April 1 Update - No April Fools Here!

A Simple Man's Journey

We had our wonderful Chemo Session 5 yesterday, and we’re heading back in this morning for the follow-up shot. I had a small concern about the amount of antibiotic I received before the chemo itself — it seemed like a little less than usual. I brought it up, and they assured me everything was given as prescribed for this round. Could’ve been a slight adjustment from the Doc. Who knows. Either way, I’m choosing to trust the amazing crew at The Gym and keep moving forward.

If things go according to pattern, I anticipate taking my usual "nosedive” tomorrow. If we’re continuing on the cumulative track, I’m guessing I’ll be in that dip for 12 to 15 days, resurfacing somewhere around April 15 — just in time to graduate Chemo on the 21st. All in all, I think I’m handling this process pretty well compared to some stories I’ve heard. Maybe it’s my attitude, my love of the journey down 33 Highway, or just my high pain tolerance making it seem easier than it is. Either way, I truly believe mindset plays a huge role — and the fact that mine is real, not forced, is a massive help.

On the health front, I’ve had some swelling in my left leg and ankle. It’s not new — I’ve dealt with it before all this, on and off — so I don’t think chemo is the culprit. I had an ultrasound yesterday to check for clots (the concern), but I’m leaning more toward dehydration being the issue. I’ll admit, I’m terrible about drinking water — such a simple task, but one I constantly fail at. I’m not overly concerned, especially since the ultrasound tech said the doctors would have results in a couple of days. If it had been something serious, I’d imagine there’d be a flag raised on the spot.

(And no, unfortunately, they didn’t give me any cute ultrasound pictures to share with my millions of fans around the world… I asked. Apparently, they don’t hand those out for leg scans. Totally unfair, if you ask me.)

So medically, that’s where we are. Penthouse Dude (you know who he is) will carry me through the rest of Round 5 and into 6. Then we’ll see what progress we’ve made.

On Another Note...

As Baseball 2025 kicks off (and it seems like the Braves didn’t get the memo that the season has started), I find myself thinking a lot about that iconic line:

"Build it and they will come.”

Between my health and a long history of questionable financial decisions, I’m standing in a place where I’m finally ready to take ownership — and fix it. I’m not being hard on myself — just honest. And that honesty is freeing. Because if I created the mess, then I’m the one who can clean it up.

Thanks to this downtime, and thanks to Penthouse Dude, I’ve had a chance to reflect — to uncover some great insights, spot where I went wrong, and start to lay out a path forward. Not everyone understands where I’m going with this because, honestly, I tend to skip a few steps when I’m explaining it. I’m a few thoughts ahead of where I actually am.

And that’s where the baseball metaphor comes in.

You can’t build a field overnight, especially not in a cornfield. You can’t force people to help you build it either. But you can leave the gates open, plant the seed, and let folks wander in. If they love what they see — if it hits them just right — maybe they’ll stay. Maybe they’ll help keep the grass green. If not, you keep watering it, keep caring for it, and maybe they’ll return another day when they’re ready.

Right now, I’ve just leveled the dirt. And here’s the truth — everyone who’s been following along has helped me do that. You've grabbed a shovel, helped me spread the dirt, and made this field ready for what comes next. I can’t thank you enough for that.

Now, it’s time for me to plant the seed. That part, I have to do myself. But when it’s time to water it — I’ll need help. My plumbing’s a little out of order at the moment!

The gates will stay open, there’s always a spare seat in the broadcast booth, and I’m always open to input if it looks like I’m spreading the seed too thin.

Off to plant the seed, with an open gate and a full heart.
— A Simple Man