Pie Run

This morning about fifty runners gathered for the Frederick Steeplchasers annual Pie Run, a 10K event whose "entry fee" is as the name suggests, a pie. Pies serve as the entry fee and and all awards as the runners pick the pie of their choice with the male and female runners alternating in order of finish. It's a popular event.

Guess some of you might have thought that I was "cleared for running", alas that just wasn't in the cards this morning. I was there simply as cheerleader and photographer. Even so there is lots of good news to share.

Upon inspection of my missing body parts it appears the tumor was downgraded to a T2 from a T3N1.
What this means is that there was no evidence that the cancer had spread to the lymph nodes. This is good news but it does not change the course of treatment as "my plan" is based upon the orginal diagnosis. So as Dr. Berg said, "Ok Mike, suck it up and get through your chemo, your going to be fine." I really like the confidence and staright forwardness of the doc. He also happens to be the race director for a 5K in September that I am now planning to run in. In a flattering enticement he said I would be his "ringer" in my age group; we'll see.

So anyway, one week from tomorrow I am cleared to start jogging and to start driving a car again; freedom is near.

It's somewhat funny as I mention to my running friends that I'm soon to start running again, there often is a silence and then the question, "You think you can actually run with that thing?". To make it ackward I ask, "What thing?".  Then the conversation turns serious and I say that I need to find a way to support the bag so it doesn't pull or sway as I run, I think I've found what I need and will be placing an order early next week.

Well boys and girls things are getting better, about an hour ago I had a slight cough that I couldn't control or get my hand onto my stomach for support, it didn't send me through the roof. Who would know that such a simple thig could bring such a measure of satisfaction.

Finally, Joe, Mel and Laura stopped in to bid farewell as they head back to California. We had a nice visit and just before Joe got into the car to leave,I pulled him aside and said something like, "This whole process has really redefined for me what taking a dump means".......... I must be in recovery, my sick sense of humor is returning.

Later, Mike