Saturday, August 27– noon

Balance: During all that I have been going through since February, I have had a lot of time to think about "balance." That word, and that type of lifestyle, is something that I came to know to have special meaning in the last 3 or 4 years of my life. This past year, and these experiences related to my cancer survival, have made me understand "balance" like never before.

In the past, balance was something that I knew I should strive for, and I sometimes pretended to do so. I emphasize "pretended" because I was doing things that I thought sounded good in terms of being balanced, but I often wasn't really incorporating them.

Now...I have learned a lot more about real balance. It is the balance that Cindy and I have taken between modern Western medicine, and alternative healing. It is the balance of caring a lot about my job and company, but trying hard to keep that responsibility and workload from consuming me, like I did in the past. It is finding time to communicate with and make time for friends; to watch movies, read books, do yoga, get and give massages, to spend time by myself occasionally.

To be sure, I have many areas to improve upon and where I can "fine tune" the balancing: I still want to exercise more, eat better, handle stress more evenly, open up my creative side through my photography, do something with my passion for science and education, and make more time for friends and family (among a few dozen other things!). And I know I will. I don't always know how and when, but I know I will.

I encourage you to have balance in your life. It does not mean a sedate life, but rather a balance of all the things you are passionate about. I am discovering that this creates a rich, broad and fulfilling life. And that's not a bad thing to have! :-)

John

What a difference a month makes!: Well, it's been about a month since I completed radiation treatments, and man, what a difference. I feel SO much better now. Most of the symptoms from that time are gone or greatly diminished now. I still have to watch what I eat, but I want you to know that I am doing much better.

Atlanta: Jackie, Cindy and I went to Atlanta for almost a week. Had a great time with my family. We had a family reunion at my sister's house (thanks, Patty & Barry, for once again hosting this). I got to spend a lot of time with many relatives; it was good to see everyone and to just being in the presence of their caring and love. All my brothers and sisters were there (all six); which had been the first time in 5 years, I think. And I got to spend time with my wonderful parents - they just had their 55th anniversary, and besides being an inspiration, are very giving and loving people. I am so fortunate to have such a caring family.

Saw the doctor today: We went back to my oncologist, Dr. Kerr, again today. Besides a quick check-up, we talked about the next steps. Starting next Monday the 22nd, I will begin the last round of chemotherapy. It will have its challenges, but I intend to get through it with flying colors. I appreciate your help with this by again sending your healing energy.

Keep Cindy in mind, too: Cindy took a spill on her bike on Sunday and could use your thoughts and prayers, too. She is okay; has a very sore foot, and is achy all over. I have been trying to take care of her for a change, but I think she would agree that she is better at care-taking than I am. Send your energy to her, too.

Until next time, peace to you all. - John