October 2009 Update

Wow, how time flies. I didn't realize it has been so long since I posted, so I better get something down. We've been really busy, as you might imagine with Hope now becoming a full-on toddler. She's entering the independent phase where every question we ask is answered, "No-no."

Hope are you thirsty? "No-No." between sips on her sippee cup.

or Hope, did you poopy? "No-No." Even though everyone within a block can smell it.

As for my health, I'm doing well. I had my third round of Rituxan in September, which went well. My doctor said I was doing great, blood work looked terrific, no B symptoms, basically nothing to complain about. Still in remission, so still just going one day at a time...which is really a great kind of way to live, no so tied up in worrying about the future really frees me in alot of ways.

I've been battling the flu the last two weeks. My body just doesn't seem to bounce back quite as quickly when I do get sick. I was sick for a couple of weeks with something similar in the spring. My only thing with that is I HATE being laid low. Just tired of being sick I guess...you kinda get that way after a while.

One thing that has been a huge positive for me lately, is how many people have contacted me because of the blog. Just last night I received an email from someone who's spouse was going through R-ICE chemotherapy in preparation for a Stem Cell Transplant. He was asking a few questions, and thanked me for posting this blog. It really touche me because that's what I intended when I originally decided to start this thing.

I hoped that by sharing my experiences I could, in some small way, make other people's journey that much easier, or maybe just a little less frightening. It is very rewarding to hear from people who draw inspiration or strength from what I wrote last year. It's kinda magical.

Gman, who is in the middle of his transplant right now, hang in there man....I'm pulling for you. You can do it!!! And, Craig's wife, who's in RICE today to get ready for a transplant, hopefully before Chrismas, you hang in there too!!! I know y'all have the strength and determination to make it....and you're in our prayers.

Guess, part of the truth of not writing is simply not knowing what anyone would find of any interest. Basically, we have a relatively normal life now. Sure, it feels like we're running around with our hair on fire all the time, but isn't that part of it? Isn't part of life being there and participating? Sure feels like it to me, at least after all we've been through, that's how I have come to view life.

This is the roller coaster, enjoy it while your aboard. The ride will end someday.....

Love to you all,

Travis