How things are going so far

I think clearly the best medicine for Michael is being here with his family - especially the kids and his guitars ;) He's kept his sense of humor about everything (better than I have) and is in pretty good spirits. He's restless and wants to do things, but I'm trying not to let him. "What a good wife," he says, as I make him lie down and fetch him things. I do have ulterior motives, however. I want him back in commission so he can help out with these animals we're raising, but I know that if he does too much too soon, it will only set him back.

He lost 10 lbs. while in the hospital, bringing his total weight loss since he began treatment in February to somewhere around 30 lbs. He's starting to look positively svelte.

This past week I have actually briefly toyed with the idea of taking up smoking again. It's been a number of years since I quit, and a very long time since the urge left me. This past week, however, there have been many moments when I thought, "Damn, what I wouldn't do for a cigarette right now." How silly. Like inviting more cancer into our home is a good idea. So instead I walk, and when I walk, I walk with a vengeance.

We're being inundated with food. Friends and neighbors have brought over meals, and word has it that Michael's firm is having several meals delivered to our house later today. It's been such a huge help, and I am so grateful.