Hi All:

We are in round #3 (of 4) of treatment in Pittsburgh. This time, our trip down was a bit more interesting. We had a fairly long delay only about 40 minutes out from Grand Rapids due to construction, so when we hit signs on the Ohio Turnpike encouraging us to “long delays ahead, seek alternate route,” we figured that they were serious, as they get paid the toll if we stay on the road, no matter how long we sit there. So, we got off and did a bit of unplanned sightseeing on the back roads, especially as the first sections ran parallel to the turnpike and we could see the trucks sitting still. However, we then had to do some more circuitous route travel and soon decided we could easily get lost, something the Haitian Donkey is rather adept at. So, we headed back in the general direction and got back on the turnpike on the other side of Toledo, Ohio. We arrived considerably later than previous journeys, but with no other unplanned detours. There were no parking spots left, Karen has determined that the Family House, usually quite full, has 40 apartments and 20 parking spots, not a favorable ratio when most of us drive long distances to get there in our vehicle. We parked on the street and were thankful that a patient left for home the next morning and I could appropriate the coveted parking spot.

We had a good night of sleep and arrived early for the next round of treatment. It is an experimental study, Phase II, so one of the purposes is to find the acceptable dose of the agents given. Thus, they push the limits a bit, so side effects are expected and looked for. The right groin lymph node injection went well yesterday. We both saw a nice, big node and Heather, the PA who works with Dr. Bartlett, speared it nicely. This time we could both watch the node swell as it was filled with the vaccine and I could feel the corresponding discomfort in the node. At least we both knew we had it in the right spot? The infusion on Tuesday also has gone well, just some of my constant friend and companion, nausea, is present but tolerable. So far, Dr. Bartlett, who I will see after chemo on Thursday, feels the CT scan was encouragingly free of cancer to this point.

In my last update, I mentioned the consideration of the Rice and Goats Fund for Christmas for the employees. Some have asked the price of the items.  Normally, a 50 pound sac of rice runs about $25 and a goat about $50. As an American trying to buy 110 goats around Christmas time would skyrocket the price, I normally give the employees the $50 and have them buy it after Christmas if they desire, as the price goes down and my face is not involved. We do order the rice early enough and get a good price for that, as everything is debatable here. Depending on how much is raised, I sometimes also give them a live chicken as they can afford to eat the smaller animal and they can keep it alive until the festive day. It is amazing how thankful the people who barely make enough to keep their family fed appreciate your generosity, as a goodly section of our employees make about $100/month, about $5/work day. It is the going rate and they are happy for a job and we don’t want to raise our costs so high we cannot support the work, so the smaller extras we give these employees are greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance from them.  Other than the fact that they have arrived safely, I haven’t heard any update from Fred, Tom and John, who are laboring at CSL this week in my absence.

In His Service,

Bill, Karen, Fred, John and Tom