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Glen Allen, VA 23060

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Garth Callaghan

Napkin Notes Dad

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The Napkin Notes Blog

Bacta Tank

WGarth Callaghan

I received a wonderful gift from a Facebook fan. My second step in my cancer journey was to create some semblance of control.  I wore a Star Wars shirt to my next medical appointment and informed the doctor that I would always wear this type of shirt on every visit.  I hoped it would differentiate me from the other thousands of patients coming through the doors.  Two and a half years later, I haven't broken that promise. I gave my doctor a Star Wars Medical Droid action figure and boldly stated, “This is the guy who saves the heroes.  It’s your job to save me.” 

I was chatting on the Napkin Notes Facebook page and one dear friend was commenting about using the Force, and I offhandedly mentioned that I could really use a Bacta Tank. The tank was filled with a liquid which promoted healing and the patient was fully submerged for a period of time.  

My Bacta Tank

My Bacta Tank

I received this in the mail the other day.  I cannot begin to explain the hope, joy, and thankfulness that I felt as I opened the package.  My heart still swells when I think of this act of kindness. 

May the Force Be With You, Tigga Reese. 

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Napkin Note Field Trip Edition

WGarth Callaghan

Emma has a field trip today. I packed two snacks. One snack is for her, and the other is to share with her seatmate.

Of course, I packed two Napkin Notes, too! I hope they like them!

Pack. Write. Connect.

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My Bucket List

WGarth Callaghan

This list isn't about the end of life.  I am definitely not thinking about dying. Although we're well aware of the statistics surrounding my medical situation, that isn't why I am sharing this. I've had a few conversations lately that have led me to share my 'bucket list.' and I have been thinking about checking off some things.  Sadly, I didn't really have a big list, it was really only the first seven shown here.  I have given this some thought over the past week and have come up with a few things that I need to do.  And again, don't get me wrong, I am not rushing to complete this.  I am patient.  

This list is about living. 

I am also leaving the last one blank on purpose.  You never know what might pop into my head down the road.  They are in no particular order after the first 7.  

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Tune Out The Noise. Be At Peace.

WGarth Callaghan

Napkin Note: Tune out the noise. 

This is a particularly appropriate message today, now.  If you're reading this at 7:45 PM EST, I am currently in an MRI machine.  It's loud in here, but that's ok.  I need to be in this machine for a little bit, and I am tuning out the noise.  I am praying and listening to soft music.  I am attempting to be at peace.  

I didn't update you from the final CT results, and I apologize.  I needed some time to process them, especially since I had an initial "all clear" on the day of my CT.  

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I Took The Red Pill

WGarth Callaghan

"You take the red pill. You stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes," said Morphius.  - The Matrix, 1999 

I am not sure what I was expecting, but I just took my first dose of my new medicine.  I didn't hear any fanfare. There wasn't a rainbow shooting out of my butt (Thanks to the VW Super Bowl commercial for that visual!). It was really a non-event. I had to wait for two hours to pass after my last meal, and I can't eat anything for an hour.

But, between you and me, I can imagine the fight going on inside of my body. I imagine the medicine molecules coursing through my bloodstream and searching for any errant kidney cancer cells, lightsabers at the ready! This is the vision I have as I swallow the meds! 

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