“What a Nice Normal Nose”

~ asbelljim

You may recall that about three months ago I discovered that my first chemo regimen (5-FU & Avastin) was destroying the mucous lining of my nose. I was very close to having a destroyed nose, the type normally reserved for those heavy “blow” users. At that time, after just a peek up my nostrils, the doctor proclaimed “we have a serious problem.” Today, after three months of treatment, he declared “what a nice normal nose.”  So Jimmy has one less problem to deal with and an excuse to open an expensive bottle of wine tonight in celebration, a double dip day for me!
Yesterday I completed my second round of Lonsurf (TAS-102).  My red Aunt Jemima recipe  box will get a rest for a couple of weeks before I replace the two vials of the vile poison for a third round. This round went just like the first round, very minimal side effects. For having stage IV cancer, I feel pretty damn good. In two weeks, after another PET scan, we will meet with Dr. P to evauluate its effectiveness.

Yesterday was also the world premier of the “Living Well With Terminal Illness and Other Crappy Diseases” power point presentation at the Quail Creek clubhouse. To make this premier special and build demand before we take it to the mass market, we decided to limit the audience to under 20 people. Fortunately this turned out to be a very easy task. I enjoyed giving the presentation and the audience seem to have a good time as well. The wine seemed to help in that endeavor.  Just kidding about the wine. The president of Polio Epic, a polio survivors support group, drove down from Tucson for my presentation and invited me to give the presentation in Tucson.  So things are progressing in my goal of sharing my philosophy of dealing with life’s curves. 

Thanks to all those who came out to support my endeavor and double thanks to those who gave feedback to help make the presentation better next time. 

The crowd buzzes with excitement in anticipation of the world premier!

In between presentations of my book, I continue to enjoy putting pets on canvas.  Below are my latest.

Best Buddies!
Stewie likes his red collar.

29 thoughts on ““What a Nice Normal Nose””

  2. Fingers crossed for a great report. Glad side effects are so minimal. All fine here in Prescott Valley, dog is still alive! Patti

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  3. good news again. glad there’ll be no more horrific nose bleeds. I could get used to this. what group will you be speaking to in Tucson? your pups are looking great too. I especially love the black lab. has that real sweet lab look.

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    1. The group in Tucson is Polio Epic, a polio survivors organization. That is one of my favorite paintings. Hot and dry here. We are holding the monsoons back until 2nd week in August

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  4. I only have three days left on round # 3 of LONSURF, also no side effects.
    Congratulations on your book, public feedback is great. I used to make
    public presentations before groups of a thousand people or more and
    their applause was always reassuring. Enjoy life!

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    1. Thank you. I’ve never spoken to a group that large, must be a rush! I do get great enjoyment when I get the audience to laugh. I use humor to keep their attention, plus I see life thru goofy glasses.

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  5. Very very nice! Congrats on your new career, as a speaker! Have a vino, for me and Patti! Other info sounds very positive also. See you and Lee, soon. moe

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  6. Congratulations on the healthy nose, Jim, for getting through another treatment of Lonsurf, for your new career as a high-tech inspirational speaker–for all those things, way to go! And . . . all the while you’re creating more smile-inducing pieces of art. You are a rock star.

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  7. Hi Jim, Greetings from black Butte Ranch. What great news about: 1. Your nose 2. Treatment results 3. Your live special exclusive presentation at QC 4. The invitation for an encore performance in Tucson 5. All perfect reasons to celebrate with a premium fine wine 6. Your continued good humor encouraging take on life’s curve balls 7. Your whimsical and captivating portrayal of the four legged furry creatures- gotta say “best buddies” is my fave, and I know a bit of Stewies history and family Thanks for sharing all the goodness. We have been enjoying some nice Oregon Pinot noir and some especially special family time in central Oregon and the Willamette valley. Cheers to you and Lee! Buzz

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  8. Good news regarding the nose! L is doing fairly well now that Doctor changed the make up of his chemo cocktail. After third regimen of the first formula, he was close to heart failure so they stopped for 5-6 weeks. It was great to have the break. Actually had a martini Occasionally. This mixture is kinder to him. Should be finished the first week of August. We will probably head west in October. Art work is looking good! See you in a few months. Carolyn and Lloyd

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  10. Jimmy’s dogs have keen noses… while Jimmy has a nose for good script… shall we drink a toast to
    Jimmy’s ” nice normal nose” ! I think we’re getting too nosey!
    Cheers~John and Sandy

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  11. Hi Jim,
    Am very happy to hear things are going WELL with your treatments. Also glad to hear your talk there went well for you. Your latest dogie paintings are beautiful. I wish you continued success with all you’re doing. Sandi B.

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  12. Jim, good job getting your normal nose back! Also, it’s so great that you are speaking to the polio survivors group. And, I read your book in one sitting while on a road trip, so haven’t posted my review on Amazon yet, but it was fabulous! And your pet paintings just get better and better! I’m amazed you have time to relax, with so many occupations! Enjoy!

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    1. In spite of all this cancer crap, I am enjoying myself. Glad you liked my book, I can hardly wait to read your review, hint, hint 😸
      Thanks for your support!

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  13. You are such an inspiration. Your paintings get more depth and the subjects get more interesting as do your wonderful updating on how you are. Does not surprise me that you find new ways to use your talents. Keep going. Can’t wait for the next installment of Jim. Am popping a cork as we talk. Hugs to both you and Lee
    Earline

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  15. Please ask Lee to send the last message again. About the acrylic class. It had gone and I forget what she wanted. Joyce

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