Auction Success!

What an amazing weekend it's been. The auction (set up and organized by Astrid and Vicky - a million thank-yous each) was an overwhelming success. I think we raised almost $25000! I would like to offer my thanks to each and every one of you that participated. Penny and I found ourselves in tears on many occasions over the weekend as Vicky called, texted or emailed updates. While I would never wish our situation on anyone, I do hope you get the opportunity to feel the love and support from your friends and family like we have over the past 2 years (and especially over the last week). The outpouring of support in the form of emails, phone calls and especially through the auction has been astounding. Thank-you doesn't seem to express accurately our true gratitude it but it's all I have. Thank-you.

In the cancer department I have two new developments to report. 1) I see my colorectal surgeon Dr Buie on Wednesday for my surgical follow up. My recovery is going well but the real meat of our meeting will focus on when I can start chemo. Because some (read all) of the chemo drugs inhibit healing I will need to make sure I am sufficiently healed from my surgery before I start chemo. I'm hoping he says I need a few more weeks but who knows. 2) I forwarded my substantial medical records to the Mayo clinic in Phoenix for them to review as a second opinion. I wanted to have an independent (and out of province) oncologist review my file to make sure that everything I'm being told here fits more or less with what an internationally renowned cancer treatment clinic would do. All that I've read and heard through word of mouth suggests that the Tom Baker Cancer Centre here in Calgary is as good as anywhere in the world but I figure it can't hurt to ask. After all, it is a matter of life and death...