Hi everyone,

My deepest sympathies to those who have passed on - Robin, Alan, and Petey to name of few whose posts or those of their spouses on the Board showed me the inner strength that everyone has to dig down for when facing cancer. All of you have leant your experiences, knowledge and feelings which have helped our little family through these tough months.

My husband had his two month post-treatment appointment at the BC Cancer Agency last Thursday. He was only down about 3 lbs from his last appointment and had stopped using the PEG so they removed it that day. The oncologist mentioned there was necropsy (sp?) of the tissue and nerves on the right side of the tongue which was why he couldn't stick it out and only time would tell if there was regeneration where the radiation did its thing. His energy levels have come back a little better each week to the point he started back on a part-time basis at work. Originally he thought he was ready to go in early August but I managed to talk him out of that - I was going through the wringer so he could get his stamina and health back, NOT so he could work! He got the hint when he golfed a full 18 holes for the first time and when our childcare for the next day fell through, he uttered the title of my great novel (LOL): "If I am able to golf 18 holes, I can help out with the kids". After swim lessons in the morning and a full day with our 2 1/2 year old and 8 month old, he was conked out for the next day.

Eating is coming also with things like pasta and veggies, but the cans of Ensure, etc. make him sick now! Chocolate milk and Starbucks bottled frappichino are favorites now and even ice cream is making a comeback (left to soften and warm up first though). Taste does not seem to have been affected too much although there is no saliva to speak of.

The toddler is better at night now that Sam can speak again and tuck her in. The baby is still unpredictable and can be up 2-3 times in a night which makes my half days back at work very rough. You can bet I'm going to post to this board the first time he sleeps through!!! He is the length/height of a 15 month old at 9 months and doesn't believe in sitting idle. Sam mentioned that the little guy's smiles helped him through many a tough patch.

The PET/CTscan will not be done until October and we'll have to wait until October 16th when we see the doctor again for the results. Please keep the good thoughts and prayers coming our way just a little longer!

All the best,

Elaine