This blog has become an important life force for me. The writing is cathartic, and it is an easy way for me to disseminate information to those I care about and who care about me. What I want to emphasize, however, is how important your comments are to me. I've hassled the stealth blog readers, you know who you are, who read but never write a comment. I have to say that it is those of you who put yourselves out there on the blog who helped me face the devastating news that the "stuff" in my right lung is diffuse malignant tumor. Dr. Scheinberg and his colleagues were shocked at the results of the pathology report. It is no reassurance that the pattern of disease in my right lung is highly unusual, but it's a fact, Jack.

I am not afraid. I am choosing to fight with the weapons available to me. I have been meeting and talking with doctors, and the current plan is to stay the course with the carboplatin and alimta. Of course, there could some adjustments to that plan. One of the other changes in the works for sure is to make more of each day. I have been spending most of my time alone, often in my bedroom, trying to heal my body. Instead, I am going to seek out more company and make more forays out into the world, even if it's just for lunch or a milkshake, or to the office to help out. Maybe even a movie. Ann Silver will help me set up the calendar on the lotsahelpinghands website.

Please know that your cards, letters, emails, visits and calls are also vitally important to me. There is just something about this blog that connects me to you, and keeps me moving forward.

Stay strong for me. I am staying strong for you.