Cliff Long's Health Update (as of 6/11/96)

    Over a year ago, I underwent neck surgery for injury received while playing squash. The basic cause of the problem was diagnosed as multiple myeloma cancer. The surgery was quite serious due to some slowness in diagnosing a broken neck (they thought muscle spasms). I have some tingling in hands and feet, and am not as tall as I used to be, but am able to get around OK - just not as fast as I would like. I have some shoulder pain, but pain pills take care of most of the problem. I undergo chemo on a regular basis every few weeks and seem to be able to handle it fairly well.

    I've retired from teaching, but am still involved in mathematics and get over to the office frequently. I would like to get back to doing some wood carving, but find that the days go by quickly. I'm blessed with a wonderful family and caring and concerned friends without whom I don't know how I would have managed the experiences of the last year. Last month, our kids and grandkids and some nearby friends gave us a surprise (almost a shock) celebration, ("carpe diem"), celebrating a year since surgery. It was wonderful to share that time with some of those who were so supportive when I needed help the most.

    I certainly look forward to each new day and hope that you are enjoying them to the fullest.

    Here's the history on this thing as it developed, if you really want to know: the problem, the first update , the second update , and the third update.