Between Chemo #2 & #3

Hi Everyone,

Long time no blog.
Sorry about that, but life happens (and that's a good thing, remember?)...

Since last we "spoke", Deb has successfully been administered her 2nd round of chemoTHERAPY and has been adapting to being a beautiful bald(ing) woman gracefully. Ryan is learning her ABC's and 123's and singing up a storm - Happy Birthday and Ring Around the Rosie are the hits of the day; with of course the Music Together theme "Hello Everybody". If you're reading this you can be pretty sure that Ryan's sung "Hello 'insert your name here'" time and time again. It's pretty darn cute if I do say so myself (and yes, I just did, didn't I?).

Wendy came down for almost a week after "Chemo 2: The Sequel" and we all just love that and appreciate it so much. "Woo", as she's affectionately referred to as, is quite the popular figure around these here parts. Since she's been here, I've been able to spend more time at work, saving up vacation time for when it's needed and for when we're able to use it for a proper celebratory vacation somewhere tropical.

Deb's mom, "Nini", has also been "above and beyond" the call of duty lately; and it's been wonderful for everyone. Ryan absolutely adores her "Nini" and loves spending time with her. Nini is equally enamored of Ryan and both Deb and I are not only grateful to have Ryan establishing a deeper bond with her maternal grandmother, but we get some time sans 2 year old too, which is almost a mini vacation in itself.

The "Mamas" have been busy too. The meal train has been keeping us nourished during this past week and there was a charity yard sale for Deb's benefit. You all know who you are, and you freakin' rock and we love you...For everyone else, take this moment and just relish in the fact that there are still good, caring, compassionate people, full of love, and smiles, and help out there; cause it's pretty amazing.

So, these new anti-nausea meds they gave Deb must be working. While she still feels toxic (for lack of a better word), she hasn't fully lost her appetite like she did with "Chemo 1: The First Time". And that's been great for everyone. With abundant thanks to Nini, we've been able to go out and eat dinner, just the two of us, on a number of occasions now.

Again, apologies for not posting sooner, or posting more, but I'm glad to be reporting that we've been busy doing things and enjoying this wonderful place we live in during arguably the best time of the year; October in Santa Cruz is just awesome - just like each and every one of you.

Sap out,
Howie