WASPS!!!!!!

Got stung by a wasp his morning.........man that hurt!!!

Went to move an ashtray that I had sitting on the table on the back porch, bam!! out from the under side 4 or 5 of them flew out. I wonder which one got me? Boy did it hurt at first, it's been about 30 minutes now took some advil, my finger is all swollen up but it don't hurt as much.

Other than that, I feel pretty good this morning. Was going to maybe move the bar into the garage but it is supposed to get into the 100's today. Think I may just veg in front of the puter or TV and stay cool.

Went into work to see the guys I work with the other night, I really enjoyed that. BS'ing with the Night Ops crew it was fun. That was the highpoint of my day really. I work with a very good group of guys. Unfortunately there were a couple guys that were not there that night, 1 is in the hospital, I hope he is ok, he's in my prayers, another guy had the night off. I'm gonna have to catch him on the flip flop, I owe him a home cooked steak anyways, so I may have him over in a few days.

The guys said I looked really good, a little thinner but other wise good. I have lost some weight I think It's due to not drinking beer any longer, only lost about 10 pounds so far.

Later All


NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!     NEVER SURRENDER!!!!!

4th Round Toast

Did my 4th round yesterday. The nurse came in with my blood count results and said that they were off the table!!!! Somewhere over 200!! She said that, that was unheard of, so it looks as if I got some very good bones.

The doctor mentioned it too and said I looked better and calmer. I think I have come to accept this a little bit more. Why this happened to me I will never know. Maybe the lord up above sent me this disease in order to show me that I needed to turn my life around, I was a very hating, non caring person. Especially to strangers and my fellow man. If I did not know you, or you did me wrong, I would end up dispising you for the rest of my life. Forgiveness was never part of my vocabulary.

I was also very fond of watching chicks, all chicks. Lusting after them you might say. I did not give my lady the respect she deserved and constantly looked a women in her presence, to make a long story short I was a real asshole to my lady and almost everybody else.

That's I why I think God sent me this message. I have since did a complete 180. My lady is happier I can see it in her face, I am happier and alot calmer as well. I don't hate any longer and since forgiven all those that have ever done me wrong. I have come to realize life sucked when I hated so much.

I would like to thank the Lord for showing me the errors of my ways, if that's what he did.

I do feel better, very very much better, better than I have felt ever actually I do not know if it is the anxiety medicine I am on, the no drinking, eating a little healthier or just fighting this disease and the chemo drugs working. I have no idea, but I will say this, I'm happier now.

4th Round of Chemo Today

Go in for my 4th round today, counting this one I have 3 more to go I think before they give me a CT scan to see how these treatments are working. I myself think they are working, to tell you the truth I have not felt better in years. I think that they maybe mixing a steroid in there, I'm not sure. I do know that during the week I feel good as well, so that means something I think.

Still have not done that record stand yet, been feeling tired the last few days, my wife thinks it's the chemo pill I take everyday, I agree. I usually have to take a nap in the afternoon to feel normal the rest of the day.

I plan on going into work tonight to visit the guys, was gonna do it last week but wasn't feeling up to it, my boss said the guys were a little disappointed. The lady baked some goodies for everybody, she loves cooking for people, so the guys will be happy, they get some homemade goodies.

Feel pretty good this morning, got up a little early. Got out of bed at 0530 this morning, was gonna go back to bed but was craving a coffee so I decided to stay up. Well, gotta go get ready for my appt.

Later All

NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!   NEVER SURRENDER!!!!!!

Sunday Morning

Feeling pretty good today, got a real good nights sleep. Woke up at my usual time, 6:30 Sitting at the puter drinking my coffee.

I have been watching these video game pick up videos on you tube, videos of people going to flea markets, yard sales and buying vintage video games and cartridges, they are pretty interesting. Makes me want to go out and do the same but I can't right now. I have no shelves!!! I don't have the cash right now to get the materials to build them so that's going to have to wait.......urgh......I'm going crazy. I want to get some more games and baseball cards, I just do not have the shelves to store them yet. I would also like to get some more 45's. Oh well. The shelves will come with time, I'm just a little impatient, I'm not working now so I have all this time, but no cash........ah. Oh well.

At least I'm feeling really good. I have been using my time doing things around the house that I have neglected. Cleaned out both garages, situated the other half of the basement, and I have been cleaning that pool. That pool is crystal clear now, the cleanest it has ever been, lol. We have only used it 2 times so far!

I have been using Tumeric and black pepper daily. I read that this spice is a great cancer killer. We will see when I get my next CT scan in a few weeks, I go in for chemo again next week. Ain't lost any hair and I am not showing any other side effects of the chemo so that's good. I get tired sometimes and need to take a nap, but that's about it. Well, gonna go clean the kitchen now. LOL.

Later All

NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!   NEVER SURRENDER!!!!!!

Good Morning

Well, it's almost afternoon actually. I over slept a little today, got up at 830 usually get up between 6 and 730. Oh well. Feel pretty good today, no changes. I'm going to vacuum the pool later today already scrubbed it down and added the chemicals. All and all it's going to be a pretty lazy day for me, may take the wife and the grand kid for a drive later, who knows.

Later All

NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!!!!!!  NEVER SURRENDER!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 Month

It has been 1 month since I had my last "real" beer. The last time I drank was on the 22nd last month. Since then I have drank 9 non-alcohol beers. It don't phase me. I do not crave a beer, have not since I stopped. When I was drinking I would be driving home looking forward to having a few, now, not so much. I really don't even want a beer actually.

Go Figure.

Seeing the Doc Today

Got a appt. today at 1230. Not doing any chemo today, I guess I'm going in so they can check my blood. The doc told me last week that he did not have me sched for chemo today. Who knows, maybe my blood kicked into overdrive and it will be high enough so I can take chemo, I doubt it though.

Feel pretty good this morning. Had a V-8 for breakfast, it's the very first time I had that stuff, it don't taste that bad. They say it's a veggie drink, I tasted more tomato than anything else. All and all, I will finish the 6 pack I got. Nothing much else happening today, It;s going to be real hot outside. I'm staying inside in the cool.

Later All

Good Morning

Feel pretty good this morning. Starting on my 2nd cup of coffee.

I wish that scum that lives down here would move away. I can't stand the guy. I asked the lady last night why they don't just move back up North and live with his wife's mom. Looks as if they did that once and they are not welcome now. That don't surprise me. If they need to live out of their car, they are not doing it in my driveway! I guess the bum asked my lady if they could come here and use our stove to cook, needless to say I said Hell NO!!!! That is not going to happen. They knew they would get evicted if they did not pay rent. Who in their right mind would let themselves get 4 months behind in rent in the first place if they did not have a fallback? My girl and I are not going to make up for their mistakes. This is pathetic.

Apparently the wife makes more than 10 bucks an hour and their rent in that scum hole apartment was only 400. Now, you do the math. She brought in more than enough to pay rent, bills and what not, she also gets child support for the kid that is living with her mother and food stamps. These people got evicted because they are stupid, or just didn't want to pay rent. Now they are homeless. I have no idea if they figured they would be able to move in here, but, that would never happen in a million years. Even if they gave me 1000 bucks rent a month, screw that. I hope they move away. I'm gonna miss the grand kid, but that's a small price to pay for not having the bum in our lives any longer.

Hell, if they were to decide to move away, I would give them the money for a U-Haul truck just to be rid of them.

Other than the bum rant from above, I feel pretty good today. The lady has a doctors appt. today. They are going to give her some shots in her back to try and ease her back pain, I am really hoping that these shots relieve her pain for awhile. I hate seeing my lady in pain and able to do nothing about it.

Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day to everyone. I sent my dad a card with some cash in it. He always likes cash. Don't have anything much planned for today other tan sit in front of the tube. It's supposed to be really hot outside, so I figure we will stay inside and enjoy the A/C.

Feel pretty good today, was a little tired yesterday took a couple naps, today I feel fine. I'm just sitting here with my coffee trying to wake up, lol. Still want to change that stand, I think I may do that today, I went out a got a saw to use yesterday, my jig saw will not work. I really, really want to start collecting games and cards again, but right now do not have the shelves build to house them.

I almost smacked the crap out of the ladies son that lives here. The lady has been watching their baby for all of last week because they got evicted and they have no where to stay. They are staying with friends I believe. Well, I informed the son Thursday night that we had plans this weekend that could not be changed. I advised him to come get the kid no later that 11:00 Friday morning. 10:30 rolls around and my lady suggests that I should call them, I do and wake them up. 11:00 gets here, no son. I call him and ask if he is on on his way, he gives me a smart, cocky attitude, "well, yeah".........man that burned me up. He finally showed up, got the kids, but not before I had a little talk with the worthless bum.

Needles to say, mu lady is no longer watching their baby, apparently they are staying in a hotel right now, so, they can watch their own kid. We are not doing it.

NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!  NEVER SURRENDER!!!

Thursday

Nothin much going on today. My wife is a new grand mother, her son's wife had a baby boy yesterday so now that makes 6 grand kids. I think that's going to be it, but, you never know with people like the ones that live is scum town if you know what I mean.

I feel pretty good today, the wife has a doctors appt. in the city, looking forward to going to the city, it's been awhile now that I am not working. Other than that, that's it for today. I may stop at the flea market, not sure, I really don't have the cash to blow right now.

Button Update

Went into see the surgeon that installed my chemo port ( Borg Implant) and she said everything looks good. Don't know if I mentioned this but I used it for the first time yesterday for my 3rd chemo treatment. It worked good, it was a lot more comfortable than having an IV needle stuck in my arm. My Borg Implant functioned properly.

I am still wanting to change that record stand but I'm afraid to use any tools due to my low blood count. I guess that's going to have to wait for awhile. Been playing a lot of my super nintendo games and listening to a lot of my old records. Been having a blast, and go figure, all without tipping any back. I have not had a beer in a month and am not craving one either. I tried 3 non-alcohol beers and they did taste like a real beer, but, just were not going down. I think it was the setting. Next time I am going to try them at my normal drinking time and we will see. Well, that's all for now.

Later All

NEVER GIVE UP!!!!!!!    NEVER SURRENDER!!!!!!!

Wanting To Change Shelf, But Can't

I wanted to redo that crate table today, but, I can't risk it. I had my 3rd round of chemo today, the doc came in and told me my blood count was a 54. Last week he told me that he would not treat anybody with chemo if their blood count was below 60. Well, he decided to treat me today anyways considering he said that next week he did not have me scheduled for chemo because he assumed my count was going to be low.

Before he treated me he said "Now, I;m treating you today even though your count is at 54. I need to you be very careful, your on blood thinners, if you get a nose bleed or cut that does not stop get in here to the ER pronto, your platelets are really low and you may need some blood." So, I do not want to risk working with tools. I will have to do the stand next week. Oh well, It's not that I do not have the time now.

NEVER GIVE UP!!!!   NEVER SURRENDER!!!!

3rd Round Coming Up

Take my 3rd round of chemo today if my blood count is up I hope. Get to use the new "Dune" port I had installed. Had a row with the wife last night.

To make a long story short, the bum got evicted. They were 4 months behind on their rent, so , the landlord tossed them out yesterday. We already have his 8 yr. old son here, which I don't mind, I like having the little guy around to do stuff with. We also now are watching his 3 month old baby. I can't stand babies. Period.

The freaking kid was screaming all night last night after he left. I went insane. Not to mention, I hate screaming babies but In my own house I lost it.

The bum told the wife they will be living in their car till his wife gets paid and they find a place. At that time I informed the wife that at no time during their conversation about her watching the baby was a time frame established. I set the time line last night. Thursday morning. That's it. I'm sending the bum a message. The wife and I have enough to deal with right now and we do not/will not take responsibility for his screw ups. The wife said I would have to tell him that, and I said, cool, get him on the phone, Ill tell him right now. Needless to say she did not call him.

I don't like the way this is going. I just may put my foot down call the bum myself and tell him to come get all his kids and get the fuck out of our lives........I was almost at that point last night.

Did you know that this has been proven as a very very effective torture technique to get information, making prisoners listen to a baby crying endlessly loudly for long periods of time? It's true. Look it up.

Side Note

I do not know how many people read this, if any. I figured I would mention a title change I did a few days ago. I decided to change the title of my blog to "One Mans Basement While Dealing With Cancer". Let that up a few days and didn't like it. This is not a cancer blog, it's a basement blog. I will admit the posts dedicated just to the basement are not that many and this blog transformed into a "wifes bum family/blow by blow fight log with the wife" blog. That is changing. My wife has stated to me now that I am in the position that I am in, "we" are her primary concern. I wanted to tell her that it should have been that way from the beginning, me having cancer should not have changed that. But, that would have been mean so I did not. The same goes for this blog. This is a basement blog, not a cancer blog. The fact that I have cancer is moot, I will however give updates on my progress battling this disease though. I myself am using this blog as a journal. That is why I changed the name back. Also, I like the name, One Mans Basement.

Shelves

I have figured out how to build the shelves I will use to store my 45 records, video game carts, CD's and video tapes. I was just going to use the black shelf on the right side in the below pic, but, when I get more systems that is where they are going. Thanks to a fellow video game collector and his youtube vid, I know how to build cheap shelves that will will work out great. First things first, I have to make that record crate stand smaller.

NEVER GIVE UP, NEVER SURRENDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Some PICS

Well now that I am not using the basement to imbibe in I am going to concentrate on displaying, hooking up and using all of the video game systems in my collection. The 36" TV is perfect for that. I have a couple video switches that will enable me to have all systems hooked up and playable. Right now I only have about 8 systems but plan On getting more. On the right in the top pic you can just make out a couple of my record crates. I have changed my mind on that stand and plan on making it smaller. In the pic above I had just got done playing Joust on the Atari 2600. For the limited capabilities on that system, the game is almost just like the arcade version. Well, this is what my video game/record/baseball card room looks like so far.

Later All

Button Day +1

Well got the button installed yesterday. It feels strange. Do you guys remember that movie Dune? The Harkonans installed ports into their people that black stuff oozed out. LOL, I feel like I'm a Harkonan!

This thing is supposed to make it easier on them and me when I get my Chemo. The surgery went ok. I thought it was just going to be a quick simple thing, freeze me with a couple shots and whamo........wrong. They put me under. I had never been put under before, but, It wasn't that bad. I feel a lump under my skin on the right side of my chest now. It feels pretty freaky.

Went to a flea market today. We didn't stay that long it was really hot out. I didn't find no deals, I did however pick up an MIA/POW Hat that I have been looking for.

I feel pretty good today, I hope it's the drugs killing that cancer that is making me feel so good, I hope.

Talk To You All Later

Not Button Day

Went to the doctor this morning, I was under the impression that they were going to be putting a port into my chest for the Chemo, but today was just a consult. I am having that done tomorrow. Feel pretty good today, little tired. I think it is because at night I have taken a shot of Nyquil to get to sleep. The 2 days I have done that, I have been really dragging my heels. I am not going to do that any longer. Other wise I feel good.

Kathy is making Tacos for dinner tonight, I love those.

God Bless

Round 2 Toast

Well, had my second round of Chemo yesterday. The doctor said my blood counts looked real good. Chemo affects your blood count, It lowers it. My doctor stated that he will not treat Chemo patients if their blood count is below 60. Mine was at 114 which is a good sign. He said that maybe my count may be a little low next week and I will not be able to get treated. I am hoping that is not the case. I asked him if there was anything that I could do, eat to help raise my counts and he stated that there is nothing that can be done. It's all in how my bones work. Well, I have very, very strong bones. I have been a daily milk drinker for all of my life and constantly take TUMS for heartburn. Chubby guys do that I guess.

The Chemo went good. Just a little burning sensation when they pumped the pre-meds and Gemzar in. No discomfort at all. I did get a little tired during the treatment and took a nap. I was pretty tired through out the day after this one. I think it was because I did not get a full nights sleep prior, I'm not sure. I feel really good this morning. I am taking 2 Chemo drugs to battle my cancer. 1 in an IV at the hospital and 1 in pill form, I received that through the mail a couple days ago. 

Kathy and I had a little spat at the doctors office, to tell you the truth, I can not remember about what. Something stupid probably. We have both been going through alot of crap lately, It was bound to come to a head sooner of later. I can not say enough about her. She is my godsend. Period. I love her dearly and I always will.

We have the grand kid staying with us for the summer, which I really enjoy. He is another reason I am going to fight this and beat it. The poor little guy has no family life at home, his parents are both idiots and treat him as if they do not want him around. He does not have a father figure what-so-ever so, I am stepping in for that dept. I have mentioned in the past I was thinking of doing that. I have decided.

Kathy keeps mentioning going for custody of him, I have kinda been thinking about that myself. I think that is what his real mother wants. She has already gave up one son to her mother, but, get this. She gets the child support, not her mother ain't that crap?

I am thinking if we were to go for custody, I will go after her for child support, insurance, and give the kid my last name, period. Life is too short and this child has a crap life. If I can just do a few little things to make his life 100% better so be it.

I am not too sure about this, I have not mentioned this to Kathy. I am still on the wall. I do know this. That kid is going to have a great summer!!!

I will talk to you folks later. God Bless

Life

I have cancer. I had no idea or ever thought I would get anything like this, especially at my age. I received my biopsy results May 29th. It is stage 4 pancreas cancer. My family and friends know and they are fully supporting me. My wife is the greatest. She has been through a couple fights like this with her relatives in the past, but this is a bad one I'm sorry to say.

 I have recently changed my outlook on life. In the past I was the typical young, conceded, hated people, nothing is going to happen to me type. Not anymore. This disease has me looking my own mortality in the face. I am staring back with determination and strength. I have recently accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into my heart and pray for his strength on a daily basis and am thankful that he has provided me with such good friends and family members to rely on for support. I am especially thankful for my wife Kathy. I do not think that I could go through this without her, and continue to fight for her sake. To tell you all the truth, If she were not here, I would have probably done something drastic upon hearing the news. ( I had already picked out the tree)

 I am hopeful and full of anticipation on fighting this disease. I am going to fight it and beat this. My doctor seems to know what he is doing and does not "sugar coat" anything. He tells me up front what to expect and how things are. I have had my first round of chemo with no side effects yet. I don't care about my hair, I keep it real short anyways. I am trying to keep my gut. Been eating like a pig actually. I do not want to start losing weight. I do not drink anymore, have not had a beer in 2 weeks, been craving one though. I go in for my next round of chemo tomorrow, perhaps I may ask my doctor about non-alcoholic beer. I need a little normalcy in my life right now. I am currently talking anti-anxiety pills to help me cope.

 I have not been to work since my diagnosis, I have a fairly long commute on deserted country roads, my wife is concerned that I will fall asleep behind the wheel. My work is behind me 100% and are working with me.

 For those of you who read this blog, Pancreas Cancer is a killer. I'm fighting it tooth and nail. 1 word of advice. Get checked. An ultra sound could save your life. The reason this cancer is so bad is because it shows no symptoms, pain, anything till it is in it's advanced stages. A person could have a tumor for several years before pain, symptoms, anything shows up. Get an ultra sound yearly. This cancer if caught in it's early stages can be cut out, killed.

 I thank the lord up above for the sign he sent me to get my backside to the doctor. I had a blood clot in my lung, that is what was causing my pain. They did a chest x-ray, found something behind my breast bone and sent me for a CT scan. (the CT scan showed my chest clear BTW) That CT scan revealed the cancer in my pancreas. If I had never had that scan, I would still be clueless as to what was inside me today. The lord sent me that sign and for that I am very thankful. This cancer just came on me. Although I did drink and do smoke, these actions did not cause it, my doctor has stated this to me. This cancer just happens out of the blue like a thunderbolt. Some believe it my be in genes, but I have no history of this cancer in my immediate family dating back for 4 generations. The most important thing I can say here is this, GET CHECKED! Ultra sounds are easy and believe me the money you spend on one is well worth it. Get checked yearly. Thank you for you support. God Bless You All.

2012 Topps Archives

Well, the grand kid and I ripped our first of many 2012 Topps Archives last night. Had a blast. This is a new product for this year from Topps, and I must say I really like it. This are todays players on retro Topps designs from the 70's-80's with a bunch of special chase cards thrown in. I especially like the 69 Deckle Edge cards that they have included. We are going to try and build this set, it is going to be difficult. The cards these days are expensive. But, we had a great time. I'll try to get som pics up