Most of you that access my website to read my stories, look at the photo albums, and check the travel map to see what part of the country I am currently exploring, are my friends, and you know that for the past three years I have had some serious, and sometimes very painful, health issues.
You also now know that my health issues have become more serious. I’ve decided since most of you know what’s happening with my health to write about it on my blog. In the past, I didn’t include much about my health, I just told a few people what was really happening. But, because it becoming more serious, and so many of you care and want to know how I am doing, I am going to periodically include health updates in my blogs. Because you know me, you also know that I am not going to sit around and wait to die. I am going to continue filling life with as many fun times and life experiences as I can.
Here is a summary of what’s been happening with my health. In 2010 I had four operations, very close together. Combined with the many previous surgeries and procedures I had for over 40 years, I have lots of scar tissue and adhesions in my abdominal area. I was told in 2010 and 2011 that the scar tissue and adhesions would continue to grow until they blocked my intestine. The doctors had no timeframe for when that would happen, and they still don’t.
In September 2012, I was experiencing some intermittent pain in my left pelvic/abdominal area. When I felt in that area I found a larger than golf ball size hard lump. I guessed it was a tumor of some sort. Only a few people knew. When I got back to Florida in December, I had to find a new doctor due to changes with the office of my previous doctor. I found a wonderful doctor named Janice Borrows. She is such a kind, caring, and professional doctor. How blessed I am to have found her. Anyway, she reviewed my medical records, and examined my pelvic/abdominal area and agreed there is a large mass growing. She also agreed with my decision to not have any tests, xrays, bloodwork, etc. done. In the past, I have had many tumors growing and they were removed, none of them were ever malignant, only my intestinal polyps were, therefore, my large intestine was removed. So, we feel that this mass/tumor is also not malignant, but it is increasing in size and beginning to affect my organs, mostly I’m not hungry very often, and it is causing more pain. Since over the counter pain relievers are no longer working, Dr. Borrows prescribed some medicine to take when I need it. Don’t be concerned, I am not losing weight, in fact, I had to buy larger pants. My midsection is expanding, like most of us in middle age. Foods like biscotti, crackers with cream cheese and jelly, cookies, and of course chocolate are wonderful snacks.
For me, choosing not to have any more operations or tests done is a quality of life issue. I know how I am functioning now, which is pretty good. I want to continue enjoying life, traveling in my camper van, visiting friends around the country, and making new ones as I travel. The risk for serious complications if I am operated on again is extremely high. I’m choosing not to take the risk with unknown complications. My doctor agrees with me and said she would tell her family members the same thing if they had medical issues like I do.
So, knowing what I now know, I am so glad that I retired when I did and that I didn’t wait the additional 18 months until I turned 62. I found this growth in September 2012, about three weeks before I turned 62. I am planning on taking another trip around the country beginning towards the end of March. I will still be updating my website, taking photos, etc. just like I have done the past two years. I am posting a picture of the map with my tentative route in the photo gallery from the Share the Journey party I’m having on March 5th. I’ll do as much of the trip as I can. If anything happens on my trip, I have several contingency plans, including travel assistance insurance, and prepaid funeral arrangements. If I get sick along the way, or my condition worsens, I have friends that will come get me if I am unable to get back to Florida on my own.
I would appreciate you sending prayers. I know many of you are upset with the latest developments in my health. It’s also difficult for my mother. Always know that I will be a part of your heart and spirit. Don’t feel sad for me, I am truly at peace. I am so very blessed and I have no regrets or unresolved issues. I have lived longer than I ever thought I would, and I’ve done more than I thought I would. I’ve gotten to travel around the country, see and do so many things that I only dreamed about when I was younger. I saw a billboard in Albuquerque, it said “Dream as if you will live forever, Live as if you will die tomorrow.”
When God decides my time on Earth is done, I am going to be cremated. I asked my friend Scott in Albuquerque, NM, if he will take my ashes up in his hot air balloon and release them into the air. He said he will gladly do it. I have a friend in Florida that will take my ashes to NM. Scott, said that I can’t go yet, that I am an experienced balloon crew member and he still needs me to help him at the Balloon Fiestas which are held the beginning of October. I’m planning on helping him again this year. I love helping Scott and his fiance Keralyn with their hot air balloon, and when I get to go up in it, it’s such a gift. I absolutely love it!!!
Know that I cherish and value my friendship with you, and that I am truly blessed because you have been a part of my life. I will be floating in the wind and sky… how cool is that.
