Must pay more attention to my fly...

I'm not sure why this is occurring and I promise you that I'm trying very
hard to fix the situation.

For some reason, cancer has made me leave my fly open after
using the bathroom. I'm as surprised as you are, but there have
been numerous situations where I look down and see my fly open.

So far, everyone has been polite. Not a single person has made
a "... or are you just happy to see me" joke. Nor has anyone said:

• XYZ PDQ - Examine your zipper, pretty darn quick
• You've got Windows in your laptop.
• Paging Mr. Johnson...Paging Mr. Johnson...
• You need to bring your tray table to the upright and locked position.
• You've got your fly set for "Monica" instead of "Hillary."
• I thought you were crazy; now I see your nuts!!!

I hope to remedy the situation very soon. I'm on some new medication
and so far, so good.

Now, onto the week's update.

This was a stellar week, as things go. I met with my oncologist,
Dr. Tom Woliver, to get a check-up. He stated, with a knock on wood,
that I couldn't be progressing better. I've gained weight (too much weight
for my taste, but I need the reserves), I no longer have many symptoms
of Hodgkins (no more night sweats), and the growth he's able to feel
under the surface of my neck continues to shrink and is almost gone.

The fact that I feel strong and have had many good days is a good sign.
I now just have to stay healthy and stay on schedule.

Since this was a good week, I was able to spend some play time with
some of my good friends, Zoë and Sofia. They are daughters of good
friends. We drew, painted and played with them for a few hours.
It was a lot of fun.

My youngest brother, Stuart, was married this weekend to a beautiful and
funny woman named Lexie! I couldn't be there in person, but I was able
to watch the ceremony over the web. See the section on
Stu's Wedding in the Scrapbook section for pictures and a description of
our setup. There's even a diagram!

The letters and emails and gifts and love have just been pouring in.
I get something new (actually, several new things) every day. I'm still
amazed at the time people have taken to help me feel better. I'm getting
cards from people I haven't spoken to in years, neighbors from when I
was a kid, and even from people I haven't met! I'm overwhelmed with
heartfelt thanks and my brain is churning on ways to make it up to you.

In some ways, this web site is a gift. I'm hoping that others with
cancer will have access to this web site to see how the experience has
affected me and those around me. For those who have survived cancer,
they can relate to some of my ups and downs. For those with cancer,
they can know that I'm here fighting it with them and that we will win!
And for those who have never had cancer, it can be a source of inspiration
on how surviving the challenging things life thows at them is worth it.

Depend on love. Seek it out.

I'll be looking to find other ways that I can use this web site (and my other
3 talents) to help people get through tough times.

I know that Lance Armstrong's book has inspired many. Not just those
with cancer or those who ride bikes. His survival has strengthened
many people's hearts and has given them the courage they need to get
through the difficult times in their lives. I hope that this web
site can help others in a similar way. Feel free to tell your friends and
neighbors about this site. Maybe it will inspire them to seek out ways
to help others. And maybe give them a laugh along the way.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas holiday. Be safe and have fun.

m