Going for It

[mike218]

your message was the 1st thing I read on the board this AM-and I have to say sums up what I am trying do do--I still get bogged in "what ifs', listening to funeral choice music (I 'm not joking), but most of the time just enjoying the time that I still feel good--fortunately my wife plans ahead for us like we will make it--I'm only 2 years since dx. and major surgery at MSK hopefully next month (remove colon tumor, attack liver mets and hopefully HAI pump) --I've finally agreed to quit 2nd job after surgery so evenings can be home with her ---quantity and quality time is much more important
Keep posting
mike

[BrownBagger]

The HAI pump has "cured" a good number of people on this board, Mike. They don't all post anymore, but it's an impressive number. Just ask Juliej, among others. If Kemeny gets her hands on your case, you'll probably live a good long time.

Getting your head straightened out after dx is tough. For me, I finally came to the realization that "I can't live like this"--in fear, in other words. Choose not to, and you should be OK.

[LPL]

BrownBagger & debb,
Thank You So much for sharing your stories and your 'Go for it' - it gives such hope for others looking at an unknown future.

[justin case]

My, I'm getting chatty these days. Must be because I'm all caught up on my work and don't have any medical stuff for another month or so. So, please bear with me, if you choose, as I ramble on.

As I've observed many times before, cancer forces you to make some tough life choices--choices that you can't put off or ignore. It forces those of us who like to procrastinate into action, whether we like it or not. It's not a bad thing, if you want to look at it that way.

I decided early on, as part of getting my head straight, that I wasn't going to let my health problems get in the way of me living my life the way I want. And for the most part, I haven't. But it doesn't get any easier as the disease progresses and the end appears to be not that far off. Still, I go for it. I have a contract renewal for some freelance work coming up, and while I'm not sure I'll be able to fulfill the one-year obligation, I'm going for it. I've never mentioned my health situation to these people in the six years I've been working for them, and don't intend to now. I imagine they know, but I'm not bringing it up, and I don't imagine they will, either. That approach has gotten me this far, and I see no real reason to change. Another example is a business trip to Sweden in June. I don't know what kind of shape I'll be in in June, but I went ahead and made the plane reservations, hotel, rental car commitment, etc. How would I feel if I bailed and June rolled around and I was doing just fine? Pretty bummed, that's how. The list goes on. My wife and I have been planning to relocate from NY to Wisconsin in the spring of 2018, and I have big plans for work to be done on the family tree farm, where we'll be living. Is that a realistic approach, all things considered? I don't know, but I'm going for it just like I would if I didn't have this crummy disease. That's probably the most important thing in my life at the moment, and I ain't giving it up.

I truly believe that if I had given up on my hopes, dreams and opportunities years ago that I'd be dead now. Nothing to live for.

Being mostly a Swede myself, and have several relatives in Wisconsin, I would think you must proceed with your current endeavor! Now, it should be all about you, my friend ! I'd love to go to Sweden, so please send pictures ! You, have been an inspiration in my life, and my survival!
Michael

[Wonderfullymade]

Eric, you are such an inspiration to me as well!

I have decided to do as much as I can as long as I can and believe with God ( and a few good scientists and Drs) anything is possible!

Thank you for having such a great attitude and sharing it with all of us!
Wonderfullymade

[Cowgirl918]

I love your rambling posts. They speak to us of courage, of joy and of life. I too agree with your attitude. My doc asked me if I couldn't slow down a little when I became ill.
Why?
I told him I was planning to run at "Mach 7" until the engine burned up. Go for it buddy! We are with you.

[Ajane]

Eric, I love your attitude! You're such an inspiration to all of us here, showing us how we should live our lives. Studies have shown positive attitudes extend lives and your attitude is such a fine example of just that! So, thank you for sharing.

[LPL]

BrownBagger,
Good idea to visit Sweden in June
I'm Swedish and I can NOT recommend the winter months... they are Dark & Cold!

[BrownBagger]

I'm going to Jonkoping for a forestry fair. I've been there before for that same event, and it was quite beautiful. I was up in Umea once in the winter, and then traveled farther north. Good thing for saunas!

I have to say, Sweden is the most civilized country I've been to. Finland is close behind

[LPL]

Hi BB,

You & I have the Love of the Forest in common
I am a mycologist and there is a wonderful freedom to explore forests in Sweden due to an ancient custom called Allemansrätten. I presume you know about this?!
"This beloved Swedish custom was formalized in 1994 when it was added to the country’s constitution. " http://modernnotion.com/thanks-to-allem ... m-to-roam/
I hope you will have a nice time on your upcoming trip to Sweden. And btw, if you go up to north of Umeå, in June, the sun will be up all night - it must have been dark almost all day when you went 'up there' in the winter
Yes, I also like Finns & Finland.

[fordodo]

Such an inspiration! All the best to you.

[kiwiinoz]

Eric
I must echo everyone else and your way of moving forward has helped me through some very dark times, and it still does.
Sweden sounds great, and only a few months to go so I am expecting lots of photos between now and then.
I hope you'll post a lot of photos of yourself after the Sweden trip? I want to see them, and I would hazard a guess that most of the others on this board would too, so keep on living your life as you do.
Kiwi

[Rob in PA]

I've been quiet lately, butt when I see bb on here talking about a major walkabout....I got to say wtf go for it ! get busy living or get busy dying!

I had to edit my last response from last night cuz I already took my ambien and couldn't type for shit!

Cheers
Rob