The 18th of April

"Listen, my children and you shall hear

 of the  Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.

'Twas the 18th of April in '75

 and hardly a man is now alive

 who remembers that famous day and year..."

Yes, Friends, today was Patriots Day in Boston.  I wonder how many of you can remember how many lanterns were hung in the Old North Church to alert Paul Revere of which way the British were coming?

Not much to report on the cancer recovery scene this week except that a new (to me) side effect showed up last Monday when I developed a painful bout of gout in my left big toe.  I can't recall anyone or anything I read telling me that gout was a side effect, but it is.  Too much dairy in the liquid diet apparently, because I am 100% certain it was not as you recall from your "royalty movies" - too much red meat and alcohol...  I am limping around and on a eight day regimen of steroids, which, of course, has side effects all its own.

On a lighter note, I went today for my first haircut since February.  I am very fortunate to have lost hair only in two small spots near the bottom of my neck hairline.  The 35 radiology treatments and the 12 chemo sessions produced instead a situation in which I no longer have to shave!  Oh, except for two small spots the treatments appeared to have missed - just below my left sideburn and just below my left nostril.  No thanks, I don't want any more treatments to address those two places!

In just 15 days, my daughters Samantha and Audrey will walk a marathon and a half over two days in support of cancer patients, victims and survivors.  They each had to raise at least $1800 to be enrolled in the Avon walk.  Over 79% of the funds raised go directly to the cancer programs being supported.  I just want to thank all of you who donated to these two wonderful young women.  It chokes me up to think that they are doing this, in part, for my recovery. 

Speaking of choke ups, one week from today my West Point Class is one of the title sponsors for a memorial golf tournament for Kelley Thoden, the 9 year old granddaughter of a classmate who died from cancer several years back.  As she valiantly fought the disease, she continually expressed the concern that, if she died, no one would ever remember her.  Well, we remember and honor Kelley, even though most of us never met her.  I will be present at the tournament, at least for a while, although I can't yet play.  

Thanks to all of you for your continued prayers and support.  This cancer recovery stuff isn't much fun - and it seems to be far too lengthy - but it is made easier knowing that all of you are in my corner while I go back into the ring for the next round.  

Enjoy your gorgeous Spring and remember the patriots, both past and present, who have paid the price so that we may live in this free and wonderful Nation.