"All things considered I'm doing just fine"

I must say I feel horribly guilty, but David and I are really having a wonderful time in Boston (all things considered). David and I have never moved into a place together and I must admit, that I find moving into the construction zone of my folks place in Dorchester very romantic. Picking out counter tops, paint and stain colors, cabinet fixtures... David is greatly enjoying putting together the cabinets and future. He has even purchased a computer program on home design and has been going around with a tape measure so he can create a visual mock up of the space. The apartment doesn’t have a stove yet, so meals have the fun innovated quality of camping without the inconvenience of no electricity, water, and heat. With the rest of the time, David and I are exploring the city. Many of the museums have free evenings, so we went to the Museum of Fine Arts last night and had a delightful time


I continue to have proton beam radiation and daily oral chemo treatments. Radiation should end near the end of November. I have not had any major side effects so far, though I admit that eating continues to pose a large challenge for me. From the first round of radiation, my jaw doesn’t open very widely and I have a big hole in the bone between my nose and mouth (the pallet). The hole is now being filled by a denture like device (called an optorator) which helps with talking, but the device makes chewing difficult. On top of which my current dose of radiation is making my mouth sore and dry. It is a most interesting conversion for someone who has always struggled with being overweight, now struggling to maintain weight. Eating is a lesson in patience that I am doing my best to learn. I am hopeful that many of these issues will get better with time, practice, and a change in my denture device; some already have, but others I fear might be permanent changes. Because of which however, I am fairly certain the Family Medicine Green Module can look forward to a pretty impressive protein smoothie bar when I return. And who doesn’t love a good smoothie!

Below I have included some pictures of my family from the Family Medicine Residency program who gathered to support me. This continuing adventure of dealing with ones own possible mortality and definite increased disability is ever changeling, but the love and support that I have received from so many different sources just fills my soul with hope and warmth. Both David and I are constantly reminded that we are not alone and we are so grateful for that. Thank you to everyone.