Cycle #3

I'm happy to report that Cycle #3 came and went with no major events. I was admitted on May 7th for my chemotherapy infusions - vincristine, adriamycin, and cytoxan. As these only take 48 hours, I was discharged just two days later. Unfortunately, cycle #4 will involve 5 days of chemotherapy. I'll likely be admitted this Thursday or Friday (May 29-30) and stay until next Tuesday or Wednesday (June 3-4).

As for side effects, there was nothing terribly new this time around. I did have a little more lingering fatigue and nausea, but felt back to 'normal' around day #11. Please note that the nausea has not stopped me from gaining 10 pounds since starting all of this...

Gwyneth, William, and I just came back from a wonderful week at the beach. We stayed at the Sarsfield's beach house in Rehoboth and were joined for two days by Jonathan, Erin, and Linnea Hansen. We had our fill of Thrasher's fries, Grotto's pizza, Royal Treat ice cream, and - best of all - I didn't touch a computer for a whole six days. William particularly enjoyed the boardwalk and playing putt-putt. He also was fond of Gwyneth's sunglasses:



An update on my Hickman (central, permanent IV): I've been receiving blood thinner injections (courtesy of Gwyneth) twice a day for five weeks now. The swelling of my right neck and arm is significantly reduced, which suggests that the thrombus around the line is improving. So, the line can stay and I'll keep taking some form of blood thinner for the duration of my treatment (I'll transition to an oral blood thinner at some point). While it's still odd to have a plastic tube hanging out of my chest, I just might be getting use to it.

We continue to appreciate everyone's support and prayers. Two months down, ten to go!