Four years ago at the encouragement and urging of longtime friend, Mike Burke, the technology expertise from our daughter-in-law Margaret, and Diane’s willingness to co-edit entries, post each article, and navigate the public website www.gordyandthe4thquarter.blog became a reality. My audience of “fourth quarter” readers are my focus, but I never seriously considered myself a “fourth quarter” member. Sure, I’m almost 78, but me Gordy Taylor, frustrated jock, actually in the 7th or 8th inning or marching down the football field with a mere 10 or 11 minutes left to play in the game? Can’t be, couldn’t be, but recent events have made it clear that not only could it be but without a doubt I’m in that final quarter of life.
Allow me to catch you up on why I am a “Fourth Quarter” member, and it is not mere years of the calendar.
September 5th-16th: Celebrated our 55th wedding anniversary by visiting Prague followed by a Viking Danube River Cruise from Regensburg, Germany to Budapest, Hungary. Traveling with Ruth & Steve, Diane’s SIL & BIL, was extra special. The trip exceeded our expectations. If we can give you any advice or encouragement, if you have been putting off travelling—don’t. Make plans and don’t look back.
September 20th: Total right knee replacement outpatient surgery in Springfield, IL. Played too many sports for too many years but all worth it. Physical therapy followed. Slowly the knee began to bend more as the weeks passed.
October 13th: While my knee and mobility were improving, I was more fatigued, coughing up mucus, and had a temperature. Started oral antibiotics but didn’t improve.
October 25th-30th: Ole Gordy was not functioning 100% or anything above 80%, so off to McDonough District Hospital’s Emergency Department where I was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. After days of getting antibiotics through an IV, I was well enough to return home.
Now it is important to “my story” to add something here. In 2010 I had 5 days a week for 7 weeks radiation blasts in two areas of my throat to get rid of a base of tongue cancerous tumor. Hooray, at the end, the tumor was eradicated. However, as Diane says, “radiation is a gift that keeps on giving.” It compromised my ability to swallow, the back of my tongue is not pliable, and the epiglottis, the flap in the throat that prevents food and water from entering the trachea and lungs, is weaker now that I’m in the 4th quarter. When I eat or drink, particles go into my lungs all the time which has resulted in my lung condition called bronchiectasis (airwaves fill up with mucus).
October 30th: I’m home but I need to increase my walking and push myself so that my knee replacement is successful. Did you know that even when dismissed from a hospital and still take oral antibiotics that people still have pneumonia in their lungs? I didn’t, but I know now.
December 30th: After a delightful Christmas visit with Ryan, Margaret, and 5-year-old Danny, I felt a malaise, no appetite, coughing more so back on two very strong oral antibiotics after a doctor’s visit. Surely, this will do the trick.
January 6th: I looked at “Dr. Diane” who was very concerned and worried and she said, “Gord, we have to go the ER again.” I knew she was right. Aspiration pneumonia again in both lungs AND sepsis which I’m told is very serious. I am thankful and grateful Diane insisted we go because the ER doctor said that the longer sepsis is untreated the more likely the outcome can be fatal. Once again, I was in the hospital with IV’s and oxygen. Now this is getting old for me. I asked the hospitalist what I could do to stop getting aspiration pneumonia since every case is getting worse than the last which eventually would be terminal. Her reply was brief and direct: “Stop eating and drinking by mouth.” I couldn’t believe it, but of course I could.
January 12th: Her diagnosis meant a return to a gastric-feeding tube (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) or PEG like I had when treated for cancer in 2010 when I couldn’t eat or drink anything. I had the surgery in the afternoon. This means PEG is a part of my life and this is horrible, ghastly, life changing, and forever. No more popcorn, Diet Coke, pizza, Dairy Queen, or anything else that enters my body by mouth including water, milk, and wine. PEG sticks out from my stomach adjacent to my belly button. I consume 9 cartons of Jevity 1.2 which amounts to roughly 2,300 calories per day by pouring it down the tube. We are grateful we travelled to all the places on our wish list because taking a week’s worth of “food” results in 63 cartons—rather difficult to take on a plane or a ship.
This is life-changing for Diane also. Like most of us in the 4th quarter, our social life is going out for meals, sharing meals with friends, and just the enjoyment of sharing a glass or two of wine. The first time with PEG, it was necessary to get nutrition and meds during the cancer journey. BUT there was an ending to this. Now it is forever. She feels terrible eating in front of me because she is my caring and loving partner who is very empathetic, but she must continue to get nourishment. After all she is my Dr. Diane. Thanks to her for always taking care of me.
When I was discharged, I had both PEG but also an oxygen machine with yards and yards of tubing so that wherever I went, I was getting oxygen adjusted from 1-2 liters depending on my level of activity. Some of this discussion is way over my head but thankfully Diane has a handle on what to do and how to do it. I cannot express how much I have depended on her for all of this medical information and multiple appointments. I spent almost a full month hooked up to oxygen approximately 23 hours a day as I slept, walked a little, and slept some more. Sepsis and pneumonia make for a nasty tag team; I remain weak and compromised but thankfully am better.
Add to this PEG which requires four feedings a.k.a. “meals” a day, so I sit on the couch as I pour product into the tubing that enters directly into my stomach. Remember, nothing enters my mouth. I do stand over a sink and wash water around in my mouth then spit it out–not a pretty sight. Diane has to endure all this. While my situation is not to be envied, it is also extremely difficult to be the spouse watching all this unfold, knowing you absolutely have to eat enough to keep up your strength. Diane has lost weight and needs to eat in order to maintain her health. I worry about her. My weight has gone from 151 to 156, and I need to get up to 165 or so.
In our meeting with my doctor, he said that while this is all good news, the journey is not yet over. My doctors in concert with one another told us that the healing from my pneumonia will take months and patience is extremely important; I am attempting to deal with that issue. Specifically, while I have been dealing with this since mid-September, I have only really been in recovery since the tandem of oxygen at home and insertion of PEG began on January 12th.
Our odyssey has been made bearable by all our dear family and friends who have been there to support us these past few months. All of this has made it clear that I am clearly in that veritable Fourth Quarter and now just want to extend it as long as possible as Diane and I have many memories yet to create for ourselves, our family, and our friends. The possibility of getting aspiration pneumonia has decreased immeasurably. That’s good news! While PEG is no walk in the park, it does allow me to keep moving forward on my journey through life. The key word is LIFE. The obvious decision if I wanted to live was to get the surgery. We all know people who never got the chance to make the decision to live or die—I did.
Finally, I met Diane on April 1,1967 (yes, April Fool’s Day), and had the good fortune she wanted to marry me on August 31, 1968. Little did I know she would be not only the “love of my life” for all the good times but my savior in these most challenging of times as well. We both have gone through some “down” times emotionally and psychologically since September, but we remind ourselves to take it one day at a time. The Fourth Quarter continues…
Gordy and the Fourth Quarter 
Keep looking up and before long you will be back walking the beach!
We love you both, and are happy to hear that your pneumonia symptoms are subsiding, and your feeding tube is going better. Hang in there. We are here for you guys for anything.
Tony and Kathy ( lefty) Espo
love you
So sorry to hear of the struggle, Gordy and Diane. What a journey. Take care of yourselves and each other. Know that you are loved and keep in touch. Prayers lifted up always.
What a special tribute, with your challenging issues, and love story. Praying that you and Diane, after the upcoming doc appointments, can make it out to Marco Island. 4th quarter, heck you’re going to overtime – just don’t mess up the rules like the 49ers did in the SB!
Sending you and Dr Diane so much love. Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us.
Hi Gordy. I continue to admire your willingness to share your health journey with us. You have had a very positive influence on those you have come in contact with through the years. Of course, we’ll continue to pray for you and Diane.
Great to hear from you Gordy. You sound so positive! See you in Marco soon.
Always the storytellers the two of you are…the good, the bad and the ugly. And through it all you find grace, love and a sprinkle of humor. We love you both and are thinking about you as you continue to “March down the field!”
❤️🙏🏻😘❤️
Always the storytellers the two of you are…the good, the bad and the ugly. And through it all you find grace, love and a sprinkle of humor. We love you both and are thinking about you as you continue to “March down the field!”
❤️🙏🏻😘❤️
Love you Gordy! My teacher, coach, mentor, friend! Eating is overrated.. just ask the 9 million people on Ozempic. 🙄🫣🙃
Gordy, you are a true warrior! And you are truly blessed to have Diane by your side through all of this. When you find your true soulmate, you are always better together. Whether it’s good times or times of struggle, you’ll always be better together!
You have definitely been challenged lately. Sepsis is nothing to mess around with and can drain a person. Tom had it in July and is just now starting to feel well. His was caused from a bad gallbladder. Take care of yourself. You are an inspiration in taking what life throws at you. Praying for you and Diane. You are right the caregiver needs to take good care of herself too. Enjoy your time in Florida.
Great seeing you and the real “Doctor” Taylor (Diane) in Macomb last week. You are our model Valentine’s Day couple. Keep getting your strength back!!!!
Gordy, your LIFE makes our lives better!!
Hang in there Gordy Good luck to you both. Berg expects to play golf with you come Spring
I am so sorry you have gone through all of this but in true Gordy fashion, you are matter of fact and straight forward. Keep kicking that ball down the field, your game is far from over.
Gordy- While I know you have truly endured the ups and downs over the last years, I admire you more and more each day. You have been up and you have been down, but if there is any person in this world who sees the highs, the ups and the good, you, Mr. Taylor, are truly that man. Hold your head high, hug your family, and know that those of us who are not blood related still consider you family! Jill
Thanks for being honest and to the point with what is going on in your life. Thanks for Dr Diane being there through all this. You do have a beautiful “Gem” in Diane. You both will be in my daily prayers.
Gordy and Diane,
Under Diane’s care you will be back to playing 160 lb. Football in no time. Make sure you wear a brace on that knee. And the best part, with all her training you have your own personal trainer on the sideline! Thanks for sharing your journey (and Diane’s) with us…it helps inspire all of us to face the challenges that lie ahead! God Bless
So sorry to hear this guys. Gordy you have always been an inspiration to me on your fights with adversity. You have always passed on great advice on living and getting the most out of this world. You may be in the fourth quarter, but your fourth quarter will be stretched into double overtime or more. Faye and I send our Love and Prayers for you and Diane. If you need a laugh or just want to pass some time yacking it up give me a buzz anytime.
Much Love
Larry and Faye Falzone
I think everyone reading this is grateful that you had the option of choosing life – and you did. As you said above, “We all know people who never got the chance to make the decision . . . .” I appreciate your honest and candid communication and admire Diane’s loving care and awareness of what needs to be done. Many blessings and a fifth quarter to you both.
A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances. You are the most positive person I know.
PS. Eating is overrated ~ just ask the 9 million people on Ozempic! 🤦🏼♀️
I love you, G! Always have. Always will. 💙
Sounds like you’re in good hands and have good spirits! I’ll stop moaning about how bored I am sitting around recovering from rotator cuff surgery. Yours is definitely a harder thing to deal with. Meredith could definitely compare notes with Diane being the caregiver. Keep on keeping on Gordy! And remember, all games have the possibility of overtime!🤔😏
Take care and stay strong, Gordy and Diane. Hope to see you when I visit Macomb in late April. –
Gordy my BROTHER! Keep noticing your blessings! Bill Briggs
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone Get Outlook for Androidhttps://aka.ms/AAb9ysg ________________________________
Our lives are so precious! You are loved by so many and most importantly by Our Lord. We keep you and Diane in our prayers for continued improvement, courage and comfort. 💕 Love you both.
Our lives are so precious! You are loved by so many and most importantly by Our Lord. You and Diane are in our prayers for continued improvement, courage and comfort. 💕
I
Gordy, I want the ball in your hands to take winning shot in triple overtime. You are a Champion and Dr. Diane is a “Hall of Fame” coach. What a great team.
Gordy – Continued thoughts and prayers to you and Diane.
Oh, Gordy and Diane! What a journey! What challenges! You have been such an inspiration in your sharing your story! Our mantra as we age is “it is what it is” and, like you, we do what we can to improve/maintain and cause no harm. Big HUGS to you both.
Inspiration
Gordy I often think it is important to share your expereiences to include medical not for braggadocio, sympathy but instead to inspire those around us. Often time people aren’t aware of just how strong they can be. You and Diane set an extrmely poweful model. Thank you both for that and evolving to be a part of Kathy & my life.
Al & Kathy Funck.
Hi buddy. What’s all this talk about? It was only a couple of years ago that you tried to take my legs off with that lawnmower and now we are a couple of old farts. I often talk with Jim McArdle and conversation seems to revert to “everything is normal and then we wake up with 30 seconds left in the 4th quarter”. It must be some cosmic joke. Keep plugging away old friend I’m right behind you. I’ll see you at the youth center. Angie and I send our love and prayers.
Gordy, I’ve always admired you and your sticktoativeness (is that a word?) through all of these trials, and thank God for Diane. In the picture you look like you’re wearing one of my shirts (size XXL). I’d like to give you 10 pounds or more. I’ll be sending good thoughts to you and Diane. Hang in there!
Hi Gordy and Diane, you both are an inspiration to all o us, but especially those of us in the 4th quarter club. Keep on going forward, that pony is there and her name is Diane.
Kathi C
And I just thought you didn’t want to meet Brian, Mark and I at the Island Gypsy Cafe.😁 Seriously, you are missed down here and hope you and the good doctor can still make it to Marco this season. The two of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Just another speed bump in the journey Gordy . You are blessed with a loving wife to help you through it . I hope your sense of humor stays intact ! Of course one of my first thoughts was can you pour wine thru the G tube !
Hi Gordy, you truly an inspiration to all of us in the 4th quarter. I know Diane is the best Dr you have had. Love you both and pray for you daily ❤️keep up that optimism that you two have always shown🙏🏼
Hi Gordy, that was an incredible enlightening story thanks for sharing! I hope you are feeling better these days as well! This is from one of your worst students Randy Vernetti! Even though you were by far my best teacher at WIU!! Unfortunately, I had my mind on other things during those fantastic 4 years in Macomb!! I look forward to enjoying your podcasts, all the best Gordy!!
Randy
Hi Gordy, So, Jim Dietz and I won’t be dropping in with generic beer like we used to. But you are a warrior. And I wish you all the best.
Terry Newell
My prayers are with you both!
Hi Gordy, Just checking in to wish you continued strength and good days as you recuperate! Your ears might be ringing in a few weeks! A few of us DZs are getting together in Florida and we will be talking about you and the good old days at WIU!
Wishing you well! Muriel Larson Cozzi (John Raatjes’ niece)
Ole Gordy,
You and Diane have been through more than any couple ever should. Your fight amazes us as you continue to beat the odds. I’m told that attitude is everything, and yours has served you well.
You may be in the 4th quarter, but you’ve got some OTs ahead!
Keep up the good fight and keep those blogs coming.
Maybe someday, you will be able to graduate from TKE pledge to active!
You know I’m your biggest fan.
Raff
Dearest Gordy and Diane: We remain in awe of your positive perspective and drive, as you confront, and beat, each challenge you face. Please know that each of us pray for you, support you and stand ready to assist you both– in any way you may need.
Stay strong – Scott
Hello Gordy and Diane,
You always write a beautiful story and are willing to share it. Thank you! It is helpful to me as I make my own journey with MDS that has begun to progress in the last few months.
You two are an amazing team with a supportive family and many dear friends. I wish you the very best on your journey. I am grateful to have my dear sister Linda, my children, and friends for much needed support.
We are fortunate to have many blessings in this 4th quarter!
Gordy, I still remember the note you wrote to me when TJ passed; in fact, I am pretty sure that I still have it. It was a special one, for sure. I thought Diane was the English teacher but you are a gifted writer, as well.
You and Diane will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Penny
Hello Gordy – Thank you for sharing your story and choosing life. We need you in this world a little longer to keep it a brighter place and to inspire others as you and Diane do routinely. I am amazed by your resilience and appreciate your candidness as it helps others who have health care struggles. Keep those adventures going, and thankful that Diane is your very capable editor and long time life partner!
Much love to you and Diane. Life is a blessing and one you both choose time and again. Thank you for sharing your stories.
Hey Gordy and Diane,
Sending my love and hugs to both of you! Sure wish i lived nearby so that i could spend some quality time or help out in some way! i would make sure that we turned those liquid meals into some kind of happy hour. Better yet! i would cook you a meal! since i can only stir fry, steam, microwave or air fry, you would learn that your liquid meal is better than anything i could make!
I am always grateful to read your journal/blog. Keep them coming!
Gordy,
You have been through a lot, and still have a lot going on. You are a warrior. Prayers to God for health blessings, and blessings to Diane, your Godsend.
Always appreciate and enjoy your WIU and personal communication insights. Looking forward to positive updates in 2024