Chemo update

The chemo has gone well so far. I feared the chemo would be as painful for Sharon as seeing this junior prom picture from 1984 plastered on the Internet. However, all seems fine after two days. Just three more days of chemo and she'll get a 23 day rest.

Where exactly does one find blue pearls, by the way? And are these pearls linked somehow to the mysterious Blue Oyster Cult?

Sharon's eating has been good even though the pills tend to kill her appetite. She has been munching regularly on a pumpkin pie that our neighbor Debra delivered. Debra has battled cancer, so it was nice for the ladies to share some 'girl talk' about their struggles.

Sharon spoke yesterday with the folks at UAB about the process of switching her anti-seizure medicine from Dilantin to Keppra. We are nervous about making this transition. You might recall that Ted Kennedy recently had a seizure when switching between medicines. Sharon has almost nothing in common with Ted (no one has drowned in her car, for example) and we hope it stays that way.

Of course, Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and for many people this is a day for reflection. Sharon and I have obviously faced huge challenges since July, but we have plenty to be thankful for as well. I won't provide a list of all the people that have helped us because I am certain that I would forget some. Instead, I want to share with you some excerpts from emails we have received. We have heard from dozens of people and this has been a great source of comfort. Here are just a few of the poignant thoughts that folks have sent our way:

My prayers are with you guys. If you need anything just let me know. I'm a pretty good listener, and have plenty of experience here… Hope she's feeling well, she'll beat this, just keep doing what you're doing. Stay positive, keep eating no matter how you feel, and make sure it's all good, nutritious food.

My heart just overflowed with compassion and concern for you two. I can't imagine what you must be going through -- it seems like almost too much to bear. I am sending you both all of my very best wishes for health and strength.

We are up here so I could do an Ironman triathlon…I thought about Sharon's strength when I was ready to give up in the run. Cramped so bad I couldn't move. But I thought how she had got through everything and was continuing to race. Made me go on.

I wanted you to know I am thinking of you guys... You are in our prayers. Also, I know I am far away, but if you can think of anything that I can do please let me know. I hope you would know you could ask anything and I would be there for you. Hang in there, you have many people that love both of you and want to see you pull through this and it sounds like you have some excellent doctors on the case too.

Just thought I'd write to let you know that I've thought of Sharon (and you) everyday since receiving the devastating news of her illness. I've been reluctant to contact you. Nothing I can say seems equal to the gravity of what you are facing... I've been inspired by the optimism in your blog. It has been comforting to receive reports in your "words" rather than relying on information from other sources. Please send Sharon well wishes and know that you are in our prayers.

I won't pretend to know what Sharon is going through or will have to go through. The same applies with you. I do know that together you two will have what it takes to make it. I know Sharon will unleash her great sense of humor and stubbornness in a broadside that no cancer can survive. She will not give up... We have to keep our thoughts and prayers focused on her recovery. I share your optimism.