Life goes on!

[Esther]

I had a tough beginning to 2007, with gamma knife for a lesion in my frontal lobe on Mar 5, then surgery Mar 7 to remove a previously treated lesion in my cerebellum, and finally targeted fractionated rads for a new lesion on my brain stem in early April.

I'm recovering nicely now, and getting back to water-skiing, though it was a challenge after surgery, I had to work to get my forearms and hands strong enough to hold on to the water-ski rope.

We leave on Sept 1 for a scuba diving trip to Cancun, am really looking forward to it.

Back in early 2004 I was the first to inform the manufacturer of the port in my arm, that you can safely scuba dive to 100 ft below the surface with the port in place, and not harm it. I tested it out scuba diving in Belize. They did not know if you could dive with the port, they know now!

It feels good to reclaim my life, and continue to do the things I love.

[VaMoonRise]

Esther,

I am so happy that you are recovering nicely. What an inspiring post. I will keep you in my prayers that you continue on your path of healing and that you have a wonderful time on your trip Cancun.

Happy scuba diving! Be sure to take a disposable underwater camera with you so that we can see some pics. http://her2support.org/vbulletin/images/icons/icon7.gif

Love, Hugs & God Bless,
Nicola

[tousled1]

Esther,

What an inspiration you are! I'm glad to hear that you are recovering and that you are planning a trip to Cancun. I guess the manufacturer of the port never even thought of whether it was safe to scuba dive or not! Glad you were able to provide them with valuable information. Enjoy your trip to Cancun and as Nicola says, make sure you have an underwater camera.

[Sheila]

Esther
We live through your free spirited trips, scuba diving etc...you are such an inspiration to many of us....you continue to take all life has to offer, and enjoy it to the fullest.....don't forget to take some pictures so we can "be "there in spirit."

[Believe51]

...and loudly too: You Are One Of My Hero's!! Love & Prayers>>Believe51

[Kim in CA]

Oh Esther,

I am so glad to hear you are able to get back to doing what you love! It is such a victory.

Shortly after my recurrence in 2001, and after hearing the words from our family physician, "Don't wait to take that family vacation you've been thinking about", we booked a weeklong trip to Grand Cayman with our son and daughter. We spent the most glorious week snorkeling in those crystal clear Carribean waters and it was truly an experience I will never forget.

Although I am not much of a water sport type of person, I am so glad I got to experience that incredible realm just below the water's surface. We even spent a day at Stingray City swimming with the stingrays! My kids were in hog heaven and never wanted to leave. Priceless!

You just keep on Keepin on!

Kim

[Adriana Mangus]

Dear Esther:

So glad to hear you are doing better.

For the not so fortunate, (me) a few days in Vegas will do it, the week of
September the 3rd my husband and I will spend 3 nights @ the MGM to celebrate his 62nd B-Day. He's now officially a senior citizen....yeah!!!

Enjoy the beautiful warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Please say Hi to your husband for me.

P.S. My husband and I are checking into one of the time shares in Cancun, thanks to the conversation I had with your husband. Thanks.

[hutchibk]

Wonderful Esther! I am so happy that you are coming out the other side for the remainder of the year... I am there with you! Can you put me in your suitcase?

[StillHere]

Esther, Cancun sounds wonderful. Do you have any recomendations for resorts in Belize? My husband and I are thinking of a 2008 vacation there. We only snorkel. I tried taking scuba diving lessons, but never got past the part where you have to share your O2 with someone else. I never had a fear of the water til that moment when I had to pass the oxygen over to my buddie. I do so like the allusion of control. I too decided to take the vacation of a life-time after diagnosis w/ bc. Instead of remodling the kitchen we took our adult children to the Galapagos Islands May of 2006. It was expensive, but well worth every penny in wonderful memories. You go girl! Karen

[Mary Jo]

I'm happy for you Esther. We should all live our life to the fullest and it sounds as if you are doing just that.

YOU GO GIRL.

Mary Jo

[Jean]

Esther,
You are a true Mermaid! So happy your back in your flippers.
Wishing you a wonderful trip...

Hugs,
Jean

[Esther]

Karen, Belize is wonderful and they have many atolls, or small islands that have great scuba diving. The snorkeling would be great as well. I don't remember the name of the resort we stayed at, but they have a few nice ones there.

The water is warm and crystal clear. Hopefully hurricane Dean won't hit them too hard, it is scheduled to hit Belize on its way through the caribean. I think Cancun will be spared....hopefully or our vacation will have to be re-scheduled.

Roatan Honduras is an island of the coast of Honduras, and it was a personal favorite of mine as well. They have great handmade, handcarved wood objects, many that are useful in every day life, like trivets, bowls, etc and they use different types and colors of wood and intricately inlay them together to form unique patterns.

I had traveled before, but have really stepped it up since being diagnosed stage 4.