I'm thrilled to report a clear mammogram yesterday!  It was an all-around great experience. The Doris Shaheen Breast Center at Piedmont Hospital has got it down.  They have a lovely, calm atmosphere, and very nice folks working for them.  I asked my technician Jennifer about the new machines someone had told me about.  She said she didn't think anything had changed since my last mammogram -- that one's experience sometimes depends on the technician.  I can tell you, she was great!  Hardly any pain, then wonderful news.  I try not to let the black cancer cloud anywhere near me, but it's always over my shoulder -- it's interesting how you really don't trust your body after you've had a life-threatening illness. The great thing is, it makes you more aware than ever of how precious life is!  Many of you got in touch with me to let me know you were thinking of me yesterday.  I can't begin to say how much your concern and support mean to me. 

On the flip side, I found out after I got home yesterday that my dear friend and fellow cancer Survivor, Chef Hans Rueffert, is going to have to have more major surgery -- this time, to remove his stomach.  Oh, the irony of a chef having to have a gastrectomy!  It breaks my heart that this man has to endure so much pain and suffering.  Hans has always continued to inspire others with his courage and his love of good, healthy food.  If you don't know the Ruefferts,  you just have to trust me -- they are the kind of people the world needs.  You can get to know Hans and his incredible journey better via his blog, www.hansrue.blogspot.com.  He and his family have owned the Woodbridge Inn in Jasper since the '70s.  You can show your love and support by helping keep the restaurant at the Inn hopping -- maybe even book a weekend there in the beautiful North GA mountains for a Spring getaway from the city.  Hans is always concerned that people may not visit the Inn if he's not there cooking, but the fort is very capably held down when he has to be in Houston at MD Anderson for his surgeries.  It would mean more to him and his family than you know if you'd visit.  If you can't find time to visit but would like to donate to his help pay for his medical bills, go to www.talbertfamilyfoundation.org/pages/Hans.html