Christmas Letter 2014
Dear Friends,
It is my custom at this time of year to celebrate with my friends by giving them the gift of self — to share with you some of what the last year has brought for me.
This year I am celebrating Christmas for the 53rd time in my life. This year I will be home for Christmas, so I am hoping for a white one.
Last year I was in Mazatlán, Mexico for Christmas. I do not speak Spanish, but I did learn one word on that trip: Mazatlán is Spanish for DUMP. I was so disappointed. I wonder if I will ever head to Mexico again. It was noisy and crowded, and the house we rented felt like a prison — complete with guards across the street watching us and telling us not to use the A/C. We christened the house Casa de Cockroach. I had to rent a car, and it seems everyone there learned to drive in New York. It was very little fun, and I am afraid that trip was a dead loss.
When I last wrote, I was hoping to do some comet viewing while I was in Mexico, but the comet was destroyed last Thanksgiving, so I never had the chance to see it.
I do not know that I have any big news this year — but life has still been full.
After nearly 9 years driving my Prius 479 (yes, that’s its name), I finally replaced it this year. It served me well, but it was time.
Phoenix, my service dog, continues to progress in her training. I just wish my health were better so I had more energy to devote to working with her. She is really becoming a service dog. Last Christmas Eve she became a medical alert dog when she warned me I was starting one of my episodes. I talk to her constantly, and that evening while preparing my traditional Christmas Eve seafood fettuccine, she suddenly stared at me as if she didn’t understand what I was saying. I realized part of my face had stopped working, and by morning I needed my cane to walk when I went to see Les Mis, which opened that day.
I’m also doing well with the training myself. They’ve even asked me to be an “Apprentice,” helping with — and sometimes running — the classes.
My health, however, has not been good. Some clear patterns have developed. Each month, I know that the week after my treatment is going to be iffy. Then I have my good week. Then, as treatment approaches, I start getting worse again. Last year the treatments were every four weeks; this year they want to push that to every five.
The cancer is still present according to the blood work. My endocrinologist is worried and considering another round of radioactive iodine — the full process, including going hypo. I honestly do not think I can face that for a third time, and I do not think my body can handle it either. Unless they talk me off the ledge, I am going to take my chances with the cancer. As things stand, it is slow growing and can likely be cut out if it gets too large. The two dangers are:
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if it metastasizes somewhere that cannot be removed, or
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if it changes into a fast-growing type.
Well, as usual, I am hoping that next year will be better than this one.
I want to thank all of you for your support, friendship, prayers, and for being you — my friends.
And as Tiny Tim said, “God bless us, everyone!”
Love,
Odell
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