Cocktail #5

Hey all.....ever had "Edema"? Well for some reason, well beyond my medical understanding, between Chemo cocktail Four and Five I gained 25 lbs. of water, all in the lower half of my body. My legs now match my stomach! My playing weight would be 245 lbs. just about right for a middle line backer or power back, possibly a tight end. However my speed in the 40 may have to be calculated on a sun dial. I went to the doctor and got some diuretic (it's supposed to absorb the water), and after two days I already notice the difference. I've got to be down to 240 already! I'm looking forward to the shrinking.

I worked out with Babs this morning and tired quickly, but it was a good re-entry into the exercise circle. I missed three workouts with "Huge Leg Syndrome". Babs has been concerned about gaining weight (I'm talking 2-5 lbs). She always, as a measure or test, tries on pants that, I swear, she wore in high school, complains she's gaining weight, and immediately cuts down on food intake. I told her everybody would think she's losing weight as long as she stands next to me. She smiled and still ate like a sparrow.

I had a C-scan and bone scan along with chest X-ray. Results were, I think, positive. I have a difficult time understanding our doctor, a brilliant and warm fellow, with a strong accent from India. On the last test three spots were detected. They are still there, and there may be a new one on the lung. The spots haven't expanded, and the two on the hips have calcified, which seems better than a hole and weaker bone. So I'll be going in for another series of scans in couple of months, after two or three more chemo cocktails, and will monitor the results and any changes. They think the one on my lung may just be a shadow, whatever that is. I'm continuing with same treatments. Also, love the warm blankets they provide when getting an infusion. Feels so good.

Got new glasses and it's so nice to see again.

Got a call from a past real estate acquaintance, Darlene Dipo, who owns a small office of agents in Draper, Utah, our new home town. In the past, Darlene had provided me transportation when speaking in SLC, and had taken CRS classes from me. She invited me to speak to her group of 10 agents. Last week I went to her office, sat in a very comfortable chair, with all in a circle, and we just chatted about business, success, dialogues, life, and it was a delight. Darlene has a very unique office, an old home, that sits right on the Draper parade route for holidays. Also, they are across the road from an open symphony, so they have many private parties for clients.....and speakers and spouses. Babs and I are looking forward to that this summer.

I visited Austin, TX, and Alex and his whole team. They've now got 40 employees and they are all young (young being easily defined as anyone younger than ones self..but I'm talking really young). I would say the average age would be mid twenties. All are college grads, excited about the company Alex is building, and enjoying their journey. Alex interviewed me in front of the company, we did it live and on film, for about 2 hours. We'd planned on only an hour, and time just flew by. He has a very good talent for interviewing, and it was fun to be an interviewee versus the interviewer. I don't know what he's going to do with the videos and I'll keep you posted. Also I was able to assist in providing input to their magazine, as well as this summer's Conference. It was a very worthwhile trip, felt pretty strong, however after the flight is when "Edema" set in.....and big time. I had some wonderful conversations with Alex and Cadey, his wife and partner, and what an outstanding couple they are. So much life experience, such a clear vision of where they want to go, and the energy and drive to get there. I'll be going back more frequently.

My brother Ralph and his wife Bonnie, you've heard me mention them before, have an incredible family. Two of their daughters, Jennie and Sara, caught the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of their parents. They've owned, separately, different businesses, mostly in the crafts area, designing and producing some wonderful and beautiful products. They spearheaded (at least I assumed so because they were the only ones handling the money) a trade show with a number of other crafts people and we attended, buying some very colorful hair pins for the grand-girls and two beautiful earrings for Tennie (who recently turned 10 and went to the piercing place, no, not went, RAN to the piercing place). We hope she enjoys them. It's nice to see family members excel. Jennie and Sara are such wonderful mothers and examples to their families. Nice job Ralph and Bonnie.

I had a much anticipated visit last weekend from our dear friend Marcella Dykes and her son Steve. I've talked of Marcella and Steve often. Marcella has done my hair ever since I tried to have it dyed (from turning too gray) by another professional and it turned RED! I mean the old man red, not Lucille Ball red. And I remember sitting in Marcella's chair and she said, "Well, what can I do for you?" While my mind did wander for a split second, I said, "Cut it to the gray!" And she's cared for me ever since. She's navigated through two divorces, been a single mom for 9 years, has happily found and married her soul mate and provided another son to their mix.

Steve is the young man I began the "I'm the Best" five times every time I see him (from age 2 on - now nearly 10) and I put $5.00 into his college fund. Well it's automatic with him now, and he wrote me a note: Steve Dykes...I'm the Best X 10!

They drove 12 hours arriving Friday evening and we stayed up until 2:30AM reconnecting. Being the energetic soul she is, she attacked the back patio (we haven't done anything since moving in November 15th) with Steve, and they cleaned it up like a whistle! I mean, how often do you find friends who, on their short vacation, help you clean? It really helped us settle in and was so considerate of them both. They worked hard. I did my part in cooking for all during the three days, and it was a laid back visit with people you don't have to say anything to. They were very comfortable to be with and we had a great time.

Yesterday was Easter, and we were especially excited because our little "Tagmeister", the "Tag Man" or just plain "Tag", was coming back into town. Mitch and Joann journeyed to St. George, Utah, for a visit with Grandma Brinton, Mitch's mom, Julie. She really enjoys the grandchildren and is especially good with them. So we haven't had any Tag Time to speak of for ten days. When we were living in Colorado it was acceptable to keep contact through pictures, web, etc. However, with Tag within touching distance, we really look forward to seeing the little guy.

 A few photos Mitch brought home from St. George

Tag's tumor has receded some, and I believe they'll be facing surgery within the next little while. Mitch and Joann are dealing with that question now and our thoughts and prayers are with them. We joined Joann's family for Easter dinner and it was so good to see Tag - Joann and Mitch. Joann has a great family that always makes us feel so welcome. Joannn comes from solid and wonderful stock (my old cattle metaphors are coming back). And Mitch's sire isn't bad either!

My friend Orly Steinberg is having double mastectomy today, think good thoughts for her. She's a wonderful lady.

Love to all,

Howard