Thank you Dr. Carr

The Patient got a clean bill of health from the head/neck surgeon today. The rotten tonsil is completely gone ~ "Tonsillectomy by radiation" he called it ~ and the lymph gland has shrunk back to normal size. The doc still wants to see him again in about three or four months to keep an eye on things; this is considered "normal" follow-up for at least a year. But believe me, we gave a real sigh of relief when we left the office. First thing? Stir up a gin and tonic and make those plans (again) for Italy this fall!

Tomorrow is another appointment, this one with Dr. Grennan, the oncologist. The Patient's blood numbers are still low; he's quite anemic but getting better very slowly. We'll see what he has to say.

Needless to say I am greatly relieved that the prognosis given to us nine months ago was in fact correct. All the doctors said this was a very treatable form of cancer and that the success rate was about 90%. This is one time when the Patient does NOT want to be in the top 10th percentile! His recovery over the past six months, since ending treatment, has been wonderful to watch, and each day brings some tiny step forward. Next goal; get rid of the feeding tube and take all food by mouth and put on about 20 pounds. With his intake of carbs he should now weigh about 200 pounds! He has set mid-July as the date for tube removal. Meanwhile, he continues to gain strength and stamina, and after today's news, his optimism is at an all-time high. Mine, too.

On this very up-beat note, here is a new picture of my great-niece, Ruby. Her little polka-dot dress is one I bought for her in Paris and she is finally big enough to wear it. Très chic, Ruby!