Update

Good afternoon everyone,

My appointment with Dr. Filatov was on Thursday Oct. 14th and all went fairly well.

I should explain. There are two sections to explain. First He scoped my upper throat

and tongue area, second he took out my trachea tube and scoped the lower area

(larynx and the fistula). With respect to the upper area, The epiglottis is still very

swollen and does not function as it should. But, on the other hand, there is no sign

of the tongue cancer which is good news.

The examination of the larynx shows/reveals major scar tissue lodged between the

vocal cords which not only impairs my efforts to breath normally it also affects my

speech. Since we're a little disenchanted with Dr. Anderson, the Vancouver Surgeon,

Dr. Filatov has recommended an another throat specialist in Vancouver who does this

sort of micro surgery. Unfortunately I've forgotten his name. We will have Dr. Filatov

refer us to see him when we go to Vancouver in the New Year for the Hyperbaric

treatments. If the scar tissue is removed there is a good possibility that I won't need

the tracheostomy tube for breathing and it can be removed. More good news.

Finally the fistula. Dr. Filatov does not believe it is cancerous. It does not show any

tell tail signs of being cancerous. More good news but, on the downside, it is very large.

He cannot speculate on weather the hyperbaric treatments will heal it up or weather

surgery will be required. He did state that this type of surgery is considered to be major

and I am in no condition at the present to have the surgery. So, for the foreseeable future

I an stuck with the food tube. Bad news.

All in all it was a good visit although I am extremely disappointed about the news about

the fistula. I am, however, continuing to gain weight. I'm now 158 pounds and feeling good.

As usual I wish I had more strength and stamina but, it is coming back slowly.

I am sleeping well and becoming accustomed to NOT eating or drinking.

That's it for this moment.

Love to everyone,

Rick

OPPS!

Good afternoon all,

In my last post I forgot to mention a most important detail. On September 30th (Thursday) we shipped this year's calf crop to the Vanderhoof Public Auction. All of the calves were sold the next day, Friday Oct. 1. Our original intention was to sell them at this week's Friday auction but, the long range weather forecast was not good for today and tomorrow. Last week we had spectacular fall weather and it was easy for the cattle liner to get in to the sort yard and load the calves. If the weather was rainy and the sort yard became muddy, the liner would not be able to get in and out. Thus the decision to sell them a week early.

As it turned out we got really good prices for all of the calves, better than either of the past 2 years. Dolores, Milton and David were very pleased with the prices per pound for both heifer and bull calves. Let me tell you cattle ranching is no way to get rich quick. The cattle producers are at the bottom of the ladder and all of the costs trickle down to the producers. Oh well that is the nature of the cattle business and it's the business we are in.

Another good week for me. I have been feeling better for the most part. I seem to be overly tired today with a minor upset stomach. I did my morning chores and since then I've been stretched out on my easy boy. I haven't slept just relaxing.

That's it for this week. Talk to you soon and love and hugs to everyone.

Rick

Autumn is Here, with a pre-winter blast

Fall arrived 2 weeks ago with that beautiful symphony of colours bright shiny days with warm temperatures. That was all shattered with our first major snow storm this morning. Big wet heavy flakes, low lying, dark grey clouds and a promise of much more to come. I was bringing wood into the house and burning the garbage when it started and by the time Dolores , Milton and David came out to continue with the slaughtering of the turkeys it was a full blown snow storm. All of the snow is gone as I write this update.

Yesterday, on the other hand, was a nice fall day high overcast with sunny periods and a high of 14. We started the turkeys in the morning and processed 9 of the 15 birds. The Toms, 4, weighed in at 20 to 22 lbs. and the hens came in at an average of 18 lbs. all finished. Three of the 4 toms were cut up for smaller meals of cutlets and the wings, drumsticks and thighs were bagged separately from the breasts which, were all cut up for the cutlets. It was a big job. I played a very minor roll in the whole process while Dolores, Milton and David did the lions share of it all.

Next Thursday the 14th, I have an appointment with Dr. Filatov in Prince George. We will then learn the state of the 2nd fistula. I am still gaining weight all be it slowly. I am up to 156 lbs. I have been feeling punky these past few days and can not give you a specific reason why. Martha and Dolores have had the sore throat and cough and perhaps I'm suffering the same although my throat has not been sore. The cough has returned and the mucus build up has been more than usual.

I really like my new glasses. I can read things again and see the small print without having to lift up my glasses to read it. Right from the start they were fitted properly and I am pleased. I filed a health care claim through Manulife and was paid the maximum of $200 for the glasses and I have applied to Pacific Blue Cross (Dolores' former long term health care provider) for 80% of the balance of the cost of the glasses. We're still waiting for payment from Blue Cross.

Well that brings you up to date. Stay tuned.

Love and hugs to everyone.

Rick