DEATH TO CANCER - Part I - Pregame Warm Up

OK Guys.  I'm trying to get pumped up.  I'm trying to put on my game face.  Eye of the Tiger.  Right?

I can't do it.  Oh, I AM pumped up.  I'm totally ready to have this cancer gone.  But game face?  If you have even spent a few moments around me, you know I'm never serious.  And even when I am, you can't tell that I am. 

So, I can't do a game face without grinning.  And that looks ridiculous.  But I did my best in these selfies.

The next few blogs will feature pictures of..........ME!  You will watch me fight like heck to beat this cancer.  Then you can follow my fine example and fight whatever YOUR battle is.  (Hopefully it ain't cancer).

Pregame warm up was last Thursday's visit to the friendly confines of Sacred Heart Medical Center.  Last time I was here, it was to watch a relative take her last breath.  I plan to change THAT tide.

Before the doctor and his team and especially the anesthesiologist do their thing on me this Friday, they have to absolutely make sure that I am in good condition physically.  So I get to go to the hospital and get blood drawn and see that everything is good.  And check in for the surgery.

Check in means verifying that I am who I am and that I have a way to pay for the expensive services there.  Done.

Then I was sent to the lab where a very talented phlebotomist poked a needle into me and took three vials of blood.  Her name was Chasity.  Yes, that is spelled right.  And she was very good.  The worst part of a blood draw is removing the band-aid hours later and having it PAINFULLY pull out half of my arm hairs.  Chasity was smart enough to recognize this problem, mentioned it, and did her best to place the band-aid away from most of my arm hairs, but then to also fold the band-aid onto itself, thus threatening even less arm hairs and making the band-aid easier to get off.

You know, I'm quite sure the phlebotomists are the lowest paid medical professionals in the entire hospital.  But they are also the nicest, most genuinely friendly, the most concerned, and heck, let's just say it, the cutest.  Did you know Hanna was once a phlebotomist?  And she's still incredible cute.  (She at times has actually begged to be the one to draw my blood....)

Chasity cheered me on!  DIE FREAKIN CANCER DIE!!

The nurse emailed me later to say that I passed.  My blood is in order.  And I am now thus warmed up and ready to go.  Bring on the game!!

I also did my best to make sure my Urologist is at his best too.  After having my procedure delayed several weeks because of his "horse accident", I sent his office the following email and got the following followed response:

"I'm really looking forward to having my cancer tumor eradicated at the competent, highly-skilled, precise hands of Dr. Lance on Friday the 1st.  Would you all do me a HUGE favor and make sure he does NOT go anywhere near anything resembling a horse this weekend?  :)  Much appreciated!"

"Hi Greg!  I will definitely pass the message on to Dr. Lance!  I'm sure he's not getting back in the saddle just yet anyway so I wouldn't worry about that.  He'll be there on the first with bells on!"

Here's some pics of me at the hospital, getting ready.  Game face.  Right?