Cycle four, a done deal

This past Wednesday, I completed the third and final infusion of my fourth chemo cycle. It was a fairly uncomfortable day since I continued to be dogged by the bug I picked up two plus weeks earlier, a bug that turned into bronchitis and resisted a round of antibiotics. In fact, it is still with me and has made dealing with this last cycle more difficult than it needed to be. Trying to always find silver linings though, it has been something of a distraction and has taken the focus off of my cancer to a degree. It does seem to be finally on the wane, and I hope to be done with my spewing and hacking in time to enjoy four days in Pacific Grove next weekend. I would like to get back to running as well. I've spent a lot of the last nearly three weeks resting and "pushing fluids" as well as producing them. I only started walking again for exercise within the last few days. I do need to get some running in since I sent my Dipsea application in last weekend. I know it may sound crazy to those of you who know the race, but it's an important goal for me. I figure that if I'm healthy enough to run and finish the race, which will be June 8, two days shy of six months since my diagnosis and nearly nine months since symptoms first showed up, it will be a good sign and hopefully portend good things in the future.

The viral infection aside, there have been few changes in my health status since I last wrote two weeks ago. Chemo side effects continue to take a weekly and cumulative toll on my body (the loss of body hair a recent observation!), but so far there have been no significant effects on blood counts, or liver and kidney function. That means that I can continue with the therapy, and as uncomfortable as it can make me feel at times, it beats the alternative as long as it continues to produce positive results (it and all that other good stuff people have been sending my way). I'll learn more about what's up with the tumors in my pancreas and liver in ten days after a CT scan and visit with my doctor. Until then, I will continue to stay focused on the positive responses it appears I've had to the therapy and enjoy a rest week -- other than an acupuncture session, which I find pleasant, no blood tests, scans, doctor's appointments or IVs.

Even though my health status remains more or less unchanged, this past week, I did make official and public a change in my future work status. While I have been able to function to a degree as Marin Catholic's principal these past few months, it's largely been due to the extra work so many in the community have been willing to add to their regular loads that's made it possible. But, this very part-time approach on my part to leadership is not what the community needs if we are to continue the success we've enjoyed on so many levels these past few years. Since I can offer no more than that, and in both my best interests and those of the school, I will not continue as the school's principal next year. Even though I've looked forward to retiring at some point, to finally graduating from high school for once and all, it won't be easy leaving a job that I've enjoyed, especially given the circumstances. I do hope to stay connected and know that the door is open to continuing as a member of the staff in a part-time capacity. I appreciate that and hope that my health is such that I will be able to make the most of any opportunities to continue to be a productive member of the community. On the plus side, I do hope to get some "off-season" traveling in and enjoy more time with my family especially that little viral incubator, Violet.

So, life moves on, taking us in directions we hadn't expected. Thank-you all who have and continue to provide support in so many ways, from prayers to cookies to Saturday morning walk and talks. It all helps in ways you may never know.

Peace,

Don