Status Report

  Posted on February 28, 2015 By

 99 Comments

Rose-WinterWinter Rose

I feel a bit ridiculous sharing my health status, but I wanted to share it with all of you who have been so supportive and kind to me for all of these months.

You and I thought I would be dead “within six months to less than a year” according to the official prognosis.

I had an x-ray last week to rule out a pneumonia.

The radiologist could not figure out what he saw on the x-ray.

My internist sent me back to the pulmonologist who diagnosed the lung cancer.

A new x-ray ruled out a pneumonia.

What it did indicate was that the lung tumor has grown very little since July.

I was not surprised since I am not sick.

I am as fat and sassy as ever.

πŸ™‚

Thank you for cheering me along.

It seems that you are in for a few more posts from me, after all.

I suppose I am as unpredictable as this winter’s weather!

πŸ™‚

 Category: Flowers, Photographs, Photography      Tags: , , ,

99 Comments on “Status Report”

  2. Beautiful news, George! I like that you give health updates…we’re all concerned and pulling for you. I think of you all the time!

    Like

    Reply

    • Nobody, least of all me, likes this kind of party. I’ve often regretted having mentioned my illness. Honestly, I thought I’d be very sick or dead by now. Of course, I never perform according to expectations. I’ve given up on the boring cancer thing. I will die when I die. Now, I am as well as ever. Strangely. If I’m not, I pay no attention to it. Chuckle… Thanks for stopping by, Madhu!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  5. Oh Georgia, I’m late here. πŸ™‚ Please do keep safe for me my dear friend. I cherish your friendship and I pray the good Lord to give you more lovely years on earth. Take care my friend. πŸ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you, Celestine! Stay safe and well yourself! I think of you often. I am happy to see your smiling face. You encourage me. πŸ™‚

      Like

      Reply

  6. good eve, dear george… i am so late here i might as well not bother sleeping now. i was thinking of you and just stopped in to wish you a happy, beautiful and peaceful day…. eat cake and smile at the horizon… my bet is it’s a beautiful sight. xox

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • I like that prescription: Eat cake and smile at the horizon. The best advice yet! Thanks, L’Adelaide! Thank you for thinking of me! πŸ™‚

      Like

      Reply

    • Oh, Lance! I am so very happy to see you again! πŸ™‚ I worried so about you! I am looking at your post now. The watercolor is absolutely wonderful. Startling and unexpected effect! Welcome home, Lance! πŸ™‚

      Like

      Reply

      • Thank you for not being put out with me. It was truantry, really. Nothing exotic, (though I am now being treated for childhood PTSD). This time around, I have to devote more time to painting and posting, and less time to commenting and visiting. I was trying to keep up with over 80 followers and just got blog-burnout (smile). Please do look after George for us? She’s so precious and cherished.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

        • Ah, Lance, we all need a break sometimes. You can’t keep up with even the people whom you’d really enjoy, unfortunately. I am far too disorganized and busy with the animals to get it done. I do miss those people who have been so good to me and feel terrible that I don’t visit, but I can’t manage to pare down the list! So I end up not visiting anybody! I am sorry to hear about the PTSD. That is a horrible thing to be visited on anybody! I have a close friend for whom it surfaced in mid-life, so I understand. I hope the treatment helps. Yes, immersing yourself in your creative work is the best therapy sometimes. I think of you and Raul often. Thank you, Lance.

          Like

          Reply

    • I hope your weather is better than ours! We’ve had an odd year this year. It’s beginning to feel a bit like spring now, though. I love seeing that beautiful face from my sister city so far away! Thank you for all the encouragement! πŸ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  10. Not ridiculous at all! So much better than having to deal with individual queries, George, and when it’s such great news… well, we’ll be shouting it from the rooftops πŸ™‚ πŸ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you very much, Jo. You guys keep me going with your enthusiasm and encouragement! I really do appreciate that more than you can imagine! Come on, spring! I don’t have time to wait on you, now! Chuckle…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  11. Keep that ever ready energy going. You light our lives. Best wishes.

    – After a February that thought it was an extreme temperature alert, we are at 8 degrees Celsius. May not sound great for your area, but the normal high should be 0 degrees. πŸ˜€

    Let us always hope for a better tomorrow for everyone. πŸ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Yes, let’s hope whoever is in charge of the weather dial gets his act together and brings some sunshine and warmer temperatures. My dragons are trying to bruminate and I don’t like it. I’m trying to think of how to trick them into thinking winter is over! Chuckle… I keep dragging them out to have a good soak to hydrate them. They’re finally coming to their senses! Yes, a better tomorrow for everyone, I’ll drink another iced coffee to THAT! Hope you and Liz and the family are well. Thank you for your encouragement and good wishes, Joseph!

      Like

      Reply

    • Thanks, RoSy! I agree. I live the crazy life, for sure. And, I intend to keep right on doing just that as long as I am upright. Hoping to go out with my boots on! Chuckle…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. We all know that you don’t follow the rules very well……so why would you abide by any silly doctor’s predictions. We are going to try to keep you here with us as long as possible.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thanks, Sue. I’m a real pain in the butt for any doctor. Difficult and uncooperative. As you know. I have stomped through life my way, and I guess I’ll stomp out my way. I depend on you to help me to do just that. I am so very fortunate to have a friend like you! Have fun in Dubai! And don’t stay in a high-rise hotel, for goodness sakes! Chuckle… I need you to return all safe and sound! πŸ™‚

      Like

      Reply

    • Well, no oncologist is going to tell you that there is nothing to be done. Even when it becomes obvious that there is not. The tumor has metastasized to the lymph nodes in that lung and to one on the opposite side of my neck. The best plan of action is to leave it alone. I would not have agreed to treatment even if it were confined to the lung. I know too much about radiotherapy and chemotherapy. I would have been trading ways of dying. And I would have been very ill immediately with the same eventual outcome. I am nearly 73 years old. I treasure the time I have left too much to trade it in for the suffering that treatment brings. I am fine, Andy. And I am happy. We need to return to “slow medicine” for people who choose it. Quality of life is far more important than the few months treatment might bring along with the suffering it causes. Thanks for stopping by and for your concern! πŸ™‚

      Like

      Reply

    • Hi, TBD!! Thank you so much. I’m ploughing ahead as if nothing were going wrong! Chuckle… I just can’t manage to get my head together to visit!! It is folks just like you who keep me going!! πŸ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  17. That’s great news! Of course, it isn’t surprising … I know several people who received “less than 6months to live” diagnoses, and they all lived well past that time — most of them very healthy. In fact, the mother of a friend of mine is still going strong twelve years after her “time’s up” notice. I have a lot of faith in science and medicine — but, I think the power of the human spirit confounds science. We just never know — and I’m glad that you’re still sassy!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      • I visit you because I think you’re inspiring. Not just your attitude about your illness ….

        Your photos inspire me, because you see beauty in so many things….

        Your love and care of your critters inspires me. The way you cared for Lucy (I think) who had the infection … a lot of people wouldn’t take the time or effort to treat a little lizard… but you nursed the little one back to health, and you took the time to find them good homes. That’s what I call character and integrity … and those are inspiring traits.

        That’s why I visit …

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

        • I just saw this, John. Thank you for encouraging me. I simply do what needs to be done. As I am sure you do too. We have to help each other and our animal friends. Otherwise, the world looks bleak and miserable. We can’t save it, but we can hold each others hands as we move along this way! Just as you are holding mine. Bless you, John.

          Like

          Reply

    • I just scrolled down your blog earlier. Some very interesting photos. However, that “flashpan” fish got me. No way. I couldn’t get past the vision of that face even if he were turned into a real delicacy beautifully presented on my plate! Chuckle… Thanks, Jackscrap! Don’t ever remove my vultures. I won’t know you anymore! They go back a very long time, don’t they? I love them still. Thank you very much for encouraging me! πŸ™‚

      Like

      Reply

  27. Wow how happy are Linda and I about this news….. I’m sure I said it before, but miracles do happen and man are we pleased to hear there has been very little growth…. wow, start to drink a high alkaline powder and watch it shrink….. fat and sassy is good, happy and contented, also good… and enjoying life even better….. Good people stay around for a long time… George I’m so happy to hear the news and read this post….. keep on keeping on…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ah, good people and good friends, you two! I’d still love to visit you. I’m afraid it’s a bit late now. Maybe in my next life… Take care of yourself and keep on shooting! I promise to visit soon to check up on you! My best to Linda! πŸ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  28. That is great news, George! Keep on being fat and sassy. We do care so please continue to share your health status. And continue sharing those spectacular photos. The weather has been a bit crazy, hasn’t it? Take care! I believe our attitude affects our health.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thanks, Jo Nell. I believe running like from oncology saves lives virtually every time!! Chuckle… Friends like you who encourage me keep me positive too. I just keep trudging along doing my thing. I can’t seem to get my head together to visit and respond as I want to, but I do so much appreciate you guys who cheer me on! Yes, the weather is screwed up. Folks in California could use some of the runoff from our last soaking rain! πŸ™‚

      Like

      Reply

    • Thank you, Victor. I feel well because I escaped the oncologists. It’s as simple as that! Chuckle… We need to return to slow medicine for old people. Just patch us up the best you can and send us on our way! I have an excellent and vigilant PCP who does just that. I hope you are happy and doing what you love! Thanks for stopping by! πŸ™‚ That market photograph still sticks in my head. I never managed to get a print from you, but I always remember it! One of your finest.

      Like

      Reply

  30. I read this to Joanna as she sat down to do a bit of knitting. “Good for her!” was her response. “Good for you,” say I! Excellent news, really. Your good news has translated into some blue sky and sunshine for us today – many thanks. This afternoon will be a busy one, as we prepare for more wet and nasty weather predicted for tomorrow into Monday morning. The bit of a lull that you and the blue sky have ushered in is much welcomed. Hang in there George and keep bringing us all those beautiful pictures and life lessons – I value each and every post (so does Joanna … she has been asking after you this week … I am glad you posted today). D

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • I’m sorry it took me so long to thank you for stopping by to encourage me, D. I think of you and Joanna often as spring nears. The lambs will come along with the new life on the farm. I can smell the hay loft and the barn from my childhood still. Thanks, Dave.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  31. congratulations! one’s attitude plays a strong role in one’s health.. i’n not surprised that you got a good report.

    ironicaly i’m in quito seeing a pulmonologist, who referred me to an allergist… two years one doc diagnosed emphysema, so i’m also trying to negate that diagnosis… allergy testing starts monday…

    i’m delighted that you’re doing well!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Hi, Zeeb! I’m sorry it took me so long to respond. I did the allergy treatment thing years ago. Suddenly, at about forty, it all disappeared. Good luck with finding the real problem. Allergy attacks can be debilitating! And frightening too! I will be thinking about you and wishing you well! Thanks for the encouragement! πŸ™‚

      Like

      Reply

  32. I was wondering. Lucky for us, for your friends and family, oh and for you! I second all that Adrian said, too. Hope your weather is not too bad and you can get out and enjoy some sun. πŸ™‚

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • HI, Blue Girl! Good to hear from you, too. I’m doing fine, really. Thank goodness, spring is coming back again before I croak. Chuckle… It was getting damn cold on my porch! Thanks for always stopping by! πŸ™‚

      Like

      Reply

  33. YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best news I’ve ever heard, George! It appears your positive attitude, and going about your daily routine doing exactly what u want, is working! I’m so happy for u, Kelli, Charlie and the rest of your family and friends! Very happy u don’t have pneumonia, too! It’s a dance of joy day! I have some happy day gifts for u. When the weather gets warmer, I’ll call and come by, if that’s ok. Doctors don’t know everything! Keep on doing exactly what u like to do.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ah, thank you, old friend! It’s been so good to have seen you again recently. The years slip by, but the friendship is for life. You know me. I will do precisely whatever I want to do! Chuckle…

      Like

      Reply

    • Thanks, Scott. Hope all is well in the damn desert! Chuckle…. One day, I am going to see you hiking my Little my Little Cottonwood Canyon again! I just went back there, and it brought tears to my eyes, Scott. I did so love that canyon and the others too. I scrolled through your new home posts and they are beautiful. You actually see, Scott. That’s remarkable.

      Like

      Reply

      • Good morning, Dear George – things are going ok in the damn desert. πŸ™‚ And I share your earnest hope that I will be in *our* Little Cottonwood Canyon again, hiking to my heart’s content. I also share in your tears at my absence from our favorite trail…it’s hard sometimes, but the comfort is in knowing that I was actually there and that I cherished it every single time I was there…when I brought you all of the images. Thank you for your precious words, my friend…and for your constant encouragement. Please get a hug from a loved one and know that I send you the same……

        Like

        Reply

    • I reckon I am, Tots. Always did. Honestly, no real statistics exist on those of us who decline treatment. We aren’t profitable. His prognosis was the standard one. And, that’s too bad since most people start to die when they hear it. In that case, people do actually die sooner than necessary. I’ve seen it in the elderly population who sometimes just decide to die and do just that. We have a helluva’ long way to go on our way back to sensible, natural death, I think. Thanks, Totsy. I appreciate you more than you know. πŸ˜‰

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    • Thanks, Christine. I’m doing really well for some odd reason that does not surprise me. There are few statistics on those of us who decline treatment. We aren’t profitable, you know. It would take a team of oxen to drag me into a hospital, I assure you. Chuckle… I think of you often. How is Baby? Growing like a little weed, I’m sure, and lots of fun for Granny! πŸ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • goodness how did I miss your comment! Baby Stacy is amazing. 10 months old, standing, babbling, very funny and has everyone wrapped around her little fingers! I am so glad you are doing well, I miss you. How are all the menagerie members? xxx

        Like

        Reply

    • Thanks, Richard. Glad you like that rose who refused to die this winter. It amused me to watch her from my porch. Romero finally cut her way back and I was a little sad to see it. I know it had to be done, but I felt a bit guilty when her blossoms fell to the ground… I swore to myself and promised to see blossom again! πŸ™‚

      Like

      Reply

    • Ah, thank you so much, Ogee! I’ve always done my thing my way. For better or worse. Chuckle… I suspect that if we live by the sword, we die by it. Whatever that means… At any rate, I’m far too old and independent to do otherwise. I appreciate your following along with me. It means a great deal to have friends like you here on WP! πŸ™‚

      Like

      Reply

  41. Fat and sassy is wonderful, I mean, who on earth would want to be any other way??? And your news is wonderful too – my experience of these “life left predictions” is that they can be way wide of the mark, in many cases they are not a precise science, so you just hang on in there, my friend, and go with what is, rather than what is supposed to be. But don’t you ever, ever dare feel ridiculous – you are laying bare an intimate time in your life and we are all in there with you, and we want to know, we want very much to hear from you. As always, love from me. Adrian

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Hi, Adrian! I paid little attention to the prognosis, but I was inclined to think I had less time than it turns out to be. I gave up on dying right away and just went on about my business. Never believe those prognoses…they’re wrong at least half the time. The thing is that there are no statistics on us folks who refuse treatment, I think. At least I couldn’t find any. We’re not profitable, you know. Chuckle… With treatment, I probably would be dead or wishing I were by now. Keep that in mind as you age and have decisions to make about interventions like pacemakers. Those things keep right on ticking no matter how disabled or demented you become. πŸ˜‰ Take care and thank you, Adrian!

      Like

      Reply

    • Thank you, Naomi. I never fit any pattern in my life, so I am not surprised that I didn’t fit this one! Chuckle… It matters to me that it matters to you! πŸ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a reply to coastalcrone Cancel reply

Archives

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

She Kept A Parrot

Blog at WordPress.com.