I wrote this post off line a few weeks ago and have not taken the time to actually add it. So, here is this one and I will update more in my next post…

It has been some time since I have written in this blog and many of you have asked for an update. So, I am sitting in the Juneau airport waiting for a flight that is running a bit late and I decided what better time to work on this.

Today is the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. In Fairbanks there will be 24 hour sunlight with many events to celebrate. Here in Juneau, the sun does actually set. Not sure when it went down last night, but I know it was up by 4:00 am as I was able to see the sunlight coming in my hotel window. This is probably the thing that I have had the hardest time getting used to here. It is not a problem falling asleep, but once I wake up, my body tells me I should be getting out of bed.

I spent the last two days here in Juneau and it has been beautiful weather. I was able to enjoy some of the wonders that are “southeast” as this part of Alaska is called. The temperature was cool and the forests around here resemble tropical rain forests without the heat. It rains a lot here, so it is somewhat humid and things are really green. We visited the Glacier which was a real interesting natural phenomenon. The beaches are rocky, not sandy but still very beautiful. I have seen eagles and other birds, but no other wildlife. I will post pictures for you all to enjoy later when I have an Internet connection. While here I also got to visit Heidi, a colleague from CDE that recent moved here from Fairbanks and now works remotely for us.

Shauna In Juneau

As for health reports…

Tomorrow will be my tenth Chemo infusion. I have 3 more of the bad chemo infusions, then will switch to a different chemo regiment that is supposed to be easier to handle. I am handling it pretty well so far and working almost as much as I usually do. I am tired, so my after work and weekend excursions are limited, but overall, it has not been too bad. Scott has been a wonderful help and very supportive. Here is how I see chemo so far. It makes me tired, but it is also a great diet plan. I lost my hair, but showers are a breeze now and I don’t have to shave my legs all summer. Do you realize how much money we spend on hair products and the time is save when getting ready in the morning if all you need to do is choose a coordinating scarf? I could probably do without the hot flashes, would like to really enjoy a cold beer again and wish we could go for really long hikes in the beauty that is Alaska, but overall life is great!

For those of you who have been waiting to see the naked head, I am uploading a picture of me taken in Juneau in a really pretty spot. I have a scarf on and am standing in a large bunch of hip high flowers. Scott says he will get a picture of the real bald head and we can add that as well. Guess I might be able to pull off being bald. I have to be careful though that I do not burn the top!

Well, I need to finish up so I can get to my plane.