Thanksgiving

Our family turned out en force, 16 strong. We were missing only my younger brother and his wife as they opted to spend this holiday with the other side of his family. That is what happens when your family grows. Either your holiday meal grows, or you loose a couple. We gained Dan this year, so I imagine his family back in Australia felt his absense. I was thankful for the addition.
My remission from cancer made #1 this year on things to be thankful for, and I was grateful to have the energy to host the meal at my house. We held hands and huggged and went around the circle, Obasan being in the middle, as she is still feeling the effects of a stroke some 10 years ago, saying things that we were thankful for. Family bonds were mentioned more than once and I think Obasan felt the effects as she smiled almost as much as I did just by being surrounded by love. I was grateful for the turnout. Todd, my older brother, has been so busy that I think it is the first time in the past six months that I have seen him and they only live in Kent! Sandy, his wife, came down early to help me put everything together. Candice and Chris, their children, drove down together, as Chris isn't driving anymore. Becky, my oldest sister, and I have been spending time studying Cancer 101 as she has gone through the testing process only to discover what we already suspected, that there is the family gene and she has tested positive to Brach 1, meaning it runs in the family-now what to do? Her husband, Tsuneto, has diabetes and works long hours and is frequently not able to attend, but both he and daughter, Karissa, didn't have to work so were able to come. Her husband is in Afganistan and we prayed for his safe return. Cameron, their son, rode his motorcycle in the freezing cold. Steve's sister, Elaine and husband, Bill drove down from Blaine with dog Freida-a new pal for our new grandpuppy Mylo-and lots of goodies for snacking (food was plenty). Sean flew home from LA, and Dan and Erica brought Mylo who captured everyones heart. Health really is on the top of the to-be-thankful-for list.

Mrs. Doubtfire

I just finished watching the ole film and finding myself laughing at the ability of Robin Williams to turn a sad story into a fun learning experience that touched many people going through divorce in a positive way. We need more Hollywood like that one! I watched it all through the credits this time since Sean is interning in the field now. There are so many people involved in the production of such a story...

I have wrapped up a movie of my own in the past six months and just came out with a clean scan that makes me officially a survivor, in remission! Cause for celebration. They tell me there might be a sequil so don't remove the port too quickly, but I can go back to normal now and should regain my strenght in a few months. Just in time for the holidays-how nice is that! It has been a long and amazing journey and a roller coaster of a ride, and I am glad to get off now. You might find me a bit dizzy till the natural blonde grows in again as I still have to look at the bald head every day that reminds me of what I have been through.

I have to add that I had a significant dream the Wed nite before my final CT scan. I dreamed that I skateboarded right past the pearly gates of heaven and didn't even slow down. I waved and said I would be back later, but not now. Fight on!

Sean comes home for Thanksgiving this coming Tuesday. It will be fun to have the family together again and we will have much to be thankfull for. God bless you all for your support and love. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.

Return to Life

I am a week away now from my last kemo saturday (or at least I am on schedule for CT scan Nov 15th to verify the tumors are gone!) Yeah!

Bonnie Sanborn (my business partner for 14 years now! what would I have done without her?) and I have been working throughout the whole ordeal, though I am amazed at how many people assume I am not working...Not only AM I working, I have hired Erica to assist us-(she is licensed and energetic and exploring the condo market for your children), and we have time and enthusiasm to help your friends and family. Go team.

I know it is a bit late at this point, but I am signed up to do the Seattle 1/2 marathon (that's 13 miles) and have a few folks that have signed up to walk it with us-that's Sharon Scott and her mom Lou Glatz (a big one for her, she says if I can do it, she can), my running partner Marilyn Dierickx, new running partners Susan Bishop and Deanne Hanley, and Louise Irving and my neighbor Tamae-so if you want to join us let us know. We are training now and you can just walk with us if you want to jump on board. Registration is www.seattlehalfmarathon/registration (I think-so grab a partner and work off that turkey dinner-the race is Sun. Nov 25th). Just a challenge.

I am still at Cancer College and reading many books-I have a big library right now if you need any info, trying new healthy recipes, and all sorts of natural remedies to avoid ingesting any more cocktails into my system. Sharon has introduced me to MonaVie a bottled juice concoction from the Amazon with lots of antioxidents. I am taking L-glutamine for the neuropathy side effects, and tumeric in capsule form for tumor reduction. Something is working cause I am feeling stronger every day.

I am still pondering the meaning of life and wondering what I would do if I won the lottery. Without the necessity to stay in one physical location for health reasons or for employment we free ourselves to travel which I have always enjoyed. Real life intrudes in the fantasy life of college football-I am watching the Oregon State vs Washington Huskies and Jake Locker on the Husky team has just been injured on the field-it just reminds me that none of us know when we will be knocked down or if we will get up again. I will have to continue this one later.