Dearest Cancees,

I hope this email finds you all well, cheery, and in good health.
Another wet week has passed here in Ohio  but it looks like there is a
dry horizon.  We are excited in that our daughter is getting her horse
packed for a week's stay at the  County Fair.

I'm gonna try to be short this time.  I am beginning to tire,
particularly at the end of the week.  However, all in all, things are
going well and I have few complaints.

The interior of my mouth is suffering the most.  I am using a variety
of mouthwashes designed to alleviate the symptoms.  Largely, they work
but for a very short time.  They have me using wax on my teeth during
the radiation treatment to difuse the rays some away from my cheeks and
tongue.  This is all due to the large number of fillings in my mouth
which cause the rays to wander.  I have to use the Magic Mouthwash to
numb myself enough to do the big brushing of morning and night.

I have started to lose hair due to the radiation.  This was expected
and likely a permanent thing.  Chemo continues to be the lessor of the
two "evils".

I continue to eat with dinner being my big meal.  The wife has been
great in fixing things
that are visually stimulating as well as nutrious.  Even so I have lost
about 2.5 lbs. per week average.  Lastly, phlegm production is at an
all time high.  I am producing copious
quantities that are uncomfortable to deal with.

So, that's the bad stuff.  Otherwise, I get up at 6, am in the hotshop
between 7:30 and 8 for 1.5 to 2 hours of work, then relax a bit before
taking off for the James at 10:15.  Home at
anywhere between 3:30 and 5.  I'll do what needs to be done and then
take it easy.  Bedtime is 10 - 10:30.  Exciting, huh?  Oh yeah, the
salivary glands are slowing down and I tend to dry up when I talk.  My
voice has changed considerably and I am perfecting an imitation of
Marlon Brando as The Godfather!

Happily, this is week 4 of 8 so I can relate to it as downhill from
here.  Thanks for all the love and support, you need to know how
helpful it is.  Not much else to report,  Take care,
keep well, and continue to send them positive vibes and love.  I dote
on it!

Love,
Your carcomaniac pal - The Chemo Sabe Kid, ipunty