Back Home & Back to Reality

I am still buzzing from my trip to NYC. What energy, flow, buildings, warmth, crowds, fun and noise! My wife and I had a great time, loved the 2 musicals and 1 play we saw (I highly recommend God of Carnage), and The Late Show with David Letterman was fun. I got my photos taken with Rupert and Biff Henderson, which was quite a thrill, being a long-time fan. We had a good mix of seeing tourist attractions and just hanging out and absorbing the New York experience. We had a great tour or Greenwich Village and Soho, which focused on rock & roll landmarks such as Cafe Wha?, the site of the famed CBGB's and Electric Lady Studios (thanks, Shawn!). We will definitely be going back. Inspired, I took hundreds of photos and video, uploading them to Facebook to share with family and friends. Seems I've inspired a few to take their own trip to the Big Apple!

The trip made me forget about my cancer, which was one of the best parts. I have more blood tests and another skeletal survey today with results later this month. The trip was both a great distraction and a ton of fun. I'm leaving it on my bucket list, however. We will definitely be going back!

Latest Results, NYC & Letterman?

It's very odd to be diagnosed with cancer and not need to start treatment. Not that I'm complaining. I received a call from my oncologist's office yesterday. I was told my Beta-2 microglobulin levels are normal, at least for now. This protein is found on the surface of white blood cells and is indicative of increased production (or destruction) of plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is an important marker for people with multiple myeloma. So far I'm still at stage I MM, where I hope to remain for a long time. However, I am still starting my bucket list. Top of the list - New York City!

My wife and I will be leaving for NYC in July. So far, we've booked tickets for Rock of Ages and God of Carnage with James Gandolfini (aka Tony Soprano). Checking out the John Lennon exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, taking a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, possible Shakespeare in The Park, viewing the city from the top of the Rockafeller Centre and more. Really looking forward to experiencing the vibe and people of the city, as much as the attractions. Oh yes, and being a recent Mac convert, I will be visiting the Apple Cube store.

I am hoping for Letterman tickets. I've applied, swallowed my pride and wrote to his office asking for tickets, but haven't heard anything yet. Seeing Dave would definitely be huge. Here's to hope.

UPDATE: Just got a call from the Late Show this afternoon! We're going to the Ed Sullivan Theatre to see Dave!!

Bucket List

Gee Wally, being faced with one's own mortality sure ain't no fun, especially at 42. So, what's a guy to do? Why, start a bucket list, of course. First on the list is a trip to New York City with my lovely wife. My next blood tests are in a just over a week, and I hope my beta-2 microglobulin levels are stable enough so I don't have to start treatment just yet. Wouldn't want to miss a chance to see the Big Apple, check out Gods of Carnage on Broadway with James Gandolfini and Jeff Daniels, and have the mandatory slice of NYC pizza.

I've sent in a request for Letterman tickets, so Dave, if you (or someone in your staff) sees this... puh-lease accept our request for tickets. Or if you like, email me and we can make some arrangements! (Hey, I'm an optimist!) We also want to try for Daily Show and Colbert Report, and comedy gods willing, we'll see at least one taping. Also on the list are Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum, the hop-on-hop-off tour, and Times Square, for starters. Can't wait.

What comes next on the bucket list? Who knows... I'm hoping I'll have plenty of time to consider the 2nd item of a very long list.