March 20

Hi,

Well, there's never a dull day in O-Team Land. Today we started out at the dentist because Denny's been having an on-again-off-again toothache that we attributed to the sinus infection, shingles, etc., since it was on the left side. I called the dentist yesterday, who came in on his day off to take care of Den. It turned out to be decay under one of his crowns. The pain is gone and all is well, but we're wondering what oddball thing will happen next.

Then it was on to the oncologist, who decided to delay this round of chemotherapy because of all of the other medicines Denny is taking. A result of the potent antibiotics is the development of thrush in his mouth. So now we have a new prescription for that to prevent it from spreading to the esophagus, which would make eating and drinking very difficult. The downside of taking that medicine, which are anti-fungal pills, is that it can have a very negative affect on the liver. Hopefully, he will only have to be on it for a week, as the antibiotics end this weekend.

All in all, Den is on the mend. His ear is healing, the sinus infection seems to be gone, the shingles are slowly going away, and the swelling in his leg is going down a little each day. As he is able to do more, the increased fatigue should diminish and then he can get back to developing his strength again. Other good news is that his daily dose of steroids is being reduced, so we are happy about that.

We were so sad to see our team lose in their first game at State, but are very proud of these young men and all they have accomplished. This is surely not the worst thing they've experienced together, but I know they must be hurting. I also know that all of them are bound for success because they are decent, caring, and dedicated to achievement. We love you guys!!

I hope this finds everyone enjoying the beginning of this long awaited spring. Have a great weekend!

Love,
Carla