I'm back! Last Wednesday I went in for the take down of my iliostomy and removal of the port. All went well. The surgery lasted about 2 1/2 hours but I wasn't in a room for another 4 hours because they didn't have a bed for me. They were busy that day. The first day after surgery was fine, but the next day was rough with my body trying to get started again. I came home on Saturday instead of Friday because my doctor was gone and his partner didn't come in to check me out on Friday. That was fine with me because I didn't want to go home after the night I had on Thursday. My sister Nicky took me home Saturday afternoon, because my family was all up in Tahoe for my nephews wedding. Last night we were all back together in the house and that was nice. My body began working, and working, and working again, and again and again.... so I was up all night. Today I took some pain meds and that helped considerably. I was told it will take a few months for my body to really be back to some what normal. I hope sooner because I have to be in shape for Bonnie's wedding in 5 weeks. I'm back on the BRAT diet (banana, rice, apple sauce and toast) and a few other foods. I have to have a low residue diet just like I did when I was in radiation. Then as I heal, I can add more foods a little at a time. In August I will go in for my quarterly CT at UCSF. I will let you all know when I go in and the results.
Thank you to everyone who has kept me in their prayers. I know the Lord heard because the surgery was a success and I am on the road to a full recovery and on the last leg of this journey. This past year has been such a growth and informative time for me. I continue to be amazed and blessed by so many loving, warm and generous people who reach out to me. I hope that I will be able to reciprocate back to all of you when and if you ever need a friend.
Psalms 40:11 Thou O Lord, wilt not withhold Thy compassion from me; Thy loving kindness and Thy truth will continually preserver me.
God bless you all and have a happy and safe July 4th.

Hi to all my wonderful friends and family. These past few weeks have been great with no chemo, or doctor appointments. I just had fun with Bonnie's bridal shower two weeks ago, and getting ready for Brigitte's graduation. The picture is of Brigitte and Alyssia, her girl friend, whom I gave a diploma to. The tradition at our school is that a staff member can give a diploma if asked. It is really an honor and one I very much hold dear to my heart. She graduated on Friday the 17th and Sunday (Father's Day) we had a big party to celebrate her graduation and my soon to be "empty nest"! I'm looking forward to having my house stay clean when I get back from work, no shoes left by the front door for me to trip on, the sink will stay empty of dishes, and milk should last longer that a few hours. However, I will miss the commotion and chatter that is always abound when they are near. Brigitte will be attending Chico for teaching. Kyle will be there for Construction management and Bonnie and Ricky will be there in January for Construction Management as well. Who knows if Sean will soon follow. He's used to having them around to hang out with.
Tomorrow is the last surgery for me as far as I'm concerned! I will have the take down (remove the ilistomy) and have the port removed. The surgery will be at John Muir Concord campus starting at about 7:30 am and should take about 2 hours. I will have the morphine drip instead of the epideral block that I had last time for pain. I'd rather have the block because you don't get woozy or crazy from it like you do with morphine but it's not up to me. The plus side is it makes you sleep a lot! I should be out of the hospital on Friday if my body behaves and remembers how to work. I am not worried about it too much because I know God is looking after me and he hears all the prayers. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and support. The last nine months have been an interesting and growing time for me and my family. God has continued to bless us in so many ways, and I have felt so lucky to be blessed by all you bloggers buddies. My words can not express my deep gratitude and appreciation to each and everyone of you. I will try to have my sister update while I am in the hospital. God bless you all and please keep me and my family in your prayers tomorrow.
Psalm 9: 1-2 I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Thy wonders, I will be glad and exult in Thee; I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High.