. I figured it was because it wasn’t fitting quite right anymore. Well Bob had put a Paul Stanley Star on my mask. Thank you Bob, this was really cool in two ways, first it’s nice for you to see me outside of the realm of a patient, second you brought some humor to a not so funny place. Until next week, you all take care. Larry
PS I’m shooting for Domenic’s this weekend with the Buzz if your not doing anything come out and support me and the guys. Thanks
I pointed out earlier in a letter that I had turned a blind eye to cancer and how many lives it affects. I would walk through a hospital and move to the opposite side of the hall when the word Oncology or Radiation came into view. Oh I don’t want to get to close to that, I could catch something, well guess what. I now walk through those doors. . I really don’t think it was the signs that got me. I’m sure there were signs, in fact I’ve been reading a lot lately about how cancer forms and how the decisions we make throughout our life affect the chances we will get it. Our western diet is a biggie, filled with animal fats, huge amounts of glucose-ridden carbohydrates and sedentary life style.
My friend Allen gave me a book not too long ago called “ Younger Next Year “ It’s basis is that if you retire at 50 and lay down you will die. If you are willing to put in some effort and commit to a program you can continue to live as you do in your 40s – 50s well into your 80s, and actually get in better shape than you are right now. This book breaks down changes that take place and how to counteract them. It also covers nutrition and how to supply your body for a long healthy ride. If you’re smart you will read this!!!
Thanks Allen
The next book is called “ Hope Medicine and Health “ I have glanced at this book, it covers a cancer treatment center called Oasis of Hope. Very informative book dealing with successful cases and treatments and it also breaks down how cancer forms. It tells of cutting edge ideas that have actually worked but are slow to be accepted by the FDA. Our diet again plays a huge part on how our body processes and uses nutrients and how some of these nutrients can turn against us. It seems vegans don’t have as much of a problem with cancer. I’m not going to turn away from London broil, or T-bone steaks but I definitely am going to limit my intake. Thanks Gwen
The one book that has kept me sane so far is the book on chanting. It is by Dr Sha. The book that found it’s way into my lap is called “ Divine Soul Mind Body Healing and Transmission System “. I’m not going to stand on a soapbox or force this down anyone’s throat but if anyone is interested I would be willing to elaborate on this subject. It works for me that is all I can say. It brought the dolphin into my circle and I require their strength more and more everyday. Feel free to ask, I would love to share and this is a path I will gladly accept. Thanks Carole
Enough of the library corner but be assured I will bring some other books into the picture in the future. It’s my way of sharing things that I have found out the hard way.
My visit with the doctor went well today. My #1 radiation doctor, Dr Holland has been on a 2 week vacation to Egypt, so it has been 3 weeks since he has seen me last. He felt my neck and ran his fingers down the side of my throat and looked at his assistant and asked it was on the right side right. Then he asked me it was a lymph node on my right side and I responded “ it used to be”. He then went wow. He could not find it. They did a scope and things look very normal in there. Yeah Limpy!!!!!
I played music both Friday and Saturday night last weekend although I had a lower than average energy level I still did it. The last song we played Saturday night was “No Quarter” By Led Zeppelin. It can be a vocally difficult song but I nailed it. If you are familiar with the song you know it’s about giving no mercy to the enemy (cancer). It was a personal triumph.
I had a visitor come out Sat night. One of the gentleman, Bob, who administers the radiation treatment to me, brought his wife out for an evening of dancing. During my treatment they strap my face down with a mask. During part of our show we don Kiss masks and play a couple Kiss songs. I had explained to him that wearing the Kiss mask was not as much fun as it used. He was around Sat night when did one of those Kiss sets. I show up to radiation on Monday and he said they had to do some modification to my mask. I figured it was because it wasn’t fitting quite right anymore. Well Bob had put a Paul Stanley Star on my mask. Thank you Bob, this was really cool in two ways, first it’s nice for you to see me outside of the realm of a patient, second you brought some humor to a not so funny place. Until next week, you all take care. Larry
PS I’m shooting for Domenic’s this weekend with the Buzz if your not doing anything come out and support me and the guys. Thanks
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