Hi Everyone,
Sorry I'm so late with an update....here goes....
May 8th I had dinner with Jeff...it was really Great seeing him and catching up!!!
May 11th I had lunch with Shirl and Greg and we discussed my "Bucket List" and how it has changed since finding out I have Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
May 12th I had dinner with Ed and Dottie and we played several hours of UNO...always a Great Time!!!
May 14th Sue V and I went to see The Avengers...We Both thought it was GREAT!
May 16th Jan and I surprised Marian and I met them for dessert. I hadn't seen Marian for a while and we were both really Happy to just SEE one another.
May 17th I spoke at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Corporate Breakfast at the Hotel DuPont
May 18th United Way Days of Caring Event at the Ronald McDonald House. We prepared Dinner for 80 Residents that were staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Delaware
May 19th Volunteered at The Friends of the Ridley Township Public Library Book/DVD Sale with other Friends of the Ridley Township Public Library
May 22nd Diane and I went to see The Avengers...We Both thought it was GREAT!
May 25th Had lunch with Nona! Always a Treat!!!
May 25th Win, Barbara and I had Dinner together and Caught up!
May 26th through May 28th Dog/House sat for Win and Barbara
May 26th Walked 5K and raised funds for Kay's Kamp (week long camp for children with Cancer). It was held at St Andrew's School in Middletown...the campus made famous by the movie Dead Poet Society.
May 27th Caitlin, Carly, Ellen and I saw The Dictator and had dinner aftewards...another Smile for my Soul just to spend time with them!!!
May 30th Had dinner with Sue M...she asked me if I was able to go Tubing or go to a Water Park.
sorry this is out of order but
June 4th My Dr said a resounding NO to both because of the Port in my chest and the risk of infection if Delaware River water or questionably clean Water Park water were to enter the hole in my chest.
My Sister Jan and I kind of thought that was going to be his response going in but I wanted to ask to see what he would say.
June 3rd I attended Colleen's High School Graduation Party...I really had a Great Time!!!
I hope You are all Enjoying the Summer!!!
Take care God Bless and Be Well!!!
Mark
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Monday, May 7, 2012
5/7
Hi Everyone,
Since I plan on writing once each weekend, my Sister Carol thought I should sum up what happened during the week that made it special.
Friday (April 27th) Susan and I had dinner at Fellini's in Newtown Square. We talked about a LOT of things. Some practical (kitchen ideas since I don't know about that stuff and my kitchen is being redone) and philosophical (my cancer and how it's affected me and others who've followed my journey) and many other topics.
Saturday (April 28th) Mike, Jan and Mike's Family celebrated Mike's Birthday (please see May 1). They went to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst NJ. The pictures looked Very Cool! I'm definitely going one day in the future.
Sunday (April 29th) I had lunch with Diane...we hadn't seen each other in over 7 months.
We also talked a LOT. She made Date and Pecan Bread which I shared with Jan and Mike.
Thanks Diane!!!
Monday (April 30th) I had a Bone Marrow Biopsy (please see May 7th for results). The Crop Protection Pests Softball Team played their first double header and I was able to watch one and a half games (then go out with some of them afterwards)...I had soda...which luckily is not a problem for me since as they so eloquently pointed out it will be three years before I will have the chance to have alcohol (6 months of Remission Chemotherapy and 30 months of Maintenance Chemotherapy). By the way they won both games so I'm not feeling like I'll be missed at all...hahahahaaha Congratulations Guys!!!
Tuesday (May 1st) Mike's Birthday...Happy Birthday Mike!!! It was a Nice Evening...
Mike's Parents and two Daughters (Madi and Tori) came over for cake! Carol, Al, Caitlin and Carly came over later that evening for cake!
Wednesday (May 2nd) I had lunch with Jess and Michelle from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
I'm going to be speaking at a Corporate Breakfast at the Hotel DuPont on May 17th (5 minutes to 10 minutes about my journey thus far having been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia...original diagnosis was Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia but there has been a name change since I was diagnosed).
The Light the Night Walk that takes place Saturday October 13th at Frawley Stadium raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Thursday (May 3rd) Dinner with Al, Jane and Jane's Aunt...Great Time!!!
Friday (May 4th) Carol, Jan, Mike and I attended an Art Show in Lansdowne, PA.
Lisa's paintings were on display (and this time she had cards...a BIG HIT). We always Enjoy seeing her (and this time her Husband John) and showing our support.
Susan (please see April 27th), a friend from High School, and her Nephew were there.
Maura, a friend from High School, and her Husband were also there.
Saturday (May 5th) Jan, Mike and I watched the Kentucky Derby from 4p to 7 something pm...and my horse came in 9th! Hansen (the White Horse)....hahahaha...(I saw an article about this white horse in the April 11th New York Times and the picture is still burned in my brain).
Sunday (May 6th) I took my three Nieces to see The Lucky One and dinner at the Olive Garden.
Caitlin and Carly had already seen it but Ellen and I had not. It was nice of them to say they would see
it again so Ellen and I could see it. I have to admit I really Enjoyed it! and as I've mentioned before...my Soul was Smiling just being with them...Thanks God!
Monday (May 7th) Bone Marrow Biopsy Results were in and my Doctor said ZERO Leukemia Cells!!!
WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDERFUL!!! Thanks God!
Since I plan on writing once each weekend, my Sister Carol thought I should sum up what happened during the week that made it special.
Friday (April 27th) Susan and I had dinner at Fellini's in Newtown Square. We talked about a LOT of things. Some practical (kitchen ideas since I don't know about that stuff and my kitchen is being redone) and philosophical (my cancer and how it's affected me and others who've followed my journey) and many other topics.
Saturday (April 28th) Mike, Jan and Mike's Family celebrated Mike's Birthday (please see May 1). They went to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst NJ. The pictures looked Very Cool! I'm definitely going one day in the future.
Sunday (April 29th) I had lunch with Diane...we hadn't seen each other in over 7 months.
We also talked a LOT. She made Date and Pecan Bread which I shared with Jan and Mike.
Thanks Diane!!!
Monday (April 30th) I had a Bone Marrow Biopsy (please see May 7th for results). The Crop Protection Pests Softball Team played their first double header and I was able to watch one and a half games (then go out with some of them afterwards)...I had soda...which luckily is not a problem for me since as they so eloquently pointed out it will be three years before I will have the chance to have alcohol (6 months of Remission Chemotherapy and 30 months of Maintenance Chemotherapy). By the way they won both games so I'm not feeling like I'll be missed at all...hahahahaaha Congratulations Guys!!!
Tuesday (May 1st) Mike's Birthday...Happy Birthday Mike!!! It was a Nice Evening...
Mike's Parents and two Daughters (Madi and Tori) came over for cake! Carol, Al, Caitlin and Carly came over later that evening for cake!
Wednesday (May 2nd) I had lunch with Jess and Michelle from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
I'm going to be speaking at a Corporate Breakfast at the Hotel DuPont on May 17th (5 minutes to 10 minutes about my journey thus far having been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia...original diagnosis was Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia but there has been a name change since I was diagnosed).
The Light the Night Walk that takes place Saturday October 13th at Frawley Stadium raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Thursday (May 3rd) Dinner with Al, Jane and Jane's Aunt...Great Time!!!
Friday (May 4th) Carol, Jan, Mike and I attended an Art Show in Lansdowne, PA.
Lisa's paintings were on display (and this time she had cards...a BIG HIT). We always Enjoy seeing her (and this time her Husband John) and showing our support.
Susan (please see April 27th), a friend from High School, and her Nephew were there.
Maura, a friend from High School, and her Husband were also there.
Saturday (May 5th) Jan, Mike and I watched the Kentucky Derby from 4p to 7 something pm...and my horse came in 9th! Hansen (the White Horse)....hahahaha...(I saw an article about this white horse in the April 11th New York Times and the picture is still burned in my brain).
Sunday (May 6th) I took my three Nieces to see The Lucky One and dinner at the Olive Garden.
Caitlin and Carly had already seen it but Ellen and I had not. It was nice of them to say they would see
it again so Ellen and I could see it. I have to admit I really Enjoyed it! and as I've mentioned before...my Soul was Smiling just being with them...Thanks God!
Monday (May 7th) Bone Marrow Biopsy Results were in and my Doctor said ZERO Leukemia Cells!!!
WONDERFUL WONDERFUL WONDERFUL!!! Thanks God!
Friday, April 27, 2012
4/28
Hi Everyone,
Since I plan on writing once each weekend, my Sister Carol thought I should sum up what happened during the week that made it special.
I apologize for not writing this last Sunday....
Monday Nona had her celebratory lunch for having worked 30 years with DuPont.
Congratulations Nona! I feel Blessed to even know you let alone call you my Friend.
Tuesday I went to see the Eye Doctor for my yearly check up.
I noticed a difference in my ability to see objects far away...and guess what?
I am now the proud owner of a pescription for Glasses!
Apparently, my vision has deteriorated rather rapidly from last year.
I want to clarify that my Eye Doctor was fully aware of my diagnosis/subsequent treatment for Leukemia. He said physically my eyes look fine and my vision for reading is really good...but my ability to see objects far away is NOT good. I will now join both my Sisters, my Brother-in-law, my Sister's Boyfriend and two of my three Nieces who all wear glasses and/or contacts to see objects far away.
Wednesday Carol and I had dinner at Widener University's School of Hospitality Management. It was the last dinner for this semester. We're both looking forward to next semester's dinners.
Thursday My Sisters and I attended the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Delaware's first ever Blood Cancer Conference at Clayton Hall on the U of D Campus. We learned a lot and we met Jessica and Michelle from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Delaware who had kept track of my progress on the Christiana Hospital Care Page while I was going through Remission Chemotherapy.
Friday Jan, Mike and I went to the movies. We saw Chimpanzees and we all liked it...
Saturday I marked the Entrances/Exits of Ridley Creek State Park to the Start/Finish of the MS Walk-a-thon that was going to take place on Sunday. I was not part of the organizing committee, this year, but my Dad had Multiple Sclerosis and this organization is very important to me because of him.
In the evening my two Sisters, Mike and I went to Barb's Home for Game Night (this particular night was BINGO). Barb is a Nurse at Christiana Hospital that we all got to know when I was going through Remission Chemotherapy. We had a Blast! Thanks Barb!
Sunday I volunteered with setup at the MS Walk-a-thon from 6:30am to 10:30am. Bill and I "supervised" the setup of all the rest stops since Bill has a bad back and I'm not allowed to do any heavy lifting. It's H___ getting older and/or recoving from chemotherapy....sorry I had to vent a bit there...
I met my two Sisters, Mike and Carly at the Artists' Circle Art Show in Devon at 12p. Lisa, a friend from High School, is part of this Group and we try to go to as many Art Shows as possible if she is showing her work.
Take care Enjoy Your Weekend and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers
Since I plan on writing once each weekend, my Sister Carol thought I should sum up what happened during the week that made it special.
I apologize for not writing this last Sunday....
Monday Nona had her celebratory lunch for having worked 30 years with DuPont.
Congratulations Nona! I feel Blessed to even know you let alone call you my Friend.
Tuesday I went to see the Eye Doctor for my yearly check up.
I noticed a difference in my ability to see objects far away...and guess what?
I am now the proud owner of a pescription for Glasses!
Apparently, my vision has deteriorated rather rapidly from last year.
I want to clarify that my Eye Doctor was fully aware of my diagnosis/subsequent treatment for Leukemia. He said physically my eyes look fine and my vision for reading is really good...but my ability to see objects far away is NOT good. I will now join both my Sisters, my Brother-in-law, my Sister's Boyfriend and two of my three Nieces who all wear glasses and/or contacts to see objects far away.
Wednesday Carol and I had dinner at Widener University's School of Hospitality Management. It was the last dinner for this semester. We're both looking forward to next semester's dinners.
Thursday My Sisters and I attended the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Delaware's first ever Blood Cancer Conference at Clayton Hall on the U of D Campus. We learned a lot and we met Jessica and Michelle from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Delaware who had kept track of my progress on the Christiana Hospital Care Page while I was going through Remission Chemotherapy.
Friday Jan, Mike and I went to the movies. We saw Chimpanzees and we all liked it...
Saturday I marked the Entrances/Exits of Ridley Creek State Park to the Start/Finish of the MS Walk-a-thon that was going to take place on Sunday. I was not part of the organizing committee, this year, but my Dad had Multiple Sclerosis and this organization is very important to me because of him.
In the evening my two Sisters, Mike and I went to Barb's Home for Game Night (this particular night was BINGO). Barb is a Nurse at Christiana Hospital that we all got to know when I was going through Remission Chemotherapy. We had a Blast! Thanks Barb!
Sunday I volunteered with setup at the MS Walk-a-thon from 6:30am to 10:30am. Bill and I "supervised" the setup of all the rest stops since Bill has a bad back and I'm not allowed to do any heavy lifting. It's H___ getting older and/or recoving from chemotherapy....sorry I had to vent a bit there...
I met my two Sisters, Mike and Carly at the Artists' Circle Art Show in Devon at 12p. Lisa, a friend from High School, is part of this Group and we try to go to as many Art Shows as possible if she is showing her work.
Take care Enjoy Your Weekend and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers
Monday, April 16, 2012
4/16
Hi Everyone,
Since I plan on writing once each weekend, my Sister Carol thought I should sum up what happened during the week that made it special.
Tuesday I met Eunice, Ed and Nona for lunch. I've seen Nona and Ed more than once recently but I had not seen Eunice in a very long time. The smiles flowed....
Wednesday Carol, Jan, Mike and I had dinner at Widener University's School of Hospitality Management. We had a really nice time just shooting the breeze while we ate dinner.
Thursday I took a Personal Day and took all three of my Nieces out to an early Dinner and a Movie (I still have to avoid large crowds so we went to a matinee).
All I can say is it made my Soul Smile being able to spend time with them...Thank You God!
Friday Dottie prepared home cooked Lasagna and Meatballs (and Banana Cream Pie for dessert). Dottie, Ed and I played UNO for THREE HOURS...we had a blast...hahahahaha
Saturday I proved, once again, that I am out of touch with my weakened body.
While Mike roto tilled his garden, I mowed his lawn using his riding mower. Later that night my back started hurting.
It took a heating pad and rest all day on Sunday for my back to feel somewhat normal again.
But I want to clarify...it was GREAT being out in the sun (although I was covered from head to toe with a long sleeve shirt, jeans, steel tipped boots and a hat to block the sun....hahahha).
Take care Enjoy Your Week and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers
Since I plan on writing once each weekend, my Sister Carol thought I should sum up what happened during the week that made it special.
Tuesday I met Eunice, Ed and Nona for lunch. I've seen Nona and Ed more than once recently but I had not seen Eunice in a very long time. The smiles flowed....
Wednesday Carol, Jan, Mike and I had dinner at Widener University's School of Hospitality Management. We had a really nice time just shooting the breeze while we ate dinner.
Thursday I took a Personal Day and took all three of my Nieces out to an early Dinner and a Movie (I still have to avoid large crowds so we went to a matinee).
All I can say is it made my Soul Smile being able to spend time with them...Thank You God!
Friday Dottie prepared home cooked Lasagna and Meatballs (and Banana Cream Pie for dessert). Dottie, Ed and I played UNO for THREE HOURS...we had a blast...hahahahaha
Saturday I proved, once again, that I am out of touch with my weakened body.
While Mike roto tilled his garden, I mowed his lawn using his riding mower. Later that night my back started hurting.
It took a heating pad and rest all day on Sunday for my back to feel somewhat normal again.
But I want to clarify...it was GREAT being out in the sun (although I was covered from head to toe with a long sleeve shirt, jeans, steel tipped boots and a hat to block the sun....hahahha).
Take care Enjoy Your Week and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers
Sunday, April 8, 2012
4/8
Hi Everyone,
Happy Easter!!!
Since I plan on writing once each weekend, my Sister Carol thought I should sum up what happened during the week that made it special.
Tuesday I met Jim, Michele and Mike at my Condo. Jim is a friend from High School. He'll be fixing my kitchen which I made unusable prior to my diagnosis of having Acute Lymphocyctic (now it's called Lymphoblastic) Leukemia.
Wednesday My Sister Carol and I had dinner at Widener University. The School of Hospitality Management Students run a restaurant and they prepare and serve dinner several Wednesdays during the semester.
Friday I had dinner with my Cousin Jim and his wife Dot.
Saturday I walked one hour and looked at dishwashers and microwave ovens (that have built-in vents and are installed over ovens) at the local appliance stores. It was my homework assignment from Jim.
Sunday I walked two hours....then...Carol Al Caitlin Carly and I had Easter Dinner at Cracker Barrel. I had my Favorite Cracker Barrel Entree....Spicy Catfish (it's not very spicy which is why I like it).
Take care Enjoy Your Week and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers
Happy Easter!!!
Since I plan on writing once each weekend, my Sister Carol thought I should sum up what happened during the week that made it special.
Tuesday I met Jim, Michele and Mike at my Condo. Jim is a friend from High School. He'll be fixing my kitchen which I made unusable prior to my diagnosis of having Acute Lymphocyctic (now it's called Lymphoblastic) Leukemia.
Wednesday My Sister Carol and I had dinner at Widener University. The School of Hospitality Management Students run a restaurant and they prepare and serve dinner several Wednesdays during the semester.
Friday I had dinner with my Cousin Jim and his wife Dot.
Saturday I walked one hour and looked at dishwashers and microwave ovens (that have built-in vents and are installed over ovens) at the local appliance stores. It was my homework assignment from Jim.
Sunday I walked two hours....then...Carol Al Caitlin Carly and I had Easter Dinner at Cracker Barrel. I had my Favorite Cracker Barrel Entree....Spicy Catfish (it's not very spicy which is why I like it).
Take care Enjoy Your Week and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers
Sunday, April 1, 2012
4/1
Hi Everyone,
Since I plan on writing once each weekend, my Sister Carol thought I should sum up what happened during the week that made it special.
Last Sunday I had dinner with my three Nieces at the local Olive Garden....it was Wonderful to take them to an actual restaurant. It was our first time having dinner in a restaurant since I started Remission Chemotherapy in September of 2011.
Wednesday My Sister Carol and I had dinner at Widener University. The School of Hospitality Management Students run a restaurant and they prepare and serve dinner several Wednesdays during the semester.
Friday I helped Jude-Anne and a number of other volunteers prepare dinner at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware then I met Ed and Dottie for dinner.
Saturday I didn't do much.
Sunday I walked two hours...which I really Enjoyed!!!
Take care Enjoy Your Week and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers
Since I plan on writing once each weekend, my Sister Carol thought I should sum up what happened during the week that made it special.
Last Sunday I had dinner with my three Nieces at the local Olive Garden....it was Wonderful to take them to an actual restaurant. It was our first time having dinner in a restaurant since I started Remission Chemotherapy in September of 2011.
Wednesday My Sister Carol and I had dinner at Widener University. The School of Hospitality Management Students run a restaurant and they prepare and serve dinner several Wednesdays during the semester.
Friday I helped Jude-Anne and a number of other volunteers prepare dinner at the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware then I met Ed and Dottie for dinner.
Saturday I didn't do much.
Sunday I walked two hours...which I really Enjoyed!!!
Take care Enjoy Your Week and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
3/28
Hi Everyone,
I apologize that I have not been keeping up with this BLOG.
My Sister Carol and I have agreed that I will now post to it at least once a week.
Since my last post on 3/15 I've had a number of things happen.
3/12/12 I started Maintenance Chemotherapy. It consists of some IV Chemotherapy (Vincristine) and some pill form Chemotherapy (Methotrexate and Mercaptopurine) and Prednisone
3/16/12 I started working remotely...not full time but quite a few hours (I worked 30 hours last week and am on track to work 30 hours this week).
I've had lunch or dinner AT A RESTAURANT several times since I was given the okay by my Dr on 3/19/12. It's Wonderful to have that freedom after having eaten out (at a restaurant) once in six months.
and in case you haven't heard/seen me say/write it....I am so GRATEFUL to be here!!! Thank You God!
I hope to update this blog every weekend, as best I can so you can read about how my week went.
Take care and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
I apologize that I have not been keeping up with this BLOG.
My Sister Carol and I have agreed that I will now post to it at least once a week.
Since my last post on 3/15 I've had a number of things happen.
3/12/12 I started Maintenance Chemotherapy. It consists of some IV Chemotherapy (Vincristine) and some pill form Chemotherapy (Methotrexate and Mercaptopurine) and Prednisone
3/16/12 I started working remotely...not full time but quite a few hours (I worked 30 hours last week and am on track to work 30 hours this week).
I've had lunch or dinner AT A RESTAURANT several times since I was given the okay by my Dr on 3/19/12. It's Wonderful to have that freedom after having eaten out (at a restaurant) once in six months.
and in case you haven't heard/seen me say/write it....I am so GRATEFUL to be here!!! Thank You God!
I hope to update this blog every weekend, as best I can so you can read about how my week went.
Take care and Thank You for your continued Thoughts and Prayers.
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