Friday update

Folks,

I thought I would blog a quick update.

Medical. The GI Doc stretched me and saw some things he did not like. Necrotic spots in the esophagus and maybe tumor in the stomach again. But then again, the oncologist says that these spots could be a good thing..the tumor tissue dying as a result of the Nexovar drug. It an anti-angeogenisis agent that cuts off the blood supply to cancer. The docs are talking about putting in a feeding tube into my stomach or small intestine, which I am not too thrilled about. They are also talking about removing the PICC and re-installing the port, which I am also not thrilled about. White, red, and platelet levels are all down today--almost down to needing a blood transfusion again. I feel pretty good though--difficult for me to believe all these tests. I am strangely at peace and unworried about these things. Could be in the emergency room this weekend though if the blood levels fall much more. During the week, I can get blood at the day surgery center if needed, but they are not open on the weekend, so we might have to visit the ER folks. They do a great job in the ER, but I would not be high on their priority list, so it can take a long time.

Elizabeth had a great softball game last night. She got a number of outs at first base and scored one run. Did wonders to boost her happiness and self confidence. They have one more game left.

Deanna is at the eye doc right now. One eye has been red and itching her for some time now. Hopefully it will be a quick fix.

We got an offer on our house, which we have accepted! It's at the lower limit of the fair market value range for the house, but after considering all the timing factors, we decided to accept. The market is so slow, we figure that we might spend the price difference of a higher offer before the next one comes along. The house is worth less than what we still owe because of the market drop, so we will have to liquidate some investments to make up for the shortfall, but we should come out okay--with a great credit rating and no debt, positioning us to look for the next house. Thanks to Tom in Tucson for telling us about the expanded Homeowner Assistance Program (HAP). We're putting in an application, and if they accept us, we might be able to get a reimbursement of about 75% of our loss.

Blessings,
-Mike