Wilmont Hollis Chandler (Wil) passed away today after a heroic battle with cancer in his own home surrounded by family and friends. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and pillar of this community, he will be sorely missed by all.


Thank you for all of your caring and support.



Anne, Lili, Josh and Roxy

New post for Lili...

Latest post: http://lilislemonylife.blogspot.com

Thanks
Lili

For more information...

...between Dad's posts, please visit: http://lilislemonylife.blogspot.com for (almost) daily posts and updates about Dad's condition...

Thanks,
Lili/Stenographer/Daughter/Mother/Wife/Business Owner

Hospice. Oh MY!

I am now a member of Hospice. Nice little club except it means that one is going to expire soon. Unfortunately, we don't know what soon is; could be two weeks or six months. Anyhow, it's a good program and will help me and the family a lot since I'm unable to walk anymore and my symptoms are increasingly worse. I'm amazed at the number of people willing to help out and that have contacted me or the family. It's a wonderful outpouring and I really, really appreciate it.

Hospice has certain limitations but mostly everything that happens is a good thing. Overall I am generally a little worse: as I mentioned before, I'm unable to walk and am dizzy all of the time. I have officially quit taking chemo-I can't stand that stuff! So, we'll see what happens next. It was ruining my feet and making it impossible to walk; hopefully things will get easier now. One may get out of Hospice just by opting to do so.

I have included a picture of me sitting in the living room with all of my blankets waiting for SOMETHING to turn up good on TV!

Everybody including my stenographer has been so helpful and caring...I have received lots of cards and support letters from well-wishers and they really give one something to live for. I am going to expire soon, but let's hope it's not REAL soon...now I'm quite tired and on the recommendation of my stenographer I'm going to end this post.

Love
~goodwil~

Chemo Schmemo

I had my second chemo treatment this past Monday and it's really knocked me on my ass; maybe the worst to date. I've already fallen twice and have a hard time getting back up. But life goes on and I'm finally at the point where I need to decide whether I'm going to continue with this chemo stuff or what. I have a CT Scan on Saturday the 9th and then a doctor's appointment to review the CT's findings on Monday the 11th, and then I'll have to make my decision depending on whether the chemo is making any difference in the cancer.

Michael and Annie are working hard on their wedding plans and dropped in last weekend from NYC. My sister Beverly, her husband, Ted, and son, Bob were also here for a quick visit (Bev & Ted from WI and Bob from MI). Quite a busy but wonderful time-it was great to see everyone-see the picture of the whole family at Casa "Church."

I'm still feeling lousy and seriously considering quitting the chemo, but we'll see-I need to talk to my oncologist first.


Lucky for me, I still have great friends (see Linda giving me a much needed/appreciated foot rub).

Love
~goodwil~

It sure is nice to have good friends...

Friends like Al (pictured here doing some Shiatsu with me), Linda (pictured in the last blog, who helps me with breathing and other exercises), and my old friend, Larry from Wisconsin, who sent me these pictures from the early '60s.

The first of which must be a bunch of us young guys (straight out of high school) taking a break from working in the cemetaries.

The second picture is me as a Private in the Army at Fort Devens in Massachussettes.

This morning Anne took me to breakfast to meet up with some friends that I used to meet every Friday, and we were able to do our usual talking and eating (usual is good!) See picture. Then it was home for more breathing exercises with Linda.

I'm looking forward to this weekend when my sister and family are coming to visit from Wisconsin and Michigan AND, for the cherry on top, Michael and Annie are flying in from NYC to do some prep work for their upcoming nuptuals. Should be an action packed weekend!

I've been feeling decent but still quite weak. I'm hoping to gain back some muscle and weight in the near future. I had a chemo treatment on Monday and it takes a lot out of me. I will probably have another treatment this coming Tuesday and am not looking forward to it.

The weather around here was beautiful this week, but all of the sudden Old Man Winter has stopped back to see us and the morning temperatures have been in the 20's...Not good for those of us with thin skin-it really should be warmer!

Anyhow, I've had lots more good friends stopping by to see me and am really appreciating all of the well wishers and visitors. Take care and hope for warmer weather!

~goodwil~

The Spiritual Side

Several people have encouraged me to get "right with God." I find in doing this that it is truly a helpful thing. My minister, Evan, has been over to the house several times and we've had great discussions and prayers. It's been a good thing and I do feel much better thanks to Evan. One of the reasons Evan has been coming over is because I feel as though I've been slowly sinking physically, but since we've had our conversations I am starting to feel stronger physically. Another reason I feel as though I'm improving can be attributed to my dear friend and Yogurt Instructor, Linda (no that's not a dirty picture...Get your mind out of the gutter...She's helping me breathe!)

I have been sleeping 7 hours in a row (which is better than I've slept most of my adult life), but still need a nap or two during the day. My one problem seems to be that I'm frequently dizzy (lots of people have been telling me that for years) and we can't seem to figure out why. I still have oxygen full time and it makes it difficult to go places, but I am still getting out whenever I can. In fact, a dear old friend, Joe and Lili dragged me out for St. Paddy's Day to our local Irish Brewpub, Jackie O's for some Irish stew. I even had a sip or two of Brad's (the brewer) Irish Red brew.

My new chemo regimen keeps me going back & forth to the James Hospital in Columbus weekly at this point. See picture during treatment.

Lastly, my most fantabulous, brilliant, beautiful granddaughter (remember who's dictating this) went to a friend's birthday party in Columbus where all of the kids made a stuffed animal for themselves at Build-A-Bear. BUT, Evelyn not only made herself a bear, she made one with extra love especially for me so I have something to cuddle with when I'm not feeling tip top. She put an energized heart in the bear to keep me going :) And, on her own, she named it 'Bill', and then said: "Get it Peepah? Bill, like "Bill da Bear?" See picture...

I'm saving my energy and looking forward to taking a trip to Wisconsin when the weather is nicer. This is going to be a great Spring!

Love
goodWil

It is gonna be spring real soon!

.....and more than ever I will be glad to be a part of it!

As we all know, I have been feeling "puny" as some say around here. Although I don't know exactly how to measure it, I think I am actually feeling a little better. I went to Columbus (where else?) on Friday to see Dr Aukerman, my integrative doctor. He always seems good for me as he is so positive and has lots of ideas. I had recently quit taking the vitamins and minerals he prescribed because they made me sick to my stomach. He convinced me to try again and so I am.

I won't say that I am running around the block--hard to do with this oxygen hose anyhow. But somehow, even though I still spit up occasionally need lots of naps, I do feel better these past two days and hopefully it is because I am "better". I am taking supplements and they seem to help. I am not ready to run around the block, but I do feel some very subtle changes that I hope will continue.

Otherwise not much is happening although the weather seems to be warmer and more pleasant around here--another 60 degree day today. I also think I am on the mend because I am looking for things to do! Bored, I guess. The evenings are the worst since I can't concentrate to read, TV is worse than ever, and physically I can't do much. But I get by with lots of help from my family and friends. I feel somewhat better, still not that well, but "the changes are coming" I can feel it!

We all like pics, but I haven't seemed to do anything to get pics! So, how about a couple of early spring photos on our porch and in our backyard. Good to get on a 60 degree day. So, lets be happy that this is a preview of the start of spring around here. Hopefully I'll be sitting on the front porch more than ever. Let's all have a great day!!

...But I ain't dead yet!

I had a nice picture of me reclining on the table at the Oncologist's office with my eyes shut, but neither Lili or Anne will let me put the picture on the blog because they say that I look too dead! So here are a couple of pictures that have been deemed "appropriate" by the powers that be. Including one of Evelyn's theatrical debut as a dalmation puppy in the East Elementary's Dinner Theater '101 Dalmations' (as seen to the right).

I really haven't been feeling well lately, but the weather is going to get nice and as soon as it does, I know I'll feel better and be able to eat more, as I haven't had much of an appetite as of late. Maybe I need to eat more of the "special brownies" that were lovingly made for me as those seem to help. I did make it out just a little bit to our friend's house for dinner and to the Casa to eat breakfast as is our Sunday morning tradition. Otherwise I've been pretty home-bound except when Lili or Anne gives me a ride around town. It's funny how pleased I am just riding around and looking at things-I don't even have to get out of the car!

I have dreams of going on another long trip, but it requires a special oxygen set up and since oxygen is a constant that makes the trip more difficult. I'll keep hoping to be able to make the trip-thanks for all of your good vibes and nice thoughts, please keep up the good work.

Maybe this afternoon I can get Lili to take me for a ride (funny he should put that-Lili is the one dictating this-so signing off now so I can take Dad for his ride :)

Love,
goodwil

Days fly by...

......but not the nights. It's about 5 am and I have been rolling around in bed for a while. Might as well get up and write a blog I've been thinking about. Lots on my mind so this will probably be a "heavy" blog!

All my joints ache, my ankles have edema(sp?), my stomach area hurts and my bowels are barely under control. I have constant oxygen--see pics and am only walking slowly and carefully. All this since my trip to the James Hosp. Will I get better? I hope so, I think I might break one of my rules and pray for myself--although it seems so self-serving and unfair when there are so many people with lots more troubles.

After spending all day Monday in Columbus, the report from the doctor was pretty negative. I did get a shot of some sort of Chemo & I'll get another in one week, but the doctor did not sound very enthusiastic that it would help much. I'm no longer eligible for the clinical trial that I was to be enrolled in due to issues with my blood. I realize that this isn't a positive blog but I wanted to everyone abreast of what's going on.

In the meantime, I have lots of good friends helping me out and a daughter and wife who are taking good care of me. And, tonight is Evelyn's theatrical debut at East Elementary and the whole family is heading there to show our support for her in her role as a dalmation pup in the play '101 Dalmations.'

Keep up the faith and go out and have a good time while you can-I'm sure going to try.

Home from the hospital!

I am very happy to be home from the James Hosp in Columbus. Let me explain.....Last Tuesday (8th) I felt terrible and on the advice of my oncologist I went to the local
ER room at Obleness Hosp. People always complain about the local Hosp and it did take a long time--but I bet any ER is also slow.

Anyhow at 12 midnite I was on a fast ride to the James arriving there after 1 pm. I past out for the night and my first and only good hosp sleep.

I was to spend the next 8 days in this room being awakened and prodded every few hours for no good sleep! ....and no food for 5 days until some signs of "poop" showed up. Then it was soup and jello--delicious! Anne was there a lot, but Lili was very often there and very often helpful--gave me a bath and came up 3 days straight until she could finally take me home!

Home is great although I now have an Oxygen thing to help me breathe. Enclosed pics of Lauren and I walking in the driveway and Lili and I sleeping on the floor. Even though I don't feel too good, I am getting better with lots of visitors including Lauren, Annes niece, and her friend Mike from Maine! I am quickly out of breath but slowly getting better and I hope to keep "recovering". That's it for now, wish me luck!

Valentines Day at the James Hosp.....

I have been here since Tues at 1:45 am. Cancer? Not really... I have a severe care of no pooping! Definitely painful. In fact I have not felt much like writing at all. I may have lots of emails.

I am better today and may get released tomorrow. This computer is also giving me trouble!

Enclosed a few pics from our group at the CASA last week. I wish I was there today instead of here......I am having dtoo much trouble so I will close for this week.
Love to all.

Every body need a lecture now and then....

....let me tell you how I got mine!

I have been feeling really lousy all week. Up to Columbus Tuesday night for meetings Wednesday with Dr Carson to try to get onto his Clinical Trial. Well, that didn't quite happen due to too much protein in urine. I have since taken another test and sent it on to him--although yet to hear back!

So, I have spent the week feeling sick and tired. I tried to pretend I was working at A Realty--see picture--but that didn't help. I even dug up my picture in Key West with Marilyn, but that hasn't helped either!

I felt lousy! My stomach aches and is badly swollen, all my joints are sore, I am tired and fatigued, and my ankles are also swollen. So, yesterday morning I called Dr Otterson's (my oncologist) nurse, Joslyn, who happens to be my favorite. Then I received the lecture, namely:

stop drinking so much water!

make yourself eat something!

take some oxycontyn! (spelling)

get your ass up and get some exercise!

Well, I have tried those things and while I am not "well" I feel far better already. I need to continue as the lecture stated!

Next week it is Dr Otterson on Monday and with some luck the "trial" will start with Dr Carson on Friday. I guess I need not only luck, but more work! Wish me well.

give someone a good case of cancer......

...and everything seems like "the end is near"!

But it isn't even though I felt that way all week. Btw, this may be to some a blog containing bad language and pictures. Certainly "bad pictures" in my blogs is not unusual. First the language. I have been sick to my stomach all week: bloated with cramps. I have not felt like doing anything except laying around which I did quite nicely! But Anne suggest that I might be full of crap in a way different than usually! So last night I took a "crap removing pill" and this morning had quite a clearing out! I feel much better and definitely less full than all week! I can only guess that the "full of crap" was due to my taking a course of amoxicillin for a toe infection.

Prior to my going to bed last night, we tried socializing with Bruce and Susan at the annual drag show which is the big benefit for the local women's shelter. Unfortunately, I only made it to intermission until I needed to go home, but that's where the aforementioned pictures came from. Including Bruce "donating" and old wil trying to get his camera to turn on. These guys are really something--and I don't mean Bruce and me.

My last blog was--with good reason--a bit of a downer and I wanted this one to also reflect the truth. I feel much better and hope only continue to feel better as days go by. I have now been well over a month with no treatment--except vitamins and fish oil and hope to start treatment soon. Here is how it will work (I have been mistaken in the recent past.). On Wednesday up to the OSU cancer center for a through evaluation in order to be sure that I am "eligible" for the clinical trial. If eligible, it will start the following Wednesday (2/9/11) and go 4 days straight.

I do hope I can start it and it makes some improvement. But, who knows? Anyhow, I feel pretty good today although a bit weak. Things will only get better!

How does one handle.....

....not feeling good? I have not been well for about 3 or 4 days now, but I do know that many people are disappointed to hear this negative news. My stomach has various painful cramps (probably from all the coughing I do) and I am often sick at my stomach. I also have a headache and I seem to just want to nap!

I always wanted to use this blog to "tell it like it is", but I really feel bad reporting bad news. Next week I hope to start the new clinical trial and it is going to work! Oh well, I am still up and around and always feeling hopeful that things will get better.

I have not really been anywhere in the past week but some people tell me that they like to see pictures better than my foolish ramblings. So I have included what pics I have--but they are still from Key West and I sure as heck can understand getting sick of seeing Key West since most of us live in the north country. But everyone know my great appreciation of art and besides ships and directions I have included "reach for the sky" and "picture of old man with a rake" for all to enjoy the "art."

Oh well, we had a big snow last week and today it is 32degrees and some of it is going to melt---one never knows what's next?!! I am going to feel better and will write another blog soon, but it has been a while so I wanted to report in. Love and kisses to all! (well, most all)!

Bumpity, bumpity, bump........

....I thot I loved Delta Air Lines, but now I am not so sure! Flying to Key West my friend, Bruce, and I were offered a voluntary "Bump" meaning we got off our flight in Atlanta and waited 4 hours for the next flight to Key West. For this we were rescheduled to first class and given $400 in Delta dollars toward my next flight. A deal I would take anytime, so I did.

But when it came time to return on Thurs--the notice was that the flight is cancelled due to weather-- a storm in Atlanta. They called and said I was rebooked to MONDAY! Not acceptable.
I called back and they said I could go to Miami on Friday--on my "nickel". Not acceptable.
I thot it over and called back! This guy said I could go out on Saturday. Since Jack had left on another airline and Bruce was also going Sat he said I could stay 2 more days. So I did! I must say I did not feel so good at this point.

Now 2 more days in KW is always a good thing and it was. However, I had scheduled a different trip with a different group to Western Florida leaving at 7 am today (Sunday). I arrived in Athens last night at 8:30 pm out of pills and really tired! I was not able to go on the next trip today. All this due to Delta getting me back 2 days too late!

Enough complaining! Key West was--and always is--a great time. A time to be warm and not do much of anything on a schedule! I have enclosed a few pics. Starting with a KW sunset; one of the art installations; in front of the Southernmost Restaurant (they have a great bfast); old men in the pool; and one of the views from Susan's Condo (we even saw the Norwegian Ship we cruised to Alaska on!)

All in all a great time. I need to travel more. Florida again cause it is warm, but I might even go to Wisconsin to see my sister's new "digs" and get some "sisterly" words on what to do with the rest of my life. In the meantime, I am going to start the new clinical trial in early February and it will take lots of time and leave me feeling "puny" much of the time. Ah, but if you are reading this, you can go out and have a good time. So, help somebody and have a good time too!

....traveling on to warmer weather

.....I hope. Yep, I'm going to Key West with the usual suspects--Jack and Bruce! It will be warmer than last time and sunny too!! I will not be able to make snow angels with Evie, but I would rather bike about Key West. The pic is of Jack and I in front of the units where we stay--"Susan's Key West Condos".

Last Monday Josh and I went to the doctor in Columbus and the news really wasn't good. I had a CTscan and it showed an increase of the cancer in the lung and some involvement in the liver. So, we cut out the medicine (Chemo) pill I was taking and are looking toward a different clinical trial. It should start in early February with 4 days straight in good old Columbus. Then several days later, I come back--and so it goes! I really don't like all the trips to Columbus, but I feel this is the best alternative at the moment.

So at the moment I am medicine-less except for the fun fish oil, vit B, Calcium, etc which the integrative doctor recommends. I am doing pretty well on all of this. Still quite short of breath with some "inside" pains, but I am well enough to travel and looking forward to it. In fact after I return on Thursday, I am going traveling again next Sunday as well.

I am still really doing quite well for the condition I am supposed to be in. Out to eat last night with Lili, Colin, and Evie and we had a great time. Gotta go pack now although the biggest item seems to be all the pills I need to take. Then again, maybe the fish oil, etc has extended my little life for some months or years(?).

Let's all continue to have a good time.

Happy New Year to all.....

....and to all a good night! Or did I mix that up a bit?

Anyhow this has started off as a great year! Why? Well, certainly because any time you hear that you have an incurable illness and you wake up to a new year it has to be a very positive thing!

We had an interesting New Year's eve. Didn't go anywhere as we felt old and tired. Then we stayed up 'til after midnight and split a bottle of champagne. Now you would think someone of my age and "experience" would know not to drink too much! Since Anne and I both became quite tipsy, we apparently have not learned very much over the years.

New Year's day--still hungover--we made it across the street to Bruce and Susan's and then in the evening to dinner at John and Mary's country estate. It was--and still remains--a no alcohol time! Maybe a good new year lesson on "taking it easy".

Tomorrow (Jan 3rd) is trip to OSU medical center for CTscan and visit with the Oncologist. I haven't had either for some weeks so I guess they are good things. However, I do kind of dread it since I am clearly coughing more and more short of breath than a year ago. All a reason to worry? Sure, but let's go on having fun, traveling, and trying to do good things!

The pics show Anne and Evie having a great time with the "cuddle bug" an embossing tool for working with paper and John on New Year's day explaining some of his "lists" at dinner. I wish I could be "like John"--that is, more organized! Finally, Max and Shelia gave me a cup for Christmas showing the important thing about my native state--yep, cows are still important there.