OK - my 90 seconds of fame on NPR's Morning Edition on Friday morning have come and gone. If you missed hearing it live, here's your second chance: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9984792
The link has the text of the story, and if you click on the "Listen" button at the top of the page, you can hear the story as it aired.
As a postscript to the story about my choice of planting perennials as an act of defiance to my cancer, the picture above is one of those plantings from last summer (Lewisia tweedyi). And I'll be planting more perennials again this year - it's just a matter of finding the space to squeeze in a few more. I have a couple of flats with new plants in the backyard and if it's nice outside today, I'll go out and plant them.
Not much to report for progress - the tumor marker number from last Thursday is unchanged from two weeks ago, and maybe everything is taking a little break before making a final assault to shut down the last tumors. But what a long way from where I was almost a year ago. At this point one year ago, I was still undiagnosed, and actually out on a weekend backpacking and climbing trip in the Cascades. I thought that my back was sore from the 6 mile trip up the mountain with an ill-fitting borrowed pack, with 50 pounds of gear slamming into my spine. I was a little out of breath and needed to take a few more breaks than I thought I should have. Little did I know that a month later, I'd learn that those back pains were from a collection of tumors in my chest - two of which were the size of 3x5" index cards. I was short of breath because there was no room in my chest for my lungs to fully expand - I just thought I needed more exercise. But that was one of the most enjoyable trips I've ever taken and I'm looking forward to getting back in shape to do it again. Face it - I've got Spring Fever and cancer has put a crimp in my plans for now.
Summit Picture - Earl Peak May 2006 - I'm in the brown and grey jacket.Relay for Life update - again, thank you for your continued support and contributions. The $1000 goal has been met, but there are still two more weeks to go before our Relay. I will continue to accept your generous donations up until Relay day - May 18-19th.
Please be sure to watch the Ted Koppel Discovery Channel special "Living with Cancer" which is set to air tonight, May 6 at 8:00PM. I consider Leroy Sievers a friend and a true hero to all those who have cancer. It will be followed by a town hall discussion where you may see some of the other "My Cancer" blog commenters.
