I was sorry not to get to the Getaway. I couldn't commit early on and risk the registration fee because of Dorris's chemo and upcoming surgery (November 17, as it turns out), because of uncertain timing, so I went to the Paltalk Jam in Ozark, Arkansas, which I could do with no financial commitment, and with a last minute decision if necessary.

Dorris had her last (of eight) chemos about a month ago now, and has pretty much rallied from the worst effects of that. I say "pretty much". She's in good spirits (most of the time), but finds herself weak and tired. As mentioned, surgery is November 17. The tumor, as a result of the chemo, has softened and shrunk, for whatever that's worth. There's no way of knowing whether there are any live cancer cells remaining. Only the pathology lab, after the fact, can tell us that, or whether there is any metastasis. There seems to be no palpable swelling of the lymph nodes in her armpit, which gives us some reason to be hopeful that it has not spread.

Back to more pleasant subjects: I had a ball at the jam, and it's wonderful to feel I know the people I meet on line.

Dave Oesterreich