Off the leash!

So, who is the ugly bald dude?  Yup, its me!   Spike and I had a little adventure yesterday.  A good friend of ours, Scott runs a Photog studio, Scott Lowden Photography.  He invited Spike and I over for a few shots while he did some experiments with his new lighting rig.  Way beyond my pay grade, but pretty cool stuff. 

If you want to see more of this nastiness, go here.  Beware, it has been a little while since I have been able to hit the gym, so I'm a bit soft. 

Today is a great day.  I've "graduated" from clinic- hence "off the leash".   I was getting myself a little too excited, thinking a clinic discharge meant I would be allowed to get back to normal life and start doing everything that I want.  Not so fast my friend.  Along with my discharge papers came a long list of do's and don'ts.  Until 100 days, most of them are still don'ts.  There were some very strange ones, such as contact with Pigeons- NO.  I asked about that, and the doc said "you'd be surprised". 

So far over the last couple of weeks it has been very hard for me with UGA playing and me not being able to attend the games.  I've been giving my tickets to my brother, Greg.  Its killin me!  The beauty is all in the timing though.  According to the sheet of no-nos, 3 months after transplant I am allowed to go to spectator events.  Just so happens that the UGA/FL game in Jacksonville sits right at 90 days.  And who has tickets?  You guessed it.  Yeah! 

As with everything else on this journey, with every bit of victory, there is always another little hurdle put out in front of us.  While we won't know for a good 6 months that the transplant has completely put the disease into remission, the doctor wants to add one more step to my treatment to give me the best shot of not seeing Hodgkins again.   He reviewed my case with his buddies at the Mayo Cancer Clinic.  Apparently, for younger patients with relapsed Hodgkins, studies have shown that a directed, low dose radiation regimen gives the patient a significantly better chance of not seeing the disease again in the long term.    The reason they have waited 'til now is to allow my bone marrow to recover to a certain point before doing the procedure.    I've known this was a possibility all along, but the doctor wanted to do some research on it and speak with other experts on the matter.  I'll know much more in a week or so when I can meet with my oncologist next week.  My transplant doc says it is absolutely painless, and with the low doses I will be receiving, the side effects are minimal.  Some tiredness, possibly a sore throat and that is about it.  Said nausea is a very slight possibility.    The good news is that it will not affect my immune system and will not change my 100 day time table to freedom.   Everything remains on track.  I'm just going to pretend I'm going in for an x-ray a day for a few days.   I'll fill y'all in as soon as I get details. 

Comments

[Dana (Hall) Baum]

Jeff, you have to join Facebook so that you can see photos I posted of you from 20 - 25 years ago. Yes, we are that old. You were inquired about and I directed to your blog. I hope that is ok. You continue to inspire me, brother!

D.

[Robyn Smith Pearson]

Hey Jeffrey!! I was the one that inquired about you from Dana. I have been asking about you through the years but everyone that I asked didn't know where you were. I was beginning to think that you had left this crazy country of ours! I've read some of your blog and you are still the same Jeff...funny, sarcastic and yes, still cute! It sounds as if you have a great out look and support system around you. Please email me and let me know how you are doing and IF you remember me...
Take Care!!
Robyn

[wendy]

crap! I guess I need to return the pigeon I just bought you! :)

[Melinda Young]

Hi Jeff,

You may not remember me, but I am Melinda Conley from high school. I dated and married John Young also from high school. Dana Hall Baum has kept me in the loop a little about your journey. You are an absolute inspiration! I'm sure you get sick of hearing that . . . I went through cancer and chemo (ovarian) last year and I know I got sick of hearing how brave and positive I was!!! LOL The truth is, it sucks like nothing ever will! I'm through it now, praise the Lord, and living my life again finally! You really do have a great attitude and perspective . . . I know you're going to be back to living your normal life again soon. From what I hear, radiation is nothing compared to chemo. You're going to breeze right through it! Take care and God Bless, Melinda Conley Young

[Tamara Reynolds]

I found your blog thru Scott Lowden and I commend you on your wonderful attitude. Glad to know you are off the leash. My nephew's wife has gone thru what you have been thru just last year. Here is her blog if you would like to make contact http://ahh-life.blogspot.com/

Good luck. You look strong!!!!

[Scott G.]

Dude, don't quit your day job - I just don't see modeling in your future. But that Spike is a natural.

Keep notching up those little victories and enjoy the GA/FL game. GO DAWGS!

[Buckhead Jess]

WOW - more great news and I'm loving the pictures. The green brusing makes you look like you are turning into the Incredible Hulk!! :))) I love it!

Very sweet pics of your doggies too.

Can't wait to see you and M out and about!

[Terri Stewart]

See you in a couple days! (I'll be sure all the pigeons are put away before you get here.)

[Matt E.]

Hey Jeff,

That is awesome news!!! I hope drinking beer on the weekend wasn't on the list of don'ts!!! We need to tip a few back soon!

Matt E.

[Jules - Freedom]

You and Spike take awesome glamour shots. Next time I think you should dress as Scarlett O'Hara...