Just back from the VA hospital - the word is that they have found no cancer. They were concerned over some growths on my insides, but they have not changed size in the last 6 months. So, officially, I have no cancer.

Still sick - now I have started passing out for no good reason that they can find. It is not bad - I don't know where I go but it is warm and comfortable. I would just ignore it but it does upset Liz when it happens.

Worse, I fell out of my chair twice, and off a stool once. Messed up an elbow on the concrete floor the first time but no real harm since then. Except I keep bumping my head - it has a couple of tender spots from bouncing off the floor, but as long as no one touches them they do not hurt. I am used to banging my head against hard objects.

It does make you a bit nervous about driving - but the way I see it, I been watching out for crazy old men for the last 45 years. Now it is my turn; you younger guys can look out for me for a change!

I go back the 13 of December - they are talking about sending me up to the Portland, Or. VA for the liver transplant. The doctors there want to see me before they accept me into the program. The problem is that I have only 11 of the 12 points needed to qualify.

My wish was the San Fransisco VA, but there is a 2 year waiting list just to get into their transplant program. Most people do not live long enough to join them.

So back into the wait mode, but things are looking a bit better for me!

 

WillyB, great to know that you have no cancer. That is good news, indeed.

When you're driving, I'll make sure that you're in front of me. (jk)

As for the V.A. hospital, too bad you couldn't get into the liver transplant program at the one here in S.F.

The V.A. here is suppose to be the best one in the country.
It's affiliated with the U.C.S.F. Medical system.

Hope everything turns out good for you, as I'm sure it will.

And stop hitting your head against hard objects.

 

Clint,
That is the best news I've heard in a while. I hope you get a transplant soon. Do the doctor's have any ideas why you are passing out?

 

Awesome Clint! I didn't know there was a concern about cancer, but ofcourse hearing the news there isn't now, is just plain good news.

Now to get down to Madera and paint big red X's all over your truck

 

Mike, you can paint all the red crosses you wish on my red jeep - I might even spring for an amber beacon for the roof. That way people will assume I am an emergency vehicle and get out of my way.

My granddad went blind and continued to drive. He lived in a small town north of Denver, Colo and grandma would ride with him to tell him of traffic and red lights. He drove one of those 3 eyed Studebakers - people soon got to know the car and stay out of his way.

Cops finally caught him and forced him to stop - he went in to court and refused to pay the fines - said he had been driving since before there were driver's licenses and they all could all go to blazes.

Sort of hard on the judge - they lived only a few doors apart. Nice guy - sent him to jail for 2 weeks, but allowed him to return home at night. Grandma was 70, but she went to driver's school and learned to drive for them.

A year later she caused a major accident, the local cops had to take my granddad's shotgun from him as he was looking for the judge. At 75, unable to see across the room - no telling who he would have hit. I just hope I do as well as he did when I turn that age.

They sold out and moved to Denver where there was family to drive them around, and a taxi service when granddad didn't want anyone to know what he was doing.

As for the San Fran VA, it is very good. Most VAs are associated with teaching hospitals. When I was in the Palo Alto VA the Dean of Cardiology for Stanford University reviewed my case. I am sure the VA in Portland is just as good - the idea is to go to whichever one is first available.

 

GREAT NEWS CLINT!!! I hope things continue to go your way. You deserve it.
Keep us posted on how it progresses.
T

 

That is great news about no cancer! I am sure you are relieved to hear that. Hope they can find the reason for the blackouts too.

 

clint, that is great news about being clean.

lets hope it stays that way.

 

Thanks for sharing the good news with us Clint. Hope you continue on the road to recovery. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

 

Great to hear!...When I first became a CL, I looked to the NorCal Chapter for ideas....Not just because I am from there, but because it was sucessful!...When are you going to take the reins back up?

 

That is good news Pal! You always hear crap about the VA Hospitals but I know better!

You just hang in there Pal! We're all cheering for you!

Joe

 

The best news I've heard this year. Let's hope that you get a liver transplant when you need it. My hopes are that you continue to be strong and make those doctor appointments. I also hope you figure out what's up with the fainting spells soon.

Best wishes and great luck to you this coming year..... ;-)

 

Clint - that is great news!!!

I hope they are able to figure out the passing out.

Best of luck to you!!!