The joy of being alive.

Glad to be Alive
Cancer: have you ever battled for your life and wondered if it was worth it all. One dayI was walking ten miles a day. Then starting April 17th my life changed.

My wife Sharon was dealing dementia. I was glad she told me to call the doctor. The doctor told me to go to the hospital in an ambulance. I am glad I listened. I was very weak and was given three transfusions. That was just the beginning of journey. Much of I now know took place after all my family raced to Shady Side cancer unit in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There was concerns about
whether I would live or die. Much of the time I was out of it, restrained for my safety , I was pulling out pick line and nasal tubes. I had no idea what was happening. I was tube fed for thirty days. Thank God after numerous procedures and x-rays, they were able to diagnose me with acute Leukemia.
I dreaded the test and procedures. This was the first time I had experienced life as a patient.
I was given a urinal after they my catheter was rudely yanked off by a nurse ready for vacation. I failed two barium swallow tests before I passed the third and was told to eat all I wanted.
I made the mistake of doing this while bed ridden. Poop piled up blocking me up making it impossible to pee. I would go through numerous laxatives and stool softener before they gave me a colostomy enema. I pooped for 45 minutes straight and eventually would come out of my stupor get rehab and be discharged.