Across 13 Aprils!!!

   Yes, it's been a minute, but I'm still here and doing well!  Thanks to all you sweet peeps who have stayed in touch and checked in despite my silence here.  Thirteen years since a brain met was zapped and the right upper lobe of my lung was removed due to Stage IV melanoma!  Time goes by in a blink doesn't it?  Yet, my peeps and I are here - living and loving together!  For some melanoma intel and general past April info you can check out this link (with more within) from last year, if you like ~ Across 12 Aprils! 

And, since it's been a bit, this updated "count up" (That's better than 'count down', don't you think???!) may help give some perspective to these Aprils for old and new peeps alike - here you go:

I am now:

236 months (19 1/2 YEARS!!!!) post my original melanoma diagnosis in 2003 at the age of 39
156 months Stage IV (13 years!!!)
150 months NED (12.5 years - well....for melanoma at least)
148 months after starting nivo (Opdivo)
118 months (almost 10 years) AFTER my last nivo infusion in June 2013.

I am also:  
56 months (4.6 years) post my diagnosis of adenocarcinoma ex-goblet cell carcinoid (GCC) and the removal of my appendix with its 10.5 cm tumor, my ascending colon including ileocecal valve, gall bladder and ovaries
53 months (4.4 years!) post completion of 3 months adjuvant CAPOX chemo for same

Despite all the crazy, a great deal of beautiful and vibrant life has been lived in the past 19 plus years with so much more to come!  But moving on to April...  Fall and winter on the mountain were harsh this year!  Temps dropped below zero, followed by the coldest spring we've had in a while!  I feel blessed to have lost only 2 rosemary bushes and 3 azaleas, though the fig, a couple of hydrangeas, the Camila, and the nandinas are having to start from the bottom up.  While flowers may not have been as brilliant and bountiful as in Aprils past as we all work hard to shake off winter's insults and repair ourselves, beauty remains easy to find.  

From my mountain garden to yours ~

The crocus brought spring in - whether she liked it or not - with their delicate beauty.

My trout lilies bloomed for the first time this year!

Their speckled leaves give them their name.

Trillium of all sorts were really lovely.

The rhodies may not have been the huge bank of blossoms that they are in some years, but they were still amazing.

The wild azaleas were just incredible!

My Biddy Buddy and I smelled them all!

Bridges from last year have been duly tromped!

Many walks of wonder taken!

All under the very protective and watchful eye of Teveo!

Sending much love and warm wishes for a happy spring and beyond to each of you!! 
Live and love chaotically!
~ Les