I thought I would take a moment to update you on my latest test results and overall “state of being.”

Here’s a summary of the technical stuff…

A sample obtained from my blood on May 9, 2007 revealed 77% of cells as testing positive for CML. A similar test obtained from my blood on October 24, 2007 revealed that 9/200 or 2.25% of the cells tested positive for CML. This suggests that while I am not in complete remission, I have had and continue to have a significant response to Gleevec since April. My oncologist states that “these findings are what I would hope to see in a patient who has been initiated on Gleevec therapy.”

So I am happy with my progress, but I am also humbled by the nature of this disease that can be treated but not cured. With that in mind, I am grateful for the advances in treatments and the possibility that there might be a cure within my lifetime.

I continue to feel well, and I continue to lead a so called “normal” life, although I’ve always said that “normal isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.” I’ve had a full-time teaching and music schedule this fall which I think was good for me on many levels, but I have to admit that I have pushed the envelop a bit, especially with weekend gigs. Therefore, I am going to lay low in the music scene for a little bit…maybe start working on a new album after the new year, and then resume a gig schedule next spring. As far as teaching goes, I get a lot of energy from hanging with the youth, and as my friend Joe says, “stomping out a little ignorance each day.”

I won’t see the cancer doc until April. At that point, I will have another biopsy and if all goes well, I will be in a state of remission and maybe the state of Colorado if there’s snow. So, I am signing off until then.

Once again, thanks for all the support and love that you have given. I have taken much and hope to give back soon!

Yours,

Chris