Have had a really good last 4 days. Today was awesome, walking in the woods with Dan and Dusty, and watching Carly play two soccer games. Gorgeous day, what could be better?

Chemo again Monday. Doc says I'm looking good.

Check out my comics strip on the other blog! Really having fun with it. Please email or comment your feedback.  http://rickstrailnotes.blogspot.com/

Published #2 of my comic strip. It's here: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=795755121839993435#editor/target=post;postID=1944084580609275509;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=0;src=postname

Please let me know what you think! rabraham1@cox.net

I posted my first edition of my new comic strip here: rickstrailnotes.blogspot.com

Would appreciate any feedback!

Round six was a lot like round five; easier than the others, with a couple of tough days, mostly yesterday. Still feeling very "chemical" today, mostly the metallic taste in my mouth and a drugged feeling. But I have a bit of manic energy after yesterday's lethargy all day. I think in another day or two I'll feel relatively good.

The hard part continues to be mental/emotional, knowing I have another 7-9 months before chemo and radiation are over. That's a long time.

I've been reading lots of mystery/thrillers just to occupy my mind, and working on my comic strip. It's a lot of effort, and by the time I finish a few panels it doesn't seem funny to me anymore. I'm going to show it to a few people today, and I hope to get re-energized.

Hard to believe summer's almost over. Very much looking forward to watching Carly play soccer again next weekend, and the college football season.

Over and out...

Been a long time since my last post... I don't feel like I have anything very interesting to say as I grind through with chemotherapy. It did go easier this time, with the 20% reduction of my dosages that the doctor allowed. But generally about the same, some good days, some bad; this week mostly good. Played golf (terribly) yesterday, walked in the woods today, trying to exercise daily if possible.

I'm more enthused about my work with my new art teacher, with whom my first lesson was Monday and my second tomorrow. I'm working on a comic strip and I 'm very excited about it, I think it can be pretty good (art notwithstanding!). She's also teaching me some art fundamentals such as shading and color blending, which I understand but find very challenging. But I think it's going to be fun.

Tomorrow is my birthday. This birthday certainly has more impact than any since my youth, and I'm thinking about it a lot - especially since my next birthday is one of those big round number milestones. I think I'm going to have the birthday party of my life next year. I hope you will all come!

Keep those messages and emails and comments coming! Nary a day goes by without a few, and they all mean a lot to me.

I'm slowly recovering from the last round. Felt pretty awful yesterday, spent most of the day in bed. Last night I slept almost 12 hours. This morning feeling a little better. Strangely, Tuesday and Wednesday were better than yesterday and today... every day is a surprise.

Nothing interesting to say, just the grind of the chemotherapy. Still grateful for the emails, texts, etc. that I get.from friends and family!

Chemo almost over, my pump comes out in a few hours. It was easier this time, yesterday I felt pretty good, though today I'm drained and queasy. But the lower dosage did make a meaningful difference. I hope Ill be up and about sooner this time around.

I'm interviewing another art teacher tomorrow, and I hope to find one soon. I'm excited to see what I can do, and have some fun.

I'm about to post a new essay on the companion blog. I got some nice comments on the last one, which encouraged me to write more. I really appreciate thoughts and comments, so if you like one (or hate one), I'd like to hear from you, as a comment or email or text... whatever.

http://rickstrailnotes.blogspot.com/

Thanks to all of you for your support and encouragement. I feel like I've hit about mile 5 in this marathon,.and someone just handed me a water bottle.

Chemo again tomorrow. They are reducing my dosages by 20% and they said it will make a difference in how bad I feel. I hope they were telling the truth!

We just got home from celebrating my parents' 65th anniversary at Wintergreen. It was a joyous and emotional weekend, a special time. I know it will help inspire me for this round.

Cheers to you all!