January 20, 2007

I left for Missouri on a very good note - I received results from lab tests during my checkup with the oncologist on the 2nd and the results were that everything is looking good. For now it appears as though surgery, chemo, and radiation have done their job. With continued Herceptin infusions I hope to continue doing well.

The burns have grown a lot of new skin, are smaller, and I have only a little discomfort. I have a one month checkup with the radiation oncologist next week.

It was great to see my father and family and I enjoyed our time together very much. The days passed by too quickly as it always does. We spent most of the last few days at my brother and sister-in-law's home without power due to the ice storm. Below is a picture I took of a tree laden with ice and if you are interested in viewing more pictures of the ice storm I have them posted at http://jrenays.photoblog.com/. Fortunately Holland and Nancy have a natural gas hot water heater and fireplace so we were all comfortable. It changed our plans but we had a lot of time together so I cannot complain. In fact, I feel guilty that I had such a good time because the storm was devastating for so many.

My new friend John is having a bone marrow transplant next week so please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. My friend Margaret, who was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after I was, has also finished chemo and radiation and she is doing well. And, another friend Lisa is getting closer to being completed with chemo. There are a lot of us around ... the only good thing about that fact is that we have an instant connection. We can look into each other's eyes and know instantly that we are connected ... words are not necessary.

My medical disability will end in about three weeks so it is time for me to start thinking about finding a job. At this point what I know for sure is that I want to keep Kaiser insurance, I want a job with fewer responsibilities than I had, and I want to work with happy and positive people. Hmm, I wonder what insurance Starbucks offers?

In the meantime, next week I will be volunteering for the Homeless Census Count and I am looking forward to being with my colleagues again. I also have a lot of things I want to accomplish around home since I am feeling better. I plan on enjoying the last few weeks of disability and practicing the many lessons I have learned.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.
Only through experience of trial and suffering
can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired,
and success achieved.

~ Helen Keller ~