Dear Margaret,

Jeff here checking the forum and happy to hear from you. Vanessa is working for two more hours but I'm sure she will write you when she gets home. Yes, the blog on Dan did scare me a little. He went through so much. I think I would rather be tortured by Jack Bauer from 24 or beat to within an inch of my life by Tony Soprano's mob. Just get it over with.

Radiation treatment 5 today and met with my doctor (28 more to go, good Lord!). He's found sores developing in my mouth already so I've started gargling with salt water and baking soda solution. Loosing my voice. He was able to get me an appointment with a behavioral psychologist who works only with cancer patients, tomorrow, through our hospital. I'm not sure what I will say but I'm guessing the words will come easy once I get started.

The PEG feeding tube is the biggest topic of discussion between me and my medical team. The choice is mine to make and I have been reassured that it can be inserted if and when necessary. My doctor is confident that the degenerative effects from radiation treatment will come on slowly, monitored day by day, which will allow us to do the procedure before we reach a critical point. I'm sinewy for a plumber so he doesn't want to allow more than 10 lbs weight loss before the last treatment (one can dream).

Time to rest but first I think I will hold 30lbs over my head for 8 hours straight.

Best regards, Jeff