Greetings from the Outer Banks

We are in Buxton, NC on Cape Hatteras, or the southern tip of the Outer Banks. We checked into our B&B this afternoon after staying on Okacroke Island for the past three days. Okacroke is a charming island where everyone either walks or rides bicycles. We stayed at a very interesting hotel right in the heart of the village across from the Silver Lake Harbor. Our hotel was definitely built in the 1950s and our room had dark wood paneling and a very "cabin-y" feel to it. It wasn't the most beautiful hotel, but we weren't in the room very often so we didn't care. We spent a lot of time walking around the harbor taking pictures of the boats and/or sunsets. We also spent a lot of time hanging out at the coffee shop because it seemed the place to be. The whole island has a very bohemian feel to it with some crazy college kids thrown in for good measure.

We went to the beach yesterday afternoon. I really like the beaches here because, unlike Ocean City and Fenwick Island, they are not crowded. We pulled off onto one of the public beaches and there were probably about ten people on the beach. My doctors recommended I wear aqua socks in the water because my toes are numb and I could cut myself without even knowing. I was glad we purchased them at Walmart for $4.00 on the way down here because there were lots of shells on the beach. My legs are not working properly yet and I'm having a hard time walking so I didn't go swimming, but I did wade out in the surf for a bit. Mike went out for a nice long swim while I took a nap.

Walking has been a bit of a struggle for me, as I said above. I can't walk very far and I can't seem to walk in a straight line either. I didn't realize I was this weak until I started walking around Okacroke. I'm making myself walk more each day to build my strength back up, but it is difficult. Stairs are really hard too and I had to walk up three flights of stairs to get to our hotel room.

I met another cancer survivor yesterday in town and we ran into her again at dinner. We exchanged information so we could check up on each other. She's a nine year breast cancer survivor and she was really pleased to meet me and talk to me about our different treatments. I was able to ask her about some of the things I've been experiencing lately and to ask her about when her hair grew back after chemo. I'm always so thankful or amazed when cancer survivors approach me to ask me about my story and then tell me their stories because it gives me hope. I would like to be the same way when I see another cancer patient. I saw a lady the other day, but didn't talk to her because at the time I was afraid I spread my virus to her.

Speaking of virus, my temperature has only hit 99.5 at the highest since I've been down here so I think the antibiotics are working. I'm still waking up drenched in sweat, but it is getting better.

Our B&B here in Buxton is gorgeous and right on the Pamlico sound. In fact, our room overlooks the sound. I've heard that our continental breakfast is to die for and have heard rave reviews about their raspberry stuffed french toast. I can't wait for breakfast tomorrow. They also have cookies and lemonade every day at 4pm, but we never saw the cookies today. We also have complimentary kayaks, bicyles, beach gear, and hammocks. This is certainly vacation!