I've read and reread this post several times, each time thinking I should comment with support and praise and clarification and augmentation and . . . and then I have gotten confuserwhelmed, resulting in brain paralysis. So I think I'll just throw out some comments in the style of our once-local sportswriter (ooh, I should remember his name), who wrote a regular column titled "Thoughts While Shaving."
I watched your recovery up close recently, especially May - July, when I was in the area, often in the house. I've been impressed by your equanimity, and overall good spirit throughout the process, a process that clearly took its toll. For example, saliva glands being irradiated to 10% of function has cascading effects on ability to swallow food, and therefore diet - thus weight loss/gain issues, as well as cough mechanics, snorting ability, . . . but you have soldiered on, generally in good cheer. You even managed to dig several dozen post holes using a one-man power post hole digger, and build not one, but two (2) new fences. All with that depleted salivary system. And with newly re-sprouting hair . . . in some places.
* * *
As your lawyer, I probably would have counseled you to rant more at the cast of thousands of RadioOncoloTherapeuDiagnosMedicAnalyticologists you've had to deal with. I say this recognizing that the reason you can't get a straight answer out of any of them is that my brethren in the Plaintiffs' Bar have sued their pants off for every straight answer they've given - right or wrong - in the past 40 years. Still, you must strike while the iron is hot. Rant on. At least the very helpful and informative PA Brittany was willing to shoot straight. Post her address, so we can all send her a Christmas card.
* * *
What I have long referred to as The NASA Engineer Dress Uniform - well done. I can confirm that Dad never wore a pocket protector, but he kept his horn-rimmed reading glasses in a case, stuffed in his shirt pocket.
* * *
I've been praying for you - out loud - every day for over a year now. You and Brenda have often pointed out to me - correctly - that prayer works. Marge Witkop and other prayer warriors at the Shepherd's Heart Anglican Church in Fairfax, VA have been praying for you as well. Marge is another one who often reminds me that prayer works.
Your MRI is "pretty good."
"You're cancer free now."
So what next? Is it appropriate that we pray for your recovery to be extended to others who are stricken? How about if we pray for your hearing to continue to improve?
Como dice Gabriela, so, so happy. Let's have more of it.
Russ
Currently (blessed to be) in Bluewater Lake State Park, northwestern NM.
I watched your recovery up close recently, especially May - July, when I was in the area, often in the house. I've been impressed by your equanimity, and overall good spirit throughout the process, a process that clearly took its toll. For example, saliva glands being irradiated to 10% of function has cascading effects on ability to swallow food, and therefore diet - thus weight loss/gain issues, as well as cough mechanics, snorting ability, . . . but you have soldiered on, generally in good cheer. You even managed to dig several dozen post holes using a one-man power post hole digger, and build not one, but two (2) new fences. All with that depleted salivary system. And with newly re-sprouting hair . . . in some places.
* * *
As your lawyer, I probably would have counseled you to rant more at the cast of thousands of RadioOncoloTherapeuDiagnosMedicAnalyticologists you've had to deal with. I say this recognizing that the reason you can't get a straight answer out of any of them is that my brethren in the Plaintiffs' Bar have sued their pants off for every straight answer they've given - right or wrong - in the past 40 years. Still, you must strike while the iron is hot. Rant on. At least the very helpful and informative PA Brittany was willing to shoot straight. Post her address, so we can all send her a Christmas card.
* * *
What I have long referred to as The NASA Engineer Dress Uniform - well done. I can confirm that Dad never wore a pocket protector, but he kept his horn-rimmed reading glasses in a case, stuffed in his shirt pocket.
* * *
I've been praying for you - out loud - every day for over a year now. You and Brenda have often pointed out to me - correctly - that prayer works. Marge Witkop and other prayer warriors at the Shepherd's Heart Anglican Church in Fairfax, VA have been praying for you as well. Marge is another one who often reminds me that prayer works.
Your MRI is "pretty good."
"You're cancer free now."
So what next? Is it appropriate that we pray for your recovery to be extended to others who are stricken? How about if we pray for your hearing to continue to improve?
Como dice Gabriela, so, so happy. Let's have more of it.
Russ
Currently (blessed to be) in Bluewater Lake State Park, northwestern NM.