A Positive Negative

This is the best news I've had in about three weeks. The biopsy on my lymph nodes and my I-drink-too-much-Smithwick's liver came back today and were both NEGATIVE! Nothing in the lymph nodes at all, and the tumor on my liver is benign. To all of my friends who have been praying, sending meditative thoughts or just keeping my well being in your hopes, thank you.                          This doesn't mean that I won't be having surgery, but the surgeon wants to delay the surgery now for about 25 days. Again, he wants to have a clear idea of what needs to come out, and what can stay. So, the long and short of it is I will be here for the next couple of weeks. In celebration I sent Paul Hime's Fear and Loathing on the slab at the gym.....

Another Day, Another Doctor

Well, I guess (as I am repeatedly reminded...) I should be glad I live in the West in the 21st century. That being said I learned to-day that when they stick a 9 inch long stainless steel rod (with a hole in it) in your side, it hurts. Then, in case I didn't realise the first time that it hurts, they did it again. If they sedate you, the rest of your day is shot. If they just stick you, you get to enjoy the rest of the day and go climbing. I am now minus a bit of my liver and two lymph nodes. Biopsys should be back to-morrow.  Still no definite date for surgery, but I can't say I mind the delay  :)...

Tasting wine US style

My ancestors are rolling in their graves.  Today I ingested wine from tiny black plastic cups in a windowless WashU campus lab.  

Our good friend Katie, studying different varieties of yeast had invited me to be a part of a sensory experiment

SIP...

GARGLE at the front of the mouth (the term was more exact...I do not remember it at the moment, but you get the picture)....

SWISH...

SPIT (in the provided other plastic cup thank you)....

SWALLOW....

Ahh the joys of wine tasting.

7 rounds of 3 little cups.  You say what you want, even if I spitted all, I was a bit light headed as it went.  Sip....spit. Water...  Sip.....Spit. water...  Sip.... Spit  Water... crackers...water

Why did it have to be only white wine..... arggghhh :)

So sample 389 was more acidic the 253, but was it more similar to 365.... or was it sample 452 and 783?   right! easy!

....Not.  Katie will call times of doubt "sensory fatigue".  I love PHDs.  They have a name for everything.

Now the clock is ticking.  I am scheduled for six more sessions, but on Wednesday Katie is playing the part of that reality show person telling the unlucky one he or she has to go.  Understand, if one of us (we were 6 I believe) totally failed, he or she will be banned!  Science has no heart.  If Katie calls me to give me the horrible news, I know my ancestors will roll back the other way (probably relieved I will not subject myself to this sacrilegious ritual!)

I know you are anxious to hear.....

To be continued....

Sunday, April 26

Tall Tim, Craig, Carine and I went to Drapers. We sent High Over Camp in the Captain's honor. I assured the climb that you await your chance to send upon your mighty return. :) More to follow on the team Saucisson blog.

I forever remain, yr humble servant. God Bless the Queen Mum!!

CAPTAIN BURKE GOES TO....WHERE?

....Oh yeah England, that little piece of land North West of FRANCE!

Let's use this blog to tell him the amazing things going on in our lives so he comes back earlier than later.  Or I'll personally write to the Queen (and that could lead to International incident).

Thanks to everyone in advance.

S