Feb 26 - some sad news

I found out yesterday that my Uncle Phil has bone cancer -- metastasized prostate cancer -- that's also in the lymph nodes. Apparently they've tried hormonal treatments that have not worked and are about to go the Chemo/Radiation route.

He's been in Florida the past two weeks with my Aunt along with Christine and Paul the first week and Michael and Karen the second. They head home to Toronto tomorrow for a meeting with the Oncologist & Radiologist.

He sent me a cheery email with the mention of cancer being almost a postscript. He's kept it pretty quiet. I immediately called my cousin Anne, because I knew that she'd give me the full story much more so that speaking to my Uncle. I then called to their place in Florida and invited ourselves down for a visit today. I'd much sooner visit with him now than when he's much weakened by chemo ... I'm sure that he's dreading that. He wanted to come to Florida, in fact, to get his strength up for the next steps.

My Uncle Phil is the last blood relative, as it were, of that generation. My Mom's siblings have all passed away. We do have relatives of that generation in England, my uncle's cousins Allan, Eric and Harry and their spouses as well as my Uncle Rogers (Joan's husband) who now lives in Mexico and of course my Aunt Ruth.

Sandy has three aunts of that generation still alive, one of whom is in her 90's.

We are mortal and getting older. There are reminders aplenty !

I haven't given up on the mirror. I've built a new frame and Sandy is going to get another mirror cut. I haven't decided on the hanging mechanism yet, but have bought a large quantity of epoxy in case I decide that hanging from the frame itself is not advisable. The frame is thin wood ... we'll see. It won't take long to complete and I'm hoping that this one will stay up there !

I did finish up installation of the towel bar and toilet roll holder. The mirror is the only thing outstanding.

What else ... we went next door for Gene's birthday party open-house. He turned 80 yesterday. That's hard to believe. He doesn't look a day over 65-70. Robust and active, I hope that he has another 20 good years ahead of him.

Today we're heading for Hobe Sound for a short visit with my uncle and aunt. Abby will come along for the ride. Before that, I'm meeting Tim at the Saxon house -- he's trimming the tree, cutting anything that is thicker than 3" and overhanging the house. If only I needed firewood ...

Onward !