Today has been nice and relaxing. Last year we stayed home for Christmas because I was just a few weeks out of surgery. This year we decided to repeat the experience (without the surgery) and spend the day at home with our children. We did all make it to church midday for a nice service, but that was it. Carla fixed us an awesome turkey dinner.
The best news of the day came this morning. We were visiting with my daughter from my first marriage and her husband using Skype. It was fun seeing each other on our computers over the internet. They watched us open a Christmas card they had mailed to us. Inside was an ultrasound picture of their baby announcing that Brittany is pregnant. That makes me a grandfather in six months. Cool!
This month makes one year cancer free for me. I am also now six months out from chemo and my last surgery. All of my followup appointments have been mostly good news. There was a bit of a scare when my CEA count started climbing, but a PET scan showed that it was only inflammation. No sign of cancer. I had a colonoscopy this month as well. They removed a small polyp and said that everything else inside looked healthy.
My goal for 2012 is to get the weight off that I've put back on since treatment. Even before cancer I was getting heavy. It is time for Running Man to start running again. I currently weigh 225 pounds. My goal weight is 175 pounds. That is a 50 pound weight loss.
For Christmas today I gave Carla a ten gallon fish tank full of 50 pounds of sugar. Each week I will weigh in and remove that much weight in sugar from the fish tank. When the fish tank is empty I will have lost 50 pounds. I will finish by my 50th birthday which is June 3, 2012. Carla's Christmas present is a healthier husband. She was definitely excited.
So there you go. I am still around and I am very much missing my cancer friends. Thank you all for being such wonderful people.
Love, hugs, and best wishes,
Steve
Great to read your post Steve. I've missed you too, though Carla has popped in now and then.
ReplyDeleteChristmas this year was an achievement for me too. I can barely remember what I did last year, though I know I managed to send out Christmas cards. This year we had the whole traditional menagerie - stockings, presents, Christmas dinner (all cooked by me and much complimented on). Telephone hookups with my aunt (where I spent all my childhood Christmases) and her gathering of 17. And Skype with my niece who is travelling around Australia about to cross to New Zealand and join my nephew. Also a 3-some (that sounds rude) with them and their Dad, my brother.
So all in all more energetic than last year!
I hope when the fish tank is empty of sugar you will fill it with water and some gorgeous fish. Post a photo of it with fish in on your blog when you achieve that.
Hugs across the miles..
Fiona ((o))
Missed you too Steve but it's been lovely to hear from Carla during your long absence.
ReplyDeleteLosing those extra pounds sounds like a very achievable goal for you and something great to aim for.
Glad you've had a lovely family Christmas and that you've been in a better place to actually enjoy it this year.
Love to you both, always. Hoping that 2012 is a great year for you and your family
xxXxx
Hi Fiona,
ReplyDeleteWow. I can't believe I let four months go by. We got back from our Alaska cruise and everything just sort of took off. Work, school, church, etc.. I finished my term at Westminster College with perfect marks. That felt good. I am on track to graduate this spring. It took awhile to get my brain back in gear!
I'm glad you use Skype to visit with family. This was my first time using it and what a surprise. Brittany and Jason live in southern California (12 hour drive). They waited until Christmas day to break the news that they are pregnant with their first child. I remember when Brittany was born, but where did the last 23 years go?
Well done on your Christmas dinner. Very nice. Sometimes the best part of the meal is eating left overs the rest of the week. :)
Thanks for the holiday hugs.
Steve ((o))
Carole!
ReplyDeleteI am all smiles at the moment. Love just radiates from you and I love being enveloped in it. Your warmth and light are very addicting! (Does that make me a moth?) :-))
I am excited to be getting after my weight. The challenge will be good for me. I tend to do better when I have something to focus on. Thanks for the encouragement.
My love and respect for you continues to grow.
I think of you often,
Steve xx
I'm glad to hear you are still kicking around the halls at Westminster, and that you are in good spirit and health. I finished my last two courses this semester...I'm still not used to having a little bit of spare time. I hope to see you at commencement this summer!
ReplyDeleteMark
Mark,
ReplyDeleteWhat a surprise. I hardly knew anybody on campus when I got back. Congratulations on finishing. I will definitely be looking for you at commencement. Thank you for all your support both at school and with my cancer. Enjoy the extra time back in your life. Well done.