GOING GREAT

Good afternoon…..it has been a busy but GOOD past few weeks. 

I got another esophageal dilation last week and unfortunately between procedures my neo-esophagus had shrunk from 13.5mm back to 9mm.  The doctor stretched me up to 15mm and wants to see me in 3-4 weeks unless I develop any problems.  The doctor apologized for so many visits but said he was going slow on me and being conservative.  I told him that was fine, especially if it helps prevent possible complications.  He said that things look pink and good with no evidence of cancer inside my esophagus and that when he is done with me, his goal is to get me stretched to 20-21mm which is normal size.

The GOOD NEWS IS……since I got my stretching last week I have been eating enough food that I have not had to tube feed in three days.  I have eaten things like lasagna, salad, hamburger (no bun), cereal, etc.  This is a huge step to my independence.  Once I can eat on my own and no longer need the “J” tube, I can start traveling again and swim in a pool or ocean.  My hope is that this time around my esophagus will stay stretched and tube feedings can become a thing of the past.  Just think……. J

Last week after the dilation which was on my birthday, John Schultz came to Denver and Tom, John, and I went and saw Thor II in 3D IMAX.  Did I mention how cool 3D and IMAX is.

Tomorrow, I get blood drawn and if my platelets are high enough I will get chemotherapy the next day.  If my platelets are tooooooo low, I will get chemotherapy next week. 

My Dad is coming to town on Friday and will be staying about a week.  I am looking forward to seeing him. Lucky for us he is going to be able to stay with us at Tom’s house.  We have so much snow that Aspen and Snowmass are opening this weekend for two days.  Then, next week they will open for good which will be a week early.  If I am going to be in the valley I guess it is time to get psyched about skiing.  I need to go to my storage unit and find my ski clothes.  I am just going to get a Classic pass so if anyone has any discounts they want to send my way, that would be fantastic.

Enough for now….I will update you guys about my platelets tomorrow……Wish me Luck J

Scrub

P.S.  Again….thanks a million for all the thoughts and love being sent my way.  It really makes a difference. J