More Baseball and the Desert

Wednesday was another good day of baseball followed by a trip to the desert for a little hiking at Lost Dutchman State Park.  Mike had contacted the Cubs front office and arranged some time on the field before the game. The host gave some behind-the-scenes info and the boys were able to wander around at their leisure.  What a kick!  The weather was fantastic and it was a great day all around. 

Happy Boys

Mike & Clancy @

Goodyear Ballpark, Goodyear, AZ

Spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds & Cleveland Indians

Tuesday was a beautiful, sunny Arizona day.  The boys watched Mike's favorite team, the Reds, at their home park in Goodyear.  Joey Votto, last year's NL MVP had four RBI's.  Wednesday, it's back to the best park in the Cactus League to see the Cubs vs A's.  It should be a little warmer and a great day for baseball.

Spring Training in Phoenix

Hohokam Park, Mesa, AZ

Spring Training Home of the Chicago Cubs

It's Spring Training time in Phoenix and Clancy is there for a week of warm weather and lots of baseball.  Sunday he got to see his beloved Cubs defeat the San Francisco Giants at Hohokam Park 3-2 in 10 innings.  It was an overcast, but warm day.  Monday, he and Pastor Mike (formerly MHP136) were set to see the Reds and Mariners game.  It was not be as the game was rained out.  Yes, rained out in Arizona!  They'll try again Tuesday when the Reds take on the A's.  Wednesday, it's Cubs vs A's.  More updates to follow.

"It's never too early to boo the Mets."  -- Harry Caray 

A Struggle

The days are a struggle as Clancy is anxious to regain strength and stamina, but it just isn't coming back as quickly as he would like.  All medical signs are still excellent, but the last round of treatment really put him in a hole.  He continues to work partial days and that is an excellent way to keep his mind in the proper place.  Hopefully, he will adjust to the maintenance medications.  His energy level will increase.  He will start sleeping well and things will move in a better direction.

Back at It

This week finds Clancy trying to regain his strength and stamina.  He's been working up to 4 hours a day on administrative duties, getting in some time on the treadmill and trying to regain his appreciation for food.  The chemo took away much of his sense of smell and taste.  Combine that with a metallic/solvent taste in his mouth and there's little enjoyment in eating.   Unfortunately, one thing that seems to taste natural is sugar.  Spicy foods are also tasting good these days.  Everything else has texture, but little taste.  Hopefully, it's only temporary and he will regain things fully.

For those of you who have suffered long enough with winter remember: spring training baseball has begun, Little League & Babe Ruth baseball will be holding tryouts soon and the Griz start spring drills on the 21st.  Have faith, the snow will melt one day. 

Clancy has set up a bracket contest for March Madness.  You don't even need to know anything about college basketball or use your real name!  Please join us:   http://madmt.mayhem.cbssports.com/e  Our group password is:  nocancer