2009 Recap

Cary continued to be employed with Butte County, California, working with at-risk kids. He's really got a heart for these kids for whom few others, in some cases, really cares. He was in for a surprize when he was informed that he was not in a permanent position but had to compete for his own position, which he did, successfully. Susan is still working as a radiation technician but there are still no bambinos. Oh well, they ought to take their time because they'll have them for at least 18 years!! Besides, Cary is almost more than Susan can handle on her own!

2009 Recap

We didn't take any major trips in 2009 but I did get a new toy which was on my bucket list. It's a 2004 BMW which is new to me. I've spent much of the year buying "farkles" to get the bike exactly how I'd like it. (Geri, to her credit, has been very understanding--you know the saying about boys and their toys!) So far, I've replaced the seat, windscreen, shocks/springs, mirrors (it was a safety issue (!)) and air cleaner and got the exhaust headers coated and the decals clear-coated. Only a new muffler remains.

The NEW Journey

Since my updates on recovering and staying remission have been few and far between, this blog will morph into a family update to keep those who care updated on the doings of our family. Please tune in for more to come very soon.

To recap 2009, the major health story was Geri's broken femur in Sep. She's recovering with physical therapy and daily stretching and exercises. Seems the most debilitating damage was to her muscles which contracted so forcefully that they hemorrhaged internally. Only time can remove this blood from the body and her muscles, in the meantime became weak and stiff. In any case, she's walking almost without a limp and is now bionic with a titanium rod and other assorted hardware. Here's her latest portrait:

Still Good News!

Went in for my semiannual checkup last month, which included a PET scan. Negative results! I'm still in remission and living each day as if I were dying (which we all are!).

Thanks be to God's grace for each day He gives us to enjoy!

Still In Remission!!!

Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and that 2009 is turning out to be the best year yet! We had very quiet holidays and tried to remember why we celebrate the season.

Had a quarterly check-up last week, including blood tests and x-rays. All thanks and glory to God, I'm still in remission!! In addition, since I'm approaching my second anniversary of my initial diagnosis, I'm now on a semi-annual schedule of check-ups! Physically, I'm feeling great (except for the age-related aches and pains!).

Life has returned to "normal" for now but I try to live each day as the gift that it is. This whole episode has given me a fresh, renewed appreciation for the sanctity, value and fragility of life, and has been a wonderful reminder of the One who is the author of life.

10/10/08

Haven't p0sted in a while but all has been good. On 10/06/08, I went in for a PET scan. This has nothing to do with dogs or cats but stands for Positron Emission Tomography during which a radioactive glycogen is introduced into my system. I then have to lie still for about an hour (no reading or even listening to my MP3--so I took a nap) while the glycogen circulates throughout my body. The theory is that since cancer cells grow much more rapidly than normal ones, they will accumulate more radioactivity and show up when imaged by a large machine. The actual scan took about 30 minutes and included my whole head and body, except for my arms and lower legs.

Then came the wait for the results. Three days later, I had a routine visit with my radiologist, Dr. Becker, who has become my regular oncologist physician by default. Looking at my charts, and reviewing the results of previous blood tests and the latest PET, he pronounced, "Nothing but good news!" In fact, Dr. Becker admitted he wished his cholesteral levels were like mine! All other parameters were within the "normal" range. What a relief! Although I've been feeling great, probably close to 100% of my former self, there is always a little bit of apprehension during these routine check-ups. I have learned to give this whole issue to God, but that does not eliminate the nagging fear of the disease returning.

I called Geri immediately after appointment and relayed the good news. We were both happy, relieved and grateful to our loving Heavenly Father.

Thank you Lord, for You and for life itself!

Relay for Life

From 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 12th to 7:00 a.m., July 13th, at Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park, Geri and I participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Our team, named the P.O.D Racers (for Phil--me!; Omi-Geri's sister, a breast cancer survivor; and Denys, Geri's sister-in-law's sister who died from breast cancer a couple of years ago) placed second in the Friends/Family team competition by raising over $6,000, thanks to many of you who contributed toward this effort. We had team shirts and a walking stick which we tried to keep on the track for the whole 12 hours. The photo is only part of our team.

One of the more memorable parts of this relay was the Luminaria, lighted candles inside paper bags, in honor of victims of cancer. Here's what they look like:

We sponsored a luminaria in memory of Clarence Kealoha, who passed away almost a year ago while he was only 46 years old. This was our tribute to Clarence.

Estimate that I walked 20-25 kilometers throughout the evening based on the sore feet, one blister and super-tired body all day Sunday, but it was worth it if we contributed, in some small way, to finding a cure for this dreaded disease. Despite the fatigue, the event was inspirational and fun and we vowed to do it again next year.

Thanks again to all who contributed and supported us. May blessings be returned to you 10 times over!