We have been busy

Patti and I traveled this past week to Virginia to look at a job, spend a day at the beach and then drop off our camper at the factory in VA. The job looks like we will get it. It is an Arby's in Yorktown, VA about 1 mile from the battlefield where we beat the British. (unless you read into the fact that there were more British and French fighting than Americans) We then traveled on to a KOA in Virginia Beach on Wednesday night. We stayed there two nights. On Thursday we hopped the trolley and went into the beach area. We walked over 5 miles that day. Had a nice lunch on the boardwalk, bought some salt water taffy for the boys (Mckenna doesn't have the teeth yet for it) took a lot of pictures and in general, had a relaxing day. All day and most of the night F18's fly over as we were right by Oceana Naval Station, the first place where navy carrier pilots train. We saw three aircraft carriers in the area. We did not have a lot of bugs, but the ants were everywhere it seemed.

I continue to fight this virus in my throat and other places as it moves around. It is getting better, but it is still bothersome. I actually think it is now more stress than anything. Let hope and pray that it goes away soon.

Patti and I will be making a fast trip to Chicago the beginning of the week. We have to look at some jobs there for a new customer. It will only be about a 400 mile trip. Lot less that the 1250 miles we traveled this past week. We will have to make a 700 mile trip to pick up the camper the following week. Good thing Patti shares the driving. Before it was not a problem. Now, three hours of driving and I am maxed. I need a break. Patti complains that she always gets the twisty turns of the PA or WV pikes when we travel. She wants to start the drive next time we go and give me the twists and turns. I am just glad to have her along. She really comes up with some good meals when we travel. Yesterday we ate in a Methodist Church parking lot in Winchester, VA. She really picks some interesting spots. Eating in a Walmart parking lot is getting to be a routine with us.

Tomorrow is my 57th birthday. Caleb and Micah came to the office while I was working on some equipment there today and reminded me that today was the last day that I will ever be 56. As Patti's mom says the older you get the fast the birthdays come. Ain't it the truth. Hopefully I have about 40 more. That will put me in a tie with my Grandma Moore. Now if I can just make it to June 5, 2049. I can do it, just so long as Obama doesn't take away everything the next 3 1/2 years.

Pray for our country and our leaders to wake up and get back to what this country was founded on.

Not the report we expected

I went to get the report on my recent tests and found out everything is good except for my T-8 cells that fight cancer naturally. They have dropped considerably. Also the resistors that cancer cells produce have increased. This is a dramatic change from the last report. The doctor is not quite sure of why this happened after a positive increase the previous report. Although it is not good, it is not terrible. He started me immediately on some changes, both for the cell changes and for the throat that has been bothering me. I took IV injections on Tuesday and Thursday and went to my family doctor on Thursday afternoon. Both have suggested massive amounts of vitamin C. That is what I am doing. My cholesterol is down and everything else is in an optimal range so we will try a few things and wait. Both doctors think the throat thing is a virus that doesn't seem to be getting anywhere because of my body resisting it, but not being able to knock it out. I just need some prayers to get this thing turned around.

I went four wheeling with a group from the church on Friday. Ken Starett and my son Steve went with me. They did OK, I got beat up. I have a busted lip, a bruised foot, a scraped up arm and a build up of fluid in my right arm and shoulder that is quite painful. All in all it was fine, except for the two times I spilled the ATV. Just do not have enough strength in the right arm for the difficult steering when going down rough inclines. Will have to stay to the kiddie and old peoples trails. (yeah, right) I just have to build my left arm to compensate for the weaker right, or get power steering for the ATV.

In all seriousness, pray for me so my cells react to the treatments and medicines to build my T-8 cells and get rid of the resistors. I might have to go to Germany for some treatments for this in the future. And it is very expensive because it is all out of pocket for the month or so we will need to be there.

another week gone by

I will be going to the doctor's on Monday to get the results of some tests that I took about three weeks ago. I should have gone this week but I was very busy at work. Patti and I spent the day today running around to get documentation for our passports. We will need them for Canada this summer and also if I need to go overseas for treatment if my cancer would come back. Right now that is on my mind because I have had a problem with my throat for over a month. Patti and I are figuring it is an infection because the problem keeps moving up and down my throat on the right side and up into my right ear. This does it several times a day when it moves. It causes some discomfort but it does not hurt when I swallow. It just feels like a dry spot. Sometimes it builds pressure which result in a series of burping that brings relief. It is of concern and I am trying my best to keep it from being a worry.

I guess this is the lot for those who have had cancer or other serious illness. It is the sword of Damocles as my doctor puts it. Little things that pop up cause you to think the worst. And it does make me feel that way several times. On this I could use prayer as it becomes overwhelming sometimes.

Another Reason to Live

Well, I know a little more than 18 months ago I was told by the oncologist that there was hope. Then 4 months later, I told him before I went on the interferon that I wanted to see my granddaughter get married and have kids. He rolled his eyes at that and I could tell by the look on his face that in his mind, it was never going to happen. Three months after that he asked Patti and me if I had had a "religious experience." Well now I have been given by Heather, my daughter, another reason to live. With her permission I am telling everyone that Patti and I have another grandchild on the way. Number 6 is expected in October. Is it a boy or a girl? Yes. This means I have one more big reason to stick around even longer.

The next thing is I know I am suppose to be giving sugar up but I had a good reason to go off the wagon today. It was cake and ice cream for Joshua's 4th birthday. He was all excited today as we celebrated his birthday. Oh to have the energy of this 4 year old. And to watch McKenna standing up on her own. Stacy and Steve say she has been doing it every now and then lately, but tonight, she kept doing it as she was the center of attention for some time. She is a real cutie.

Now our goal is to get back on track after this weekend. I worked at the church this morning patching some pot holes and cutting some grass. The grass cutting hurt, so I will not be doing that anymore. The vibration and the bouncing did me in. (Don't tell Patti but I also ate the first donut I have had in probably a year today also. I'm holding everyone who reads this not to tell her or I will be exercising twice as much this week.)

I want to thank those who keep sending me and Patti notes and letters of encouragement. Times are still sometimes trying, but we are weathering them with the love and support we get from our friends, family, each other and God. I thank him every day for giving me one more day. And that is how we are taking it, one day at a time. Keep up the prayers for us. We continue to need them.