January 30

Hi,
It's another Friday, this one ending a five days of chemotherapy. Fortunately, Denny doesn't have any side effects from the temodar, which is good because he will be taking it for an extended period of time. He's taking the maximum amount (460 mg.) and will stay at that level.
Once again, when we met with the doctor today she was pleased with his progress. It's slow and steady, which we hope will be good in the long run. All of his blood tests are good, the physical therapist is pleased with Den's strength and endurance, and the massage therapist sees definite improvement in his legs and back. Most important is that Denny feels stronger and knows he is getting better each day. It's just a very slow process but he has accepted that with the courage and patience you would expect from him. He has a stationary bike now, so he rides that a couple of times each day in addition to his other exercises.
Everything Denny has been through these past months has kind of put the cancer part of this in the background. Because he never has any headaches or any other symptoms one might expect from a brain tumor, it is sometimes still hard to believe that there is a tumor deep within his brain. We will find out how all of the chemo has affected that tumor on February 11, when he will have another MRI. We are praying that the tumor has remained encapsulated and hope that it has diminished in size. Once the tumor rids itself of the debris within, the doctors will have a better idea of treatment going forward.
One of Denny's goals was to get back to school for this term, but that hasn't happened yet. He does meet with and talk to the full time substitute who is teaching all of his classes. This week they set up a conference call so he could listen to and interact with the students. It seems like everyone enjoyed it, so there are plans for more of those. He came to school today after his doctor appointment and had lunch with all of his colleagues--he really enjoyed that.
Speaking of those colleagues, they have spoiled us rotten ever since Denny came home from the hospital. They are bringing us supper every other night. I never, ever thought I would appreciate that as much as I do! I hope they all know how grateful we are for everything they have done for us. They are all such special friends.
Tonight we are going to the basketball game at school. The rest of the weekend we'll just hang out here, as usual. It's a good thing we like each other!
Have a wonderful Super Bowl weekend! I'll check in with a much shorter note in a few days. Until then, God bless and take care.

Love,
Carla