Well, they say the groundhog did not see his shadow this year.   Good news, because given how cold it is, I don't think I could take 6 more weeks of this.   For me though, it means 6 more months of chemotherapy.

Yesterday was my appointment with Dr. Bob Maki of Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York.   Dr. Maki is a sarcoma specialist.   Dr. Maki was very pleased with all of my scans.   He was also very pleased that my side-effects have been minimal.   Dr. Maki has dealt with many sarcoma patients, (not necessarily Angiosarcoma patients) so his opinion and experience tells him there is a strong possibility that the cancer is alive and active on a microscopic level therefore, his recommendation is that we continue chemo on a weekly basis, at a slightly lower dose for the next 6 months.   As much as this was not exactly what we wanted to hear . . .  I am more than capable of doing this every week for another 6 months if the light is indeed at the end of the tunnel.   In 6 months we will reevaluate and look at our options.   I explained to Dr. Maki that getting our lives back to normal includes traveling.   I did ask if traveling and missing a treatment here or there would be a problem and he felt that we can still do all the traveling we want and to work the chemo in between trips.

In the meantime, we have plans to eat our way through New York and to see a few Broadway plays as well.   At the end of this trip, we plan on thawing out in Fort Lauderdale for two days with my parents, aunt and uncle, and then return to Saint Louis in time for a visit from our friends Robert and Bryan from Chicago and just in time for Valentine’s Day.

I am a bit saddened and disappointed by the news, but I also feel strong enough both mentally and physically to endure and withstand this.   I know that 6 months sounds like a long time, but it gives me a better chance of being cancer free and a better chance this won’t reoccur, then I’m all for it.   My gut reaction is that the Dr. is absolutely right, and we need to continue some treatment for the time being, but I don't think it will take 6 months.   I agree that I should have this chemo sweep to rid my system of all potential "hot spots", but deep down, my intuition tells me that it may only take 2 – 3 months to do that.   The other 3 months may be "overkill", but we will need to do it to be safe.  I think we are in a very good position.   Yes, we are still dealing with cancer . . .  but on a microscopic level.   I will continue to work out and continue to drink my wine.   Continue to go out to dinner with friends and continue to travel.   Charlie is my support.   I am trying to be his support as well.

This continues to be a challenge for both of us.   I thank you for all of your notes, calls and prayers and as you know, it is not always possible for me to return the notes and calls.   I also don’t want to place the task and burden on Charlie.   I thank you again for your understanding and for not placing any demands on either of us.

Charlie is busy recording music and is making breakthroughs every day.  His music, love and support allow me to transcend this disease.   I am continuing to paint.   I am looking forward to more time to broaden and improve this aspect of my life.   I plan on taking some classes to help me get to the next level.   I have about 10 new paintings I will get on the website soon.   I know many of you have inquired about purchasing some paintings.   At this time, I am not selling anything.   There is a possibility of a show in May, 2007.   I am presently coordinating this with Amy Gill.   When a decision is made, everyone will be informed.   At that time, some works will be for sale.   Hopefully a harpsichord CD will be available as well!

We shall continue to proceed full speed ahead.   Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts.

All our love,

Randy and Charlie