tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-202033882011-11-06T11:51:10.814-05:00At the tender age of 35 our fiercely intrepid, and quietly handsome hero, Lunchbox Willy, was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer. With a song in his heart and his loyal sidekick Pogo Pete at his...um...well...side, Willy continues to fight for justice, peace, and proper grammar. Pogo Pete is the sort of fellow that will ask you to darn his socks, and then leave the milk out. Lunchbox Willy is strong, clever, and I should mention, handsome. These are their stories.Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.comBlogger921100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-53400062803291708632009-06-12T17:39:00.006-04:002009-06-12T18:28:53.122-04:00

First off, I would like to apologize. I wanted to contact each of you individually with this news. It seems so impersonal to hear it from a blog. I tried to get as many as you as I could but it got exhausting. On top of that, the radiation simply wipes me out. It's the worst side effect. I'm sure you all understand.The news is this; the cancer has spread. They found signs in my liver and in my

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-57874657427199129942009-04-26T10:50:00.002-04:002009-04-26T10:58:56.664-04:00

Just a quick update. I have good days and bad days. I think right now they even each other out. My biggest problems at the moment are nausea and pain. Next Thursday I will meet with my pain management doctor and discuss some options. I will also be meeting with my oncologist. Chances are I will start chemo. yipppeeeee! ok, more later.

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-43200336165819547042009-03-19T10:49:00.004-04:002009-03-19T13:28:08.930-04:00

I will post my blog at billyscolon.blogspot.com. It will automatically be coppied to my "Notes" section on Facebook. On Facebook it will be abreviated though. To read the entire thing you will have to click the link which says "View Original Post", and it will bring you to the entire post.So much has happened since the last time I've posted on this blog. There is a lot to cover. For now I'm

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-83596312365065627792008-12-04T16:12:00.006-05:002008-12-04T22:30:53.352-05:00

So... in the last four years I've been diagnosed with cancer, had a couple of surgeries, went through chemo, more surgery, suffered nerve damage to my leg, more chemo, more surgery, almost died, more chemo, had a brief period of remission, more chemo, strange intense pain, more surgery, almost died again, and wound up crapping into a bag strapped to my belly. And there is more surgery and

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-31526890508572555032008-12-03T16:08:00.003-05:002008-12-04T16:28:26.963-05:00

Though my writing, and even my daily attitude may seem chipper, the truth is that most of the time I am a bit depressed. Sometimes more than others. Cancer can be a sad gig.What gets me down the most is the mechanics of it. The daily reminders that my body has forsaken me, that disease holds no prejudice or grudges, nor has any sense of fairness.I want to try and covey the enormity of the

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-21169689729541679142008-11-23T18:58:00.003-05:002008-11-23T19:50:58.377-05:00

February of 09. That was the last time I posted something. Guess it's time for an update, huh?A lot, and I do mean a LOT, has happened since then. I'll try and hit all of the highlights without going into too much detail.March: Still going through chemo. The drugs aren't all that bad though. There is still this issue of intense abdominal pain. Some of the doctors have theories, nobody is sure

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-63027320255866894822008-02-29T17:03:00.002-05:002008-02-29T17:25:34.878-05:00

Yes, it's been quite some time since I've taken a moment to write. It has been difficult.There was a time in my life when the biggest decision I had to make was which bar was I going to hang out at tonight. A time when my biggest concern was that my apartment was a mess. A time when the wost I would felt physically was the inevitable winter stomach virus I would have to power through for a few

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-47183318622630637592007-12-03T04:00:00.000-05:002007-12-03T04:16:55.031-05:00

It feels like it's time for an update.I'm coming towards, what I hope is, the end of my chemo. The schedule has me down for one more treatment and then scans to see how the therapy has worked. I don't feel too positive about it. I'm sure that I'm not done.The last couple of months have brought a relatively new part of my cancer to light; pain. Until now, the cancer itself has not caused me any

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-52215710192608146012007-10-26T05:22:00.000-04:002007-10-26T06:01:08.319-04:00

I've said it before, and I will continue to say it with conviction, because never before in the history of our lexicon have two words been combined to form a single sentence which bears such validity; chemo sucks.I won't bore you with the horrible details. Those of you who check this blog are well aware of the physical, emotional, and psychological beatings I take.Here I am though, toughing

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-10094700055900906162007-10-08T03:59:00.000-04:002007-10-08T04:35:18.077-04:00

4 am. Do you know what's on TV at 4 am? Lots of infomercials for air beds, or a pain relief light, or food storage bags, or titillating videos featuring hundreds of drunk girls being drunk girls. Maybe if I mounted one of those lights on my new bed I could trick myself into forgetting the day ahead of me and actually get some sleep, but I doubt it. And since I've mastered the bachelor style of

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-63219037770806366572007-08-28T01:36:00.000-04:002007-08-28T02:14:24.719-04:00

First off, the surgery went very well. The doctor was able to remove my gallbladder with a laparascope, and I was out in two days. I'm actually back in my own home right now. My belly is a little sore, with seven little incisions about, but other than that I'm physically fine.Now, onto the truth telling portion of our show.I'm sad. Many of you who see me on a regular basis don't know this.

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-25565057930954130022007-08-20T17:31:00.000-04:002007-08-20T17:53:58.321-04:00

Tomorrow. The day after today. The day before the day after tomorrow. A week from a week and a day ago. Domani. (in actuality, for clarity's sake, we're talking Tuesday, August 21st here).Surgery.They're taking out my gallbladder. I'm going to wind up with nothing more than a hollow cavern where I once had a working digestive system.I'm going to write something soon. Something beautiful and

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-84491286784449007622007-07-30T23:39:00.000-04:002007-07-30T23:58:59.962-04:00

Good news friends, I didn't have to go to chemo today! Oh wait....this is me we're talking about. Hmmmm There has to be a catch.The summer started out promising, looking like I was going to be able to enjoy a few months of cancer free fun. But of course nastiness reared its head once again and the cancer slithered out from behind whatever rock it called home. It was a rough couple of weeks

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-51265619741030244962007-07-16T17:49:00.001-04:002007-07-16T19:15:22.757-04:00

Friday the 13th. Sure, it sounds ominous, but does it have to be? Was I destined for bad news last week when I visited my oncologist to get the results from my latest cat scan? Would this dark day of dark days hold fast its reputation? You bet your sweet patootie it would!!! I've got cancer. Still. "Several" lymph nodes, is how they put it. So it's back to chemo for me, starting on July 30th.This

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-42397766875619581312007-06-25T22:27:00.000-04:002007-06-25T23:45:37.542-04:00

Well hello there happy reader, and welcome back to my life. I've been on a bit of a hiatus, but it's time to get back to this thing we call Billy's Colon. Since it's been a while, I have a few things to tell you about, so this one will be a doozy.Let's start with recapping this last weekend; Dave...drinking...Jody and David and Eileen and Karen ... rehersal ... Tom and Maggie ... drinking ... Jon

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-91123364285126735782007-05-17T17:36:00.000-04:002007-05-17T17:46:18.431-04:00

As many of you may know, today was D-day with my oncologist. I was to get the results of my latest cat scan and discuss the next round of chemo. I was not really looking forward to this. I haven't slept well in the last week. Plus I was having a really good time the last month and a half, being able to forget that I have cancer.Well my friends and friendettes, great news!!! My scan came back

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-65713824460639014382007-05-10T13:13:00.000-04:002007-05-11T18:50:39.616-04:00

It's been a while since I've written something. This popped out after a curious image flashed across my tv for a couple of seconds.remember when our world was in black and white?when the days were freeand we played at nightthe streets our worldin children's sightit all seemed bigand lamps shone brightremember when our world was in black and white?remember when our world was in black and white?

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-63403624674043882452007-05-07T22:53:00.000-04:002007-05-07T23:10:41.359-04:00

For the last month or so I have been having the time of my life. It's been the healthiest point of the last two and a half years. I've gone to AC a couple of times, hung out with many friends, and even took a quick trip to Europe (see the previous blog). I've come to live my life in the spaces in between. In the times between chemo and surgery. In the time between hospitals and home rest.

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-19180904552554424152007-05-07T21:48:00.000-04:002007-05-07T23:40:47.305-04:00

There will only be a little cancer in this post. I got back from Amsterdam last week and this is the tale. Some details have been omitted for brevity's sake. But all the good parts are still there.Dougie and I arrived in Amsterdam on Saturday morning around 8am and promptly headed to a couple of cold Heinekens. Michele met us at the airport, and we all hung around waiting for other friends to get

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-58793647828289033822007-04-23T21:55:00.000-04:002007-04-23T22:11:19.439-04:00

Today's good news/bad news about my cancer. Good News: I gained a few pounds. I'm up to 205Bad News: I have to shave my bellyAfter I left the hospital last, I still had open wounds from my surgery and they were bandaged. The bandages had to be changed on a daily basis until the wounds no longer needed to be packed with gauze. I had a nurse come and take care of this situation for the last

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-72547529432133804072007-04-13T11:11:00.000-04:002007-04-13T11:19:48.970-04:00

Two posts today. The first one will be quick.Kurt Vonnegut passed away on Wednesday.For many reasons he was one of my all time favorite authors. I would consider myself lucky if I could have even an ounce of his skill, creativity, insight, and wit.I also shared a connection with my mother regarding Mr. Vonnegut. She always remembered my admiration for him. Many a Christmas there was a

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-33528175280399893792007-04-13T02:17:00.000-04:002007-04-13T02:13:35.529-04:00

It's been a while since you've heard from me. I know, I know; you yearn for more pearls of wisdom clicked out on my keyboard. Well, I've been busy. Busy mostly trying to get back in the swing of life and pretending I don't have cancer until the next obvious 2x4 whacks my head. That will come in may when I resume chemo. blechI've been working. I make it into my office three or four days a week,

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-16023704058046966482007-03-23T18:06:00.000-04:002007-03-23T18:23:06.571-04:00

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, well ok, I always do a lot of thinking. I have some ideas about immortality, but I'm going to save them for the next entry. Today will simply be a cancer update.I'm better. I'm not great, but I'm certainly better than, say, a month ago. I've spent the last few weeks recouping at dad's. This week I was able to drag my ass in to my office twice. I'm

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-10441184075838452462007-03-12T22:02:00.000-04:002007-03-12T23:20:19.533-04:00

As I've mentioned before, cancer brings with it a wide variety of other physical and emotional tribulations. During my most recent sojourn at the Hotel De Hackensack I experienced two physical events for the first time; I passed out, and I hallucinated.During the last week I was in the hospital, on Wednesday my doctor told me I would be discharged on Friday. When Friday rolled around, I was told

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-3916472025608967762007-03-01T17:31:00.000-05:002007-03-01T17:48:59.188-05:00

Yes, my dear friends, it has been a while since I've let you all in on my condition. Yes, this blog was specifically set up for just that purpose. Yes, I even had internet access while in the hospital. I'm just a bad friend is all.Last you heard, I was going to be in the hospital for a couple of weeks. Well, let me tell you something; that did not really go as planned. Turns out that all the

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-42549851003154461752007-01-25T15:31:00.000-05:002007-01-25T15:34:52.221-05:00

and now it's January 25th and I'm still in the hospital. Things keep going up and down. I was going to write about some other difficulties dealing with cancer, but I'm tired so I'm just going to leave this little update. I'm still not sure when I'm getting out of here. blah

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-76576400203702025362007-01-19T12:09:00.000-05:002007-01-19T13:42:15.414-05:00

Well all, it's been a busy busy month for me. Just to get you caught up, I'll forgo any of my usual charm and wit, and will go with a more straight forward approach.Dec 27th, 2006 - (threw up) I visited my doctor for my first treatment of the chemotherapy IrinoticanDec 28th, 2006 - (threw up) Any substance that might have once been food has now turned into pure liquid and is heading at full speed

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-34328677811316421112007-01-05T04:40:00.000-05:002007-01-05T04:50:05.455-05:00

When I was a child, holidays bore the full and epic importance of the events they commemorate. Valentine's Day was a celebration of love. Easter was the essence of my religion, remembering the resurrection of Jesus. In adolescence and young adulthood, the year was clearly divided in terms of school. Holidays became bold lines of demarcation. The summer began with Memorial Day, summer camp was in

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1166421215360165902006-12-18T00:42:00.000-05:002006-12-18T00:54:19.276-05:00

"Daniel" mother called, "Daniel, fetch me some flour from the pantry.""Yes mother" Daniel replied.Daniel grabbed a kitchen chair and dragged it behind him into the pantry. He placed the chair against the shelf and climbed onto the seat, steadying himself with one hand on the back. He craned his neck, looking for the precise location of the flour. He spotted it, there, just beyond the box of rice.

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1166211017655718082006-12-15T13:52:00.000-05:002006-12-15T17:08:33.960-05:00

The other day a friend and I were discussing how I'm doing. He said to me that he felt I was hiding something, that the situation was worse than I was letting on. I thought about that for a while. Am I hiding my true feelings from everyone? I don't think so. I'm very honest about the whole cancer situation, with everyone. But, at most times, I don't look or seem like someone greatly concerned for

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1164927536855190842006-11-30T17:40:00.000-05:002006-11-30T18:14:38.796-05:00

Something isn't right. I can't put my finger on it, but I just don't feel right. I'm not physically ill, well, except for the cancer. I'm not depressed. I'm having a lot of trouble sleeping. I cannot escape my own synapses. The air is wrong. Warped. The hours don't make sense, and the minutes aren't talking.I've entered a strange new phase of my carcinomic marathon. My current treatment only

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1163639323686446372006-11-15T19:23:00.000-05:002006-11-15T20:47:25.080-05:00

The cancer battle continues. The rash crawling all over my body is getting a little better, certainly more tolerable. I haven't been sick since my last round of chemo. So things are looking up for now. I'll be able to enjoy the holidays at least.In the last couple of years I've gone through a lot of new experiences. Being the cerebral person that I am, I have had a lot of fun examining everything

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1163029336517110392006-11-08T18:20:00.000-05:002006-11-08T18:45:02.110-05:00

For the most part, I have faith that this cancer can be beaten. I believe in my surgeon. I believe in my oncologist. I believe in the drugs I'm taking. Hell, I better, because they suck (more on that later). As with most issues of faith, I met a small crisis, I doubted those beliefs.Last week I went to visit a doctor at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York. Sloan is widely known as one

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1162504002973133302006-11-02T16:31:00.000-05:002006-11-02T17:17:37.890-05:00

I was laying in bed last night, my mind wandering through every possible maze the universe has to offer when I found myself in a conversation with someone, explaining to them that I have cancer. Cancer. The word, though a major player in my vocabulary for several years, hit me harder than ever. I have cancer. You ever seen what this shit does to kids? (well, people, but the reference would have

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1161134197811767702006-10-17T21:07:00.000-04:002006-10-17T22:25:22.616-04:00

And here it is. I got the results from my PET scan yesterday. The tumor, that smarmy little 2cm x 3cm bugger that has taken up residence in my abdominal cavity decided to have a little feast and it put on some weight. It's now 3cm x 4cm. Yup, it got bigger.There are plans. Good plans. Plans to do stuff. Stuff that should help. Of course, I've been living by plans for the last two years and I

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1160716856420192252006-10-13T00:53:00.000-04:002006-10-13T01:20:56.473-04:00

Welcome to a mid-non-chemo-having-not-in-the-hospital-nothing-really-wrong-physically-week edition of my blog.Today was the closest I've felt to "normal" in quite a long time. Surely I've had good weeks, even great weeks such as my recent vacation down at the Outer Banks, but today was almost back to the pre-cancer Billy. I was having trouble sleeping this week as I await the results of my recent

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1159806049822647982006-10-02T12:13:00.000-04:002006-10-02T18:21:52.206-04:00

OK, let's talk cancer. I had chemo last week. I think my body is getting used to it. This isn't to say that the whole week was roses and strawberry jam, no chemo still sucks harder than a Dyson, but I didn't throw up, or really even feel like I was going to. Oh lordy, the things that are "good" in my life... I'm going to have a PET scan sometime in the next two weeks, and will get the results

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1159151293921171032006-09-24T22:27:00.000-04:002006-09-26T14:17:38.346-04:00

Today is "Fulcrum Day". The center point of balance between two opposite sides of my life. Last week was wonderful!! This week will be horrible!!I just got back from a week on vacation where there was, in no particular order; waves, beer, driving on the beach, Brits, beer, b-b-q, beer, a hot tub, throwing objects, ethnic insults, beer, belly laughs, beer, mosquitoes, stuffed shells, a doting

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1157340027089749212006-09-04T02:08:00.000-04:002006-09-04T02:44:20.986-04:00

While this post may seem to bounce from point to point, be assured, in my chemo addled mind there is cohesion.The plan, as of now, is I will have one more chemo treatment, after I return from vacation at the end of the month, and then scans. Those scans, those nerve wrecking, nausea inducing, anxiety ridden scans. I'm not feeling too positive about the scan. We've covered that ground before.I'm a

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1156120493165695522006-08-20T20:06:00.000-04:002006-08-20T20:34:57.873-04:00

While I've had wonderful relationships in the past, I am not what one would refer to as a "ladies man". I'm absolutely horrible at meeting women. I have no self confidence when it comes to my appearance, and as we all know regardless of one's character or charisma, it is the eye that generates initial attraction. One evening I was out with Dave, who has what we refer to as "game". There were a

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1156117108121059552006-08-20T19:37:00.000-04:002006-08-23T10:46:49.393-04:00

No cancer news today. Things haven't changed much. Cancer sucks...blah blah blah. I really REALLY don't want to go back to chemo next week. Blah Blah Blah.Bayonne is a bit of an enigma. It is in the most densely populated county in the country, but because of it's geographical isolation it tries hard to separate itself from the hordes up north. Bayonne makes an effort to stay a small town

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1155862343795819232006-08-17T20:51:00.000-04:002006-08-17T21:41:49.373-04:00

My cancer story has not changed much in the last few weeks. I am still going to chemo, and it still is a very unpleasant experience. I think I have three more treatments and then we will do another scan to see how well the drugs are working. There is the possibility of more surgery, but I'm really not interested in going that route. When I was first diagnosed, I believed that surgery was the best

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1154910885768207312006-08-06T20:09:00.000-04:002006-08-07T03:42:09.326-04:00

I've always had a strong fondness for ceremony and tradition. From the ceremonies of the Boy Scouts, to the rituals of Kappa Alpha, to the observances of the Knights of Columbus, I've been involved in many services that have meaning to me. There is a communal beauty in these events that tie together humanity across eons. While I hold the ideology of individuality and personal beliefs as sacred, I

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1153713904172389562006-07-24T00:01:00.000-04:002006-07-24T00:28:09.390-04:00

When I started this blog I really did intend to write often and on a regular schedule. As with most other things in my life though, I've had to switch my plans around quite a bit as new and different circumstances arise. There are two main reasons why I write here; first is to keep my friends that I don't actually speak to all that often, informed of my situation, the second reason is that it is

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1152573374305425212006-07-10T19:07:00.000-04:002006-07-10T19:16:14.323-04:00

Today will be brief. You'll see why.Vacation was wonderful. It was gray, and rained most days, but being with my family was a lot of fun. I'll try and post more about this later.I had some good experiences last week as well. I'll try and get to those later.And now onto the whole reason I started this thing; the cancer. I got the results of my latest cat/pet scan today before my chemo

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1151088267195232482006-06-23T14:40:00.000-04:002006-06-23T14:47:25.046-04:00

ok...cancer stuff first. I'm feeling pretty good, both physically and mentally. My pet scan is on the 3rd, and then the results and next round of chemo on the 10th. Keep your fingers crossed!I'm leaving tomorrow morning for a week in North Carolina. I'm really looking forward to this vacation. For the next 7 days I do not have cancer! No doctors, no chemo, no sickness, no cancer! Probably no new

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1150770658733395212006-06-19T22:21:00.000-04:002006-06-19T22:30:58.746-04:00

First off, the cancer. It sucks. Chemo sucks. I have a scan on the 3rd of July, and even if it comes back clean, I still have at least two more treatments to go. The doctor has also decided that I’m a tough guy, so I can handle a little more on the dosage. Of course, I’m no crybaby, so I told him it’s ok. A couple of times last week I was hit with the whole “fatal disease” thing, and

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1150162992182215222006-06-12T21:36:00.000-04:002006-06-12T21:57:10.666-04:00

I had chemo today. Did all the usual stuff; met with the doctor, talked about future treatments, got my poison, came home. I'm not feeling too bad physically, but I know that'll all change tomorrow.Today I'm going to be terse, and devoid of any creative prose. Of all the emotions I've touched on in this blog, anger has had the least coverage. It's not really that I haven't shared with you my

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1149617953165978112006-06-06T13:15:00.000-04:002006-06-06T16:03:56.220-04:00

Let me start with a brief update. I'm doing pretty well today, that is, I'm having a good DAY. My life is lived in 24 hour chunks right now, each day being different than the preceding. I had chemo last Tuesday, and the week went as expected; tired, nauseous, achy, blah blah blah. The plan, for now, is to slug down another dose of that poison next week, Monday the 12th, then rest up for a little

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1149109684660505912006-05-31T16:57:00.000-04:002006-05-31T17:12:31.946-04:00

Today's post is going to be a compilation of excerpts from other pieces I've written. The first is from an email I sent to my friend Jen in Texas.When I was growing up I spent quite a few summers at a camp in Pennsylvania called Rock Hill. At the center of the camp was a peaceful and placid body of water known as Lake Ruskin. The lake sat in a valley, the bottom of a bowl comprised of coniferous

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1148501095969427672006-05-24T15:46:00.000-04:002006-05-24T16:04:55.996-04:00

First off, let me say that 'Batman Begins' is a fantastic movie!Now, onto today's notes.I've been ridiculously happy lately. On the train home from work on Monday, I couldn't help but smile, simply because the sky was a brilliant blue. Last weekend I hung out with Dougie and Naomi, and had a ball, even when I began a drunken rant about life, perspective, cancer and death. Silly boy.I'm

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1147891997922231572006-05-17T14:26:00.000-04:002006-05-18T10:31:32.786-04:00

ca·thar·sis (ku-thär-sĭs)Psychology.A technique used to relieve tension and anxiety by bringing repressed feelings and fears to consciousness.The therapeutic result of this process; abreaction.And then, there it is. A little bad news may hover grey clouds around me for a few days, but they tend to dissipate. The last couple of years have been the total cliche "emotional rollercoaster". Not long

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1147670527287192302006-05-15T01:01:00.000-04:002006-05-15T01:22:07.300-04:00

Not too long ago I had a conversation with a friend during which I mentioned the idea of moving to Europe, Amsterdam specifically. She asked me if I was serious, as if perhaps I was just speaking in the abstract. When I told her that I was serious, she was surprised. "What about your family? Your friends?" she asked. In turn, I was surprised. I thought that she knew me well enough to expect that

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1147288577675145252006-05-10T15:08:00.000-04:002006-05-10T15:16:17.690-04:00

So, it's been a while since I posted. Let's see what I've got to say.Last week was fantastic. I hung out with some old friends, made some new ones, went to a birthday party, Atlantic City, and a Christening. I flirted, got drunk, fell down, got sunburned, lost a few bucks, and did a lot of driving. This is life. But, on Sunday, even though I had all of these wonderful experiences, that black

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1146015975228211762006-04-25T21:05:00.000-04:002006-04-27T12:46:20.560-04:00

First a little cancer news. I still have cancer. Feel bad for me yet? Don't you dare!!!I'm in my third week of the cycle and I'm just getting over some of the symptoms. I had a couple of days with a new and scary symptom, debilitating pain in my legs. The pain is subsiding, and you can bet I will be having a little chat with my oncologist about that. For now, I'm going to say that all the

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1145374143315024172006-04-18T11:21:00.000-04:002006-04-18T11:29:40.073-04:00

I understand that once the apocalypse comes things will change, values will slide, paradigms will shift. Of course, things will be different. Still, one would think that some basic concepts would stay the same; water will be wet, round objects will roll, pop-tarts will be tasty. Considering all of this, I have a grave concern. What sort of physics bending cataclysmic event will occur that will

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1144789811468645012006-04-11T20:04:00.000-04:002006-04-11T17:10:11.470-04:00

Yesterday's visit to the oncologist yielded what should be considered as overall good news. My tumors have shrunk, which means the chemo is working. On the down side, I have to continue chemo for at least another three months, at which time I will go for a pet scan to further determine the efficacy of the chemo. I also received a chemo treatment yesterday, so today I feel like I was hit by a big

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1144429227742138172006-04-07T15:56:00.000-04:002006-04-07T13:00:27.773-04:00

Just a short post today. Next Monday, the 10th, I go for my next round of chemo and I get the results of my last cat scan. Needless to say, I'm a bit anxious. It's going to be a long weekend, and yet somehow it will fly by. Go figure.I've had a good time over the last two weeks. It's difficult for me to accept that next week I'll be sick as all hell. I can't wait for this ride to be over.The back

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1143358716727228702006-03-26T05:35:00.000-05:002006-03-26T02:48:12.183-05:00

I've always said that I was a passionate person, and that I am glad I am. I believe that being passionate means that you feel more deeply, and act accordingly. A good friend of mine once asked if I thought that we felt more because we are writers. I told her that I thought we are writers because we feel more. Passion requires and generates both feeling and action. Passionate people ride the

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1143087405492384852006-03-22T21:18:00.000-05:002006-03-22T23:24:17.736-05:00

Benjamin Franklin once said "In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes."It's a cycle. We are born, we live, and then we die. If we're lucky, somewhere along the way we get to enjoy a good steak and a beer in the company of a good woman.On March 24th, 1969, in Teaneck New Jersey, my cycle began. Right now I'm paying my taxes. You know which part is left. Next Wednesday I'm going to have

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1143019540017916172006-03-22T07:24:00.000-05:002006-03-22T04:25:40.036-05:00

Grab the horn and sound loudlyUs warriors of 6th avenue!you waitresses, you cabbiesyou students, you accountantsStomp your soles loudlyand shout to the skyUs warriors of 6th avenue!you computer techs, you firemenyou couriers, you teachersBreath it loudlyand proclaim your yalpthat today is here!And stop......and lookAnd stop......and lookFor a brief momentsee me, see themin this secret minuteYou

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1142549130687120512006-03-16T20:44:00.000-05:002006-03-16T17:45:30.700-05:00

I'm going to let you in on a little secret; I'm sick. This whole thing is kicking my ass, the cancer, the chemo, it all sucks. I'm not having a good week. I don't know how much more of this I can take.

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1142292989215295842006-03-14T00:14:00.000-05:002006-03-20T15:48:40.076-05:00

You need to stop playing round with all them clowns and the wangstas/ Good girls gotta get down with them gangstas/ Go head girl put some back and some neck up on it/ While I stand up in the background and check up on itToday was chemo day. I had two ideas for today's post, one sullen and sort of sad, the other bright and upbeat. I feel like I've bitched and moaned a lot about this whole cancer

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1142109708600924242006-03-11T06:40:00.000-05:002006-03-11T15:44:02.306-05:00

My spirituality has more to do with the natural world around me than with organized religion. There are strong connections between one's physical, emotional, and mental states and the condition of one's surroundings. Shakespeare often used the state of nature to mirror the political and emotional arenas in his plays. It is not always a direct cause and effect relationship. Most of the time it is

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1141769026515652532006-03-07T20:08:00.000-05:002006-03-07T17:03:46.533-05:00

Salma Hayek is reason enough to fight cancer.

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1141594280699884292006-03-05T20:00:00.000-05:002006-03-05T17:10:30.070-05:00

Functional. Today I feel functional. I can more easily describe my physical settings in terms of things I am not rather than things I am. I am not nauseous. I am not having gi issues. I am not too clouded. In another world, on the other side of the wall, my life is different. I am things, there, the things I am not are the exceptions, not the rules.What are you? How are you? Who are you?

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1140914639120583792006-02-25T22:42:00.000-05:002006-02-25T19:43:58.206-05:00

There is an HBO original series on. The show revolves around a small working class port town, I believe in England. Or Norway. There are three girls in their mid twenties, who are close friends and seem to be the focus of the series. One of the girls is particularly blonde, has a veracious sweet tooth, a penchant for bocce, and every week she questions and tests her sexual identity. There is an

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1140739569137933242006-02-23T22:15:00.000-05:002006-02-23T19:19:16.576-05:00

Even at lower doses, chemo is still chemo. Euphemisms for vomiting:hurlinghuckingheavingchuckingup-chuckingpukingdriving the porcelain bustalking to ralphralphingdriving the buickpraying at the porcelain altarmulti-colored yawntossing your cookiesloosing your lunchpurgingemptyingdoing the RomanMurph, did I miss any?

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1140551388589085432006-02-21T14:21:00.000-05:002006-02-21T14:49:48.673-05:00

Yesterday was iv chemo day. The pre-medication discussion with my oncologist yielded some unexpected results. I explained to him that the side effects from the Oxaliplatin lasted for more than two weeks, to which he replied "Hmmm...they should only last for a couple of days." We talked about the treatment, and made plans for a ct scan after the next iv chemo. He gave me the option of cutting down

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1140134318478783142006-02-16T18:33:00.000-05:002006-02-16T19:00:50.636-05:00

In 1900 a wise man named Milton, after some time in the candy business, decided to take his recipe for milk chocolate and make it into bars. 106 years later you can go to the nearest shop and buy a chocolate bar with nuts, or caramel, or nugat, or walnuts, or crisped rice, or almonds, or peanut butter, or...well you get the idea. I do enjoy Baby Ruth, Chunky, and Kit-Kat bars. But every now and

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1139875211186162662006-02-13T18:39:00.000-05:002006-02-13T19:00:12.663-05:00

My friends Doug and Naomi, from Oxford, that's in England, are moving to the States. In preparation for their move, they spent last week in Stamford Connecticut. Connecticut is a Native American word meaning "on the way to Boston". Rather than fly home at the end of the week, they came down to Jersey to visit with me for the weekend. I felt a bit guilty as I could not be the host I wanted. My

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1139451694350620152006-02-09T00:21:00.000-05:002006-02-08T21:21:34.400-05:00

I don't like feet. I really hate those women's shoes wit the 5 inch soles, or wedges. I like grilled cheese sandwiches, but not all the time, I have to be in the mood to eat one. I can't stand reality tv. I love football. I'm not sure if Madison Avenue is responsible for the dumbing down of society or just catering to the majority of it, but either way they need to be held accountable. Scarlett

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1138939569506828992006-02-02T23:02:00.000-05:002006-02-02T23:06:09.516-05:00

This past Monday was chemo day. I feel like crap.Monday also marked 4 years to the day that my mother died. I still can't bring myself to call it an anniversary.

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1138604451424464092006-01-30T05:00:00.000-05:002006-01-30T04:58:24.146-05:00

After reviewing my postings here, I'm lead to ponder my state of mind. Granted, being dealt a blow like cancer at 35 years old is staggering, but does it need to be the epicenter of every thought? Does every posting need to revolve around it? Are there not other parts of my life worth writing about?I've come up with two answers thus far;1) It makes sense, the name of the blog is "My Cancer" after

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1138510741769598132006-01-28T23:22:00.000-05:002006-01-28T23:59:37.920-05:00

It's Saturday night, just one more day before my next IV chemo. I had a fairly good week. I was feeling well, and even went to my office for a few days. The whole situation still takes a toll on me though. The first day I went back to my office I spent a lot of time talking to my friends, explaining what was going on. It's wonderful to see everyone again, but it really wore me out. I know, this

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1138048068639078062006-01-23T15:02:00.000-05:002006-01-23T18:39:54.610-05:00

Today's missive shall not contain any references to bodily fluids, irregular bowels, or involuntary gastro-intestinal reactions. At least, at this point, I don't believe it will. Today's story is about another gruesome side effect of my cancer; it's seriously impeding my social activities.But Billy, what does this have to do with Pittsburgh? I'm getting there.During my first tour of duty at

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1137973683036165762006-01-22T18:42:00.000-05:002006-01-22T18:49:52.626-05:00

The Steelers won the AFC conference championship and they are going to the Superbowl! Of course my team of choice is the Giants, and should one day they meet the Steelers at the Big Dance I will be torn, but the Steelers are my adopted favorites. As luck would have it, the Superbowl is going to be the first Sunday after a chemo treatment. I'm really hoping I'll be in some sort of shape to

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1137820994830953502006-01-21T00:19:00.000-05:002006-01-21T00:23:14.853-05:00

I just got done watching the movie Crash. The 2004 collection of stories revolving around a group of people in LA, not the 1996 James Spader movie about sexual fetishes involving car accidents. I have to say that I was very impressed. There is so much here to write about, but I am going to let it digest before I tackle it. Oh, by the way, I feel pretty good. My mind is clear, well clearer

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1137781325142162192006-01-20T16:20:00.000-05:002006-01-20T13:22:05.150-05:00

I've made it back home!! I've also found another side effect of my current regime. It sucks the energy right out of you. Just the drive from dad's to my place was enough to wear me out. It's a good thing it also takes your sex drive. Not that I would have any opportunity for that either, which is a subject for another blog at another time.I'm feeling much better, but oddly don't have much to

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1137609969296458932006-01-18T19:30:00.000-05:002006-01-18T16:53:19.900-05:00

I would like to preface this post with two warnings:1. This post contains language and situations not suited for persons under the age of 18, and those with no sense of humor.2. If you are Dougie Stephens, PLEASE TAKE NOTE! This posting discusses wonderful things about you, so I want you to read it. It also contains some information I do not want you to know. I have devised a plan; The

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1137606263163226062006-01-18T15:43:00.000-05:002006-01-18T12:46:16.470-05:00

My buddy Chris is the best friend a person could have. Thanks!

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1137521380654320432006-01-17T16:15:00.000-05:002006-01-17T13:16:33.566-05:00

My stomach is still a little funky, but overall I'm feeling pretty good. Looks like that's how it will go, one bad week, two good weeks, back to one bad week. I'm sure I'll discuss it with my doctor, and knowing him, he'll adjust the medicine to get that one bad week down to just a few bad days.With a broad smile on my face, I would like to add that I simply adore Little Jody H.

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1137490301562723142006-01-17T06:55:00.000-05:002006-01-17T13:16:53.560-05:00

Right here in River City. Trouble with a capital 'T' and that rhymes with 'C' and that stands for cancer!It's about 4 in the morning, and I just can't sleep. Physically I'm feeling ok. Not the best ever, but considering the week I just had, not too bad. When dealing with the hideous side effects of the cure I'm forced to see the enormity of the disease. How bad could something be if I'm willing

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1137378750325180902006-01-15T21:23:00.000-05:002006-01-15T21:33:37.633-05:00

Jody;The differences between the electric Pepsi and Rush are in intensity and duration. While the soda cans are a quick jolt of sharp pain, Rush is more of a prolonged dull pain in the base of my skull.H;Those ribs are just one of the many reasons I have to keep fighting!! I swear I'll be eating a few racks before the end of 2006.Lance;While I count you as one of my closest friends, and draw

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1137377887609056102006-01-15T21:07:00.000-05:002006-01-15T21:18:07.620-05:00

In previous posts I noted that I was feeling good, and had made it through the day without hurling. Each time, I spoke too soon. This time I wanted to wait and make sure it was actually a good day. Saturday was the first day all week that I was able to keep food down. Now, here it is Sunday night, and it looks like I might have made two days in a row!!The Steelers won today. It was a close game,

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1137189258427997212006-01-13T16:30:00.000-05:002006-01-13T16:54:18.436-05:00

The last couple of days kinda sucked. I couldn't eat anything because I was afraid it was going to come right back up. My stomach was in constant turmoil. Today when I woke up, somewhere around 3, I was hungry, and my stomach seemed to have settled. This is how it goes. I'll be sick for a few days, then I'll slowly feel better, and just as I'm getting back to normal, it's time to go back for more

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1137012001802873252006-01-11T15:38:00.000-05:002006-01-11T15:40:01.810-05:00

Last night wasn't too bad. Just a little nausea, but no vomiting. Today I'm just tired. Maybe this whole chemo thing is nothing to worry about. hehehehe, yeah, sometimes I crack myself up.

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1136921262606682822006-01-10T14:06:00.000-05:002006-01-10T15:14:59.320-05:00

Those of you that are squeamish may want to skip this blog.I would like to explain to you the process of chemo vomiting.At first I feel fine. Then, the following series of events occurs within about a minute. I get warm. It starts at the base of the back of my neck, just below my shoulders. A warm feeling makes its way up and around my head. I begin to sweat. At the same time there is a sour milk

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1136864282015659862006-01-09T22:33:00.000-05:002006-01-09T22:38:02.023-05:00

The nausea is setting in. I had forgotten until now that Avastin also gives me strange muscle cramps and twitches. Right now my feet are going nuts. And did I mention that the nerve damage from my last surgery is now manifesting itself through the occasional sharp burst of pain in the under side of my right thigh? My knee muscles are cramping up too, damn this hurts. I tried to find some humor

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1136854130533580012006-01-09T19:25:00.000-05:002006-01-09T19:52:09.590-05:00

So today was the first day with the new drugs. From the official list of possible side effects of Oxalipatin: Clumsiness, unsteadiness, trouble with normal daily activities; Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg or on one side of your body; Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness. Now those are just some of them. I've heard from a few people that have taken this drug about hypersensitvity to

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1136540845727569322006-01-06T04:42:00.000-05:002006-01-06T04:48:10.390-05:00

The second round of chemo starts in 4 days. Between now and then I am going to: wait for the cable guy; go to dinner with Reede, his new girlfriend, and Vinny; head into the City and hang out with Tracy; attend an OA dinner; and watch both the Giants' and Steelers' playoff games. It reminds me of a line from The Untouchables: "Some part of the world still cares what color the kitchen is."

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20203388.post-1135628486764398922005-12-26T15:19:00.000-05:002005-12-26T15:21:26.770-05:00

As you all know, I've got cancer. In an attempt at a cathartic relase, I'm going to record my story here. As I'm going to be a very famous writer some day, it behoves me to keep written documentation of my trials and tribulations.Billy

Lunchbox Willyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779024138799559397noreply@blogger.com2