I have been following but not posting as this was another chemo week.....more later.....FIRST.....I too want to welcome back Nigel and Ann and was glad to know that perhaps their sojourn has provided some solace and peace. Nothing can ever be perfect again but we move along through life with the certain knowledge of the value of friendship and the strength we can gain through the love and compassion of those friends.

Nigel, that is a tremendous piece of work. Your craftsmanship as wordsmith wraps me in awe and sincerity pierces your work in a way which brings an oddly joyous pain. Thank you.

As for me...........This has been my best chemo week ever. I am stronger now than we started and that, combined with the port, has made this week far better than any before it. Karen Wayne, and Connie, all noticed the difference as well. I'm hoping this is a trend! My numbers are all looking better and I think I will not see the drop-off as much as before and the Aronesp will get a bigger boost. If so, we may be able to back off the Aronesp and later, slow down the chemo. No guarantees though. Of course also no transfusions since early April(I was averaging a pint every 3 days then).

I did encounter a problem on two occasions this week when I had friends asked, "How long will you need the chemo?"   I couldn't find an easy way to tell them except the truth. So when I said, "The rest of my life," there was silence and both asked what I meant. I told them exactly what it meant and tailed it with, "You play what you're dealt but be assured I'm playing this hand out as far as it goes." As this will come up occasionally I keep trying to think of something better. The thing is it could be 3 days, 3 months, 3 years, or possibly longer, which brings it back to my original idea which is, it ain't time to worry yet.

Right now things are doing better and my biggest worry is getting Mike's college paid for which may not happen but we're doing our damndest to make it work. My love to all of you and I hope your news is good too. I proudly sail upon this voyage of life with that certain knowledge of the value of friendship and the strength we can gain through the love and compassion of those friends.......all of you!



Spaw