Well I made through and NO Feeding tube, I lost a total of 28 lbs. doctors were not happy but they don't want to count the fact that I put weight on intentionaly when I found out what I was up against. Aside from the weight loss the docs are calling me the poster child for this cancer. I'm glad to be home after staying at the Hope Lodge in Cleveland for 5 weeks (Fantastic place and a real help to those who need it) I go back in two weeks for blood cell count check and back two weeks after that to see the surgon and have a CAT scan to see if surgery is needed.

I just want to say to anyone who is faceing similar treatments to KEEP YOUR CHIN UP. Attitude is everything. It's only a short time out of your life and it will seem like it flew by. To me it only felt like about 3 weeks. Speek up if you have any discomfort, there is no need to suffer, the drugs they have today are fantastic but you have to comunicate with those treating you. KEEP TRACK of what is said and pay attention to what's going on around you. It's very important to know what is happening and why. ASK QUESTIONS don't be afraid to speek up if you see something that is not right. People make mistakes and you knowing the procedure will keep mistakes to a minimum. The doctors were impressed at what I knew about my treatment (Nurses were not impressed I caught then in several mistakes) anyway that part is over now and I just have to keep from going stir crazy waiting for my neck to heal so I can go out in the sunshine (and back to work) and enjoy life.

When someone asks me how I did it I tell them that I more or less brainwashed myself...I told myself that this thing was not going to defeat me. The chemo was not going to make me sick (Keep moveing DO NOT lie in bed Get Up and walk around and make sure your pumps have good batteries!)Make little chores for yourself and try to do your normal activities, I took care of myself and didn't wait for others to wait on me. I actually drove home 80 miles each week and cut my grass. Distractions like that will keep you going.

Anyway I'll check back and keep you informed. I hope the news will keep getting better but I'm a realist and I know what I'm facing, no matter what happens I will fight to the end. People need me so I must get better! Good luck everyone!