A sad day

First of all, I want everyone to know that as of this date, I am free of cancer. Just finished going backpacking with 40 pounds on my back and came through with flying colors! I couldn't say that within a few hours after it was over, but was not in near the soreness I thought I would be after nearly two years from a backpack trip.As of this date, I am scheduled to go to Philmont and backpack for 12 days in 2012.

I now have arthritis in my shoulders. The pain is bad at times and am taking lots of asprin to keep the pain down. My range of motion is not as good as I would like but am working through it.

I have a CT scan in the middle of October and numerous visits with doctors over the next 4 weeks. I have been out of therapy for 1 year and 3 months by this Sunday. I thank God and ask for your blessings through him for your support in this endeavor. After having cancer, it is always in the back of my mind and all my aches and pains are a constant reminder that I had cancer. It is something that I will never forget about.

This day is sad as a friend of mine just found out she has cancer. She is going to MD Anderson next week for a second opinion. Please keep her in your prayers. She is in for a long ordeal. She supported and prayed for me during my time and now it is my turn. I'm glad I am here for her to talk to if she needs the time. She is upbeat and is turning this over to God. I believe it is the only way to beat this. It is the only way to live, but turning it over totally is tough, as least for me. It is something I work on each day. As I slow down to smell those roses, I have to trust that God will continue to provide for me so I can slow down. And so far he has.

The power of prayer is evident in my life that it works! I ask you to pray for this lady as she starts through her ordeal.

Enjoy the fall! It should be a great one!