What do YOU do???

My sister Mary Anne and I have come to a realization that no matter what the circumstances, if you're doing what you love to do then life is good. No matter what. We had a good day on Sunday, we took Daddy to a local Jazz Society meeting that was featuring the band he plays with. He's missed a few gigs lately due to surgery and recovery, so everyone was so happy to see him and he was so happy to be there.

We weren't sure what to expect, it takes quite a bit of stamina for a healthy person to play three piano sets in five hours. Not to mention that he brought his bass trumpet to play during the jam sessions.....we really tried to get him to sit with us between sets, but we just couldn't hold him back...he was having a great time! His response to us, when we encouraged him to "rest up" between sets was: "I can rest on the WAY HOME". HA HA. What can we say?? "It's what he does."

Now we enter week five of the six weeks of initial treatment. His weekly blood work looks very good, he's tolerating the drugs and radiation fairly well. He's still experiencing fatigue (although you wouldn't have known it on Sunday!) but he's still got a fairly good appetite. Mary Anne has started him on smoothies in the morning, she sneaks in all kinds of good stuff like yogurt, psyllium husk, flax, protein powder and fresh fruit. I think they appeal to his need to "eat light".

Here's a little clip of Daddy playing with the group:

Wes "SHINES" at Jazz Sunday.

As you can see, he's marvelous. And of course all the other guys are too....unfortunately my little video clip isn't the best quality, the microphone doesn't do the sound of the band justice. But you get the idea!

Treatment Update

Wes is on week three of his six-week radiation and chemo regimen. We know that effects will be cumulative, but the fact that he has VERY LITTLE DISCOMFORT so far from either treatment has been very encouraging. His blood counts are, according to his doctor, "right where they need to be" and he says that "someone is doing something right".

Daddy reports a noticeable amount of muscle weakness, but his reaction to that is to walk more....which is exactly right! He's working hard to stay strong, but also taking the necessary rest breaks. He's got a big day today, he's visiting his old pals in Jackson for a jam session for a few hours. Mary Anne made a turkey meatloaf for dinner the other night, and Daddy though she put too much pepper in it. Mary Anne said she didn't put any pepper in it, then we realized that maybe he's experiencing one of the radiation side effects, which makes his food taste "off".

The end of this week marks the 1/2 way point through this first course of treatment. We're all hoping that his current level of stamina remains as high as possible. Thanks to all of you for your cards, phone calls, and e-mails. I really think they make a huge difference!