Shrinking, shrinking, shrinking...

Picture is from my recent weekend near Lincoln City, Oregon (great time with family), but not many good photos as it was raining most of the time (big surprise!)  That is such a beautiful coastline...

Quick update after my CT scan today: Good news-tumors continue to shrink away. Had a discussion about evaluating my status for possible radiation of remaining ones. Will see a radiation oncologist soon to see if I would be a good candidate. Only 3 treatments left!! Color me happy!! :>)

If I haven't mentioned it before, I LOVE the nurses at MDA! They are totally awesome! Fun to have an ongoing relationship. :>) They are my "new best friends"! I'll miss them when I'm not a "regular".

Have a retirement date of December 21 (also arrival of the Apocolypse I'm told). WooHoo! Then the holidays...my favorite time of year. Then starting to plan (loosely) a road trip around the West in January/February. Have a wild hare that maybe I might want to explore purchasing a tiny travel trailer...It's cold in winter, and doubt I would be comfortable camping (my original plan).

Happy Halloween everyone! Bet you've never seen a pumpkin birth before! :>)

Rolling into retirement...

After a wonderful photography trip to Secret Canyon and hiking near Kanab, Utah a couple weeks ago, decided that rather than working more, I need to hike more! (And do other things like spend time with family and traveling! :>) So after nearly 29 years of practicing midwifery (and some 13 as a Labor and Delivery nurse before that), I decided to hang up my "catcher's mitt" and retire in December. Sweet memories I'll be taking in my heart of an amazing career filled with tender, magical moments with women and their families. I've been privileged to witness power, strength and tenacity of women as they give birth. They have taught me so much. Not to be forgotten are many comrades who have shared their journeys with me...mentors, wonderful midwives, incredible nurses and assistants, wise consulting physicians, kind housekeepers and unit clerks...so much to be grateful for!

Now a few pictures of the type of scenery that's calling me...