Forward!
Some of you have been asking, so I thought I would reach out to everyone following along at home with an update, and to say again – thanks for being there.
Two Months Out
So it has been two months and one pandemic since this whacky ride started. I have been lax in posting updates simply because there was nothing of significance to report. The schedule slipped due to Covid-19, and all I would really have to offer would just be me bitching and moaning. 😀
However – things can wait only so long – this cancer is not going to treat itself! It is with a fair amount of trepidation that I will resume treatment, even though the Covid threat is still significant.
Surgery is scheduled for 5/21, and I will be starting chemotherapy on 5/27 – just in time for Memorial Day! Yay!
Oh well – what must be, must be.
Onward!!!
Here at home base, balancing rest and obligations has been a chore in and of itself. I am finding that I can go in two-hour spurts, but with limits. Sitting in at the computer for extended periods, for instance, is still uncomfortable.
About a month ago my laptop suffered a radical vertical impact test to the display, which has introduced some rather bizarre visual effects which obscure the lower right quadrant of the screen. It’s not entirely useless; for instance, it still does a pretty good job of being an external hard drive with a fancy lamp attached. As a stand-alone, however, its career is over I’m afraid. My internet access is limited to desktop, and … see above 😀
In summary – I’m limping along like everyone else. I’m still here, I’m still fighting, and I don’t plan on giving up any time soon. The battle will be rejoined next week, and hopefully be over in time for my birthday in October. 😛
The Past Month: CBD, FECO and Me
While in limbo, I took it upon myself to check into cannabis treatment. What? You’re surprised??? 😀
The short of it is: CBD and FECO tinctures do work.
While FECO is not yet legal here, I have a friend who was kind enough to provide me with some. After 4 weeks of regular use, I can honestly say that the trips to the bathroom are far less frequent and far more productive. Let’s just leave it at that for the moment. If you’d like the gory details, hit me up via PM, and I’ll provide specifics 😀
I have found that straight CBD tincture is as effective as any hydrocodone for managing pain. There is a company local to Mooresville that makes CBD tinctures and salves of varying strengths called Pax Nutraceuticals. They produce CBD which has <0.3%THC as required by law, and I'm here to tell you that their product works swimmingly well. The bead shop on Main Street in Mooresville - Ain't Miss Bead Haven (www.aintmissbeadhaven.com) - has some available in their store. I have a fair amount of experience with CBD at this point. If you have questions, hit me up via PM and I'll be happy to answer them as best as I can - or steer you in the right direction to find the answers.
Would You Like To Help?
As you may imagine, work has been pretty sporadic, but I suppose that’s a good thing. At least I won’t overdo it. Performing musicians are not exactly in high demand at the moment, and my inability to sit at a computer has sidelined any new web projects. I’ve been able to keep up with the day-to-day maintenance chores fortunately.
I know times are tough for everyone, but .. I can seriously use all the help I can get. These medical bills are bloody astonishing, and Covid is not helping things at all. If you are willing and would like to help with some of the costs, there is a link on my web site. It uses Paypal as a gateway, but does not require a Paypal account.
Of course hugs, love, and the occasional ‘hi how are you?’ are greatly appreciated. It’s good to know that someone cares. 😀
Thank You
Again – thanks for all the good thoughts and support. You have made this a lot less scary and formidable. You have no idea how much.
Stay safe out there kids.
#KeepSmiling
– Matt