Announcement #3

November 1, 2008

Dear Friends:

In my last update, I said I would try to share some more positive news the next time around. Well, I can mostly deliver on that promise. The week did not start auspiciously; however, for on Sunday, October 26 I began to experience an array of disturbing symptoms. I became disoriented, had difficulty in speaking and concentrating, and alternated between chills and overheating. It turned out that I had been in so much pain for so long, and had taken so many pain killers for so long, that I was simply overdosed. The docs cut my pain med dosages, and all of my nasty disorientation symptoms disappeared—but then a lot more pain appeared.

However, the good news is that my new chemotherapy regimen of Velcade is so far being tolerated well—at least after applications on Monday and Thursday. It is intravenously delivered, which is a bummer, but at least so far it hasn’t caused any adverse reactions.

It also seems to working, since one of the benefits of it is pain reduction—and I have gradually experienced lower pain levels over the past few days. The plan going forward is for another week of chemotherapy (the radiation treatments have now been completed), and the hope is that I will continue to tolerate it all as well, and that the pain will continue to be reduced by the Velcade. Then, next week, we go back to the Mayo Clinic for a checkup, which will give us a firm benchmark on progress.

My feeling is that I have taken a few steps—but a few steps only—on a long road back. It sure would be nice to go through a day without being in a boatload of pain—but hopefully, that’s where I’m headed. Many thanks to those of you who have taken the time and effort to call and write me—that really means a lot. I’ll keep you posted as my treatment progresses.

Warm regards,

Joel