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I am not sure why I took the last two months off from posting. Part of it was preparing for and getting caught up in the holidays. Can't really say that I am yet aware of any other reasons.

For those that did not make the annual Thanksgiving festivities it was another successful year. This one was rather special for me mainly because I was able to be there. I think a good time was had by all. This was our 19th annual Thxgvng celebration. Next year will be our 2oth year and it also falls on my 60th birthday. I am stoked. We also enjoyed the rest of the holidays. We celebrated Xmas eve, xmas day and boxing day with a group of friends. We then went to the Mtns of NC for our annual New Years festivities. We had a great time this year and were both really happy when 2009 came along. One because we were worn out and two because I fully expect 2009 to be a better year.

It definitely started off in the right direction. I had a major scan on Jan 8th and the last line of the radiologist's report read "NO EVIDENCE OF METASTATIC OR RECURRENT PANCREATIC NEOPLASM." That was incredible news needless to say. I have to admit I added a few more days of celebration after that.

Cathy and I are leaving Sunday to go to Phoenix (actually Scottsdale). The timing is good because it is cold here and much warmer there. I have an appointment with the TGEN Research Center on Monday. They are a front line research group that conducts research in various types of cancer, diabetes and some neurological disorders. They have one group that does nothing but pancreatic cancer research and are well known for their work. They have had much success at finding recurrences when traditional means have not. It is not that I want to find anything but if the cancer is still there and can be found then I would much rather be proactive with it as opposed to just waiting for it to become visible. I am hoping they will send me home without finding any signs of new growth and a plan in place should something occur in the future. If that is the case I will probably add a few more days of celebratory joy. Cat and I plan on staying out there for another week. We will visit Tucson, Phoenix, Sedona, Grand Canyon and possibly Santa Fe. It is a much needed vacation for both of us. Just she and I and no specific plans. We tend to do well by the seat of our pants.

Congrats to our friend Lenny Kapiloff for his one year anniversary with no sign of disease. He fought a valiant battle with Gist Tumors and had half of his liver removed. Statistically he is in about 5% of those with his condition having made it this far with no sign of recurrence. Way to go, Lenny.

On the other side of the coin, I have had a number of friends this year be diagnosed with the cancer beast. It seems prostate is the most popular form of those I know. My wish for this new year is that we reach new heights of success with cancer research and cures. A $5 donation goes a long way. President-elect Obama proved this during his campaign.

I wish a Happy, Healthy, Safe and Musical Year for all.