Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Some Upbeat News

Today I had a visit with my oncologist and got a surprisingly upbeat report.  She prescribed another shot (which I've had already) and said that she'll be monitoring my blood work for the next three months.  As long as nothing bad crops up, there won't be any chemo for at least that long.  As the world's greatest procrastinator, I greeted this news with a cheer.  

Then I asked her about Bouchercon.  She said, "By all means, go!"  I'm not sure I have the stamina to get through the airports, but if I can do that, my daughter and son-in-law will be at the convention to be my handlers.  I'll have to ponder this for a day or so and then decide.  I'd love to go, but I don't want to try to do too much and cause problems for myself.


19 comments:

Lawrence Person said...

Great news! Hang in there...

Ben Boulden said...

Good news, indeed. I hope you make it to Bouchercon.

George said...

Fabulous new! Very upbeat assessment!

J. Kingston Pierce said...

That's wonderfully hopeful news, Bill. If you make it to Bouchercon in New Orleans, I know you'll find plenty of friends there to boost your spirits still further.

Cheers,
Jeff

Jeff Meyerson said...

That is such great news. Of course we want you to come, but do what feels right. Of course, Angela and Tom will be there as will many of your friends to pamper you.

You can walk with Jackie. That will be slow enough for you!

Rick Robinson said...

Not bad, young feller, not bad. Only you (say, there's a song title) can know if you feel up to it, but come'on, would you rather be in Alvin, or New Orleans, surrounded by a throng of friends and loyal fans? I only wish we could be there.

Anonymous said...

Great, great news. Though I have decided against Bouchercon myself, I encourage you to go. It is a lot closer for you. Besides, you may still like people. Me. not so much. I figure there are going to be 20 or so people there That I would really like to see. Not worth the aggravation of 2000 people. And the airports. I still think we need an APA-con.

Stilwell

Jerry House said...

Great news! For at least that weekend, Alvin's loss will be Bouchercon's gain!

Jerry House said...

Great news! For at least that weekend, Alvin's loss will be Bouchercon's gain!

Jerry House said...


Evidently I stutter.

Jerry House said...


Rick Libott said...

Wonderful news, Bill! If you go it might be good to arrive a couple days early to rest up from the travel day. If you can I mean...

Max Allan Collins said...

Fantastic news. It has been so great to see your blog active again, and i hope to see you at B'Con.

Dan said...

just wonderful

Deb said...

Great news! Just keep doing what the doctor tells you to. A lot can happen in three months and perhaps there'll be no need for chemo. I'm adding my continued prayers and good thoughts to those already expressed here.

As for Boucheron, would driving (or being driven) there be easier? My husband has to travel to Houston regularly on business; we live an hour from the New Orleans airport (Armstrong) and he has to get there at least an hour before take off (even with TSA Pre, which he has). Factor in traffic, flight delays, and the flight of about an hour, plus having to do it all again in reverse when he comes home, and he's rented a car and driven to Houston and back on his last couple of trips. The time expenditure seems about the same.

Jeff Meyerson said...

Great Minds Think Alike, Deb! Jackie sent Bill an email last night with exactly that suggestion, that if they are willing Angela and Tom could fly to Houston instead of New Orleans and drive him to the convention.

Unknown said...

Thanks, everyone. Deb, sitting is a slight problem for me, so I think the long drive would be harder to deal with than the airport. I'm pretty sure I can handle things, even if it means getting a wheelchair. I'm leaning toward N.O.

Kevin R. Tipple said...

Most excellent news. Glad you are going to be able to go and I hope you do.

Howard said...

I say, go! Better to be tired than regretful. Hopefully, there will be someone to do the heavy lifting on the trip. I am also glad to hear of your positive medical news. Sending you good vibes, my friend.