I’m a Mess

April 28, 2021—The phlebotomy tech begins to poke an IV needle into a vein in my right hand. As part of the little stick portion of the process, he tries to distract me with small talk—a question about why I’m having an echo, questions about my overall health—and I give him a complete rundown of my present and past health woes. He looks at the plastic id cuff on my wrist and says, “You’re only 58.”

I laugh and tell him, yeah, I’m a mess, and my wife tells me I’m a mess, too.

I’m a Mess

I’m at Sutherland Cardiology today for an echocardiogram—there’s a minor concern about my heart function given that I’ve been on a new cancer treatment regimen (immunotherapy) for a while and that my blood pressure is higher than normal (for me). You may recall that I had a heart attack at the end of 2018 (see All I want for Christmas…).

As part of my rundown, I tell the tech that just this week I’ve been to Campbell Clinic for physical therapy, I’m here at Sutherland for my echo, and, tomorrow (Thursday), I’ll be at the West Cancer Center for my 11th infusion. I go on to explain about the last six weeks of PT for a torn rotator cuff and frozen shoulder, and my stage IV cancer diagnosis and treatment.

It’s enough to make your head spin…yeah, I’m a mess.

Delta Blues

Vicki and I took a four-day road trip into the heart of the Mississippi Delta. A great trip that I documented in two parts for StoryBoard Memphis, an online publication about arts, community, and cultural of Memphis and the MidSouth. I’m proud of these pieces (Delta Diaries) along with other articles I’ve written for StoryBoard. 

I’m excited that my writing has improved and is being recognized by others. I also have a short story that will appear in an upcoming local mystery anthology. (A second story is in the works for another anthology.) My long-term goal is to get a book published, and I feel closer to achieving that goal every day.

Number Eleven

Infusion number eleven (11) was the next day (April 29th) at the West Center. While there’s nothing new to report regarding my prognosis, we were excited when the nurse practitioner told us that my lab (blood) work looked great. Liver, kidney, and other internal functions all looked really good. Couple that with how I currently feel—which is also really good—and we’re very happy.

Now, let’s hope the adrenal gland tumor shrinks. We’ll know more on June 10th.

Melanoma Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month. As an active advocate for prevention, treatment, and, eventually, a cure, I’m involved in a number of activities, initiatives, and fund-raisers—both locally and nationally.

You’ll see a lot of Facebook posts from me about donations, support, and, of course, taking care of your skin. For obvious reasons, this issue is important to me and my family.

While donations and support are special and mean a lot to me, it’s much more important that all of you make the effort to take care of yourselves and your loved ones—especially younger ones. Excessive sun exposure and sun damage when you’re young—even one sunburn—can impact your health years down the road.

Protect your skin!

Final Thoughts

The screen shot below is from the website of Aim at Melanoma, one of the national non profit groups that I work with. You’ll see a dark blue box on the top row (almost in the middle). That’s me and that’s my sincere sentiment. I could not survive or continue on my journey without all of you!

Thanks for everything…and thanks for listening.

Note:  If you want to leave a comment, just choose “Anonymous” from the Profile Selection drop down bar right below the Comment box. (It’s the very last choice.) Sorry for any confusion.

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Writer’s Note – I’ll continue to update my blog on a periodic basis. No set schedule. So, I want to thank everyone who continues to stop by and check out my blog. Please leave a comment or message; I’d love to hear from you. 

Status Quo

March 30, 2019 – I learned earlier this week that my life is simply “status quo.” Actually my life is not status quo, but my current health condition – details below – is currently status quo. It’s a term used in a variety of situations, but I’m not sure that status quo applies to all situations. Here’s the definition courtesy of Google’s online dictionary:

Status quo (noun) the existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues

Status quo is a Latin phrase meaning the existing state of affairs, particularly with regard to social or political issues. In the sociological sense, it generally applies to maintain or change existing social structure and values. … To maintain the status quo is to keep the things the way they presently are. (Wikipedia)


I guess that’s a good way to look at it: keep things the way they are.

That’s the way my family would certainly like my health to be. Just keep Ken and his present condition(s) the way they are – if not, perhaps, improving them somewhat. Of course I understand that sentiment, but I continue to get irked by neighbors, friends, even extended family who act as though “no news if good news” means that everything in my world is okay.

Unfortunately, everything is never simply “okay.” I have good days and bad days – currently more good days – and I constantly worry about everything (and I mean everything). I’m not talking about my cancer or my heart. I’m talking about my family – including Emily’s health – my father’s health, my relatives, and just life in general.

That’s the rub – as I’ve stated many times before. Life moves on. Not much you can do about that.

So, I’ll take my current situation and move forward.

Or better yet, just maintain the status quo.

A heart-healthy meal.

Melanoma Update – As previously noted, my last CT scan and oncologist visit was late November. Tumors remain small and stable (meaning they have not grown or significantly changed). There are no new tumors, either. I remain on Gleevec and I now see my oncologist every six (6) months – instead of every three months. All around, good news to report.

Heart Update – I continue my cardio rehab through Methodist Health Systems at my cardiologist’s practice (Sutherland Cardiology). It’s been a good process to go through and I will finish “rehab” in early May. I have lost a little weight and continue to keep it off. In addition, I am eating much healthier (see pic of sample meal) and I’m learning to try and like new, healthier food options. (Quinoa anyone?)

Note:  If you want to leave a comment, just choose “Anonymous” from the Profile Selection drop down bar right below the Comment box. (It’s the very last choice.)  Sorry for any confusion.


Also, please make sure you leave your name or sign-in somewhere in your comment.  Thanks.

Writer’s Note – I’ll continue to update my blog on a periodic basis.  No set schedule.  So, I want to thank everyone who continues to stop by and check out my blog. Please leave a comment or message; I’d love to hear from you.