October 20th

For those that are still checking, sorry it has taken so long, but my last appointment was again very exciting. Everything looks great and I have been told that they don't want to see me for six months now. Fresh off of that good news I ran the Portland Marathon with son, Michael and daughter Tiffany. Had a great time and we all finished in good health. Since I haven't gotten any smarter with age, six days later I completed my eleventh Le Grizz 50 miler Ultra-Marathon. The temperature at the race start was zero degrees and the high all day was around 23 degrees. I had icicles hanging from my eyelashes and chin. My wife made sure that I stayed safe and made it through. I am currently working half time at Western Oregon University, supervising students in their teacher education program. Hard to believe Kath and I have been in our new house for sixteen months.

Here's wishing your life is going as good as mine is right now. As always, thank you for the support.

June 7th

We had an anxious week because my back began to hurt. I was having pain like an electrical shock was occurring in my back, so they moved up my MRI by a month. Dr. Hung came in and the first thing he said, was "just so you know, there is nothing in the MRI to be concerned about". This obviously gave us some relief (A LOT!). The radiation has caused the sheath on my nerve endings to disintegrate, which is causing the pain. It usually occurs about a year out from radiation and in the neck. Like always, I have to be a rarity, so mine is located in my sacrum. It is a temporary condition and it should right itself in the next couple of months.

Afterwards, we all went out and celebrated!

I just wanted to let you all know we are going strong. Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers. Enjoy the summer!

February 5th

I thought I would update my progress for any of you that are still checking this blog and for those of you who are, thank you for your interest and your concern. Yesterday I got the results from my MRI and CT scan that I had this week. My doctors, again were very pleased and excited about the results. Nothing has changed, they thought I looked great and told me to keep doing what I am doing. They reminded us that sarcomas that come back, do within the first two years so my first two years will be my critical time. This April will be my 1 year anniversary from the last time I had radiation. They will keep having me come for MRIs and CT scans every three months until we do hit the two year period. As I told the doctor, I am feeling great and we'll continue my running. They did add one thing to my schedule; I am to start doing Yoga...anything to help me become more flexible. Again, I was fortunate to have most of my family at my checkup yesterday. It was nice to receive the positive news as a group. My wife continues to laugh at the shocked look of Dr. Hungs face when he saw me (He hadn't seen me since June, when I had very little hair and barely any energy). It is nice to surpirse the doctors in a positive way because they see too much of the other.

Again, thanks to all of you who have followed my family and myself through this long journey. I will continue to update this blog after each checkup. Go BEAVS!