Last week Joan and I completed a round trip to Boise, ID on the motorcycle. (Complete set of pictures: http://www.dellfields.com/files/Boise_Trip_091803.htm ) This was a big challenge for me as the side effects of chemo are getting more severe. The constant nausea was a concern. The experimental drug (Iressa) I am taking has a side effect that affects the skin. Consequently my scalp is very sensitive with hair loss and lots of blemishes and scabs. My biggest concerns were being safe on the motorcycle and the ability to wear a helmet for extended periods of time.
The trip went without incident. The drive to Reno was, as usual, beautiful. From Reno onward it was desert. The temperature was perfect for the ride and for a couple of hours I was averaging about 80 miles per hour with a top passing speed of 113 MPH! I actually was quite surprised when I looked at the GPS and saw that I had driven 113 MPH. I know it sounds unsafe but it wasn't. We averaged 68 MPH for the entire trip not counting stops. The motorcycle performed well. With Joan, me and our luggage we were approaching the gross vehicle weight of the bike. Consequently we only averaged 40 miles per gallon on the trip. Riding single I often get 48 miles per gallon.
One odd moment came when Joan had to be in a teleconference with her office. She told me to stop at the side of the road wherever we were at 2pm on Thursday. Turns out we ended up about 50 miles from Winnemucca next to a cow catcher. (http://www.dellfields.com/files/magicgallery/Joan_in_Teleconference.htm ) I tried to look busy so that passing drivers would not think we had a break down and needed help. Joan completed her call and off we went. I thought the terrain was very nice (http://www.dellfields.com/files/magicgallery/Dell_on_the_road_3.htm ) as this picture of me shows. However it did get a little tedious. Most motorcycle riders want curves and twists in the road. The trip to Boise was pretty much all straight lines.
We visited John's house. John is a respected IT manager in HP who also is a general contractor and carpenter. He is building his new house from scratch. The house, of his own design, is single level about 4,700 sq ft sitting on a couple of acres of land. It was very impressive to see his work. When we arrived John was in the middle of painting the interior. Consequently, he was coated in paint. Joan took my picture with him. (http://www.dellfields.com/files/magicgallery/John_and_Dell_2.htm )
The trip to Boise was a good ride and safe for me. Had I become too sick to ride the bike back to California I would have left it with Sandi and Mark. Did I mention that Mark rides a Honda Goldwing? He was more than willing to ride my motorcycle back to California for me.
When we arrived at our house we both had big smiles on our faces. Joan made me drive in again so she could take a picture. For the picture I removed my helmet. I could not resist a little "ham acting" but standing up and giving the victory sign (http://www.dellfields.com/files/magicgallery/Victory.htm ).
I have completed 8 cycles of chemotherapy. On Wednesday I receive another C.A.T. scan to see if there is a change in my tumors. I am very optimistic and will let you know the news when I know.
As usual I ask you to be body-aware. Check things out and stay healthy. Also, don't forget to live your dreams.
Dell
