This past Wednesday the results of my CT scan were finished and the schedule for my radiation treatments was ready. I am to start my radiation treatments this coming Monday with the first one at 12:30 on Monday. After that they will be at 6:30 in the morning. I'll take 1500 mg of Chemo pills twice a day during this time as well. My normal work routine has me running the roads all day Mon-Wed for Verizon. The past 2 weeks I had worked Tue-Thru due to doctor visits and tests. I would need to speak to Verizon about doing that one more week...or so I thought.

Linear Accelerator

18 Sept 2024 15:07

This is the beast. It weighs 400.000 pounds. It has 120 servo motors that manipulate a myriad of lead plates that shape the radiation prior to it leaving the lens. I can't feel the radiation as it enters me. By the sounds the machine makes, I have a pretty good idea when it's doing the deed. I told the operator they need to give it blaster sounds like in Star Wars or something. It has a targeting laser built in that aligns with the marks on my bottom to index the machine into firing position. I will get "shot" between 25-28 times. So far no adverse side effects. That, I'm told won't always be the case. Something along the line of diaper rash. It takes 9 minutes from the time that I lie on the table until I'm finished. I have to admit to the fact that it's amazing to me how this thing does what it does. I'm just happy that God created people with the intelligence to create machines like this to destroy this spawn of satan. That's right. I truly believe this is without a doubt the work of the devil. Ask me sometime and I'll explain it.

Finding Strength in Faith: Struggling with Cancer as a Christian

22 Sept 2024 13:31

Cancer is a word that can evoke fear, uncertainty, and a sense of isolation. For many, the journey through cancer is not just a physical battle but an emotional and spiritual one as well. As a Christian facing this challenge, I have learned that my faith can be both a source of strength and a platform for ministry. Here, I share my experiences and reflections on how to navigate the struggles of cancer and use them to uplift others who may feel alone in their fight.When I received my diagnosis, it felt like the ground had been taken from beneath me. Questions flooded my mind: Why me? What did I do to deserve this? As a Christian, I found myself grappling with my faith. I had always believed that God has a plan for each of us, yet this challenge seemed overwhelming. In those early days, it was essential for me to remember that doubt is a natural part of faith. God welcomes our questions and our fears.In moments of despair, I turned to Scripture for comfort. Verses like John 16:33, which says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” became my lifeline. Prayer became not just a routine but a refuge. It was during these quiet moments that I felt God’s presence most profoundly. I realized that He was walking alongside me in my struggles.One of the most significant blessings during my journey has been the support of my Christian community. Church members rallied around me, offering prayers, meals, and companionship. Their love reminded me that I was not alone. It is crucial for those facing similar battles to reach out to their communities. Whether it’s a church group, a prayer circle, or even social media, connecting with others can provide not only support but also a sense of belonging.As I am navigating my treatment, I felt a growing desire to share my story. I began writing about my experiences, reflecting on God’s faithfulness and the comfort I found in community. I realized that my struggle with cancer could serve a higher purpose. By being open about my journey, I could encourage others who might feel isolated in their battlesThrough my experiences, I discovered the importance of compassion and understanding. I learned to listen to others without judgment, to offer a shoulder to cry on, and to share practical resources. Cancer can create a wall of isolation, but through shared experiences, we can break down those walls. I found that being vulnerable about my struggles opened the door for others to share their own challenges, creating a safe space for healing and support.Living with cancer teaches you to cherish each day. I’ve learned to find joy in small victories, whether it’s a good day, a successful treatment, or simply enjoying the beauty of creation. My faith has instilled in me a hope that transcends circumstances. As Christians, we believe in a God who heals and restores, and even amidst trials, we can hold onto the promise of hope.

Time Stops

6 Oct 2024 11:26

When you find out about cancer, they tell you a lot of things. What’s going to happen, you might get sick, all of the side effects of whatever kind of treatment you’re going to have, and many other things that I can’t remember right now. But they don’t tell you this One thing. Time stops.It’s almost impossible to plan ahead. I’m not talking about like for your appointments and your scans and stuff like that maybe support group meeting times and stuff along those lines. I’m talking about long range stuff.Everything becomes about The fight. If there’s any planning, it is about the fight and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.This Just kind of hit hard this morning as I looked at my coffee cups and saw my Gatlinburg cup. I don’t know when I’ll ever go back. My wife Assures me that we will and I believe her. But even to make that kind of plan requires space in my brain that I don’t have right now. That space is filled up with the fight. I do mean fight.People with cancer aren’t patients. They are fighters. Wanna start a fight with me? That’s a good way to do it. I don’t say what kind of cancer do you have? I say, what are you fighting? It Is not a matter of semantics. It is an absolute mindset. When I get up in the morning. I’m fighting when I do my exercise. I’m fighting when I take my medication, I am fighting When I’m riding my bike,I am damn sure fighting.Cancer is more than a disease. It is a absolute demon. Hell spawn from Satan himself. I’m not saying this to Be funny. I absolutely mean it. There will be another post later on when I will explain exactly how I feel about what it exactly is from a spiritual point.Well, it’s Sunday morning. I had a pretty rough Saturday. I don’t know why but the day after I stop taking my chemo pills for the week it really is the worst day. Sunday is usually a little better. Tuesday is my best day and Wednesdays are pretty good too. After that my energy level start to fall again, which brings up more issues about some things I’m going to have to face here over the next couple of weeks that I will talk about at a more appropriate time.I built this blog so if people who love me truly wanna understand how I feel they will have a place to read my deeper thoughts and I feel obligated to open myself up here rather than over on some social media site. If you are a follower of Jesus, I would appreciate your prayers if you’re not, I accept good vibrations too, I guess.

This is Maynard. The cancer fighting ninja ribbon. He's ready to open some serious cans of whoop-ass on cancer! Don't get too close. You might get a Judie chop just so's he can stay in practice!

How it all got started...

Diagnosis

Another Bomb Dropped...

Linear Accelerator

Finding Strength in Faith: Struggling with Cancer as a Christian

Time Stops

This is Maynard. The cancer fighting ninja ribbon. He's ready to open some serious cans of whoop-ass on cancer! Don't get too close. You might get a Judie chop just so's he can stay in practice!