The convenience of karma and the cancer disconnect
Monday, September 26, 2011 at 8:22PM I want to thank everyone for their concern over my health. I came out a victor in Round 1. The bone marrow biopsy showed no cancer in my blood or marrow. Previously, I had been diagnosed with chronic anemia and thrombocytopenia, which is low platelets. Yesterday, a new diagnosis was added to the list… monoclonal gammapathy. That’s abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow. I will have to learn to live with it. There is a risk, albeit low, that it may develop into cancer one day, but I’ll take that with a smile. Friday, I get the lung biopsy. I was supposed to have it this morning (10/4), but no one told me to stop taking baby aspirin.
There is little understanding about what caused the blood conditions to manifest. They just strike people. At least I can stop worrying about it, although I will have to be checked every 3 months to keep tabs on whether it does turn into cancer, but if so, it could be years down the road.
I really wanted to go to the hearing on Wednesday afternoon — the one concerning the motion WKMG-TV filed that asked the court to release a video recording of Mizzanthony’s shocked and distressed jail house reaction to news that her daughter’s remains were found very near to where she lived. You see, back in 2009, Judge Stan Strickland agreed with the defense that the video would have been too prejudicial to show a jury because it could have negatively affected her right to a fair trial. Consequently, he sealed it. That was then, and now that the trial is over, what harm would it do to release it? After all, the defense openly admitted she knew all along that her child was dead.
WKMG’s attorney, Jack Kirschenbaum, stood toe-to-toe with Jose Baez in court, both arguing in front of Chief Judge Belvin Perry. While Kirschenbaum cited Florida’s open government in the sunshine laws, Baez stuck with his concerns over medical privacy. Perry is expected to render a decision by week’s end, and my educated guess is that he will side with the media. Why? Because administering the defendant a sedative in a waiting room with a TV does not constitute doctor/client privilege. Besides, the issue over the defendant receiving a fair trial is no longer a factor.
One of the reasons I wanted to attend the hearing was to see some of the people I interacted with during the course of the case — countless reporters, deputies, attorneys, and the bevy of courthouse employees and everyday people I got to meet. You know, for old-time’s sake. I had an 11:30 appointment to see my gastroenterologist and I figured I’d have plenty of time to make it to the courthouse by 3:00. Alas, I didn’t leave the doctor’s office until then. The doctor explained, apologetically, that it wasn’t from overbooking as much as it was from the federal government’s new law mandating that all medical offices must be computerized or face stringent penalties. I understand how the learning curve would be difficult for medical personnel of a given age, plus the fact that the software is quite complex and not mastered in a day. In any event, the only outcome of my day was learning that I will have both an endoscopy and a colonoscopy on October 18. Whoopee! Fortunately, I will be sedated.
Since I’m addressing doctors, sedatives, journalists and the court system, I’m going to haphazardly segue into one word that kept creeping up during the course of the whole Anthony ordeal — karma. But before I get into it, I want to apologize for not being all that attentive on my blog of late. For sure, I wanted a lengthy break after the crux of the Anthony mess came tumbling down in July, but it’s pushing October and I feel I owe you a legitimate explanation. I’ll get to that shortly.
Dictionary.com defines karma as “an action, seen as bringing upon oneself inevitable results, good or bad, either in this life or in a reincarnation.” It goes on to mention fate and destiny as descriptors. Unfortunately for some of my readers, I have a real problem with karma. To be quite frank, I just don’t believe in it and I’ll tell you why. Take the case of Mizzanthony. All through the legal process, countless numbers of people were adamant about her karma coming back to “bite her in her azz”, only it didn’t happen that way. Otherwise, she would have been found guilty and sentenced to life or death for murdering her daughter, Caylee Marie. Speaking of Caylee, what did she do to warrant such horrendous karma that she had to die at such a young and innocent age? If karma killed Lee Harvey Oswald, what karma killed JFK?
While karma was a constant theme during the Anthony case, it was only used matter of factly, as a matter of convenience. In other words, when karma failed to get the defendant while incarcerated and tried in open court, it morphed into something else — that karma will get her while she’s out of jail and free. Just move the karma around to suit one’s fancy. Some people actually believe they have power over people by inflicting karma. Take a look at the slugs that attacked me and my friends unmercifully during the past two years. Karma was going to get us because they had ordained it so. In that regard, karma is pitted against karma; the good karma being us and the bad karma being them, although they would stupidly beg to differ. May the best karma win! Caylee’s mother may live to be 90, but karma will catch up to her then? Come on, we all know better than that. Eventually, she will have to meet her maker, and that’s what counts.
Regardless, karma goes against the will of God, at least in the Judeo-Christian sense. I don’t think the Bible puts much faith in reincarnation, for example, and I think it’s safe to say that most of my blog’s readers fall under the auspices of the Judeo-Christian credo and, therefore, karma is a direct conflict with the principles of both books of the Bible, although Job 4:8 (KJV) does state, “Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same,” but I’m not about to get all preachy on you. In this particular regard, a simple explanation can be found with one of our contemporaries, Orenthal James Simpson.
While O.J. was acquitted of murdering Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman in 1995, he sits in Lovelock Correctional Center in Nevada until, at least, 2017; sentenced to 33-years for kidnapping and armed robbery in 2008. His first possibility of parole comes in 2017, but don’t count on it. Was it karma that finally caught up with him? Hardly. You see, if you hang around bad people and do bad things, your odds of getting caught multiply tremendously. That’s precisely what happened to OJ, plain and simple. He was responsible for his own undoing because he chose to hang around a bad crowd. He did it to himself, with no help from fate, destiny, karma, kismet, or whatever else you want to call it. He chose his own path.
That leads this article to yours truly and how karma did not come beckoning at my front door. Conveniently, the devil’s rejects who attacked me incessantly during the past two years will rejoice after reading this, but I don’t care. While they are sure I am Satan incarnate, sane people know otherwise. You know me as a caring individual. You know my sensitive side. Understanding human behavior is not in a troll’s vocabulary. For them to compare me to Hitler and Stalin¹, two of the worst people to ever walk the earth, is pure insanity. How anyone could make a comparison like that is beyond the realm of accepted behavior. Well, enough of them and their trashy troll talk.
Everyone who has followed me for the past three years knows that I’ve had a number of health issues, none karma related. Recently, I was able to get some complex blood work done. One of those tests showed an abnormality in my blood protein, specifically, elevated M protein. For years now, my platelets have been quite low, along with RBC, hemoglobin and hematocrit counts. I was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia and chronic anemia years ago. Trust me when I tell you I am not seeking sympathy of any kind, nor am I looking for any sort of hand-out.
I have been seeing a specialist in the field of hematology and oncology. You know, a blood disorder and cancer doctor. I have had x-rays taken of every bone in my body in search of lesions. I have had CT scans and PET scans. I also had an MRI. Why my veins haven’t collapsed by now is beyond me. On Monday, my hematology/oncology doctor performed a bone marrow biopsy on my right hip. Believe me, in my case, it wasn’t nearly as painful as it sounds. While those tests were being performed, something new crept up; something totally unrelated to the problem with my blood. Something that put everything else on hold.
My long-time readers will remember when I was laid up with pneumonia back in December of 2008. It was confined to my right lung, and it’s not at all unusual to recur at any time in the future. Here’s where the karma comes in, or should I say, lack of karma? Some of the recent tests showed “an infiltrate is present within the left upper lobe and the right major fissure thickening.”
What this means is that there is an astute possibility that I have a cancerous tumor in my left lung, as in lung cancer. That’s something no one wants to hear. My doctor said it was large, and the PET result stated it had an “uptake value of 2.7.” The injection I got before the scan contained a radioactive substance and glucose. Cancer cells absorb the material 10-times more than healthy cells, so they light up like Christmas trees. 2.7 is not full-blown cancer like 5.0, but it’s enough to make any doctor sit up and take notice. It’s also the reason why all other health concerns are now on hold. The “major fissure thickening” is the area between lobes, near a vertebra. While that one shows no sign of cancer at this time, it may down the road. Next week, I will be put under a derivative of morphine and Valium, and my left lung will be biopsied. No matter what it is, and I’m fairly certain I know, the growth will most likely be removed after it’s evaluated.
This is just the start of many pokes and probes and possible operations. Trust me when I say it has weighed heavily on my mind, as my close friends and family will attest. Here and now, I am going to explain the matter of karma. I never did anything morally wrong enough for some silly karma to come and get me, despite being bitten in the azz by a biopsy needle. No, this problem has nothing to do with karma. The only thing that matters is the fact that I smoked cigarettes and cigars for nearly 40-years. It was my choice to smoke and no one else’s, and it’s what caused it. (I did quit four years ago.)
When giving my mother the news, I told her the most important part — the only reason why it was found early was because of tests taken for another type of cancer. Had I not had those tests at this time, odds are it wouldn’t have been diagnosed until it was too late. I have no real symptoms and that’s the problem. By the time real symptoms creep up on you, this type of cancer, which is extremely aggressive, has grown arms and legs and spread like wildfire. That’s the main reason why lung cancer has such a high mortality rate.
While I will insist it’s not karma, I will say I do believe in divine intervention, although I’m no authority on it. I think, in my case, it’s what made sure the right tests were performed at the right time — that caught it early enough. At least, that’s what I’m praying. So, if you wonder why I haven’t written much lately, truth be told, I’ll readily admit I’ve rested on my laurels, I can be a great procrastinator, and I have a lazy streak at times. But one thing is certain — there’s a lot on my mind right now that limits my creativity and I shouldn’t be that way. I need to find new stories to write about, but until I do, please bear with me. While I do not believe in karma, I do believe in the power of prayer, and that’s precisely what I am asking you to do. Please keep me in your prayers. That’s all I ask.
And if you smoke, please quit now.
Dave Knechel | tagged Cancer, Chronic Anemia, Hematology, Jack Kirschenbaum, Karma, Lung Cancer, M protein, Oncology, Thrombocytopenia | in Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony, Cheney Mason, Chief Judge Belvin Perry, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, Diabetes, Disease, Human Interest, Jose Baez, Judge Stan Strickland, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Religion/Philosophy, marinadedave | Share Article | 1 Reference 
LEGAL NOTICE
©David B. Knechel. All Rights Reserved. No portion of this site can be reproduced in it's entirety or in part without expressed written permission by the owner/administrator of this site in accordance with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Section 512(c)(3) of the U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. §512(c)(3). The charges against defendants are mere accusations and the subjects are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.
Reader Comments (84)
Dear Dave
I have not come for a while (connection problems) I miss your article a lot.
I feel for you in this very important moment in your life, take care my friend and I will pray for you and that all will go well for you!
I wish I could do more to help, all my best vibes to you from a friend from the other side of the world.
Rita
Hello, Rita! How lovely it is to see you again. I hope your Internet connection is now fixed.
Yes, this is a very important part of my life and I am going to fight it tooth and nail. Thank you for your prayers and. by all means, please send me all the good vibes you've got to give.
Thank you, Rita. You are my friend no matter where you live.
Dave..I have a relative who has lived with Thrombo for years now. It is an inconvenience that's for sure, but she is ok, and now in her mid-80's. My Dad had a lung tumor removed (also in his mid-80's, he is now married to the aforementioned woman, they were classmates in school in the 30s). We were all prepared for it to be cancer, but it was not. Dad smoked (a lot) for the many years..he worked for NASA.
You are in our prayers, even now, Our family firmly believes in 'where there is life, there is hope', and it has gotten us through many trials.
Please remember Dave, you are thought of, you are prayed for, and whatever the short term outcome(long term is the same for us all), you are loved.
Hi, dadgum! To be truthful, I've lived with thrombo for years, too. It's discomforting, to say the least, but I'll be happy if that's all it is instead of some sort of blood cancer. It is very encouraging to learn of your father's lung tumor being removed with no recurrence of cancer. That's great news! I am being very positive about it because I believe it was found before it was too late.
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. Yes, there is hope, and I have lots of it! It's nice to be loved. Just like the Beatles sang, the love you take is equal to the love you make. I think that's the only thing we can take with us.
Good morning Dave. I have missed your posts lately. Sorry to hear you're having a setback. You have many friends and our prayers are with you. I have several health issues too and it sometimes weighs you down. Remember love (which you have) conquers all!
Good morning, Carol. I don't think you've missed many of my posts because I really haven't written that many lately. This is a setback, but I do believe a positive attitude and the prayers of others will help me get through this. God knows, I've had a lot of health problems spring up in the past 5 years and I'm still a happy guy. Yes, love conquers all, and there will always be plenty of that to go around. It means I will keep you in my prayers, too. Thank you for writing. I wish you all the best.
Dave may all the good karma you have earned over the years come back ten fold. I'll keep you in my prayers as you tackle this latest crises.
Take care. LCM
Hi, LCoastMom - If it can come back tenfold, trust me, I'll take it, whatever anyone wants to call it! Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. I'm going to fight this head on, no matter what it is. I've still got a lot of writing to do.
How does one respond to news such as yours? While I don't know you personally, my first response is certainly you will be in my prayers. Anyone who has had their life or the life of someone they care about confronted with that one truly horrifying word in the English vocabulary can completely understand that hand-in-hand with the word cancer is the word fear. It makes us take pause and makes love and care and nurturing and understanding a top priority and makes us understand how precious this life is and how much those we love mean to us - things on any other day we take for granted without much thought. And you are absolutely right, there is no karma involved here nor is karma involved in so many other senseless situations. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and those you love Dave. Stay focused, stay positive, stay strong and fight fiercely the small battles along the way. I hope one day to meet you and to shake your hand and to say thanks for taking the time to write and for bringing honesty and intellect and a willingness to share with a world of people such as me that you don't even know.
Hi, Karime2thestars - One of my strongest traits is the ability to remain positive throughout the many ordeals we are slapped with in life. This is just an extension of that and I will fight it with gusto. Cancer runs on both sides of my family, and if I'm the only one out of four children to get it, I'll be happy. The only unsettling part is that once you have it, odds are, you'll get it again, but I'm not going to worry about it. One step at a time. Of course, the thought of being opened up like a can of sardines is not a pleasant thought, but I will do whatever it takes.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. One prayer is worth tons more than all the karma in the world. I would like to meet you one day, too. Not so you can thank me - just to meet. No one can ever have too many friends. I'm grateful to you for enjoying my writing. That's very encouraging.
Hi Dave. I know you will be fine. I work for a group of radiologists here in Georgia (been with them 26 years now) and have seen so many people who have been diagnosed come through it with flying colors. Something tells me your "Karma" is going to get you through this. Best wishes.
Hi, Cindy - Thank you for your much appreciated words of encouragement. I sure hope I come through this with flying colors, and there's no reason to think otherwise. I've never run away from a challenge, and this is one of them. I'm positive it will be removed before it has a chance to grow roots. That's how confident I am.
Hi Dave.
As usual, very well said. I agree that blaming karma is nonsense. As it relates to Anthony (and all the others out there who would harm others), we are all affected by the free will choices that others make. Sometimes the consequences are small. Sometimes they can take years from which to recover. When "karma" gets used as an excuse for bad stuff that happens (natural disasters, diseases or even just a flat tire), we're really just blaming the victim like Job's "friends" in the Bible did, aren't we? (with "friends" like his, who needs enemies?)
We live in a fallen world.
Sometimes we do reap what we sow. Sometimes it's immediate. Sometimes it takes years to see the correlation.
Sometimes innocent bystanders suffer from the choices that others make. We may never know the reasons why we were "chosen" to suffer from their choices, from a disease, or from natural disasters. Much of life just ain't fair.
But we have a God we can turn to for comfort, strength and the peace that passes all understanding.
That's better than good 'karma' any day!
Boy, Laura, no one could say it better than what you just wrote. You hit the nail on the head. I will never understand why so many people won't take responsibility for their actions. In many instances, it's always someone else's fault. As for karma, you're absolutely right, karma is used flippantly, as if a catch-all means of explaining reactions to actions that are generally negative in nature. In Anthony's case, it was HER choice, not karma's, and if karma does exist, then she must have been innocent all along. Look, then, at the good karma that came her way.
Rubbish. Karma's got nothing to do with it.
I am wholeheartedly with you. I'll take God over karma any day of the week.
Thank you for your inspirational words. If this is lung cancer, it's from 40 years of smoking and nothing more. No one forced me to do it. No one else (or anything else, for that matter) is to blame. It's great to see you.
Dave,
I am glad that you are taking care of yourself. I worried about you during the trial. I have alreadly started praying. I hope this turns out to be benign. Those scopes are not bad; I have had to take them for years. The prep for the colonoscopy is the problem. Be sure to drink the liquids they say you can have.
Prayer changes things and you will have many prayers. I look forward to reading your column for years to come. GOD BLESS YOU.
Hi, Nanna Frances! Yup, I'm finally looking after my health. During the trial, there were several people, including deputies, who kept a close watch on me because there were days I looked like death warmed over. Ultimately, it was concern for me that mattered. I had days when I just felt awful, but in the end, I only missed one full day and two half-days. All of the people around me were just as concerned, and they were some of the nicest people I've ever met. Yes, famous people. Very caring famous people.
As for the colonoscopy, I have express instructions on how to prep myself. The regimen starts 5 days prior, believe it or not.
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. Trust me, I'm looking forward to you reading my columns for years to come. May God bless you, too!
Dave my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, terri. I couldn't ask for anything more. Please know that your words mean an awful lot to me, and they always will.
Dave, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank goodness you are proactive in taking care of your health. Many men do not pay attention to their bodies. My late husband was so cavalier about taking care of his health. He was a smoker, and did not quit until he had a massive heart attack. Please take care of yourself, and listen to your inner intuition, it will guide you when the physicians are telling you they can’t find the answers. As for Casey Anthony, if she stays on the same path she is on, she will continue in the same direction which will lead her to more destruction. I see little hope for Casey, as a sociopath, the only thing that will keep her out of jail is fear. As for Karma, I agree with you, it does not pass the common sense test. I was hoping you would write about the Susan Cox Powell case. It would be wonderful to read your thought on Josh Powell. Please post on your blog how you are progressing with your health. God Bless.
Hello, Rob! You know, I am planning on writing about the Susan Powell case, but these problems have kept my mind preoccupied. After I settle in with all of this and regain my composure, I'm sure I will get back in the thick of it.
I don't know what will become of Miss Anthony, but I do think that her mind has been skating on thin ice, very thin ice, for some time now. I don't think it's easy for anyone to know they are the most hated person on earth and every day is a challenge to stay alive. She's got to look over her shoulder every minute of every day unless she remains in her self-imposed prison with walls all around to protect her. I would imagine she has horrendous nightmares about her daughter, so lest anyone think she got away with anything, she didn't, and karma had nothing to do with it. It is the end to her means.
Give me a little more time to be brought up to speed. There are going to be some very uncomfortable days ahead, and I will either be too sore to write, or I will need to write to keep my mind off the pain. Hopefully, it will be the latter. In the interim, I will post updates on my progress periodically. Thank you for your words of encouragement. I'm sorry your husband didn't listen to you or his inner self. Trust me, I will!
:(:(:(
I can't tell how I dug in to your article first thing this morning, you really are a good writer Dave.
So, ok. You have a fight in front of you, but you strike me as the fighting type. And it isn't just the Christians that don't hold much with karma (except when it suits them), but some of us athiest/agnostic types don't hold much with it either. Having had alot of ups and downs in my own life, karma never seemed like a rational explanation for any of it.
And I doubt this will give the trolls anything to dance about, the only thing they care about is getting you upset, something it seems they have lost the power to do. If you deserve any karma in that scenario, it's for the kindness, compassion, and fairness that you treated the Anthony family with, and your desire for justice for Caylee.
I'm not sure my prayers would do you any good Dave, but I will be pulling for you here in Colorado, and will still be anxiously awaiting your next post...
Thank you, BrookinNoCo! I like to write and it's nice to know you enjoy it.
Yes, I am a fighter, so this is something I'll get over. The part that bothers me the most is the inconvenience of it as I am trying to get on with my life. I know that not everyone is religious, and either way, it has nothing to do with the goodness we have in our hearts. That's not religion - it comes from our deep, inherent thoughts. One thing is certain, and you said it - there's no way to rationalize karma. As for the trolls, I think we can all agree that anyone who thinks they can conjure up karma against someone else is delusional, at best. Certainly, I lost all concern for their actions months ago, and they did nothing to stop me from attending the trial. They accomplished zilch. Let them think whatever they wish. It has no affect on me whatsoever. If I was fair in my writing, which I believe I have been, then I only want to be treated fairly now, by everyone. I need some moral support. Thank you for offering to pull for me. That helps me tremendously. I'll see what I can muster for my next post.
Hi Dave, so sorry to hear all the medical issues you are having to deal with. I also believe in the power of prayer and know it works..You are going to hear so many "I know so and so that had" so here is mine..My youngest daughter was 4 1/2 months pregnant with her first and only child whan she was diagnosed with breast cancer. From there things moved so quickly..Breast removed, chemo and radiation.The whole 9 yards..But so many prayers from everywhere. Having just buried a son my husband and I lived on our knees..Now, nearly 10 years later we have both blessings..Karma had nothing to do with that but our Father knew we could not lose another one..Let alone 2..
You know you will be in our daily prayers that His will be done..But you do all you can on your end..I think Mom needs you a few more years and so do we.
Hi, GLENDA - I'm sorry to hear about my medical issues, too, and they seem to keep piling on since I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 5 years ago. Of course, none of my current problems are related to that, nor are my latest ones related to each other. I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. No, losing a child at any age is next to impossible to grasp, let alone 2. I'm thankful your daughter came through it all. Karma had nothing to do with it, and your faith in God was what helped guide you through the bad times. I'm glad you kept your faith throughout your trials and tribulations.
As for my mother... YES! She will definitely need me around the house for a few more years. I plan on being around, too. That means will continue to do as you suggest - do everything on my end that's possible. Thank you for keeping me in your daily prayers and for needing me to hang around for awhile. Trust me, I'm not going anywhere any time soon!
Prayers are being sent your way for all that you have going on right now. Stay positive and strong and know that if it does turn out to be cancer that they caught it early. They have come a long way with medicine and can do just about anything now. 2.7 is considerably low compared to 5.0 so maybe it could possibly be benign and they can remove it and you won't have to worry about it. I have had some health problems over the past 8 years and it is not fun to deal with. Once you hear the cancer word it seems like that is all you hear and you can't get past that word. Try to stay as busy as you can so your mind stays off of this as much as possible and know that you have many friends who are sending you prayers and good wishes. Stay the strong and positive person that I have come to know you to be. God works in mysterious ways and I know he will be watching over you. I don't believe in karma either.
Ah, Mary Jo... your words are like music to my ears. Thank you for your prayers. I know you have gone through a lot and what you've had to say has been downright inspirational. It would be nice if this is benign, but benign tumors don't light up. Fortunately, the low number most likely means it's in its infancy and no serious threat at this time. Had I not been able to have tests done, there's no doubt in my mind that the outcome down the road would be a lot different. You're quite right about hearing the word cancer. It changes everything, but I refuse to wallow in the mire of self-pity. Your prayers and good wishes, plus those of others, will go a long way in keeping me out of harm's way. I will stay the strong and positive person you have gotten to know. Yes, God will keep a watch over me - karma not included. Thank you for being you. Thank you for being my friend.
Dave;
Not karma, No Sir...................FAITH! I am sending all the positive energy I can muster your way. I know that there are thousands of others that are doing the same as they read this article.
Now, the only article I want to read from you is the article explaining the removal of the tumor and a clean bill of health. You can then tell me how FAITH has once again moved the mountain and we shall all celebrate your new found health. Take this time to focus on the battle, just like a chess game. You are a fighter and you will also win this battle. Get well and know that I am thinking all positive thoughts until I read your most welcome article of your recovery.
Love and positive energy to you, my friend!!
Hi, SageMom - Nope, no such thing as karma. Caramel, yes, but there's no such thing as karma Korn. Hmmm... I wonder if that would sell?
It's a great feeling, knowing that you and many others are sending lots of love and positive energy my way. Thank you very much for all tht!
I do plan on letting everyone know of my progress, but I'm not going to obsess over it that it takes control of my writing. There's a lot more going on in the world than just me, and I'm not the self-centered sort. Just an occasional word or two, that's all. Yup, I'm a fighter and I used to be a darn good chess player. I probably still am, but I haven't played it in years. I am always up for a good challenge, though, so watch out! Here I come!
With your help, I will win, but at the same time, I refuse to admit there's anything to lose.
Please keep the same confidence that you had during the Anthony trial. That will surely pull you through. I will keep my prayers going for you. If you have any questions regarding this (CT, PET/CT, x-rays, etc.), please let me know. If i don't know the answer, I will be glad to ask one of my radiologists. Stay strong and know you are loved by so many people even though most of us have never even met you. Reminds me somewhat of Caylee, as none of us knew her, our love for her grew so much during these last three years. Take care, Cindy in Savannah
Oh, Cindy, I will keep the same confidence I had during the trial. No need to worry about that! The only real problem I foresee is the pain I will go through. You know how men are. Very low pain thresholds.
Thanks for offering your help. I may need some answers as this progresses. I do have your e-mail account, so I may do it that way, if it's alright. Usually, I'm pretty good at interpreting things, but I know virtually nothing about medicine other than what I've studied regarding the things I've had over a long time period, like diabetes.
I like your analogy. No, we haven't met, and none of us ever knew Caylee, but she sure has brought a lot of us together. Too bad she'll never be around to witness what she's done in life. For sure, everyone loves Caylee.
Sorry to hear of your health problems Dave even a benign growth in your lungs could lead to recpitery problems.One way or another its early disscovery bodes well for a compleate recovery.Your health is more important than blogging so rest an try to think positive thoughts................
Hello, ecossie, my friend! I agree that there's nothing good that will come out of this. Foreign objects and growths in lungs are never something that bodes well. At least, it was caught before it's had a chance to spread. It does mean that for the rest of my life I will have to undergo periodic testing, but that sure is better than the alternative. Yes, my health is most important, but my blog is right up there on the importance scale. I'll be fine, I promise. I just wanted to let everyone know what is going on in my life. I need everyone's positive thoughts. Thank you very much.
Dave: I’m always telling you that I admire your writing, but this time I’m going to tell you that I admire your courage.
My deepest prayers will go out to you for as long as you wish.
You know, I blame Casey Marie Anthony for what happened to Caylee Marie Anthony and no one else. God gave us free will; and, therefore, each of us has a choice. He won't prevent our actions, no matter how much pain they cause Him.
Somehow I know that your actions have mostly made Him smile.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
How nice of you, nan11. It's nice to know how much you've admired my writing. It's even nicer to know you admire my courage. Initially, I didn't know how I was going to take bad news like this, but I've been through so much over the course of 5 years, I've grown accustomed to it. Certainly, no one wants to hear the "C" word, but to me, it's par for the course. Oh well.
Of course, Caylee's mother is fully responsible for her own actions, just like I am my own fool for smoking all those years. If I could ever go back in time and make one adjustment, it would be that I never took a puff on a cigarette. Now, if I can help someone else to decide whether to never smoke or quit, then my words would not be in vain.
Thank you so very much for your deepest prayers. That helps beyond your wildest dreams! I was compelled to share this dilemma with you and everyone else. Like I said, if it helps stop smoking, then great, but perhaps I'm also a little greedy. I'll take all the prayers and positive thoughts I can get.
Yes, everyone loves Caylee, but everyone also loves you, too and appreciates all that you have done with the Casey Anthony case. Please feel free to email me anytime, night or day, and I will help you with whatever you need. Stay safe, Cindy in Savannah
Thank you, Cindy. That is very kind of you. I might just take you up on your generous offer to help. Now, I need to go out and take care of a couple of things, including picking up some prescriptions. Imagine that!
Friend, just know I am pulling for you!! I was afraid to write to you in the last few days. I am so glad you are positive and have good humor. Laughter is the best medicine.
I know that you will do fine. I am so glad we are friends. Please feel free to contact if you just want to let off steam
Marsha
Oh, Marsha, I wish I was just pulling your leg instead of you pulling for me, but it's very much appreciated and needed. I am very positive because that's my nature. Of course, you know I have a good sense of humor and that will always prevail. You know that I was planning on coming up in November, but right now, everything is on hold. I will definitely keep you informed. I might just take you up on your offer to release steam, too, because I do count you as a beloved friend. Thanks, Marsha, I really value your friendship.
Dang it Knechel, I can't let you out of my sight for any length of time and look what you have gotten yourself into. I have the GREAT HEALER on speed dial and left a message on HIS voice mail to watch over you. HE has carried me when I needed HIM , on too many occasions to mention, and I have every confidence that HE will do the same for you. Remember that HE helps those who help themselves so think positive thoughts and keep the faith.
When I hear the word Karma, I just shake my head. Who came up with that hogwash? Can someone explain to me how a small child, who has never harmed a soul in their young life, be plagued with a life threatening condition because of Karma? I do believe that those who wish harm or illness on others may find that it may backfire.
I shall check in from time to time to see if you are behaving and nag nag nag.... Lucky you eh?
Love ya big fella!
See what happens when you leave me alone, Snoopy? I start to disintegrate and my lungs get all funky. I never had that problem until you stopped sending me those SnoopySniff© Healthy Lad© Chicken Soup Suppositories©.
Oh well, I'll take the one on your speed dial. That's the one that works best.
Karma actually has roots in Hinduism and Buddhism. In theosophy, it's the cosmic principle according to which each person is rewarded or punished in one incarnation according to that person's deeds in the previous incarnation.
Yes, please do check in from time-to-time. Check your little black book first.
Dave,
The lights do not always mean cancer. After my stepdaughter had breast cancer and successful treatment, there was a growth on her lung. The PET scan showed very bright spots. It is being watched and has not grown in 2 years.
Besides, as I said earlier, prayer changes things. Keep your positive attitude, and good things will happen.
Well, Nanna Frances, that would be great if the lighted spot on my lung turned out to noncancerous. I'm not a pessimist by nature, so I will keep nothing but positive thoughts in my mind. Once the lung issue is settled, doctors can concentrate on my blood problem and I can eventually fulfill my goal to climb Mt. Dora, northwest of here. As long as my lung is fine, I should have no problem breathing the thin air.
Thanks! See? You've got me dancing on the ceiling already!
Just thinking Dave..
it sucks to get old-er.
It beats the alternative, though.
I have lived with hubby through that 5 days of nothing with nuts or seeds, and no red/orange coloring (as I recall, blue is ok, if you can think of blue food..) Then comes the prep..you have to watch Ricky Gervase in 'Ghost Town' as you down the dreaded goo.
Just think,,you can have your own CaringBridge site now!
just kidding your blog is wonderful, as always. And as always, Dave, you will overcome! (glad you're the praying sort).
xoxo
It sure does suck to get older, dadgum. I've had to fast for procedures before, but this is a new one. 5 days before the gastroenterologist goes to work, I have to stop taking any pain meds except Tylenol. I'm sure because that's the only OTC that's non an NSAID. The day before, I can have breakfast and lunch until 11:30 AM. Then, it's just liquids, Mira Lax and Dulcolax. Oh boy, I can't wait! Anyway, I have to get through my lung biopsy yet, and I got the news on that today. P.A.T. (Patient Admission Testing) on Monday morning, and CT scans, etc. on tuesday morning, including the biopsy. If my lung doesn't collapse and there are no other complications, I will be home by early afternoon. Imagine that! My own CaringBridge site! By the way, I hope your son is doing well. You'll have to give us an update soon.
Thanks a lot for your great words of encouragement. I shall overcome... I shall overcome... I shall overcome... That will be my mantra for the next few weeks. I hope my mojo is rising.
Hi Dave. First off, thanks for sharing this - sometimes you don't know what's going on with others around you we all get so wrapped up in ourselves and then you hear something like this and feel selfish - I am sorry that you are facing this and you can rest assured, you are in my thoughts and prayers. It is not a death sentence and I am so thankful that it was caught when it was caught. Keep your attitude positive and stay strong and you will go far. Let people take care of you and be at peace - you will get through this. I completely agree with your divine intervention theory and personally know about 4 people who this same thing happened to - as a matter of fact, my sister was one of them about 4 months ago when she went in for a rotator cuff xray and from that xray they found a spot on her lung! We were of course out of our minds because we just lost our Mom 2 years ago to cancer so it hit way too close - turned out to be just that - a spot on the xray itself, not on her lung - talk about a sigh of relief but that week leading up to her test and waiting for the results were killing us. It made me think long and hard about what I do to myself and my own body and what lies ahead - I am 42 and at times feel like I'm 102 LOL! We pick up habits in life that are fun at the time and don't realize what the future holds - luckily you've got 4 years of healthy lungs under your belt so you can fight. I am on day 17 of quitting smoking and I'm pretty proud of myself! Never thought that I could do it and although I have my moments, going back is not an option. I also believe in living honestly and that if you do, you will be rewarded, whether it be here or in heaven - you are a good man, a good friend to many and are surrounded by good people. I wish you well in your tests and will continue praying for you and your peace! Thinking of you. Be well.
Hi, Lisa L. - I have never been one to hide my feelings, so sharing was a natural course of action for me. I want people to know about this problem because I want people to pray and send good thoughts my way. I will take any help I can get. Thankfully, I do not think of this as any sort of death sentence, mainly because it is something that has been caught early enough, I'm sure. I will know more about it in a week or so, and what course of action will be taken, if any. I'm hoping it's not cancerous, but at the same time, I'm a pragmatist. Odds are good that it's something bad and I want to face it head on. This growth on my lung was found by x-rays and a CT scan. The PET scan verified that it was there on my lung. While the size doesn't seem like much, 4.8 cm x 1.8 cm, my doctor said it is, so I will take his word for it since it is in the top left lobe and that's probably the smallest of the three. The radioactive injection is what made it light up, so it's a good chnce it's cancerous. Although I'd rather it not be, I'd also be a lot happier if it wasn't there at all.
I'm very sorry you lost your mother to cancer, and I am rooting for you all the way! I stopped counting the days soon after I quit smoking, but I don't remember exactly when I stopped. All I know is that I never once looked back. I never picked up a cigarette or cigar again. I recall a guy tying to get me to take a puff off one of those battery operated vegetable steamer things in the shape of a filtered cigarette. I told him to get that thing away from me. I didn't mean to be be so blunt, but I didn't even want a picture of a cigarette near me. It will actually be 4 years in October, and to honest, I don't know what day it was, but one thing is certain - after I quit, I didn't have the urge to smoke again, like I had in previous attempts. The odd thing is, the smell of smoke and smokers doesn't entice me one bit. Sometimes, the urge just hits, but it's fleeting. I laugh, because I know I will never smoke again.
You have every right to be proud of yourself after 17 days, and that's a fact. If you ever need support, I'm the guy you can go to, so keep that in mind. Anyway, thank you very much for writing and sharing your thoughts. This is one of the things I've always tried to encourage on my blog. Thank you, too for thinking of me and wishing me well. All of this is a very good thing.
Dave; I had a very distinct feeling that your post was going to reveal something that not only you, but the rest of us fear throughout our lives. As you know I am nearing my 5th anniversary, knowing that cancer still sits on my spine. Well it's kind of weird, because you want to hear you are clear, it's gone, you are cured, but unfortunately cancer is made of CELLS not just the tumour itself. I don't want to scare you but you should know the reality of living with Cancer. It will take a long time to digest the very thought that it's there, and by that time you have been biopsied and have had the tumour removed and given whatever treatment followup is thought best for YOU. If you know the truth it's much more real, and you can deal with your Doctor's without fear of asking questions and determining what your next move will be. Think of it like a game of Chess. Some of your readers will be mad at me for saying it like it is. I am also telling you that HOPE, PRAYER & A POSITIVE ATTITUDE can delay or even reverse your prognosis. I have met hundreds of friends on Blog For A Cure, since being diagnosed. I have lost friends, I have lots still fighting and living like magnificent human beings. Perhaps you could call it a Crap game, but really it's all how the cancer reacts to the drugs, treatment, and of course your own antibodies in your bloodstream. I will say I am very sorry that you have to battle this but knowing you, cancer will never be your downfall. I will always say a prayer for you Dave and I do understand the reaction to hearing it for the first time. It's pure shock. I quit smoking 3 years ago, but whatever you do stop beating yourself up for smoking. There are thousands who have cancer that never ever smoked. You are likely a very lucky man for having it found so soon. You will of course keep me in the loop. If you are brave enough you might want to join me over at Blog for A Cure. You will find a whole new bunch of very supprortive friends, who you can talk to about your results and progress. I rarely tell my friends or family about my progress as I don't want to worry them. My support group gives me what I need. Love you Dave.
Hello, Weezie, my dear friend... Yes, you know all about cancer and living with it, sometimes in fear, I guess. But you adjust. That's exactly what I intend to do. One thing about me that I like to do my homework, especially when it concerns me and my health. After all, how can I write about diabetes in order to help others if I don't research it well?
You said a lot in your comment. I wouldn't have expected anything less from you because you are a fighter and you want the facts straight up andright in your face. That's the way I am. I'm not looking for pity. I know it seems like I'm beating myself up over smoking, but the main reason is not for me, it's for the countless people out there who smoke. If one person reads my post and never lights another cigarette, then I have succeeded. Oh, I sure do plan on hanging around for a long time. Yeah, it's a crap shoot, but so is life. I also understand the nature of the beast and how cancer manifests. The fact that I was always a good chess player increases my odds. I am smart, and I will do my best to outsmart my enemy. Heck, I'm not quite sure I have one yet, but if I do, I am ready for the challenge.
Thank you for your pep talk. You make all the sense in the world and this is something that should never be sugar coated. Life wouldn't be life without a little vinegar every now and then. I don't intend to be left in a pickle.
I may take you up on Blog for a Cure. We can go over that in e-mails. Anyway, take good care of yourself. You are a real scrapper.
Lisa. WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T GO NEAR THOSE NASTY CIGS. YOU HAVE MADE A BIG HUGE STRIDE, IN LASTING 17 DAYS. YOU CAN DO IT. I DID, DAVE DID AND 1,000'S OF OTHERS HAVE GONE THROUGH THE WITHDRAWALS. PLEASE, PLEASE FOR YOUR VERY OWN HEALTH SAKE, DON'T LET ONE PERSON LURE YOU BACK.
The jail video has been released, as I suspected. I watched it and found it to be nothing to fret over. Much ado about nothing, in other words.
Dave~~when I sent you the chicken soup and said for you to 'stick it', I meant stick it to your ribs and not where you stuck it. What a waste of good noodles!
You mean...? Oh, I didn't know that.
Wow. It looks like you have many friends here rootin' for ya, Dave! Add me to the list, too. You've been in my prayers, as well as others here and at the blogs I visit, for some time. I'll add your need to the list.
Dave sez to Snoopy:
Karma actually has roots in Hinduism and Buddhism. In theosophy, it's the cosmic principle according to which each person is rewarded or punished in one incarnation according to that person's deeds in the previous incarnation.
Well then, it can't be Karma, if there is such a thing and I believe there isn't, because it doesn't hit you until the next life. Hmmmm...I think that means that there's alot of your detractors coming back as sewer rats! Interesting how they never think that Karma will strike them for their bad deeds...
There are those who speak of Karma who may very well mean that God is not mocked, one reaps what they sow. I've seen it in my own life because of foolishness. I've also seen God's wonderful merciful self on my behalf despite my foolishness! I don't deserve a thing from Him yet He has given me His All-Jesus. Lean with all your weight on Him for He cares for you. He never promised us this life would be fair but He did promise to be with us when it isn't! Our joys and our sorrows make us who we are.
For those who are in the process of quitting! YOU CAN DO IT! Yes, you can! I cheated and used Chantix and it was easy-peasy compared to the times I went cold turkey. I've not had a puff for over a year now. I feel great though I'm addicted to gum, now. Went from being a smokestack to a cow chewing her cud...lol! You have my prayers, too. Remember: NOPE-Not One Puff Ever~
Boy howdy, Dave, I sure wish this site had emoticons...:-D
Well, hello, Sherry! What a nice surprise. I certainly knew you would be one who would put no stock in karma. I think most people use the word as a catch-all description for reaping what they sow, but in life, that's not always the case. Some people are never caught, but in the end, they meet their maker and that's where all the reaping takes place. That's what the Bible means. Karma has been used for a long time by people who have no real idea of its concept. Take my detractors, for example. They mock God by spewing hatred and lies. They think they have power over men and women; that all they need to do is spew a curse and POOF! Their wish comes true. How strange, because they never accomplished anything they set out to do with me. I'm sure they will take the credit for my present ills, and that's just like them -- delusional. And hypocritical, too, because they pray to God to see me dead. Go figure.
I have to be honest with you. My doctor prescribed Chantix and I took it, but not for the length of time I was supposed to. I have always had very vivid and very colorful dreams, night after night. I still do. Chantix really affected my dreams so I stopped after a week or so. I had already convinced myself that I needed to quit, so I did just that. Never again. The really strange thing was that I had tried it several times in the past and had great trouble with it, but this last ime, it was a piece of cake. I never craved another smoke.
Anyway, thank you for keeping us in your prayers, and a special thank you for adding my present problem to your list. I need help, and I rally appreciate it. When you have some free time, please feel free to drop by. It's always a pleasure.
(I'm going to see if this site will support emoticons. I'll let you know. They don't work as far as I know, but it's worth a try.)
Snoop..
LOL!!!!!!
Dave, I am picturing you as a pair of pants that has been turned inside out for laundering, being sure to get all the uncomfortable threads snipped and holes mended for hanging out to dry after a thorough going over. Positive attitude is helpful, to maintain that we must lay our heart and not pretend we have no fear and anxiety on the One who takes it all to Our Heavenly Father for repair and sorting out the bad. I can see you are approaching the coming days with a hearty, hopeful dependence on HIM. which is beautiful. We do not have the choices we tend to make as a human when it comes to being in a place where pain and the unknowing are hovering. The people who contact you with prayer and comforters are sincere and will play a prominent part in your overall need. God Bless you and them.
Karma, to me , is a "word" which we can twist and use to intimidate. It is like not quite threatening to kill you but "Karma" is gonna get you, for me, so you better watch out. I believe there is evil in intimidating others in that way.It is like telling a child if you don't do as I tell you, see that policeman,he is going to come over here and get you, used for the means of controlling. Karma is the grown up immature threat one bestows on another because they see the strength in their prey. Karma is a suggestion that the attacker hopes the victim will fall into a state of fear and trip on their own shoelaces for the attackers benefit. How do I know all this? I don't really but it is what I feel about it right now. The devil can not get to us if we ask Jesus to stand between us and his attacks.
Once I was informed that we all have some type of cancer in us. In some it becomes active, in others it never does. I wonder if some of those cancers he spoke about are in our spiritual and empty emotional rather than the physical. Ok, I haven't been around much lately so what I have said here may not make any sense at all to you. If not kindly redo and make sense of it for me.
Hope I have not offended anyone with this rambling.
Hi, New Puppy! No, you have not offended anyone, so cast that thought out of your head. It is very gracious of you to come in and say what you feel. That's from the heart and that's the most important thing. I think, in a sense, that karma can have a sinister side, as you so illustrated. My detractors were proof positive of that. They put spells on people. God knows how many times they wished me dead and threw curses my way. You're right, they used karma in disgusting ways, and they're too stupid to understand life doesn't work that way. They have no power over anyone, including themselves, obviously. On the other hand, I think there are plenty of people who use karma in well-intentioned ways and it most likely includes the reaping what they sow part. However, it's still not something that exists in the universe as far as I'm concerned. There are plenty of non-believers who are more moral than some Christians. Look at those people who attacked us. How many of them bragged about their faith in God, and that God would get me? What a convoluted way of thinking. I'd take a moral atheist over an immoral bab any day of the week because the goodness comes from within, and they are surely lacking in it.
To me, conjuring up karma is an easy way out. You're right. Throw a little karma around and watch people shudder. If God works in mysterious ways, there's nothing mysterious about karma - something that does not exist. Thank you very much for your kind words of wisdom. It's an honor to call you my friend.
Dave~~I checked my black book and can grace your blog for approximately 2 minutes if I type fast.
I am sitting here reading the wonderful comments but something did strike me a bit funny. You said, "Life wouldn't be life without a little vinegar" I promise not to disappoint you, Mr Pickle.
When I think of reincarnation, it brings to mind Shirley Maclaine. I was a dead ringer for her in my younger years. Anyhoo, I am enjoying a nice cup of Red Rose Tea and always use a bit of Carnation milk in it. Now I feel like I am being Incarnationed.
Hello New Puppy! I hope you stick around as I need your help in keeping our blog daddy behaving. *wink
If you want to stay awake
Eat a piece of coffee cake
If you want a night of slumber
Nibble on a sweet cucumber
If you eat a pickled dill
You'll never need a sleeping pill
New Puppy said it so perfectly~
I know that in God's Word he promises to remove His hand of judgement on our enemies if we rejoice to see their downfall. Those weren't christians who came after you, Dave. Their god is not the true God.
Oh! The dreams i had on Chantix! Near sinful, really, lol! I had to quit the Chantix after a month because it made me sick to my stomach. That just meant that I didn't need it anymore. I have an uncle who tried and tried to quit to no avail. One day he didn't have the desire to light up and that was that-no more smoking. He has no desire for it at all.
The great thing is, none of us have a desire for that stinky habit anymore. Even if we suffer consequences later for having smoked we are better off in the healing up department than if we stayed smoking.
I'll pop in more often, my dear friend~
And thanks for looking into those emoticons when you have time. :mrgreen: <<< lol!
No luck on emoticons yet. It seems some people asked about them on Squarespace forums and for the most part, they were ignored. I'll keep looking, though, because a lot of people like them.
Definitely - Feel free to pop in when you have time.
Dave,
Know that you will be prayed for all over the country. Our Father in heaven does not waste anything. Who knows how many people your writing about your health challenges will help. One or more of your readers may never pick up another cigarette again. Sending you encouragement across the miles. We will be checking in for updates.
Thank you, InTheGarden, for your prayers and encouraging words. If just one person never picks up a cigarette or quits smoking after reading my post and the comments, I will be very happy. Of course, the more, the merrier, but one step at a time is okay with me.
Dave
I have missed you since the trial and wondered where you had fallen- I wish the news had been something different this. Please know that we will all be praying for you....and may God Bless you!
Hi, whistlersmother - I really did decide to take a lengthy vacation after 3 years of writing about the Anthony case, but I figured I'd pick up something to report on. While the thing in my lung is a little frightening, it's the lung biopsy that scares me the most right now. I'll worry about what the doctor finds AFTER that. I don't like the thought of someone stabbing me anywhere, but I made it through the bone marrow biopsy alright, so I guess I can survive this one. Thank you for praying for me and God Bless you, too.
Dear Dave; I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. Trust in God with all your might, and he will
hear and answer your prayer. Scripture tells us where 2 or 3 are gathered in His name, He is
there and He hears...You certainly have more than 2 or 3 gathered in prayer for you...don't be
afraid God has his hand on you....He loves and comforts your everyday, believe it or not. I strongly agree with you..KARMA WELL REALLY????...We will all meet our maker one day, that will be the final judgement, Mizzanthony should be fearful of her fate if she does not find salvation in Jesus.
I do hope you feel better soon and the report you get back is full of very good news. Many blessings to you and your family over the next few weeks. Remember "God will not leave or foresake you, He will never give you more than you can handle"...with much love in Christ, jmc
It's comforting to know people are praying for me and many others in the world. God knows there are more people in worse shape than me, but still, it's very positive and encouraging. Thank you for that, and thank you for wishing my family well. Time will tell, but I do think time is on my side. This seems to have been found earlier than most lung growths, so I know exactly who is getting my thanks for that, and as time progresses, I will keep you and everyone else informed. I expect it to be good news.
Wow, Dave, you are definitely going through a lot right now. Please know that you are in my prayers for a speedy recovery.
Hi, Joy! (Just to clarify so there's no mistake - You are a different Joy than the one most people know.) Yes, I'm going through a lot, but my life has never been simple. I've faced challenges starting very young, when I was pressed to use my right hand. No! I refused, and that was in 1st and 2nd grades. Back then, being left-handed was still considered evil in some circles. Even when I found out I was diabetic, I adapted because I was used to adapting. You know, I have 2 brothers and a sister and they are very healthy. If I am the only sibling that gets sick, I'll take that contract any day of the week.
Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. That's very nice of you, but then again, I know how nice of a person you are, and it was a real pleasure to finally meet you.
I understand that people refer to the "good Karma" and mean others well, Dave, because they find them worthy of good, happening to them. I am one of many who would wish others "many Blessings" which to me anyway, is asking God to bestow those Blessings. I also understand that 'religion", Jesus hated "religion" where the use of scriptures are also used to try and make people think bad things should be bestowed on someone else, as it is also to bestow good. I don't quite get the difference in what is used as Karma and that use of religious scripture intimidation. I do see how both "good and bad" can be incorporated into anything that man wants to use against or for, suiting our mood at any given time. How are we all feeling today, do we need good Karma, a Blessing, a spanking. I am going to get mine a little later :-) Once I used a little mirror to reflect the candle's flame I lit while sitting in a closed small dark closet trying to see if I could conjure up what I wanted for myself, good looks and money, My hair caught on fire and I was lucky to not have worse happen. I scared myself enough to never try anything like that again. Glad I learned that while very young.
Gee, New Puppy... I wonder if I was a bad boy in a previous life and I set my hair on fire, too. That might explain why I'm bald. Hmm... You think?
I do think the word "karma" is a double-edged sword. I think it's just the nature of the beast to want to be rewarded for good deeds and punished for bad ones. Take a dog, for instance. After it does something good, he expects a reward because he's been trained that way. Not just dogs, mind you, but almost all creatures that have contact with humans. If you feed a gator, it's coming back! Anyway, we live in an instant world today. We get our news instantly. We get our fast food instantly. People have no patience and I think there's a good chance we are trained that we. It also translates into karma. While karma can take forever, not that I believe in it, people pronounce instant rewards and punishments, as if they really have any say so in the matter. Interestingly, karma is anything a person wants it to be and that's fantasy in my book. I know most people mean well, but the word has no real meaning anymore. In my opinion, of course.
Dave, will you keep us informed of the dates you will be scheduled for further biopsy and possible impending surgery on your lung? Please.
P.S. I like the yellow one rambling rose.
Yes, New Puppy, I will definitely keep you informed. Monday morning I go for pre-admission testing and Tuesday morning I get the biopsy.
I love that song! But I did buy a yellow rose bush for a friend years ago. She put it in her front yard. I thought it would be better than a dozen because it would last forever. When she sold her house and moved out-of-state, she took the bush with her.
I still have it Dave. Planted close to an entry but I don't think it gets enough sun as it would in Florida. I do fertilize, spray for mold, insects and feed with bloom but it seems sad most of the time now. In the mornings, when in bloom, my husband used to always cut a beautiful yellow bud and have it on the table for me by the time I got up.
You will stay in our thoughts and prayers Dave.
Thanks, New Puppy. I appreciate that.
The thing about flowers is that they can bring so much joy and memories of times past; lonely at times, but good just the same.
hi dave... yes im still stalking your page lol... got so thrilled when i saw ur new post and then got so shocked to get to the part about your hospital tests... i will pray for you dave and i also believe in the power of prayer, and the fact that i dont do it as often as i should well maybe it will be heard louder lol... take care dave and i will keep stalking .. you will be in my prayers.. as usual keep up the good work and your a tough cookie so im sure you will over come all this .. again take care your lifelong fan .. cinta ( ireland )
Hi, cinta! I want you to know I didn't write this to elicit sympathy at all - just prayers and good thoughts. Prayers cross oceans and transcend everything, so please keep stalking me all you want. Yes, I'm a tough cookie and I plan on going about my business as this unfolds, so there's nothing to fret over. Just keep me in your prayers and all will be fine. I have a lot of faith in that. Thank you. Everything helps.
Dave...just to let you know I have posted a" Heavy Duty Prayers for Marinade Dave" at Reality Chatter..so the whole gang there can have you and your Mom and Dad in our thoughts and prayers...This too shall pass and the Lord is in charge and using your doctors to do his good work...God Bless you and your family and do keep us posted...
Hi, Estee - Thank you very much for posting "Heavy Duty Prayers for Marinade Dave" at Reality Chatter. That is very, very kind and generous of you. Thank you for including my parents, too. What a sweetheart you are. I will definitely keep you posted. Tomorrow morning, I go in for pre-admission tests and right after that, I see my hemotologist/oncologist. Most likely, he will have the results of my bone marrow biopsy from last week. Tuesday morning, I have the lung procedure. I probably won't know the results for at least a week, but I'm more afraid of being stabbed or cut than anything else.
Dave,
Kangaroo races in the backyard, endangered soft shelled nesting turtle eggs for breakfast, a non indigenous corroboree, looking up the outback on google maps, throwing a Koala on the barbecue. In Chinchilla they even have the annual Watermelon festival and a competition where you smash watermelons on your head. That would be worth a drive down to. So you have to get well for this adventure down under I am planning, and you will get well because you deserve to. You are in my thoughts and prayers you wonderful man.
Neato, Tiffany! I've never even seen a kangaroo. I've never eaten a Vegemite sandwich, either, but I'm game. Turtle eggs for breakfast? We have sea turtles along the coast and people who live close to the beach have to turn off their lights at night because it confuses the hatchlings. They head toward the light instead of the ocean. I had to look up corroboree, which is a ceremonial meeting of Australian Aborigines, although you said yours was non-indigenous. Now, that sounds like fun, but I'd pass on the eggs. You're going to have to explain the koala on the barbecue. Somehow, I don't think you eat koala meat.
I used to eat watermelon, but I never broke one over my head. Unfortunately, one little piece will jumpstart my blood sugar, causing it to skyrocket. Diabetics are all different because my mother can eat it in small amounts, but pasta bothers her more than me. Go figure.
I will get well, Tiffany. There's no doubt in my mind about that. Heck, I'm not really all that sick yet, right? So I'll get past these inconveniences and keep on plugging along. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. Who knows, I may make it down under one of these days, and I sure do look forward to it.
Hi Dave. Sorry to hear about your health issues. The dreaded C word. It's good to see you being optimistic. I hope it's benign, but if it's not I know you are a fighter and I agree, it's a saving grace that it was diagnosed so early. I believe that a positive frame of mind helps with healing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
As far as karma, I think we all wish that things would come back and bite someone in the azz when an injustice has occurred and we feel someone has gotten away unpunished. In this case, she literally got away with murder and will eventually, if she hasn't already, be rewarded financially. Money can't buy happiness for a normal human being, but if you're a psychopath and don't feel emotions, it's a reward and will have more meaning for her then her baby ever did. I bet she's fuming mad that the world hates her and the majority of people will always believe that she is a baby killer. That will follow her for life.
Hi, Terry Tsk - There's no doubt in my mind that she will be haunted for the rest of her life. I think her attorneys protected her from the news while incarcerated, so she had no idea how much hatred there is out there for her. Definitely, that's a form of punishment because she'll never be able to relax. She'll look over her shoulders for the rest of her life. The only people who she can call friends are her attorneys and a handful of unscrupulous men who only want her for her body. No matter what, money will never be able to buy her happiness, and as a sociopath/psychopath, it will frustrate the crap out of her to not be the center of attention. She's on her way to being relegated to the junk pile of old and tired news stories.
Cancer is never a word anyone wants to hear. So far, the word has come up twice, and in separate problems. Blood and lung. Unrelated. That means my odds are greater that I have it, but like you said, I have a positive frame of mind. With your thoughts and prayers and those of others, I will not fall down any time soon. I do think there was a reason the lung problem was found early on. Had it not been for those tests, I probably wouldn't have found out until it was way too late. Thanks for your support. Believe me, I need it.
Hi Dave I've been thinking about you a lot lately,my dad had lung cancer so I have an idea of what you are going through. I know like with everything in life attitude goes along way, laughter indeed is a good medicine, hang tough but let those feelings out. I will be praying for you as will your other readers and we are here anytime you want to talk, vent, laugh, I curse like a sailor I find it helps :) You do what you gotta do! Sending you many hugs and kisses and non stop prayers. Hang in there Dave, you are not alone! Pam
Well, Pam2u4u, I trust they were all GOOOOOOD thoughts! Yes, you have a good idea of what I'm going to be going through. Now, it's just the apprehension of not knowing for sure and, most of all, the lung biopsy, which frightens me to no end. Not while it's going on, mind you, but the pain afterward. Oh well, I guess I'll take a stab at it.
Believe me, I will do whatever it takes, so my attitude is fine. Thank you for your hugs, kisses and prayers. If you keep that up, I'll be fine!
Dave, Well this news is a bit of a shock. I too took time away from the blogs and I came here to check on you and did not expect to hear bad news. There is a lot of positive in your situation as you have stated so I am confident there will be a very good result in your case. As you know my hubby has had three cancers with two recurring. He is tested every six months so the doctors can stay on top of it and he is about to go through yet another surgery or two shortly. We stay positive and expect positive results. If they are not good we will deal with that when and if the time comes.
Dave you are in my prayers and I will send healing energy your way.
All I can say about the comments regarding Karma is that as I see it there has not been much study done on this subject. Karma is not the result of every action good or bad but it is much more than what it appears most people believe or disbelieve. I have beliefs as do we all and we all have a right to ours.
I am spiritual and I do believe in Karma, reincarnation, life after death and the healing power of God Goddess All That Is whose energy comes through my hands for healing. I may not be able to quote the bible but I live with the most loving, caring and positive attitude I can. We are all sad when a loved one passes over but what makes us think that that is a bad thing? From what I have learned the life of spirit is without the heaviness of a body, without pain or fear and is a wonderful place to be. When I cry over someone passing over I am crying for myself because I will miss them but I feel I will see them again one day only in another dimension.
Dave, You are a strong intelligent man and I'm sure you will come through this trying time with flying colors. Don't know what colors but they will be flying. Hugs to you my friend.
Hi, Frankie - The news may not be all that good, but I'm still optimistic that, whatever it is, it's early on and treatable... or it's nothing to worry about at all. The only problem with that is that nothing was in my left lung a year ago. As a matter of fact, when I had pneumonia, my left lung was unscathed, so something crept in there.
Yes, I am aware of your husband's situation and I hope he's OK, despite the surgery coming up. Like him, I imagine I will have to be tested every 6 months, too, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to stay alive.
As for karma, my main problem with it is the usage. That's why I titled it the way I did - the convenience of karma, where it's used indiscreetly for any sort of thing, like curses, which you know my detracors threw at me left and right. Even so, I do not believe anyone has power over karma by wishing it on someone. That's where I have a serious issue. I, too, am a spiritual person, and when it is time to face the inevitable, I will do so, but in the meantime, I will keep on kicking and slamming the door shut. Thanks for your good thoughts, energy and prayers, but especially the hugs. I'm sure I will come through this in high style.
Sorry Dave I have been under the weather and did not know about your new post until Snoopy mentioned it. Please keep me posted. You can email me, I seem to get those quicker now then actually getting time to comment. I am sure you will do great with whatever treatment your doctor advises you to take. Me on the other hand, I ask Snoopy what I should do first. :/
Trust me, Laura, you need to get to your doctor pronto. You don't mess with your organs. And don't worry about me until you find out what's wrong with you. Then, I'll be all ears.
Here's the deal... You keep me posted and I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, I'll be in good shape, so don't worry.
Dave~~Laura is going to get me charged with malpractice. I just threw my chicken soup recipe in the trash.
I hope you are having a good day, Dave. That is easier said than done eh? Sometimes it would be easier to have a little switch so we could turn off any negative thoughts that creep in. Keeping the mind busy on other things helps. It takes a lot of will power to stay focused, somehting I lack.
Great comments in here, btw.
We're going to have to keep an eye on that girl, Snoopy!
I just came back from pre-admission testing (Monday morning) where 3 viles of blood were drawn and I answered all kinds of questions about my health and meds. I was scheduled to take the test tomorrow, but no one instructed me to stop taking baby aspirin, so it's been rescheduled for Friday morning. I have to be at the hospital by 6:00 AM. At 11:30 this morning, I see my hem/onc doctor. Whoop! Whoop!
Yes, the comments are very, very good.
If Karma did exist, you would have the mind and body of a healthy thirty year old.
I sincerely believe you reap what you sow and that is why soooo many prayers are being offered on your behalf. You have many friends who care about you !
Take it all a step at a time. Oh, and if a needle is involved, ask who is best with the needle and request that person. I've actually do this and find it works in most cases ....other times, they just laugh.
That's mighty nice of you to say that, Newbie. Let's see... 30 years... I had been living in Florida for just over a year when I celebrated my 30th birthday. Yup, I was in excellent shape in those days. Too bad I had no idea what would become of me. I would have started taking care of myself better by then. Oh well.
I sure hope you're right - that many people are praying for me. One thing is true, I am very blessed to have a great friend like you, and it's nice to know there are many more people that care. That leaves me with a feeling I can't descibe as anything other than warm all over.
You don't have to worry about me when it comes to taking steps. In some areas, I'm a real mess, but in others, I've got my act together. While apprehensive, I'm not going to get rattled. It is what it is and that's it. I will meet with the doctor early Friday morning, and he will be the one doing the procedure. There's not any choice, but I'm sure he'll do a great job.
Thank you for being such a good friend, Newbie.
Well, DANG, Dave! I've been v. engrossed with my visiting elderly parents, a friend at church who died, kid's homework assignments and grades, etc. and haven't "been by" in several days- so THIS is what you've been quietly dealing with?! Yoicks. I suspected there was some Thing in the background that was absorbing your time and attention but this was a shock, Buddy.
I pretty much agree with you on the "karma debate"- it's a thing people say to even off the teeter-totter without much thought (most people, anyway), and I recognize that it's all besides the point anyhoo. The thing about a potential cancer diagnosis is everyone (including the patient) wants to digress, detour, and dance around the Issue, but Cancer (if that's what this is) demands one's undivided attention and must be dealt with forthwith and forthrightly. You must armor up like a knight, with shield, sword and lance, against a real dragon. It doesn't hurt any to try visualizing the dragon into a manageable salamander. Might not work, but can't hurt none.
One way to look at this, as many others above have already pointed out and I would heartily agree with is that this whole episode may be a blessing in disguise and really bad and lethal things get nipped early on- this happens all the time! I know many individuals (and have heard of countless others) who dodged disaster because they were getting checked for some other thing entirely. It doesn't hurt to expand a bit when Docs ask leading questions.
Anyway, you got my prayers, whatever they might be worth from someone who's generally pretty skeptical. But, Yeah, visualizing Light, or a beach ball growing smaller, or a dragon shrinking into a salamander- that stuff works for a lot of folks, and prayers too are winging your way... just remember much of cancer treatment (if that's what you're facing) is a numbers game when it comes to success rates- make sure you play the odds while your meditating, visualizing, praying, etc.!
We all have things we get wrapped up in, Karen, especially after the trial ended. YEs, this is what I've been dealing with lately and it isn't fun, but I'm optimistic. Very! I got word today from my hem/onc doc that the blood problem is not cancer. It can turn into it later on, but not always. All I have to do is keep my blood monitored every 3 months from now on. As for the lung, I don't know, and I probably won't find out for another 3 weeks, after the biopsy and pathology reports are in. Finding it through incidental tests WAS a blessing in disguise. One down, one to go!
I'm going to have to let my armor down on Friday so the doctor can pierce my lung with his biopsy sword. Fortunately, I will not be aware of it. I will be starring in my own Twilight movie. I hope with all my heart this will be more happy news. When I find out, I'll let you know. Until then, thank you for your positive thoughts. Oh yes... I will meet with the doctor prior to having the procedure. He is going to be the one and that's the list of choices. I'm okay with it.
No I don't eat turtle eggs or koala but the thought of you being sick makes everything seem a little pear shaped. It's just not right. Like someone said above, if karma did exist you would have the body of a healthy thirty year old. Anything I can do to help you get better, please just say.
I didn't think you ate turtle eggs or koala BBQ because they didn't sound appetizing in the least, but hey! We can buy emu steaks, so nothing is impossible. At least my blood problem isn't cancer and that's a good thing. I have monoclonal gammapath, thrombocytopenia and chronic anemia. Soon, I'll find out about my lung growth and I'm optimistic about that, too, so don't worry right now. I'm not! Just thinking about having a 30-year-old body is what makes me sick. Those days will never come back. Oh well, I can work on improving what I've got. Thanks for the offer to help me get better. Just knowing you is a great help. Someday, I'm going to go down under and visit a spell. Thanks, Tiffany, you are a lovely person.