We got the CT report this morning, and the larger of the two tumors has actually shrunk from over 2 centimeters to about 1 centimeter. I don't know how significant this is, because the smaller of the two is actually a bigger problem due to where it is. But it is still, obviously, good news. Something to lift me up a little before another round of chemo Monday.

I went to Hopkins today for my CT scan and doctor's appointment. I didn't think I was that nervous about it, as I expected no real developments.  Turns out I was pretty anxious when I got there; my blood pressure measured 210/130!  This was after it read yesterday at  130/95.

Anyway, the news was pretty good. The tumors have not grown, they may have even shrunk a little, although he could not fully determine that.  I will be doing four more rounds of chemo, which will be difficult, but much better than eight more. And I'm on track for radiation and surgery in late fall and early winter. As one of my friends said, I may be the first person who ever looked forward to major surgery, but I do want to get on with this!

So I'm feeling upbeat and certainly relieved after the appointment. Almost enough to not dread more chemo next week.  Thanks and love to all of you supporters out there!

As expected, it's been a tough few days. Still feeling heavily drugged this morning, drained, stomach pain, metallic taste. Mentally and emotionally difficult. Whoever thought of this disease and treatment had a particularly diabolical mind.

I did walk yesterday. A few snails zoomed past me at the pace I was moving, but it was a fine walk on a gorgeous day. My dog took good care of me.

This week I have appointments with my local oncologist and a CT scan and review at Hopkins. I'm not expecting any real news, but maybe I'll get a happy surprise. Probly just orders to do 4-8 more rounds of chemo.

Your emails, messages, calls, etc. still mean a lot to me, especially on the recent down days. I know it seems like same old same old, but some days are pretty tough, and it's great to hear from you.

Round 8, day 2, star date WTFK.  No surprises, lots of fatigue, stomach churning, metallic taste, all those elements I've come to know and love.  The recent pattern seems to be holding: not too bad chemo days, and then a few rough days afterwards. I'll probably try to get a few walks in during this beautiful weather. I take it slow and easy, you could time me with a sundial.

 Looking forward to working on my comic strip, watching Hokie football on Saturday, and Carly soccer on Sunday.  And lots of games of lesser interest in between.

Keep those emails and messages coming! They mean a lot during these dog days. Thanks!

Never mind how I'm feeling, I just published comic strip #3! You can find it here: http://rickstrailnotes.blogspot.com/

I'll update my condition soon. No real news.

It's Friday, two days since chemo ended, and just like last time I'm actually feeling worse than I did during treatment. If I remember correctly from last time, I probably have another day or two of feeling lousy. I guess I'd better get used to it.

 I have really done nothing at all productive this week. I have a good idea for the next comic strip, but I just haven't had the energy to take it on.  I'm hoping that will change in the next day or two.

 Nothing else to report really, just more of this grind. I guess things will change a lot next week when the kids go back to school. I hope to find a yoga class to help me maintain some muscle tone and find another reason to get out of the house.

Very excited to see the Hokies take on Ohio State on Monday! I hope we don't get clobbered.

I'm in day two of chemo, and it's going pretty well. Seems like the actual chemo days are getting a little easier, but the three or four days after have been tougher.  So that's my expectation, and the hardest part of this marathon is managing expectations.

 Carly's team won a tournament this weekend, and she had a goal in the championship game.  Really love watching the soccer games, especially now that my entertainment options are somewhat limited.

 I've written most of the script for comic strip number three, but don't know when I'll find the energy to do the illustrations. That's way the hard part.

 My best to you all, contact me if you want to have lunch!