Wednesday was our day in Portland. It started off with a CT scan and was followed by an MRI. We then met with the doctors much later in the afternoon. We were given a GREAT surprise by our daughters, Tory and Tiffany, and our son, Michael, and his girlfriend, Amber, showing up at the appointment with the doctor. Them showing up brought a smile to our faces which even got bigger when we met with the doctors. One doctor called it a miracle, and the other doctor could not believe that the tumor had not grown and that there was nothing in the lungs. They decided that I do not have to be tested again for four months instead of three. I will continue to have these checks every three to four months for two years (since this is the critical time). The girls went out to dinner to celebrate with us. My plan is still to attempt to run my fifty miler in two weeks with Tiffany and Michael. I'm still finding it hard to believe that I was only walking half a block with a cane less than one year ago. I hope all is well with all of you. Thanks for checking on me.

September 14th

I hadn't planned on making an entry before my test on the 24th, but I have been very excited about the last two weeks. First, two weeks ago I completed the 12th leg of the hood to coast relay. My daughter Tory invited me to be on her team and I wasn't sure how my body would fair. But to my surprise and delight, I was able to run all three legs at the same pace and felt good at the end. The highlight of the run was being able to run the last two miles with Tory, although she had run three in a half legs already, she got out and ran the last two miles to seaside with me. Then yesterday I met my son Michael and his girlfriend Amber, my youngest daughter Tiffany with her husband Andy (and my wife of course) at Timberline lodge at 7:00 am. Then Michael, Tiff and I started the Timberline marathon, 26.2 miles for the uneducated. It consisted of running 23 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail with all of the rocks, roots, and hills...oh, what hills! I tripped and fell six times while Tiff tripped and fell three times. The scenery was gorgeous and it was one of the most beautiful runs I have ever participated in. The highlight of the run was, as well as the hood to coast, that I got to do an activity with my children. I was excited to see Tiff finish her first marathon, but I did ask her why she picked such a difficult one for her first. So today I am walking very gingerly. Now the next four weeks will be concentrating on getting ready for the Le Griz 50 miler in Montana. Hard to believe that eleven months ago I was only walking half a block with the use of a walking stick. I would not be at this point if it wasn't for all of my family and friends who have constantly given me support and encouragement. thanks again and I love you all.