TRIPS, TOWERS AND THOUGHTS

So here we are, myself, Beth and friend Lisa, at the tower itself.  What an incredible structure, what a fabulous vacation.  Nothing like traveling to make you feel extra alive!

Beth and I, with our niece Madelin, spent a week in Paris and a week in London (friends in London for the year!).  Seeing the incredible beauty of these two cities, meeting amazing folks, getting an international perspective is always enlightening.

The struggle is world wide, of course - we cheered on a breast cancer march in London.  Returned last week expecting chemo (last one in this round) today, but found my immune counts too low - always something!  Am feeling fine, however, and hoping that one more infusion will again result in remission.

Am excited about working on the next One Book (community read) for Bristol Community college - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - by Rebecca Skloot.  This amazing book recounts the story of a woman in the 50's whose cancer cells were the first human cells to be kept alive in lab culture - and the cells continued to live and reproduce so that even today the cells are alive. (see hela cells in color at right)   These cells have been instrumental in research to find remedies for AIDS, polio, and many kinds of cancer.  The book also tells he story of the Lacks family and how they were not informed about their mother's cells use in research.  According to the book, the family suffered as a result, having been pursued for information, and have felt used and abused by the world of science.   As a low income African American family, they went through years of confusion and anger, finally getting help from Skloot to gain credit for their mother. This book is written with sensitivity and care - I highly recommend it!

Will try to blog more often, friends - thanks  for checking in!!