Don't Think I've Done This Yet…

[jlbos83]

But I should have!

I have been hanging around here for a long time, more than four years it seems!

I started playing a bit back about the end of high school, and played (only for fun) though my early twenties.  Then kids, etc., I didn't play much until I came to Arizona in 2000 (so I was 40). Started playing a lot more frequently about ten years ago.  I've never been a good player.  I took a few lessons right when I started out, but nothing after that for years.  I was generally around a 100 shooter, with the occasional accidental low 90s, mixed with the 115s.  I broke 90 for the first time probably in 2011 (maybe 12), but it was a fluke.  One of my sons started playing with me near that time (he never thought he'd like it, so he waited way too long).  I wish he had started earlier, as he has some natural skills, but he needs professional help.  But, he's also getting his life sorted out, going to nursing school, so that will have to wait.  So for now, even though he has the occasional 300 yard drive, hits a seven iron probably 190 (and high), I still beat him most of the time.

In April 2016 I sent in for a somewhat late colonoscopy, and found out I had stage 3 colon cancer.  GET SCREENED, just do it!  After radiation, surgery (with an ostomy bag for eight months), and chemo (still neuropathy in my feel, and a little in my hands), I seem to be cancer free, and very much appreciate that!  After I got back to playing, I finally took a series of lessons at GolfTec, and lost my lifelong slice.  I might go back, but so much more expensive than others.  And yet, a degree of success.  Anyway, I finally feel like I am getting my strength back, and my golf is improving.  I was about a 29, now I am 22.2.  The 84 I shot a couple weeks ago, best ever, didn't hurt!  The 100s are becoming more rare, the low nineties more common, and the 80s at least in the realm of possibility!

I try to play once or twice a weekend, and in the summer, I'm in a 9 hole after work league.  I don't practice enough, I would rather play.  I am trying to improve on that, one reason I hang out here.

I will end by saying, I believe that we all need to remember to appreciate what we have, and enjoy every minute of green grass, warm sunshine, and blue sky.  I discovered how quickly it can go away, but was lucky enough to get it back!

[dennyjones]

1 hour ago, jlbos83 said:

I will end by saying, I believe that we all need to remember to appreciate what we have, and enjoy every minute of green grass, warm sunshine, and blue sky.  I discovered how quickly it can go away, but was lucky enough to get it back!

+1

It's great that your son is interested in golfing with you.   Cherish that!

Edited November 15, 2019 by dennyjones

[jlbos83]

58 minutes ago, dennyjones said:

+1

It's great that your son is interested in golfing with you.   Cherish that!

I have four, only one caught the bug!  Hopefully we will be able to play together until I can't stand up!

[colin007]

Fellow cancer survivor here. Take no prisoners.

[jlbos83]

8 minutes ago, colin007 said:

Fellow cancer survivor here. Take no prisoners.

I have grown to seriously dislike this disease.  My dad has similar, though more aggressive variety that has invaded his liver.  Nothing they can really do, just a matter of how long it takes.  They hoped they got everything with surgery earlier this year, but obviously not.  They didn't think he was strong enough for chemo when it might have helped.

Did I mention that I don't like this disease?

[Nave]

Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.

 

[jlbos83]

27 minutes ago, Nave said:

Thank you for sharing your inspiring story.

 

Thanks, Nave.  I don't feel inspiring, but I think I'm too close to the issue to see it!  I just had to live through it, and do what I was told.  Thankfully, I had good insurance and good Long Term Disability coverage, and could focus on doing what I needed to do.  And during chemo, that was sleep a lot!  though I did sneak out to the course near the end of each cycle, when I felt closer to human!

The one who was inspiring to me was my wife.  I do not know how she did everything she did to get me through.  She say's it was no big deal, but I don't believe her!