It is late, almost 9:00 p.m., so I am going to try to write this posting quickly.... Labor Day weekend is a memory, and the first day of school comes tomorrow.

We had a busy, but good, weekend. We spent part of the weekend at the home we're building in Manistee, MI, and the second part at Paul's parents cottage in Oscoda, MI. That's right -- both big lakes in one weekend. We're nuts! But, we had great weather, got good work done at our place, and were able to relax in Oscoda. It was a good weekend. Tyler turned 14 on Sunday, so I know he was excited for the weekend!

But being back at home brings everything back to reality. Today there were items to unpack, grass to mow, groceries to purchase, and things to be done before school starts for the first day tomorrow.

To add to the list, I have a long chemo tomorrow. It is a bummer in many respects to have to go back to Beaumont again. In a word, Paul and I are both weary of making the trip; of spending the time driving there and back (as well as treatment time). There are so many other ways that we'd rather be spending our time, and on the end of a busy weekend, it is just that much harder to gear ourselves up for the trip.

But, of course, we will make the trip, and whatever has to wait around the house (weekend laundry, etc.) will still be there on Wednesday. Cancer is costly in many respects -- but lost time for treatment is a great paradox of the disease. You deliberately spend time on treatment, hoping and praying it will buy you more living time in the long run.

So, here's to the first day of school for my boys, and hopefully my last "long" chemo. Part of that will depend on the treatment decision my oncologist makes after next week. Much of it will depend upon my response the treatment over the course of the next months and years.

With fingers crossed....