"The Year of Still Here" is the slogan of the 2008 Jimmy Buffett tour. I don't think I could have written a better slogan based on my life circa 2008. :)
Kim and I were lucky enough to get tickets with a couple of our good friends to see the show last night. After almost 20 years of going to Jimmy Buffett shows, not much suprises me, but as soon as I saw the slogan when we got to the parking lot, I was FLOORED! Freaks and Fins on Parade, (of which Kim and I have been many times in past years) didn't phase me, but the irony of the slogan blew me away- The Year of Still Here, I can soooo relate. :)
It was a great show. You would think that after 38 years of touring every summer, that he might slow down, but if last night was any indication, he just gets better! After almost 3 hours of a show led by the king of summer himself, the 60 something Jimmy promised to be back for another summer! Kim and I are already making our plans!
The Year of Still Here! I think the Talbotts may have to adopt this slogan for our remaining 2008 Vacation Plans.
Talbott's on Tour 2008 - THE YEAR OF STILL HERE!
Doesn't quite have the ring that Jimmy puts to it, but it will definitely do!!
FINS TO THE LEFT!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
An Inspiration passes, but his spirit is alive!
Today, Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon Professor who gave the famous "Last Lecture" passed away. His lecture was about living and dreaming. I have written about the impact on me in earlier blogs, but needless to say the news hit me pretty hard today.
His energy and love of life and dreaming has been a huge inspiration to me. I truly feel for his family - Wife and 3 young children, but I am confident that he lived EVERY last moment he had with them and will continue to be with them in spirit forever.
His passing saddens me today as I think about what his family is going through. That sadness has begun to pass, because I know that Randy Pausch would not stand for it! He would want us to keep looking forward, keep dreaming, and keep living and cherishing every moment as he did.
Although Randy Pausch has passed from this Earth, I know his inspiration will live within the millions of people that he touched with his amazing lecture and unbreakable spirit. I know it will with me!
Thank you for the inspiration Mr. Pausch.
His energy and love of life and dreaming has been a huge inspiration to me. I truly feel for his family - Wife and 3 young children, but I am confident that he lived EVERY last moment he had with them and will continue to be with them in spirit forever.
His passing saddens me today as I think about what his family is going through. That sadness has begun to pass, because I know that Randy Pausch would not stand for it! He would want us to keep looking forward, keep dreaming, and keep living and cherishing every moment as he did.
Although Randy Pausch has passed from this Earth, I know his inspiration will live within the millions of people that he touched with his amazing lecture and unbreakable spirit. I know it will with me!
Thank you for the inspiration Mr. Pausch.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
The results are in
Ok...my 3rd post radiation MRI Day has come and gone! The Results...Stable, no enhancement and no progression!
In other words, Results that I can LITERALLY LIVE with!!! Woo Hoo!
Our Clinical Trial coordinator made a point to say how good the resection was (the surgery to remove the tumor). Dr. Crute, once again proves that she is a ROCKSTAR!
It still amazes me what she accomplished. She not only removed the tumor, but had to untangle and rewire the blood flow. 11 Hours and 38 minutes of surgery.
Dr. Crute set the stage by removing as much of the GBM (Tumor) that was humanly possible, Dr. Mehta then took aim with the radiation beam and killed anything remaining, and Dr. Robbins is keeping me stable with Chemotherapy. I have to admit...I am one of the luckiest guys on the planet to have a crew of doctors who are so good! Dem Docs sure are smart!! :)
So, with all that in mind, its hard to express what I am feeling at this moment... MRI is clean, Cubs are in 1st Place and Jimmy Buffett is playing on Saturday. What more could I really ask for? World Peace? Not until we get that Republican out of office. :)
Ok, now that I have offended my parents, Republican Friends, and Sox Fan friends...I think I will call it a night.
Just wanted to drop a quick note tonight to tell you how well I am feeling and share the amazing results of our MRI today! 6 cycles down, 6 more to go. So, unlike the Sox, I am batting 1.000. :) (Sorry Marky...couldn't resist) ;)
Thank you all for your continued prayers, they continue to work!
Miss Ava says... GO CUBS!
In other words, Results that I can LITERALLY LIVE with!!! Woo Hoo!
Our Clinical Trial coordinator made a point to say how good the resection was (the surgery to remove the tumor). Dr. Crute, once again proves that she is a ROCKSTAR!
It still amazes me what she accomplished. She not only removed the tumor, but had to untangle and rewire the blood flow. 11 Hours and 38 minutes of surgery.
Dr. Crute set the stage by removing as much of the GBM (Tumor) that was humanly possible, Dr. Mehta then took aim with the radiation beam and killed anything remaining, and Dr. Robbins is keeping me stable with Chemotherapy. I have to admit...I am one of the luckiest guys on the planet to have a crew of doctors who are so good! Dem Docs sure are smart!! :)
So, with all that in mind, its hard to express what I am feeling at this moment... MRI is clean, Cubs are in 1st Place and Jimmy Buffett is playing on Saturday. What more could I really ask for? World Peace? Not until we get that Republican out of office. :)
Ok, now that I have offended my parents, Republican Friends, and Sox Fan friends...I think I will call it a night.
Just wanted to drop a quick note tonight to tell you how well I am feeling and share the amazing results of our MRI today! 6 cycles down, 6 more to go. So, unlike the Sox, I am batting 1.000. :) (Sorry Marky...couldn't resist) ;)
Thank you all for your continued prayers, they continue to work!
Miss Ava says... GO CUBS!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Enjoying Time with Friends!
Its funny how sometimes things in life can seem so DAUNTING! This Economy, Work, Bills, Money, Family, Health, etc...
But I tell you what...the cure is simple!! Spend a weekend with some friends at a beautiful lake home on a beautiful lake and Laugh your ass off for 2 straight days! It's amazing how much better you feel Monday Morning...Unless you are Bonnie and Kim who gave "Big Mable the Tube" the ride of its life. :) Then you might have a couple of sore muscles today. :)
If you can't guess by now, that is what we did this weekend. Our Hockey/Cruise Crew (4 Couples) got together at Craig and Sue's for a unbelievable weekend. Relaxing, Laughing and having a great time...I don't know if it counts as Driving, but I gave that Waverunner a hell of a ride! :)
Kim and I being typical workaholics haven't taken many breaks over the years...no annual vacations, just a trip here or there... every couple years. After the last six months, you would think Kim and I were making up for lost time! :) Key West, Sue & Craig's, Cruise already booked for later this year!! Woo Hoo. :) What the hell, life is short might as well get out and enjoy ever minute! Just for a little more practice, Kim's sister invited us up to her lake house in 2 weeks. Even get to break out my Fishing Gear!
We have a couple weekends open between now and the end of the season...we might do some yardwork, but don't hold your breath. :)
As Jimmy Buffett says... WHAT A GREAT WAY TO FORGET ABOUT LIFE FOR A WHILE!!!! Thanks again Craig and Sue!!
Next MRI, Thursday...will let you all know how CLEAN IT IS!!!!
Peace Out!
But I tell you what...the cure is simple!! Spend a weekend with some friends at a beautiful lake home on a beautiful lake and Laugh your ass off for 2 straight days! It's amazing how much better you feel Monday Morning...Unless you are Bonnie and Kim who gave "Big Mable the Tube" the ride of its life. :) Then you might have a couple of sore muscles today. :)
If you can't guess by now, that is what we did this weekend. Our Hockey/Cruise Crew (4 Couples) got together at Craig and Sue's for a unbelievable weekend. Relaxing, Laughing and having a great time...I don't know if it counts as Driving, but I gave that Waverunner a hell of a ride! :)
Kim and I being typical workaholics haven't taken many breaks over the years...no annual vacations, just a trip here or there... every couple years. After the last six months, you would think Kim and I were making up for lost time! :) Key West, Sue & Craig's, Cruise already booked for later this year!! Woo Hoo. :) What the hell, life is short might as well get out and enjoy ever minute! Just for a little more practice, Kim's sister invited us up to her lake house in 2 weeks. Even get to break out my Fishing Gear!
We have a couple weekends open between now and the end of the season...we might do some yardwork, but don't hold your breath. :)
As Jimmy Buffett says... WHAT A GREAT WAY TO FORGET ABOUT LIFE FOR A WHILE!!!! Thanks again Craig and Sue!!
Next MRI, Thursday...will let you all know how CLEAN IT IS!!!!
Peace Out!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
A Sense of Community -
As a quick health update, before the topic of the day- :) , I feel fantastic, back to working out fairly regularly, the weather has been wonderful, and I was able to spend a few hours this weekend playing with my nephews Will and AJ at the Discovery Center, which is an interactive Kids Museum in Rockford. We had a blast, but boy did those kids where us out. I thought I was in decent shape until I tried to keep up with a 4 year old. :)
AN UPDATE from the last post - Gil had his surgery and it went well. He is home and recovering well! If you get a chance, wish him well on his blog http://gil.wolchock.blogspot.com. His Blog is always a great read and inspiring! Glad to hear you are up and around my friend.
As I approach my next visit to the "Tube" (MRI) on the 24th, my mind has started to wander back into the Cancer thinking realm. Not typically a fun place, but this time, I decided to reach out and find other GBM survivors to network with. I found a great website with message boards that I can communicate directly with GBM survivors and caregivers. It is a great little outlet for me to read about what others are going through, give advice, share my feelings, and realize how lucky I am to be doing as well as I am. I am truly blessed and this new outlet has given me a place to help others as well as help myself. Its a little thing, but those little things have amazing power!
So all in all, things are fantastic! I am happy and healthy, and grateful.
Go Cubs! from the admitted Bandwagon Fan and Peace Out from Miss Ava who is battling the split personality half Sox Fan, half Cubs Fan family. :)
AN UPDATE from the last post - Gil had his surgery and it went well. He is home and recovering well! If you get a chance, wish him well on his blog http://gil.wolchock.blogspot.com. His Blog is always a great read and inspiring! Glad to hear you are up and around my friend.
As I approach my next visit to the "Tube" (MRI) on the 24th, my mind has started to wander back into the Cancer thinking realm. Not typically a fun place, but this time, I decided to reach out and find other GBM survivors to network with. I found a great website with message boards that I can communicate directly with GBM survivors and caregivers. It is a great little outlet for me to read about what others are going through, give advice, share my feelings, and realize how lucky I am to be doing as well as I am. I am truly blessed and this new outlet has given me a place to help others as well as help myself. Its a little thing, but those little things have amazing power!
So all in all, things are fantastic! I am happy and healthy, and grateful.
Go Cubs! from the admitted Bandwagon Fan and Peace Out from Miss Ava who is battling the split personality half Sox Fan, half Cubs Fan family. :)
Monday, July 7, 2008
Get your things in order....CHECK!
While I was in the hospital, after surgery, we had to wait a couple days for the results of the pathology report on the tumor. One of the Hospital's inhouse Doctors, whose name I don't remember, but face I won't forget is the one who broke the news to me that I had a Grade 4 Glioblastoma Multiforme- The "Worst Kind" in his words.
He made a statement that has stuck with me and is finally 100% complete as of today! When I asked him how much time I had left, he was smart enough not to give me a specific timeline, but added that I needed to "Get my things in order", which I took to mean that I needed to get my shit together so that if I die, I don't leave a mess for my family and my business partner to unravel. The first step was getting a Will in place, which we accomplished a few months ago, and the final step was getting things documented for our business to ensure a solid transition. We finally made that happen today! It was like this HUGE rock has been lifted from my shoulders! Get Your Things In Order- CHECK!
Ok...on to the next step...Blow out the "Curve" of all these clinical trials and "Live Long and Prosper!!!". :) Live Hear, Right Now! Life is GREAT!!
Here are some of the reasons why-
1. Spent some time with my parents yesterday, and had some one on one time with my Dad that I truly enjoyed...just talking about his projects in their woods at their house.
2. Kim and I got out to play a little golf on the 4th with our brother in-law. Company was fun, my golf game sucks, but whats new.... :)
3. Kim and I didn't miss an event of the US Olympic Swimming trials, which, with both of us being former swimmers is something we really enjoyed! I figure if 41 year old Dara Torres can beat all of the younger challengers and break the American record in the 50m, then my 39yr old fat ass can beat some wimpy tumor.
As my friend Gil recently put in his blog http://gilwolchock.blogspot.com/ , "sometimes it's the little things in life that give you the greatest enjoyment". I totally agree!
On a side note, If you have a moment, log on to his blog and give him some positive thoughts...He is having some reconstructive knee surgery this week and would appreciate the positive energy as much as I do when I read your comments! Keep em coming!
Thank you and Peace Out!!
He made a statement that has stuck with me and is finally 100% complete as of today! When I asked him how much time I had left, he was smart enough not to give me a specific timeline, but added that I needed to "Get my things in order", which I took to mean that I needed to get my shit together so that if I die, I don't leave a mess for my family and my business partner to unravel. The first step was getting a Will in place, which we accomplished a few months ago, and the final step was getting things documented for our business to ensure a solid transition. We finally made that happen today! It was like this HUGE rock has been lifted from my shoulders! Get Your Things In Order- CHECK!
Ok...on to the next step...Blow out the "Curve" of all these clinical trials and "Live Long and Prosper!!!". :) Live Hear, Right Now! Life is GREAT!!
Here are some of the reasons why-
1. Spent some time with my parents yesterday, and had some one on one time with my Dad that I truly enjoyed...just talking about his projects in their woods at their house.
2. Kim and I got out to play a little golf on the 4th with our brother in-law. Company was fun, my golf game sucks, but whats new.... :)
3. Kim and I didn't miss an event of the US Olympic Swimming trials, which, with both of us being former swimmers is something we really enjoyed! I figure if 41 year old Dara Torres can beat all of the younger challengers and break the American record in the 50m, then my 39yr old fat ass can beat some wimpy tumor.
As my friend Gil recently put in his blog http://gilwolchock.blogspot.com/ , "sometimes it's the little things in life that give you the greatest enjoyment". I totally agree!
On a side note, If you have a moment, log on to his blog and give him some positive thoughts...He is having some reconstructive knee surgery this week and would appreciate the positive energy as much as I do when I read your comments! Keep em coming!
Thank you and Peace Out!!
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