Am I ready for this?

First off, I have to tell you a quick story that happened as Pat and I were at the Atlanta, Georgia Airport as we were traveling to St. Lucia. I noticed this man looking at me and he kind of looked familiar but I blew it off....after all, no one knows me this far from home.  After about 20 minutes, This man stands up and starts walking my way.....I'm thinking ......well, I won't even tell you what I was thinking. He came up to me and said, "Are you Patty?" I paused.......and then said "yes" very slowly wondering who this man truly was. He stated his name was Lanny Andrews (and at THAT MOMENT) I knew exactly who he was. His wife had cholangiocarcinoma and sadly passed about 3 1/2 years ago. Cindy Andrews was a caring, sweet, and kind friend that I met due to this terrible disease called cholangiocarcinoma. But to think about this....sitting in an airport that he could recognize me...was crazy!  Lanny still reads my blog....still keeps up on me...and that is how he recognized me. So, Thanks Lanny! Thanks for having the courage for coming over to see if it was me. Hope you had a great trip in Jamaica!! Here is a pic of Lanny & I at the airport . We had a red eye flight...so sorry about the "just got out of bed look."

Pat and I finally planted our feet on St. Lucia and was swiftly driven about an hour away to the Sandals Resort. It was the most amazing resort I have ever stayed at. Absolutely pristine from the rooms....to the pool...to the beach...to the food...to the never letting your glass get empty...they were always there. I was a pretty cheap date drinking glasses of ice, ice water, and virgin strawberry daiquiri's,  and virgin pina colada's. Pat snorkeled every day and I snorkeled one....We also kayaked hard and fast around the large cove we were in. This was probably my second favorite trip so far that we have taken by ourselves. I picked out a few pics to share before ending with an update on my trial.

 Pat and I before entering the Japanese Restaurant.

A Sandals Sailboat

 No....this isn't Pat and I! :-)

 This wall separated Sandals from the beach. We had plenty of openings to go to the beach but the pool was right behind where this picture was taken.

 The "other" side of the cove our resort is in. I think there were some hotels and Bed and Breakfasts along here.

 The building sticking out is a Japanese Restaurant that we ate at on the Sandals Resort. It was fantastic!!

 These colorful houses are part of the Sandal's Resort. Again, this is where Pat and I snorkeled.

 They say there are NO sharks because the water is too warm. How about THAT!  :-)

 Pat and Pat-ty

This was taken from our balcony. We snorkeled along the left side of the picture clear out to the edge of rock.

 This beautiful tree is like a gigantic Mimosa tree.....There were the pink blooms all over although you might not be able to see them in this picture.

I have been taking the clinical trial pills every day and still the worst side effects are abdominal cramps that usually happen right before "a big explosion" is about to happen. Needless to say I am a anti diarrheal junkie on an almost daily basis.

I travel back to MD Anderson in Houston on Sunday evening with bloodwork starting at 6:30 on Monday morning. I have the CT scan prep starting later that morning.  Tuesday morning, I meet with a specialist of some kind to look at all the meds I take and if I am taking two together that should not be taken together. I have never had this done before but with all the "scoots"....it can't be a bad idea.  Then.......I will get the CT scan and bloodwork results when I see Dr. Meric at noon. If all is well, we will wait the dreaded three hours for new drugs and fly out that evening.

What do I think the scan will show...good or bad. I don't have a clue. I know I am living life to the fullest. I babysit my youngest grandson two days a week, I am always on a journey each day. I have been painting some ocean animals and have a few more to finish before handing them over to a friend named Sam.  WHATEVER the scan shows, we will take it in stride. I am in no pain, I feel mostly energetic, and I am just not sure what it will show. Stability would be wonderful....shrinkage is an added bonus. I prayed last night for God to take control of my life. I asked Him to do what He believes is the right thing to happen in my life...and to guide me on this journey.
Sometimes, you really do not realize how many people are dying from cancer until you are closely related to someone or have cancer yourself.  Why is that?  Why is it that most Relay for Life teams have members with cancer patients on them?

As the air starts to get cool and crisp, the hickory nuts and acorns start to fall, campfires start to happen more often this time of year, enjoy this special time of year. Enjoy the fall foliage as it will be on the ground in no time!  Enjoy every day and give thanks to our amazing God for the view He gives us every day.

I will post maybe Tuesday with a report from the dr...maybe not until Wednesday evening. It all depends on when I have access to the internet.

Happy Fall Y'all!!

Hugs!
Patty Corcoran