I’m Not Dead Yet (I.N.D.Y.)

First, let me say that I really appreciate everyone who continues to read my blog and who voiced support for my ending chemo.  I have to say that I remain surprised at the number of people who read — thank you!  A special thank you to Annie Ruth, who has been one of my biggest, most vocal, supporters over these last 11 months.  She took the time to call and leave a cheer on our voicemail that brought a smile to my face during an otherwise kinda yucky, chemo-y day!  Thanks also to JoAnn, Paul, Jenn, and the myriad of parents at karate who continue to be so supportive.

I say this is day 0.5 because we are in Valdosta, GA (only 4 hours from Disney World), and the mood in the room is palpable.  All the kids are, to one degree or another, too excited to sleep (though, my daughter was the first to say she couldn’t sleep and is the first one to konk out).  I think she believes if she squints really hard she can see Cinderella’s Castle from our hotel room window.  I know I promised pictures, but we got here late at night and everyone pretty much got into their pajamas (which for many of our family, that means their underwear) and got into bed…needless to say, I didn’t think there was any reason to document that particular sight.  However, I thought I would show you what the t-shirt that MaryBeth designed for me looks like:

One more thing, today I received an Email from my House Representative, John Linder.  As I have mentioned, I am participating in the PANCAN 7 Week Challenge to increase awareness of pancreatic cancer and to encourage our leaders in Congress to support HR 745.  As part of the challenge, I have contacted Representative Linder 3 times (twice by Email and once by fax) to request that he support this legislation.  In his response to me he says…

I have continually supported increased funding of our nation’s public health agencies…[H]owever, higher funding levels for NIH and CDC-sponsored research should come within the context of a larger, fiscally-responsible budget.  Rather than make the budget deficit larger than it already is, the Congress and President should work together to reach agreement on reducing spending elsewhere in the budget, so that the overall budget remains on track to become balanced.  Under these kinds of circumstances, I could support providing the NIH and CDC with higher funding levels.

I understand his point, but I am going to be selfish and say that if not by adding to the deficit, perhaps Congress can funnel more of the proposed $6 billion President Obama has identified in the FY10 budget for cancer research toward research on pancreas cancer in particular.  Certainly, this would not be the first time funds were specified to support a particular program…or am I missing something.

Until tomorrow…

Merle

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