Christmas Letter 2006
Copyright © 2006, By Odell Sneeden Hathaway III
Dear Friends and Family,
We’re sorry we didn’t manage to get a Christmas letter out last year. We were overwhelmed by events and hope you’ll forgive the silence. This year we’ll try to bring you up to speed — the Reader’s Digest version of two very full years!
When we last wrote, Linda had returned to school to become a Certified Medical Office Assistant. In May 2005 she graduated. In August she joined the Vancouver Clinic but was laid off in November. Soon after, she joined Open Advanced MRI part-time, and in September 2006 she began full-time work at our local hospital’s Pain Clinic — a job she truly loves.
Unfortunately, in May 2005, while visiting family in California and Texas, Linda developed congestive heart failure. Thankfully, with treatment she’s doing very well now.
That summer Linda got a new car — a gold Toyota Prius — and she loves her “spacemobile.” She’s also taken up making greeting cards and other crafts. She hasn’t yet sent any out, but we’re hoping next year’s will be handmade!
Odell is still with DM2 Software at the help desk, but late 2005 brought challenges. Doctors found growths on his thyroid, and soon after he developed facial paralysis — unrelated, but life-changing. He lost his smile and some speech clarity. Eating is hard; sometimes his right eyelid droops closed. Recovery has begun, though some nerves have rewired oddly — when he smiles, his forehead furrows; when he yawns, his eyes shut. Because of this, Linda now does most of the driving. Then, on that same January morning, Odell’s doctors confirmed he had cancer.
Surgery had to wait until July because of the paralysis. When it finally happened, doctors found extensive thyroid cancer that had spread through his throat. Thankfully, thyroid cancer is one of the most treatable forms. The surgeon removed everything possible, and Odell underwent radioactive-iodine therapy in August. Scans showed the cancer confined to his throat — a 94 percent chance of full recovery!
He’s still adjusting thyroid medication and regaining strength. Another scan is planned for March. For now, he jokes that he can’t visit government buildings — he might set off their radiation detectors!
Linda will visit her family in Texas for New Year’s to see her parents and new nephew, Griffin. We’re also planning a trip to Hawaii next fall, after Linda’s first work anniversary at the Pain Clinic.
We hope this letter isn’t too heavy, but honest — and that next year’s brings brighter stories. In the meantime, life goes on. We wish all of you health, happiness, peace, and love in the coming year.
As Tiny Tim said: “God bless us, every one!”
Love,
Linda & Odell
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