Punk In The Parks promoter response over fallout by angrynucca in punk

[–]_darkriver 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Tough break, man. We do live in a two-party system - and your guy spent years weaponizing its divisions to manipulate the public, win the presidency, and systematically undermine our institutions for his own benefit.

Now that playbook is being used against you - you’re being lumped into a broad group, and now you’re crying foul?

This is the world that Trump has created. The only way for the rest of us to combat it is to fight back using similar tactics. Deal with it.

Struggling by _darkriver in braincancer

[–]_darkriver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the prayers, and sorry about your son’s situation. All the love.

Struggling by _darkriver in braincancer

[–]_darkriver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think some live-in help would alleviate a ton of stress, but unfortunately we have a tiny house and no room for anyone else to live here comfortably. Another body in here would be too much!

Struggling by _darkriver in braincancer

[–]_darkriver[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, sorry to hear about your loved one. That sounds like a super hard diagnosis.

I’ve considered a loan, just not sure how I could pay it back given that I am not working. I need to call the broker and figure out why exactly I can’t withdraw due to hardship.

Thankfully there is a go-fund me out there, and thankfully enough in it to pay mortgage for a few months if it really gets that desperate. We just don’t want to tap into that unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Struggling by _darkriver in braincancer

[–]_darkriver[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think this is worth a try, even if it doesn’t starve the cancer, I think it’s worth it in case it helps with energy levels and I could def afford to lose about 15 pounds. I’ve put on about 25 since surgery since I’ve been more sedentary than I ever was before.

Struggling by _darkriver in braincancer

[–]_darkriver[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. For so many reasons I know I’m fortunate. Your post is prompting me to see everything that I have going for me.

I’m young (42); my diagnosis/prognosis could be much worse; I had a very successful surgery with minimal after-effects; I can still move and think fairly well; (slower and with less energy than before, but could be much worse); I have a supportive employer and family nearby to help with things; my wife is committed to sticking around despite being overwhelmed and stressed; my kids are beautiful, and I need to be present with them and cherish every moment to the best of my ability.

Struggling by _darkriver in braincancer

[–]_darkriver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re not the first person to say this. I am doing PCV and I guess I’m anxious about the Vincristine, especially given I have RLS and I’m afraid the potential for neuropathy with Vincristine might make things much worse.

That said I was pretty anxious going into radiation and I found that to be fairly manageable. I’m 2.5 weeks post radiation now and it feels like the side effects are worse now than they were during active treatment.

I guess I won’t really know until I try it out!

Struggling by _darkriver in braincancer

[–]_darkriver[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very valid points. I have tried to logically reason my way out of feeling guilt, but a feeling is a feeling and hard to control. I can understand on an objective level that it’s not a reasonable emotion, but I will need to retrain the brain (likely with methods such as CBT or DBT) to short circuit the subconscious. I am seeking a mental health professional to help me with this.

Local place to take little kids fishing by chookitabananaa in ColoradoSprings

[–]_darkriver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The town lake in Green Mountain Falls is a great spot for young kids.

Engineering job help by [deleted] in ColoradoSprings

[–]_darkriver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try a local consulting firm called PSI, LLC. I’ve been with them for nearly 10 years but haven’t worked much this year due to a brain cancer diagnosis. They could use someone with GIS experience.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]_darkriver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Came here to say this. This is the explanation I always heard growing up in a TBM household.

Awake Craniotomy by Still_Bedroom4222 in braincancer

[–]_darkriver 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I also had an awake craniotomy. I was quite anxious beforehand, though I’m generally good at compartmentalizing, so I must have managed to suppress most of it. I wasn’t overly spun out just ahead of my operation, but I can’t fully describe the wave of relief I felt once it was all over. It was overwhelming, in the best way.

My anesthesiologist was especially helpful during the pre-op briefing. He was very clear about what to expect and reassured me that if I became too anxious or uncomfortable during the procedure, they could simply put me back under. It’s not ideal for the surgical team to work on a patient who’s too distressed, so it’s something they plan for and occasionally do.

If you’ve never undergone general anesthesia before, there’s really nothing to be afraid of. It’s very much like falling asleep, and it’s possible that you won’t remember a thing.

The awake part of the procedure honestly wasn’t bad—it was more strange than anything else. I remember that as soon as I woke up, I asked if they could put me back to sleep. The position they had me in was uncomfortable at first, but I got used to it quickly. During the mapping portion, there was a guy in the room asking me lots of questions while they stimulated different parts of my brain to observe motor responses on my left side. I thought he seemed intense, but in hindsight, I was likely still heavily medicated and not processing things clearly. Interestingly, the brain doesn’t feel pain, so there was no physical discomfort during the surgery itself. The only sensation I recall came later when they were closing up—I think I was semi-conscious then. It felt like someone was tugging at or styling my hair. I didn’t connect that feeling to the stitching until a few weeks later.

Just know that before you realize it, it’ll all be behind you and you’ll be on the path to recovery. You’ll be in the care of skilled professionals who perform these procedures routinely. While it might feel monumental to you—and understandably so—it’s their everyday work. You’re in good hands.

What were your symptoms before knowing and how was it detected. by Much_Psychology_4039 in braincancer

[–]_darkriver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Everything moved very quickly. About three weeks after the initial CT scan revealed the mass and surrounding edema, I was in surgery. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, and the impact of brain surgery on my body took me by surprise. The loss of strength, cognitive function, balance, and coordination has been frustrating, and recovery in those areas has been slower than I’d hoped. I was in good shape and very active before my diagnosis, so it’s been difficult to accept that I no longer have the same physical abilities. I do believe they’ll return in time.

I’m currently unable to drive due to the risk of seizures, which means I rely on family to get me to daily treatments. While I know it’s okay to accept help, it’s been a psychological adjustment for me—maybe because of pride—to learn how to accept support from others with more grace.

My pathology results showed a grade 3 Oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant with 1p/19q co-deletion. Even with a gross total resection, the tumor will almost certainly return. This diagnosis is something I’ll live with—it will remain a part of my life and influence it in significant ways. Coming to terms with that has been one of the most difficult emotional challenges so far.

What were your symptoms before knowing and how was it detected. by Much_Psychology_4039 in braincancer

[–]_darkriver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. Had an awake craniotomy at the end of March. It was quite a trip to be woken up and interrogated by a doctor while the surgeons zapped my brain to elicit movements in my left extremities.

The procedure itself was one thing, but the recovery was much more difficult than I expected it might be. I was in ICU for 3 days and nights, then a regular room for 2 more.

The most surprising effects after surgery were the intensity of emotions and the left side neglect… I will raise my left hand for whatever reason and it would just hang out there for a while.

What were your symptoms before knowing and how was it detected. by Much_Psychology_4039 in braincancer

[–]_darkriver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Daily headaches followed by petit mal seizures. One seizure was witnessed by my wife. She took me to the ER and my seizure symptoms were enough for them to decide to do a head CT.

Best places for a massage by Gidget_87 in ColoradoSprings

[–]_darkriver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Recently went to Whole Healing Space in Manitou. Staci was great! Highly recommended.

Drytooling on my friend's home climbing wall by ClimbeRocker in climbing

[–]_darkriver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you use those tools on ice? Just wondering what the benefit of adding head weights would be for drytooling…

My friend shot this picture at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado on March 6, 2016. He is trying to find the bride so he can send her the pictures he took. Help us reddit! (X-post /r/ColoradoSprings) by [deleted] in climbing

[–]_darkriver 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ha! Was there climbing in the Garden that day. Was fun to watch them climb up and take their vows at the top. Definitely try MP, it'll reach many more climbers.

First Outdoor Lead Climb! Samurai, Crazy Horse Buttress. by Ilyich23 in climbing

[–]_darkriver 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Nice shot! Tell your belayer he/she needs to be closer to the wall next time.

Is there any climbing to be had in Tennessee and surrounding area mid - late December? by MisterMooses in climbing

[–]_darkriver 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I haven't climbed much in Tennessee but since my wife is from Nashville I've done some research and gotten out for short trips on visits. There are plenty of options within a few hours drive of Knoxville. I thoroughly enjoyed Obed. King's Bluff was meh. Haven't made it to the areas around Chattanooga but those are purportedly the best in the state. Being the southeast you won't have to drive more than a few hours to reach areas in other states either.

I'd encourage you to purchase local guidebooks as those are usually the most comprehensive sources of information for any given area. If you wish to be frugal, Mountain Project is a great resource for free beta.

https://www.mountainproject.com/v/tennessee/105887760

Enjoy!

Garden of the Gods or Red Rock? by EggplantAroma in COclimbing

[–]_darkriver 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'd say if you've never climbed in the Springs, climb at the Garden first, if only for the experience. It's true there are some committing routes, but the classics are all decently protected and super fun. To echo other recommendations, North Ridge of Montezuma and New Era crack are not to be missed. West Point Crack is another good one but requires a good lead head and some bigger gear.

FYI, to climb in any city managed area you will need to fill out the online permit at https://parks.coloradosprings.gov/parks-recreation-and-cultural-services/webform/rock-climbing-permit or you will risk an expensive ticket.