Hi Dear Friends: My “retreat” has been a long one, I know. It has taken me quite a while to adjust to the fact that I have a cancer in my lung, and also to get into the swing of chemo therapy. Fortunately, “it” continues to shrink and there is no sign of cancer anywhere else in my body according to a PET scan. Also, I am very fortunate that it is a non small cell cancer. I quit smoking almost twenty years ago, but of course there is much pollution these days, including other people’s smoking. When I was in Greece last fall, I couldn’t believe the smoking that went on everywhere. Even in the top restaurants cigarettes and cigars were the habit of the locals, and I was very much affected by it. I came home on the plane with a bad case of sinus trouble and coughing, etc. I was going though a distressing situation earlier this year and wasn’t hungry, so I lost quite a bit of weight. Other people noticed it but I didn’t. Finally, after numerous folks spoke of it, I went to my GP and got weighed. I didn’t own a set of scales. He said the loss was unacceptable and had my blood tested and a CAT scan done. That is how they found it. Fortunately, it is small but the chemo is mighty strong and those of you who have been through this maze understand the trials of its effects full well! There are lymph glands that are affected quite possibly as well. This afternoon I am to meet with my GP. He mentioned something about a surgeon, so I guess he and my Oncologist have been discussing the next stage. I have done eight chemos and have four more to go. So now you know why I have been so slow with taking care of fan business. I really have been pooped! I’ve been on quite a “retreat” experiencing a day by day (One day at a time) trip! It has been an emotional and physical roller coaster often. My friend, Sandi, has come down from up north to see me through a big part of this trip, and My friend Pat came down for a month before Sandi. They are two Angels who have had their own scrapes with this nasty critter called cancer. So there’s my story. I have just been told I am to have surgery in September, and it will be a rather rough one, so it may be a while before you hear from me again, but we’ll let Debbie know how things are going, and perhaps she can put a word or two up on the site. I hope you will continue to be patient with me and my handling of your letters and requests. Actually, it has been a non handling, hasn’t it? I will try to be up to date with you by my surgery time, but no promises, I’m afraid. My life is tests and doctors, more tests and a batch of physical "itsies" right now. Meanwhile, dear friends, I send you my very best. Much health to you and may you have an enjoyable Fall season. My garden has been lovely this year thanks to Juan’s great work. The baby doves are out from the eave by my front door! I Can’t believe Brian is in first grade already! Wow, all that has happened since April! The information is now in. Surgery soon in September. Onward and upward!
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