Bliss

• Friday, February 27, 2009 8:51 AM, CST
Mike and I are having a very relaxed Friday morning. Actually, Mike is still in bed. I've been checking email and getting caught up the various blogs I enjoy reading. Mike has had a good week, appearing to have a bit more energy than the prior weeks. Yesterday we spent a wonderful morning at the Kabuki Springs and Spa in Japantown. Bliss!
As you might guess, Mike and I are still basking in the afterglow of our October wedding. It was such a beautiful day for us. Next week the Supreme Court will be hearing arguments from both sides of the issue regarding the passage of Prop 8. Here is a link to view a very touching video, and with it an opportunity to have your voice heard. http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/divorce
Peace & Love.
Dan

Bittersweet Valentine's Day

• Saturday, February 14, 2009 8:03 PM, CST
Today has been a very thought provoking day for me. I am so grateful for the love I have in my life. I feel honored to have Mike in my life, and enjoy the occasion to let him know that I love him with all my heart. I want everyone to know that Mike is doing well right now. He started a new round of chemotherapy on Monday, and though at times it is tough on his body and spirit, I am amazed by his resilience.
One of the ways that I have found my own strength to weather through this battle is through several online support networks. In reading, or corresponding, with other spouses/caregivers, I have had the privilege of being witness to the abounding love and care that is shared among them. It amazes me that even though these people are brought together by circumstances of great pain and sorrow, each one takes the time to lend a shoulder for others. I am finding that part of this shared journey is to be hopeful when others are losing hope. To help celebrate when they are given hopeful news, and to hold them up when this part of their loved one's journey ends.
Please take time to send loving energy to the many caregivers who have had the honor of caring for their loved ones. For some this is a bittersweet day. A day when they may strongly feel their loss, while also reflecting on the gift of love they shared.
Thank you for indulging me. At times this website is my opportunity to process thoughts and feelings. They may not always be informative, or intelligible, but by writing them I draw renewed spirit.
Thanks, and love. Dan

Cloudy Days

• Thursday, February 5, 2009 9:20 AM, CST
Hi everyone. It's a cloudy day outside, but I'm feeling the sun shining down on Mike today. Yesterday we spent the whole day at Kaiser with an early morning MRI, an update appointment with Mady, Mike's nurse practitioner, and a very extended appointment at the chemo infusion center. Anyway, the MRI gave us good news, there is no significant growth on his tumor. This is great! What it means is that the new chemo, CCNU, has been successful at preventing the tumor from spreading. Mady does caution us to report any changes that come up with Mike during the next 6 week cycle, as his Avastin can cloud MRI scans, and so they can't rely solely on the images. Yet with Mike exhibiting no significant neurological changes, we are optimistic. He has been free of any seizure activity for the past four weeks. His consistent challenge continues to be fatigue and nausea.
Last weekend Barbara and Tessa visited for a couple of days. Tessa baked a delicious cake which was devoured quickly. Dante BBQ'd us some chicken for Super Bowl Sunday. We enjoyed all the good food, and skipped out on the game.
The rest of us here at home are doing our best to keep our lives in order. I recently decided to take time off from work. In trying to keep everything afloat, I have been having increased concerns managing stress. In order to take care of Mike and the kids, I also need to take care of myself. What will help me most right now is to be home with Mike. I don't want to take advatage of this good periods.
This weekend my cousin Fred is coming up for a visit. He has offered to supervise the kids so Mike and I can get away. We will be enjoying an overnight trip to the Russian River. We will count this as our romantic Valentine's Day celebration.
Thanks for all your prayers.
Love. Dan

Updated MRI

• Tuesday, February 3, 2009 2:08 PM, CST
Tomorrow Mike will go in for an updated MRI. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Love.Dan