The results are in...

Surprise - it's me! After a long hiatus due to all my travelling I decided to post (actually Ed just gave me a hard time about needing to update the blog). The blog site upgraded which effected Susan's login abilities as well. So sorry for the delay in updates.

Ed just called me with wonderful news. Shortly before the end of the year he had another PET scan and the results are in...(drurm roll please).....Ed is now officially cancer free. The PET scan did not light up in any of the areas that were affected by the cancer (some of the scan lit up due to a cold). This is wonderful and incredible news which makes me smile when I say it. I can imagine no better way to begin the new year.

Thank you for diligently checking in. Stay tuned - Ed is considering doing some of his own posting! Happy new year to all.

Life is good

I know it's been a long, loooong time since I posted anything but no news is good news. Ed is feeling great. There really isn't anything to report. His blood levels of the remaining meds he takes are good, he feels good, he looks good; it's all good!

Angie checks in regularly with her dad while she's in transit jet-setting from one office to another for work. You go girl! We're hoping to catch a glimpse of Ang when she's in for Thanksgiving. Sean is working with Ed to train for a possible job opening and continues to practice the guitar. Sounding awesome! Matt is working two jobs right now while going to school and doing bodywork on his car in his spare minute of time. Madeline's continuing to do well but is temporarily down with some kind of virus. Sean is at home taking care of her today. And, I am incredibly Thankful for Ed, the kids and all of the wonderful experiences I've had because of them all.

Have an outstanding THANKSGIVING!

Looking good

Ed's check up with the ENT went well. The Dr. is "cautiously optimistic" about Ed's long-term prognosis. In other words...The doc thinks chances are good that Ed will make it to the 5 year anniversary at which point he'll be considered truly cancer free. The Dr. has decided not to pursue the hyperbaric treatment of the exposed bone in Ed's jaw just in case some cancer cells are lurking around. So, Ed will be looking into some alternatives.

The G-tube removal remains a success. Ed now has his original innie and the new outie belly button where the tube used to be. He says the spot feels better already without the tube dangling from it.

Unforgiven put on a spectacular concert Saturday night!! We will miss Tony as he moves on to Colorado. It felt great to see so many Over The Edge faithfuls come out for the show. Keep in touch!

Is that all?!!

OK...it turns out we could have just yanked the darn thing out. From the time Ed checked into outpatient services to the time we were back in the car driving home was less than 30 minutes. I've waited in line for coffee longer than that! The scariest part of the "procedure" was when the Dr. said there could be a sharp pain in Ed's abdomen for about 30 seconds after the G-tube was removed. Apparently the muscles of the stomach and abdomen will contract to eliminate the hole. I asked how often to change the gauze dressing and was told to leave it on for 24 hours and just leave it off after that. Ed is on a liquid diet for 24 hours and needs to wait until Saturday to shower.

Speaking of Saturday...Ed will be joining a group of friends from Over The Edge to see Unforgiven in their farewell concert. Unforgiven will be playing at 9:00pm at Pick-Ups bar and grill, 1 mile North of Route 30 on Torrence Ave. in Lansing. Come on out and we'll see you there!

It's a date

The long awaited event...removal of Ed's G-tube...is scheduled for next Friday afternoon, October 27 at Palos Hospital. I definitely have to figure out how to post photos so I can show you Ed's second belly button.

Have a great weekend!

No news is good news

There really isn't anything new to report but I thought I would check in with everybody. Ed continues to do well. We are still waiting on surgery to remove the G-tube.

Ed is having some withdrawal symptoms from the bar business. He woke up from a dream about our wedding day (aawww.) Apparently most of the dream was spent with Ed and Joe (not again!) going over the llist of supplies to be ordered at the bar.

We hope everyone is doing well and would love to hear from you. I understand that Biker Bill, Ron the doorman, and his wife Lisa have all had some recent medical concerns. Best wishes to everyone for speedy recoveries.

You know Ed's improving when...

You know Ed's improving when...

1) Walgreen's comes to pick up the G-tube food pump.
2) The medical supplies that have been sitting at the end of the couch are now in the basement.
3) The medical bills slow to a trickle of 5 each week after the hemorrhage of more than 30 each week.
4) The nurses make him wait to be called into the office rather than saying, "Hi, Ed. Come on in," as soon as he arrives.
5) He needs a haircut and has to start shaving (even his earlobes) again.