Costa Mesa, California

January 22, 2016

Dear Family & Friends:

My sincere thanks to all of you who offered such kind words of encouragement and advice. I view every one of you as true friends, and I am grateful for your love and support. Please know that I read, and re-read, every message and I take every piece of advice to heart, even such simple advice that I should change my socks daily. That is now part of my routine.

I met with my doctor on Tuesday and received some very good news. The Achilles tendon is not severed as he feared at our first meeting. The MRI shows a tear, but the tendon is still in tact. See MRI below. This means surgery is not necessary as the tendon will heal by itself.

My doctor expects a significant healing period and the need for some physical therapy, but I should make a full recovery. I announced my intention to be back in full climbing mode by the Autumn. No response from doc, but, not to worry, he doesn’t know my level of determination. I was given permission to resume my workouts, as long as I don’t stress the foot. I’ll start that forthwith.

I am super-excited at this news. The boot on my left foot is bad enough. But surgery and a full-length cast would have been well-nigh unbearable. Now, I can resume planning my next adventure.

The Everest climbing season is fast approaching. This brings a sense of sadness and nostalgia as I have travelled to Kathmandu 9 times in the last 8 years. Look for some drama on the South side of Everest this year. A wing suit jump from the summit may be in the works.

Love to all,

Bill

MRI-the white area to the left of the red line is the tear in the tendon. The black area above and below the white area is the tendon, which is still attached

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