Saturday, July 30, 2011

The last two weeks of awesomeness!

I want to mention that I am doing very well. Not having any stomach issues. Been watching my caffeine intake and seems to be working. I still get slight irritation but nothing that keeps me down. I had chemo today (Friday) Everything went well just have some minor fatigue and same muscle tightness in my legs.

Last week, I was invited to go to The House of  Blues from my bestest Brother in law John and his brother Josh to see Tesla. It was me the two of them and another dude named Skippy (The Peanut Butter lover, or "Family Ties" groupie, or maybe the combination of the two? The world may never know because I didn't ask.) When we got there we went to the ticket window to pick up our tickets. Josh gotten them free because he is a really cool dude and was a big part of my benefit. I will be forever grateful to him. As soon as Josh walked up to the window we were escorted to another line. A man in dapper threads was standing there. We knew then we were in the VIP line. Obviously they noticed me and immediately moved us up.That's my story and I am sticking to it. I was  walking around like a peacock (or was it a pecan since they are both the same according to Zac) the rest of the night. The opening act was  the Steepwater Band. The lead singer taught Josh guitar lessons. The group was very good and I highly recommend getting a copy of there CD. Tesla as well didn't disappoint. This is the second time I seen them. I have never been to the House of Blues and that in itself was an experience.


Sally and I went to a Cubs game on the roof top (Beyond the Ivy). Sally my bestest wife won the tickets through a 101.9 The Mix drawing (a radio station SHE likes to listen to). There Road Crew was in front of Walmart one sunny Sunday afternoon.  Before they drew names, I had the weirdest feeling Sally was going to win honest to God I did. We had to be present for the drawing and we had about 15 minutes to wait for the drawing. She and the kids went in side the store. I became nervous because it was almost time for the drawing and she still wasn't back. She likes to torture me. She finally came back outside with 10 seconds to spare They pulled out a name and announced  Sally Cieagay. What the Hell was that, totally butchered my name. I almost left, almost I said they are Cubs tickets, the holy grail of Baseball( even though they suck this year), I had to correct them of course, you mean Ceiga.I forgave them.  We had to have our picture taken for their web site.  Except our picture never ended up there. I guess we do look that scary.



The game day itself  was a fun time. A lot of stair climbing up to the top and getting free food and beverages. It was a toasty day to say the least. Sally did get a little sick and stayed in the club house towards the end of the game. I was going back and forth checking on her, taking the coolest pics.of the friendly confines, getting food and beverages again and again.Then towards the last 30 minutes of the game they came out with a huge tray of brownies and cookies. That totally made my day.  Surprisingly those brownies were scrumptious.  I could have died a happy man and went to Heaven right then and there.  The Cubs did win the game in the 10th on a Jeff Baker walk off hit with the bases loaded. The Cubs bull pen did almost blow the game again. Great experience, but can't beat the felling actually being in the ball park.



This past Thursday, Sally and I  went to see Heart and Def Leppard concerts.We got the tickets from my favorite son at the time Micheal and our friend Ron (Michael's fairy God Father). Michael helped Ron get his house ready for a birthday party for his 3 adorable kids. Ron usually gives Michael a few dollars for helping him.  This year Michael and Ron decided instead of paying Michael, Ron would get Michael's most amazing, coolest, awesome parents, tickets to see Heart and Def Leppard.. The shows were excellent. First time I saw Heart and this was the 5th time I saw  Def Leppard. It's great going to these shows when you know 99% of the songs. I have to admit I am a rocker. Saw a lot of rock groups like Ozzy, Motely Crue, Jackyl, Alice Cooper, Metalica, Kid Rock etc. I  would name a few others but that would make certain friends and family members toes curl and make there hair stand on end . I saw these bands and I turned out fine. Well sorta, kinda, maybe a little bit.That's better then not at all. Sally on the other hand is messed up now.Although she wasn't with me at all those concerts but was at few of them with me, may need help. The hardest core bands she saw until I warped her was the Monkeys and Weird Al Yankovic. I like a lot of different flavors of music but like I said I am a rocker at heart. A 46 year old rocker that doesn't look the part. So don't be fooled. On a side note, Sally and our friend Lynn (Ron's wife) spent most of the time commenting on people's attire.  When Sally wasn't commenting on that, Ron and her kept making little comments on mine and Lynn's age.  I still can't see how she has everyone fooled and everyone thinks she is so sweet.

GOD Bless you all and I am still a nice guy. So don't be afraid to approach me.Although everyone says I look mad. That's just the way I look, thanks to my mom!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

I Had Cancer (review)

There is a new web site about to be launched. It's called "I Had Cancer". It's different from the other cancer support web sites I have found. This one is a social support for anyone who is or has been effected by cancer.  


Unfortunately,the majority of us has been effected by cancer in one way or another. This web site offers a great support system whether you are a fighter, survival, or supporter.   It's always great to be able to talk to someone who is specifically experiencing what you are or had gone through.  Everyone needs someone to talk to.  You might not be able to find that with people you encounter in the every day life. This is a great way to meet people who may understand you experiences, feelings and thoughts.   It is a very cool concept and I believe many people will benefit from it.


Like I said in the beginning, this web site is about to be launched.  Right now it's in beta.  However, there is a way to get access before it is launched.  Go to beta.ihadcancer.com, enter this code 7E776D, and create an account.


Let me know what you think.  I would like to give a special thank you to Liz.  She was the one who found me through this blog and shared the new web site with me.  

Monday, July 18, 2011

Colonoscopy












Colonoscopy day.  I am happy to announce no polyps or tumors.  The worse part of it was prepping the day before and having to deal with Sally.  She always thinks it's funny when I am at my worse.  Well, she thinks she is  humorous but I find her to be annoying.  Just a big sigh of relief it's over with and everything in that area is OK.  It really isn't as bad as it sounds.  Having cancer is must worse than having a colonoscopy, so make sure you go in for yours.  

The warm weather is taking a toll on me.  I am really tired and having a hard time handling the heat at times,  For that reason, I am glad we are only working 40 hour shifts at work right now. It's a great time for the air in the car not to be working too.  Nothing like arriving somewhere covered in sweat. At least I can come home to a cool house. 


My stomach issues are much better.  I had a  flair up recently.  I drank  Mountain Dew and the next day I spent the entire day in bed due to pain.  I never drink Mountain Dew but for some strange reason I was craving it. I won't admit that Sally was right when she said I have an ulcer and to stay away from alcohol and caffeine.  It's just a coincidence. What does my wife know anyways.  She is studying to be a teacher not a doctor.   


The pictures that are attached are from a day when we went to the park.  If you noticed I was less then thrilled having my picture taken and I think the kids were as well.  I wanted to enjoy the scenery and Sally kept making us stop every 5 feet to snap pictures.  I am just thankful she left the camera at home today.  If not, I am sure there would have been a lot of moon shots.


Hope to write soon.  Thank you for following my blog.
God Bless, Bill




Friday, July 1, 2011

Birds of a Feather Flock Together.











Birds of a feather flock together.

I just wanted to make a quick mention about whats going on with me. For the most part I have been feeling more tired and fatigued more then usual. Trying to go to sleep a little earlier to help get more rest but, enjoy my alone time with Sally. Still having stomach issues. My last one was last Thursday that lasted until Friday afternoon but, tapper-ed off by than, so I still went to work (I left work Thursday at 11:30 it was so severe). Our family doctor believes its an ulcer. I am inclined to agree. So I am doing what he is telling me to do, so far so good. Other than this all is good


As some of you may know, our daughter has been going to speech therapy for almost a year because she is speech delayed.  In the last couple of months she can carry a conversation with us.  Sally and I still are amazed and proud when we hear her talk. The things she comes up with often leaves us in stitches.  


With that said, tonight Sally made a salad for dinner.  I immediately told her I was full from all the liquids I drank through out the day to stay cool.  Surprisingly the kids ate the salad and didn't complain which is a first.  Usually, there is someone who has to make a negative comment when it comes to dinner time.  I don't think Sally cared for dinner all that much either. Because after dinner, she mentioned going for ice cream.  Of course I was the first one in the car waiting with a smile.  Kaity told me she was going to get a pink ice cream with blueberries.  She ended up with a hot fudge sundae with whip cream.  Zachary ordered a chunky monkey just like his dear old dad.  


The following is the conversation between Zach and Kaity while they were eating their ice cream treats.


Zach "I have peacocks in mine.  Kaity do you want a bite?" Kaity, "I don't eat birds." Zachary said you eat chickens right?  Kaity "I like chicken but I do not eat birds." Zach "You eat birds." Kaity "I DON't EAT BIRDS!".  A couple seconds went by "Yuck, Zach you farted."  Zach "No, I didn't", as he scooted away from where he was sitting.  "Zach you did to fart and it smells", as she plugged her nose.  Then Kaity continues to work on eating her ice cream and Zach stopped eating and said "I don't like the peacocks.  I need to a drink of water.  They are stuck in my throat."  Sally said you mean pecans.  Zach replied "pecans peacocks sounds the same and are the same thing."  Kaity said "Zach next time you should get what I have there are no peacocks in mine."  A couple seconds later "Oh, I have peacocks in mine too." then there was a pause "I am kidding I have no peacocks in mine."  and finished her ice cream while Zachary stared at her.