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Real Name: Steve E. Swenson Address: PO Bin 440 Bakersfield, Ca 93302 Cell: (395)736-7 Gender: male Date of Birth: January 03, 1949 Member Since: March 17, 2006 Last Signed In: September 30, 2009 Profile Views: 10866 Blog Views: 14987 Didn't catch any fish and Lopez Lake, but lots of fun anyway I feel oppressed, and out $33 Eating a burger in the shadow of Michelle Obama A must watch and pass on Lovey dovey on my patio Mexico trip rerouted to California -- oh yippee, skippy Met up today with an old cancer buddy The governator wants to tax golf???????? Took my love to Red Rock Canyon Ending fish plants in the Kern River???? June 06 July 06 August 06 September 06 October 06 November 06 December 06 January 07 February 07 March 07 April 07 May 07 June 07 July 07 August 07 September 07 October 07 November 07 December 07 January 08 February 08 March 08 April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 August 08 September 08 October 08 November 08 December 08 January 09 February 09 March 09 April 09 May 09 June 09 July 09 August 09 September 09 October 09 November 09 
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Great weekend except for that cancer diagnosis
Wow, what a weekend. Two golf games, a day at the beach, a couple of movies, some yard work and Mickelson's great victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship.
Might have been perfect weekend if it wasn't for that cancer diagnosis on Friday after work. This'll teach me to go into the doctor to get permission to have a colostomy. He found some other (stuff). Well, no sense having cancer if you can't joke about it. So you can expect updates as I go through this little experience. My goal right now is to get through this and walk in Relay for Life cancer survivor parade with my wife so people can applaud both of us, not just her. Before I get way ahead of myself, I'm scheduled for a biopsy today to confirm that the little lump on my neck (a few cm in diameter) is really cancer. My physician's assistant who has had the exact same problem is fairly certain that's what it is. He was very direct with me, for which I was grateful. He said he wished it was something else. I replied, "It is what it is." I went through CT scans of my neck and chest last week, which defined the lump. You lay on this long bed with your knees up (I thought only women had to put their legs up like that in a doctor's office) as the bed moves you back and forth in this big ring that makes sounds like Star Trek. I also had a blood test which didn't show any rampant cancer activity. A chest X-ray oddly enough showed scaring consistent with pneumonia (which I had once) and second-hand smoke. So apparently what they say about second-hand smoke is true — it does affect your lungs. The only symptom I had before going to the doctor was what I call a low-grade sore throat, which I attributed to sleeping with the ceiling fan on. Turns out the neck growth caused a problem on my tonsil, which not only was mildly irritating, but caused me to snore more than before. My high priority is to deal with that issue. I'm bad enough in bed without adding a lot of noise. I've told my kids and my siblings, all with the message that there's no reason for any alarm. Right now it's just a few changes in the routine. The important thing is I shot a 72 on Monday and won $5 from my friend, Stuart. I told you -- it was a great weekend. 39 comments from 28 users
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posted by
randomfactor
on Sep 4, 2007 at 08:01 AM
Any weekend where you wake up two days running is a great one. Best of luck in dislodging your unwelcome border. . Edit: That would be "boarder," of course. Don't want the Boarder Patrol after me. posted by
gsisola
on Sep 4, 2007 at 08:02 AM
Ahh, you will be just fine,, I just know it. Don't worry about it, I know cancer sounds really bad, but "it aint no big deal" My prayers are with ya.
posted by
robbwillis
on Sep 4, 2007 at 08:59 AM
Sorry about the lump, but congrats on the 72!
posted by
steveeswenson
on Sep 4, 2007 at 09:15 AM
Thanks. I figure if I start to regularly shoot in the 80s there's no use living anyway.
posted by
JeffHarbin
on Sep 4, 2007 at 09:18 AM
While I appreciate your attempt at keeping it light and humorous, I also know that getting a diagnosis like that makes ones stomach churn a bit more than normal. So hang in there Steve, and know that we're all praying for you. posted by
adampayne
on Sep 4, 2007 at 09:41 AM
So sorry to hear the news, Steve. As Jeff mentioned above, nice touch to try keep this diagnosis in the humor vein, but it has to be tough going. You certainly have the focus, judging by your golf score, to beat this beast of a disease, and the right frame of mind going into the fight. We're rooting for you!!!!
posted by
AudreyB
on Sep 4, 2007 at 10:02 AM
Steve when you get the all clear sign, I'll walk with you in the Relay for Life. Best of Luck!
posted by
woofwoof
on Sep 4, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Nothin' like some crappy news to put a damper on your day. But you didn't let it do that when you golfed a 72. You are doing the one most important thing you can do right now----THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS. I have a feeling since you've caught this early and the blood tests shows clear, this'll just be a blip in your life. Plenty of golf days ahead. posted by
steveeswenson
on Sep 4, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Okay, this is funny. I just got back from Dr. Arya, an ear, nose and throat doctor.You've heard that expression — up your nose with a rubber hose. That's exactly what he did! He wanted to look at my mouth and throat via my nose, and he put this little rubber hose with a light at the end and stuck it down my throat via the right nostril. That cracked me up. He's now going to get authorization for a biopsy which will probably be performed next Wednesday in the Millennium Surgery Center by RiverWalk. Then I get sent to an oncologist who will likely perform chemo-radiation therapy. We asked if it would be better to surgically remove the growth, but he says that would deform my neck. Well, I don't want to get any uglier. P.S. Thanks for all the well wishes. Jeff, I'm especially touched by yours because you didn't care about those hemmorhoids I had a while back. (Another long, funny story which the newspaper wouldn't let me print) And Audrey, I'd be happy to walk between two blondes at the Relay for Life. posted by
sagefever
on Sep 4, 2007 at 11:15 AM
Steve~ I'll keep you in my thoughts.
posted by
antiextremism
on Sep 4, 2007 at 11:18 AM
Sorry to hear about that Steve. My thinking is that you caught it in time. I had a friend who wouldn't go to the doctor when he had a lump in his neck, then when he finally went in, he was misdiagnosed with a simple infection. His stubborness and the medical mistake were what killed him. Sounds like you are getting great care. I'm sure everything will turn out well for ya. Good luck, and congratz on the 72. My best ever was a 73, and I hit my last drive OB. Doh!!!!!!! I'm an agnostic, but I'll still say a prayer for ya.
posted by
ScaryMary
on Sep 4, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Stephen, You were not going in for a colostomy you were going in for a colonoscopy theres just a little bit of a difference... Thanks everyone for all of your well wishes. Steve is really healthy otherwise and pretty stubborn too. They say the more stubborn you are the longer you will live. Im hoping that is true because if it is both of us will live really long lives... posted by
JeffHarbin
on Sep 4, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Thanks for clearing that up, Mary. I just figured the 'roids finally got to be too much for Steve to handle, so he started taking an alternate route... And it's not that I didn't care about your 'roids, Steve, it was just the learning about it at 6 a.m. on a Saturday morning in Vegas when I was only about an hour into my nap. At that point, I wouldn't have cared about a fire alarm going off. posted by
robbwillis
on Sep 4, 2007 at 12:23 PM
You definitely don't want to wake up from your clolonoscopy hearing "Oops, we thought you needed a colostomy. Sorry 'bout that."
posted by
randomfactor
on Sep 4, 2007 at 12:26 PM
Circumcision and castration are another two it's bad to confuse.
posted by
sagefever
on Sep 4, 2007 at 12:40 PM
roflol~ that will help any dis-ease. And keep that medical dictionary handy!
posted by
antiextremism
on Sep 4, 2007 at 12:55 PM
Well Mary, I figured he got the two confused, but if he needed a colostomy bag for a tumor in his neck, one could only come to one diagnosis. He's really full of it! In fact, up to his neck. LOL Keep us posted Steve. posted by
Charlie3
on Sep 4, 2007 at 01:01 PM
Dr. Arya is a very good doctor. He removed a tumor from the left side of my face ten years back. Some slight deformity and still a couple of very nerve sensitive places, but all in all a very good job. I was lucky , mine was benign. Hope yours turns out well.
posted by
tkozy
on Sep 4, 2007 at 01:56 PM
Sorry to hear the news Steve..
For what it's worth. Next month is my 2 year anniversary of my bladder cancer surgery. Movies and blood have been clean since, so things are looking up for me. I grew up scared to death of cancer. Today things are diferant.
I wish the best for you.
You are in my prayers..
I have been through a bunch of illnesses Steve. Many that most people have never heard of. Most just under control, not cured.
Most people never get the chance to even beat one of the illness/injuries I have had. And I have beat a number that could have killed me long ago.
I consider myself a lucky man. Lucky to be where I am today. Lucky to survive as much as I have.
Lucky to have friends like you.
Life is one day at a time. Wish I would have learned that many years ago.
Good can come from every situation in life. Tell the family there is plenty of fun to be had today and tomorrow and the day after.
Again good luck. GOD Bless.. posted by
anglo1
on Sep 4, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Steve, I've been driving a friend back and forth to his DR. appointments for awhile now, he had a small cancerous tumor in his neck/throat and underwent surgery [can not see the scar] and just finished chemo and about 40 [approx.] radiation teatments. Sore throat and some weight loss but he is looking forward to getting back in the water as soon as possible. He really is doing good, tough guy also. 72, I can't imagine, I've broken 90 twice. Best wishes.
posted by
theColorNine
on Sep 4, 2007 at 02:05 PM
Steve - You'll be in our prayers, too. Do you know yet what kind of cancer you're dealing with, or is that one of the things you'll find out from the biopsy?
posted by
ThePulse
on Sep 4, 2007 at 02:10 PM
Steve, I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm sure you'll do great and pull through 100 percent. You're in my prayers, and if I can do anything, please let me know.
posted by
steveeswenson
on Sep 4, 2007 at 02:31 PM
I'll find out what kind 48 hours after the biopsy, which we are trying to set up for Sept. 12.And that colon thing -- I meant the one aimed at cleaning out my pipes. I have no idea what the other one is, so if I said something really stupid, well it wasn't the first time and won't be the last. posted by
anglo1
on Sep 4, 2007 at 02:33 PM
Just so they cleaned it between procedures. posted by
JesusSmokedABowl
on Sep 4, 2007 at 02:37 PM
A colostomy is when they rip you a new one.
posted by
sagefever
on Sep 4, 2007 at 02:38 PM
Thats what( the colon thing) my ex S.O. had~ it is when they find something really bad in your intestinal area, and you do not want one.
posted by
Mom2CandC
on Sep 4, 2007 at 04:24 PM
Steve, I'm so sorry to hear about your current surprise. My step-dad is nearing 1 year of finding his growth on the vocal cord area. It was stage one, and he went through the chemo-radiation after surgery. He completed the last treatment in March this year and is doing well so far. Keep a positive attitude!
posted by
possummomma
on Sep 5, 2007 at 12:24 AM
Well, I'll hope that it turns out to be a false alarm. But, if it doesn't,... we're all here for you: body, mind, and spirit. *HUGS* posted by
myxlnt1
on Sep 5, 2007 at 02:07 AM
Steve, I'm one of those who doesn't believe in prayer, I really believe in the power of your brain. You've heard that laughter makes you well, It's been proven. Believe me, if you think positive, and really believe you're going to be alright, you will.
posted by
steveeswenson
on Sep 5, 2007 at 06:26 AM
myx,So, I'm thinking it might work twice as well if I laugh while I pray. Thanks again for the well wishes, folks. posted by
NancyII
on Sep 5, 2007 at 06:41 AM
Steve, I had one removed from under my eye some years back. 17 stitches in fact. It turned out to be benign but it's pretty scary stuff until you know just what's what. Hang in there and keep that wonderful sense of humor...it will serve you well. God bless... I'll sent a prayer out for you too. (send too) edited posted by
TomW
on Sep 5, 2007 at 07:05 AM
Hey Steve, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Your attitude is great and here's to hoping you get struck by lightning on the golf course in 30 years.
posted by
ghostriter
on Sep 5, 2007 at 05:04 PM
That proves it...go in for one thing and they will ALWAYS find something else. No, thanks. There is a reason I don't go to doctors: I have been working for them for too long! Good luck, Steve, and (raising glass) here's to hoping they don't find anything else.
posted by
bakonative
on Sep 5, 2007 at 11:03 PM
Good attitude Steve, that counts. You have something, you deal with it. It is what it is and you can handle it. Congrats. Not many people can do so easily. Good luck and I'll keep you in my prayers
posted by
olderbrother
on Sep 6, 2007 at 09:53 AM
Steve's brother Mike( Olympia, Washington ). That little lump on Stevie's neck proves that without it, he would have had a better follow-through on his golf swing, hence a 68 ... and $10 from Stuart .
posted by
joshblume
on Sep 8, 2007 at 11:24 PM
Hey Uncle Steve...I'll trade you my cancer free body for your ability to shoot a 72! I hope I don't sound like a jerk for writing that, but I know you love humor. On a more serious note, I am very saddened hearing your news from my mom. Your positive spirit and the support around you will help you get through this. Keep that great attitude and we'll laughing over this someday after a round of golf and a beer. I will need you around for a long time to fix my golf game so get better soon! Hopefully we'll get to see you sooner than later Josh. posted by
jeffandjulie
on Sep 9, 2007 at 01:14 AM
Uncle Steve:
1) I don't know if a 72 is good or bad. That wind mill hole gets me for 7 or 8 puts every time, let alone the stinking drawbridge hole. 2) I do know you didn't have a colostomy. Wrong operation on the wrong part of a Republicans body. Closer on a Dems., but still incorrect. 3) I don't know much about the "C" word, but it sounds like you wont either for a few days. 4) I do know you have a great attitude and a wonderful wife to get you through anything you put your Liberal mind to. 5) And of course, we all have heard about your sub-standard performance in bed. (can I write that)? Thats three for five. A smart-ass republican like me would call that a land slide of a win. Seriously Steve. We are here for you, and your in our hearts and prayers. Please keep us informed so we won't need to go to Mary's blog to find out what is really going on. And of course, have to read her constant complaints about your bedroom problems. Much Love, Jeff posted by
maryjoblume
on Sep 9, 2007 at 08:58 PM
Stephen Swenson.....whatever am I going to do with you? I turn my back for two weeks and look what you've gone and done.....*TSK*TSK*TSK* I want you to know that because I am totally new to this "blogging" stuff; I wrote down my sincerest thoughts to the email that you sent me......there were at least five (5) paragraph's for you to read, I hit the submit comments button and.........? A BIG FAT NOTHING @#$%^&*()_ Seems that my not knowing that I was supposed to sign in first, pick a password, etc.etc.etc. caused me to lose all my thoughts which I wanted/needed to express to you. BahHumBug. I'm way too old for this new-fangled stuff. Basically, what I was expressing to you was how proud to have you for my little brother I am and will always, all ways, continue to be. Dearheart, you have been so Blessed in your life, especially the past two years; you have always, all ways, been there for anyone who needed a Loving Friend. I was so surprised to see that two of my sons have already expressed their feelings for you and your more-than-gorgeous wife, Mary. May your Heavenly Father's Choicest Blessings continue to be with you and your Wonderful Family. Please know that You All are in our prayers and our loving thoughts, too. Keep a visual in your mind of that little pac-person gobbling up all those naughty little cells, I AM. Also, please forgive and ignore any comments that Josh, Jeffrey and any of my other kidlets might write to you...include their mother in that group, also. We just love you so much and because we all love to hear your marvelous laughter, we are making fools of ourselves here in this medium...you knew that we would, didn'tcha'? Our Love, Gary, MJ, Jeff, Wende, Kenny, Christian, Matthew, Joshua and Justin HUGZZZZ N SMOOOCHES posted by
steveeswenson
on Sep 12, 2007 at 10:33 PM
Josh, Jeff and Mary Jo, Thanks for writing. You've inspired me to be better in bed, stay a Democrat, install a Pac Man in my veins and come back up to Washington to play some more with the Blume clan. Take care. I will.
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