Plans for New Years Eve

Well I have the last three days of the year dialed in. Not exacltly what I would have planned if left to my own devices but looking forward all the same albeit in a slightly perverse manner.

Technically four days. We will start Sunday, December 28 at our church, Vintage Grace at the early service - 8:15 AM. Per our usual we will sit in the front row next to Dan & Anita, our dear friends from Life Group. They always save us a seat. This will hopefully lay the foundation for the days to follow. Probably watch some football that day and the 49ers have the Sunday Night Game.

Monday, December 29 I will get my bloodwork done at Quest Diagnostics. Only a 20 minute exercise but more prelim for the big days. Up bright and early on Tuesday, December 30 to drive to San Francisco to see my oncologist, Dr Kim and my immunotherapy infusion cocktail. And then to lunch and our kids house to spend the night.  Wednesday, December 31, New Years Eve I will get up early and go get my MRI and CT Scan. Will spend about 90 minutes of the last day of the year in a tube. At the conclusion I will be hungry since I have to fast so late breakfast or lunch will be in order before heading home.

So why the heck would I look forward to any of this? Good question. It is my greatest - prayer, wish, hope, desire, manifestation, ambition that I end the year cancer free and will receive that precious news on December 31, 2025.

Should I be so fortunate I will have a champagne toast with my wife, Mela and probably have an early night.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Stay Strong, Be Humble, Be Kind and God Bless!

No Bad Days............

We went to Mexico last month for a bit of sun and relaxation. We had a great time. You would see variations of a T-shirt that said ‘No Bad Days” with a guy fishin’ or just sitting beach front with a cocktail that involved fruit. Side note - those are not my drinks. Perhaps two finger of good bourbon neat or an expertly crafted dry vokda martini up with an olive - mostly so Mela can have it - unless it is stuffed with blue cheese of course.

Anyway No Bad Days. I truly do believe that. That being said - there are good days and there are hard days. Some really hard. Good days are not hard but hard days are good. As I write this it is the day of the California International Marathon. I imagine even for the elite runners it is hard let alone the first timers but the good far outweighs the hard. Or maybe you worked really hard on a project at work and got a much deserved raise. You get the idea. We all have different standards. For example with the damp weather we are having - we have some ants. If Mela finds a few wandering the kitchen island it is a hard day. And for simply including this modest example it may assure I have a hard day.

In November of 2024 I went blind and had a horrific rash from head to toe which were side effects from the drugs fighting my cancer. Crazy hard. Thank goodness for steroids and cortisone cream. I believe I came out better for it. Admittedly perhaps a different story if I remained blind. December 2024 I lost over 20 pounds in 10 days and my body was emaciated from my second two drug infusion. Again crazy hard. So hard and long to come back. I literally could not support my own weight for a push up and can now do 21 and working toward 30. Growth. Not too mention that during the - put on weight phase - I ate half a package of family sized double stuffed oreos in one sitting without guilt or concern. Talk about good.

Do I want the cancer? Of course not. Do I pray for it to go away? Absolutely! But there has been good and growth. I think I have improved but that is too deep for this simple soul. Did I mention the lobster roll at Woodhouse Fish Market, the vanilla sprinkle donut at Johnny’s Donuts, the carnitas taco at the Taco Bar? For those of a certain age - that expression of - I will bet you dollars to donuts is long gone! Overnights when I needed them for my treatment at our kids house and seeing our grandson. My blog this past year is really a look at his first year. Such a blessing. Our vacation to France that we may or may not have taken but for my - Best if used by date. I have been able to share my story of Faith, Family, Friends, Fun and Cancer on two podcasts. I have the audacity to think I have something to say. In short - Hard is good. That’s where the juice is.

Be Kind, Be Humble, Stay Strong and God Bless!

I received this comment from this post when I posted on my metastatic cancer FB group page. It made my day!!!

2038..................

Good news at least from my perspective. October and November bloodwork were good as well as my November MRI and CT scan. Seems a little pessimistic but tend to think of no growth or spreading of the cancer as the absence of bad news. Any shrinkage no matter how minute would be good news and of course - no signs of the cancer would be phenomenal news. Anyway entering the holidays on a bright note.

My oncologist, Dr Kim has on several occasions mentioned that clients with my cancer are still around after 5-7 years. I have said before I want to hear about the 15-20 year guys. But we are all terminal and in the words of Janis Joplin - tomorrow never comes. I feel a bit like I have a bit of a - Best if Used By Date stamp. I have searched every bit of my body with a magnifying glass but cannot find the stamp anywhere. So who knows………..


Mela and I plan to live the next “five to 7 years” to the fullest for lack of a better word but certainly no intention of giving up at any point in time. After all what would you do without my missives to read? So I needed a plan. Some sense of vision or future to picture.  Mela and I were married in August of 2013. So my plan is to see our 25th wedding anniversary in 2038. What a party it will be. Everyones invited. There you have it. Just over 12 and a half years to go. See you then.

Wednesday, November 5 when I got my immunotherapy infusion I noticed the pictured coloring book on the table in the lobby. Brought a chuckle. Apparently a patient had brought it in. I have always kept my therapy pretty PG so I will spare you a sample of the inside of the book. Lets just say the language was ‘colorful’. But certainly a sense of honesty to it given what people at the center are going through.

Be Kind, Be Humble, Stay Strong & God Bless!

One Year.........

Nothin’ quite like a good anniversary.  Octbober 1, 2025 is my one year anniversary with Uveal Melanoma. Technically, my oncologist, Dr Kim called it at the end of September (as I saw on my online portal). I guess if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, quacks like a duck….  And a biopsy in October confirmed it. Calling it early gave me about a three week jump on care. So Grateful.  So I am going with October 1 - basically the last quarter of the year.

What a year it has been! A brief recap just to remind me of how good the good really is.

October 2024 - MRI, CT Scan, bloodwork and biopsy to confirm it is Uveal Melanoma. So much chaos and uncertainty of what life did or did not hold for Mela and myself. When I was diagnosed 7 years ago (who says lucky 7?) with Ocular Melanoma there was no statiscal survival rate if it returned. It likes the liver and the lungs. So grateful for the research and that things have changed during these past 7 years. Maybe that’s the lucky 7.

November 2024 - First two drug (Opdivo & Yervoy) immunotherapy infusion the first week of November. Went virtually blind - in remaining good eye - and a rash from head to toe. Thank goodness for steroids and cortisone cream.

December 2024 - Second two drug immunotherapy infusion the first week of December. Chills, fever, no appetite, severe and chronic diarrhea. Lost over 20 pounds in 10 days. A hard month for me & Mela. More steroids.

Welcome to 2025……..

January 2025 - Was supposed to do four rounds of the two drug infusion but body was not up for it. Round one of one drug infusion. No side effects. Productive rest and trying to gain weight.

How many people had a New Year’s Resolution of trying to pack on 15 to 20 pounds as quickly as possible. Thank goodness for the NFL playoffs and an excuse to eat. Not that I needed one. I had not bought store brand cookies in decades. But apparently I needed 3 family sized packages of double stuffed Oreo’s. Don’t get me started on Daisy Sour Cream French Onion Dip. Eat by the spoonful.

I do want to note that aside from my ‘football snacking’ Mela and I did eat relatively healthy meals. I gained about 10 pounds in January.

February 2025 - More productive rest, healthy weight gain and very modest exercise.

March and April 2025 - Started to feel ‘semi-normal’ but still weak. Weight was back and significantly increasing exercise.

May 2025 - Felt much better physically. But it was a hard month. Felt better physically  but felt like now what. What does life look like? Plus my MRI’s were a month apart for various timing reasons. Finished one at the first of the month and could not stop thinking about the next one at the end of May.

June 2025 - Getting back on track. Feeling good. Feel like strength is close to being back to where it was and mental clarity.

July thru September 2025 - Living life. Getting used to routine and living with terminal cancer. Well that was the year but also so much good.

Gratitude is the Attitude………

First, speaking for myself - I am grateful to still be here.  Mela. Family. Friends. Faith.Great medical team. Great insurance coverage.  My blog that keeps me sane. And on and on………

As hard as November and December 2024 were I was able to enjoy both Thanksgiving and Christmas. The hard part from the two drug infusion was about getting my health back. Perhaps, somewhat ironically, the infusions were great for my health as it related to the cancer but devestating to other aspects of my health.

Anyway, in 2025 we have celebrated the new year. Mela and I both celebrated our 65th birthday. My daughter, Nicole, flew up from LA and surprised me on my birthday. February 20, our newest grandchild, Luca, was welcomed into this world. Celebrated another year of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Easter. A decent night’s sleep. The sales of my photographs on Adobe Stock.

Long time friend, Kevin, and brother-in-law, Rick for drving me to SF for appointments when I was too blind or weak to do so myself. Hitting balls at the back of range at Haggin Oaks with my swing coach, Lila, our poodle. Played some golf. Pretty much watched the four golf majors. Our neighbor, Dick, that took out our garbage cans week after week, helping with Lila while I slept on the couch 16 hours a day and his absolutely scrumptious corn chowder. Mela has been 12 years cancer free. We celebrated our 12 year wedding anniversary. Our 13 year engagement anniversary and our first date 14 years ago October 1, 2011 at Land Ocean in Folsom .

Nicole & Mela by new car

An incredible vacation thru Paris and Provence with Mela, our daughter Gina, son-in-law Steven and grandson, Luca. A wonderful weekend in Mendocino for our wedding anniversary. Mela’s business, Onyx Real Estate is doing great. So proud of her. (Shameless plug - Check out Onyx at onyx-re.com  ) So many breakfasts & lunches with long time friend, Kevin. Great meals at newly discovered (for me) in SF during my trips for appointments with Dr Kim and infusions etc. Overnight stays with kids and grandson. New car - Land Rover Defender 90 (nothing like a 6 year loan to keep you around). New camera - Sony a7CR. New backyard furniture and pergola (my sanctuary). Exercise. Good coffee. Good wine. Good food. Laughter. Reading a good book. Sunrise and Sunset.

Birthday dinner

The Family, Wine tasting at Alpha Omega for Mela’ birthday

My photography. Attending our church, Vintage Grace. But God. Luca’s baptism. One of the mildest Sacramento summers in a long time. All the prayers that lift me up. Morning walks with our poodle, Lila. All our kids and grandchildren are doing great. Those of you that have faithfully followed along with me on my journey and hopefully had a laugh or two. Those of you that have read this far. The breath in my lungs.

What are you grateful for?

At the end of August Mela and I attended the Tom Ferry Real Estate Coaching conference in Dallas, Texas. Tim Carver was the keynote speaker. He definitely has next level intensity. He said - if you find yourself going thru Hell - leave the scars and bring the fire. I like that phrase.

I can’t say I will finish the year stronger than last year. Last year took every ounce of fight I had. But hopefully stronger in a different way. Here’s to the last quarter of 2025 & 2026!

Finally, life goes on….. If I get a headache, I take an aspirin. I take a simvastatin for my cholesterol and now take Opdivo for Uveal Melanoma.

Before I go. I had the pleasure of being a guest telling my story regarding my journey with cancer on a podcast with a ‘Cure in Sight’. The podcast should be out in a couple of weeks but below is a link to a trailer.

https://riverside.fm/guest-page?sessionId=9f6d50aa-ce13-4194-ae00-b6d935ad573b&clientId=7af95212-0c70-4ea1-8d08-efa65f3423d1&archiveId=nicholaikonovaloff-4lynr5oim&t=0b17129f794f7006c085

Stay Strong, Be Kind, Be Humble and God Bless!





Halos and Hamburgers...........

I think I can say, perhaps even unequivocally, that Nick Konovaloff and halo have never been used in the same sentence during the 65 plus years I have occupied space on Earth. Now in full transparency it was my dermatologist  that used that term when I saw him this past week. For those that have been following along my immunotherapy is causing Vitiglio, loss of pigment. My oncologist is thrilled. Apparently those that develop Vitiglio as a side affect do better with immunotherapy and fighting the cancer.

Now back to me having a halo. I have a birthmark on my right shoulder and my dermatologist said that I have developed a halo around the birthmark consistent with Vitiglio. Dr. No could have just as easily said I have loss pigment around the birthmark but no he said I have a halo - so I am going with that. I am generally pretty understated so to have a golden ring hover above my head would have been too much. Way too much for Mela - and would have made a difficult to wear the hats I enjoy so much. But I have a Halo!!!

Wednesday, September 10, I once again made my way to SF for MRI, CT Scan and infusion. It was at a more civilized hour and got to sleep in a bit. The MRI completed I had to wait for my CT Scan. Turned out to be over an hour wait. Sitting in the waiting room (not the lobby) in my boxers and hospital gown (sorry quite the picture) watching Bitchin’ Rides on the Motor Trend channel. Felt a bit like Al Bundy. Anyway I really like this show. Not a car guy per se but love watching their craftsmanship turning an old car into a piece of rolling art. Finally called for CT Scan and always much quicker than my one hour MRI. Time for a very late lunch. Starved. Had to fast.

Make my way to the Marina District and wander down Chestnut, mouth watering, for my Super Duper Bacon Cheeseburger with fries. No soda, or lemonade today. An ice cold beer was in order. Not the best day. Not sure why. Some days you just want to scream from the mountain top. But the - oh so delicious bacon cheesburger, crisp hot fries and cold draft helped.

Bacon Cheeseburger, Crip hot fries and a Ice cold draft at Super Duper in SF

Time to go see the kids and my little buddy, Luca. Always so grateful  to see them and a place to stay. A great visit.Thursday was my visit with Dr. Kim and my immunotherapy infusion. My MRI and blood work results were already in and all good. Good for a few more miles.

My little buddy, Luca and his friend

I was really set for my lobster roll. Had not had one in awhile but the infusion took much longer than I had hoped. It does a lot actually. Did not want to take the time for true sit down service so the Taco Bar it was. The carnitas taco and grilled shrimp taco did not disappoint. Time to head home.

Sometimes life is hard - so as I always say at the end of my written therapy…….

Stay Strong, Be Kind, Be Humble & God Bless!

Creature of Habit.........

I am nothing if not a creature of habit - to which my wife, Mela, will gladly attest. This past week I had another midnight run to an early morning MRI and CT scan in SF. Though a bit of a claustrophobe I have gotten use to the process. After a couple of hours of being in tubes I am free to go.

I make my way toward the Marina District and find a parking spot near our kid’s home.  I begin what seems like a well worn path down Chestnut towards Cracked and Battered. Seeing nothing that caught my eye on my way I enter the small restaurant and immediately seated. I ask for a cup of coffee and peruse the menu. Can’t be too boring and get the same thing as last time. Looking at the menu I see the C&B plate. How can I ignore the signature item. Two eggs any style - I chose sunnyside up, 4 large silver dollar waffles, country potatoes and a piece of fried chicken the size of Texas. A lot of food but I had been up since 2:30 AM and it is now 11. Still a lot of food - but I ate it all. So good. But chicke and waffles are their signature. Highly recommend if in SF. Also close to Lil Original Joe’s and Super Duper. A food trifecta

I walk back - the long way - to Gina and Steven’s home and their oh so handsome 5 month old son Luca. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for staying at their home on times I need an overnight. The next day was my appointment with my oncologist, Dr Kim and my immunotherapy infusion at the Bryan Henning Cancer Center. A delightful afternoon with the kids and Luca, a homecooked meal, glass of wine, a bit of TV and a good nights sleep. Sweet Perfection.

Blotchy skin.  My appointments with Dr Kim are becoming somewhat routine. I am doing well. So grateful. But this time I did mention that the skin  on my forehead seem to be blotchy and I had scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist at Mela’s urging (demanding). Initially, I thought it was a bit too much sun on vacation though I did wear a hat. Anyway it was not peeling.

I believe Dr Kim referred to it as Vitiligo, the loss of pigment in the skin. He said I can certainly see the dermatologist and some people are self-conscious of the issue but it is great news as far as he is concerned. Patients that develop this from immunotherapy tend to do better with the treatment and fighting the cancer. So bring on blotchy skin. Still would have preferred most anyway other the than head and face. But 65 years old, bald, half-blind, terminal cancer and blotchy skin. Thank goodness that Mela loves me.  So grateful for faith, family, and friends - F³ as I continue this journey. Almost forgot. The MRI and CT Scan came back clean and I am good for a few more miles.

Lastly, I got home mid-afternoon on Thursday and concluded the day on Folsom Lake with dear friends from Life Group. Not a bad couple of days really.

Stay Strong, Be Kind, Be Humble & God Bless!

No Cancer in Paris.............

Certainly a fanciful notion if not outright silly. That’s OK. I had flirted with other titles such as - More Champagne in the Last 10 Days than the Last 10 years but the only other real contender was - Travels with Luca - our 4 month old grandson. What a delight.

We used Uber Reserve for our transportation to SFO and reserved a ride home as well. Worth every penny. We flew out of SFO on Sunday June 22 at about 3:30 PM and arrived in Paris on Monday morning at 10:00 AM. We flew out of Charles De Gaulle on Monday July 4 at about 9:00 AM and arrived back at SFO July 4 at 11:00 AM with our ride waiting for us. Perfect.

The intervening time in Paris and Provence was a much needed respite after my 9 month journey that will continue for the forseeable future. Back to SF on Wednesday, July 16 and 17 for more MRI’s CT Scans and infusions. Forget that crap for now. Time for 10 amazing days of family, food, wine, history, photography, laughter and relaxation.

Up for 30 hours that first day. Wanted to jump into the Paris time zone. We all did pretty good. We rented an apartment for our time in Paris which worked out great for the five of us. We unpacked and relaxed a bit after the long flight and then set about to walk the streets of Paris and get some dinner. We did not have plans but Steven and Gina suggested Chez Julien where they had eaten on a prior trip. They love Paris. Dinner was magnifique. One of many great meals on our trip. We definitely ate and drank our way thru Paris and Provence.

Dinner with Luca at the Capelongue Resort

I am not a city person at heart. I like my skyscrapers capped with snow. I know - no skyscrapers in Paris - but you know what I mean, my sidewalks made of dirt and stars as my streelights. But you cannot ignore the history, culture, art, food and of course the people of Paris. An incredible time. I will say french lingerie has taken a hit. I do not think there was one young woman under 30 that chose to wear a bra. Sorry.

Some highlights - I of course had to see the Mona Lisa and did. Unfortunately, the mass of humanity at the Louvre made our visit a bit short but was enthralled all the same. We had lunch at a roof top restaurant named Perruche. Insane views of the city. Food and drinks were delicious. I had this cocktail called at Lerin - I call it delicious. It had Grey Goose Vodka, Schrubb Figue & Framboise, Liquer Saint Germain. I am not a day drinker but the rules went out the window in Paris & Provence.

Lunch at the rooftop restaurant, Perruche, in Paris

Mela and I took a car tour of the city in a old convertible VW Bug. It was a good way to see the city and get some highlights from our driver. The traffic was unreal and did not probably get the ‘usual tour’. The city was packed. One evening the kids stayed with Luca - and Mela & I treated ourselves to a 3 star Michelin Restaurant located in the Four Seasons. We had a 7 PM dinner reservation and it took our Uber drive one hour to get there. We texted Gina and had her call the restaurant  to say we were running late. The old people could not master the international call. The food, wine, service, ambiance - all impeccable. Worth every Euro and memories to last a lifetime. Anyway, 3 hours later - it only took our Uber driver 10 minutes to take us home.

So much to see, do, eat, drink, shop and enjoy in Paris. Could probably spend years there and not take in all the history, architecture, art and culture of the city. But one last highlight from the uninitiated that just wanted to get a sense of the city. The private boat tour with just the five of us down the Seine was breathtaking. Just the bridges alone were architectural feats. Seeing uninterrupted views of the city and the Eiffel Tower without hordes of people in the way. By the way what I mean by hordes is 6 or more. I forgot. We also went to an antiquities market. Something Steven and Gina enjoy. They had bought a chandelier there on their last visit. Cool to see something that is much more Parisian and outside the tourist circles.

Sunset in the village of Bonnieux

Time to take the 3 hour train ride to Provence and the Capelongue Resort. Our home for the next 5 five days. I truly enjoyed the train. Much of the French countryside was dotted with agriculture. We arrived at the station and then had about a 1 hour drive to Capelongue. The roads are so narrow. Glad this one eyed wonder was not driving.  What a piece of paradise it proved to be. Absolutely beautiful and impeccable grounds. Great restaurant, 2 swimming pools. Lovely single story cottages scattered amongst the grounds. Perfectly designed for the surrounding landscape. I guess I would compare the area to the Amador County Wine Country but with very old charming villages with quaint narrow streets that hold small cafes and boutique shops.

The view from our patio at Capelongue

I could go on and on. But if you read this far I am no journalist for Travel and Leisure. But the five of us had the best time. Despite head turning views in every direction there was no better view than that of my family at the end of a long day enjoying a cold beverage chatting and laughing over the ventures of our day.

Stay Strong, Be Humble, Be Kind & God Bless!







We Are All Terminal...........

My apologies to anyone for which this is news. But no one gets out alive. Not my intent in any way to be dark or morbid. It just is. Lately, I have been feeling a tad like that carton of milk that sits on the inside shelf of your refrigerator. Sitting there waiting to be enjoyed for a period of time before that firmly stamped ‘Best if Used By” expires. I know - some of you are thinking - Nick, your -best if used by - was over 30 years ago. That is a discussion for another day.


Early on with my oncologist, Dr Kim asked me if I knew this was not a good cancer. I said I was aware. Of course there are no good cancers but mine is aggressive. He followed up with the fact he has a number of patients still going strong after 5-7 years. This was during a period when we were discussing care, treatment and expectations etc. and he wanted me to be apprised of all the implications which I greatly appreciated.

In the ensuing months this had not again been a topic of conversation. I had one MRI, CT scan that showed some shrinkage and the following ones have shown no growth or spreading of the disease. But I believe it was my May 1 appointment that Dr Kim brought up the 5 - 7 year group. I mentioned this to my long time friend, Kevin over breakfast. He said to tell the Dr. that you are well aware of the 5 - 7 year guys, you want to hear about the 15 - 20 year guys.

Anyway, at my appointment at the end of May, the good Dr. once again mentioned that darn group. Do not get me wrong. I love Dr Kim and my entire medical team. While oncologists can be direct I also feel they are some of the most compassionate. They are with their patients for the entire journey.

Perhaps this is simply his way of saying - Nick, live your life. On that note we do have an upcoming trip to Paris. I am at about the 9 month mark of this journey. I have spent the last few months regaining my health after some severe side effects from when I was on two drugs for the immunotherapy. I am now substantially better. While having gained the weight back my waistline is an inch smaller - to the good.

But the - live your life - is a valid comment for us all. Three simple words yet so complex. We are all at different places in our life but we all need to find the joy.

Stay Strong, Be Humble, Be Kind & God Bless!


Cracked & Battered..........

While it might be an apt title for how I have felt on occasion over the last few months - it is in fact the name of a restaurant I found while in San Francisco for my MRI, CT Scan and immunotherapy infusion. But I am getting ahead of myself.

The morning of Wednesday, May 28 came early. 2:30 AM. Had to get up and get ready for my drive to SF for my upcoming appointments. Probably could have slept slightly later but the middle of the night is the middle of the night. And I am not a run for the gate type of person. Traffic of course but the drive was uneventful. Made it to the hospitial at 1101 Van Ness in plenty of time. Early actually. Read my book. After several hours of being in a tube the procedures were complete and I was free to go.

I drove to the Marina District where my daughter, Gina, son-in-law, Steven and most importantly our 3 month old grandson Luca reside. Found a parking spot not far from their house. Proceeded to stroll down Chestnut in the direction of Super Duper. Not really feeling a hamburger since we had barbecued over Memorial Da weekend - but a strong back up. About 2 or 3 storefronts down from Super Duper but on the other side of the street was Cracked and Battered. Great news! I was wanting breakfast and it was only 10:30 AM. I had been up for 8 hours and only piece of raisin bread.

I ordered a cup of coffee. Delicious. A good start. Mela and I like our coffee. I did not need to look at the menu long. Eggs Benedict with fried chicken and biscuits. So good. The chicken was tender and moist, lightly battered and seasoned and fried to perfection, the biscuits had just enough crisp to hold up to the hollandaise sauce and perfect soft center poached eggs.

Appetite satiated I head back to the kids house, Casa Benvenuto. I was greeted by Steven and Luca. Gina was downstairs working from home. A good visit with Steven and precious time with Luca. He is such a happy baby. Just chilled for the afternoon. Steven and Gina had some prearranged dinner plans which was fine.

I wandered down to Lil Original Joe’s. Original Joe’s is in North Beach but have opened a Lil Original Joe’s on Chestnut. I had been there twice with the kids and Mela. Great environment, great service and great food. I had tried the chicken parmesan and amazing. Also had the ravioli with meat sauce. The ravioli’s were pillows of perfection and you could put the meat sauce on a shoe. So good.

Anyway there was a seat at the bar with my name on it. Ordered a vodka martini. Which is now much more of a treat than a staple. After nursing my drink I ordered the ravioli with meat sauce and a glass of chianti. What came out from the kitchen was discouraging at best. Virtually no meat sauce and ravioli looked a little tired. Asked the bartender for some meat sauce. Took forever. Meat sauce was lukewarm and ravioli were chewy.

I shared this with my bartender and she said something. Told her I was not looking for excuses just wanted her to know. After a few minutes she did offer a free dessert - which I accepted and upon receiving my bill she had comped the wine. Which was all good but really just wanted the ravioli that I had eagerly anticipated.

Made my way back to Casa Benvenuto and had a wonderful evening, The next morning was an appointment with my oncologist and my infusion. Good news for me and hopefully for most - my MRI and CT scan results were alrady in and came back clean. Good for a few more miles. After a brief visit with the Dr I made my way to the cancer center where way too many people are getting there chemo or like me - there immunotherapy. With that completed it was time for one more meal before heading home. The Taco Bar on Filmore it is. A brief walk from the medical complex. One grilled fish taco and one grilled shrimp taco. All seasoned and cooked to perfection.

Being able to stay with the kids and finding great little places to nourish my body and soul make this journey far more palatable. So grateful.

Stay Strong, Be Kind, Be Humble and God Bless!