Most of us are Seinfeld fans I'm sure so I've decided that this is "my summer of George". Those familiar know that nothing really happens during the summer of George but that hasn't been the case with me. Wendy has told you all about many of the nice things people have done for me and continue to do. Satuday I went to the races with 2 lifelong friends Tony Posella and his Dad who was my first little league coach at age 7. The heat was hard for me but we had a great day and I cashed some tickets for a change. Then we went to dinner with Tony's wife and 2 kids along with Wendy, Sammy and Jessica. There I had a suprise waiting for me. My friends announced that they had arranged for me to go to California at the end of October to see the Breeders Cup...racings 2 day allstar event featuring the best horses in the world. It will be held at Santa Anita Park in So. California, a place I've always wanted to go. It's a Thursday thru Sunday trip that will happen just after I complete 20 days of radiation so the timing is perfect. Once again I'm the "lucky one" as people continue to do wonderful things for me during my "Summer of George" and again I am so grateful and appreciative. Now I need to save up and pick some winners!
My next treatments are July 30th-31st so this will be a lost weekend. God willing my final session will be Aug 27th-28th. I assume in early September they'll scan me again to see where we're at. Radiation will begin shortly after. I go 10 days in a row for 20 minutes per day, get 2 weeks off then repeat another 10 days. I have tons of questions regarding radiation so anyone with past experience please get in touch as I adhere to first hand advice over any other. Doctors tend to tell you what you want to hear at times I'm slowly learning.
Also I continue to make new friends. Recently I heard from Jen Singer, a friend of a friend, somebody who has faced the challenges I am facing with cancer and supports me. Thank you Jen and feel free to email me at williamdscott@aol.com I have questions for you. Megan I know your out there as well and I hope your dad is kicking ass and taking names these days. Vicki in Washinton thank you for your support and the picture of Tom and I. You are one of Wendy's favorites. Domenica I worry abou you yet am absolutely sure you'll always be ok! Those babies need you. Robin and Bill thanks are sent to Colorado. Patty where have you been for 20 years and thanks for finding me. Laurie, Jean, Tammy and everyone thank you for the cards. Timmy Magoo I hope you got a bracelet. The list goes on and on so thank you everyone.
Thanks to Wendy I'm hanging in there just fine and plan on enjoying the remainder of my "Summer of George"! Thanks everybody yadayadayada.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
3 more to go!
The last week and a half were pretty tough on Billy. As you would know it, just as he began to feel better, it was time to go to chemo again! Before we get to today, I do want to share a couple of nice stories with you. Over this last weekend, David and Beth Rettino's two children, took it upon themselves to have a Lemonade stand for Billy. Their pictures are added. Billy was very grateful that they thought of him. They didn't even keep any of the money for themselves. On Monday night, they presented him with an envelope. In it was some cash, and two nice messages from the children. Lexy even made Billy a Mets colored bracelet that he has yet to take off. The money went towards today's co-pay at the hospital, and bought Him some coffee and breakfast... thanks again kids!
Last night, Billy had a great time, taking his mind of today's upcoming torture. David and Andrew Reale (sorry if I spelled it wrong)let Billy and his brother use their tickets to the All Star Game. They had excellent front row box tickets, and had a great time...
As for today, it wasn't easy. He was able to sleep, or pretend to sleep through most of it. He is home now, resting. He is getting sicker every time. We had a pleasant surprise today. When Billy had gone for his biopsy he ran into a gal he went to high school working there, named Diane. Today, she had delivered to us, lunch and a very nice card.
Throughout all the crap he has endured, he has had some pretty nice things done for him...
thanks everyone!
Last night, Billy had a great time, taking his mind of today's upcoming torture. David and Andrew Reale (sorry if I spelled it wrong)let Billy and his brother use their tickets to the All Star Game. They had excellent front row box tickets, and had a great time...
As for today, it wasn't easy. He was able to sleep, or pretend to sleep through most of it. He is home now, resting. He is getting sicker every time. We had a pleasant surprise today. When Billy had gone for his biopsy he ran into a gal he went to high school working there, named Diane. Today, she had delivered to us, lunch and a very nice card.
Throughout all the crap he has endured, he has had some pretty nice things done for him...
thanks everyone!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy 4th of July
Well, this one has turned out to be the worst one yet. All of the side effects are kicking in at once and he isn't doing too well. We were able to make it to the parade on Greenbrook ave and he put up a good front. Unfortunately it took everything out of him. We stopped to see Chris' renovations on the way home, but Billy needed assistance just walking. He never made it to the second floor to look around, it was too much. The house looks good though Chris, (although I hate your closets!)
He lay in bed pretty much the rest of the day. He had small bursts of energy, just enough to walk outside a couple of times and to force down some dinner. Most of the day, was spent with him laying in the spare bedroom. It is his "clean room". Or, we try to keep it that way. Every time he has chemo, I come home early and vacuum the room and change the bedding. Then lock the dogs out. We try to keep it as "clean feeling" as possible so he is more comfortable. Those dogs do manage to sneak in sometimes though. Not much I can do about it, Janie thinks Billy belongs to her. She gets very jealous if I am near him, and will growl if I move her away from him. We cant even drive with her in the car unless she is somehow "touching" Billy...
Its heartbreaking to see him so weak, and to know what the "weakness" does to his spirit. I can see how it makes him angry. When he was first diagnosed, he felt fine. It wasn't until after he started the treatments that he got ill. Medicine is supposed to make you feel better. So if it isn't making you feel better, how do you know it is actually making you better? He says he doesn't know how he can go through 4 more of these treatments. I know he will, I think he just needs to vent and feel in control of "something". Worse case I throw his scrawny butt over my shoulder and carry him there... or bring in the big guns..Micheal, Chez... but, again, I know he will go. He has never been a quitter.
He lay in bed pretty much the rest of the day. He had small bursts of energy, just enough to walk outside a couple of times and to force down some dinner. Most of the day, was spent with him laying in the spare bedroom. It is his "clean room". Or, we try to keep it that way. Every time he has chemo, I come home early and vacuum the room and change the bedding. Then lock the dogs out. We try to keep it as "clean feeling" as possible so he is more comfortable. Those dogs do manage to sneak in sometimes though. Not much I can do about it, Janie thinks Billy belongs to her. She gets very jealous if I am near him, and will growl if I move her away from him. We cant even drive with her in the car unless she is somehow "touching" Billy...
Its heartbreaking to see him so weak, and to know what the "weakness" does to his spirit. I can see how it makes him angry. When he was first diagnosed, he felt fine. It wasn't until after he started the treatments that he got ill. Medicine is supposed to make you feel better. So if it isn't making you feel better, how do you know it is actually making you better? He says he doesn't know how he can go through 4 more of these treatments. I know he will, I think he just needs to vent and feel in control of "something". Worse case I throw his scrawny butt over my shoulder and carry him there... or bring in the big guns..Micheal, Chez... but, again, I know he will go. He has never been a quitter.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
A Legend Gone- A personal tribute to Big Bob
He was a one in a lfetime kind of person to know and those who knew him were better for it. He was known as Big Bob and while he was a giant of a man it doesn't tell the story of who he was. Bob Reilly was a giant of man because of his who he was, not because how big he was.
I met Bob in the summer of 1979. My brother was a Watchung Policeman and often partnered with Bob who was a great softball player. They decided to forma Police team and I was their shortstop. I was an arrogant tempered punk kid who needed discipline and direction hence Bob took me under his wing and gave me the guidence and ass kickings I needed and deserved. Soon I was playing on several of his teams and tournament teams. While I was learning about winning softball games I was learning more about life and being a man from Big Bob. I learned about respect and playing the game right and that translated into living life right. You see when Bob Reilly spoke you listened. He had that type of charisma that when he walked into a room or told a story everyone would listen. His smile always made you smile and he had the discipline to match; you never wanted to piss off Big Bob. The years passed and Bob became Chief of Police after my brother left the force. We all remained the closest of friends and Bob befriended my close friends like Zilli, Chez and Tony Po. We were his boys in the 90's both on and off the field. Bob retired as Chief of Police 5-6 years ago and got a condo on a golf course in Myrtle Beach. Of course before he left he threw himself a golf party at Twin Brooks that my brother Michael and I attended. To no ones surprise Big Bob's foresome won the outing. He simply said this is my "blanking outing" and I'm winning it so go "blank" yourself. Larger than life he was and no questions were asked. It was simply understood and you didn't ever argue with Big Bob.
The "Man" had spoken. Unfortunately this story doesn't have a happy ending. About a year ago I learned that Bob had cancer. While it seemed impossible to me that this great man was sick I understood the gravity involved. Bob didn't like Doctors or Hospitals and was "old school" much like myself. My brother got in touch with him and we had hoped to go to Myrtle Beach to see him soon. Then on a Tuesday in late April I got my diagnoses of cancer but decided to keep it quiet for a day or two. On that Thursday I received a call from my brother and there was a tremble in his voice which was uncharacteristic for Michael who's normally a rock. I thought maybe he had heard about my illness but that wasn't the case. Big Bob had lost his battle with cancer and passed away. This giant of a man with the giant heart had broken our hearts with his passing. I know he'd probably had enough of being sick and didn't want to live that way anymore because it wasn't his way to live, not in a hospital and not sick. Not Big Bob. So that Saturday I went to the funeral home in Dunellen and said goodbye to Bob which was hard especially hard just learning of my own illness. It was almost sureal as if it wasn't really happening. My brother was away so I said goodbye and cried or for both of us. I carry that pain with me even today and fight my fight partially for Big Bob because he would have wanted me too. Michael and I loved his man; all those who knew him loved him. He will remain a giant in my heart and I will never forget him or the many things he taught me and the memories we shared. Without question Bob Reilly made me a better man today and I am grateful for that. Thank you Big Bob. I love you man.
I met Bob in the summer of 1979. My brother was a Watchung Policeman and often partnered with Bob who was a great softball player. They decided to forma Police team and I was their shortstop. I was an arrogant tempered punk kid who needed discipline and direction hence Bob took me under his wing and gave me the guidence and ass kickings I needed and deserved. Soon I was playing on several of his teams and tournament teams. While I was learning about winning softball games I was learning more about life and being a man from Big Bob. I learned about respect and playing the game right and that translated into living life right. You see when Bob Reilly spoke you listened. He had that type of charisma that when he walked into a room or told a story everyone would listen. His smile always made you smile and he had the discipline to match; you never wanted to piss off Big Bob. The years passed and Bob became Chief of Police after my brother left the force. We all remained the closest of friends and Bob befriended my close friends like Zilli, Chez and Tony Po. We were his boys in the 90's both on and off the field. Bob retired as Chief of Police 5-6 years ago and got a condo on a golf course in Myrtle Beach. Of course before he left he threw himself a golf party at Twin Brooks that my brother Michael and I attended. To no ones surprise Big Bob's foresome won the outing. He simply said this is my "blanking outing" and I'm winning it so go "blank" yourself. Larger than life he was and no questions were asked. It was simply understood and you didn't ever argue with Big Bob.
The "Man" had spoken. Unfortunately this story doesn't have a happy ending. About a year ago I learned that Bob had cancer. While it seemed impossible to me that this great man was sick I understood the gravity involved. Bob didn't like Doctors or Hospitals and was "old school" much like myself. My brother got in touch with him and we had hoped to go to Myrtle Beach to see him soon. Then on a Tuesday in late April I got my diagnoses of cancer but decided to keep it quiet for a day or two. On that Thursday I received a call from my brother and there was a tremble in his voice which was uncharacteristic for Michael who's normally a rock. I thought maybe he had heard about my illness but that wasn't the case. Big Bob had lost his battle with cancer and passed away. This giant of a man with the giant heart had broken our hearts with his passing. I know he'd probably had enough of being sick and didn't want to live that way anymore because it wasn't his way to live, not in a hospital and not sick. Not Big Bob. So that Saturday I went to the funeral home in Dunellen and said goodbye to Bob which was hard especially hard just learning of my own illness. It was almost sureal as if it wasn't really happening. My brother was away so I said goodbye and cried or for both of us. I carry that pain with me even today and fight my fight partially for Big Bob because he would have wanted me too. Michael and I loved his man; all those who knew him loved him. He will remain a giant in my heart and I will never forget him or the many things he taught me and the memories we shared. Without question Bob Reilly made me a better man today and I am grateful for that. Thank you Big Bob. I love you man.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
half way mark
Today was the half way mark. The treatments are getting harder and harder on him. I may have to call in the big guns soon to drag him to his next treatments. Unfortunately, I am not kidding.
Today he was sick the entire time, and for the first time he has requested a bucket "just in case". We were a little nervous when we didn't see Trish, his favorite nurse. The new one, however, passed muster. She was even a softball player. NO, Mr. Mayor, did not know her - go figure.
Sam, my son, came with us today to see what it was all about. I cant believe it took me so long to figure Billy out. When he went into one of the rooms for a talk with the doc, he figured Sam couldn't handle it, so we waited outside. When it was time for his iv to be put in, that's when he sent us to get breakfast. Last week, when it was time for the needle, I was sent for a newspaper.
The time before that he sent me for a bagel for us to share.... He isn't so subtle with Zilly, he just tells him to "walk away" or "get lost". :) Anyway, it wasn't too interesting for Sam. He wanted to put the needle in, just to get a little revenge on Billy. Of course that didn't happen, so he just spun in circles on the little stool. We stayed with him til almost 10:30, then Zilly took the second half.
He is home and is as "pleasant" as he always is... yeah...no comment. I know it sucks, there is no other way to put it. He is in misery and its been getting worse on him with every treatment. There isn't really anything any of us can do, just let him vent when he needs to. And be there when he needs us. He will be up for calls tomorrow I am sure. He has his appointment in the afternoon for the dreaded "white cell shot". Hopefully that doesn't get progressively worse too.
I will try to write more soon, hopefully it will be a little more on the "up" sounding.
thanks as always for tuning in...
Today he was sick the entire time, and for the first time he has requested a bucket "just in case". We were a little nervous when we didn't see Trish, his favorite nurse. The new one, however, passed muster. She was even a softball player. NO, Mr. Mayor, did not know her - go figure.
Sam, my son, came with us today to see what it was all about. I cant believe it took me so long to figure Billy out. When he went into one of the rooms for a talk with the doc, he figured Sam couldn't handle it, so we waited outside. When it was time for his iv to be put in, that's when he sent us to get breakfast. Last week, when it was time for the needle, I was sent for a newspaper.
The time before that he sent me for a bagel for us to share.... He isn't so subtle with Zilly, he just tells him to "walk away" or "get lost". :) Anyway, it wasn't too interesting for Sam. He wanted to put the needle in, just to get a little revenge on Billy. Of course that didn't happen, so he just spun in circles on the little stool. We stayed with him til almost 10:30, then Zilly took the second half.
He is home and is as "pleasant" as he always is... yeah...no comment. I know it sucks, there is no other way to put it. He is in misery and its been getting worse on him with every treatment. There isn't really anything any of us can do, just let him vent when he needs to. And be there when he needs us. He will be up for calls tomorrow I am sure. He has his appointment in the afternoon for the dreaded "white cell shot". Hopefully that doesn't get progressively worse too.
I will try to write more soon, hopefully it will be a little more on the "up" sounding.
thanks as always for tuning in...
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