Hi Mark --

I think you are right -- get out and get going, as much as you can -- I know my mom did this even though she was on chemo (of f and on) for 5 years with leukemia -- we went to Tahiti on a cruise and California and Maine. She stayed active until her last summer and enjoyed as much as she could -- went to the store, etc. -- and tried to stay upbeat.

Barry's a pretty upbeat person and he does try to stay active as well, he's always hated just sitting around. But we had another little "bump" Sunday when he got a temp of 102+ and the hospital wanted him back in. Since it was one day after his oral antibiotics (for the staph blood infection) ended they were very concerned, but it appears to be a secondary respiratory infection - a mild "walking pneumonia" - he actually feels fine but does have unstable temps between normal and 101+ -- recall someone else complained about this sort of thing post-treatment. Your body is cerainly more vulnerable (though he has never been leukopenic and his BC is OK, though WBC down from last Tuesday). Anyway, back on IV antibiotics!

On the plus side, his throat is getting better daily and he can eat and taste more -- managed the hospital's idea of "whipped potatoes and gravy" last night. He is in a really posh room, donated by a grateful family to the hospital -- it has a *plasma* TV (!), DVD etc. -- he said "maybe I won't rush coming home this time"-- almost a vacation if it weren't for the IV's and the constant interruptions to be sure you are still breathing!

I also think it is important to look ahead, and not just to upcoming tests etc. -- we are actively planning a trip to birding Brazil in March with friends.

Thanks for the good advice,
Gail