Developments

I think I've mentioned that I've been suffering a bit (okay, a lot) of depression over the fall/winter. So to find out if what I'm experiencing is being caused by the Tamoxifen, I got the green light from my doctor to go off of the drug for up to a month and see if I notice any difference. It will help me deal with the problem if I know the cause. I've also heard that the side-effects can lessen over time. Now it's wait and see.

Celebrate!

John and I celebrated his 50th birthday yesterday with a great day of skiing at Big Sky. It was a beautiful day, absolutely clear and sunny. Our 2nd run of the day was from the top of Lone Mountain down Liberty Bowl. From our perch at 11,000+ feet, we could see dozens of mountain ranges in all directions. As we were making turns down the hill, the thought struck me, I've been skiing this mountain for almost 40 years. I was just a kid back in 1973! Where have all those years gone? Still, I get such a thrill schussing down each run, like it's the first time. Then it feels like almost no time has passed at all. Until, of course, I try to get out of the car after driving back home. Ouch!

Next week, we drive down to my other old stomping grounds of Jackson Hole to ski with brother Dave. I suppose I'll have the same thought there as at Big Sky, and I've been skiing at JH for even longer!

Arctic Visitor

I saw a bird today that I've never seen before, a Gyrfalcon. This bird lives year round in the Arctic tundra, and occasionally travels south to Montana in the winter. I was fortunate to get a couple of photos. When I first saw the bird, it took off from it's perch, swooped around and strafed a Red-tailed Hawk that was perched on another telephone pole. Now that's a bird with attitude!

Good For Another 3 Months

I had my 3-month check up three days ago and everything is clear. What a relief! I'm good to go until March, when I have another mammo and check-up. The problems I'm having with the Tamoxifen is a known factor, but I can't change medications in the near future. So for now I will try to alleviate them holistically (sp?).

Today we get our Christmas tree. I need to try to get into the Christmas spirit. Remembering where I was a year ago should make me very thankful, but somehow the joy isn't there. It will come in time, I think.

One year and counting

I passed the one year anniversary of my cancer diagnosis a couple of days ago. It's really good to have that behind me. On Thursday I have a 3-month check up with the oncologist, and hope that goes well. I'm looking forward to the holidays, knowing there won't be a black cloud over my head like last year. It will also be more relaxing not to be traveling. Christmas can be a very stressful time in and of itself without adding the stress of either flying or driving on bad roads. Our Thanksgiving trip was enough!

Go Bobcats!

GO CATS!

Snowpalooza!

There seems to be a snow theme running through the blog these past few weeks. We returned from a two week visit to Seattle to find my car almost buried in snow! Close to two feet, I'd say. Not that piddling little 2-3 inches that Seattle got so excited about just before Thanksgiving. Buffalo, NY has nothing on Bozeman.