Looking Forward to 2017 and Beyond!

Lots of exciting and good news to report. The most exciting news is that I’m here writing this post. It was twenty-two months ago that I received my “your toast” diagnosis of incurable cancer. At that time, the average survival time for Stage IV colon cancer that had spread to the lungs and liver was twenty-two months. So, I guess I’m above average. Boy did Miss Finkle, my second grade teacher, get that one wrong. Ha! She said I was below average!!  See my column below from today’s issue  of the Green Valley News for my thoughts on this emotionally charged and significant milestone event for me.

So more exciting news you want huh? OK, I feel great…how’s that? Although I ended 2016 feeling poorly and we had to cancel our Christmas plans, I’ve jumped into 2017 ready to roll. My radiation treatments are finished and my cough is diminishing. On Friday I’m giving my first presentation of 2017, in conjunction with Arizona Oncology. US Oncology, the parent corporation of Arizona Oncology, is redoing their web site and will feature me and my story on their site. My book, Live Well With Terminal Illness and Other Crappy Diseases, is now available in an audio book format on Amazon, iTunes and Audible. This is perfect for people who are too weak to read, or would prefer to listen to it while undergoing chemo, driving or exercising. Of course they’ll miss out on my brilliant artwork.

Still not satisfied?  We have an appointment Monday morning with our guru research oncologist at the U of A Cancer Center. Lee just discovered that Dr. M. was one of only eleven physician-scientists to receive 2017 grant funding from the Harrington Discovery Institute. Harrington’s focus is to advance breakthrough pharmaceutical discoveries. With funding of up to $700,000 per scientist along with involvement from the pharmaceutical industry to make it happen, it is exciting news. It will be interesting to see what Dr. M. has for us to ponder. But it is comforting to know that we are dealing with a genius. I feel fortunate. 

You can also read my column on-line at gvnews.com

As my health and energy improved, I suddenly found a paint brush in my hand.  Below our my two latest creations for your amusement.  Thank you all for your support!

Say “hi” to Alice. She lived in Seattle, is the collar really green our is it just moss covered?

This is Roxie, what a cutie. Do you see the similarity to Marty Fieldman?