My manicurist told me I was one tough old bird before I went under the knife and I have to say it takes a tough bird to go through this type of surgery. I am alive and anxious to start driving my new car. I will be able to get out tomorrow on my own.

I was a week in the ICU and over a week in CCU. I did have complications such as defibrillation (which is not unusual) and cannot speak above a whisper at this time. Losing my voice box made it difficult to cough which is part of recovery. I am getting speech therapy and as soon as I am able to cross the Narrows Bridge I will have voice therapy. I am making progress and do believe I will have full capacity to return to my wise cracking ways.

There is no way I will be able to meet the ship so I will just have to look forward to the 2013 WC. This is disappointing but I am completely free of cancer at this time. My luggage certainly must have enjoyed the veranda suite upgrade.

Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, telephone calls and emails. They brightened my days and obviously brought me through this difficult time.