Leukemia's little dance with me

"Leukemia is cancer of the blood cells that starts in the bone marrow." Doctors have been telling me for about 10 months that I might have leukemia. CML was the main suspect. It has been a long year.

It all started with flu like symptoms, leg pain, wheezing, and a low grade fever that lasted months. I asked my Homer Simpson like doctor for an H1N1 test, but he said I wasn't "sick enough". He didn't even examine me. Blood tests were taken and a high white blood cell (WBC) count was found, (leukocytosis). I was sent to an oncologist at Strong hospital, and so leukemia's little dance with me began.

Next came a parade of doctors and exams. Within 10 months I averaged one doctor's visit per month, had 6 series of blood tests, a CAT-Scan, an ultrasound, an endometrial biopsy, a bone marrow biopsy, and a partridge in a pear tree. Why didn't my oncologist tell me from the start that the bone marrow biopsy/aspiration was the only true test to diagnosis leukemia? I would have had it sooner!

About 2 weeks ago I walked into Strong's Wilmot Cancer Center and took a seat close to the door. I never sat that close to the clinics entrance before, but this was D-Day; the day of my bone marrow biopsy results. The day I would FINALLY have a definitive answer as to whether or not I had leukemia. I wanted this appointment to be over with quickly.

Someone wheeled a woman in a wheelchair near the seat next to mine. She stood, walked a few steps and plopped down into it. She was thin, pale, shaking, and was wearing a scarf that didn't fully cover her bald head. I figured that she was having chemotherapy treatments, or had just finished.

Another lady came over and sat down to my right. She had good color in her face, but less than an inch of hair growth on her head. She smiled easily and had a spring in her step. I surmised that she probably had finished chemo treatments with favorable results.

I sat between these two unique ladies wondering if I would be joining their exclusive club that day; a club that my mother had once belonged to. My mother suffered with cancer for 9 years. I'm approximately the same age that my mother was when she died of cancer. This was all too real to me.

Time passed. Both ladies were called before I was. 45 minutes after my scheduled appointment I was finally called into the clinic. I followed the aide inside. A quick right turn, sat in the chair, stuck out my arm for the B.P. cuff, all before she could finish her instructions. I hated that I knew the routine by heart. I was weighted. Yay, another half pound lost! Then I went on to the examination room. The examination room was the same one that I had been in several times before, but it seemed so much smaller now.

I was a bit nervous, but not nearly as much as in the past several days. A relative who sometimes accompanied me couldn't make it that day. I was glad. I wanted to hear the news alone. In the beginning I didn't tell anyone that I might have cancer. Eventually I told a relative who has cancer and could relate. I guess I just didn't want to be pitied or regarded differently. Cancer or not, I am still me.

15 minutes later my oncologist entered the room. She blurted it out. "Your bone marrow biopsy was negative." "No leukemia? I asked. "No leukemia and it looked normal. No disease. You may have had an infection which elevated you WBC count. It has reduced, but still is slightly high. I believe that you have a high normal." she explained.

Fortunately I no longer had to see my oncologist. I said good-bye to my oncologist forever and hoped that I would never see the inside of a cancer clinic again. It seems that leukemia's little dance with me was finally over. I was one of the lucky ones, but I was painfully aware that it could have gone another way. The older I get the more random things like this seem.

You'd think that I'd feel happy, or relieved, but I didn't. I felt angry. Very angry! This all started with flu like symptoms including a wheeze and fever. When I went to my Dr. Homer Simpson during the H1N1 outbreak he refused to test me for it. He said I wasn't "sick enough". He should have at least given me a checkup. Apparently I did have some kind of virus that affected my lungs. Later it showed up on my CAT-Scan as cloudiness in both lungs. The conclusion note said that it was probably an "infection or asthma". It also showed up as a high WBC count. If my doctor had been on the ball, he would have diagnosed it and I would have avoided 10 months of hell. D'OH!

I can't even talk to my counselor about my anger. My counselor has worked with my doctor in the past. Every time I say something negative, he defends my doctor. I canceled my next session. Repressed anger in me tends to turn into depression. What do you do when you're angry or frustrated? How do you let off steam?

Currently I'm dealing with many feelings that I'm trying to sort out. I'm trying to get some prospective on things. I also still feel a connection with leukemia patients that I don't want to quickly disconnect from. I wonder if there is some purpose for this connection. In the next few months I have to follow-up with some doctors concerning medial crap including a few exams. I'm not really concerned. I figure that if the average person my age had all the tests I've had, they would probably find a few things wrong with them too. Hopefully nothing significant will be found.

So that's a synopsis of leukemia's little dance with me. It's been odd, eye opening, heartbreaking, frustrating, all too real at times. But it hasn't been fun.

Again, I want to thank all those who have left me kind comments, sent prayer, good thoughts/vibes. Thanks so very much for caring! I appreciate it!

By the way, a good book on the subject is, "100 Questions and Answers About Leukemia" (second edition) by Edward D. Ball.

My Bone Marrow Biopsy Results

I've been meaning to post something; I have just been so emotional that it's been difficult. Also so much has been going on medically for almost a year that it's difficult to put into words. I've written 3 drafts to a post and they are all a bit different. I just have to wait until my emotions settle down a bit and until I can put it into some proper words. But for now I just wanted to get back to you with the good news. My bone marrow biopsy/aspiration was negative! They didn't find any disease. I no longer have to see that specialist. I'll tell you more later once I get my head together. My sincere thanks goes out to each of you who has cared, prayed, set out good thoughts/vibes, and left a kind comment. It has met a great deal to me! It's been a very difficult year. I'll explain more soon.

My Bone Marrow Biopsy, (When in doubt, take dope)

I’m so very, very, glad that I asked to be medicated for my bone marrow biopsy! What was supposed to be a 15 minute “exam” lasted an hour and fifteen minutes.

The physicians assistant (P.A.) was suppose to poke a huge needle into my hip bone taking a marrow sample, then chip off a sample of my bone. The problem was that my bone was “hard” and gave her a fight. She tried 2 or 3 times at the first sight. Then she had to pull the needle out, and stuck me at another site. It took another few tries before she got a sample. Ek! My poor, dear, hip bone was just doing what bones are supposed to do, be hard and protect. The poor baby.

The good news is that I probably don’t have osteoporosis. The bad news is that the procedure took five times as long. I’m so very glad I asked to be doped up, (sedative and pain meds). No way in hell would I have been able to go through all that without meds.

Folks, when it comes to exams, procedures, and operations, if there is any doubt in your mind, then play it safe! Go conservative. Do what you need to do to get through it.

By the way, having ready-to-eat food on hand for the next few days was a good idea. I was so doped up when I got home that I didn’t dare turn the stove on. A premade half a turkey sub, salad, and protein bar was perfect for the first night. The homemade beef stew loaded with healthy veggies was perfect for the next few nights.

Well, my poor hip bone and I survived the ordeal, but neither of us wants to do it again. A result of the exam is pending. (I can’t believe that they call it an exam, it was an in hospital operation as far as I’m concerned.)

You should have seen me. I asked my relative, (who drove me home), where my purse was. She replied, “On your shoulder”. Talk about doped up! I think that I staggered into my apartment. It would have made a funny video if taped.

Personal Update - Seeing the Finish Line (I Hope)

I still don't have a computer and have to post at the library which is cramping my style. This was written a few days ago.

I've been very busy with medical stuff. The highlight of my weekend was hearing that Columbus Day is on Monday, and my doctor's office will be closed. Hallelujah! My counselor says that my life rotates around medical stuff now, and it's like a full time job. He's right! I've scheduled everything for the next few months hoping to finish before Christmas. I will have seen 4 different doctors and have various tests including THE TEST. Yes, they are finally testing me on Oct 21 to see if I have that horrible disease. Then I get the results early in November. The test is a bone marrow biopsy. It's evasive, and barbaric. They screw a large needle into the bone and extract some marrow. Honestly, what sadistic person conceived of this test? Sheesh! I asked them to knock me out for the test. (I'm a big baby!)

From my CAT Scan (Meow!) and extensive blood test they found a few other things that don't look perfect. That's why I'm seeing a boat load of doctors. So far, so good. The worst that they have found to date is a non-cancerous fibroid in my uterus that probably needs removing. (My OB-GYN is on my list of doctors to see.) Fibroids are very common in women and I have a history of them. So no big deal.

I figure it's all relative. I mean if they picked a 50ish woman out of a crowd at random and put her thought a battery of tests like I've had, they would probably find several small things wrong with her too. Hey, nobodies perfect! Right!?

Today's Columbus Day and I'll veg out and relax before I resume the medical marathon. I need a break.

I feel very good, and am eating healthy. I've lost a nice chunk of weight form proper eating. (I have more to go.) I don't have any pain. My doctor doesn't think that I have that horrible disease, (neither do I), but the bone marrow biopsy is the only way to know for sure. My white blood cell count has come down a bit, but is still high (Leukocytosis). I hope and pray to be done with all this medical crap before Christmas. I'd greatly appreciate your prayers and/or good thoughts!!!

Personal Update - Incompetent Knucklehead!

Incompetent Knucklehead! - I had a telephone interview with my Food Stamp social worker. She said that she had received my paperwork, that it was in order and I would continue to get Food Stamps. That was a month ago. A few days ago I got a letter from her stating that she had never received my paperwork, and that my Food Stamps will be cut off on July 31st. I have a receipt for the paperwork and mailed a copy to her. I hope it sparks her memory. It would be nice to have money for food. Please say it with me... INCOMPETENT KNUCKLEHEAD!

Inspection Time - Every year we have inspection at my apartment complex. I save way too many things. Where did all this junk come from? I'm trashing most of it. Clean, clean, clean. Anyone want to dust?

My Mysterious Disease (The Plot Thickens) - My doctor found a hard spot in my tummy area when he examined me. Last night's Chinese dinner? I wish! The spot is sore and I've been aware of it. My CAT SCAN is scheduled for Wednesday July 28th. Please pray/send good thoughts that it's something very minor and curable!

Cell/Web Telephone is OFF - I didn't renew my Straight Talk phone this month. It updated itself and screwed itself up. At first I couldn't get Face Book, then Twitter. Now I'm using my free government Safe Link phone instead. Hm, I wonder if Pres. Obama is listening in on me? He would hear me calling my social worker an incompetent knucklehead. Because my not so smart phone is off, I won't be online as much. I'll post occasionally on the library computer, but have to use it primarily for job seeking. My counselor also wants me out and about more. Hey, it's summer! A great time for being outside. I'll still try to keep in touch. I don't want to lose you folks so don't forget me.

One Big Cucumber! - Does it look suspicious when a woman buys one big cucumber and nothing else at the supermarket? Um, just wondering. ;)

photo credit

Update - Working on Getting Better

Although my updates all sound the same these days, it occurred to me that I'm doing something healthy. I'm working hard to get better both physically and mentally.

Counseling - I give my counselor mixed reviews. On one hand he seems to flounder without focus. However, when I push him, he shows some knowledge. Once again I told him how frightened I was that I might go back into a more severe depression. I mentioned it several times during one session, and he finally heard me. He told me a few things which were helpful. Then gave me homework. Four things to do aimed at keeping me out of severe depression. Not particularly hard things, but practical. Small steps. Well, it's about time! Finally I feel like we might be getting somewhere. However, I would feel better if he had tested me and got a base line to compare. Instead he has an off the cuff, unorganized approach that doesn't get me far fast.

Medical - I've had to push hard to get to see a specialist. I had to push my doctor Homer Simpson like crazy. The specialist is in the mist of testing me. He wants to do a CaT scan, but it will take awhile to get it funded. So I wait for the phone call. However, the specialist did rule out one major disease that I could have had. But he did say that I defiantly should not have abnormal cells in my blood. So the question remains - What is my disease, and is it curable? Hopefully further testing will reveal it.

Now that the depression has lessened I'm trying hard to get better. I pray that God meets me half way.

Quick Update - My Aunt and the Bear

I've been busy this past week. My Aunt has passed away. It was complications due to a fall which injured her hip. I have been speaking to relatives on the phone, plus went to her funeral. I'm sure that I will write more about my dear Aunt later on.

I have also been studding the Bear of a disease that I think I have. I asked my doctor why he was so concerned about my blood test, and he finally said that it could be that bear of a disease. I will see the specialist in about a week, and possibly be diagnosed. I hope my self-diagnosis is incorrect. The specialist wouldn't see me if it was nothing. So I know that I have a disease. My counselor is going to give me a dry run of the consultation. I'm am frightened of this whole thing. My mother died at the age of 52 of something similar. I'm am a few years younger. I'm not the most organized person, and need to get my questions in order, so my counselor will help. I will have further tests when I see the specialist. I was going to keep this all quiet from my family until I knew for sure, but it slipped out. A relative will be going with me to the same clinic that treated my mother for 10 years before she died. The same clinic that might be giving me a similar diagnosis. It's all very frightening!

Quick Update, plus Huge Storm Coming.

Quick, choppy, update on cell instead of using library computer because need food etc before huge storm hits Thus-Sun. TV says maybe worst in 2 yrs! Only 2nd notable storm this season...UPDATE FROM LAST POST-Left message for docs boss (not typical of me), said it's been 3 weeks since odd CBC results, and I won't get interpretation of it for a mo. Ek! Next day my doc called on his day off! He had called a hematologist who will give me a free consultation. Finally! Guess my doc got chewed out by his boss! Now waiting for hematologist to call. Busy studding disease I think I have. I'm tring to prepare emotionally for worst news, and to have some good questions for him. Prayers/good thoughts greatly appreciated!

Looks Like I've Been Poisoned

First of all, don't call the paramedics because I'm fine now. It was mild poisoning. LOL! It was not intentional, or I would not be writing this. .

Several days ago I was picking up some trash that was on the lawn. It included a few bottle containers. I brought them into my apartment, and emptied the liquid. Then threw them in the trash. The trash bin is a few feet away from my computer.From there on I had a dull headache and was drowsy.

Yesterday I was out all day, and when I came home I noticed an odd smell coming from my trash can. I pulled out the containers. I didn't do such a good job emptying them because hey still had some liquid in them. One was an antifreeze container. The other was a soda pop container, but had a substance that smelled like antifreeze (engine coolant) in it. Then it hit me. My headache and was drowsiness was gone because I was out all morning and got some fresh air. Apparently the fumes from the antifreeze and other liquid had been poisoning my system, because I had been sitting by the containers often. I immediately removed them, and have felt fine ever since.

Prayer Needed! Please read!

My friend Amias is asking prayers for her lovely daughter Mary Elizabeth. Mary is 39, married with 4 grown sons, and a husband. Mary has had reoccurring cancer. She was in surgery yesterday again for cancer, and is now on Chemo. Please pray for her, and her family. To read more click here. I am also asking prayers for Amias, and her husband.

Amias was/is a good friend of Liquid illuzion. Amias has been grieving for her friend who committed suicide. Now her daughter's health is in jeopardy. So please pray for the whole family, but especially for Mary's full recovery. If you feel led please post a prayer request on your blog, and ask for prayers at your church. If your not into prayer please send your good thoughts, and vibes.

Instead of leaving a comment here, please visit Amias's blog to comment- click here.

Thank you,
Awake

Repost - Grey's Anatomy: Lesbian Kiss, and Suicide

Grey's Anatomy - Lesbian Storyline


Due to the suicide of Jeri Suzanne Horne (Liquid Illuzion), I have asked someone to guest post about suicide. I'm crossing my fingers that they will. Meanwhile, I am reposting the only post that I have on the subject. I have added some links at the end. Obviously, I'm barely touching on the subject. I'm so glad that Liquid had/has a good sense of humor, because this post is an odd mixture.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Sept.19, 2008

Did you see the Grey's Anatomy season final? If you didn't, don't worry, I won't revel a great deal here. Just my favorite, and lest favorite scenes.

My favorite scene was the kiss between Erica Hahn, and Callie Torres. (I'm predictable, ha?) I think Torres is hot!

My least favorite scene was between Meredith, and her shrink. Meredith had a revelation, and realized that when her mother cut her wrist it was to get attention. After all she was a "excellent surgical nurse", and would have cut her -----, if she meant it. I hate that scene for several reasons.

1) If someone tries to commit suicide they are not in a rational state of mind, and they might try to kill themselves by any means. It might not be the most logic means. It should be seen as a serious attempt, and not just an attention getter.

2) They mention a more effective way to commit suicide then cutting wrists. I hate that! I don't want to mention it. Oh, I knew it before, but someone not so familiar with anatomy and who saw the program might not have considered it. It might have given someone who is suicidal a deadly idea. You've heard of copy cat murders? Well, I'm sure that there are copy cat suicides. Well, at least Meredith didn't point to the area.

Did you know that the suicide rate in the U.S. is twice as large as the homicide rate? (There are an estimated 8-25 attempted suicides to one completion.) It is hidden, a stigma is still attached. I mean, when is the last time you read the obits, and saw that someone committed suicide? It's all swept under the rug.

From Medline Plus

"Suicide is the eleventh most common cause of death in the United States. People may consider suicide when they are hopeless and can't see any other solution to their problems. Often it's related to serious depression, alcohol or substance abuse, or a major stressful event.

People who have the highest risk of suicide are white men, though women and teens report more suicide attempts. If someone talks about suicide, you should take it seriously. Urge them to get help from their doctor or the emergency room, or call 911.

Therapy and medicines can help most people who have suicidal thoughts. Treating mental illnesses and substance abuse can reduce the risk of suicide.

From National Institute of Mental Health"

National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)

CDC Suicide Prevention Information.

More from Medline Plus on Suicide

Note: I want to thank Suzanne's family for being open about her suicide so that people can have a conversation, and possibly become more informed.

Grey's Anatomy: Doctors Erica Hahn & Callie Torres Lesbian Kiss

They showed Grey's Anatomy season final again. My favorite scene was the kiss between Doctor Erica Hahn (Brooke Smith), and Dr. Callie Torres (Sara Ramirez.) I'm predictable, ha? I think Torres is hot! The You Tube video has clips of the lesbian, (or bisexual) storyline leading up to the kiss as well as the kiss, (actually kisses).

If this post looks familiar it's a partial repeat. I just had to show it again since they did. ;)

So what is your prediction concerning Torres, and Hahn? This storyline is juicy so more should come of it. Hahn seemed to be talking about Cristina Yang a lot, so maybe some complication with Yang. What do you think will happen?


"Grey's Anatomy - Lesbian Storyline" (3:46 minutes)


"Callie & Erica - I Kissed a Girl" (2:09) (Word free, brighter version)

Rochester's soccer star Abby Wambach breaks leg

Pittsford native and U.S. soccer star Abby Wambach is scheduled to have surgery at 2 p.m. today to repair two fractures in her left leg, suffered Wednesday night during a game in San Diego, according to her brother, Matt Wambach.

Abby’s mother, Judy, flew out from Rochester early this morning to be with her daughter, who now will miss next month’s Olympic Games in China. Doctors expect to insert a titanium rod into her leg during today's surgery...

Click here for full story.

Ms. Wambach is a good roll model. I hope that she recovers quickly. My thoughts are with her.

Abby Wambach's Official Website

Have You Heard of Willowbrook?

Geraldo Rivera a hero? Children naked, filthy, neglected, and abused. Robert Kennedy. The state of New York...What do these things have in common? Read "A Willowbrook Legacy" written by my blog buddy Tom of "Sheep and Goats" and find out. Tom has a wonderful post on the subject. While you're there please leave him a comment. You know how we bloggers love comments. ;o)

Heat Wave - Marilyn Monroe & CDC Extreme Heat

Marilyn Monroe sings "Heat Wave" in the movie "There's No Business Like Show Business" (1954)



Rochester, NY has one more day of very hot weather. The prediction is 92 degrees, near record heat.

Here is some information from the CDC on Extreme Heat including heat stroke, and exhaustion. Keep cool!

The Card: A Sign of Dementia?

The following has been altered due to respect, and confidentiality.


A relative sent me a card recently. I will call her Katie. The card was about a special family occasion that takes place every year. This year Katie signed it "Love Granny." The problem is, she is not my Grandmother. She has grandchildren, and might have gotten mixed up, but I think it's more then that. I have noticed a slight decline in her memory for the last few years. Nothing major, but noticeable. Katie is in her late 70's. Her only sibling, (Mag), had dementia and was tested for Alzheimer's disease just before she died. Mag died before the results came back, but it was probably positive. So I'm a bit worried about Katie. I can't call her. She is gone for the summer, and I don't have long distance. At lest some of the family will be with her.

Katie is one of the nicest, sweetest, people you could know. She loves her family, is very caring, generous, loving, very friendly. She is the type of person that you would feel proud to have as a friend. A good, loyal, friend. But time might be taking a toll on her.

As a Nursing Assistant, (CNA.) I know that old age can be cruel. I have seen some people decline physically, and mentally to the point of torture. That's what I would call it. If one human did those things to another, it would be considered torture. I just don't want that to happen to Katie.

Several years ago Katie had a heart condition, and was operated on. If she hadn't had the operation she might have died. But it might have been a relatively quick death. Unfortunately modern science, (medicine), sometimes can be a curse in old age. I hope that when it is her time, that she goes quickly. I hope that she never regrets having that operation.

Please say a prayer for her.

Grey's Anatomy: Lesbian Kiss, and Suicide

Grey's Anatomy - Lesbian Storyline


Did you see the Grey's Anatomy season final? If you didn't, don't worry, I won't revel a great deal here. Just my favorite, and lest favorite scenes.

My favorite scene was the kiss between Erica Hahn, and Callie Torres. (I'm predictable, ha?) I think Torres is hot!

My least favorite scene was between Meredith, and her shrink. Meredith had a revelation, and realized that when her mother cut her wrist it was to get attention. After all she was a "excellent surgical nurse", and would have cut her -----, if she meant it. (or similar words). I hate that scene for several reasons.

1) If someone tries to commit suicide they are not in a rational state of mind, and they might try to kill themselves by any means. It might not be the most logic means. It should be seen as a serious attempt, and not just an attention getter.

2) They mention a more effective way to commit suicide then cutting wrists. I hate that! I don't want to mention it. Oh, I knew it before, but someone not so familiar with anatomy and who saw the program might not have considered it. It might have given someone who is suicidal a deadly idea. You've heard of copy cat murders? Well, I'm sure that there are copy cat suicides. Well, at least Meredith didn't point to the area.

Did you know that the suicide rate in the U.S. is twice as large as the homicide rate? (There are an estimated 8-25 attempted suicides to one completion.) It is hidden, a stigma is still attached. I mean, when is the last time you read the obits, and saw that someone committed suicide? It's all swept under the rug.

Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy Has a Brain Tumor

It was just announced on TV, and has only hit a few Internet papers, but Sen. Ted Kennedy has a cancerous brain tumor. Please pray for him, and his family. As you may know, the 76 year old is the last of the four famous Kennedy bothers, and is an icon. His most famous brother was John Kennedy, a former president who was assassinated in 1963. The Kennedy family has been plagued by tragic deaths. He has been an outspoken, highly reverie, Democrat Senator for almost 50 years. He also ran for president in 1980.

BOSTON (AP) — Doctors say Sen. Edward Kennedy has a brain tumor.
by Glen Johnson

"A cancerous brain tumor caused the seizure Sen. Edward M. Kennedy suffered over the weekend, doctors said Tuesday in a grim diagnosis for one of American politics' most enduring figures.

Doctors for the Massachusetts Democrat say tests conducted after Kennedy suffered a seizure this weekend show a tumor in his left parietal lobe. Preliminary results from a biopsy of the brain identified the cause of the seizure as a malignant glioma.

His treatment will be decided after more tests but the usual course includes combinations of radiation and chemotherapy..."

Other Articles:

Factbox: Sen. Edward Kennedy

CNN- Doctors: Ted Kennedy has brain tumor

Therapy - What Works?

As you might know, I am not fond of therapy. I have blogged about it. Also my cousin has seen some scary things. So I have my reservations concerning therapy.

Ever since my father's death I have had difficulty with anxiety, and depression. Well, the anxiety is nothing new, but the depression is circumstantial. It's been years since his death, and I'm not snapping out of it. My last bout with depression was very difficult. Possibly sever depression. I'm doing fairly good now, comparatively speaking. But I'm aware that I can plummet into depression soon again. In fact I might be going through something difficult soon, that might trigger the depression. I'm starting to think that I might need some therapy to snap me out of this cycle, even though I'm not crazy about the idea.

I want something effective. So do you know which therapy works? I'm sure that there have been some studies somewhere on it. And what medications work? I don't want to end up a gunny pig. Maybe I should avoid meds? So if you have some legitimate stats, or are a therapist, I would appreciate hearing from you. Please back up what your comment with evidence. Personal testimonies are good too. Thanks!

P.S. I don't know much about physiology, and don't know the terminology, so please keep this in mind when replying.

Epic Film Star Charlton Heston Dies at 84

I was just thinking about Mr. Heston during Easter while watching one of his greatest movies, "The Ten Commandments". I knew that in 2002 he announced he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. As a C.N.A., I have seen many who have suffered with this dreaded disease. It can be devastating. My thoughts are with his family tonight.

It disturbs me that we are losing "The Greatest Generation". Not just because I have a few relatives that are of that generation that will leave me soon, but there is something special about them. I have not read the book, but from what from I can tell, generally speaking, they have been though hell during the great depression, and WW2, yet don't complain. On T.V., I saw a chef scoop every last drop of an egg out of it's shell with her finger. When the interviewer questioned her actions, she said she had learned that during the great depression. A nurse at work told me that her grandmother only used one sheet of toilet paper. When I asked why, she said she learned it during WW2, when they had to do without. They both learn to be frugal to a fault, due to the trials of their youth. These women in their 70's, or 80's learned lessons in their youth that they will take to their graves. Lessons that many of their generation learned. Don't waste, don't complain, be grateful for what you have, give to others, and work hard. When knocked down by life, they just get up, and continue without complaint. Maybe we can learn a lesson from them? I know that I sure need to.


New York Times: Charlton Heston, Epic Film Star and Voice of N.R.A., Dies at 84

msnbc: Charlton Heston was larger than life

This link describes rationing and scrap drives during World War 2.

By the way, the spokesmen for the family would not say what the actor died of...Hm.