Napkin Note
WGarth Callaghan
It’s hard to beat a person…
Pack. Write. Connect.
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The Napkin Notes Blog
The Grace of Receiving
WGarth Callaghan
My family and I have received some wonderful care lately. We’ve received incredible support from our friends and even many strangers. The support has included spiritual, mental, and financial. We’re learning to say “yes” when offered help in any way. Battling cancer is a full time job, and there are times that I just don’t have the ability to do things the way I could three years ago.
Read MoreBucket List Item #32
WGarth Callaghan
Good morning! I have never been a morning person, but there is something about a hot cup of coffee, a blanket, the sofa, and the dark that stimulates my creative side. I'm finishing up my first draft for my TEDxRVA talk. It's in 10 days. I was asked to participate last Monday.
Last week, I had entered a contest to win a ticket. I'm not in a financial position to buy one, but I certainly could try and win one.
I did win. Boy, did that contest change my life.
This is the email that I received from TEDxRVA: "Congratulations on winning the ticket to TEDxRVA through Twitter.
To be honest, we've been following your story and we'd be more interested in having you on stage to give a Talk than sitting in our audience. We know you have some interesting ideas worth spreading of course!"
I was filled with joy! I am still filled with joy! My mind hasn't stopped thinking about what to say and how to say it.
I've expressed this before. I'll continue to feel this way. Thank you for walking with me on this journey.
Napkin Note
WGarth Callaghan
Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes.
Pack. Write. Connect.
Napkin Note St. Patrick's Day Edition
WGarth Callaghan
Napkin Note: If God sends you down a stony path…
Pack. Write. Connect.
Cancer and Horse Manure
WGarth Callaghan
When I was in eighth grade, Mrs. Nona Wiley (yes, I do remember all of my teachers) shared a story with the class.
The story went something like this:
There were twin boys. They were young, probably around six. Although the boys were twins, their personalities were incredibly different. One was extremely happy and the other was extremely anxious. The parents took the boys to see a counselor.
Read MoreToday's Cancer Update - Pi Day
WGarth Callaghan
It's been a looong day!
I met with two specialists. I was with them for about 4 hours.
When was the last time you spent more than 15 minutes with a doctor? You can do the math. It was a good day.
I still have cancer.
I can't cut it out like before. I have to be patient. My closest friends and family can attest that I am, in fact, a patient man. However, I really want this shit outta me! (Excuse my language. You know I don't cuss, but sheesh!!)
Surgery really isn't an option. I've had two surgeons play "hot potato" with me. You know when a surgeon declines cutting you open it's serious.
I still have cancer.
I could try TheraSphere Y-90 therapy. That's so cool and very technologically forward, but there's very little data for kidney cancer (metastasized to the liver) treatment. Is it worth it? It's cool, but is it viable? I can't say. I'm a statistic of one. It would also only treat the lesions on the liver. It wouldn't touch what's happening on my remaining adrenal gland.
I need to trust the experts. I need to trust in God. Why would he bring me here if it weren't the right place?
Today I end in the same way I started. I am a Stage IV, metastatic kidney cancer patient. I am a dad. I am a husband. I write Napkin Notes.
Please help me inspire other parents to write to their children. Please help me inspire people to build strong relationships with other people.
If you're here, you must believe this is a valuable message. Please share it.
Thank you for your continued support.