I had a special visitor recently. My sister, Judy, took the train from Albuquerque to our little city. It was a long ride, but she said it was interesting. It was wonderful having her here for a week while I was recuperating from surgery. There's nothing like family to cheer me up! Thank you, sissy, for being here for me! I love you Mucho!

The Present

The most beautiful sunsets have been hovering over our fair city lately. The sun's rays at the end of the day have been colored by the clouds in the most heavenly fashion.

Happy Birthday to me!

I got the best belated birthday present.  My CT scan and bloodwork shows me free of the
"Big C."  I am into my third year of remission and holding strong!  Watch out Paris, here I come!  Tommy and I are planning our trip sometime in March of this year. How exciting is that? There will be more details to follow. It is a Good Day to Live!

Happy New Year!

I'm the first one to admit 2010 was a crap year, but this new one will be a whole different story. My remission continues. I marked my 2yr anniv. on Dec. 21, the day of my surgery. Chemo is just a zx**# memory, and my shoulder surgery and 6 wks of physical therapy as well.  Currently I am working with small weights to increase my strength. I really like my physical therapist, Shelly. She pushes me to my limits.
I look forward to an active, transforming year with NO surgeries on the agenda!

Still in remission!

Yes, I am still in remission and that feels great! Now, if the rest of my body would just cooperate...
Shoulder surgery to repair a rotator cuff tear and remove some broken calcification is scheduled for Nov. 9th. I decided to have it taken care of once and for all. Dr. Fow is my ortho-doc and I really like him.
 Pre-op is done and now I just wait and try to catch up on house stuff I won't be able to do after the procedure. At least it is my left arm, so I should be able to write. No e-mailing for a while, though.
I am optimistic about the future when I am healed and flying off to Paris!  2011 is the year to make that dream come true. Bon Chance!

I'm OK, you're OK!

I have to say, being in remission is the greatest feeling in the world. I also have to say that I am not immune to other "getting older" ailments, but compared to the "Big C" everything pales in comparison.
I had a problem with my aging left shoulder recently, not C related whatsoever, so it isn't noteworthy, but it was really painful. Calcified tendonitis, was the diagnosis and it seemed like the pain was neverending. No movement possible and even though on pain pills, still hurt to move it even inches in any direction. I had one helluva time getting into see a physician, much less an orthopedic specialist. I now believe what they are saying about a shortage of doctors.
A solid week later, I received a shot of cortisone and felt like it was a miracle cure. I know it is temporary, but I needed some relief. Now surgery is on the table sometime before the end of the year. Ho hum...at least I'm not having chemo!

Kudos to Dr. Palchak

I was asked to help get my doc on the map. He is the only oncologist that is presenting clinical trials for cancer patients in our small community. Most people think they have to go to a big city or medical center to be considered for a study. Consequently, most of these people will not get the most current treatments for their type of cancer.  So, I agreed to do a commercial for him. It is on KSBY different times of the day. There is also a website  http://centralcoastoncology.com/   so check it out.
Meanwhile, I had my port-a-cath removed on Friday. I feel more "normal" than ever!