WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

cayman sunset
neupergin is working i am feeling like my old self today...........whites cells are rising .. treatment is on for tues
on that note what a difference a year makes....365 sunrises and sunsets...it seems that in order to completely understand what it means to be alive one must look at each day as a major event in their lives..Imagine the hardships some people have to go through each day .....i know that every day can't be fantastic but imagine never having a day not being loved .....not going to a ball game....fishing trip..playing music.....going to the movies.....walking in the desert with a billion stars all around....voting.....complete and utter joy of putting you feet in booth oceans on the same day.....listening to you sons band playing rock n roll...hearing your daughters voice singing with all her heart........laughing till you sides hurt.... hanging out with best group of family and friends a man could ask for....recieving the respect from co-workers and competitors alike.......... this could go on all night and i do have all year..but i am going to let you off the hook tonite and in my approximately 18,615th sunrise and 18,615th sunset i will take the time to wish the people who are less fortunate that i am for a fantastic 2006...and to the people who are more fortunate than me ...you must be pretty special and i hope you also have a great year also......now for the people who are tied with me.....welcome to the club....lets hope we continue on the same track.....but remember if we stop .....we will get run over.......special happy new year to- susan k, stewie all my cousins,( hi maryann) michele, doobies,candy,,steve and susie,scott & amy....ron and sharon, bob and mollie. my brothers and their families, blackhorse and possum, vansman, all the road reps who are like family to me, my coworkers at yaleet, cartwight and tess, karen k-loose lucy gals- steph,missy,rachael,layla,brandy,ericia,ellen,-be as you are-adam and jeremy,blue sky-phil,kelly and dylan,the seilers, nor & roe, ronnie and joe, bruce and judy, jeff and cindy .....fad treasures-alan and donna......my buddy tony.....kessler and rebecca,lonny and marcia..steve and heidi...all the kids i have coached through the years...i hope you learned as much from me as i from you..surf expo crew...always a blast to work with....casey sue and chris...thanks for putting up with me these last few months...jessie who has that sparkle back in her eyes....marica and catherine you make your uncle tom smile all the time...my loyal and faithful customers.... my amazing doctors...the allman bros,the band,the grateful dead,the byrds,jackson browne,tom petty, neil young,springstein for giving me your music....thank you all and so many more i am sure i left out...........THANk YOu for listening to my rambling each day..you have no idea how much it has helped me on my road the the cure.......it truly has been like "A WALK IN THE PARK" although i am still in the woods there seems to be a clearing up ahead for me to lay down my head for a while and enjoy the next surise.......it will be SPECTACULAR......keep your eyes on the sky...i will see you all next year ..hug a tree..plant a seed.....make a difference
T (* as stewie calls me now) kinda like it

"all the news that fits"....

WANTED WHITE BLOOD CELLS..DEAD OR ALIVE
Counts were to low so they called off Friday’s treatment…moving it to Tuesday…..it is kinda like being rained out in softball…you get to the field and it’s to muddy to play but you all pumped to do so….wanted to get to the half way point so badly…but have have the new years weekend chemo free….on the up side had to get a shot of neupergin to raise whites counts to acceptable levels one today one tomorrow…and I get to give myself one on Saturday ( anybody out there want to stitch me) this family is so used to needles I am sure I will find a volunteer to jab me……….had the Commack nurses cracking up today…turns out two of my neighbors kids worked there ( one just left ) and I was given the red carpet treatment…even invited me behind the station for bagels….the shot gets into the bone marrow and is kinds making my bones achey… and had to skip work…….just another hurdle to leap…..sure glad I had my wheaties ( has anyone really ever had wheaties I mean they taste like cardboard) hope you get this blg having trouble logging on
Tom “has anyone seen my white cells” Cheffo

EVENTS OF 2005

hoover dam....photo by gary morgan
it has been an amazing year.....i mean it really seems like we were talking about the year 2000 and all our computers were going to crash only about 6 years ago ( oh we were) but seriously folks it has been a year of hurricanes and mega rains ( i think there was a period of 2 weeks straight with water coming out of the sky in NY....my memory is fading somewhat ( side effect of the chemo and old age) but i think it was a pretty good year for most of the people in my life......i did lose my dear aunt mary this fall and i will always think of her till the end of my time.....the last of the brooklyn cowgirls....spent the final years of her life in north carolina...and "in my mind" she will always live next door from the address i was born 1756-63rd st good ol brooklyn usa.....on one of those rainy october days my life did change forever...i did share this with some people back then...when the dr told me on oct 14 that i had to have my bladder replaced..a certain calmness came over me and i really said your kidding me...replaced as in removed? he then said i would be able to use part of my intestine to create a bladder and i said...your kidding me..cool ..then i said and i swear this...i have a problem with something..he just half smiled and then i said i am really unhappy with the bladder logo you guys have ..if i am going to go through this at least have a cool logo...( i posted one we came up with a while back) will update it by the end of the year) oh that is just a few days away must get cracking on it.....anyway where was i ..oh yeah ...he stood up ..hugged me and said i am gonna miss you tom..but i must pass you on the the doctors that will help you the most....the entire conversation took about 10 minutes...it was pouring down rain....like noah was already floating down main street...when i started my car and for a brief moment i thought i was pulling into the spot and dreamed the entire event...shook it off and realized it really happened......i will always remember driving away and driving into a future i knew could never be the same... i did not realize at that time how many people would be touched by the events of oct 14th ..there has not been a single day that has gone by that a phone call from a friend has picked me up or a gift was waiting on my doorstep or a crad was in my mailbox...and my friends.... these selfless acts of kindness marks my award for the greatest event in the year 2005...bar none.....i have said this many times..i can never thank you enough...i can only hope 2006 is filled with music, mystery , fun, love and a whole lotta happiness.....oh yeah i am going to need your vibes just a little bit longer....2006 is gonna start out pretty wild for this brooklyn cowboy......you can bet the farm on that one......

tom " forever grateful" cheffo

7:40am doctors checkup tomorrow...( who works a 7:40 am ) 6 hour treatment at sloane in commack friday.....will watch movies and maybe i could wheel myself with the IV in my arm over the the guitar warehouse right next door..... i hear they are having a sale.........wouldn't that be a trip....... 4 days to the new one

New Year

a little hospital humor..no that's not me ........................................................................................
do you remember making all these promises or resolutions we called them as to what you were going to change in the new year .. like as if by miracle you were going to change habits that took you years to prefect..i always thought that was pretty funny because by the second or third day you were back to the same old things and saying.,,,"next year i am gonna stick to it"...so here's my list of things i am not going to stop doing next year
1. going to concerts
2. spending money on music
3. drinking beer ( as soon as i could drink again)
4. playing the slots in vegas ( i usually do pretty good or at least break even)
5. playing softball
6. blogging
7. picking on michele (at the office)
8. laughing and goofing around
9. boys night out at trade shows ( stewie your coming with us)
10. playing music and singing with my boys (and gals)..kent and kev m, kev w, nor, big butts, casey ,ericia......
11. loving life
12. hanging with the loose lucy crew
13. and the last of many things i am not gonna stop doing....dancing...cause i loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee to dance

and here's a list of things i am gonna stop doing................ah i will figure that out when the time comes......
until then let the countdown begin........5 days to go........long live dick clark

tom "old lang syne; cheffo ( what the heck is an old lang syne anyway?) anybody?..miriam..rockman?
brucie......... i hope this was a little less deep.....

Sir Isaac Newton

i shot this photo 6am on a very foggy christmas morning...it's called... street lights
i ran across this quote from isaac newton while reading a book on the 100 greatest beatles songs (they only recorded 206)..i kinda liked it...."i do not know what i may appear to the world, but to myself i seem to have been only a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary. whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me." i think he did not take himself to serious and that was cool........ i swear i know what he was trying to say.. there is so much to learn and do in this life... i always tried to find that one ray of sunshine on a cloudy day (or it found me)...that one perfect note in a song.... or just catching a softball.....making a sale or making someone laugh..... ....or finding that "prettier shell" in all that i do...i really feel so blessed to have such a wonderful relationship with all of you ...you are the "smoothest pebbles" on the beach and I am glad you are in my world.....

treatment 4 was moved to this friday,,,, 6 freaking hours,,,feeling like crap most of the time..metal taste in mouth ...ringing in ears...veins in arms hurt..but hey at least i got my health..oh yeah can't use that cliche ...oh well at least i have you guys.....
tom....
happy Hanukkah..... day two.....

hAPPY hAPPY hANUKAH

BRIEF HISTORY OF hANUKAH
In 168 BC, on a date corresponding approximately to December 25 in the Gregorian calendar, the Temple was dedicated to the worship of Zeus Olympius by order of Antiochus. An altar to Zeus was set up on the high altar. When Judas Maccabeus recaptured Jerusalem three years later, he had the Temple purged and a new altar put up in place of the desecrated one. The Temple was then rededicated to God with festivities that lasted eight days. According to Talmudic tradition, only one cruse of pure olive oil, sealed by the high priest and necessary for the rededicatory ritual, could be found, but that small quantity burned miraculously for eight days...AND NOW YOU KNOW THE REsT OF THE STORY .......
like i said before having cancer around the holidays has it's perks..the family bombarded me with gifts...and for the man who really has all that he needs ....got a little more stuff to play with...i will not bore you with the gifts i got.... but one from casey did not arrive on time but it is coming ..ready for this..the entire collection of the tv show HEE HAW..some of the greatest country and blue grass artist were on that show and the humor is what i now like to call CHEMO-HUMOR.....sitting for 6 hours with hee haw is gonna be a blast .........
again i hope your day had a sunrise and a sunset (we had tons of fog also) ..... because if you think about it for a minute that's what we should be shooting for as many sunrises and sunsets as possible (and a few rainbows in between)
peace on earth...hope santa was as good to you as he was to me
and we hope mrs.claus will get what she wants when santa gets home (ok i mean that santa is safe)..geezz

tom"hee haw"cheffo..all my love to my brooklyn roots this holiday (we are spread out all over this land) but live together in our hearts......love you guys

CHRISTMAS EVE

runner up holiday card sent to the work place by none other that the loose lucy's gals and guys....lead by susan and mike......thanks pals
it is none other that jerry garcia dressed as santa...he has given us the gift of his music so it is only fitting that we recognize him this holiday season.....
one of my favorite holiday moments....we got a puppy for chris when he was young..and when the puppy started scratching on the door as he was opening his presents ..his face had that look ..like whats behind the door.....i will never forget that moment when he opened that door...priceless..........hopefully he will have that look this year when he gets that drum set he always wanted from santa ( i hope he doesn't read the blog tonite)..what are we crazy getting him a drum set (crazy like a fox).....now i have to play with him i guess....hey kent we found our drummer....

may your day be filled with joy and limited returns after the holidays ( for you retailers) ....and lay off the egg nog..
to my cousins who read this daily......i love you sooooooo much

tom.........Hanukkah starts tomorrow night,,,tomorrow blog will be deadicated to the "eight crazy nights"

AND THE WINNER IS...

this years christmas card winner
PEACE ON EARTH.....sent in by my friend doug odem..doug works with kent and felicia my brother and sister on the road...the card says it all "peace on earth" if we could only have that all the time...no wars..no hunger..no fear....what would i give for a perfect planet .......but alas i must be happy for my perfect group of friends...for when i am with you all i find there is "peace on this earth"....always a blast ...never a hassle.....always a smile .......always words of encouragement....
i will miss my road buddies as i "retire from the road"for a few months..however i know this weekend i will be thinking of all my friends & family who have made my journey to the cure bearable..the e-mails- the gifts-the phone calls have been remarkable...i can only hope that all of you understand the power you have generated ......i feel your love deep inside my veins..i feel you walking (or in ron and sharons case skiing) with me.....case in point i was thinking of ron rockman all day (a great friend and our first naot rep in the country) ron has moved on but our friendship is unbreakable....like i said i was thinking about him so i called ..he was blown away because he was skiing today and he said i was going down the slopes with him on every run....he touched his bracelet and took off...i could hear it in his voice...he was happy i felt his vibe..
happy holidays to all may there in "peace" in your world this weekend ..and in the words of willie nelson..."you are always on my mind"............tom
welcome back candy

twas three nights before christmas

tomorrow you will see my vote for this years best holiday card,,,(unable to post photo today.....suspense is good for your heart.. so is a glass of wine, GQ or the victoria secret holiday catalog ( i was told this by my doctor)

got my drugs mixed up on yesterdays blog .. they hooked me up with the GEMCITABINE (jem-cy-ta-bean) today...a lot quicker treatment this week..... next week 6 hours ...6 freakin hours...thats a lot of seinfeld episodes..i do have the entire third season so that should hold me....same side effects as the other crap.......
treatment went well..same after effects.....flu like feel.,, lost memory..draging my bones.,... taking it out on my family..you know the deal.... but truthfully other than the travel i kinda liked the nyc place..a little more private..seemed like the patients were more sophisticated- friendlier in nyc than long island will work some magic next time...must be the holiday blues or something they were having.. or maybe it was the drugs they were taking.........yea that's it blame it on the drugs ......or maybe it is because i am a city boy at heart.....something about that cement under by feet...striking transit workers...pollution...homeless....poverty......the singing naked cowboy.....times square....fresh air...goodby city treatments long island here i am......ta dah

eight crazy nites are coming....Hanukkah starts sunday....more on that subject tomorrow night

tom "have a grateful day " cheffo

CISPLATIN (siss-plat-in)

cool shot i found on internet

cisplatin is the drug i will be taking tomorrow..apparently it prevents cancer cells from growing by interfering with DNA, the generic material in cells...i am so glad someone paid attention in school....i mean who thinks of these drugs and says ummmm "i think i will invent a Drug that interferrs with DNA today"....and tomorrow i will invent a drug that will make this drug look like the minor league ...and so on and so on until .....NO MORE CANCER IN THIS WORLD ........can i get an amen
my friends, family, road brothers and sisters ....it is with all my heart and soul that i wish you a fantastic holiday...don't get caught up in the hype and bs.....these are times to smile ...times to reflect..times to think about loved ones..times to party.....times to slow down......times to catch up....times to look your friends in the eye (or over the phone ) and tell them how much they mean to you..times to shed to excess bagage and people who bring you down....times to help those in need and above all i am taking this time to say I LOVE YOU ALL ........HAPPY HOLIDAY.....

wishing my aunt connie a speedy recovery
to my raiders softball buddies.....miss you guys..pencil me in i wil be there

tom "chemo-sabi" claus

LIGHT MY FIRE

had to share Paul Cartwight's comment from yesterday with you all.........
this is paul writing to me......it was a beautiful moment

Top Cat,

I had a Tom moment today that really was a trip....I was writing a Christmas card to speedo sabi. (paul's nick name for me) The noon time news was on and I was writing away, finished up, licked the envelope and looked at the t.v. The picture that I sent you of the tie dye sunset/sunrise (not sure which) ( paul sent me a beautiful photo which is posted again up top)was on the t.v. at the start of a segment. I totally did a double take and there it was....It was so unreal. I can't see how that coincidence happened,but it did. It really took me back and I'm still dumbfounded by the experience.....The good vibes really are flowing between us.

Nice tree too! Peace out - PC

I truly believe that what we all have something amazing going on..... it is like with so many good people linked together daily it is hard not to see or understand the power that has emerged from all this.. this is the energy that will carry me through the next few months...check that the rest of my life ...and if we have anything to say about it it will be a long one......one more day of light and it's back into the hole for a few weeks...all good things must come to and end i quess.....sort of like michael jacksons career.....ah but he had a heck of a run...and i plan on running for a long time

Tom "speedo -sabi" Cheffo.......counting down...4 shopping daze left.....go to looselucys.com for cool clothes or footloosecomfort.com...for cool shoes

A TREE STANDS IN HUNTINGTON

cheffo tree .....2005

well the tree is standing tall and true....... putting up a tree reminds of holidays in the cheffo home when we were kids..my dad was a man of few words( except when his mets were on) but around the holidays when my mom was out shopping he would gather his three sons on the couch and tell stories of his youth...stories of the family farm) still exists to this day..of brooklyn in the early days.. turns out my dad was pretty good with his dukes i am told and used to box a little and word is he never lost a fight ( the fighting must have skipped us brothers because i think between the three of us you couldn't put one good fight together).....I tried to follow the story tradition and did manage a few good years with telling stories to my kids on the couch...but i tell ya...the pace we live today the toughest thing to do is get them to sit still for ten minutes let alone a half hour....don't get me wrong...5 minutes with my kids is enough to carry me through the day...they are really a blast to be around and they still laugh at the jokes their old man says....and are never ashamed to be around me...i love the fact they beat to their own drum....maybe i will sit them down this week and continue the stories of my youth ...growin up in the the greatest city in the world..... good ol brooklyn usa.......(well maybe not all the stories of my youth) ..after all they still are just my babies......kids if your reading this...meet you guys on the couch...one one of these nights.......one of these crazy old nights

two more days and i turn into "chemo-sabi" again...it has been a nice little break

tom " i put the brook in brooklyn" cheffo ..........only 4 more days mrs clause...get the sled ready for santa

SOUL SHINE

soul shine is a feeling we all should have this holiday season...... we should try to make people comfortable around us...touch people where they least expect it....in the heart ..soul shine is a way of showing the world... there is some hope left..so we should let our sole shine this week...it is as good a time as any.......
we put up our christmas tree up and the funniest thing happened(see photo of live event)... just when we thought we had it up we left he room and it toppled over.. we got a good laugh out of it...stand busted up and the kids ran out to buy another one...do the math...we got the tree of the day.....$65.00...Tax..$5.02.....new stand $90.00...... the tree falling in the den...priceless.....by the way if a tree falls in the den.... does anybody hear it....the answer is no i swear we did not hear it fall.... but i was on the phone with my buddy kent..and when i turned around it was on the ground..i got a real good laugh telling kent....live as it happened......Snapped out of it a little tonight...smells like the christmas spirit kicking in...will enjoy the next few days before i go back into the "black hole again.....wish it would warm up a wee bit..bones sure are chilly these days

later gators....6 days left till the red man comes and the candles are lit.......

CELEBRATE LIFE

one of my beautiful tress ...last winter


i think it's cool that Christmas and Hanukkah start around the same time this year...it is as good a time as any to really tie up the loose ends so to speak.....i for one will try to call some old friends i have not spoke to in a while just to say that i ........ well i really don't know what i am going to say...just hearing their voice will trigger something and i guess i will know what to say then...a customer came to the warehouse to pick up shoes today she asked me if i was ok...( she was not aware of my situation) i thought she knew... i said "treatments are going well" ...she replied "what treatments" i said chemo....and told her ...she responded through her tears...i always pray for your daughter but the last few months i have been praying for you also and i did not know why...now i know she said..Bizarre but true.....i was touched ..she blew me away....
these are days that are taking on a new meaning every time i open my eyes...i am trying to absorb what is really going on around me..i am in a major cloud these daze and today i actually woke up and just starting laughing at the illness that i have ....i mean come on .....bladder cancer .. you just have to laugh at it....so bizare....yet man o man does sloane have their shit together...thinking of everything that could happen and heading it off at the pass...pro-active instead of re-active .....i admire these doctors that have my life in their hand...today i celebrate their lives and the sacifices that they made to get to the top of their professions......doctors ...i salute you......i owe you ....we owe you ......big time

peace on earth.... good will to retailers (especially in charleston)

p.s typo yesterday...next treatment 12/22...i wish it was 1/22
goodnight mrs.calabash...where ever you are....cartwright you crack me up...to the strangers on my comments..thank-you mucho

KIng Kong

saw kong with my son last night.....rip-roaring,sight sensing,ear splitin blockbuster.......two toes up (being in the shoe biz we use toes instead of thumbs).........if you ever want someone to breakdown a movie just ask my son chris he always amazes me on his take on movies .....he should do it for a living....it is so much fun to listen to him explain the scenes...

anywho- met with my new dr. of chemo today dr.xaio.....really got a great vibe from her....blood test showed my whites are tooooooooooo lowwwwww and will have to switch up the amount of drugs i get in one sitting....will keep one eye on my body temp also...if it rises over 100 degrees sounds like i am in deep shit.... will have to act fast if that happens...might just carry a thermoter in my pocket..... next treatment thurs 1/22....just when i will be almost back to me old self again......
remember..you can't always get what you want...but if you try sometimes ...you get what you need....

PET PEEVES

had a request ( yes i do requests) for a better picture of my brothers...mike/dom and tom..love ya

Pet Peeves :
i cannot believe i wrote the words pet peeve.....its sounds funny even writing it....so one of my pet peeves has to be the word pet peeve....another one is shitty customer service...in helping build the blue print for the # 1 customer service in the shoe biz it is one of my hobbies to rip apart other customer service people....most people forget thats what they are being paid to do...it boggled my mind (another peeve ...the word boggle)....yesterday when michele from work ( and one of my bestest friends) went to purchase multi-gift cards (will not say where because the gift might be for you) and the girl behind the counter said were too busy now could you come back at three ...i mean a $600.00 sale in a store where the adverge price of an item was $4.00....do the math if over 100 people came in at that time they still would not have made enough to cover the lost sale.......michele walked and shopped elsewhere...thought you would get a kick out of this story./....another pet peeve is ( there's that word again) is pickles on hamburgers....i mean who the heck came up with that idea...must have been the secret pickle police or something ...because not only does a pickle not belong on a hamburger but...the fact that you sometimes have to open the bun up and remove it is just a real pain in the ass.........i would like to start a "pickles off the bun" champaign...the heck with the transit stike we should strike all places that allow this to happen......
just a side note i am quite fond of pickles ..............just not hidden in ketchup......

meeting with a new team of doctors tomorrow to move my treatment closer to home....wonder if i should bring up the pickle strike???could you imagine that conversation...so mr cheffo "how you feeling" well i am doing fine except i now have this problem with pickles.....man i wish i had the nerve to say it.......

tom " no pickle on the bun" cheffo .....freaking cold in ny

"TOP TEN REASONS TO HAVE CANCER"

TOP TEN REASONS TO HAVE CANCER
10. you get to eat graham crackers whenever you want
9. once you get it what are the odds of getting it again
8. you could look like crap and don't even care
7. you have other people do your work for you
6. you have a permanate tan from the chemo
5. everywhere you go people ask you "how you feeling"
4. you could say just about anything and get away with it
3. you get awesome gifts every day
2. take out the garbage....not today honey
1. people wear bracelets in you honor ( how cool is that)

KEEP SMILING MY FRIENDS.....I HAVE A WAYS TO GO YET

TO MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS AT THE SHOWS IN ATLANTA...WITH I WERE WITH YOU ALL....WHAT A LONG STRANGE TRIP IT'S BEEN............TOM

Today's News

bayville long island.....sundown
went back to work today after 4 days off.......took me a while but i feel it was a productive day...thanks for the feed back on my yearly rant...... i am sure we all have things that we would like to see different in this world and i know each of us in our own way will try to "make this world a better place" as sam bush would say.....speaking of a better place....i was thinking about how i ended up living on long island and the route it took for me to get here...it was a natural migration... from brooklyn to queens to nassau to suffolk county ..long island is a beautiful place to live we still have some parklands and plenty of water all around ...it is a good place to call home ....a good place to hang my hat.......well its the 4th day after treatment # 2 and my body is taking a little longer to respond...mostly fatigue has set in and you experience some discomfort in the area where the chemo enters you body....it is still a weird feeling ..very hard to describe.....ok i got it now.....it feels like the first time you work out really hard and as your working out you feel no pain..and you run through it like your superman....but the next morning you feel like you just swallowed kryptonite....and drank about 6 gallons of beer and the taste of silver is hanging around your mouth and the very touch of you body just freaking hurts.......yeah that's about how this chemo-crap makes you feel...but i gotta tell you that me predecessors have it so much worse that me.......i mean they paved the way so that i could get the "less toxic" treatment....my hats is off the them today....my freakin heros...............My CHEMo-SABI BROTHERS IN ARMS............. will meet with new doctor on thurs to move treatments closer to home....imagine being in a warm bed 20 minutes after treatment....ahhhh the little things in life that make me happy.....enjoy the sunrise......tom

Tom Cheffo's "walk in the park"

This is a long one please forgive my rant..if you want to add something send it to my comments or thunderbyd@aol.com.....


WOULD LIKE TO SEE HAPPEN IN OUR WORLD

· That my family, friends and pets stay free of life threatening illnesses and live to a ripe old age (not to old where we start to smell)
· That my daughters bravery and courage pays off and a real cure is made possible by her selfless act of kindness (she is currently in a trial for the leukemia vaccination)
· That my son Chris sees his beloved mets, jets, knicks or islanders win a championship in his life time (he was so young when the mets won in “ 86”)
· That our children and pets see real peace in their lifetime (seems like from the beginning of mankind this has been impossible….tall order I guess)
· That we stop using what’s left of our planets resources and start “healing the world” rather than continuing to destroy it
· That our media starts to recognize the good people of the planet and stop glorifying the criminals. Pay more attention to the healers, teachers, shoe saleman, scientists, dishwashers and the people who are doing something worthwhile
· That people open their eyes to what a simply beautiful world this is, and be thankful for the nature that exists all around us.
· That people stop bitching about calling a Christmas tree a Christmas tree..for Christ sake that what it is ..like a apple is a apple or a pear is a pear….and while I am on the subject what does eggs have to do with Easter
· That I never stop having the urge to hold the door open for the person behind me or hold out my arm to assist someone in need
· That the laughter of little children will always make me smile and trees, birds, flowers and all nature continue to hold a true place in my heart and that all people a least once gaze into the Grand Canyon
· That good music, real music whatever you conceive that to be continue to bring joy and happiness into your soul
· That people that are paid to protect and serve us do so with care and caution so they return safe and sound into their loved ones arms
· That a true leader emerge from my generation and leads this country into the future with some of these goals in mind
· That lip singing is a thing of the past ( threw this in to see if your still with me)
· That one day not a single child goes to sleep hungry or unloved

I know I have asked for a lot but even if one of my requests gets for filled…… I will be a very happy man

Wishing your days to be filled with moments of joy and your nights be warmed by the fires in your hearts
Happy Holidays……Tom

" A DAY IN A LIFE"

THE THUNDERBYRDS...MANY MOONS AGO..BEST GUYS TO PLAY SOFT BALL ( AND MUSIC ) WITH ON THIS OR ANY OTHER PLANET
ok something is bothering me about this ordeal i am going through...you see up until 7 weeks ago and if my memory serves me well i only had to call in sick one time while working for Yaleet...thats one time in 13 years... (other than other family illness) ....now tack that on to when i owned my own business for 10..( and there is no getting sick in retail) because the show must go on..that a pretty good record no? ....well he's the reason i had to call in sick...playing left field the night before.. ( not for the t-byrds this particular nite) had to be around 7 years ago...runners on 1st and 2nd and there was a line drive hit over my head ..i backed up reached up and came down on the back of my head....hung onto the ball..i remember tossing it in cause the runners were tagging....well the next thing i know its the top of the 6th....and a line drive is hit to me and it hits my glove and falls in front....no damage next play fly to me inning over..however i am running thinking it's still the 1st inning...someone mentioned the score..5-2 i said can't be its 2-1 they only scored one....someone mentioned its the 6th inning...i said..sure it is.....let me see the book...sure enough i popped out to third in the 3rd inning..don't remember even getting up... right to the hospital...
let's do the math...popped out to third (never done that all year)...error in the 6th (known for my glove too)...teamates not knowing i had a concussion...priceless.....moral i guess is if you see a friend doing something he don't usually do....asked if all is ok....ya never know.........oh i asked the doc if i could work the next day...he said....just relax...told him about my record up until then..he said records are meant to be broken stay home( yeah tell that to dimagio and ripkin) those are two that will never fall ...but now i have to call in sick way to many time..i quess it's balancing out.......

tommy "feeling like i still have that concussion cheffo"

p.s last thing on john lennon...i noticed one of caseys draws would not close all the way ...so i removed it and looked in the back to see what was blocking it...ready for this..it was a full page of a john lennon stamp collection in plastic..i have not seen in years....it chose the night of the 25-anniversay to find me...the very night........ here are the stamps............................................................

see ya sunday...go jets

"THE KICK IS UP...IT'S GOOD...

me and stewart from joe blow tees "my other brother" at a trade show last year in front of our grateful dead sandal display...if i talk about one of my male angels.......stewart is one of the go to ones...met in a cab in orlando 12 years ago....been mates ever since........ i love ya pal........
real tough to follow the jiffy lube story..so i won't even try...... but here's one anyway
i met a man who did not know who the beatles were or john lennon....yep a nyc cabbie from bangla-desh....did not know lennon was shot 25 years ago from a spot 10 blocks from were we were....when i told him he said..."i heard the news today" to which i replied (oh boy) almost the first line of my fav beatle song or check that my all time favorite song ( i read the news ).....i laughed to myself and did sing to him some of the song to him.. ..he said i must be a singer cause i had a " nice" voice...i said he just increased his tip....bada bing.....we cut through central park...i love the park this time of year and fans already were gathering at "strawberry fields" the tribute spot to the man ..the myth.... the legend......oh yeah ..on to round two
woke up went to sloane..stuck a needle in my hand ..went downstairs watched the clock..somebody spoke and i went into a dream....(sounds like another beatle song..make it stop)......oh yeah the white counts WENT UP...WHEW...2.6 to 4.2 over four we proceed with the launch....used my right hand cause my left arm stll was hurting on the inside...hot towels help relieve that pain... i do feel the drugs flowing through my veins...it is a strange feeling... but i have to tell you that as the drugs are entering my body and my mind excepts them as the healers that they are it becomes a no brainer to except them....i decided to help lift the negative reaction people seem to have when the word chemo is used...you see it is and will continue to save so many lives..its like Brussels sprouts ......to many taste like shit..But we all know that there real good for you.....Or like going to the dentist....we hate it but..think of the world with george washingtons wooden teeth ...how did that man eat corn anyway ?........well my friends word is that there are many many people reading this blog daily......the way i figure it it is like you read the newspaper each day what's one more thing to read...real life reality cheffo......

9 weeks of chemo to go....let the countdown begin

tom " glow in the dark" cheffo
P.S. 15 days till christmas.....(think santa will bring me that new bladder)?
"feed the world"

JIFFY LUBE

sorry i am late posting..got stuck in traffic.....decided yesterday to get the vans oil changed so went to the friendly neighborhood lube place and while i was waiting another customer just started talking...."you know you bring your car in for something and they find something else wrong...its like going to the doctor for a routine check-up and boom they find cancer". i swear thats what he said...i held my tongue....he kept on the subject how some friends just had that happen...well you know me i had to tell him it just happened to me....he was speachless..then said..i am a preacher heading for church and i will pray for you tom (he asked me my name he wasn't that tuned in)..well i figured one more couldn't hurt.....but he's the strange part...he stood up..put his hand on my head and started praying ..right there in the middle of the jiffy lube waiting room....well i look up and there the lube guy with my bill and the most amazing look on his face.....what a moment......$34.00 oil change.....$99.00....transmissiom flush....prayer in the waiting room .....priceless
heading into sloane....my white counts do not have a chance with jiffy lube and the preacher
on my side.....
11 am kickoff..... check your local news for the results

tommy "jiffy lube" cheffo ........think of john lennon today...gone 25 years....all you need is love....
(and maybe a bullet proof vest)

HOUSTON>>>>WE HAVE A PROBLEM

Casey and Storm Cat ( a few years ago)
today (tues) started like any other day except a little snow on the ground ..nothing to terrible..just enough to make the island look beautiful.....went into sloane ( a world record drive 57 minutes) ...when i first arrive the procedure is to give blood so they could check the "counts"...i checked in and then 5 minutes later it was as if a bus pulled up and the check in line grew by about 15 people.....i am feeling pretty lucky today....whipped out the TYE DYED BRACLETS i promised the staff and was met with smiles all around...it was no accident that i was rushed right in to the "vampire capital" of the world to give some blood..i think if you give something you should do it with all your heart and soul..so i playfully allowed this to happen....went downstairs to get ready for my "chemo-sabi" treatment...as they were mixing my cocktail... about an hour later i noticed a nurse heading right for me..she had a concerned look on her face...you know the kind herm edwards of the jets has had all year...i said it first .."something wrong with the counts"?....sheepishly she said the white count is a little low...concern is that infection might occur if chemo is given... could i come back thursday morning with the hopes that it has improved.....part of me was sooo happy cause i was feeling so good and part of me is saying f**king dam white count..but hey whata ya gonna do you know.....let's do the math...$22.00 to park
$9.00 tolls..$8.00 gas.......not having chemo.....priceless

get to do it all over again on thurs....need to clean my chemo wearing outfit..( since no one saw me i could wear the same one.......lol

p.s shoe show in nyc... only the 2nd or 3rd setup i missed in 13 years .....over 150 shows. ..michele did a great job i heard..knock em dead kiddo.....

tom " low white count" cheffo (my indian name)

ROUND TWO...tues 12/06/05

my body knows something is up.. it has an anxious feeling to it....now it knows what to expect ...it has a certain air of confidence to it..almost defying the odds to attack it...it seems to be putting up a defense system..guiding me on to what should put into it ...what to avoid.....it now stays clear of chemical smells....holds back from the fumes of the gas as it pours into the tank.... food and drink that has always been a comforting factor in life has taken on a strange new meaning...it's taste not the primary reason anymore...its function and role thoughout this ordeal has changed so dramatically that even the portions and time of day is as important as the food itself..... the body finds itself questioning incidents and activities that may have triggered such an event to transpire...it is a true awakening of feelings that have been asleep for such a long time...my friends look into the eyes of someone close today..capture their gaze as they brush past you...wish them wellness ...your body it will tell you many things...all i had to do was listen.............

i hope you all are not to busy today between 11-3 today....i could use your company again
tom..........

Monday Morning ......came with no warning

me at band practice with the "basement bogie band"around 21-years old..check out those side burns
hi world....strange thing happened sunday morning other than snow on the ground....i almost felt kinda normal... other than being a little dishelveled (always wanted to use that word in a sentence......so let's do the math..treatment tues.... then wed-saturday feeling up and down...... sorta like the ny met season and on sunday feeling pretty good (as larry david says) hope you caught season finale of curb sunday night... and then go back to work monday to start the week all over again..it's like they got it down to a science........already starting to get my mind ready for round 2 on tuesday....man it is coming up quickly and that's a good thing....did mega research and the way i am approaching treatment is the way to go....chemo 1st ...bladder replacement right after...i will have what you call a neo-bladder..right out of the matrix it sounds like to me... they tell me i have to re-train my new bladder in the beginning......wonder if i will still be able to aim when i go or do i have to learn that all over again..cause that would really stink...or you might say ...ready for it...are you sure?...a real pisser...ahhhhhh thank-you very much

tom"tell me why i don't like mondays" cheffo
p.s. any beer left in south carolina?

BROTHERS

i have to say i have two of the most wonderful bros a man could ask for....dom my twin (yep for those of you who don't know it there are two of me) and my older brother mike (named after my dad) are unique in their own ways....dom and i were partners in the leather store for over 10 years and he still going with that all these years later (over 20 now) he's the only guy i know who if you gave him skins he could make anything you want and cover the earth in jackets.. seatcovers.... vests....hats....slippers.....you name it he can make it from an animal.....mike is the proud papa of two little girls ( who said you can't have kids later in life ....he is living proof that is just not true....he loves HIS LITTLE GIRLS sooooo much.... it is a joy to be around them.. and it is always a blast to play with those kids.....i am sure my brothers could tell you stories about me growing up....i was always the smart ass...trouble maker..risk taker....jump in without the paddle ...barrel down the runway without a net.....ok i will stop now......dom was the soft spoken...say a few words...but mean what he said ....mike was and is "the rock"...real go to person ..manager of our fabled thunderbyrds softball team for so many years...keeping it going year after year.....when our folks left this world he was also the "father figure" a role i am sure he still relishes to this day.....i dont' know why i am sharing this with you except to let you all know that i have never been alone in this world ( even in the womb) and i feel blessed to have such great "brothers in arms" to help me again when the path is unknown......

hats off to you my brothers

tom cheffo
grand child of ...santo and marie.....angelina and john

p.s happy christmas party lucy's

"a day in a life"

was a little tired last night so i did not open a gift from my other brother and sister "the doobrows" i am glad i waited for this morning...did not need coffee..juice....eggs...kellogs corn flakes.....arobics..... just this card to get me going ...it was a beautiful and hand made card ...here is what this little girl (i mean big girl ) sent me..blew me away and i used it all day to get me through.......one little act of kindness went so far....thanks carly doobs you made my day..it printed twice so i just left it cause its twice as nice....oh yeah thanks for the bob weir cd's kent and felicia ......and the sweat shirt...loose lucy

long week but i keep saying it but i am the luckiest man alive and you all are "the joy of my life"

it amazes me how a hot bath a little music and some jet power....made a perfect ending to a very long week....see ya all during the weekend and to my blogettes in Fla some of you are coming home to a snow storm.......sorry get your dose of sunshine while you can.....................................thomas cheffo

Tom Cheffo's "walk in the park"

beautiful shot of a winter scene (for my buds in the south)
i love the fact that you blogettes talk to each other on the comments portion of this blog...it is such a kicker...kev you are right about the grunions....small fish that bury their heads in the sand...been on a few runs myself pulling them out.....i think thats what most people do ...bury their heads in the sand when things get a little tough..not this family we come up for air and get things done (medically) at least..i think that is why we have success beating or living with this crap...as far as a update on how i am feeling...well i must say i feel different...i do have a glow to me and a little nausea most of the day.. right arm still sore.....but i did not grow a third eye or breasts yet and still have what's left of my hair....casey and i recorded from a distance a few nights ago and i is such a beautiful song and to hear her sing it...wow...proud pappa again anyhow i was thinking how the song worked for me in treatment...it was like you were all watching me from a distance...it is so comforting to know that,,,,case of the water gift...my good friend satsunder was the person who sent it...it's healthy and real real good for detoxing as i am sure you know i need to do...here'e the info on the water http://www.vibewater.com/ ... the original tittle for this blog was . ....one more cup of coffee.....i wish i would have had that one more cup of coffee before the treatments began.....i miss the little things in this life......tatoo..mini me...jason....etc...all for now....enjoy your friday my friends
tom "ramblin" cheffo

" A TRIBUTE TO YOU"

50th suprise b-day party in las vegas at the grand lux the date is wrong across jeff chest but it does look like a logo
i want to thank you all for reading my blog and for the kind comments either by phone or e mailing thunderbyd or on the blog..it is as much a path to the cure as my treatments are at the hospital...today i recieved a case of energy water....no card ....just a case of water....i was touched as i have been with all the gifts...cards....words....braclets....and i "cherish each and every day" that i am able to hear from you....there is a story of an old man walking along the beach and he is picking up a small grunion fish and tossing it back into the sea....a young man walks by and says" what are you doing there are thousands of them and you cannot possible make a difference to them"...the old man picked up another and tossed it into the sea and said " i did to that one" i quess the moral is you never know how or when you can make a difference in someones life...and you my friends are my "old man" you make a difference to me every day life.......cherish you all

tommy "humbled" cheffo

"ROUND ONE"

the worlds most crooked street ..SAN FRANCISCO 2005
the trip into the city was so much quicker today....triboro was the way to go...typical visit at first.....blood pressure (excellent) weight 165(the same as always) height (5' 101/2") (shrinking)...at first they did not have a blood order request but one came and i gave blood .. counts (above normal) but still red.....met a nice couple from long island and i was for the first time not the youngest person in the waiting room (yeah) he had the testicular kind and i said "oh he had the one with the cool spokesperson..he laughed but Lance had nothing on my crew...then he commented on the TYE DYED BRACELET ...loved it...then the nurse saw it and loved it ...on and on and on.....i had more confidence each time people mentioned it.....ok here's goes...after a slight delay i was finally hooked up....at first the drip was notworking well and the nurse said "wow that almost never happens" so we switched to my left hand and bombs away worked like a charm....what is one more needle among friends...so they were dripping something in my veins and i said feels good but it was only water...the GEM stuff was next and man that stung the veins..but they diluted it some more...not to hot..not to cold...just right....the Cis crap was next and i snoozed the last hour..... my fellow patients were nice (we all had a semi private room and i am glad i bought seinfled dvd...books.... ipod...and set up shop in my area.......all rooms have tv's and vcrs..suppose to be headsets only..but the old guy behind me was blasting soap operas for his wife ..but they were a cute couple and i did find out that bobby was sleeping with his sisters best friends cousin once removed ( what does that mean once removed)? rockman any clue ? with my headset on playng neil youngs "prairie wind" it took me away for awhile anyway.....well felt pretty good on the ride home and my wife is an excellent driver and avoided a swerving van at the last second...darn drivers on cell phone..see i am feeling ok cause bad driving still pisses me off...well i am where i need to be right now...getting all this down on paper.......oh before i forget side effects..memory loss..high pitch hearing loss (sorry yoko) the usual slight nausea....tingling in toes and fingers.... and the irresistible urge stand ontop of a mountain and yodel....but seriously there was a time during the treatment that i felt all of you with me...and i smiled at the nurse and she said that the treatment must be going well because i was smiling and i almost told her that my friends and family just came into the room and she would have smiled also if she only knew how true that was.....

tommy "rocky" cheffo......on to round two ...next tuesday........

D-DAY

TC & Michele at QVC breast cancer event ( notice the wine spil on her dress) is that ruben behind us?

that was a lot of fun with all the speedo jokes....man you blogettes are keeping me pumped up and focused...i will compile a greatest hits some day....ok i meet with dr.dean bajorin ( he has impressive google search) and plug in at 10:15...4 hours later i am back to earth....i loaded up with books..ipod....movies & dvds..seinfeld episodes....meet the fockers....jerry garcia movie...cd pat dobner made me.. some more mello music......lonesome dove mini series..neck pillow..a partridge in a pear tree,,,i think i got it covered.....it is a strange feeling to finally be starting...after all the tests and surgeries...tests and surgeries...did i mention tests and surgeries....the day has arrived...one step closer to the cure ,,,and trust me there is no way the outcome will be any different...michele ( from work) will not have it any other way..you see she has been doing alot of my work and will be busting her butt through the trade show season along with everyone else so i better get back in the saddle before she kicks my ass...She's the one who has to deal with my stuff daily and is a true friend in every sense of the word...and if your listening joe (her fiance) dont take any of her s-it..hehehe and i promise to not wear a speedo to your wedding in oct...SO TO ALL IN THE SOUND OF MY TYPING....I LOVE YOU DEARLY....THANKS FOR THE CARDS...CALLS..MESSAGES...GIFTS....LOVE...HOPE....AND MOST OF ALL THANK-YOU FOR CARING SO DEEPLY .......i will try to post tomorrow...no check that i will post tomorrow and let you know if "the going up is worth the coming down"

tom "peace-out" cheffo

"Anticipation"....monday morning

" now that is gonna leave a mark"
did you ever wait for something ....anything...concert day....ballgame..report card....the weekend... carvel chocolate marshmallow sundae with nuts ......and it feels like it take forever to get to you....and then when it finally arrives it zooms by faster than a speeding bullet... more powerful than a locomotor....able to leap tall buildings in a single bound ..(wait a minute that's superman i was thinking about)....no i mean it comes and goes so fast...that is what i am hoping happens when i finally start treatment..... like it starts and before you know it its over..then there's the small matter of bladder replacement and poof its over ..just in time for my new speedo.. just like the europeans like to wear......you see i have the europeans to be thankful for ..it seems that is where the first bladder was replaced using a portion of the intestine..europeans love to smoke and bladder cancer is also caused by cigarette smoke ( i do not smoke) but i told my doc maybe i should start ..wink wink....anywho they also liked speedos and did not want the customary bag attached to their leg so wahl-la ....so doctors decided to use a portion of the intestine and the rest is history......so heres the scene...me on a beach in europe.....in my speedo......drinking a lling lling lite to the pioneers who made it all possible........

chaio baby.......tommy "speedo "cheffo

"IT'S SHOWTIME"

casey.. johnny "nor" nephew david and me...singing our hearts out.........
hope all is well with you and yours..went to see the movie rent last night (cause walk the line was sold out) and i must say it was better than i thought it would be..much like the chemo treatment that i am gonna start on tues.... it should be better than i thought.....yep you heard me they found a slot open in the manhattan sloane i will take my first two treatments there (this tues and next tues) and switch to the long island office for my other six with a week off between each set of treatments .....a week off sounds nice but i will try to work the days with no treatments cause that's what i know ....Steve (the head hancho) has been amazing to me and i am given all the time i need to get well...that is a huge lift off ones shoulders...and i almost feel guilty about it because so many people get screwed by their jobs when illnesses come into play....the two drugs i will be taking are called...Cisplatin..(siss-platt-in) and gemcitabine (jem-cy-ta-bean) or from now on to be referred to as GC....both poweful drugs but a better treatment plan than what used to be the "gold standard" to bladder cancer...GC will have far less side effects and i should be able to keep the hair i have left ( notice i keep beating you all to the punch line about hair loss) clever aren't i......anyhow i will have a ring side seat on tuesday and will have all the juicey gossip from the other chemo patients in the room ..imagine me sitting still for over 4 hours.....i pity the person next to me ..i will be cracking jokes and getting weird looks i am sure.....but when it comes down to it i quess thats what i live for......that and to write to you all ...my favorite humans on this planet....sorry i missed a day Candy....must of dozed off after the leftover turkey.... it is a good thing to get this show on the road......so i could get back to selling shoes........
chemo-sabi cheffo ( thinking of legally changing my name) lol

" The Day After"

thought this photo would get a few laughs...i am wearing shoelaces on my head..now you all know what i do at work all day...just entertaining the troops.....check out the ad behind me the dog is wearing our product with the saying "we let the dawgs out"
I hope you all had great food..good wine...good football...good deserts....and good lovin...i have to say we had a little snow wed nite and it was beautiful...like i said a little snow is beautiful..its when it gets over several inches thats when it gets to be a little rough on the old back....but i quess everything else when it gets to much it becomes a hassle ...except love..... does not seem to be a hassle if you get to much love....so here it is ....all the love i could give is heading your way....pass it foward this weekend and every weekend.....like i was saying in an e-mail to phil from blue sky...could you imagine a world full of "us" people who really care about other people...man oh man thats would be some planet.. a planet full of love as john lennon used to say..."all we need is love" and a big old fat turkey stuffed with "stove top stuffing" by the way one of the women who invented stove top stuffing passed away on wed..imagine going through life as the inventor of stove top stuffing.....great pick up line in a bar.."hey what do you do" .."well i invented stove top stuffing"...."wow that cool"...."ever invent anything else" yeah you know those little things that hold the corn on the sides...yep that was me also"...i think i would like to invent something useful for this planet...i mean the guy who invented toilet paper ...now he is my idol....thomas edison had nothing on him......oh well i figured if your not in retail you needed something to read today....thanks for the posts andto my favorite shoe gal...knock em dead today....leave no customer standing and empty their wallets for some NAOT shoes...you know the ones the pilgrams used to wear

thomas " if i eat any more i will burst" cheffo ..
welcome home jason we missed ya

"Thanksgiving"

October 1621: Harvest Feast
Pilmouth Governor William Bradford declares a feast to give thanks to God for their first harvest. Massasoit and 90 other Wampanoag are invited to join the 52 Pilgrims for this three-day feast.
The English serve wild turkeys, geese, and ducks. The Wampanoag bring five deer, along with lobsters, clams, oysters, and fish. The feast also includes cucumbers, carrots, cabbages, turnips, radishes, onions, beets, corn, and wild fruits.

Could you imagine how life was in 1621 and the fact that the people were just giving thanks to their God for the first harvest in the new world.....just giving thanks for the food they were about to eat...In our world of cell phones..dvds...ipods....tgifs...computers...tv...radio....cars....jets....cameras..michael jackson (thats for u kessler)....it amazes me they were just giving thanks for the food of the harvest....i for one will give thanks to the food on my table today....and also for the love that has been placed upon my world in these eventful times.......So I say to you all HAPPY THANKSGIVING.......and really mean it....this has always been one of my favorite days
I cannot even express to all I know that you have made these last few weeks ..............unforgetable........ i said to my family the other day there are somethings i would not change about the last 5 1/2 weeks..we all know it sucks what has happened but i cannot help but feel this was all meant to happen and the outcome will have a profound effect on so many people......i am forever thankful to have you all in my life

ONE FOR THE MONEY..TWO FOR THE SHOW..THREE TO GET READY...FOUR TO GO...

BUT DON'T YOU STEP ON MY NAOT SHOES :this a photo of Possum -me, kent and kev "vansman" in las vegas....and now on to todays events:
ever try to drive to nyc in the rain...seems like everyone takes their cars out that day...only took two hours.....1st parking lot was full 2nd lot the guy says have to charge you $10.00 extra for the mini-van..so i said so whats that make it like $210 instead of $200.00 dollars for the hour.. he did not even crack a smile....oh yeah its a company car ...do you really think i would be driving a mini van if i didn't need it for biz sometimes....gotta plug NAOT again www.naot.com...ok so here's the word stop me if i get to technical...seems like up until 2 years ago the chemo that was used on my type of tumor was pretty toxic...i mean it spun the head around on that girl in the exorcist so it must have been powerful....but "lucky me" will be able to take a far less toxic and easier treatment.....it will be four cycles each one taking 21 days...treatments once a week for 2 weeks then one week off......then the last cylcle will be when i get to get the real good drugs and have my old bladder removed and replaced with part of my intestine.....frankenstein will have nothing on my insides...i mean there is plenty of intestines just hanging around may as well put it to good use... and get his i was told miminal hair loss..then i removed my baseball hat and the doctor just smiled....cant help me there i guess.........gottta tell ya......i am feeling pretty good....yeah pertty dam good......love ya
.......tom "chemo-sabi" cheffo...son of michael and florence

"what a wonderful world"..tuesdays with tommy

this was sent in by paul cartwright one of the purest souls on the planet ...I have to say it inspires me just looking at it....all of you have the same effect on me........i mean how can i not be in a good mood around all of you....think about that for a moment...............................today I enter a building that brings so much hope to so many people...it is a world unto its self...what goes on inside these walls is nothing short of a miracle...i know the outcome for many is hardship but at least they were given the best possible care in the world......i will carry pauls photo he found on the web in my heart today along with all of you..it is getting kinda crowded inside me so if anyone wants to bail on the "tye dyed train" nows the time to jump off...last call....the fat lady is singing........anybody..anybody......beuller? beuller?..ok next stop sloane kettering 68th street and 2nd ave....will post outcome tonite..........see ya........chemo-sabi

chemo-sabi

I think thats what tonto called the lone ranger...chemo-sabi...thats gonna be my mantra when i get my fix....reminds me of a joke..lone ranger and tonto are riding down a trail and suddenly they are surrounded by Indians..lone ranger looks at tonto and says..."looks like we are in trouble" and tonto says..."what you mean we white man"...i know . . i'm sorry just in that kind of mood.....
did some reasearch on chemo doc and he seems top shelve...."love that google" did you ever google yourself pretty wild stuff comes up if you ever had anything written about you... i think only one article comes up on me from a show in utah...however susan cheffos name is plastered all over,,,go figure and i thought i was the famous one...
tues meeting with doc should let me know what "cocktails" i will be taking and how many times a month...i am close to the edge now and cannot wait to start that climb ( well i can wait but i figure the quicker i start the quicker i finish....)

signed
the not so lone......ranger (could never be alone with the support i am getting) "thats me and kent doobrow in photo 9 years ago....at a sales meeting party

SATURDAY/SUNDAY

hello blogettes...what can i say but i thought after 51 years i have experienced every emotion possible...well i am living proof that there are still more to be felt....i am so touched by your comments that one cannot feel honored to have such a wonderful group of people that surround my world..... the tye dyed braclets are taking on a life of their own and if it brings awarness to this illness than i say they are doing their job ... i want to thank you all for being so supportive ...i have a saying that even though i do not see the wonders of the world every day (grand canyon..rocky mts...colorado river... dolly parton ..etc) i know they exist and that is comforting to me....well my friends even though i do not see you every day the fact that you exist is so comforting to me....i will use your love on my journey to the cure...."my victory tour" will be one hell of a ride..... new bladder logo created by rachel ...what do u think?
the tye dyed ride..is on the move...susan k said if you want braclets just ask..you could sent request to my aol account and i will foward...thunderbyd@aol.com

Tom (luckiest man alive) Cheffo

tye-dyed sky

well what can i say but..."you like me .....you really like me"...all kidding aside i have been staring at your comments for hours...it is like a mini city a nework of dear friends & family all on one screen,,,,but when my daughter wrote this comment "Lets look at this not as a hurricane but as a tye dyed sky"... ...it was way to much to bear.....here i was all set to talk about chemo and getting ready for that battle and you all went and ruined it.....seems like i got a little dust in my eyes and cannot see the keyboard real well so that will have to wait for another time.....
there will be no quote of the day ...no poem....no mantra...just this.." THERE CANNOT BE A HAPPIER MAN ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH TODAY,,,,I APPLAUD ALL OF YOU WITH A STANDING OVATION AND "I LIKE YOU ...I REALLY LIKE YOU " have a great weekend....TOM

"eye of the hurricane"

the title of todays blog is a tribute to a friend who has been fighting this battle for 6 years..his quote that it sometimes feels like he is in "the eye of the hurricane" nailed it on the head...one must remain calm while the winds of changes are swirling around you ...he is a man of dignity.....a father of young children.....his battle resumes tommorw and i am sending all the love you have for me his way today.....in a fifteen minute convervastion with him today i learned so much on how to conduct myself as the poison enters my veins,,,,he is a person i am proud to know....and a person who knows the deal...
My battle resumes tuesday with a meeting with dr.bajorin at sloane.....he better be ready for me because the "eye of the hurricane " is coming
it has come to my attention after i recieved a box from my friends at loose lucy's in charleston s.c. that tyed dyed braclets are being worn in my honor and i just have to say it is one of the most beautiful gestures i have ever recieved...a box arrived with one for me and area friends....i am overwhelemed today and humbled by all this..thank-you lucy's your the best
todays quote.........
The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.
- Helen Keller

"I read the news today oh boy" the beatles

"the people in your life are like pillars on your porch...sometimes they hold you up ....sometimes they lean on you...sometimes it's enough to know they are standing by". (shain)

Well....I did get the call tuesday night and I feel like I was waiting for the jury to bring back a verdict...I was found guilty ....sentenced to 4 months of chemotherapy followed by a "we will talk after that"........do not know when the sentence will start and I have no power to appeal...stay tuned

I have been saying all along i am "the lucky one" as vansman said in yesterdays comments..i am surrounded by love,understanding,compassion,fun,drama & music every day ....i have the greatest friends and family a man could ask for....it is from the heart i say this i do not stand alone in this battle.... to my family..susan,casey & chris ..........to my brothers ...my cousins...nieces & nephews to my buddies in the carolinas.....to my bandmates in the north and south...to my friends in israel...calif,,,new mexico..new york,,,,and just about every state in the country... ...to my customers and the co-workers i look foward to working with all the time....to the sales team/ friends that makes me look good (or bad) every day...to my other brothers of the road... stewart,ron,kev m,adam,mike,jeremy....to blue sky ,amigaz, fad treasures, soundtraxs , joe blow,be as you are,loose lucys ,nelson ,mullet and rainbows....to steve and susie for their compassion for family...to scott & amy, jeff & cindy,ron and sharon, Lonnie & marsha for always knowing what to say ........ and to my angels..michele,susan k & felicia whom i could never live without

I love you all for making my life worth living
tom

Tuesday "the waiting is the hardest part" ......tom petty

ok heres the deal..looks like on tues at sloane the doctors meet and discuss the new kids on the block...looks like its my turn if the reports are in on time.. the doctors come up with a game plan and decide whats best for the patient (thats me) .....should speak to nurse nora after 6 o'clock tonight..had some good news Monday... chris had I had a perfect score on sundays football games and needed a combined score of 41 points monday night to win the weekly pool...combined score monday night was 41 points...we won...looks like my luck is changing....$100.00 big ones coming our way ...this keeps up i am gonna retire......nah i love the people i work with to much..they are an amazing group.... they will be one of the main reasons i will have a speedy recovery...i cannot live without a dose of them daily ..

todays quote.."everyone smiles in the same language"
tom

rebuttal

poem on sunday was written a dr morrehead,,(thanks rock)

"Come Monday"

just the opposite between mondays and fridays...mondays have always been the red headed stepchild of the week...so lets make the best of it...answer to who wrote yesterdays poem...george carlin..he wrote it after the love of his life passed on.....good job kaminsky..thank you all for putting up with my sappy side..
i have to tell you i have been a little slow in getting my strength up after wed surgery... i am not as young as i used to be ..i have been knocked out so many times the last few weeks i feel like mike tyson in his last few fights....but unlike mikey i plan on always getting right up.....so if they think a 5 hour bladder replacment surgery is going to keep me down they got another thing coming...well i think i am getting ahead of myself....but then again i think that has been the secret to my success...always staying one step ahead...my twin brother once said to me after i said " i was just thinking of that" he said your always thinking of something so it really is not fair.....
love you all ...will have results on biospy early part of the week ..anybody willing to place odds on results?...put me down for a c-note
tom....
p.s.thanks for the comments ...calls..flowers....cds....grateful dead books...edible (spelled correct) arangements..i tell u i would have gotten sick sooner had i known all the perks involved.....peace

Another poem ......

....saturday and sunday i try to stay away from writing about my illness and focus instead on the writings and the philosophys that get me through the days.....This one is pretty powerful and i promise it is worth reading.......can anyone quess who wrote it? ..answer will be on Monday ( it was not me ..but i wish i had written it)

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality,one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember to say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it
doesn't cost a cent.

Remember to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away.

poem on a wall

somethings in life will have a profound effect on the way your life will turn out....when i was 17 i read this poem on a wall in a san francisco apartment ....on that day i found my lifes creeds and understood how i was to live my life..here is that poem
DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
And remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly & clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull & ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud & aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain & bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing future of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.


Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity & disenchantment
it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue & loneliness.
Beyond wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees & the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labours & aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.





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"here come the weekend"

Friday.....don't you just love that word....Friday.....growin up in brooklyn fridays meant everything to us.....fridays meant that the weekend was almost here...you could get through anything on a friday ......think about it for a moment who does not love Fridays?.... ..those of you who know me i have trouble even talkng an aspirin...but i took a vicodin today to ease the discomforts of the pain and antibiotic which i hate the way they make me feel so i figured why not.. i mean they give me these Pain Killers (what a powerful word) I mean they kill pain ..well they dont actually kill the pain because the pain always seems to come back when they wear off so the should be call "Pain killers for a little while" or something like that...I just want to also say that I misjudged the food selection at SLoan, they gave me a menu for breakfast and it was like a room service type menus..waffles...pancakes..Omelets tons of good food.i was impressed, as a matter of fact they were going to release me before my breakfast arrived and i told them i was a least going to get a good meal out of them and i hung around for my cheese omelet,fresh fruit platter and a yogurt with granola on the side......i guesss what i am trying to say is who gives a crap how great a hospital it is as long as the food is eatable ..that's the place for me
todays quote "if you want to see a rainbow...you have to stand a little rain(the nitty gritty dirt band)

Greetings from Sloan at 7:30 am

sitting in a lounge on the 5th floor...signs everywhere "best cancer care anywhere" feel so sureal....surgery went as well as could be expected,,,,now we wait a few days for additional biospy results....
looks like i have two options that may play out 1. loose the bladder and reconstruct one using my intestine..( how freaking cool is that) or 2. chemotherpy to rid it from my body,,,will not know this for a few days.......had to wait in waiting room hours in a gown for 4.5 hours due to a operation room shortage,,,,,got in to bed at around 9insh still did not eat or drink all day...finally a TV dinner arrives at 11 o'clock i think it was salisbury steak ... a tv dinner... have not had one in a long time ...it was invented in 1954 i think the same year i was born..man i have come a long way,,,my suite mate was a snorer and i almost pulled his plug but i thought better of it.....just had a new york bagel thanks to susan this morning..did not get much sleep n here and when i did they woke me to check my vitals...go figure....well at least they pulled the tube out of me....try turning over with that inside you...
thanks for all the great comments.....will make a good book someday
tom..later my friends...will be home sometime today

WED-Day of Reckoning?

thanks to a friend of Ayelets I did get an answer to where the term "fit to a t" comes from and I will post that soon...bet you all cannot wait for that answer..but i have to keep you guessing.
well there is no more guessing on the results of the ct & bone scans they looked good according to dr steckel from north shore hospital (he was sent a copy along with my dr russo from sloan) two eyes are better than one i must say. what i think that means is it has not spread to vital organs or bone and is contained in the bladder (still not sure about the lymph nodes yet...more on that tomorrow.......
I have to say that i feel my life is like a reality e-mail show and a little like the truman show....it is fun seeing neighbors on the street and they are asking me hows was the concert or why were you congradulating ellen or who is that kaminsky girl with all the great statements...maybe i am on to something here .... the first electronic reality internet show...just grab a box of popcorn and enjoy the ride....ah who am i kidding once i am cured of this i will have to go back being just an ordinary has been ...but once you have tasted the lime light it is so hard to go back to being just......normal....i think i will have to invent things to write about like that amazing hang nail i have or the huge pimple that has taken on a life of its own...but for now its nothing to eat or drink after midnight again...iv in the arm around 3:15 pm lala land around 3:16.....up periscope......................to be con't

"Tuesday with Tommy"

wow... blown away by the response of " it's not about the shoes"

Just went to an amazing concert last night BoB Weirs Band Rat Dog just tore it up .....lots of grateful dead tunes saw the show with my kids...singing along to every song...they were so happy to be with their almost famous pops....got to thinking about all this and what it has meant and done to my family and friends ...how completely honest everyone has been with their feelings ..to see all of us out there in a world where most people get through the day without ever understanding the true value of this life...most people do not even realize that a simple smile or a pleasant word can have a profound effect on someones day. I am telling you now ....no i am asking all of you to think of all the good times we have had as friends and family place that smile on your lips today and carry it with you..... always
I will be going in on wednesday for another look see as to what is going on ...i expect to have some news by thursday...my journal will have a ghost writer on wednesday if i am unable to find a computer

It's not about the shoes

no offense to lance armstrong but the above statement come directly from his amazing book "its not about the bike" you see he was asked if he could choose between having cancer and beating it or winning the tour de france he said having cancer and beating it...imagine that he choose to have cancer ...amazing statement.. one that i hope will be my greatest achievement.....not opening my own leather shop at 25 years old.....not having two wonderful children and a 25 year marriage..not being sales manager of a successful footwear company ...not playing competitive softball for over 35 years...not coaching championship baseball, basketball and soccer teams.... but to have and beat something that is invading my body and trying to remove me from this planet and all its beauty...it will not deprive me of watching my children become adults and build their own lives.....of the mets one day winning it all ( and if that happens i swear my son and I will be at the game)..to watch my daughter teach others the true meaning of courage and the role model my wife has been to all who know her story ........it will be an absolute honor to kick this out of my body..........i will carry myself with the dignity and the strength my parents had when they were striken at such a young age. i will learn from my friends that my life was and is worth livimg that i have made a diifference in their lives and for that I am forever grateful for the respect and love that has be given to me. where ever my road leads me... know you can bet that i will not be traveling alone....i feel each and everyone of you holding my heart in your hands....
i love you
tom

"saturday in the park"

Had a blast last night ..good times with some good friends...But enough about me....I would like to talk about you...if you are reading this blog you must be a person that I really care about and think the world of...so pat yourself on the back today you earned it...you see I have made it my business only to surround myself with people of substance...people who care ...and people who make a difference..and you my friends and family fit the bill to a T (cannot figure out where that statement comes frome ...to a T) if anyone knows please fill me in...

oh yeah love the banter on the comments and the way you guys are talkng to each other....so many people read it and send comments to my home account and thats cool also.... this has been a great dirversion for me and helps me on my journey,,,
love you all
tom......congrats to Ellen on the great news....go jets....

Tom Cheffo's "walk in the park"

HI ALL i always feel that my fingers are too big to type on a lapptop but i will give it a shot...speaking of a shot got to give blood again today i tell you there cannot be much left,,,,so i get into the room for pre-op and the nurse says something to me and i think she says take off your pants leave the tee on ,,gown tied in the front ..so i come out just a gown and tee shirt....she laughs and says er,,,the other way around leave the pants on but remove the tee..and i sad i was so used to removing my pants through all this it was out of habit...got a good laugh....ekg ..passed again,,,chest xray...all ok.....dammit i guess i have to have that surgery on wed......its is in their hands now..... and i told them...many people are counting on them so do not screw it up.....
have a great fri nite......seE ya mananA....TOM