I guess they never quite felt like this. The drops used to be the fun part, and the climbs brought anxiety. Well I've been on a bit of a different ride since we last talked. We all know how the drops feel for me now, and frankly, I'm not interested in explaining where they came from over the last couple weeks. So let's stick with the climbs.
You've already read about the Huck Cancer tournament, but it deserves another shout out for how well it came off. On top of that, another ultimate friend, "Mo Po", has directed his annual March Madness competition to raise even more money for the Huck Cancer team. See? Badgers aren't so bad after all (of course, they're no "Wolverines").
And bike rides? With no flats? You heard me right. I switched my tires to adamantium belted tires and attached a broom to the front of my bike to sweep away glass. Result? 3 rides, 0 flats (and 2 glasses of wine).
I've also taken a step up on the river by paddling the Gorge last week (Cl 3). Thanks to "Savory Em" and "Laura J" for dragging me along. It felt pretty...well...normal, which is about all I could hope for. I wasn't paddling perfectly, but I hit my rolls when I needed them, and that's what I was most worried about.
Of course, the biggest peak in the last few weeks would have to be the latest MRI (taken yesterday). At a minimum, the results looked basically the same as before - no major changes. Extreme optimism could even argue that they looked slightly better than before (though at this point I'd say hold off on the extremism - don't we have enough of that in this world already?) I also found out that there are ways for me to still travel for long periods of time if I want. Good news all around. Of course, part of the good news was that my recent blood tests looked fine - which means it's chemo week starting tonight. So if you don't hear from me in any form for awhile, you know what my excuse will be.
As for the drops these past few weeks, as I mentioned before, I'd just as soon not explain those. But this recent quote sent to me by "Rat" helps me try to keep perspective:
"Some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity...." -Gilda Radner
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Travel for long periods of time = india? I'll make the bookings!:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quote at the bottom, Eric. My family is in town -- the two you know about, mother and child. I just read it to my cousin and she loved it. xoxxo.
ReplyDeleteI love this quote. Thank you, Eric. Also, I need to see this broom thing! I had a dream two nights ago about carrying a little brush in my back pocket for cleaning glass and pebbles off my tire. hmm.... I just use my bike gloves at the moment.
ReplyDeleteLove those MRI results!! There is also "No trouble at all!", another Gilda.
ReplyDelete... and now apparently Quidditch.
ReplyDeleteHi Eric,
ReplyDeleteI'm Nick Vogenthaler's Mom. Nick spoke to me about you awhile back. Your blog became very important to me in December when my sister was diagnosed with glioblastoma. She had 95% of her tumor removed, completed her first round of chemo, received all the radiation she can and maintains her fight with positiveness and determination. Your blog gives me such insight and understanding. You are able to describe in words my sister cannot. For a family member who is going through this from a distance (she is in Pittsburgh, PA) it has been helpful to understand through your journal her own fight. You are amazing Eric. Always remember you have people you have never met fighting by your side. I send my love and many thanks. By the way.....I don't know if your a Dukie or not...but tonight is the night for another potential win.
Thinking of you here in Florida ... if you are inspired to travel for long periods of time amongst the alligators, manatees, and mosquitoes of South Florida you are more than welcome to stay here,
ReplyDeleteLouise