Just a quick update...Yesterday evening I tolerated the chemo very well.

I had to get a rush x-ray first to make sure the port-o-cath was in the right place, as this was the first time I would use it. The port-o-cath is the permanent I.V. that they imlpanted in my chest. I could not believe how quickly they got the x-ray - possibly the fastest things ever moved here. And a good thing, because a delay would have meant chemo today instead, for it was the end of the day.

They kept a close eye on me for two hours for serious side effects - and nothing! Just some sweating and nausea, but nothing to keep us from moving on full speed, as we need to do in the long run. I stayed up pretty late - probably a combo of the chemo and the fact I had many things I wanted to think through. Many of you know - I do nights. I also watched one of the Ken Burns Civil War episodes - it's amazing what a different world it was just 140 years ago. I find it very challenging to get in the minds of the people fighting and leading that war.

We'll stay here close to MDACC until Monday. Thanks for your prayers. I am attributing my good response to prayer. This chemo is supposed to get worse over time. This time was clearly better than last.