Roost

My last post was too long, to wrap it up, I saw my oncologist this week and though my tumor is no longer visible on my MRI. and my recent PET/CT scan shows no cancerous activity in my body, the maintenance plan is to put me back on the chemo pills( mbruvica) and the Celebrex to combat the muscle and joint pain side effects. In addition I will get Rituxan immunotherapy infusions once a month as well as a steroid infusion monthly. The plan is a 2 year plan I was a little deflated upon hearing all of this, but this team brought me back from the brink of death, along with my stubborn persistence and fortitude, so I will heed their advice and move forward all while continuing to meditate and visualize a perfectly healthy new ME. Mind over body. My keep swimming t shirt is one of several new mantras for me.

Some selfies from the past few days. I’ve had a bumpy few days digesting what lies ahead of me emerging from this dark tunnel of my cancer diagnosis some 16 months ago. I think I surprised everyone, my friends, my family, my followers, my doctors, and myself included. My first oncologist came clean with me once I was stabilized and showing a positive response to my oral chemo meds. He told me when I entered the hospital the team was not sure if I would last throughout the week, once they biopsies my tumor and identified it as cancerous he said their goal was to get me a few more months, maybe some time to take care of communicating with my family and loved ones. I kept fighting and refusing to take an early exit. All I could really do for the first couple of months was eat, sleep, struggle with my walker to make it to the bathroom and try to keep positive thoughts in my head. Once I was transferred to the nursing home and started my every other week in the hospital getting my chemo treatments, I felt a little more hopeful. I was still suffering the effects of the partial paralysis of my left side, dragging my leg and having very little strength or grasping my hand. I’ve always been fiercely independent so I insisted on showering myself unassisted using a bench in the shower and taking a much longer time to dry off and get dressed. I didn’t have the balance to stand and get dressed and putting on my socks was the hardest part of my day, but I pushed through and did it. I would walk the halls of the rehab facilities and have the staff open the stairwells so I could force myself to struggle up and down the stairs. I would fatigue myself daily. Once the weather broke and I finally was steady enough without a walker, I would go outside and walk one square block around the neighborhood and then back to my room to collapse into bed. I watched a lot of bad television, lots of game shows, all of the raiders of the lost ark movies and every Wayne”the Rock” Johnson movie you could imagine. As soon as I was able to leave the facility I would take an Uber to Andersonville and sit outside on the bench next to what once was my storefront. I was happy for the hours of normalcy.

The only things I ever parented were 2 cats for over 20 years, so technically I’ve never been a biological father. At a young age I spent much time babysitting my first nephew and niece and did a lot of things a parent would do, feed, bathe, put to bed encourage, support, help with dance preparations etc. I am the father of my creations and projects and most of my life had to father myself as my father was not present. I’ve had some great mentors who fulfilled fathering duties and made up for what I was missing. I found this Daddy hat today at my local thrift store and felt obligated to buy it in honor of the day and because I thought it funny. I am of the age where I could be termed a daddy and im@ok with that. Happy Father’s Day to all the men in my life who are fathers and specifically fathers who rose to the occasion to take care of their children. I applaud you all.

Throwing this new piece on here to drum up more interest for my new store called FOLK. Please take the time to give us a follow . This table is a trestle style and can seat up to 8 comfortably. 60”L x 30”W x 30”H-$375.

For those of you following me here still, please remember to find me at my new location, at 5668 N Clark St. This beautiful Danish table now on the shop floor. She has two sliding leaves 17”W each. Table measures 48” W x 33”D x 30”H. Beautiful teak finish. With leaves extended table measures 82” W. Simple clean lines and would work with virtually any interior. $425.

This is my new stamped bracelet, thanks to Amanda of .the date 04/23/24 signifies when my oncologist informed me that there was no longer visible evidence of a tumor in my brain. I’m still finding it hard to believe myself, but graciously accepting this good news. It’s been a long , difficult journey from 02/07/23 when I was first diagnosed. I have one more test on the 20th of this month to ensure there was no spreading of my cancer, and then have to schedule to have my port removed. Thank you all for following me on this health journey and for all the support in the many forms in which it came. No one can ever accuse me of not being a fighter or stubborn or determined. **kcancer

Beautiful rustic hutch. Soft, worn, perfect patina! Would make an excellent pantry or linen closet. 50”W x 21”D x 77” H. $495

Took this pic this morning before going to Tweet for some delicious chilaquiles. I then went to Northwestern Medical for a blood draw and was meant to get a PET scan today, but the office failed to inform me of the no food or beverages other than water 4 hours prior to the scan, so that will be next week. On a very happy note, I had a follow up visit with my oncologist and he went over the results from my MRI i had on the 15th. There is no longer visible evidence of a tumor in my brain. I was and am still in a state of disbelief. I held it together until I got to the car in the parking garage. And then the tears came. The waiting and wondering and moments of fear and worry a self doubt all came crashing to a halt. All the prayers, meditations, positive energy that was delivered was heard and honored. Thanks to each and every one of you that has helped me through this saga. It’s been a long journey, but what a life changing ride!

I decided to get dressed a bit and shed the winter beanie in exchange for a fedora. I needed to do something to try to boost my spirit. If you look good, you feel good. I’ve been out of the hospital for a little over 2 weeks and feel surprisingly well, all things considered. This has been a long year with many struggles, many life changes, and many victories. As difficult as it all has been I have learned a lot about myself and my ability to rise above what seemed the insurmountable. I’m patiently awaiting my next MRI which will let me know if the stem cell transplant was a success and that my tumor is eradicated.. I am only thinking of the best possible outcome. It’s been my mode of operation since my initial diagnosis a year ago. A positive outlook saved my life and has gotten me this far. To anyone who is struggling with any life drama, please breathe and realize you are more powerful than you think, you can put yourself in the driver’s seat of your health and mental well being. Have faith, whatever that may mean to you. I will come out on the other side of this ordeal a healthier, more positive, self realized individual, and for that I give thanks for what fire I had to walk through to get here. Thank you all who have been following me, I felt like I owed you this post. **kcancer

Got this hoodie in Ocean Beach on Wednesday. It is very tracking for me. I love hoodies and a dope pair of sneaks!

Hey kids, get yourself to for some deep Christmas discounts! 50% off all holiday. It’s never too early to start planning for next year or bolster your holiday decor for those New Year’s Eve parties on the horizon. We are open Wednesday thru Saturday 10-7 and Sunday 10-6. Thank you all for the incredible turnout at this new amazing venture. We have all enjoyed engaging with each and every one of you. Looking forward to many exciting adventures in the new yea

Today was my scheduled infusion day for my Rituxan immunotherapy. I got there early, bought a stranger her coffee behind me to try to send some good energy someone else’s way. I had my port draw of blood and then met with my oncology nurse practitioner. Blood levels all looked good and we talked crystals, mind over body healing and vintage shopping, all things I love and her name@is Hazel which was the name of the sweetest dog I ever had. Taking all the positive signs and subtleties in as my emotions are heightened due to this tumor in my basal ganglia, also known as the seat of our emotions. My bonus today for my “coffee” good deed was being dismissed early and not receiving the Rituxan infusion apparently it can inhibit the stem cell production and we are trying to get my body in optimal condition for a good harvest. The only other thing I have ever harvested is my freckles, way easier. Nurses loved the hat and pin combo today.trying to deliver a little joy wherever possible. **kcancer

Pair of beautiful original linoleum cut prints in a lovely sienna orange ink with coordinating frames by German artist, Paul Klee. Stunning use of line and a whimsical architectural quality to these two beauties $295 ea, $550 for the pair. This would be a beautiful addition to any art collection or decor. Have them hanging in your home for your holiday party. Available at 5668 N Clark St

What can I say? I love a good basket moment. These vintage picnic baskets, sleigh. 🛷. The grapevine oversized angel is amazing, just love the layered cozy look of this vignette. Makes me want to go on a winter picnic and light a fire and make some s’mores. Please come and give our new digs a couple of laps to find the perfect gift for that special someone or just treat yourself!

Some quick candid shots of the new space! Come visit me in my new digs at 5668 N Clark St. . Endless options of beautiful treasure awaiting their forever homes. There’s something for every style aesthetic, and price point. Come claim your treasures and find the perfect one off unique gift. I would love to reconnect with all of my favorite patrons who have been with me through every incarnation. Look forward to sharing the new space with each and every one of you.

Stop by the new store, FOLK, at 5668 N Clark for all your home and holiday needs . Fred Spreen dropped us some beautifully packaged hand roasted beans to sell. Cover your coffee cravings or pair a bag with one of our many hand thrown studio pottery mugs, a tea towel , and an ornament. Lots of great options for hostess gifts. GET THE FOLK IN HERE. Calling all of my previous roosters to the yard! Come and see this wonderful new space with an expanded offering. Open Wednesday-Sunday 10-7, every Friday in December until 9pm. See you in the shop.

I have been very quiet for some time here on the page. As you well know, this has been a very trying past nine months for me. I want to thank you all for your support through this epic event in my life. I’m someone who is always going and on the move and on February 7th of this year, life slammed on the brakes and forced me to correct the direction of my steering. For far too many reasons to explain, I had gone off the rails, and my cancer diagnosis caused me to right my course. On the most basic level of gratefulness, I am merely thankful to be here typing this post. My initial prognosis was bleak, but I wasn’t willing to accept that I had finished what I needed to achieve in this life and on this plane of existence. I’ve kept a positive outlook from the very beginning and by the grace of god, or whomever higher power you choose to attribute miracles, I am strong and healthy and on the brink of a stem cell transplant to do away with this unwanted guest occupying my basal ganglia. Thank you to my friends, loved ones, family, Roost family, and supporters who have given me love and hope and resources to help me get to this point! And now, the happy reveal, tomorrow I will open a new business venture with two incredible humans who have supported me and had such faith in my abilities and passion for what I do. Together, Ryan and Safiyeh and myself have collaborated to create a wonderful new environment to bring something new and fresh to the neighborhood we love. These two are the truest definition of angel investors and without them I would not have bounced back the way I have. Please join us for our soft opening this Friday. 15 years ago, to the day, I opened Roost just one block south of our current location. It was a good run and much was learned in a trial by fire manner, but it’s time to move forward with my talented partners and present you, FOLK! Come share our labor of love and hunt and procure from our beautiful selection of goods lovingly picked by the three of us!

Another great robot painting.. who’s gonna get it first? 30” W x 40”H. $150. Great for toy collectors or robot fans. And go!

Let’s get some traction behind this great coffee. I am personally endorsing this product, if you loved all things Roost, keep supporting by buying these lovely hand roasted beans and start your day with a cock-a-doodle-do!

Coffee is precious, so why not buy the highest quality beans from a craft roaster? Use promo code:CHEFBRANDON and get free shipping on any order!

Wearing my awesome raccoon/dragon SBK Baseball Tee, gifted to me by the owners. If you haven’t been here, get here. They have an incredible menu and an amazing selection of sweet and savory pastries. They are true supporters of local farmers and distributors and have been a great support to me personally during this insane health crisis and journey back to my health. I can’t give them enough kudos and props for what they are doing in this amazing space they have created.! Support your local businesses it’s what makes a neighborhood work! #

Coffee is precious, so why not buy the highest quality beans from a craft roaster? Use promo code:CHEFBRANDON and get free shipping on any order!

A stroll back to this past Sunday at Uvae’s sister restaurant/beachfront bar/restaurant for a Dolly Parton pop up. Trying to find some joy each and every day. I had a follow up MRI this past Wednesday to track the progress of my chemo/immunotherapy. They kept me waiting for my results for almost 5 days. Pure torture and frustration at its best. My oncologist texted me to say the scan looked a little better than the last one in July. Some improvement is still improvement and I have to keep that in the front of my thoughts. Today I was told our next step would be to refer me to Northwestern Hospital and their cancer treatment center. I will begin evaluations for a potential stem cell transplant utilizing my own stem cells. It is a long and grueling procedure and will require me more time in the hospital and a lengthy recovery. Essentially it involves a very strong dose of chemo which should kill the remainder of my cancer, but simultaneously it will kill all of my bone marrow. I’m staying focused and positive while moving forward in this journey. I’m on the brink of a new business adventure with some amazing angel investors. I should be an active role and participant of a new store launching towards the end of November. This will be the next step forward in my new incarnation following this arduous medical battle since February. I’m still struggling with my post rehab release since the beginning of August. Hours on the phone spent l trying to access financial supplementary funding. Seem to be getting close to sourcing rental assistance and waiting for a new case worker and assignment to a new case manager in order to begin receiving more therapy. Thank you to all whom have donated to my cause, don’t know where I would be had those funds not been available. I should be on track by the end of next month. Any and all gifts/donations are extremely appreciated and all the good energy will be returned generously once I am working again. Look forward to seeing you all in my new store in the end of November. All future donations can be received at the following link in my bio GoFundMe. **kcancer

Another cycle of immunotherapy. A little daunting today. First of my OTD is inspired by my child like attitude that I can superhero my way to health and build a whole new me. My track jacket is a collaboration with LEGO and my shoes are a Marvel/Vans collaboration. Trying to Will myself to have a brighter outlook. It was a hit with my oncologist and all the nurses and office workers. When I say the visit is daunting I’m referring to the potential for me to be transferred to Northwestern for a stem cell transplant once we see the results of my next MRI which is scheduled on the 27th of this month. I’m going to do what I need to to push through and if that means killing all of my bone marrow and rebooting my whole body and immune system with an infusion of my own stem cells, then that is what I shall endure. I’m still pushing forward with my life and propagating a new project with new business partners. That will likely get off the ground the 2nd to 3rd week of November. I’m still trying to work any resources for financial/ rental assistance but it’s much easier said than done. Huge thanks to those who have contributed to my campaign, it’s helping me stay above water, housed and bills paid. Our lives may temporarily stop as we know it, but the responsibilities carry on. If you are able to contribute, please consider it. https://www.gofundme.com/f/daniel-malone/share/instagram/select/post?fbclid=PAAaZ-xMi_nuArM0Chyf8YODmUAM6DHfW1Mt-SXTmeQNyYG9GshhjyV77vS_M_aem_AWJqM1EmRvnUuNyh1IywK6xqvJ-TOmlFHKuboprixu-DntDU-pe-yKusfXT9ifSZW2o. Link to go fund me is here and in my bio. Much love to you all. **kcancer

I bought this copper bracelet from an African trader parked on Catalpa last week for $10. It has magnets in it, so serves a purpose to fight arthritis. My hands cramp on occasion, so I thought it might help. I decided to have the date I suffered my first seizure which landed me in the hospital and ultimately led to the discovery of my brain tumor. I’m referring to it as my rebirth date, my brother Larry would call it the date of my “event”. It’s a reminder that this day would change the rest of my life and for me to be grateful for this seemingly tragic cracking of my skull. Had this not happened I may have been asleep at home or driving my car or one of multiple scenarios which could have been lethal. Try to find the silver linings and make all the lemonade you can when life throws you lemons. **kcancer

All in a days work? Today was my restock day for meds. 3 prescription refills. 2 from Walgreens and 1 from my Oncology Pharmacy. Thankfully the chemo pills arrived today, as last night I took my last 4 pills I had. In addition to these I take a suspension liquid anti-infection drug, Benadryl at night to help with allergic side effects and 6 mg of melatonin. Zyrtec during the day and Rituxan infusions once every 3 weeks. Filling the pill box is a bittersweet activity. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come. And how far I still have to go. It’s a pace setter to tell me not to try to take on too much. I’m a Capricorn, so it’s difficult to keep me from trying to climb to the next steep peak. I have to reign the goat in to make sure I am allowing myself the time to rest and relax and continue to heal. On September 7th it will be 7 months to the day since my first initial seizure. I had a good cry this evening on my own in the privacy of my bedroom to vent a little of my frustration and stress with this process. I also realized I need to get back in front of a therapist weekly to help purge any sadness or stress that seeps in from time to time. I’m posting the gofundme link once again. In October I will start slowly working on a new home furnishing space with vested partners, easing my way back into my life and yours. If you are able to give to my cause please do, if not just send your love, messages and good vibrations in my direction. Every bit helps. Thank you all for your gracious contributions and consideration. ❤️ your humble narrator, Daniel. https://www.gofundme.com/f/daniel-malone/share/instagram/select/post?fbclid=PAAaZGSdYzpAai0V8fh8T9Dxof5SdRY70AP0PPIYLoan6mj-_CeMIJNjHyLnw_aem_AfpWVCYyudWsNWpTHPyZ7TpKAyKQ_gYwhDi0MKfDKpdvY3iBjRFlN9m0dc7YKTdYQJg ❤️ **kcancer

These are some pictures I actually like of myself. I’m not a big selfie person, but I feel like I look happy in each of these and it’s important to remind ourselves that it is possible to be happy and to push towards that happiness. I’m slowly getting back to feeling good about myself. I wasn’t expecting a brain tumor to be my mid-life crisis, but life is a series of unexpected events. Sometimes we need to walk through the fire to feel renewed. I’m almost there. Thanks for the continued follows and support. Love, Daniel **kcancer

Met with Fred Spreen this morning at Sauce and Bread Kitchen for a pastry and a coffee. Fred developed this roast inspired by my previous shop, Roost! I love the packaging and the coffee is fantastic. Makes a great gift or bring it to a brunch at someone’s home. Fred also launched my go fund me, which has been a life saver as I try to get back on my feet after 6 months of hospitalization. I’m still undergoing my immunotherapy and continue with my chemo pills as well as all the other things accompanied by them. I’m taking it slow as not to wind up back in a rehab facility again. Please check out the coffee and order some. A portion of the purchase is donated to my cause. Let’s get Roost Roastery some good traction.

We all start somewhere. This is an early pic of yours truly. If you know me, you can definitely tell this is a mini me. Oh, to start over, unfettered by all the insecurities, doubts and fears. Life happens so quickly, it’s good to reflect on our younger, free, uninhibited selves and try to approach lives new challenges and trials with the eyes of a child.fill your minds with hope and ambition and potential. This has been a really challenging phase in my life and nothing will ever look the same again. I want to thank everyone who has been a part of my support system during this unexpected crisis in my life. I’ve learned to be humble an to receive the help I need. The old me would have continued saying “I’m Fine” all the time, the new me says “I will be fine with time”.