Hey hey everyone! Someone I talked with recently expressed concern regarding the lack of recent updates. I just went and checked and not only was my last update exactly two months ago, but it’d been so long that the Caring Bridge site had logged me out. This person’s concern apparently sprouted from their belief that if I’m not updating that means I have bad news I’m reluctant to share.

Well, rest assured my pessimistic and anonymous friend, and the rest of you, that stability continues. The scan last week showed no growth in any of the lesions, and nothing new anywhere else, so onward we go. It is merely my busy schedule and, ok, some laziness, contributing to your lack of information. But, see, if enough of you ping me directly for updates then I’ll eventually get off my virtual butt, sit on my actual butt, and type out an update. So here we are.

The cancer is stable, my bloodwork is fine, and my side effects continue unabated. The nails continue to be the most impactful. So hurty at times. Other times not so bad. And they are, um, in various stages of disappearing in various ways. I’ll spare you the rest of the details. If you want them (the details not the nails) let me know and I’ll fill you in. Don’t ask for any pics though. Weirdo.

My taste impacts continue to make me the saddest. I think I say this every update but if I could change only one side effect it would be to get my taste back. It’s been hard to narrow down but it seems that the creamy foods are the hardest to perceive now. And Christen has been complaining I’ve been oversalting the meals I make (pfft, whatever). But brighter foods like fruit, etc are still hittin’ pretty hard (whenever I talk like the youths I feel like I sound like my mom used to when she’d swear - enunciating every syllable and basically making it as uncool as possible). Anyway, now that I’ve slowly figured out what hits and what doesn’t, when I took the kids to Fenton’s the other day I got orange sherbert rather than cookies and cream. And, ya know, it was tasty! Sherbert is underrated. I think it gets labeled as a kids flavor because of the whole rainbow sherbet thing, but I had some of Luke’s rainbow sherbert a few months ago and it was, as the kids say, bussin’. Sherbert is lit. However, bubble gum flavor remains disgusting.

My vision is still wonky but the retinal pressure creeps ever closer to my pre-trial baseline (which is good), per my visit last week. I did also go to the regular optometrist last week and there’s nothing borked about my eyes or vision that wasn’t already borked to begin with due to age/genetics/good looks. So I ordered some new glasses to see if they’ll help with working on the computer, as that is by far the most unpleasant. TV - fine. Phone - ok as long as it’s not for too long. Computer - blech.

That’s about it from a trial update. No news is good news I suppose. Onward we go.

What else? Spring has sprung around here, that’s for sure (with apologies to all you allergy sufferers). Green grass, warm temps, and flowers everywhere. Luke and I even planted a cherry tomato plant in the backyard so later this summer my family can enjoy sun-ripened tomatoes straight off the vine while I dry heave in the corner. 

And now we’re already at the end of April meaning only a few weeks remain in Lily’s spring softball season and then it’s just about time for middle school graduation. Good lord. We’re about to have a high schooler in the house (not that we don’t already based on the constant headphone usage, eye rolls, and trails of detritus everywhere). 

Luke is enjoying spring himself as he takes nearly every opportunity he can to zip around on anything with wheels. Skateboard, scooter, bike, whatever. Although whenever we ride around together he’s good for at least one heart-stopping maneuver. How about we brake BEFORE gliding into the cross traffic lane, eh? And do I have to tell you not to crash into the stationary cars? Ah, ok, looks like I do. He is getting a lot better though and is even starting to try some tricks. Just, you know, let’s practice in the park and not in the &%!!@! bike lane.

Alright, that’s enough for now. Stay safe and thanks for all of the continued well wishes, thoughts, and good vibes.