Dear Reader:

Yesterday was my scheduled oncology appointment… you would think by now I would be used to it after all these years… but when you are living with cancer … one knows that things can turn on a dime. It is just the nature of the ” insidious” ( my radiation doctor called it) disease.

And of course change never stops when it comes to losing doctors and then changing oncologists and locations… which is always initially unsettling. It certainly has happened to me… and I am sure many of you readers can relate. It is like having the rug pulled out from under you… or maybe a towel.

Like the title picture says… we have to simply keep going… While I was getting my bloodwork done… that same sign had been added to the wall beside my chair. Great mantra.

Meet Dr Jeter… my present oncologist after my first one retired a few years back. As it turned out… I taught her husband, as well as, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law! And her mother-in-law is a good friend and fellow Alston Middle School teacher co-hort. Small world! *** I think the older we get… the younger our doctor should be so they don’t retire on us.

Overall a good status quo report yesterday -keeping an eye on a few spots but got a steady white cell count and I will take that ” to the bank” these days.

When I got home… I started listening to a new medical testing result that stunned many in the medical field… I just smiled to myself. There were more premature deaths for adults who exercised and worked out moderately than the subjects who had close friends to talk to and share with… with no planned exercise programs.

Barbara Streisand was right all along… ” People … People Who Need People … are the luckiest people in the world.” ( And apparently live the longest… close friends can’t be replaced by exercise. ) Good to know! And surprise outings and gatherings just add heightened anticipation! Something to look forward to…

So until tomorrow… ETC. ” A study of 300,000 people reveals the one secret to living a longer healthier life. It’s not supplements, a certain diet or a fancy exercise program that leads to a healthier life. Instead it’s something we can all use: good friends! 😉 ( And I am so blessed in that department!)

Today is my favorite day-Winnie the Pooh ( Psst! Winnie told me to share this mantra for 2023 … I agree!)

One last ” free school ” student day for Charleston County students yesterday- Mandy and Jake planned a picnic in the park by the Ravenel Bridge! Mid-Winter delight!