Friday, October 22, 2010

Visit to Cancer Clinic

Okay, perhaps it's time I said something, although at times I really don't know what to say. Janice and I went to the Cancer Clinic today, however they really didn't provide any more information or hope beyond what we already know. Although the Doctor was very nice! Time lines seem blurred and all they talk about is "average" life expectancy. Janice and I will just remain positive and keep planning things the way we usually do.

I'm glad that Janice is in my life she provides support and encouragement, is my friend, my partner, my sailing partner, my wife and so much more. This is a journey we did not plan, nor did we want, however as is our nature we will deal with it together, hand in hand. We will make sunshine were there is none, we will laugh, when others may not and most of all we will tackle this journey together.

So having said that we will start planning our trip to Disney world and then our sailing trip North. We are both positive, and do appreciate all the positive comments from our friends and family. Positive thoughts, positive life. So stay positive.

Family and Friends - You Are The Best

Each and every one of you are a part of our lives. Each and every one of you encourage us to beleive. You give us hope. We are who we are because of you.

Your emails, telephone calls and drop-in visits have been very much appreciated. You encourage us to laugh and you take our minds off the notion of what lies ahead. What can I say except THANK YOU and please stay in touch.

Please do not be offended if we do not respond to emails or phone messages immediately. Stick with us because sometimes we just do not feel like talking. Think of it as me and Ron re-charging our social batteries.

I also want to thank you for your generous donations during my fundraising campaign for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Meghan and I have raised nearly $7,000. Woot woot woot!

San Francisco

If you did not know the trip to San Francisco was the inspiration of my daughter Meghan. She asked me to run the Nike Women's Half Marathon with her. Without giving it much thought, I said sure. Little did I know what I was getting into. Also, at that time (May 2010) we had no idea about Ron's cancer.

To get into the marathon, we had to join TNT, an organization committed to raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Furthermore, we had to commit to training and be able to run 13.1 miles or 21.1 kilometers. Do you know how far that really is????

To make a long story short, instead of flying, Ron offered to drive us down. If you know Ron, you know that our trip was planned right down to the gas and pee breaks. We had a schedule and by George, Ron would get us to San Fran on time.

Our trip down went like this: Victoria via Coho Ferry to Olympia, WA. Olympia to Yreaka, CA, Yreaka to San Fran. We were in San Fran from Friday afternoon and left on Monday morning. San Fran to Napa Valley for some wine tasting then on to Brookings OR, on the Oregon Coast. Brookings to Portland OR. Portland to Victoria. We were back home on Wednesday, Oct 20.

We managed to get some shopping done, some sight seeing in San Fran, some wine tasting in Napa and see some awesome coastline in Oregon. All done on time.

Did I mention a speeding ticket???? OOPS, I guess that just slipped out. We won't mention who was speeding but I will tell you it was not one of the females on the trip. No need to say more.

When we see you and if you want to know about the race, I will be more than happy to share my experience. I will say though, I had no idea that it would be as emotional as it was. While running for 2.5 hours, I laughed, I cried, I was encouraged by strangers and cried some more. I am proud to say I did it; I am proud to say Meghan and I were there together. I am equally as proud of Meghan for her accomplishments and her encouragement to join this incredible group of women.

If any of you need any trips planned - please call Ron. He is the ulitmate trip planner! Thank you, Husband. Meg and I appreciate all your effort.

What The Heck's Been Goin' On?

Well, let me tell you. It has been quite a hectic month. Ron and I do not like to dwell on the negative side of dealing with cancer. Suffice it to say that we have had teary moments. These moments are usually followed by one of us making some smart-ass comment. These comments usually result in both of us laughing. Off hand, I cannot recall one of those moments and it doesn't matter. What matters is that we laugh a lot.

There has not been a lack of tasks or thoughts to occupy Ron's time and mind. And those of you who know Ron, know that his mind can be a wonderful thing... right???

Here is what has been keeping Ron busy:
- Coaching Janice for the San Fran Ladies Half Marathon
- Being positive
- Wondering whether to sell sailboat and purchase power boat
- Trip to Vancouver to view some power boats
- Being positive
- Wondering whether to keep current vehicle
- Being positive
- What to do in the next month
- Being postive
- What to do in the next year
- Being positive
- Going to the gym
- Being positive
- Planning road trip to San Francisco
- Spending time with Winston

It has been difficult to make any concrete plans until we visit the Cancer Clinic.