Hello Everyone,

I went to the oncologist on Monday and had a good report.  My blood test looked good and my spleen felt a little softer than right after the body scan, so things are progressing well.  I did have one new comment by the doctor that I didn't like.  I have a virus in my system that produces a cyst in my tailbone area every once in a while.  I haven't had one for quite some time, I was hoping it went dormant.  But in the last couple weeks, FOUR have popped up, some on a nerve that was quite painful.  My doctor said my chemo is likely the culprit for irritating the virus, thus they are popping out like crazy.  Boo!

On the other hand, my doctor said it is possible that my chemo is helping my Sjogren's, an autoimmune illness I have had since diagnosed in my 40s.  Apparently, the lymph nodes are a conduit for autoimmune diseases, or something like that.  The gist of his comment is that my Sjogren's may be cured, or at least be far less symptomatic.  Joy!  Who knew I could be so happy about chemo.

My next treatment is on March 6, #5.  Only one more after that, then another body scan to see where I am with this disease.  Hopefully as well as the doctor expects it to be.

On a more pleasurable note, the boys were here last weekend and we were quite busy.  The whole family got home at the same time on Friday, the girls from their Santa Catalina Island getaway and the boys, who were picked up at school on the way home.  I was so happy to see the whole gang, as were the dogs, who were beside themselves with excitement.  It was a very noisy reunion.

On Saturday, the boys had their first ball game of the season.  We all went to see them win their first game. The boys were quite happy about that.  I like the new coach, he seems to know what he is doing and is very good with the kids.  On Sunday, we were up BEFORE the crack of dawn as we had to leave at 5:15 to drive to Pasadena, then catch the train into Chinatown in LA at 6:15, so Andrea could be there to get registered for her 5K Firecracker run.  The boys also ran a Kiddie Run a little later.  It was so fun, and the entertainment beforehand was great.  Dancing dragons going through the crowd and 100,000 firecrackers going off all at once.  We all had to plug our ears, the noise was so loud.  Needless to say, I came home right after the boys run, said good-bye to the boys for another 2 weeks, and went to bed.  I was exhausted.  That's it for now.  Thank you all for your good thoughts and prayers, they seem to be working.  Love you, Chris.

In the dugout, getting ready to head out to the field.
Camden is the catcher, so has to put on all his
protective gear.  Finn is checking out the other team.

The architecture in Chinatown is awe inspiring.

The dancing dragons walked all through the crowd
and then back to where they started so they could
dance among the 100,000 firecrackers when they went off.

None of the shops were open but there was a stage with
entertainment by young dancing girls, it was very
festive.  And there were tons of runners, I don't know
the exact amount.  There was also a 10K race.