The eyes have it.

Ophthalmologist at 8 this morning. The verdict is optic nerve damage either from a blood clot or a metastacise. Slim to no odds of regaining my sight. I'm not sure how I feel because I haven't dwelt on it. It is what it is. Being referred to a specialist. I doubt he will say much different. My right eye hurts so time for a nap. The my MRI and PET Scan at 4:15. Bah!

Hangin'

Just hanging with the dogs and CNBC is getting old! I didn't seem to have a problem doing it before my trip but now that I'm home it seems different. Just hanging in the Philippines was different. I hung outside in one of 3 places and there was always something to watch or someone to visit with. If nothing else, there was bird watching. Nearby was a thicket of bamboo which was at least 75 feet high and full of birds. It had the usual suspects of Eurasian Tree Sparrows and Pied Fantails but occasionally a visitor came by like the Philippine Tailorbird or Brown Shrike. Watching that tree could consume hours. One night we were visited by a Peregrine that also liked the birds in that tree. There were many birds that visited that were deep in the thicket and I couldn't get a good look at them. It was a pleasure to wake as sun came up and listen to the symphony of from that tree, although I never got up that early (5 am).
So maybe it's the snow and winter that are boring me. Very little new activity outside. An occasional moose or Boreal Chickadee come by but otherwise it's pretty dull around here. It's no wonder I miss the Philippines!

Philippines 2011/2012

Here I am on my last day in the Philippines. I have been having a perfect time with friends. But my reality has decided to rear its sphinx head. My reality is my cancer that has tried to spoil this time by blinding me in the left eye. Cancer, I spit on you, anathema! I have put reality in a deep recess; at least for the rest of today. Then doctors, MRI, PET scan and treatment of some kind. What I would give to stay in my dream world! In am the face of millions in the same reality.
Tomorrow will be a sad and long day. Only one of many to come.

Philippines 2011-2012

I haven't really felt like posting here. It's been kind of crazy. After another visit with the doctor I decided to get home as soon as possible for treatment. The earliest I can leave is Jan 23. Planes are full due to Chinese New Year. I have a series of appointments when I get back and hopefully treatment begins soon enough to recover the sight in my eye.
Today we celebrated the Feast of Santa Nino with friends in a nearby barangay. Great food and native dancers. The hospitality here is beyond compare!
It is hot and humid today and no wind. I pray for wind on days like today!
Please keep me in your prayers! And by the way, cancer sucks!

Philippines 2011/2012

Three nights ago we were looking at the moon and Jupiter with binoculars and drinking a few beers. Suddenly my left eye went blurry and I saw people in psychedelic colors and then nothing. Blind! I went to the eye doctor on Tuesday and got an appointment for yesterday. The doctor checked and said I had an inflammation that was effecting the optic nerve and cornia. He suspects it is caused by metastatic cancer but he needs an angiogram to be sure. I have to go to Manila for that. He also said he didn't think the vision would come back and I would probably loose my eye. He seemed pretty sure even without the angiogram. What a shock! I hope he is wrong and have decided to go get the angiogram. Please pray for me! Thanks!

Days 7-11 Philippines 2011/2012

We spent Monday having the car looked at at an Isuzu dealer. They agreed that the transmission is bad but didn't have one to put in it. Tuesday we went to SM to the movie. It was horrid so I left and cruised the Mall. Wednesday we took the car to San Fernando and they replaced the trany but it was defective also so yesterday they replaced it. They are picking it up today. I hope it works this time. Thursday Rizals Revenge finally caught up with me. I was horribly sick with a potty run every half hour. I thought I was going to die! I slept all day and couldn't eat or drink which made it worse. I started getting better late in the evening and slept all night. Up early today and had a shower and finally ate. I am drinking Gatorade and feeling much better. Tonight is a birthday party for Mary's sister Baltazara but not sure if I'm up to it. Gut is still slightly cranky. It's been a fun trip from the new foods point of view. I've eaten pamello, Logan fruit, sisig, none of which I've had before. With the car fixed we will begin to travel.

Days 2-6 Philippines 2011/2012

So our flight actually took off at 1pm and we arrived in Incheon in 11 hours.Then a short wait and off to Manila on Philippine Airlines. First time on a 747/400. On arrival it was wait for immigration and then for baggage. The immigration guy gave us 1year visas with a slight inducement. We were greated by the whole family and began the drive home. Of course we had to stop and eat and got home at around 2:30 am and stayed up until 3:45. 4 hours of sleep later, a new day. Highlights: Monday went to Baliuag and money exchange, women got facials and we cruised the mall (SM). Dinner and some drinking after. Tuesday I got my first pedi and mani cure. Went for groceries at SM and looked for a sim card. Dinner at Paul's. Wednesday not much going on. Thursday back to SM shopping and I got a sim card finally. Friday we took the car to a mechanic inn San Fernado. Needs a transmission for a total of around $1,000. Saturday they butchered a pig and made all kinds of dishes for New Years Day. Also prepared a small pig for lechon. In the evening we did the lechon and it sure was good! We drank some beer and had some more with the neighbor. At 11:45 all heck broke loose. I have NEVER seen so many fireworks nor hear so many guns firing. It was nonstop for 35 minuted and then more sporadic. Awesome! Happy New Year we ate a lot and many friends, relatives and neighbors came by to eat and visit. Everyone teased me about being Santa! My asthma was kicking my butt so I was in bead REAL early. I love it here!