We’re home now. The original itinerary for our trip to the west coast called for us to be in Seal Beach, California for three weeks after spending time in San Diego and Temecula, California with our grandchildren, then another week north of Malibu, again with our family. We would then embark on a slow drive home. Those plans went awry early in the journey. I’ll have more about that later.
Helen and I had a wonderful time in San Diego. Fiddler’s Cove Campground at Coronado Beach is about as good as it gets, and the weather was perfect. I would love to report that we saw everything and did everything there was to do in and around San Diego, but that didn’t happen. Instead, we enjoyed the area around Coronado, sat beside the beautiful bay, and relaxed. We cooked a few meals and spent some time with friends and family. Again, it was wonderful.
When we checked out of Fiddler’s Cove, we drove the short distance to Temecula to meet up with our son and grandchildren for four more days of family togetherness. We stopped in Escondido, California to patronize Peterson’s Donut Corner en route to Temecula. While in San Diego, we saw a news item on local television about the famous shop that specializes in raised and glazed donuts, apple fritters, bacon maple bars, and Butterlogs, a bear claw glazed doughnut filled with butter and cinnamon. Helen located the store on Google Maps and we loaded up.
Our family arrived at the Temecula KOA a few minutes before us and waved us down as we circled the campground. Our site was next to theirs. I’m so glad we made it or else Helen would explode she was so excited.
We spent the next few days doing family things. Carter, our only grandson spent time showing everyone the intricacies of Hold ‘Em Poker. I’m not sure where he learned it, but he would play with anyone at any time.
Abby, our granddaughter brought along Honey, her beautiful Golden Retriever, and spent a lot of time walking her through the campground. I insisted that Abby take a picture with me during the weekend because I have a picture of her sitting on my lap taken almost every year since she was born. I posted this year’s image with one of the first from thirteen years ago.
We cooked, played games, and cherished the moments, but the weekend came to an end all too quickly. We watched them roll out of the campsite to return home…sadly, we had to do the same.
Helen and I left Knoxville on January 12th. As with any extended travel, we both had a lot to accomplish before we hit the road. Helen had her annual mammogram scheduled for the 11th, but she was busy and planned to reschedule after our return. Her sister, Cammy, insisted that she go ahead with the scan. “Your health comes first,” she said emphatically. Helen went ahead with it.
We were on the road about two hours the first day of the trip when Helen received a call from the Breast Center with the news that the radiologist noticed a difference in this year’s scan from one the previous year. They wanted her to have a second, more detailed examination as soon as possible.
Helen insisted that we continue through Gulfport and New Orleans while she attempted to schedule an exam in San Antonio. I won’t elaborate on the extensive effort required to accomplish this, but, with the help of our insurance provider and a friend in San Antonio she managed to obtain another scan, an ultrasound, and a biopsy from some remarkable, caring, professionals on the one day we had in that town. The results were sent to our doctor in Knoxville, who had also been involved in the process. We were somewhere in New Mexico when Dr. Adams called with the news—breast cancer, stage two.
Dr. Adams recommended strongly that Helen return to Knoxville as swiftly as possible to meet with an oncologist and discuss a plan of treatment. After trying mightily to meet by Zoom, her only option was to fly from San Diego to Knoxville to meet with the specialist. She returned to San Diego three days later.
Helen is a remarkable person, blessed with a gift that God doesn’t give to many people. Helen doesn’t worry. Also, she genuinely lives in the moment. To her, the past is forgotten, the future will be here soon enough so, let’s enjoy today. That gift and deep and abiding faith in God will sustain her through this process. She returned from Knoxville, not at all panicked or in fear—she was just mad that four more weeks around her grandchildren would have to wait for another day.
We left Temecula and began a grueling eight-day trek across the country. We left Phoenix with a bad tire on the only rainy day there in months. A blinding dust storm in New Mexico almost derailed us it was so thick. We did enjoy a lovely campground in Little Rock where I continued to work on my night photography. We spent our last night on the road in Parker’s Crossroads, Tennessee, at the sight of a major battle during the Civil War. Helen finished another puzzle.
We’re home now and working out the details of the next step. There will be surgery but we’re comfortable that Helen is in great hands. We’re sharing this information for one reason—we want your prayers.
I’m not sure when we will travel again and Easin’ Along may take a break for a short period. To my blogging friends, please know that I will continue to stay in touch and may take part in a few blog challenges to keep my fingers occupied. Would love to hear from all of you when you have time.
We’re Easin’ Along in uncharted territory for us, but, gratefully, we know we’re never alone.
Thank you for letting us all know about Helen’s condition. We pray that all goes well with whatever treatments work best. So glad you were able to make the trip to California even though it was cut short. You’re in our prayers. And we are thinking of you both daily. Rusha & Bert
Hi, Rusha,
Hugs to you both. Since we’re gonna be around for a while, maybe we can get together. Please stay in touch! Joe
Thank goodness Helen had her scan and didn’t wait…your health does come first. There are amazing treatments for breast cancer now and, through God’s grace, I have confidence all will be well. My prayers Joe, for Helen and you as well.
On a blogging note, I have let my blog lapse…so right now I have no online presence. I will look for you here, and on other friends’ spaces while you and Helen tackle this challenge and blogging recedes for a while.❤️ Nancy
Hello,
We met with a doctor last week and both of us are amazed at the methods for treating this condition. Medicine has come a long way and we’re comfortable that we’re on the right path. We’ll miss your blog, but please stay in touch. I hope you’re getting some RV travel in. We can’t wait to jump back in ours. Joe
I’m keeping y’all in my prayers. Helen is a trooper and so strong. I’m cheering you on!!
Hello, Annie,
Helen is doing fine, but the rest of us are wrecks…Nevertheless, we’ll get this behind us and hit the road again as soon as possible. Thanks for the prayers. Hugs to you both! Joe
So sorry to hear Helen (and you, Joe) are having to deal with this health challenge. Prayers for all to go well and for this to be a mere bump in the road. Hugs to you both.
Hi, Jeanne,
Hugs are always welcome. An inconvenient bump in the road is the way Helen sees it right now. Great to hear from you! Say hi to Bill. Joe
Helen and Joe, I’m so sorry to hear this. You will be in my prayers. Please keep updating.
❤️🙏🙏 Mary Frances
Mary Francis,
Thanks for the prayers. Once we get a handle on this situation, I’m sure we’ll be visiting Charleston for some long weekend trips. We’ve got to get together. Please stay in touch! Joe
Prayers of healing and comfort for Helen as she goes through this journey. My 45-year-old daughter has just begun this same journey. Prayers for you and the family also.
Good morning, Teri,
Thanks for the prayers. We’re sending some your way for your daughter. A good attitude helps. She’s got this I’m sure! Joe
Sending prayers and positive vibes to Helen ! Will keep you on my daily prayer list ! So happy They found it early !
Hi, Arlene,
Helen stays on top of her check-ups and it paid off in this situation. Thanks much for the prayers and the good vibes–we’re counting on them! Stay in touch! Joe
Thanks for sharing this expanded version of your story. So glad Cammy was insistent! And glad you’re safely home. Prayers every day!
Good morning, Carolyn,
Cammy’s insistence was a God kiss for sure! So grateful that Helen listened! We’re back home and going through the process, but we’ll be in touch soon. Hug the girls for us! Big Daddy and BeBe
Joe and Helen,
Wilma and I are so happy you and Helen got to go out to see your grandchildren. But, we are sorry to hear of Helen’s breast cancer. We will be praying continually for her and we will put her on our prayer prayer list at church. God bless you both. Please keep us updated on her progress.
Love,
Wilma and Eddie
Hello, Eddie,
Thanks for the prayers. Please hug Wilma and the girls for us. We’ll be in touch. Joe
Many prayers being lifted. I know that Helen receives God’s peace and comfort. So glad that you had some time with family around medical appointments.
Hello, Debbie,
Helen is a person grounded strongly in her faith which certainly helps. Our church family has been wonderful as well. I’m sure we’ll be back your way at some point, so ask Rick to save me some time for a fishing trip. Great to hear from you! Joe
Oh my goodness, Joe, you have my prayers for sure for dear Helen! Definitely a good reason to cut a trip short. She is very remarkable in that she was able to plan and make the effort to get checked and go forward with the next steps. Without good health we have nothing, really, so getting this done insures a lot more days of travel to come.
Good morning, Terri,
As someone who works at staying healthy, you know how important it is to stay on top of things like regular check-ups, mammograms, etc. We hope that Helen’s situation will stress that importance to others. An annual mammogram certainly paid off in her case because we caught it early. We hope to get back on the road later this year. If you guys ever come east, we would love to see you. Stay in touch! Joe
Helen will be in our prayers!
Thanks, Dave,
We put the word out because we want those prayers. You’re great to check in. Joe
Praying for all of you!
Good morning, Nancy,
Great to hear from you! We’ll take all the prayers we can get so thanks muchly! Please stay in touch! Joe
So very sorry to hear this news!!! Praying they get it all in surgery and maybe she won’t have to go through chemo or radiation or at least not much!!! Love her attitude and faith!!! She’s in good hands!!! Praying for you both as you travel this leg of your journey!!! Love , Luanne and frank
Hi, Luanne,
We’re still figuring things out, but Helen’s head is in the right place–she’s a trooper for sure! Thanks for checking in and for the prayers. Joe
Joe & Helen: There is no doubt that with Helen’s positivity and faith, and your help, you both will be on the road and trails soon! Sending prayers and well wishes your way.
Our Himalayan prayer flag obtained in the Cascade mountains from a Sherpa, is fluttering in Florida as we speak, launching blessings your way!
Marty and Le,
Keep that flag fluttering! We loved being with Rob and his family last week. Your granddaughter is precious! We’ll be in touch! Joe
Prayers for Helen. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
Thanks, Kathy,
We needed that! Please stay with us–we love hearing from you! Joe
Oh, dear friends…this is a big life challenge that you’re facing. When Eric had unexpected heart surgery back in 2016, we were stunned, to say the least. The doctor told us, “You’ll look back on this one day as just another chapter in your lives.” And he was right, and it helped enormously to remember that during the surgery and the many months of recovery.
You have the blessings of your deep love for one another, your faith, your family and friends, and Helen has her extraordinary gift of not worrying about the future and living in the present moment. We send you our love and prayers .
~Laurel & Eric
Good morning, Laurel,
Helen looks at this situation as just a very inconvenient bump in the road that took away some quality time with the grandchildren. We expect that she’ll do fine and will get that time back as soon as possible. Thanks for the prayers and kind words. Please stay in touch! Joe
Thinking and praying for Helen and for You Joe. Stay strong Brother.
Thanks, James,
We’re holding up well. Helen’s attitude helps! Stay in touch! Joe
Joe and Helen, this is sad news, but your positive attitude and faith will sustain you both through these next months. I am sure you are in good hands. Will keep you in my prayers. So sorry your travel time was cut short, but you’ll get back out there soon. Blessings.
Good morning, Suzanne,
We’re still going through the process and scheduling appointments, so the future is a little murky. Helen’s head and heart are in the right place and that helps greatly as does the support from friends. We’ll be back out as soon as possible. Thanks so much for checking in. Joe
Hi, Jo – My heart raced when I read this.
Helen is a remarkable women. I will keep her in my prayers.
Please keep us posted when you can.
Good morning, Donna,
Thanks so much. We’ve been overwhelmed with the support and prayers from friends, family, and the great friends we’ve made online. Please stay in touch. Joe
I love Helen’s attitude. It will aid her well on this journey. I wish she had felt comfortable sharing during your visit as I have gone thru boobie biopsies/surgeries and continued monitoring …. fortunately no C word, however always unsettling and stressful.
Sending hugs, prayers, and well wishes ❤🙏
Hi, Ingrid,
Helen was still absorbing and processing the news when we visited you and Al. Nevertheless, had we known that you were familiar with situations like this, we would have benefitted greatly. We will stay in touch and may reach out at some point. Thanks for the prayers and well wishes. Our hugs are on the way. Best…Joe and Helen.
Joe, having come to know Helen via your blog and our email conversations, I have a feeling that she’s going to spit in the eye of the monster, do whatever needs to be done and return to your regular travels and spending time with your grandchildren as soon as is humanly possible. Her positive attitude and joyful spirit will charm her doctors and lead the way. Your job, my friend, is to pick up the slack at home and be sure that Helen rests whenever she needs it. (I know she’s a force to be reckoned with, but you gotta be tough!) I have no doubt there will be a ton of support for both of you since you seem to collect friends wherever you go. I won’t tell you not to worry (that would be like telling the sun not to rise), but please remember that advances in medicine, your faith in God and Helen herself will see you both through this rough patch of road. Then it will be on to sunny skies and smooth sailing. Sending hugs, prayers and wishes for the warmest of God’s blessings to both of you!
Thanks, Mary,
We needed that! Helen’s gift is that she doesn’t worry and that things roll off her back as easily as one could imagine. She’s just mad now because she was robbed of some grandchildren time and she won’t be able to play pickleball for a while after the surgery. We will take plenty of short trips as soon as we can. There are several great campgrounds in NC, GA, and SC to visit as well as giving us an opportunity to be close to our Charleston kids. We regard this setback as just an inconvenient bump in the road. We’re blessed and truly grateful for the wonderful life God has given us. We won’t be down long. Thanks so much for reaching out, and please stay in touch! Joe
Modern medicine is truly amazing and she will be in good hands with experts. Science has come so far. I’m 16 years out from a Stem Cell transplant and 17 diagnosed with Myeloma. Science and treatments have been amazing. Sending good thoughts your way. BTW… we are in the Napa Expo Campground right now as you wrote about and am enjoying it. We just came from Bodega Bay and that was lovely too.
Best to you both in this journey.
Hi, Christina,
Helen has a lot of confidence in the medical team around her, and that is very comforting to us all. Thanks for reaching out and for the good thoughts. We loved Napa. Hopefully, you will be able to tour some of the wineries–we had trouble getting reservations. Would love to hear more about your trip so please stay in touch. Joe
Hello Joe,
I was very sorry to hear the news about Helen but glad to hear she made her medical appointment and that you guys made it back home safely. I’m sure she will get excellent medical care and treatment! In the meantime, know that our thoughts and prayers are with Helen and you as well as the rest of your family. Also, I wanted to let you know that I did send a more personal note to your email address last Sunday which I hope you received.
Very sincerely,
Ron Ellis
Clemmons, NC
Good morning, Ron,
First, let me apologize for not returning your very thoughtful email. I did receive it, but we have been in a whirlwind since we returned and I have not looked through my Easin’ Along inbox. I will send you a reply later today. We meet with one of Helen’s doctors this morning and should get a clearer picture of the road ahead. Thanks so much for reaching out and for the thoughts and prayers…we appreciate the prayer warriors out there, and are grateful for every one. Have a great weekend. Snow predicted here! Joe
Thank you for sharing. I’m sorry that Helen has to go through this but grateful it was caught early. Will be praying for Helen and your family!
Good morning, Erika,
Thanks so much for stopping by! Helen’s attitude helps greatly in this situation and we’re all comfortable that she’ll do fine and be back on the pickleball court soon (playing today). Keep the prayers coming and please stay in touch! Joe