I'm Back...

Since I started the cancer drug trial I've had some (what I call) severe side effects. I even considered dropping out of the panel but then my sons made me realize that I shouldn't be too hasty. It's not like there's another cancer drug available to fit my needs. And I'm having a CT Scan on Tuesday which should tell us if the drug is working on me. They said then I could make a better decision. It's always easier to come up with all that logic when you aren't the ones having those severe side effects. Gary just mentioned yesterday that it's up to me to find a solution to the side effect symptoms and the Oncologist's job to do the cancer.

Back to a week before this conversation I was at the new gym excited about doing my first two cycle (spinning) classes in 6 years. I did one class on Tuesday and one on Thursday. By the weekend by feet had large dollar size blisters on the bottom although not with any liquid I could see. The thing is I could hardly walk and when I did walk it was like a snail. What had I done? I spoke to one of the cycle intructors who told me you have to wear stiff soles to do cycling or cross trainers. I had worn a running shoe which can fold itself in half. I was heartbroken because I knew my trip to Colorado was coming up and the importance of feet in the golf swing.

Dennis arrived in Colorado first from Minnesota and met me at the Denver airport. Since we arrived at the motel in Lakewood (very nice) at late afternoon we spent the rest of the evening just getting settled. The next day we met Bert & Karen (who have a home here in AZ and also in Colorado) at one of the golf courses they enjoy. It was so beautiful that we were ohhhing and ahhing throughout the round. Then we followed them to their beautiful home and they prepared a delicious lunch with lots of conversation and laughter. It was a wonderful day and it was so heartwarming for me to see our friends. We stayed in Colorado Springs that night at the Doubletree.

On Monday we had a morning tee time at the Broadmoor of which I had great memories. We golfed the East course that day, the Mountain course the next day and had an upgraded room for 2 nights loving every minute. It was exactly the getaway I needed and even though I was only able to golf some holes it did its magic and revived my spirit.

We met some lovely people who we were lucky to have in our foursome. It's easy to see how you can start a lifetime friendship with a few things in common and some great conversation. Dennis and I were both thinking that it would be great to do this once a year, and he said it out loud first. We'll spend the year researching where to go next.

Now we're back home feeling much better about staying in the cancer drug trial and having resolved a few of those awful side effects but also resolved to take myself out of town when the 4 walls start closing in. The mini vacation just picked me up and helped me see things differently.

Our son, Charlie, and his partner, Beau, are visiting Don on Washington Island for a week and have some unusual good weather suitable for swimming in Lake Michigan. They've been hiking and having their vacation fun. I guess we're all getting a pick me up after some unusual hot weather all over the country.