Hello everyone,

 

I hope this message finds you well. This weekend was the first weekend in a long time that I didn't really have anything planned or any deadlines to meet. I just spent the time relaxing and even took a couple of naps. It was so nice. I mean - it's so friggin cold outside there's no reason to go out. I remember when I was a kid the cold weather wouldn't bother me. It would be nothing to go out and get soaked playing in the snow. But I just couldn't imagine it now. I'm too much of a wimp. What happened to the little kid who just took it and enjoyed the moment. Oh well, it's nice staying indoors, staying cozy and watching movies.

 

At the event, I was seated next to an oncologist from Chicago and it was nice speaking with him. I also spoke with more members from the Chicagoland Carcinoid Fighters (thier local support group) and was invited to attend their meetings. I know I will try over the next several months to attend a few of their meetings. I would still like to try to start up a support group in this area.

 

So now that the Zebra Ball is over I can focus on getting ready for the Indy 500 Mini-marathon. It'll be my first one. I've hardly done anything to prepare for it so far, but I am determined to not only finish it, but to actually do more than just walk the whole way (which is allowed thankfully). I hope to do a good mix of jogging and walking. The event is the first Saturday in May and is one of the first events in a month-long festival that leads up to the Indianapolis 500. It's a pretty exciting time around the city with people coming from all over the world. The mini-marathon is the largest in the country with over 35,000 participants. And it includes a lap around the motor speedway! I'm very much looking forward to it, especially considering that I distinctively remember where I was last year for the mini: at home, feeling sick as a dog with terrible stomach cramps watching it on T.V. This was before they ever did my initial ultrasound that finally led to my diagnosis. I will be thankful this May to be healthy enough to be a participant.

I guess this is all for today. Even though I am not getting treatments as often as before or seeing the doctor as frequently, I will still continue to post on a weekly basis. Remember I have one scheduled round of chemo left on March 5. After that, we'll see what happens. But at least for now - I feel good. :-)

 

My presidential salute:

 

"The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not to deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just."

---Abraham Lincoln

 

"Determine never to be idle...It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing."