Radiation complete!

Had my last session under the mask this morning! What a relief. The staff in Dr. Bollinger's office were great and they presented me with a certificate-suitable-for-framing acknowledging completion of the radiation therapy. I also have my mask for a potential Halloween costume or a ceremonial bonfire sacrifice. Met with Dr. Bollinger and again came away feeling that eveything is on track. Unfortunately, I now have to wait until mid-April for my followup CT scans and sessions with my doctors. Could feel like a very long 12 weeks.

Tried playing a little basketball last night. My wind and stamina were better than expected but my legs felt like rubber and I didn't last long. I did accomplish my personal goal -- a triple single -- a basket, a rebound, and an assist before giving up for the evening; despite my Kevin Garnet hairstyle I still can't dunk! Getting back up to speed physically is going to be a long, slow process but I am planning to develop some sort of regular schedule for the gym. Hopefully, I be ready to pull my weight when our annual BWCA trip rolls around in mid-May.

Brother-in-law Bruce apparently had a successful surgery at Mayo on Monday. Sounds like the process took almost 12 hours under the knife since it was such complicated and careful process. Lenore talked with him yesterday and he is in good spirits though quite sore both at the site of the main surgery as well as on his arm and leg where skin was taken for reconstructing facial tissue. He will remain hospitalized at least through Friday.

On top of everything else, we now have a sick dog -- apparently another Clostridium infestation which leads to several days of bloody diarrhea (a disgusting mess to clean up); appears to be a consequence of her equally disgusting habit of eating horse droppings out at La Terra. Also discovered this morning that my pickup is leaking some mystery fluid so I'd better sign off for now and shift into maintenance mode. /dps