Long overdue update

One of the odd things about blogging is that because it is so easy to post something it is also easy to put off posting until (much) later.  On a blog like this one, it seems like it is particularly easy to default to a "no news is good news position."  Having said that, I still can't believe it has been two and half months since my last entry; and it isn't like nothing has changed over that time...

Since mid-March I made three additional trips to the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda as we continued to monitor my tumor site and shifted into a Phase II clinical trial for Sutent, a promising new chemotherapy agent for at least some glioblastomas.   Unfortunately, Sutent didn't prove especially effective for me and, as a side effect, it was elevating my blood pressure to dangerous levels so my participation in that trial has ended.  Renewed tumor growth has convinced my team of doctors that a second craniotomy is in order and that has been scheduled for next Tuesday morning in Fargo.  A couple weeks later I will start another round of chemotherapy, this time with Avastin.  Based on my recovery time from my initial surgery last fall, I am still hoping to attend our benefit party on June 5th (though that might be cutting it  bit close).   By the way, special thanks to those of you working on the benefit...should be a great time!

Easter weekend we made a family trip to Florida to visit Bruce, Michelle, and Ryan.  We did some intra-coastal and surf fishing, watched a shuttle launch, and spent a lot of time at the beach.  James, Ryan, and I also had a chance to interact with with the dolphins at the Dolphin Conservation Center.  Pretty amazing experience and much more memorable than I really expected.

James and I also made a BWCA trip with the 'old guys' last week and had a great time.   Unbelievable mid-May weather,  swimming, great food, fishing, and friends.  Thanks to Jack Shelton's tireless tilling yesterday, our garden is ready is plant so that is on my agenda for today.  Time to get on it.  More news sooner (rather than later). /dps