Reflections From the Home Team September 19, 2011

                     Reflections from the Home Team, September 19, 2011
                                                                

"Don’t complain, just work harder.  It was in his contract not to complain, even when the fans spit on him. You can spend it complaining or playing the game hard. The latter is likely to be more effective." Randy Pausch

Greetings to all from Cedar Falls...

Wanted to update everyone on my Journey which has had a few bumps in the road over the past month or so...  I have been dealing with the jaw pain that has been there for some time as well as more difficulty swallowing with some inflammation and soreness in my throat.  Has been pretty persistent and not improved.  Tricia won't acknowledge she has been punching me or choking me in my sleep, so I thought I'd better  get down to my doctors in Iowa City and have things checked.   After not improving for the past few weeks, my concern was that the cancer had returned, which has been part of my "roller coaster ride" since the spring of 2009.  Had a pretty thorough check in Iowa City with some "reconstruction work" done in my throat Friday, and just got the good news that the cancer has not returned.  Other than having a voice that sounds like Luca Brasi (of Godfather fame) and having a tender throat, I'm doing OK today  and I'm getting some energy back. 

This has been a hard few weeks with a pretty demanding schedule on top of the worries about what could be a recurrence... Dr. Chang was optimistic as always and that seems to be contagious.  I've had quite a bit of time to reflect on some things, and as usual, a message at my Church this past Sunday again helped put things in perspective.

A series called "Family Matters" has  been focusing on Genesis and Ephesians and the fact that God observed that "It is not good that man should be alone".  That is why He created and established the gifts of marriage, family and community in His image.  I have come to realize the importance of these gifts as they offer the hope and promise of restoration and new life no matter what the world around you or your family brings your way.  Even though cancer invaded my body in the spring of 2009, it will NEVER INVADE MY SOUL!  My family, friends and community have provided me with the support that has enabled me to make it thus far, and I truly appreciate the fact that "family", "friends" and "community" continue to shape and nurture my journey with cancer.  Each of you have been a special part of that journey, and I have sincerely appreciated your thoughts, conversation and prayers through out my two year journey. 

As Randy Pausch said in his book The Last Lecture while referring to Jackie Robinson, one of my favorite all time players... "Don’t complain, just work harder.  It was in his contract not to complain, even when the fans spit on him. You can spend it complaining or playing the game hard. The latter is likely to be more effective."  I plan to continue to "play the game hard" no matter what cards are dealt in my hand and will continue to rely on those who are close to me for support along the way.  Thank God for family and friends such as you!

Sincerely, Dave

Link to: Reflections from the Home Team BLOG
http://reflectionsfromthehometeam.blogspot.com/

Link to Vimeo: Reflections from the "Home Team"... Go the Distance
http://vimeo.com/53873087

Link to: Tommy Emmanuel and "Angelina"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhR04kmcSXU

              Reflections From the Home Team,   Sunday, July 10, 2011

“Every boy has his dreams, and I’m thankful that Taylor yet again gave me the inspiration to stay upbeat in this fight.”

 

I wanted to take a few minutes to update everyone on my most recent visit to Iowa City.  I have been going every three months since treatments for evaluation with my team of doctors in Iowa City.  A couple weeks ago, I had my routine labs and shared I had been experiencing some “significant” pain in my jaw and neck area where the tumors had been during treatments. I had to return to Iowa City for some additional scans and Dr. Claman kept me late so we could consult with Dr. Chang and the rest of my medical team.  He shared he is the "cancer guy" and Dr. Chang is my ENT, so they both wanted to view the pictures and share where they think I'm at.  Dr. Claman shared some good news... that he doesn't feel the cancer has returned from the scans done on my neck and jaw areas... that really took a load off my mind!!!  Both he and Dr. Chang feel that I am experiencing an arthritic jaw from the extensive dental work that was done both before and after radiation treatments.  I shared that I can certainly live with that as the pain is no where near what the radiation did in my throat during treatments.  I told him the good news is this takes Tricia off the hook as I have been blaming her for "punching me out" in my sleep. He shared he can provide me some pain meds, but I think I'm going to go without as I've seen the additional complications that can develop from them in others. My hope is if I continue the therapy regimen the PT people gave me during treatments for my jaw and throat and neck, I can reduce the pain in my jaw.  We will see I guess.

This journey has been like a roller coaster ride, and often times I lose myself in reflection and sometimes don’t get the rest I should be getting. As I was waiting yet again in the Cancer Center for results, I closed my eyes to try and rest.  A few minutes later, I felt a tap on my shoulder and opened my eyes to find little Taylor, who I had met in the pharmacy during treatments back in April, 2009.  He and I had played a game of toss in the pharmacy that day and I had showed him some of my "ball tricks". He asked if I remembered him and I said you bet Taylor!  He and his mom were there for their 4 month check. I asked how he was doing and he said he was playing baseball for his Little League team this summer and his leukemia seemed to be in remission. He is now in 5th grade. He was wearing a beat up Cardinals hat, and I asked if that was his team.  He said yes, that is who he plays for, but he really liked the Braves!  His mom shared that he remembers well the day we met in the pharmacy in 2009, and always talks about the "tricks" I showed him that day.  I told Taylor and his mom I was very happy for them, and that I'm excited he is able to "get out and play again"!  I shared what an impact he had on me that day in the pharmacy during my treatments by asking me “when I could get back out and play again”!  He made me reset my goals to be able to get back out and play again.  I was actually feeling kind of low before he woke me up, and just seeing his bright smile brought me back to my senses of how much there is to do yet as far as working with young people.  As I was waiting, Taylor and his mom were getting ready to leave, so I walked them out to the parking ramp and their car.  I took Taylor to my truck as I had an extra Braves hat behind the seat.  I told him I had a Braves tryout camp coming up in August, but that you had to be at least 15 o try out, so I made him a deal.  I told him to keep playing and stay healthy so that when you turn 15, I can invite you to a Braves camp so I can watch you play.  I then took the Braves cap out of my truck and put it on his head and said, it's yours on one condition... you wear it instead of that Cardinals hat.  His eyes got as big as saucers, and he shared that would not be a problem!  I gave his mom my card and asked her to call me when she can to keep me in touch with how he is doing.  She said that would not be a problem either... I have a feeling my Guardian Angel, whom I have affectionately named ANGELINA, was there watching my back, and providing just the  answer I needed from Dr. Claman, as well as the motivation I needed to keep a positive attitude in the ups and downs of fighting this cancer thing, yet again from little Taylor.  Every boy has his dreams, and I’m thankful that Taylor gave me the inspiration to stay upbeat in this fight.  Taylor and I both our dreams, and I’m thankful we each have the opportunity to continue on and achieve them!  We have a deal, and as for me, I plan to do all I can to help all the young “Taylors” in my life become the best they can be, whether that be on the field or in the classroom!  Wishing everyone an enjoyable rest of the summer!

Sincerely, Dave

Link to: Reflections from the Home Team BLOG
http://reflectionsfromthehometeam.blogspot.com/

Link to Vimeo: Reflections from the "Home Team"... Go the Distance
http://vimeo.com/53873087

Link to: Tommy Emmanuel and "Angelina"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhR04kmcSXU

Reflections from the Home Team, Sunday, April 17, 2011

                      Reflections from the Home Team, Sunday, April 17, 2011

“We knew he played when he was hurt, and we admired him for not 'taking the easy way out' and asking for days off, the way players would today.”

Greetings,

There is something about the crisp crack of baseball bats scattering line drives and the smell of fresh, green grass in the spring that just makes me smile… I wanted to share a “smile” with each of you as well as I have had some more recent testing in Iowa City and still remain cancer free as I move toward celebrating my second Easter season since being diagnosed. My recent tests centered on the hearing loss I have sustained following treatments, and it appears that I will be able to get some hearing assistance to restore some of the loss. I’m working on that now with my “team” of doctors in Iowa City. That is great news, except I won’t be able to use the standard line of “I didn’t hear that” with Tricia any longer when it comes to completing the “To Do List”… I’m also fighting that pesky infection without the use of antibiotics, and my white cell count continues to be on the rise which is also good news.

I also wanted to share with you that I have been reading and reflecting on some of the support and messages I have been receiving from some of you over the past few weeks. It all “came together” for me this morning as I reflected on a message I heard from Pastor Dennis at services today. His focus was “not taking the easy way out”. Ironically, I received an email from a good friend about a week ago sharing the eulogy of Mickey Mantle, one of my childhood heroes. As Pastor Dennis shared his message this morning, some things stuck with me about it as I reflected on Mickey’s eulogy which was delivered by Bob Costas.

“In the last year, Mickey Mantle, always so hard on himself, finally came to accept and appreciate that distinction between a role model and a hero. The first he often was not, the second he always will be. In the end, people got it. And Mickey Mantle got from America something other than misplaced and mindless celebrity worship. He got something far more meaningful. He got love -- love for what he had been; love for what he made us feel; love for the humanity and sweetness that was always there mixed in with the flaws and all the pain that wracked his body and his soul.”

"We knew he played when he was hurt, and we admired him for not ‘taking the easy way out’ and asking for days off, the way players would today.”

You see, the “Mick” played through many of the physical ailments that racked his body while he continued to play, winning the hearts and souls of baseball fans everywhere. He didn’t take the “easy way out”, and always seemed to stay in control and be upbeat, despite the suffering he was going through. That was one of the reasons I admired him so much. There seem to me to be a lot of parallels there for those who face the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment and recovery as we do our best to continue a life of service to others. Life often sends us many challenges that we have to “play through”. Just as Mickey made organ donation his ninth inning rally cry, we each need to find a way to serve others in a meaningful way in our lives, and “not take the easy way out”. I’ve listed a link to Mickey Mantle’s eulogy below if you are interested in reading it.

Eulogy of Mickey Mantle: http://jerry.praxisiimath.com/the_mick.html

What a wonderful message as we go through Holy Week in anticipation of Easter. Jesus didn’t take the “easy way out” either when faced with fulfilling His Father’s promise to us as He stayed in control, using courage and conviction to face the suffering he endured for each of us knowing a “new life” would emerge through his Resurrection.

I also wanted to share a quote by Jackie Robinson, yet another of my heroes, as well as a clip sent by another friend which has really struck “home” with me this week. It reads:

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”  …Jackie Robinson

How true that is, and amazingly how well it ties into Pastor Dennis' message this morning. Despite the physical and emotional struggles we all face on a regular basis, we can choose "not to take the easy way out" by unselfishly serving others using the "gifts" we have each been given. A wondeful example of that can be found in the clip below titled "Gesto de amor".

“Gesto de amor”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtuIMGJzQ0c

Wishing you all a Blessed Easter!

Dave

Link to: Reflections from the Home Team BLOG:

http://relectionsfromthehometeam.blogspot.com/

Link to Youtube: Reflections from the "Home Team"... Go the Distance

Part 1:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T48dqzhPah4

Part 2:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP2ZapPoWtY

Part 3:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eaJ71v_lQ8

Link to Tommy Emmanuel and "Angelina":

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhR04kmcSXU

Reflections from the Home Team February 23, 2011

"...I have felt your prayers and support over the past two weeks… and I want you to know it is a powerful thing to experience and I want to thank you for that!"

Tricia and I returned from Iowa City this afternoon with some good news.  After reviewing test results from today, Dr. Claman feels that my irregular labs are not due to cancer’s return, but rather due to either the infection I’ve been battling or the strong antibiotic I’ve been on.  Test results show that my white cell count is beginning to rebound which is positive.  I have been taken off those antibiotics and we will be monitoring my progress without them to see if I can manage to continue to improve.  Still some abnormalities, (I’ve always had those), but at this point, the “Visiting Team” has not returned to my “dugout”!

It has been a long two weeks, often without much sleep, so I hope now I can get “rested up” to finish out the school year strong!  You all have been a special part of my journey, and I can’t tell you how much it means to me and my family to have you all on my team.  I have felt your prayers and support over the past two weeks… and I want you to know it is a powerful thing to experience and I want to thank you for that!

I want to share something I read this past week as I have been thinking about a lot of things…  It comes from Pastor Blaine Schmidt, and it talks about how conversations with people we are close to are valued as we chat, laugh, cry, tell stories of joy and pain, sit for hours and then say, “Where did the time go?”  We value these ongoing relationships, and we should.  I know they have helped me along my journey!  Many of us pray with a wish list of wants.  “Lord God, please ….”  When we develop a relationship with God, like we do people, we can grow into the place of having prayer time that ends with asking, “Where did the time go?”  I’m thankful for having all of you “along for the ride” on my journey and have often asked over the past two years… “Where did the time go?”

May God’s comfort and strength be with each of you!

Sincerely,

Dave

Link to: Reflections from the Home Team BLOG:

           http://relectionsfromthehometeam.blogspot.com/

Link to Youtube: Reflections from the "Home Team"... Go the Distance

            Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T48dqzhPah4

            Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP2ZapPoWtY

            Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eaJ71v_lQ8

Link to Tommy Emmanuel and "Angelina":

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhR04kmcSXU

Reflections From the Home Team Sunday, February 13, 2011

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Reflections From the Home Team Sunday, February 13, 2011

"...both these people made me realize yet again how important our friends and loved ones are in helping summon the strength and courage to "fight the battle" against this disease.  I feel so fortunate to have such a "team" in my dugout!" 


Greetings,
I wanted to update you all as my two year anniversary of being diagnosed with cancer approaches.   I have spent considerable time in Iowa City this past week working through some "concerns" with my team of doctors.  Lots to think and pray about.  I have been working through an infection in my system and my labs have been "irregular" since December's check ups.  My white cell count is extremely low, and Dr. Claman, my oncologist, discussed a number of reasons as to why that may be.  His concern is that the "Visiting Team" may be back attacking my white blood cells.  He plans to have me back in Iowa City on Wednesday, February 23rd to do another series of labs to recheck my white cell count and do a bone marrow biopsy (where the white cells are produced) to determine if cancer has returned. We are hopeful there may be another explanation.  The journey has been like a roller coaster, with many ups and downs, but I know there is a plan, and I'm preparing myself physically, emotionally and  spiritually if I have to go "extra-innings" with the "Visiting Team".  How ironic that this is happening as pitchers and catchers report for spring training...the bullpen is in place, ready to go if needed.  


I often think of Randy Pausch's comment in his book The Last Lecture and keep telling myself that "no matter what tomorrow brings, today is a wonderful day", and I need to keep on enjoying it...  sometimes easier said than done, but I also often reflect on one of my favorite verses; 2 Corinthians 5:17... "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."  Christ is always with us and we can always look forward to the "new" that is to come.  I plan to make that two year anniversary a wonderful day by celebrating with those who have surrounded me with love and support over these past two years! 

As I was sitting in Iowa City,  thinking about my journey this past week, God walked two people into my life as I was waiting in the cancer treatment center... Sitting to my right was a lovely young mother who was surrounded by her kids, husband and parents.  We struck up a conversation  and I learned  she had just recently had her leg amputated as a result of cancer.  I was amazed at how upbeat and positive she was.  We began talking about how those who surround us such as friends and family help make the journey bearable.  Her positive attitude and  smile given her difficult circumstance made my concerns dwindle, and I shared with her how much I admired her courage in the battle.  To my left was an inmate sitting in his orange jumpsuit, handcuffed with shackles on his ankles who had been  listening to our conversation.  He looked at me after I finished visiting with the young mother and I greeted him as well.  I asked how he was doing,  and he shared "I ain't got no one except this deputy".  He said he had liver cancer and his survival prospects were not good.  He shared that he lost all those who cared for him long ago due to his drug and alcohol issues as he used and abused those who loved and cared about him to support his habits. He said there is no doubt that his lifestyle led to him developing cancer as well.  He then said the "infamous" line I often here from former athletes and students... "If I could only do it over".  At that point I teared up a bit which has happened all too often lately, and told him "it's never too late to start over".  I shared  2 Corinthians 5:17 with him and he shared he wasn't much into the Bible, but he sure wished he had someone in his life who could give him some of the love and support the young mother and I had been talking about as we faced our battles with cancer.  I then shared with him that there was someone who cared about him, and all it took was him accepting His love and caring. I invited him to open a Bible and find out how much He really does care.  The deputy then wheeled him into treatment and winked at me, saying he would be sure he provided him with a Bible...


Both these people made me realize yet again how important our friends and loved ones are in helping summon the strength and courage to "fight the battle" against this disease.  I feel so fortunate to have such a "team" in my dugout!  I will keep you updated as I know more and appreciate your prayers in the meantime. As Colossians 1:9 says; " For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives." 

11-14-10

11-14-10

"...I needed that boost given some of the other 'stuff' going on, and I think it was my Guardian Angel whom I affectionately refer to as 'Angelina', awakening my heart yet again."

I traveled to see my team of doctors in Iowa City last week for my three month check ups and wanted to update you on my progress.  My lab tests still show no cancer cells, and I’m elated about that news.  I have been battling the ongoing side effects of radiation and chemo as well as the HBO treatments, but as one of the interns shared… “You’ve been through some ‘stuff’, but you always seem to find a way to adjust and move on.”  Thought that was a good analysis of my journey so far.  I’m also excited because my three month healing process from the dental implant posts I had embedded in August will be up on November 29^th, and I have an appointment in Iowa City that day with Dr. Schneider to have my molar implants put in!  I will at long last feel like my old self again.  I’m trying to decide what my first “chewy meal” will involve… Still up for grabs, but I’m pretty sure it won’t include cottage cheese or applesauce!!  I’ve had some issues with my hearing following the treatments as the radiation; chemo and HBO did a number on my auditory system.  I’m working through that now and will make the adjustments I need to make with some hearing assistance.  Tricia has said I’ve had a problem with that for a number of years, but little did she know that was just “selective hearing” when it came to the “Honey Do” lists.  Now I may have a legitimate reason to “not hear” some of those requests, but it sure feels great to be able to tackle all those duties again.  School has kept me busy and has tested my stamina and endurance, but I’ve been able to keep pace.  I’ve continued my morning workouts which has helped me throughout the whole treatment process.  My next trip to Iowa City will be in February and Dr. Claman is keeping close tabs on my labs.  I will have another PET scan and we will evaluate progress again at that time. 

Given my journey the past year and a half, it certainly has given me an opportunity to do a lot of reflecting on a number of things.  That is why I like to read as it often gives me new perspectives on things.  A good friend recently sent me a quote from Irish poet and philosopher John O’Donohue that really struck home with me…

 

May the angels in their beauty bless you.

May an angel of awakening stir your heart.

May an angel of healing turn your wounds into sources of refreshment.

May an angel of compassion open your eyes to the unseen suffering around you.

And may the angel of death arrive only when your life is complete.

And you have brought every gift to the threshold where its infinity can shine.  

I sincerely believe I have met several of those Angels in my life so far.  I have been blessed to recover from my illness, and it has rekindled the passion I have to serve young people.  My wounds are healing and that does serve as a source of refreshment. Without question, I have developed even more compassion for those suffering from this disease around me and want to reach out to share a message of hope and strength for those who may be facing similar battles with health issues such as cancer. I wanted to share how important all of you have been in my journey as you have provided me the strength and courage I needed to "fight the fight".  Those precious connections with all of you have been a significant factor in my recovery over the past year.  That is part of the message of hope I wanted to communicate.  As for that last Angel… I’m not quite ready to meet him/her yet as I think I still have some gifts to share with others before my life becomes complete in God’s plan for me. 

As seems always the case in my life, when things get a bit tough, I experience something that brings me back in focus.  The past few months have been very challenging and I wanted to share an experience I had the other night at a Vocal Concert at school because it really picked up my spirits. I had a little guy approach me as I was handing out programs... He shared his name and that he was 8. I introduced myself and he said "I know who you are" because you and I both have had cancer.  He opened his shirt collar to show me his scars. He had suffered from lymphoma. Kind of took me by surprise… I asked how he was doing and we traded some "stories" when out of the blue he shared that his mom had shared with him my updates that had posted for students and staff during my treatments. He said those were "cool" and that he wants to be a Principal just like me... I choked up a bit, and once I regained my composure, I asked him to help me hand out programs and greet our Concert goers. He was quite a helper as he greeted many parents  who were asking who my good assistant was. I shared that he was my new “intern” who is a Principal in training!  His chest puffed out and he gave me a big grin. He then had to introduce me to his mom and brother who is a 7th grader here who was singing in the Concert. We had a good visit and he shared that in just 4 years, he will be a Holmes Tiger and then he can help me every day. I told him I will look forward to that!  I needed that boost given some of the other “stuff” going on, and I think it was my Guardian Angel, whom I affectionately refer to as Angelina, awakening my heart yet again.  I have always believed I have had a Guardian Angel, who has been quite busy in my life “covering my back”, especially the past couple of years. 

I’ve had a number of requests for my Journal which I have kept up throughout treatments, so I’ve put the information on a blog posting for easy reference.  I’ve listed that link below along with the link to my “story” for those who may choose to access it as well.  If there is one message I want to get to people, it is that when faced with a difficult situation like cancer, or for that matter any tough situation, it is so important to reach out to others for help and support.  The Lord is always there, but so are friends and family.  Be sure to access them.  I have also listed a link to one of my favorite artists, Tommy Emmanuel who plays my favorite song titled … Angelina.  I hope you enjoy it.  May God’s comfort and joy be with you and your family throughout the Holiday season!

Sincerely,

Dave

Link to: Reflections from the Home Team BLOG:

http://relectionsfromthehometeam.blogspot.com/2010/11/11-14-10.html

 Link to Youtube: Reflections from the "Home Team"... Go the Distance

                    Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T48dqzhPah4

                        Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fP2ZapPoWtY

                    Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eaJ71v_lQ8

Link to Tommy Emmanuel and "Angelina":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhR04kmcSXU