Barb,

I haven't been around for a bit but I still wanted to tell you how sorry I am for the rough road you are on. It sure brings back a few vivid memories that I haven't thought of lately. I ran across a couple of pictures my uncle from Japan took when I surprised him on his visit to the states. He wanted to take a bus from Houston to Dallas after a cruise from California through the Panama Canal. I didn't want to alarm him so I didn't say anything until I picked him up at the bus station. My hair was thin, wrapped and my neck was one solid red oozing mess. He was shocked and until I saw the pictures he emailed me, I didn't fully understand. When I saw them a few days ago, I reminded how bad it really was.

I remember the last few treatments and just hoping it would soon be over. I could smell a chlorine-like smell somewhere in the back of my brain that got more foul towards the end of treatment. The last 3 were the roughest for me. We found some stuff called Domeboro that cleared up my neck in 2-3 days. I just soaked a washcloth in it and applied it (directions on the box) and it was like magic for me. You might give it a try. Nothing else they suggested did much of anything except burn like hell.

I sure got tired of the insurance hassles, too. My insurance was about $1,000 per month and I still paid for a bunch of stuff out-of-pocket. I don't think I will ever recover financially but I won't give up easily.

I just finished a 9 month computer certification class. When I enrolled, I honestly did not think I would live to complete it yet I knew I had to plan more than the 4 weeks between doctor visits.

It will get better but not immediately!

I am hoping for the best for you and the journey to soon be behind you.

Ed