I'm HELLA Excited to go!

It is 5:37 p.m. "Definitely, Maybe" is on. I have a bag of kettle popcorn in front of me. I just finished reading Mariam's 219 page blog. BRILLIANT! Anyways, these past days have been a little tough for me. I am not one to throw a pity party, bite your tongues! Mt stomach continues to haunt me on occasion. The nausea, I can do without. However, there has been this dark emotional cloud hanging over my head. This week has definitely made me think about a lot of avenues in my life. Which streets can I travel through, where do I want to go, how do I want to get there. All metaphors of course. I don't really want actual roads, although...it would be cool to name each road after a member of Reservoir Dogs. If you don't have any idea about the names, refer to your Google search engine (advertisement clause). I am going to San Francisco tomorrow morning after my friendly visit to the Oncologist's office for blood work. GO LEUKOCYTES! Funny thing about this, it's that the day I return from San Francisco I go straight to Long Beach Memorial to start round three. Thanks for the continued support for those who have given it through this quote, unquote "Shitty Days" time in my life.

Going Home (Again)

I have successfully completed round two of four. I am feeling pretty well at this point compared to the first round I received. I have yet to vomit any new colors this morning. Although I am looking forward to going home, I am not looking forward to the fact that it is currently 95 degrees outside, and that the lawn may need to be mowed. Other than my mindless thinking, I know I am fortunate to be getting out this early. I look forward to seeing my old family in San Francisco. I'm sure it will be filled with a lot of mixed emotions, but I am happy to do it regardless.

NFL Network Rocks!

This has been my third day here in the hospital. I have endured ups and downs dissimilar to what I experienced the first time around. This morning my stomach decided to disagree with the treatment regimen. I did not know that the human body could produce colors that would complete the full spectrum of light. I only got to yellow and green, but I think with hard work I can vomit blue or maybe violet. Anyways, after talking with my Dr. it appears I may be able to go home tonight or tomorrow morning. I again want to than all of you who have continued to follow me on this unorthodox journey heading towards the end of the year. I will catch up with you soon.

I'm Back

Well, I apologize for the absence. I have begun my second round of chemo today. Day 1 of 3. I was admitted at 12 in the afternoon. It has been a great couple of weeks. My buddy's river trip was just what I needed to take my mind off of everything that has been going on. Although I have to admit that the question of the weekend was, " Hey...what's that on your arm?" I enjoyed the expression on people's faces when I told them that I had cancer. Of course, I followed it up with " it's okay, don't feel bad, here... have a beer ; )" I am just finishing up my treatment for the day. Feeling okay at the moment. I am watching Jay Leno's new show. Still the same hit or miss comedy he has always brought to the table. Anyways, this past week has been great. Spent time with the ones I care about. I look forward to spending time with more good people when I go up to San Francisco next week.

Goin' To The River!

It has been about a week since I left the hospital for my first round of chemo. I'm feeling pretty well. The first week was absolutely painstaking. I had never felt fatigue until I received that liquid poison. One of my best friends is celebrating his bachelor party in Lake Havasu this weekend. Given my condition I was on the fence about whether I should attend or not. Then I got to thinking... I had missed the last two years the gang had gone out there for the summer. I personally owed it to them and tradition to go. I know what some of you are thinking. " Edwin, you are going to drink and be in the sun all day." Probably, yes. I'm only kidding. I will not be drinking this weekend for those of you who are worried (thank you for caring). I will see you all when I get back.

Goodbye Baba

Today I said goodbye to my hero. My father went back to Iraq to serve our country. These past few weeks have been filled with everlasting memories. From starting my chemotherapy to sitting down with my dad and seeing his face again, every second has been unforgettable. You know that little knot in your throat you get when you begin to feel sad? Today has been filled with those emotions. What are you gonna do? Continue living your life and pushing yourself, I guess. Seeing my father again has been a gift to me and my entire family. His smile, his opinions, and his appearance has been a blessing to us all. More than ever I am proud of what he is and what he stands for. I will miss you baba, we will miss you. Come home safely. Love you.

Going Home

For those who have been following my page, I am sorry for neglecting you. These past two days have been filled with "ups" and "downs." On day three of my chemo, my body began to respond to the chemicals that I was given. Night sweats, chills, and fatigue were the main side effects this time around. Of course, I look forward to going home. Especially, since I will get to see my father before he leaves back to Iraq. I am disappointed in the fact that I had to spend some of my time with dad in the hospital. I'm going to miss dad more this time around. Sacrifices will have to be made. I'm going to miss our backgammon matches. I'm going to miss him. I'm going to miss baba.

Day Two (24-Hrs. of Chemo)

Another sleepless night left me with a day mostly filled with hourly cat naps. My chemo started at 11:00 a.m, has, and will continue until 11:00 a.m tomorrow morning. My dad and sister came by to bring me dinner compliments of Elizabeth Enwia. Jennifer stopped by in the morning and brought me Jamba juice (Mango Madness) and talked about I Love Lucy, Darkwing Duck and Tale Spin. It is not approx. 10:55 p.m. I just finished watching Just Friends and have now put on... oh yes, Twilight. Apparently a side effect of this chemo is watching teenage love movies (thanks boo!) . Overall health report: Dry mouth and a little bit of nausea. My room is a revolving door, please don't hesitate to stop by and see me. All I have for tonight.