GREENDOOR

That's me, Claudine aka greendoor, in the midst of all those good looking guys! My husband Bob aka bowwave is on the left, then sons Kevin, Koby, and Kory (Kipp not pictured). I am blessed with three great daughters-in-law and 6 grandchildren. Living on 4 acres in the woods near Poulsbo, Washington, Bob and I have, I think, finally settled down after 7 moves in Bob's 30 year Navy career. Born in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington on Christmas eve of 1940 and spending the last 14 years in Hawaii, I felt it was time to "Come home". The traveling around was great but...

I am a cancer survivor with what is known as Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome. Very little is now known about this rare form of cancer as there are few if any other survivors. There is no known cause other than a thought that it is passed on through familial lines and no cure other than to perform radical surgery where they remove the entire stomach. Yes, I have no stomach as it was taken on October 2, 1987. The following three years were extremely tense. Not knowing if the sun would rise the next morning or not. With a life expectancy of five years following surgery, I think I have mastered the art of survival. I have had to learn how to eat very often and in very small amounts. There is no sensation of being hungry or being "full". A positive attitude and a caring and loving family motivating me through every day of recovery is why I'm still here. My prayers were definately answered as at the time of surgery I was also a very brittle diabetic taking in excess of 90 units of insulin per day. I am no longer insulin dependent.

I really enjoy the Cancer Survivors Channel and find you all a wonderful extention of my family. I also enjoy life to its fullest right down to the deer that eat my roses in the yard. Bob sees a freezer full of venison...I see another of God's creatures. Life is good to both of us and we are grateful.

P.S. There is no venison in the freezer.