One step forward, two steps back

My quick visit to the coast was good ... motivated by an unfortunate turn of events, but it was great to see the Puffer clan and spend time with Shana and Cam. We had a fun dinner out on the Saturday with Guili and Bouwman at Shana' favourite The Vault. I highly recommend it if you're ever in the lower mainland.

The service on Sunday was good ... as far as those things go. Saw some family I haven't seen in years, and some old friends. Spent a few hours back at the Ruhl place on the lake where many of us took a refreshing, but a tad chilly, swim.

Drove home Monday with 20lbs of peaches which are just the perfect ripeness now so Dave & I will be gorging ourselves until they're gone.

Wednesday was my birthday. Worked both jobs, but overall a good day. I received an Olympus underwater camera with accessories from Dave, a basket of gourmet dips, dressings & marinades from Judy & Dave, a "treat" from Shana, books from Michelle (they just arrived today from Amazon.com), and lots of well wishes. Dave surprised me with a personalized b-day cake when I arrived home from work.

Saturday I relaxed, then we saw the Ugly Truth (quite funny - even Dave enjoyed it much to his surprise!!!), then Red Water Grill. We had a superb meal on the patio, enjoying the summer evening. It doesn't get much better than that.

Sunday we slept in. I made pancakes which we topped with fresh peaches, followed by more R&R before heading over to Fabian's for a BBQ meal hosted by him and attended by Kam, Gregg, & Ali as well as Mike and Natasha. It was the first time that many of us had met Natasha. A lovely woman. Congrats out to the two of them as Natasha is pregnant.

Today was running around - physio this morning. Trying to find the source of the pain which isn't leaving my foot, but is getting worse. Then a massage this afternoon and some grocery shopping. The unfortunate news is that Shana met with her surgeon today for the MRI results and it's not what we hoped. There's another mass is the same breast as the lump biopsied. The good news is she can still have surgery this week (Weds), but unfortunately a lumpectomy is out and it's going to be a full removal of the left breast.

When talking to her and reading her emails she's so upfront and amazingly straight forward. For a girl who hates needles and is a pain baby she is the model of strength. I'm not sure I'd be a calm as she has been. While neither Shana nor I are religious, I would ask that everyone send her positive thoughts and well wishes as she embarks on her surgery and the journey to follow.

Shana you are a huge part of my life and I wish I could be there for you right now. You are in my thoughts and in my heart always.