I have leukemia

Hello everyone.

Some of you may have noticed that I have't made a post since early June. I was diagnosed with leukemia on June 9 after having a congestion in my airways for three months. The experience of being in the hospital for about 28 days and going through chemo was of course very difficult and then when I got out of the hospital two weeks ago today I went through a difficult period that only people that know about leukemia can appreciate.

Of course, this is a wonderful gambling website and the subject of leukemia has nothing to do with gambling or advantage play. But many forum members bring up many non-gambling issues that concern or interest them. Respectfully, if the mods feel that this subject matter is inappropriate in this forum they may take whatever action they deem appropriate without complaint from me. And if the mods want to block this thread or take measures to take it over to DT that is also their decision not mine. In this case members that have any interest in this disease feel free to PM me.

After getting out of the hospital these past two weeks it has been the most unbelievable, astounding, frightening, wonderful, scary experience. And I fell in love.

I cannot guarantee a timely response to anyone who might reply to this post. My moods, my health, my ability--all these things are still wavering. It it's still a difficult time.

But it feels good to post here again. I have missed the dialogue of many of the interesting members on the site and I have missed some of the wonderful posts and members as well.

God bless you all.

Best wishes for speedy recovery.

In 1977, my father passed away due to the complications from Leukemia. I was 17. He was 49. This happened about 12 years after his doctor told my mother that he had about 6 months to live.

I recently learned that his doctor had mentioned him in an article in the late 80's. Apparently, they learned a lot thru my father, as well as since then and treatment methods have gotten a lot better.

Hopefully they caught yours early enough for a complete recovery. And if not, then hopefully you'll get the same twenty-four times the estimated duration that my father got...


Best wishes.

Good to have you back; best wishes on a speedy, sustained recovery. :)

Quote: Greasyjohn

Hello everyone.

Some of you may have noticed that I have't made a post since early June. I was diagnosed with leukemia on June 9 after having a congestion in my airways for three months. The experience of being in the hospital for about 28 days and going through chemo was of course very difficult and then when I got out of the hospital two weeks ago today I went through a difficult period that only people that know about leukemia can appreciate.

Of course, this is a wonderful gambling website and the subject of leukemia has nothing to do with gambling or advantage play. But many forum members bring up many non-gambling issues that concern or interest them. Respectfully, if the mods feel that this subject matter is inappropriate in this forum they may take whatever action they deem appropriate without complaint from me. And if the mods want to block this thread or take measures to take it over to DT that is also their decision not mine. In this case members that have any interest in this disease feel free to PM me.

After getting out of the hospital these past two weeks it has been the most unbelievable, astounding, frightening, wonderful, scary experience. And I fell in love.

I cannot guarantee a timely response to anyone who might reply to this post. My moods, my health, my ability--all these things are still wavering. It it's still a difficult time.

But it feels good to post here again. I have missed the dialogue of many of the interesting members on the site and I have missed some of the wonderful posts and members as well.

God bless you all.

When I read the thread title and saw your name my heart was in my throat. You are a good member here, Greasyjohn, and it is very appropriate that you share as little or as much as you see fit. In our volunteer work my wife and I have met some cancer patients and have seen what they have faced. That doesn't mean that I can say I know what you're going through but I do have an idea.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery and please listen to your doctors, especially when you begin to feel better. I'll be thinking of you.

Friend of mine recently went through the same-all of the sudden bam! He was in isolation, chemo, transfusions, the whole nine yards. That was three years ago. He's a better man now because of his experience and he'd be the first to agree. Stay positive.

I am thinking about you John.I will be praying for your strong recovery.

KB1

Sorry to hear about that. My father was diagnosed with leukemia and went through chemo back in october. It was rough just seeing him waste away. But now it's July and his hair grew back and he's still ticking. He was also overweight, had diabetes, and heart trouble but he's still here so anythings possible. So the best of luck to you. I hope your leukemia stays in remission.

GJ,

Yes, I and probably several other people have noticed your absence and missed you. I think it's not just appropriate but entirely affirming that you tell us what's going on, because we do have a community of sorts. I note that each of us moderators and quite a few other regulars have at times passed news along or started threads that were more personal than this website might usually entertain, and so you're not out of line at all IMO. I'm glad you're taking care of yourself and have made it this far, and my best wishes not just on continued recovery and successful treatment, but in your new love. I hope you find time to continue to post, not just on your health, but on the gaming threads and other thoughts on other topics, as you have before. In short, welcome back!

GJ,

Best of wishes on your recovery, I always enjoy your participation here.

Best wishes. I will be honest, I don't know that I would make it thru chemo so hang in there.

GJ I wish you a speedy recovery and best wishes.

Best of luck. If you have any 'doctor' type questions, feel free to pm.

Best of luck. Keep fighting and hang in there for the "long run"

Quote: Greasyjohn

then when I got out of the hospital two weeks ago today I went through a difficult period that only people that know about leukemia can appreciate.

Sorry to hear it. Sometimes the only working strategy is roll with the punches, and take it day to day as common wisdom.

Good luck and hope you have successful recovery.

Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery Greasyjohn. You are among friends here.

It is good to have you back Greasyjohn. Please be encouraged to know that we are pulling for you, and many warm thoughts and prayers are going your way.

Of course, we are all looking forward to the details of the, "And I fell in love." cliffhanger. Do tell.

Keep fighting GJ........best wishes for positive steps forward as you fight this battle!!

Quote: tringlomane

Good to have you back; best wishes on a speedy, sustained recovery. :)

I second this motion !

Dear Greasyjohn,
What can I say? I have been putting this post off for a couple of hours now."
Now I am going to attempt to empathize with your current state of affairs.
I know that others have already expressed their feelings in response to your most recent post.
I see the names, I see the length of involvement in these forums of the posters.
In my relatively short time here I have come to respect those names.
I actually mentioned a few weeks ago, as part of another issue, where is Greasyjohn.
I had noticed your absence. I wondered if you were OK.
Obviously you were not OK, I didn't know.
Life is a beautiful thing, I cannot imagine anything more beautiful.
You have shared some of your life on this little group of forums, an amazing life it sounds like.
For that I send you my thanks, I feel sure others feel the same, many others probably.
I am here today, tomorrow is always an unknown. The same is true for you, for us all.
You get well now, you write here now, you call me if you need (well PM), I have a place in my life that is you.
Best cheers, and a salute, and a prayer, all for you

Greasy John, I'm sorry to read about your leukemia. The news of your cancer saddened me. I do not know what to say.

Quote: Artemis

Greasy John, I'm sorry to read about your leukemia. The news of your cancer saddened me. I do not know what to say.

Artemis,

It is late and yours is the last post I'm reading today. So perhaps this is a good place to start. I remember how friendly, encouraging, helpful and full of zest you were when you helped me navigate some of the different aspects of posting and such on this website. What a nice guy you are.

Best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery.

I have very little to say that hasn't already been said, GJ .... You are in my thoughts and prayers.

As for that disease, F*** Cancer. F*** it very large and very hard.

Quote: Ayecarumba

It is good to have you back Greasyjohn. Please be encouraged to know that we are pulling for you, and many warm thoughts and prayers are going your way.

Of course, we are all looking forward to the details of the, "And I fell in love." cliffhanger. Do tell.

Is the 16.67 a reference to boxcars where 2 and 12 pay only 2?

I actually started to tell the story of my love for this girl but I realized I couldn't do it justice in my then mood, but yes I would very much like to share this incredible story here someday. Let me just reveal that this is someone I've known since 2004. We had a relationship of sorts from 2006 until about 2012. It was never officially a relationship--we just got together every week or two for dinner and some affection. Well that all changed when I got leukemia. My relationship with her had fizzled out but this bad news brought us together again. She has been wonderful. When I left for the hospital my home was in disarray because of my poor state. In the weeks leading up to my hospital admission my home was not clean and my clothes were strewn about. She took it upon herself to clean my home to wash my clothes, to buy sheets for my bed to bring over equipment to raise my toilet seat to make it easier for me. She brought a chair for my shower so that I could sit and bath myself (her father and mother had lived to be 91 and 92 respectively and they used this equipment in their final months. Her mother was the last to pass away on December 7, 2013. It just so happens that I joined this forum the following day). She put food in my refrigerator and in the first week while I was home she brought me things from the store because I could not drive. She was the primary caregiver I depended on. (The hospital basically required that I have someone in that position before I could be released, otherwise I would have to have been admitted to a skilled nursing facility.) Then, instead of bringing the things I needed she would come over and we would go out and get them together.

One of the odd things about chemo after a diagnosis of leukemia is that in almost all of the patients their mouths have several or many canker sores. It makes swallowing painful and impossible. To eat in the hospital I took lidocaine. It is a gloppy--honey like medication that you would swirl around in your mouth and it deadened the mouth nerves. Then for a period of five minutes or so you could eat soft foods like ice cream, pudding and yogurt. But if you tried to eat bread it was impossible--at least in the beginning.

Anyway, I remember my first meal out with my love, Chris, which happened about 10 days after my arrival home. We went to In and Out. It was wonderful to be eating good simple food that reminded me of a normal life. And God how good it tasted--strawberry shake, the double double, fries and a Coke. I don't eat there very often--it's a little overpriced. But it felt good to have this little piece of Americana...

I wrote this missive to Chris about 10 days ago:

************************************************
Chris,

In the past six weeks you've shown me great kindness. You made several trips to my home to make it comfortable for my return. You went out of your way to do my laundry. You brought me things that would help in my recovery. You made sure that I had food for my return. I appreciate so much these things you've done for me. The sweetness and love you have shown me make it easy for me to love you. It has been wonderful hugging you and holding you near. I have looked forward to and enjoyed every day we've spent together. I feel blessed that you are in my life and look forward to the great times we will have together.

My current health issues have brought me some great difficulties and I am very appreciative of the understanding you have shown. Although I have had some difficulties this has been a beautiful and wonderful time spent with you. And this is all that is really important to me and I wanted you to know.
*************************************************

That's all I can say for now.

I really wanted my next post to express my appreciation for all the kind words and thoughts that have come my way, but your mention of my new love caught me and I allowed myself to be self-absorbed.

GJ - Let me add to the wishes for a successful recovery. Your absence on the board was definitely noticed. Your contributions are valued.

Good luck, John.

Good luck on your recovery.

I'll need more details if you want anything such as the usual contradictory and dangerous advice that I spew.

Good luck, GreasyJohn, hang in there.

To all of you that have expressed support and prayers I am grateful. Thank you for the welcome back.

GJ, best to you and hopes for a speedy and full recovery.

Praying for you, John.

Thank you to all who have offered your support.

Chris and I are planning to go to Vegas in a couple of months for a two-night getaway. We'll stay comped at the Silverton. I'll also get a room at the DG, because they comped me also. (These are the only two places left in Vegas where I still get comps in the mail. I used to get comps from 15 different casinos and I kept them in a folder separated alphabetically. It was fun to look back through all those offers but of course things have dried up. Too many places just don't want my action. Silver Sevens of course would comp me and I know there are other places that would with a phone call.) I'll take the DG room and their $50 or $100 free bet and scram. They of course now have 6/5 blackjack so there's no need for me to give them any action in the future. They had great pen that was sometimes 80% in their DD game. I'm just going for the free bet of course and perhaps a free comp meal in their coffee shop. Somebody please tell me that's the spirit GJ!! (I would've put a third (!) but that would've been construed as some kind of brilliancy in chess, right? P-K4)

A couple of times a few years ago I tried to teach Chris basic strategy, She just doesn't get it. I can tell her time and time again: If the dealers up card is two through six and you have a 12 through 16 you stand. Of course there's a couple small exceptions to that but let's not worry about that now--I'm just trying to get the basic concept across to her. What the hell should I do, hit her over the head with a small log? Same thing with video poker; she just doesn't want to learn, but she doesn't play for high-stakes. What can I say, her mother used to play jacks or better and when she'd get a pair of Jack's along with an ace she'd hold the ace. What am I going to do? I mean what am I going to do--you tell me--it's her mother?

I'm doing this all with the microphone. It would be great to just hit send just as it is (like Axel does) 'cause I know you'd at all figure it out. But then again I have a great appreciation for good writing so I'll go back and put in all the apostrophes and dashes, periods and caps. You know, someday I really think there's going to come a time when it's really usual to not correct anything--just send it along--that's the way our generation is going, don't you think?

I haven't shaved in two weeks and my cheeks are still as soft as a babys' ass.

I'm back!

And welcome back Sir

Quote: TwoFeathersATL

And welcome back Sir

TwoFeathersATL,

I was very appreciative and moved by your post to me when you found out about my medical condition. You are a human being with a great heart and a deep soul.

Quote: Greasyjohn

Chris and I are planning to go to Vegas in a couple of months for a two-night getaway. ...

A couple of times a few years ago I tried to teach Chris basic strategy, She just doesn't get it. I can tell her time and time again: If the dealers up card is two through six and you have a 12 through 16 you stand. Of course there's a couple small exceptions to that but let's not worry about that now--I'm just trying to get the basic concept across to her. What the hell should I do, hit her over the head with a small log? ...

Hello GJ, I read about how important Chris is to you as a care-giver. Being a care-giver isn't easy, and she deserves a gift.

To Chris, I like to give you this simplified basic strategy, as a gift for being an angel. The simplified basic strategy is a lot easier to read, follow, and use than the Wizard's chart.

GJ, please just print it out for Chris and show her how to use it.

Good luck.

GJ,
Go to the wizard of odds page and print the strategy cards for the games that you will be playing. You can easily do this on a computer.
I have the strategy cards printed for most every type of game rules.
I have never had a casino tell me I cannot use the strategy sheet. Eliminates the guess work. (And half of the dealers think you are using a bad strategy sheet anyway)

Quote: Artemis

Hello GJ, I read about how important Chris is to you as a care-giver. Being a care-giver isn't easy, and she deserves a gift.

To Chris, I like to give you this simplified basic strategy, as a gift for being an angel. The simplified basic strategy is a lot easier to read, follow, and use than the Wizard's chart.

GJ, please just print it out for Chris and show her how to use it.

Good luck.

Thanks again Artemis

Quote: RaleighCraps

GJ,
Go to the wizard of odds page and print the strategy cards for the games that you will be playing. You can easily do this on a computer.
I have the strategy cards printed for most every type of game rules.
I have never had a casino tell me I cannot use the strategy sheet. Eliminates the guess work. (And half of the dealers think you are using a bad strategy sheet anyway)

Thanks, Raleigh

Sorry, I am late to the thread (out of town and don't like to log on at casino properties) but wanted to let you know that I read the thread and was thinking of you and wish you well, GJ.

kj

sorry to hear about this. i wish you a speedy recovery

Quote: kewlj

Sorry, I am late to the thread (out of town and don't like to log on at casino properties) but wanted to let you know that I read the thread and was thinking of you and wish you well, GJ.

kj

Thanks Kewlj, for your kind thoughts. I always look forward to your posts.

Quote: Zuga

sorry to hear about this. i wish you a speedy recovery

Thank you, Zuga. I'm doing very well, I'm happy and my chances for remission are very good. And I have great doctors.

Hello GJ,

Sorry to hear the bad news. Glad to hear the recovery is going well and a new love has sprung up from the ashes like a phoenix.

May the odds be with you.

Quote: Wizard

Hello GJ,

Sorry to hear the bad news. Glad to hear the recovery is going well and a new love has sprung up from the ashes like a phoenix.

May the odds be with you.

Thanks very much Mike.

Hey Greasy, welcome back.

Let me say this, about that. The value of one sufferer helping another is without parallel.

Everyone has heard of "the disease", and we are all instilled with the fear. The thing is, it's just a disease, like heart disease, or liver or kidney or other serious disease. Once I knew that, it got easier. Somehow we are all made to be so afraid of the "C" word, or disease. I am glad I don't have Aids, although how long has Magic Johnson been running around with it, 30 years?

I try to tell anyone that will hear,,,about meeting with a local group of cancer survivors. If not for your benefit, then for theirs. It helps alleviate the mental suffering, if not the physical, to be face to face with another human being, that truly does know "how it feels". IMO

I don't know where you live, but I know there is a meeting not far away as cancer is expected to infect one in three women and one in two men, if we live long enough. A local oncologist, or hospital should have flyers available, I had to search as the one I wanted to find wasn't on the www, but they are around, supported at least partially by the ACS.

The meetings make me feel better, although I just turned 60, I am the youngblood in my group and somehow it feels like they are hoping I will carry the torch a ways further. I go to a men's group, there are mixed and women's groups.

I can feel empathy towards a woman with breast cancer, but I can't truly know what that feels like. Similarly she could feel the same way about prostate. It works, it helps, it's also free, sort of.

There are also online groups, it is strangely comforting to communicate with other sufferers/ survivors.

One group I visited is http://csn.cancer.org/forum, affiliated with the American cancer society. There is a lot of useful information from those that have been here before,

When I first went into the hospital back in June I was told that at 61 years old with acute myeloid leukemia I had a 10-40% chance of remission.

My doctors told me last Thursday that I am in remission. I am lucky. My DNA is such that this cancer was unable to get a full grip on me.

I have a friend who's 21-year-old niece died of leukemia about three years ago. Why her and not me? I don't know, but prayers acknowledge that our lives have meaning.

I am grateful to those of you who have prayed for me. I have to honor the power of prayer. My heart feels humble and grateful.

So wonderful to hear Greasy John. Keep up the good work.

I think you will be ok, because I have been told "only the good die young" so I expect you will be around quite a while. :)

I pray. I prayed for you.
Probably didn't mean a thing, I did it anyway.
Glad to see you post, any post. 2F

I'm glad to hear your leukemia has gone into remission.