(Aug. 26th) I haven't written in a while, I wanted to give Dave the opportunity to posts his updates since he's been around to do so. Today, Dave had some more of the brain mets "zapped" by the stereotactic radiation, as they had done on the previous 3 tumors in the brain. We learned there were 6 more total but only 2 of the larger ones were taken care of today and the 3 previous ones were successfully delt with.

I also want others to know that Dave's health is getting worse. His breathing is becoming a bit bothersome again and we are really praying this next chemo will help. Oh yeah, the tumor in the leg continues to grow and is starting to be bothersome again. I know when some or most of you speak with Dave he doesn't give you the grim details and probably makes things sound a little bit better than what they are but I guess I want everyone to know the current situation so they can continue to do their silent or loud prayers and show or let Dave know we are all still behind him.

On a lighter note, the girls continue to excel in everything they do, they all have started school for the year and our youngest, Jessica is now in kindergarten, Sammy is in 2nd grade and Aly is in Junior High....where has the time gone by???? Dad and Mom are prouder than ever of the 3 girls, they have really grown this past year and have accepted or acknowledged and dealing with the situation on hand. We are so proud, it takes a lot of courage and strength to deal with what we all have been this past year and they have done a wonderful job.

Thanks to all who continue to show support, silent or known, we appreciate everyone even if we don't take or have the time to let you know. please cross the fingers for this next hurdle. Dave is suppose to be going on vacation this weekend for almost a week to Colorado and we are hoping that he will have a chance to do so and to return just in time for Aly's birthday on September 4th.

As things go, I would rather be back in Disneyworld. On Tuesday I had my usual appointment for chemo and had a chest x-ray. Without exception, there were no places on in the lung that had improved, with most previous lumps increasing in size. So a new chemo had to be found. After consulting with Mayo Clinic regarding Clinical trials I decided to go with a drug called Doxyl, a drug that has been available for a while but avoided because of some the side effects, such as the extreme reactions to heat and sunlight. And as my towns annual fair is going on in the next 3 days, that pretty much takes that out. But again, it could be worse. So far no serious nausea or other problems, so I am not complaining. I should know in about 1 week if the stuff is working or not. Keep the fingers crossed.

I have just returned from the University today after another visit and treatment. As usual, there is both good and bad news, both of which are easily handled. Upon review of my chest x-rays, is seems that the chemo is having some effect on the tumors in the chest and we decided to go ahead with another round, with the primary side effect being fatigue (lots of fatigue). The MRI of the head showed a mixed bag of results. The three spots that were originally treated in April appear to have been taken care of, but there also seems to be two new tumors that had not shown up before. Both of them are very small and will be treated at the end of August with stereotactic radiation. Three weeks away, but should not present any problems due to their small size. Otherwise, I am feeling very well and enjoying the summer time with my kids and family. Lately I have been feeling a little discouraged whenever I go to the doctor's office, even when I am getting good news. I suppose that this is typical of many people in my situation, but have just started to become bored with the whole situation (if that is possible). Any news is simply news, and I will deal with it as best I can. This is not meant to be a pesimistic view, but one of "Oh well". Just another phase that I have to power thru, I suppose.