There have been some interesting environmental reports that have recently been released. I suppose that there are legions of people who are more expertly informed on the risks of radiation than I am. However, I seriously doubt that there are people who are more interested in knowing whether any real risk exists and what impact would be likely for civilians than I am since I have been the primary caretaker of my son with high-risk t-cell leukemia.

I'm hoping that there will be some honest exchange of information that stems from any and all findings or future studies because if there's one thing I can say, it's that when cancer strikes within your home, there's almost no end to the many ways it wreaks havoc for the individual diagnosed with cancer but also for the family members as well.

There's more information and comments from a few anonymous bloggers here: http://lanl-the-rest-of-the-story.blogspot.com/

Hair. Doesn't seem like much of a big deal to most of us.

But to a kid with cancer, hair can be a huge issue. They lose it due to the chemo. They feel awkward when it begins to come back in and looks ragged or patchy. They revel in its growth and measure every minute milestone - reaching the 'combing' stage, touching their ears, a curl becomes discernable, etc. They panic when some pulls out too easily as it slips from its anchor because the chemo is still at work killing fast-growing cells.

If you've ever wondered what it might be like to live in a home with a kid with childhood cancer, watch "A Lion In The House" on PBS on June 21 & 22. It's a show for adults, not kids, depicting 5 families' journeys with childhood cancer leading them through the winding path of diagnosis, treatment and day-to-day life in the cancer world.

Testing 1, 2, 3

Just trying to get a photo inserted here... bear with me.

I mean, there's no bear with me in the photo. I am out in the woods and there probably WAS a bear within a couple miles, but none wanted to pose with me.