Life does not end with a stage IV diagnosis (really!)

Dee, My DH and I went zip lining in St. Thomas shortly before my dx. I am not much of a daredevil, and I was really nervous. Before we started, we put on our helmets and harnesses, and our zip line guides checked us to make sure everything was properly connected. They then explained all the safety measures in place and exactly what we would experience. They asked if anyone was nervous, and I was the only one, of course. I took that step off the first run and never looked back. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I felt free as the wind blew through my hair. The view was beautiful. I was disappointed when we finished that last line. I am so happy we did it. My children were shocked when they received the photos we took. I think you should go for it

My DH and I had trips planned to Disney World in January and to Hawaii next month. Unfortunately, my husband's health has delayed us, but we will go as soon as we can. We love to go places whether it is close by or not. Last year we spent a week in Long Island, NY while our grandson played in a baseball tournament. We had plenty of time to go to the beach, explore the area, and find some good restaurants. We plan to do that again this summer since the same grandchild will be traveling to the same tournament this year.

I have wonderful memories of all our adventures, big and small. Sometimes something as simple as a day at a museum followed by a meal in a nice restaurant makes for a wonderful day.

Caryn, It's hard to believe that your grandson will enter the world next month. I hope you have a wonderful time at today's shower. Actually, I am sure you will have a great time. What a wonderful reason for a celebration.

My DH and I sometimes talk about moving, but we are still here. Neither of us enjoys the harsh winters now, but we don't like the extreme heat either, so where would we go? If we went too far, we would miss our children and grandchildren. My 97 year old mil still lives in Massachusetts, and we don't want to be too far from her either. We have been unable to visit her since December and she often asks where we are. As soon as my DH is better, we will resume our weekly trips to see her and deliver a dish of coffee ice cream to her.

I meet with my bs tomorrow and will discuss my onc with her to get her opinion about what I should do. I would like to hear what she thinks of the person who might be my new onc. I am seriously considering leaving the cancer center and following my old onc to his other office. On the other hand, even if I do that, there is no guarantee that the onc would stick around. He could decide to move to California in six months. I could completely change things up and travel to Dana Farber in Boston. What to do, what to do.

Have a good night.

Lynne

Terre, OH MY, OH MY, OH MY, OH MY! Wow! The sky, the colors, the variety of balloons. What a beautiful sight. This has topped off my wonderful day. Thank you. It must have been quite an experience to be there.

Lynne

Caryn, what a beautiful picture. I am glad you had a good time. Get some rest. You will be in the midst of all your students before you know it.

Lynne

Artist - Hawaii is amazing, particularly if you can island-hop a bit. We flew to Hilo on the Big Island first, spent a couple of nights at Volcanoes National Park, then drove around the southern tip of the island to Waikoloa. We then went to Maui, stayed at Lahaina, but travelled to Haleakala and the Molokini Crater. We ended our trip on Oahu at Honolulu. It was an amazing trip, particularly if you like beaches, swimming, SCUBA/snorkling and hiking.

Italy is also a fun place. Life is easy. The food and wine are excellent, people are nice. You can run around like a tourist, or you can find a village, sit in the Piazza and drink wine all day.

You can do all that you want in NYC - it is all affordable and readily available. But you do need to be able to get around, or be able to let a taxi get you around. NYC is best for the nimble of foot. I will be there probably the first week in June for a few days.

Awww, great picture Caryn! What a special time for you girls. Bet you can't wait for that baby to arrive. Kids at school are cute enough but there is something sooooo special about a newborn.

Wow Scrunch you really get around! Do you have a traveling job or just make vacations happen? I can't believe how little I have traveled in my life. Hence the urgent feeling to get going now! I have been to Mexico and most of the West Coast states and thats it. Time for me to hit the road and see some world! Probably Hawaii first while I figure out how we are going to afford a trip to Europe. LOL! I would love to walk for miles in NYC just checking it out. Thanks for all the tips Scrunch.

In the meantime, I live in a wonderful spot for hiking, biking and skiing so will take advantage of that while I plan!

Kiwi, the balloons look almost magical, so many in the sky and on such a bright blue day.

Caryn, beautiful photos of you, your daughters. Your little granddaughter is gorgeous, too

Teacher, Your descriptions of your experiences in Iceland are wonderful. The picture is magnificent.I have never considered traveling there, but now it seems that it is worth the trip. I am glad you had such a good time. Thank you for sharing with us.

Lynne

Teacher, what a beautiful photo! Thanks so much for sharing. It looks spectacular!

Teacher what a super photo, a friend of mine bought herself a little Icelandic horse and always talked about going there for a visit. What a great trip you had by the sounds of it.😄

Teacher, WOW! That picture together with your description just planted a new idea in my head as well! Beautiful!

GatorGal, whoa! What a transformation! And what an amazing grandson, to set this goal in honor of his grandma. So impressive and such a loving gesture

Teacher911.....your picture is breathtaking!

Gatorgal...that is awesome! Tell him he is a wonderful young man!

Teacher - Beautiful photo, Iceland is on my list

Gator - how wonderful

GatorGal, what a great story and photos. Your grandson's support is truly heartwarming and very special. You must have a great bond with him.

Welcome funthing, I hope it all turns out NOT Stage IV...Hang in there! GatorGal, What an absolute doll! Not just for doing such a selfless thing but literally!