Ron Washington Wisdom
The Verdict Is In
Posted by TFG on December 15th, 2011
And it’s not unexpected, but it is a) greatly appreciated confirmation, and b) a load off of my mind. Again cutting/pasting from the family email:
I had the doctor appointment this morning to go over the results of the PET scan on Monday. They were characterized as “very good” — it showed tumor shrinkage, no enlarged lymph nodes and no spread to brain, other organs or bones. There is still blockage of the bronchus intermedius (? – something to do with a branch of the airway), and indication of pneumonitis (not pneumonia.) My voice is still very hoarse, so that nerve is still impacted. It is getting louder, though, at least a little bit. I have some light-headedness after standing up, which was described as “getting old” by the PA. Great.
The treatment plan is to move into consolidated chemotherapy, which will start Jan 5th. I neglected to ask how many they planned, but I have an appointment the day before I start chemo, so I’ll ask then. Needless to say, I’ll go for how ever many they say. The drugs will be carboplatin and taxoplatin (?), the same thing I had before, just stronger doses. I imagine at some point, I’ll be getting another scan to see how I’m reacting to it, and make any adjustments. I’ll probably start losing hair with this round of chemo. Sigh.
Regardless, I’m sure that the multitude of people praying for me has had an enormous effect on me. Your love and support has meant everything to me, and I’m thankful beyond words.
So, here we are, the second fork in the road, which of course, I shall take, with all yall along as the happy peanut gallery. I’ve gotten inside information on the “strong” chemo (thanks, Tom!) that makes me somewhat nervous about how I’ll react. I’m definitely not down with losing hair, as I’m doing well enough with that on my own without any help. I guess I should look at this as an opportunity to buy a nice new Resistol, and purty up a little bit.
There are still a lot of things up in the air going forward, such as just what the hell I’m going to be when I grow up. I hate, hate, hate being unproductive — I really want to try to do something with the 30+ years of IT experience, 20+ years of networking experience, 15+ years of internet experience, and 10+ years of web experience. I’d still like to take some of the last 5+ years of video surveillance R&D and do something in the oil patch. I’ve still got a few ideas rattling around in my soon-to-be-hairless head on video + cellular + wifi, but by the time I can get them actualized, it might be too late. C’est la guerre, as we say in the high-tech world. I should make a Facebook app or something equally useless. If I had any creativity, I would.
For now, though, I’m going to enjoy Christmas with the family, up in North Texas, seeing some friends, just relaxing a little bit before I have to take that fork in the road. Thanks for all the prayers, good wishes, kind karmas, etc. Believe me, they work.
17 Responses to “The Verdict Is In”
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The Rooster is still here in the greatest place on earth…NYC waiting till you get better to show you how we do the best BBQ which is from California.
You will look great bald. Do you lose the moustach also. I don’t recall you with out one. I think you started growing one when you were 10. This is great news. look forward to seeing you at Christmas
A round of applause is definitely in order for the good news.
Good news,from the Med folks,and your exhibiting great patience with it all. Don’t fret the hair thing,I’ve been bald as a cue ball for 40yrs,just makes life easier,but the Resistol is a good idea,specially on those cold,windy days.I’m sure with your talent and drive,you will be fine with what ever you want to pursue.Have a Merry Christmas,with your family.
Good news, Scott. Travel safely, and enjoy the family time. You’re on my nightly prayer list, and will be for the duration.
Merry Christmas!
-ken-
This may be the first time I’ll ever say this to a man. Hurray for shrinkage!
I’ve been losing hair for thirty-five years. Eventually you don’t notice it anymore.
Keep on kickin’.
Great news! Hair comes back, well most of it anyway. As for things to do, write a book. You write well and there is money in it. As for time, you’ll have lots on your hands. Journal those side effects so they can dispense the right Meds.
Hang in there, Dude. You gotta lot of folks praying. Thinking about you being bald conjurs up some damn good jokes, but that will be for later. Think of how you might want to tell this story when you get on the other side of this illness. Might be somthing worth putting down on paper?
Great news!! It’s always a pleasure cueing up bad bald jokes for the newly hairless.
Hey, I thought hairless was in. Some people have to endure shaving it. Not you.
That oil patch idea is a good one. With the South Texas boom they must be losing a lot of tools to thieves.
Best of luck.
outstanding Merry Christmas Scott
I agree with Tom, you should write a book! Your style has always reminded me of Hunter S. Thompson. Intelligent, sarcastic, funny, warped and opinionated! And… we all know you’d blow something up in a heart beat! LOL! Love it & you!
Ditto Tom’s thoughts on writing a book…as I’ve been telling you throughout the years, and I KNOW you know…you are a gifted writer, exceptionally creative and certainly intelligent and very well read. Your fans, among whom include me, are begging for more TFG!
PS – I found super hipster fake ‘staches on the Urban Outifitter site…stooocking stuffer!
Enjoy the holidays, Scott, try not to strain your voice too much, stock on love and care of your family and friends. You are a courageous person. Nest wishes for the New Year.
The book is a good idea. Of course you have heard that from me before. Short stories perhaps.
That is good news! Have a great Christmas, and continue to get better! (I originally wrote “batter.” Herp derp. I can’t get used to this keyboard — that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!)