Just Checking In

Not much news, but I thought I would log on and let you know what's going on here in Denver. I'm doing quite well on the velcade/dexamethasone. The steroids make me feel better and generally lift my spirits, so that's nice, although I do feel a bit like I'm flying on these drugs. Susan, Catherine and Julia accuse me of having 'roid rage. I am more loud, aggressive, argumentative and obsessive compulsive on this drug--we had this experience one year ago on my first chemo regime (thalidomide/dexamethasone). But I also have more energy. The weather has been beautiful so I have been taking lots of bike rides as well.

Susan leaves for Medjagoria this coming Thursday--a pilgrimage to the site of many apparitions of the Blessed Mother Mary. She is doing this for me and for her and will be praying for my health. Unfortunately she has come down with a sinus infection this past week, which she is trying to get rid of before getting on the airplane.

While Susan is gone my mother will be visiting. The family is still nervous about leaving me alone. I guess that comes from those many months when I was not to be left alone. Anyway, we'll have a nice visit, although I continue to believe I don't need looking after.

Catherine graduates on May 11. She will be graduating from the University of Colorado with high distinction with a degree in Finance and International Business as well as a certificate in Leadership Training. She is already working part time for a pension consulting firm and will start full time with them in June. We are, of course, very proud of her. Our friends, Sigun and Joe, will be flying in for the ceremony, direct from Paris. Susan's brother, Gary, will also be joining us.

My brother Tom will be visiting over Memorial Day and we are already putting together the job list for him. He is always so willing to dig in and do whatever needs to be done.

And then in early June a group of my high school classmates will be visiting for a mini reunion of the class of 1970. We have about 14 people committed to the event already and are all getting excited about seeing one another--for some of us it has been 30 years since we last saw each other. I am so touched that they would all fly in to Denver for this event and can hardly contain my excitement.

As you can see, it will be a busy couple of months and it feels good to have the energy to have all these plans in the works. Despite its difficulties, life is full. More velcade/dex tomorrow and Thursday, then a week off. I'm doing well. Love, Dan