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!

Another day - another doctor

Hope all had a good Labor Day weekend. We stayed home and worked on fireplace. All I have left is to grout and run wiring. But will not be using any time soon with the temps in the 90's. Though fall was suppose to start rolling in after Labor Day!!

This month will be going to doctors every few days. Have gone the last two days to have blood drawn for a multiple of tests. Then starting next week, I go to doctors every week for the next 4 to 6 weeks. Just check ups. Sometimes it is hard to figure out if I am just old and hurting or something is wrong! Any of ya'll have that problem?

Taste is getting somewhat better. Weigh about 138 pounds. Energy level is getting better but the recovery period seems to get longer. Could it be that age has something to do with this??

Going backpacking this weekend if my grandson gets healthy. Walker has been having a bad week. So bad he is going to hospital if he does not respond to treatment. Doctor says he is but slowly. Please keep Walker in your prayers. So we will see. Have not been backpacking since before all this started. To think that I was going to backpack at Philmont 10 days after my last radiation. Little did I know what I was in for!! Really looking forward to it. Have to trim my weigh load down to match my new weight!

My Boy Scout Troop is 25 years old this year. My Troop surprised me with a plaque and award for staying around. It made me tear up. Can't cry in front of boys! Yea right! It was very moving and really made me feel good inside.

I can't pray enough for all those I know who are sick. We just have to trust in God that he will make it all ok in his time. Will let you know the results of all my visits in the next few weeks. It is raining tonight so will be nice and cool. Yea!!