Update - April 20, 2010

Hi All...

Well, always something new. My latest CT scan showed that the multitude of Melanoma spots on my lungs and liver have all shrunk in size except for 1 in my lungs and 1 in my liver (both have increased in size). I'll take the shrinkage of the multitude, though. Unfortunately, the CT scan also showed a blood clot on my left femoral artery near my hip. That has prompted 8 shots into the flesh around my tummy and a new medication (Coumadin) to dissolve the clot. Not sure how long this will continue, possibly 6 months or more. I'm almost to the point of consuming enough pills so there isn't any room left for actual food :)

Other than the constant health battles, I'm feeling good and trying to stay reasonably active fiddling with our garden and writing a quarterly article for High Hopes, a Newsletter a few of us re-invented as part of the City of Hope Patient and Family Advisory Council (of which I'm a member). This issues contribution is "The Benefits of Getting Sick."

I hope everyone is well, and stays that way...

Bill Matteson