Hi all --

Well, we are now past the half-way point and on the count-down to the end of treatment -- 16 down and 16 to go! Barry's doing remarkably well -- according to his RO nurse -- still eating by mouth 100% though he has lost quite a bit of taste and that makes it hard -- some things are still good such as most soups, strawberry (go figure!), *good* but not cheap chocolate (read: Godiva ice cream) but it does change from day to day and will probably get a lot worse before it gets better. He actually gained some weight since last weight-in *if* you can believe the scales <gr>. This is mostly because we followed the nutritionist's advice and started to substitute caloric liquids for the water he was drinking before each amiphostine shot. He is also meticulous about mouth care and uses the aloe vera, honey and now a probiotic cultured product ("Kefir," which comes in about 8 flavors none of which he can taste very well except strawberry) to help keep his mouth and throat flora intact (and defeat the yeast infection). Oh, and also salt/soda and Gelclair.

If we can get through this next week without it all going pear-shaped (as the Brits say), we will be very happy...

Best, Gail and Barry