When I google my name, the link at the top of the list is this Open Salon blog from the time Cary was in the hospital. I apologize for not sticking with the updates but a) I'm not a writer, so the act of blogging is tough going for me; and b) the year of Cary's cancer treatment was a very trying time, and I kind of wanted to put it in the past.  Neverthess, I figure it's time I finally write an update. 

[Actually, I just wrote an update, but when I hit "Save Draft and Preview" my whole post was wiped out. Oh, Open Salon, how you've disappointed me.]

 So, instead of the carefully considered post I'd previously written, I'm going to just quickly say that, thanks to all your support, Cary was able to get his two months of proton beam radiation treatments. Chordoma is notorious for recurring, so the proton beam therapy combined with the surgery was his best chance for survival. I wish everyone has such a great support network. Cary is getting quarterly MRIs to monitor the situation. We have an appt. with Cary's surgeon in a few days, so keep your fingers crossed that all is well.

 The radiation and the sugery have both left their marks, but Cary is handling all the side effects with impressive good grace. He's swimming regularly and eating well--pretty much doing all he can do to stay healthy.

As an aside, life in Loma Linda, where Cary got his proton beam therapy, was an eye-opening experience. In SF we are pretty sheltered from the effects of the economic downturn, but in the "Inland Empire" the ravages  are unmistakable. We saw strip malls in which every single business had closed down. The amount of foreclosed houses up for sale was shocking. The only businesses that seemed to stay afloat were fast-food restaurants and those that take care of necessities, like grocery stores and auto mechanics. Despite all this, we met lots of wonderful people there, and were impressed by the civic pride.

Back at home, however, life is pretty sweet. After a long, foggy summer the sun is finally out again. The poodles are getting old (12 and 14), but they've  still maintained their love of life and their quirky personalities. We're getting ready for the next workshop session, as well as a creative getaway in January. I'm so impressed by all the talent that has come through Cary's workshops. It's an honor to bake my treats for them.

Well, that's the news for now. 

Happy fall!