Thanks To All Who Helped Me

I had replies about my blogging effort so far, and they seemed favorable. One suggestion was for me to report how a 280 lb. strong, active person can, within a year, become almost out of the picture, so to speak.  So I take the opportunity to describe this year as I remember.

Maybe these symptoms will benefit someone.

As I was preparing to mow the last crop of hay as a farmer, I suddenly began to lack the strength needed to do the mechanical things on the mower and baler that had been a snap in the past.

Then my clothing began to fall off my body as I lost weight.  A bit later I went to my Mexican barber here in Eureka and as he did my neck, he fingered a swelling.  While he did not comment, he let me know of the swelling there.

The next day I went to a political rally in Franklin County, and one of the good people there was so enthused, that when I was hugged for my effort, it hurt. I went to my doctor and he removed the item, saying I had a thick skin. However, after a biopsy, he performed additional blood tests and found things that indicated I had bigger problems.

He referred me to a specialist at St. Luke's Hospital who set up a pet-scan, I think it was called; a full body X-ray and before I realized my fate, he had a medi-port installed to make the chemotherapy easier to undertake. So in the space of two weeks, I went from a red-blooded American boy to a new world of modern medicine.

So I guess my first thanks should go to my barber, the person at the rally who lit me up, my doctor for his quick work, and to the specialist at St. Luke's.

During my political campaign, I had become active at the Eureka Senior Center with some meals there and friendship with those folks.

I had become a member of the Essence HMO when it was formed and they stood behind me in our joint effort.  So they should receive a behind-the-scenes recognition.

In a span of about two weeks, I was not campaigning. But on Election Day, November 2, instead of working the polls, I did eight hours in my first chemotherapy session.

My family stood with me, and together we learned a lot about reading blood tests results and went through two more sessions before the end of 2010.  The whole family met at my house on Christmas Day, as we more or less planned for that to be the last together.

We had a conference with the medical people and based on their findings, it was decided that no more chemo, but I be placed in the Home-Hospice treatment, where I could remain in my home and receive some care at a much reduced rate that would be otherwise expensive.

One shocking event was at the Dan Wallach 90th birthday party—I had lost so much weight, maybe 120 pounds, that few there could recognize me.  This among lifetime friends and family!

During that period of almost five months, the Meals on Wheels program has to be recognized for the tasty meals they deliver.  The week-to-week care of Heartland Hospice was helpful and encouraging.

In this care, they wanted me to be useful and keep active. During the time from about August when afflicted, until this date, one of my big activities has been to go to memorials or funerals of more than 10 members who died of my family or good friends, all younger than I, so that is why I am pleased to say thanks to all who have sent me cards, provided assistance in any way.

I lost the election in November, but it seems that the ones who were victors seem to be having a bad time trying to cope with the needs of our country.  Perhaps it was a good time to lose, as writing this today I find it good therapy to keep my outlook bright, by commenting on things few other people are aware of, or even seem to care. 

My church brings me communion each Friday and anointed me with holy oils as the Catholics do.  When I mentioned this to my Mexican barber recently he gave me information about the Santuario De Chimayo in New Mexico along with some Holy Dirt from there. My PC (personal computer) allowed me to gain hope from them, as it is an interesting healing possibility, so it is good.

Also thanks to the Patch for allowing me to be "The Old Blogger."

Editor's Note: Mr. Weber was a Democratic nominee to represent the 2nd congressional district in 2004 and 2006, losing to incumbent Todd Akin both times. In 1998, he was the Reform Party nominee for Missouri State Auditor, losing the race to Democrat Claire McCaskill. He ran for U.S. President in 2000, winning the California Reform Party primary election when Donald Trump dropped out.