HOW’S IT GONNA BE?

It was pointed out that this year might be an emotional one. As my body begins to heal there is still a lot of emotional healing. Sometimes I feel like I am on a rollercoaster, I am up then down then up again!

Last weekend we went to see the start of the Tour of California. I was able to see a bunch of sponsors, old friends and meet new people. Every time I turned around I was talking to someone new. It was just like old times. I had a great time seeing so many people for something other then football or basketball. Cannondale surprised me with a ride in the LiquiGas team car. I sat up front while we hopped on course behind one of the team riders. It was so cool! We were going about 30miles an hour even in the turns. I swore someone was going to step out onto the road and get run over by us. The entire time the Team driver was yelling something in Italian at the rider. I assumed it was "Go fast you are too slow . . . Pick it up!" Something like that. I only know Gratzi, Prego and Chow!

After that we hung out with some of the Cannondale folks and I got a chance to meet Ivan Basso. He signed a poster for me but some how in the translation my name was misunderstood as Chrissie. It would be a big deal except I wanted to hang it up near Ned and all the other posters I have. Courtney made a call to see if another poster could be signed with the correct name but I doubt that will happen. In the meantime I just look at it and laugh. That was one of my fears whenever I would sign autographs for people. I didn't want to mess up a name or misspell anything! So much pressure!!

Tuesday a photographer from the Sac Bee (my local newspaper) shot some photos of me working out at the gym and with my PT. I had to laugh because people were already trying to figure out my deal and then I had someone taking pictures. One lady jumped on a trainer next to me so she could be in a picture not even knowing what it was for. Afterwards she asked and I explained but I am not sure if she understood she wasn't in the photo! I ended up on the elliptical for over an hour. My longest cardio workout so far. I was pretty excited. Thursday I had to match that so I added on the stationary bike. I spent about an hour and 10min combined then hit the weights for an hour or so! I feel so much better when I get to workout I just wish I could do more. I remember when 5 minutes fatigued my leg and now I am going strong for an hour plus in only a month. I guess you never really get rid of the drive to excel.

This weekend was great. I was able to catch up with friends. Saturday morning I was out at a local off-road duathlon. Then it was off to see very dear friends of mine since I was a kid. We swapped cancer stories and reminisced over old times. It was so great to see them. I realized how much I have missed out on with all the traveling but was glad I got a chance to catch up. I am hoping I get to visit more and do whatever I can to help out.

Sunday it was off to the gym, church and then my best buddy Kacey's house. I haven't seen her for awhile either. We had a great time getting on line and looking up old friends on face book. I just found out there is going to be a 15year high school reunion for us this September. I think I should have a shirt made before I go explaining what is going on so everyone doesn't ask what happened to me!! Not that I mind sharing, I just don't want to tell the same story over and over in one night!

I have started getting into Face book a little more. Everyone says I need to update it more often and write on their wall or whatever you do on it. So all morning I have been sifting through friend requests and chatting online with people. It was actually pretty cool and highly addicting. I better be careful with that. Everyone I talked to was shocked I was online. They know me so well!

This Wednesday I head back to UCSF for a CT and MRI scan. I will know that day if there is any sign of cancer. If I am clean we move forward with surgery on my blockage and if I have cancer we move forward with chemo. I feel like I have been in a holding patter for so long wondering "How's it gonna be?" I trust that God will continue to give me the strength to get through whatever lies ahead in the upcoming days. I am confident everything will be ok!

Please pray there are no signs of cancer and that the doctors will be able to fix my ureter!

Continuing to be . . .

Powered By God,

Jamie