The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

I had a fun thought this morning that I got to go back to work.  I'd go back to be with lots of fun and smart people and work some challenging and hard problems.  Of course, Melody gets to drive me as I can't drive until the middle of April (due to the last seizure) .  I'd get a really fast and nice computer from IT with a really high end CPU and two large monitors. And, I'd get a comfortable office with a door I could actually close when I needed to think about a tricky and hard problem :-) Oh well, I guess it's over now.  I'm too sick, but I was having fun with the idea.

I might as well tell you about my health.  This information is a little old, but there may be a few that only see this blog.

First off, I wanted to sing a song to all of you, but it was too big for www.blogger.com and I put it on Facebook (which I don't really trust because I'm from the old generation before computers).  The song was "The sun will come out tomorrow". It's one of my favorites.  If you missed it, pretend I'm singing it for you right now :-)

The last MRI showed quite a bit of active and visible cancer in my left temporal lobe. This is affecting my ability to read and remember words (plus other physical problems).  I've started Temodar again (which didn't work the last time) but now the dosage is quadrupled.  I am still getting injections of the other chemo agent, Avastin, every other week.  And yes, I am experiencing side effects.

I am feeling almost, sort of OK, as I always view it.  The reality is that this really is bad.  I think it's been a miracle that I have lived for almost two years with the most dangerous and aggressive cancer that exists.  Pretty cool :-)  Somebody gets to be lucky and I guess it's me.

Thanks for everybody in my family and friends that have supported us so much. Melody and I really do need the help and kindness and support and fun.

We love all of you and appreciate all of you.

And I know I need Melody to help fix what I've written down so far :-)  (Melody:  I did..... Extensively.... Had to translate from Don's new English to English most of you might recognize....)

Seize the day

I had a short seizure Saturday night.  I can't remember any of it, but Melody says it lasted about 7 minutes. Afterwards my calves were sore, I bit my tongue, and I was really hot and sweating.  My legs are mostly fine. My tongue needs a week to get better. But those are all minor, insignificant, and unimportant issues.  The biggest problem is the state of Arizona won't let me drive for 90 days after the seizure :-( Who made up that silly rule?  So I may not pay attention for 7 minutes or so.  Is that different from half the drivers on the road now? :-)

My MRI was clear again last Monday. That's eight months without cancer!  There is no additional MRI because of the seizure. My keppra (anti-seizure medication) dose will go to 1000 mg twice a day from 750 mg.

Today I read aloud page 520 of the Book of Mormon.  Moroni is teaching the requirements of baptism and how "easy" repentance works.  "But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven".