February 21

Hi, Everyone,

One would think that being home most of the time and having no social life except for the basketball games we are able to attend, that the weeks would drag by for each of us for different reasons. Thankfully, that has not been the case and despite all of the cold and snow, we marvel at how quickly time is passing. Here we are, ready to start round #5 of chemotherapy on Monday; it seems like he just finished the last round!

Den is still making progress in his recovery. He rides the spinner at least three times each day, now up to ten minutes each time. He has a variety of other strength,
dexterity, and balance exercises that he does faithfully every day and he continues to see the physical therapist twice weekly. He gets a little down once in a while because he wishes things would go faster, but then I remind him that two months ago he couldn't walk at all! His concentration level is almost back to normal, so reading and watching movies are daily activities again. Another very noticeable improvement is his penmanship. All of this bodes well for a gradual return to the classroom!. He is really aiming to be at school during the 4th term. We know it won't be full time, but are hopeful to work out some kind of routine. By then I hope he will be down to a much lower dosage of the dexamethosone, which will make him feel so much better. He's still at 6.5 mg daily until after the chemo when we hope it will be reduced again.

Our thanks and love to all of you for hanging in there with us. Have a peaceful Sunday!!

Love,
Carla