“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.” Grandma Moses

Tomorrow marks two weeks since Sam's chemo treatment of Alimta and carboplatin.  He is actually doing quite well, although this morning he did tell me his hands and feet are tingling which means the neuropathy is probably beginning.  Neuropathy, as most of you are probably aware, is a side effect of this type of chemo treatment as well as a side effect of lung cancer. In addition, he seems to constantly be cold which really is not surprising, either, since the tumors in his lungs are affecting his circulation. His attitude, though, is still phenomenal and for that I am so grateful.  The personality changes are what concern me most about the chemo treatment and so far, so good.  Yeah for the little things!

He finally heard from the VA doctor yet who provided him a phone number to call to schedule the MRI which he plans on doing tomorrow.  Between my job and our weekend getaways, scheduling the medical things are a challenge which is okay with both of us at this point.

Fox Creek overflowing its banks and onto the empty parking area. 

Last weekend we ventured to Chitina to dipnet in the Copper. Sam refused to listen to everyone saying the river is running high, is very muddy, and no one is catching any fish.  We also went hoping to see Sam McAllister, one of the river guides who is from Prairie City, 13 or so miles from John Day where we call home in eastern Oregon.  Lo and behold, the river guides had closed up the day before!  We hiked in 2.7 miles on the Copper Highway to O'Brien Creek, sat on the sandbar for 30 or so minutes with our nets in the very muddy water, caught nothing, and decided to heck with this, let's go back.  Luckily, the day was gorgeous so the hike was awesome, although we were both very sore on Sunday and Monday.

Loading up the wagon which hauled our gear
along the Copper River Highway.

Thursday morning I have a meeting in Kenai, so we are headed down to the Russian River area for a few days, another river which is running high and fishing is not all that good.  Plus...there are bear issues, lots and lots of bear issues.  That should be fun and exciting!  Hopefully, though, Sam will catch at least one fish and be happy, especially since dipnetting on the Copper was not successful.

On the other hand, he seems to be really enjoying his summer so far and I could not ask for anything more.  We have plans to head towards Denali after the 4th, then back down to the Kenai Peninsula after that as my work will be taking me back there for a few days later in July. If I have not said told you recently, I really do love my job and so does Sam!

The snarky side of me came out the past few days, and for any of you who I took it out on, I apologize.  One of the things which drives Sam and I both crazy are the various comments which are made by very caring people who do not by any means intend to be rude or otherwise, they just do not know what to say.  At this point in the journey, it is almost like we are living with a chronic disease, yet we know that because the cancer is literally throughout Sam's body, there is no treatment yet available which will cure him.  A miracle is the only way, and yes, a miracle is entirely possible but only on God's terms, not ours.  Anyway, I digress (imagine that!)  We both recognize no one prepares anyone for times like these and therefore, no one learns the best things to say and/or do.  Sam and I discuss this all the time mostly because sometimes we are just amazed at people and other times, we are saddened.  More than anything, the best thing to do (in our minds, anyway) is to communicate and do not be afraid to ask questions.  If we do not feel like talking about our situation, we will tell you and ask to change the subject.  More often than not, though, we are happy to share as it is therapeutic for us and educational for you plus it tells us you truly do care.  However, do not start in with the "you're going to be just fine" line because that is a complete lie and makes the hair on the back of both our necks stand up because it means you have absolutely no idea of the situation we are in, nor do you really care.

Dipnetting on the very muddy and
extremely high Copper River.

Ok, I could go on and on about this but I will stop now.  Enough of my ranting.

In case anyone is wondering, we are still tent camping.  The other day Sam told me when he goes camping, he wants to sleep outside, not inside of a house he brings along with him.  In the very next breath he told me if I really wanted a trailer/camper/motorhome to just go get one.  HA.  Yeah, I know how that works.  On the other hand, he said it...and I know the minute it starts raining and we are in the trailer, he will be extremely grateful. So, I am going shopping!

Ciao!