Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Classmate updates:

Fellow '63 Spartans:

In October of '13 I was diagnosed with some kind of tumor on/in my brain.  (Yes, frequent appearances to the contrary at WCHS, I do have one!).

The Medics removed what they could in April of '14 and I've been doing the radiation/(oral) chemo routine since.

In true Beowolf (remember our classes on that?) style, after my surgery I decided to maintain a 99.97% positive attitude and fight it all the way to the Finish line.  

First, I would follow medical instructions to the letter.  

Second, I would maintain a positive mental attitude and work very hard to NOT become a burden on my wife or our friends, because everyone my/our age has something going on.

Since the April surgery, the remaining tumor ("lesion") is about half the size it was the day after surgery.  I've lost a bit of weight, but needed to do that anyway.  I feel fine, except for mild fatigue and flirtations with nausea, during my "chemo weeks".

This thought has helped me and I share it because it may help others in a similar situation:

                 I have Cancer.

                 It doesn't have me.
Air Cooled Forever!

Mike Newlon
Palm Desert CA


Hello, Mike and Bill Sabatino (with an update for WCHS Class of 1963)

This is Lee Downs.  My compliments on your approaches to dealing with your cancers - I agree completely.  Keep up the good fight!

And yes, Mike, I remember the "Beowulf" sessions as well as "Julius Caesar" from Sophomore year.  And what was that about the Ides of March?

After graduating from MSAC in 1966, I was in the Navy (submarines) from 1966-1995, commissioned from the ranks, retired as a Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) .  Mostly out of the continental US for much of that time, so I lost contact with the whole class.  I was glad to be "found" here in Virginia Beach by the 50th Reunion organizers (man, did they organize!).

But I missed our 50th reunion and actually only made the 15th while I was stationed in San Diego 1973-79.  And I was at our submarine base in Scotland (closed in 1990) when the 25th reunion happened in 1988; couldn't make that one either.

But I digress.  The real message to you both is that I greatly admire your courage and example to us all.  My prayers are with you both.  

Best Regards,

Lee Downs
Virginia Beach VA

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