Well I had a good plan for summiting, but knew there were too many variables and cdn't push to do it. Since nausea and headache come with the chemo, it makes it harder for me to spot AMS; but hiking at altitude is such a good workout overall. My docs wanted me to make sure I didn't push too hard. So I just focused on the journey, not the destination. MRIs and CTs just 60 days before our backpack showed more metastasis to t and l sections of the spine plus bb-size spot in lungs. So I really have to play it the way I feel it on any given day. Judging by how I felt on this trip, I'd say both areas are clear again.
The mtn was kind to us; we were blessed with perfect backpacking weather and plenty of daylight hours. I slept well, starting 7/3 at portal camp altitude and 7/4 at LPL altitude. Finally had the high altitude cause some nausea resulting in a couple dry heaves at above 13k, so just popped Dramamine and rested for 20 min. Then took it really slow just like in scuba diving and had no problems. So I was the SLO-O-OWEST on the mtn that day, but MADE IT.
Hope I can be an inspiration to others! The diagnosis doesn't get any uglier than mine; I was told to get hospice lined up 16 months ago. Here I still am, and I can probably outhike most hospice nurses they'd have sent.
Those mtns, there's something about them...I LOVE it! Say hey if you see me and my carved purple walking stick out there...I think San Jacinto is the next on the list.
