Mathman is now Maskman

Hi Out There,

Well, the radiation thing is in its second day. Now its a one-two punch deal with radiation in the morning and chemotherapy in the evening. Has to go on for six weeks and then they'll see if I am making progress. Its not that bad an experience. However, this sort of reminds me what it was like growing up with 3 older brothers. Back then it felt so good when I was being picked on by all three of them and one of them would stop. It felt great when only two of them picked on me. With four boys in the family we pretty much drove my sister and mom crazy with our constant wrestling and fighting. Ahh, the good life.

The doctors, nurses, physicians assistants, administrators, are all very nice and there sure are a lot of them! Most of all, my wonderful wife is bearing up like a good soldier. Awfully glad I live in the US of A and especially in the great state of Texas. Thanks for all your wonderful comments. Not too sure who all of you are by the coding on the messages, but your thoughts are most welcome.

Mike

The Pill

Hi Folks

Thanks for all the fun notes you have been sending me. They really lift my spirits up. If my spirits get too good, I worry I might could explode!

Well, yup, the chemo starts later today. Have to take a pill so toxic that nobody else can even touch it. Only me. Holy cow, don't think I want to chew on it at all. Think I'll just wash it down fast. Kinda like the coffee I drink so hot that it doesn't stop anywhere on the way down.

Am wondering if I will become toxic too! Sounds a little like the Twilight Zone. Or maybe an Alfred Hitchcock movie. Can you hear that weird Psycho music playing? Maybe we can cut down on the electric light bill here since I will be glowing in the dark:)

Thanks for all your prayers.
Mathman Mike Sheridan

Army Surplus to the rescue

Hi Y'all

Thanks for all your nice comments on this blog thing. Still getting used to it. Ms. Butler, you'll have me up to speed in no time - thanks.

MDA says I have to have a hat on my head at all times while outside. Has to have a brim. Well, my wife thinks the straw hat I have is funny lookin on me. My collection of baseball caps and John Deere hats don't have a brim all the way around. So, we went to Academy Sports Store.

Ah, what a treat to go to Academy. I wanted to look at all the footballs, baseballs, soccer balls, bats, bikes, hockey sticks, all great stuff, but we needed to find the hunting and fishin hats. Good hats, well camouflaged. But, too much polyester and shiny. Kinda looked like a 2nd lieutenant in a new uniform.

So, off to the Army Surplus Store on 1960. Now this is the home of all good stuff. P38 can openers, fatigues, jungle boots, army blankets - the soul of America. Hot dawg. I was in heaven. Well yup, they had just what I needed - bush hats straight from the Vietnam era. Not only were they all cotton and fully brimmed, but they have slots in the headband for important stuff like insect repellent, salt tabs, and TP. Great. So, next time you see me, let me know how you like my new hat!

Radiation starts next week.

Yours truly,
Mathman

The Mask

Hi

Well folks, yours truly had a mask made to place over my face so they can hold my head still for the radiation treatments coming up soon. MD Anderson is wonderful. They work well as a team and all is moving along as well as can be. Radiation and chemotherapy will begin next week. I have a great medical team as well as a powerful support team of family and friends. A man could not ask for more. Thanks for all your prayers.

Sports news this week sure has been interesting! I received a get well card from Jason Varitek, captain of the Red Sox. And, what a pitching staff they are going to have next year. Wahoo!

Mike

First Blog

Hi Everyone
This is my first time through this Blog thing. Don't really know what I'm doing. Well, here goes.

I am Mike Sheridan, your everyday average man who this past month at the age of 58 was caught by surprise with a brain tumor. Yup, me, going along, singing a song, hit up side the head by life and the big C. My friend at work told me I should set up something called a blog. Well, since I've always wanted to be cool, I grabbed at the chance.

Is this the kind of thing I'm supposed to put on this blog?

Mike