Boonie's Blog

Update on Dad, and I'll…

JoeBoonie — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 05:22:08 GMT

Update on Dad, and I'll keep it as short as I can.

Friday, he was discharged from the hospital after having his second surgery and admitted to a rehab facility for PT so he can get his strength back and go home. He's fighting it. We prayed. He wants to know why he has this illness, he didn't do anything. He asked God for answers. He asked me and doesn’t understand. He is in no pain, but the anguish is emotional and mental. He cannot go home as his legs are weak.

I did some research. Generally, with #glioblastoma, the process can involve a lot of mental and emotional distress, as well as physical weakness. It's common for patients to experience mood swings, and sometimes they do feel a mix of anger, sadness, and even acceptance. As they near the end, there can be increased fatigue, sleepiness, and sometimes a withdrawal from the surroundings.

So he is miserable and angry tonight and adamant on getting out of the bed, but can't. The only one there with him is Mom. The doors in lock at 7pm so we can't get back in till the morning.

He really hasn't shed any tears over this as far as I know. Its getting harder and harder to communicate with him as its a circular conversation. The meds doesnt seem to be helping him sleep and I hope they don't have to strap him in. If you didn't mind drinking Soursop tea, but he listened to the doctor when he said that it most likely won't do any good, nor will an alkaline diet. I think that moment of consultation was the turning point for Dad.

I've had more lows lately than highs and they come like a flood. I'm ok and then not ok.

So yeah, I really haven't been active a whole lot here but Nostr is my home.

On another thought .... On the way up to the rehab facility, I saw a spanish lady, not dressed in expensive clothing, take a selfie of her infront of her new home. She smiled. I immediately thought to myself aloud, "bask in your glory lady." Glory days doesn't come too often but when they do, bask in it and savor it. Hardships bring that one moment of glory. I was happy for her.

#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

I thought I needed hugs and…

JoeBoonie — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:59:16 GMT

I thought I needed hugs and shit but low and behold all I needed to do was write some business. It doesn't change anything with Dad but it moves me forward - the feeling of accomplishing something in the midst of a shitty week. Going to close out my week with new business and relationships, and head to see him for the weekend.

My grandfather (Mom's Dad) loved spooky shit. He and I spent a lot of time together before he passed; I was in the 8th grade. He built model WWI and WWII airplanes, many of which survived Hurricane Katrina. He also drew for me: sharks, Frankenstein, Dracula, bats, witches ... all while telling some made up story to entertain me and pass time. His death was difficult for me. Dad was serving in Desert Storm and was able to come home for the funeral to pay his respects. He was more of a father to him that his own dad was. I still can't believe he was able to come home for that weekend.

At any rate, and I don't know how we got on the subject, but prior to the latest doctor's visit, we were trying to think of a song my PawPaw use to sing. I found it and we were only able to listen to some of the song as some weird feeling had set in. I won't link it, but the name of the song is "The Hearse Song" by Rusty Cage. So friggen morbid, I know. Maybe I'll bring some real gospel music to Dad this weekend. Bluegrass hymns, How Great Thou Art, etc. Makes up for the lurking darkness and the inevitable as the doctors say. I wish I still had my old bass guitar. I still remember how to play some of the songs.

Hey, it's going to be a great weekend for us. Some people have grudges against their parents and parents against their child(ren). Not us. That's all water under the bridge and part of the journey. Such a beautiful feeling.

#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

- it sure is easier to note from Jumble on the desktop as opposed to a mobile device.

Took Dad to the doctor's…

JoeBoonie — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 01:31:40 GMT

Took Dad to the doctor's today. It was a big thing. Mom was there and my brother and his wife. Surgery has been tentatively scheduled for 9/5. A tumor grew back in the same cavity and there is evidence of a smaller one in another, which threatens his speech and memory and is inoperable. I mentioned to the Dr that we have him on Soursop tea and alkaline diet. He said it may not change anything since the cancer is already there, but he won't object. Dad wants coffee, candy, and protein shakes which are loaded with sugar. Seems we're fighting an uphill battle but whatever Dad decides is going to be supported. I will still make and offer tea. I also reached out to Envita Medical in AZ. They said insurers don't pay for their work as you basically have an immune transplant with their treatment. Very interesting researxh, but also very expensive. Even if he wanted to go that route, we'd all sell our assets and then be homeless. Being that the star GBM patient of their's passed away 2 years after the video was shot, Mom's intuition says no.

Fuck it. We'll be making more memories and enjoying life while he's still here. He talked about having a six pack of beer. Also, he also said something hilarious today but I cannot put it together. It was off the wall - literally a quote from a bathroom stall. If I get it later, I'll add it as another note to this note.

Mom .... that's a whole other story for another day. She's not doing well with this or with taking care of herself.

Me? I carry this burden and help as much as I can, but it's not enough. I'm there every weekend. Her and I are literally a candle burning at both ends. Dad's humor will see us through.

Tomorrow I go back to work and pretend this doesn't affect me. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer. Cancer sucks. Fuck you cancer. Fuck you.

#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

Just got home to settle and…

JoeBoonie — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 02:57:04 GMT

Just got home to settle and digest the day.

I'm convinced that the secret to life is gratitude.

Despite the bad news that was delivered poorly today, Dad said he "had an awesome day."

News = Contradiction of last month's note. 🤬

#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

Weekend highlights:

JoeBoonie — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:13:50 GMT

Weekend highlights:

Brought Mom and Dad the last 2 stuffed artichokes this weekend as a surprise. They're saving one for this week.

Took Dad swimming today with the kids. He enjoyed himself.

Back to the grind for me.

#touchgrass
#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

It's been a long day,…

JoeBoonie — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 05:27:29 GMT

It's been a long day, but good news on the Big Kahuna...

Dad's MRI was done and there was little too no blood flow in the tissue scanned - no sign of new cancer. The swelling was caused by what they call radiation necrosis edema. If it were cancer, there would be no signs of him getting better on steroids. Weight is looking greatly too. 🥳

💪 GN frens 🌚

#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

It's been a hot minute…

JoeBoonie — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 02:24:04 GMT

It's been a hot minute since I've noted an update.

#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

In short because I'm not going to be longwinded ... Dad made it through 6 months, almost 7, and mostly in good spirit. This past week was tough. Mom noticed some subtle changes in his behavior. Home health nudged her along the lines of taking him to the ER to rule out a stroke. We were at the ER all of Wednesday night. They found another mass in his brain that caused swelling. He's scheduled for another MRI Tuesday and a visit with the surgeon and cancer doctor.

He's in absolutely no pain and remains hopeful. I've been with them every chance I could get, mostly every weekend. I cannot emphasize enough that, if your parents are still breathing and despite the history, cherish their presence, make new memories to replace the old/bad, and live in the moment with them. Bless them with the heart of no regrets and feelings of unconditional love and forgiveness. Sow these seeds and you will reap them two fold. Our children are watching.

Like the #Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, You, Dad, Are…

JoeBoonie — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 03:07:56 GMT

Like the #Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, You, Dad, Are Unstoppable

The Hawaiian state fish is small but fierce, navigating rough waters with resilience and strength. Just like you—battling cancer with unwavering determination. You refuse to be pushed around by the current. You fight, you adapt, and you keep moving forward.

Stay strong. Stay bold. You are tenatious and unstoppable. You are loved.

#WarriorSpirit
#Unbreakable
#KeepFighting

I've always wanted a particular…

JoeBoonie — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 06:14:37 GMT

I've always wanted a particular #tattoo and have a design, but haven't found an artist that can draw it.

> 2 beta fish facing each other and their fins form into a beautiful bonsai beneath them.

#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

Daddy-O completed his 6 weeks…

JoeBoonie — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 06:01:48 GMT

Daddy-O completed his 6 weeks of radiation today. Tomorrow he and mom rests, go home Saturday, and back to the doctors next week. Hung out with them on video this evening. He seems better and eager to feed the birds. The next phase is unknown but together we will walk.

#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

Photos of some of the birds…

JoeBoonie — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 22:16:30 GMT

Photos of some of the birds feeding from Dad's yard. Looking for the squirrel, known as Phat Elvis, but he must have come and went. He'll be back...

#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

This week has been rough.

JoeBoonie — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 04:55:08 GMT

This week has been rough.

Big Kahuna was in the hospital this week since Monday with pneumonia. He was discharged this evening and going back to radiation tomorrow. Mom fell at the hospital last not. Hoping tomorrow and Friday will be better. 🤞

#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

I guess now is a good…

JoeBoonie — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 19:38:35 GMT

I guess now is a good time to post about Dad. My brother and I are in route to pick up one of his cars at the shop and we have a good bit of travel time.

I guess I can start the week of Thanksgiving. Mom's birthday was on the 23rd and we were all together on Sunday the 24th, minus my wife who had to work, to take them out for lunch. We took two vehicles. My brother drove his family and I drove our parents and my son.

On the way there, Dad said he didn't feel right. I offered to take him to the ER and he was adamantly opposed. Dad is a funny guy but this time he was being serious. I argued with him but didn't win. So we went to eat. He seemed to be fine afterwards.

My brother was off Monday so he returned to visit Mom and Dad. At some point, they convinced him to go to the ER. Baton Rouge Oschner on O'Neal was where they went. To make a long story short, they were told he had a stoke and had brain bleed. However, we learned that was incorrect later that week. Since it was Thanksgiving and the hospital didnt have the facilities and staff to accommodate, he was offered to be sent to a hospital of his choice. He chose St Tammany. There is where he was diagnosed with a mass in his brain, nodules in his lungs, legions in his bones, and something on his liver. The team of doctors then ruled out everything but the mass in the brain and either wanted to do a biopsy or extraction. Dad wanted the extraction since he was already there.

We spent Thanksgiving there and he went into surgery at 2pm on that Friday. The team of doctors believed it to be glioblastoma, but wanted to be sure and wait for the pathology results.

What a long wait that was! Talk about nerve racking!!

When Dad came out of surgery, he couldn't remember short term and his vision was impaired. Despite this, he had us all in stitches as he remembered the name of the Hawaiian fish: #humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa . He also remembered all the experiences he had with the USAF as well as his friends he served with.

This has been a logistical challenge for us. I found temporary housing for Mom in Dad, and in very little time, moved them in one day. I took off this week from work to get them both, Mom more so, acquainted with the schedule of radiation and chemo meds, plus all the other things associated with getting to and from. VA authorized travel with Uber and I believe they are both set for next week.

My brother lives and works close to the temporary place and I'm right over the pond. We will visit frequently, if not daily.

BTW, the team of doctors were right. They know their shit inside and out. We're in great hands. Dad is in good spirits and is thankful he has had no pain. I know it'll be a long road for us all, but we'll be every chance we get.

Today we too Mom and Dad home for a bit. He fed his winged friends for the first time in weeks, and they remembered him.

🙏🇺🇸✝️🫂🐦

✔️ Week 1 of radiation and chemo.…

JoeBoonie — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 23:23:22 GMT

✔️ Week 1 of radiation and chemo.

Dad did great. Mom and I are exhausted.

#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

Thankful for spending time with family.

JoeBoonie — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 21:09:27 GMT

Thankful for spending time with family.

#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa

Please keep my family in your…

JoeBoonie — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 07:32:13 GMT

Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. My uncle, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday. His battle with Lewy Body Dementia ended and his pain and suffering are finally gone. Special prayers for my aunt, who has been his real life angel and caregiver 24/7 throughout this disease. He left his three daughters, two sons, grandchildren, and the rest of his loving family.

Uncle David had lived his entire life being a staple of what it means to be a good kind-hearted person. Not only to just his immediate family but to his nieces and nephews. Always giving words of wisdom and love to everyone. He was a living testimony of his faith. Never once did he use his Christianity to dominate or manipulate another soul. His meekness was fierce. While a huge loss for who remains on this earth, the heavens above have no doubt promoted one of their purest angels.

Every Christmas, he usually dressed up as Santa for the kids and handed out presents, in tradition of my belated PawPaw. When he didn't do it other elders did. This year, a huge void will be with us in his absence. The older gents are fading out ... one remains with his own battle.

Rest in peace. ❤️ 🙏

Unrelated to my #humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa note ... more to come, unfortunately.

In a different note, I ask…

JoeBoonie — Sat, 07 Dec 2024 20:20:59 GMT

In a different note, I ask for you guys to please keep my family and your thoughts and prayers.

I'll disclose why at a later date and it'll tie in with the hashtag.

Thank you.

#humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa