The Kentucky Derby

Sadly, I have changed my feelings regarding the "Sport of Kings" after the NY Times ran their "muckraking" series this week about so many thoroughbreds running injured.  I used to love to go to the track and the paddocks and see these wonderful animals doing what they love to do.  Loved seeing Secretariat win the Triple Crown at Belmont.  Went to Pimlico and other tracks frequently as a rail bird!  Love Louisville and seeing the Hall of Fame and went to a horse auction once.  But although equine medicine has improved, the abuse continues with dying horses and broken legs and these horrible incidents are really startling.  As I have known for a long time but somehow conveniently forgot, once money is attached to animals, you had better watch out.  Greed frequently trumps.  So, I will not watch the race today, but perhaps next year or soon, due to this investigation, the horses will be better treated and the glorious races of these animals will be tolerable viewing for animal lovers.  Oh well, another wake-up call.

In other (better) news, Reese is doing so well that our dog sitter cannot believe it is Reese!  His attitude, energy, playfulness, have all returned.  She was so happy.  So are we.  We know these are his glory days, but are enjoying his personality and loving him so much. Hope that he too will beat the odds (like moi)

Peggy as butterfly at Mayo Clinic Main Lobby

For the past two days we have been "living" at Mayo.  Lab work came back at 119 for platelets and I think it was due to my over-imbibing of grapefruit juice (vitamin C) which I read about online.  You cannot believe all that you read on the Internet of course, but hey, thought I would try it (drinking lots of Vitamin C) and this is the highest reading of platelets I have had in over a year!  Bravo. 

The CT scan showed no change (good), but Dr. Johnson insisted I have my 4th chemo treatment yesterday and maybe two more in Asheville to be determined by my oncologist, Dr. Lucas, at Mission.  The regime is 12 treatments as we know, but I am trying to take the summer off. . . but no deal yet.  There is also an oral treatment but it is considered a prescription and we have a cap on our meds.  These drugs are $2,000 a week (vs. the $16,900 for the drip which is totally covered).  So we are going to look into that.
In addition, she shared our disappointment about the news of the re-siting from the surgeon from hell and suggested that we seek out a NC surgeon at Wake Forest or Chapel Hill which we plan to do. 

Patrick still has a few bouts of coughing but is basically cured. 

I've been busy getting ready for our return to NC.  Have ordered lots of marketing materials for Unchain Buncombe and looking forward to working hard on that when we get back. I have signed up for exhibit opportunities, and getting donation jars ready, bumper stickers, banners, posters, billboards, radio ads and lots of other things. New web site up very soon.  It is in beta now. VERY exciting.

We are also extremely happy that Gil and Joe are moving down the street, to 19 Gemini Heights!!  They now live in Weaverville across the interstate from us in a lovely home and have a contract on it as of last week! Gil is a wonderful friend, who took care of the dogs when I was in the hospital (18 days) and has helped build countless fences, forwarded mail, and is a great cook.  We are so lucky to have them as neighbors!  Joe is a CPA with clients in the UK and US.  Their dog, Dani and cat, Iggy, will love the views and the outdoor decks for sunning.  

Sarah & Ryan and doing well and they are now counting the days to the birth of Ms. Baby Irwin in late August.   Cannot wait for this blessed event!

So that's it from hot and humid Florida.  Seems like Marco Rubio, our conservative senator, is going to be Mitt Romney's running mate?   Seems like he is priming for a run in 2016.

Love,

Peggy