I'm just so damed lucky!

Yes, I've had a lot go wrong with my health the last 10 years, but for all practical purposes, what I have had has been treatable. Treatment wasn't always fun and there were some risks, but basically I just had to keep on chugging and knew I could look forward to better times. Having to retire because of kidney failure was hard, but I could keep on going at least somewhat. Dialysis was bad, but the light at the end of the tunnel was a potential transplant. Then my cousin came through and I got a kidney from her (love you Sue!). I had some rough times with tubes and picc lines and drug reactions, but basically things kept getting better. And then under all that were the constant struggles with diabetes - tons and tons of work with sometimes bad results no matter how hard you try. But it was still do-able and I could keep on going. The pancreas transplant was great although the 7 months in hospital afterwards were tough. But my Sweetie was always there for me and we got married as scheduled. It may not sound like it, but I've been incredibly lucky. There has always been a light at the end of the tunnel for me - an excellent chance that things could, and would get better.

A friend I've known for years passed away this evening. We even went to the same high school and were in a musical production together although we didn't know each other then. It was fun discovering our common background when we lived near each other. Not quite two years ago she was diagnosed with cancer. For herself and her lovely family she fought and worked to get healthy again. But the odds didn't look that good, even from the start.  But she never stopped making an effort and tried everything possible to keep  herself going. She went through every treatment imaginable with dignity and strength and support from the many who love her. I'm relieved that her passing was peaceful, but I'm angry too that the modern technology that has kept me going relatively well was just not enough to save her. I think sometimes we forget that there are still limitations to medical science. Damn.

Don't forget to make a donation to your local hospital. Those dollars go to patient care and research - and that changes lives.

A terrific show

I absolutely can't wait for the beginning of November. Cesar Milan (the Dog Whisperer) is coming to town and a friend of mine has purchased some tickets and has invited me along. I just can't wait. Did I mention that I'm chomping at the bit and can't wait to go?  I don't always agree with the guy, but he does make a tremendous amount of sense, and also has an incredible gift. We have "Leader of the Pack" tickets that will allow us be part of a Q & A session after the show. I have my own questions to ask him, but I am also taking a poll among all my dog loving friends to see who can come up with interesting questions that I would also love to know the answer to. I just can't wait. Have I mentioned that already?

The next few months are going to be soooo busy. Appointments galore, a trip to Minneapolis for my annual transplant check up, a trip to Surrey, BC for a writer's conference, and in addition to Cesar Milan I'll also be going to see "Fiddler on the Roof". Would you believe I've never seen it?

Lots of things to look forward to. Yeah!