Good morning all!
We have a new Eagle Scout in our house! Kevin had his board of review last night and was told he has achieved the Eagle rank. We are very proud of him. We will plan a ceremony for sometime in September and have our celebration then. In the meantime , Kevin just left this morning for a week with his aunt, uncle and cousins on Long Island. He is very excited about going and is planning a fun filled week.
I am feeling okay. I am between chemo treatments right now and I'm working everyday. I do get a little tired toward the end of the day but the distraction is good. I am maintaining my weight and my appetite is good. A follow-up CT scan is scheduled for today just to check on things after 3 treatments. I'll keep you posted.
Till next time :-) Bets
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008 – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Hello all, Tom (third from the right) here . Since Betsy mentioned that Kevin (forth from the right) and I were off trekking in New Mexico earlier this month I thought I’d add a little context. From July 3rd through July 15th we were at Philmont Scout Ranch as part of a twelve person (4 adults and eight youths) crew who rose to the challenge of backpacking a “super strenuous” itinerary.
The super strenuous itineraries are the most difficult. These itineraries include hiking great distances and climbing many of Philmont's highest peaks. Super strenuous itineraries are designed for experienced crews—seasoned backpackers who are at least 15 years of age, all in top physical condition.
Our crew willingly chose Itinerary 33 an 86 miler (more like 100 with side hikes) ranging in elevations from roughly 7000 to 12,441 feet above sea level.
Starting with the time-honored Philmont tradition of burro packing, this itinerary then became a mountain climbing nightmare. After climbing Baldy Mountain (12,441) we proceeded south to hike some of Philmont's other major peaks including Mt. Phillips (11,711), Big Red (11,024), Black Mountain (10,892) and the Tooth of Time (9,003).
One particular assent had us climb 2000 feet in elevation in about a mile. Feel free to check my arithmetic but I think that’s a 38% (34 degree) incline. Much of our time was spent hiking, muttering under our breath (what little we had) and enjoying the remote wilderness. However, it wasn’t all work so there were some very enjoyable moments.
The bottom line is we all made it and did it safely.
The super strenuous itineraries are the most difficult. These itineraries include hiking great distances and climbing many of Philmont's highest peaks. Super strenuous itineraries are designed for experienced crews—seasoned backpackers who are at least 15 years of age, all in top physical condition.
Our crew willingly chose Itinerary 33 an 86 miler (more like 100 with side hikes) ranging in elevations from roughly 7000 to 12,441 feet above sea level.
Starting with the time-honored Philmont tradition of burro packing, this itinerary then became a mountain climbing nightmare. After climbing Baldy Mountain (12,441) we proceeded south to hike some of Philmont's other major peaks including Mt. Phillips (11,711), Big Red (11,024), Black Mountain (10,892) and the Tooth of Time (9,003).
One particular assent had us climb 2000 feet in elevation in about a mile. Feel free to check my arithmetic but I think that’s a 38% (34 degree) incline. Much of our time was spent hiking, muttering under our breath (what little we had) and enjoying the remote wilderness. However, it wasn’t all work so there were some very enjoyable moments.
The bottom line is we all made it and did it safely.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Friday July 18, 2008 Good News, and more good news
Hi all!
I have had a busy week as you probably have guessed. I did return to work as of Monday and it feels pretty good although I come home very tired! It is so good to be surrounded by people who care. I have received so many hugs and so much support it is heartwarming. Thank you all!
I also had my chemo treatment on Wednesday. It went well. I found out that my marker number has fallen from 175 pre-operatively to 69 as of the end of June. That means fewer cancer cells! Let's pray that it continues in that direction.
The boys are home from New Mexico! They are exhausted but feel a sense of accomplishment. It is so good to have them home.
Will be in touch soon. Till next time. :-) Bets
I have had a busy week as you probably have guessed. I did return to work as of Monday and it feels pretty good although I come home very tired! It is so good to be surrounded by people who care. I have received so many hugs and so much support it is heartwarming. Thank you all!
I also had my chemo treatment on Wednesday. It went well. I found out that my marker number has fallen from 175 pre-operatively to 69 as of the end of June. That means fewer cancer cells! Let's pray that it continues in that direction.
The boys are home from New Mexico! They are exhausted but feel a sense of accomplishment. It is so good to have them home.
Will be in touch soon. Till next time. :-) Bets
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Saturday July12, 2008 Between sister visits...
Hi all! Thought I would connect with you after a busy week visiting with my sister. We had a fabulous week of 'girl stuff'. We had lunch out with friends, we visited at home with others who brought delicious gourmet goodies, and we went to a bridal shower. Teen had to go home on Thursday night for Grandma duty while her daughter and son-in-law go on a cruise. She was thinking she was going to be a whole lot busier than she was here as her grandkids are 4 and 2 1/2 yr old twins. I'm glad she had a relaxing week here!
I am doing quite well; as a matter of fact I will be going back to work on Monday! I will see how well I do. I will have intermittent time off for therapy. I am looking forward to the structure again.
Haven't heard from the boys in New Mexico. They are into their 8th day of the 10 day trek. I think the weather has been okay so they should be having a good time. I can't wait to hear from them. Maybe Monday night when they return to base camp.
My sister Margaret is due to arrive for a visit tomorrow and I will certainly welcome her company.
I try not to wait so long to write again. I know how much you all enjoy these blogs! Keep in touch.
Till next time :-) Bets
I am doing quite well; as a matter of fact I will be going back to work on Monday! I will see how well I do. I will have intermittent time off for therapy. I am looking forward to the structure again.
Haven't heard from the boys in New Mexico. They are into their 8th day of the 10 day trek. I think the weather has been okay so they should be having a good time. I can't wait to hear from them. Maybe Monday night when they return to base camp.
My sister Margaret is due to arrive for a visit tomorrow and I will certainly welcome her company.
I try not to wait so long to write again. I know how much you all enjoy these blogs! Keep in touch.
Till next time :-) Bets
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Sunday July 6, 2008 No news is good news!
Hi all! I haven't written every day because there is really nothing new to report. I continue to get a little stronger each day. I still tire easily and need a nap, but I am doing more around the house (like laundry, and ironing). No heavy lifting yet. Teen won't let me! She has been awesome to have here. She keeps my spirits up and we have been having a great time.
On the fourth we watched the Orioles' game, and had pizza and beer. We did some grocery shopping and clothes shopping on Saturday. Today we went to church, and I guess because of the previous days' activities I napped on and off most of the day.
My hair continues to get thinner but I haven't resorted to the cranial prosthesis yet. I had it on for about 15 minutes one day, just to try it out, and it got pretty warm. I'll have to see how it goes when I need to cover my head for real.
Tom and Kevin called on Friday to say they were locking their cell phones away at the base camp as they started on their hike. They will be out of touch for 10 days while they hike 86 miles through the high desert in New Mexico. That wouldn't be my idea of fun! They were both very excited about it and I hope the weather is good for them.
All else is well. Andrew finished his math class last week. Now he is concentrating only on work. He will take a little vacation next week to visit some friends in Louisiana.
I love hearing from you and know that their are lots of prayers being said for me. I thank you all for them; know that you are all in my prayers to thank God for such wonderful support and friendship and love. To the folks who have brought dinner and bread and fruits, THANK YOU! Your visits have lifted my spirits too.
Till next time :-) Bets
On the fourth we watched the Orioles' game, and had pizza and beer. We did some grocery shopping and clothes shopping on Saturday. Today we went to church, and I guess because of the previous days' activities I napped on and off most of the day.
My hair continues to get thinner but I haven't resorted to the cranial prosthesis yet. I had it on for about 15 minutes one day, just to try it out, and it got pretty warm. I'll have to see how it goes when I need to cover my head for real.
Tom and Kevin called on Friday to say they were locking their cell phones away at the base camp as they started on their hike. They will be out of touch for 10 days while they hike 86 miles through the high desert in New Mexico. That wouldn't be my idea of fun! They were both very excited about it and I hope the weather is good for them.
All else is well. Andrew finished his math class last week. Now he is concentrating only on work. He will take a little vacation next week to visit some friends in Louisiana.
I love hearing from you and know that their are lots of prayers being said for me. I thank you all for them; know that you are all in my prayers to thank God for such wonderful support and friendship and love. To the folks who have brought dinner and bread and fruits, THANK YOU! Your visits have lifted my spirits too.
Till next time :-) Bets
Friday, July 4, 2008
Friday July 4, 2008 Guest writer today
Happy 4th of July! Teenie has been here with me since Wednesday and we are having lots of 'girl time'. Yesterday we went for manicures, pedicures and haircuts. We came home looking like Jamie Lee Curtis and Jane Fonda (from the neck up anyway!) Of course we threw in lunch in between. Today we will be shopping. Yeah!!!
Hi Everyone, Bets has let me add my 2 cents to today's blog. I just wanted to let everyone know how great she is doing. I can tell you that I was more than pleasantly surprised when I saw her. Bets is her old self again. Well, we have another full day planned for today....she is wearing me out!
Continue with the prayers... and everyone have a great 4th..enjoy and be safe!....Teen
Till next time :-) Bets
Hi Everyone, Bets has let me add my 2 cents to today's blog. I just wanted to let everyone know how great she is doing. I can tell you that I was more than pleasantly surprised when I saw her. Bets is her old self again. Well, we have another full day planned for today....she is wearing me out!
Continue with the prayers... and everyone have a great 4th..enjoy and be safe!....Teen
Till next time :-) Bets
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