Update 31 October 2021: Things remain stable

The results of the scan came in and they are positive - or almost as positive as they could be. The cancer in my lungs and liver is stable although there is still some follow up to be done. The bone scan that I did in July shows that the cancer appears to be grossly stable. Grossly or not, I will take it. I am so thankful that the chemo continues to work.

Overall, I am feeling fine. Not pre-cancer fitness levels but reasonably good. I need to do some strength training so that will be an objective from now on.

I had a great summer. It was warm and dry - a perfect prairie summer (although the farmers worried about drought). We spent 6 weeks at the cabin at Christopher Lake like previous summers. It was glorious to enjoy the lake, read books, go for walks, nap on the deck, etc. Drinking coffee while sitting on the deck is simply the best way to start the morning.

My big adventure this fall was a trip to Ottawa and region. Not long after arriving in Ottawa, I went to a friend’s family camp north of Killarney. It’s on their island - a beautiful piece of the Canadian Shield where one can swim, enjoy the wood-fired sauna, play Scrabble or take a nap in the sunroom. I’ve visited with Kerry’s parents many times over the last 25 years and each time they have welcomed me warmly and I always leave feeling rejuvenated

Verla joined me in Ottawa and we went to Montreal where we met friends from Guatemala. It was so great to visit the city after many years. Living in a small city in Saskatchewan has its benefits but it is also nice to spend time in a real city that has fabulous museums, restaurants and stores. The experience was rejuvenating in its own way.

The best part of my visit was catching up with friends. While I have managed to keep in touch with many through videos and calls, emails and texts and old school letters, nothing can replace meeting in person and giving/getting hugs. It’s something wondrous during these Covid times.

So, other than that, life continues as ever. Ginger and I are living a happy, peaceful life in Prince Albert, getting ready for winter and the holiday season, thinking of other visits to undertake.

Here’s a great article if you are worried about saying the wrong thing to someone who is sick.

https://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-xpm-2013-apr-07-la-oe-0407-silk-ring-theory-20130407-story.html?fbclid=IwAR0wp12SgcFiwNc2EEdFK30Tn5jEXMJxsMsqwplx9vtRnYKTck0ctQtrRDI

Deborah