Wednesday, October 10th 153/336

Steady as she goes, it seems as though the only sides I'm having is the occaisional fatigue. Tx has been quite doable for the last 3 weeks. Tonight I'm off to SF for a few days including lunch at Zuni with all my SF hep C friends. Millicent tx'ed for 48 weeks, had a terrible time and the relapsed at 2 months post tx. Jonathan is taking the wait and see attitude as his labs aren't bad and his biopsy is a one. Then there's me, tomorrow will be shot #23.

My law suit settled today and I'm out of there for $9,500.00, ex pays $9,500.00, the buyers pay $13,000.00 and the insurance company pays $50,000.00. The insurance didn't cover the other real estate company and they are on the hook for $160,000.00. All things considered, I feel lucky to have gotten out of there with my shirt on. All is well and bye for now.

Art Park, Moscow, 2004, my apologies in advance to M & Teah for reminding them of the past.

Tuesday, October 9th 152/336

Woke up after the usual 10 hours and felt groovy. Did the usual, dog to the river etc. Went to Whole Foods(aka Whole Pay check)and bought some sushi for lunch. Today was a 2 nap day. Paid some bills and did some shopping online. Tomorrow it's off to SF for a couple of days of socializing with old friends. Bye for now.

Candied Apples, 2000

Monday, October 8th 151/336

Woke up this morning after 10 hours of sleep and felt groovy, I do sleep well on these meds. Went to Target and then to the river with the dog. This afternoon I got tired so I took a little snooze. Having so much time to reflect on things while on tx I've decided that it's time to make a difference in the world. I'm thinking that I would like to adopt/build a village somewhere in the 3rd world and do what I can to help the people become more self sufficient. The key is to be able to control the project and disperse the funds for the construction. I'm going to research this further as time goes by. So many of the programs are faith based Christian and that's not where I want to go as I have no interest in telling people what God they should believe in. Corruption is the other problem one has to deal with. I'm very excited to plan this endeavor. Bye for now.

Brooklyn Bridge, 1978

Sunday, October 7th 150/336

Well, it's been 150 days since I started my treatment. It's interesting that I have adjusted to this both mentally and physically. After awhile, everything is the same side effects wise but you just don't care. The only thing predictable about the side effects is that they are totally unpredictable. You can stay home and feel bad or you can do what you want to do and feel bad. So you might as well just go on about your life and forget about how you feel. It's just the way things are. "That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger" is a saying that I never payed much attention to, but now I understand it.

My walk in the Sierras yesterday really wore me out and I couldn't wake up until noon. Today I watched a movie with Leonardo Di Capro called "Blood Diamond" and it was the best film I have seen in a very long time. Jennifer and Leslie came for diner and I felt better as soon as they walked in the door. Dinner was good and we have a lot of fun. All is well, bye for now.

Alien Baby

Saturday, October 6th 149/336

Big day today. Magda and T and I and Billy took an hour's ride pass Placerville in the low Sierras and we did a 4 mile hike at Jenkinson Lake. M likes it there as they have clean restrooms every 1000 feet. I did well except that I really crapped out on the way back. I didn't realize it but the higher altitude cut down my oxygen intake enough
to make me sick. Discovery......tx side effects are similar to altitude sickness as both limit the O2 intake. Today I figured it was the same as being around 12,000/13,000 feet. My hemoglobin is 12 and anything under 13.5 is problematic. Oh well, enough of that! After the hike we went to Apple Hill organic farm and bought, you guessed it, apples. Next, down the hill to Costco (I stayed in the car). Then down the hill and home. A six hour outing for TLee. Tomorrow Jennifer and Leslie are coming for dinner. Bye for now.

New Zealand, Marco Polo 1996

friday, october 5th 148/336

I woke up last night with the chills and I couldn't tell if it was from the Interferon or because it was just cold in the room. Got up at 9:30 and did the usual, pills, breakfast, Starbucks, walk the dog, off to Sac State for my withdrawal. About 3:00 it seems like I got hit by a typoon of fatigue, really wiped out. Ped and Riba must have gotten pissed about all of my tough talk yeasterday. Hopefully, tomorrow will be back to normal. Every week is different with these meds, they truly have a mind of their own. Bye for now.

Magda moussed me up before I shaved my head

Thursday, october 4th 147/336 Shot #22

Coming out of my corner to face Peg and Riba in the 7th round of 15 rounds finds me feeling stronger every day. I took some punches earlier in the fight but I'm standing tall now. No aches, no pains, no nausea and a little fatigue. One thing about this treatment is that you learn so much about yourself. The strength comes within and the longer I do it the stronger I get. If you can do this, there isn't much you can't do. Today when I walked to the river with my dog I decided that this experience has been little more than a mere nuisance. When I'm done, there will be no limits as to what I can accomplish moving forward. I have so many things that I want to do. My friend Jonathan and I are going to Zuni for lunch Thursday, October 11th at 12:00. It will be the first annual San Francisco HCV convention. I took shot 22 awhile ago and nothing has happened. I hope my good fortune continues. Last 3 weeks have been a piece of cake. Strange brew. By for now.

The luscious Ms M

Wednesday, October 3rd 146/336

I kind of feel like I'm living the film "Ground Hog Day" as every day seems to be the same as the day before. Sleep 10 or 11 hours, eat breakfast, take my pills, go to Starbuck's, walk the dog, chase the luscious M around the house, lay by the pool and play on the computer, watch "Criminal Intent" and "Without a Trace", "Damages" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm". That's the way tx is. I'm sleepy lately but it's not the oppresive tiredness that I experienced a few weeks ago. Brain fog is minimal and nothing hurts so all in all I'm a happy camper. M & I have decided to spend Thanksgiving in SF which will be a lot of fun. Tomorrow I take shot #22, oh how time flies when you're having fun! Bye for now.

More Egypt

Tuesday, October 2nd 145/336

Woke up feeling groovy. I've been on a good run of no side effects for about 10 days. I hope it keeps up. I've decided to pull my SF loft off the market as the media is killing us. I has such a nice time last weekend that I don't mind keeping it. It's nice to have these options. I took the dog for the walk to the river and he went swimming and we had a good time. I went to say good by to my GP today as she is leaving Kaiser and moving to Washington State. She has made a huge difference for me. She convinced me to get a liver biopsy and to treat for my Hep C. She knocked my blood pressure way down and my blood sugar is down to 84. I'll really miss her. All is well, bye for now.

Egypt, 2005

Monday, October 1st 144/336

Last night, I slept my usual 11 hours and I got up at 9:30. I really don't have any problems sleeping on these meds. Woke upfeeling good with no problems. At noon I went to the dentist and had my 6 month teeth cleaning. I started reading a book called "The Kite Runner" which takes place in Afghanstan. All is well, bye for now.

Ramses II Temple, Aswan Egypt, 2005

Sunday, September 30th 143/336

Today all of my running around SF like the social butterfly I am has finally caught up with me. I had to sleep on the couch from 9:00 to 1:00. The only side today is moderate fatigue so I'm a happy camper. I took it slow and easy today. Tomorrow is October and it is one of my favorite times of the year. Today they had open house at the loft and they had 20 people with 2 interested parties. Maybe we can sell it after all, although I don't mind keeping it. My hair has gotten very sparse, doesn't grow and what's left is changing to blond. Time to give my self another haircut. All in all, things are groovy and I'm happy-go Prozac!

Ginza, Egypt, 2005

Saturday, September 29th 142/336

I woke up today around 7:30 and then I went to have coffee with my old friend Colleen. it was nice to see her and she was looking well. Dinner last night with Jimmy and Anne and David was at Bacco and it was fabu. I had a great couple of days renewing old friendships. It's been nice to feel regular and to be able to do all the things I used to be able to do. I drove home to Sacramento around noon and when I got there I finally had to take a 2 hour nap. Bye for now.

Lone Sail Boat Under the Golden Gate bridge, 2000

Friday, September 28th 141/336

Another great day! I don't know what's going on but I like it. Feeling pertty normal. Got my car washed, once a year, whether it needs it or not. Did coffee with the gorgeous Allison and lunch with my old friend Mike. Dinner coming up with Jimmy and David. Jimmy want to Dallas last week and met a woman and as they were doing hanky panky, he pulled her hair and she bit him hard in a very tender spot. Oh the evils of alcohol! My Wi-Fi is out so I have to walk around the neighborhood hacking to get online. Back to Sac tomorrow afternoon. Bye for now.

Jackson Pollack, MOMA 2003

Thursday, September 27th 140/336 Shot #21

Yet another good day. I went to the Dr's today and everything is full speed ahead. The blood work is good. My hemoglobin started at 16 and is down to 12.1 after 20 weeks. If I go below 10 they will prescribe a drug named Procrit which treats anemia. I still have quite a ways to go before I get there. I drove to SF and took our alarm clock to Tiffany's for a new battery. Shopping at Nordie's and Bloomies but nothing caught my eye. Checked in the loft, took my shot and then walked to Houston's restaurant for the world's best veggie burger and fries. Tomorrow it's lunch with Mike and dinner with Anne, David and Jimmy. I may throw in coffee with Allison in the afternoon. Saturday It's coffee with Colleen(strict instructions from M on this one)and maybe lunch with Millicent. I hope I can manage all of this as it's very ambitious. Bye for now.

Battery Park, NYC, 1998

Wednseday, September 26 139/336

The hits keep happening, another great day! This has been a good, good week. I'm going to keep my loft on the market until November 1st. If it isn't sold, I'll just have to keep it, Oh well. M's ex husband(TVB) and I went to starbuck's this morning. I spent a good part of the day by the pool reading a book. In to see the doctor & off to SF tomorrow. Shot 21 is tomorrow and I await the magical mystery tour results. Things are sounding better in my law suit as it seems the Insurance is going to cover us. Bye for now.

The Lucci Family, 1970

Tuesday, September 25th 138/336

Today was fabulous! Nothing in the way of tx side effects, Peg & Riba are playing hooky. Today we all went to Starbuck's, M her ex husband and me and the dog. After that we made a trip to home depot and bought paint for the deck. After that I went and bought a t-shirt, and then to the Post office to buy some stamps with flowers on them. I hope my good fortune continues for awile longer. It really feels good to feel good.

While I was driving home from Wyoming after I got away from 911 and CNN, I came across a whore house in the middle of nowhere in Nevada. It was called Donna's Ranch. I have a friend named Donna so I thought it would make a nice photo. When I turned to go, I saw this black sky with this blank white billboard. And for those of you wondering, I did not go inside to sample the candies. Bye for now.

Interstate 80, Nevada, 2001

Monday, September 24th 137/336

Another easy day in the land of tx. I went for a 3 mile walk in the park with the dog and I didn't get too fatigued. Bad news on my loft sale, the wife nixed it. Oh well, bring meanother one. I found out today about a nasty law suit that has come about from when I owned the real estate company. Time will tell how much it will cost but it seems as though it's not going to be good. I'm very excited about the NYC trip. Bye for now.

Greece, 2002

Sunday, September 23rd 136/336

A really good day in the world of TX. It's almost like feeling human again. I got up at 8:30 and didn't go back to bed. Went to the bike store, OSH, Peet's coffee, and Target. I booked a trip for M and myself to NYC arriving December 1st, departing December 6th. We have a friend we met on Craig's list who has a loft that we have traded SF for in the past. He still owes us 2 more visits so I need to get a little more current. I'm happy that I feel normal today, I'll never figure these meds out as they truly have a mind of their own. Bye for now.

Baker Beach, SF 2000, 106 degrees

Saturday, September 22nd 135/336

Did the usual this morning, got up, had breakfast and the went back to bed till 11:30. I always feel as though I need a crane to lift me out of bed. The rest of the day was good with no problems except the usual tiredness. My loft is in contract and it will close just before Thanksgiving. I got a good price and I am pleased with the outcome. M and I will be going to SF every weekend to take a load to Carmichael. This afternoon we went to a movie called "Eastern Promises". It's about the Russian mob in London and it was very good, albeit a little bloody. Bye for now.

Laundry Day on the Isle of Lesvos, Greece 2002

Friday, September 21st, 134/336

I took my shot yesterday and I had a little trouble sleeping. I was up several times with weird dreams. Got up for breakfast and then went back to sleep until 11:30. When I got up I felt good and M and I and the dog walked the 2 miles to the river and back. The weather is so beautiful, 80 degrees and clear. we're $5,000.00 apart on my offer so we'll see what happens. The market is sideways but I've had 2 offers over asking in 2 weeks so the price is right. I am thinking I should have listed for $929 instead of $899. The buyers are spooked and drunk with power, the agents are in a panic and I could care less if I sell it this time around. It we'll be worth more in the spring, SF Real estate is still appreciating and spring always brings a surge. So, we'll see what happens. Bye for now.

Times Square, 2002

Thursday, September 20th, 133/336 Shot#20

Today, Peg and Riba took the day off. I feel good with a lot of energy. M and I went on a 2 mile walk with the dog. Today was the first day I was out of my PJ's in 4 days.
I have another offer on my SF loft and it might work. The buyer has 30% down which is great. I have my fingers crossed we can get the buyer up a little. I have now watched every "Criminal Intent" in existence and now I'm starting to watch all of the "without A Trace". I love Tivo. I took my shot at noon and nothing has happed yet. Bye for now.

Three Aspens, Wyoming 2001

Wednesday, September 19th 132/336

Not a bad day all in all. The anti-biotic side effects are leaving. The offer on my SF loft that I countered yesterday took their ball and went home. According to their agent they had "moved on emotionally". I guess we had a one night stand so to speak. Aren't the realtors a funny group. So, open sunday 2-4. We are in the midst of a beautiful hail storm which is very uncommon for this time of year. Tomorrow I take shot #20, what a long strange trip it has been. Bye for now.

The Sign Above the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 2001

Tuesday, September 18th 131/336

I received an offer on my SF loft and it came in Over 900 which is good. The other offer crapped their pants and never came in. We countered the offer and we'll see if they come back. I have to quit taking the antibiotics as they are really making me sick. Plus I quit drinking coffee 3 days ago(stupid) and I may be experiencing a baby vicodin withdrawl. All in all I have a serious case of AFU (all fucked up) Bye for now.

Big Sky, 2000

Monday, September 17th 130/336

I went to the doctor this morning and my wound is healing nicely. Treatment drags on and I am dealing with it. They had open house for my SF loft and they said they thought it would sell this week. As of Monday night and we have one offer and another on the way. The anti biotics I'm taking drain the good bacteria from my stomach which then leads to sores in my mouth. I had sushi for dinne and it was great. Hopefully tommorrow will be a good day. Bye for now.

5th & 57th, NYC 2000

Sunday, Septemebr 16th 129/336

This treatment is about 200 days longer than it should be. Not a bad day, all things considered. Tired and exahuasted all the time, but what else is new. Woke up, took my 11 pills and then watched auto racing and then golf. My goal for the day was to take out the garbage and the green waste for pickup tommorrow and that has been accomplished. Goal 2, take a shower and then give myself a haircut. Bye for now.

Penelope, 1978

Saturday, September 15th 128/336

The party last night was a smash and it lasted until 1:30. I went to the party and then to bed and then to the party. Magda's parents have left the building and have gone home to Chicago. My ass abcess is almost gone and I have quit taking the vicodin. I took a total of 5 which is what was called for. No more, no less. Staying up until 2:30 last night was a mistake as I am paying the price today. Interferon sx's, anti-biotic sx's, infection sx etc are all beating me up. Thank goodness for Prozac. Bye for now.

Southern Idaho, 2001

Friday, September 14th 127/336

Vicodin is a wonderful thing. I'm trying to keep it to 1 or 2 a day so I don't get too strung out, you know, sobriety violation and all that. And yes, my ass still hurts. The gauze interacted with the scab formation and they have become one. I cut out most of the gauze bit there is still a tuft mixed with the scab. It's draining nicely and it seems to me getting smaller. I can certainly empasize with the women in the audience as I have to change my pad 3 or 4 times a day. Literally, a pain in the ass. Brother is still in pain post surgery and ready to assassinate the pain management people. We are having a party tonight for Misako so I've been resting up for it. I hope to make it for a couple of hours. Off to the bath, bye for now.

Swan Valley Idaho, The Day after 911

Thursday, September 13th 126/336 Shot #19

I Went to the GI today before I went to the IV. The GI took one look at the abcess and said, "you're going to surgery. When I got to surgery I met the prettiest young woman who couldn't have been a surgeon for more than 10 minutes. She shot the abcess with pain killer 5 times and then cut a lot of it out. The pain was way worse than when I had kidney stones. The good news is that they switched the antibiotics yet again and I don't have to have any more IV's. I came home and went to bed. I have switched my shot back to Thursday and I just did it. So, today I have had 19 pills, a shot of interferon, and surgery. Brother is doing better. Bye for now.

Greek Door, 2002

Wednesday, September 12th, 125/336

Kavorkian never made it last night so I'm still here. The Hep C war has wounded me once again. Supposedly, they are all dead, but the meds are taking their toll. I have a huge abcess on my ass, very unpleasant!. Back into Kaiser today. When they called me and I stood up, a bunch of blood and pus shot down my leg. The Doctor took one look at it and said "you need and IV!" I got an IV of antibiotics, great lunch, highly recommended, back tomorrow for another IV and again on Friday. I also go to my GI Dr tomorrow as she wants to look at my ass too. They also gave me some antibiotics in pill form to take. My brother's knee replacement surgery has complications as he is in agony and they can't control the pain. The Lee brothers are a mess. Bye for now.

Charlie Walker Beach, Maui 1996

Tuesday September 11th 124/336

I have this nasty abcess on my ass about the size of of a plum. I can hardly walk, have chills and fever and headache etc. I'm ready to call Dr Kevorkian! My regular Dr called me tonight and called in some pain pills and she's awaiting the results of the specimen. I just finished watching United flight #93 and it was very moving. I keep trying to plan our RTW trip but I can't concentrate enough to talk on the phone. My brother had his knee replaced today. 2.5 hour operation went well. He's sick from the anestetics. Back to kaiser tomorrow. My geishia Misako came by tonight and got in bed with me, I feel better already. Bye for now.

The Little Blue Church, Big Island 2001

Monday, September 10th 123/336

I went to see the doctor today about the abscess on my butt. My regular doc called in sick so I had a new doctor. First she wanted to start an anti-biotic IV drip. I said no to that. Next she wanted to give me sulfa drugs. I said no to that as they will throw off my liver panel. I told her she needed to biopsy it and send it to the lab so she could see how to treat it. I then asked her to give me some Keflex until we figure out what it is. I think that I would go to med school if I could pass chemistry because some of these people are really clueless.

I went to Sac State today and withdrew and I got back all of my money. Now I have to have the GI give me a note for an indefinite leave of absence.

My loft in SF was open yesterday and they had about 30 people through it. The agent said it was well recieved.

My in-laws are still here.
Bye for now.

Bumper Cars, 1978

Sunday, September 9th 122/336

Magda's parents are here for Chicago for the night and then tomorrow they are off to SF. I have developed yet another infection and I think it might be making me sicker. The Ribavire\an destroyes one's Hemoglobin, White blood cell count, and Platlets, all of which leaves me open to infections.

My friends Jonathan and Gretchen came home from a 4 month world wide trip and they were the victims of the "fake bird poop" scam in Barcelona. Pickpockets drop a bunch of cat shit on you from above and then help you clean up, as they do, they pick your wallet. Bye for now.

Ex Wife, Mazatlan, 1978

Saturday, September 8th 121/336

Another lifeless day in the neighborhood. M and I went for a walk to the river and back and I could hardly make it up the hill. 121 days of Peg and Riba poison have finally taken their toll. I'm really tired all the time and I can't concentrate to read my school books to the point where they make sense. So, I have dropped all my classes for the semester and school is out for the year for the big T. I couldn't face 4 months of it for the sake of proving that I could do it. If I don't enjoy it, then why bother. Bye for now.

Our kitchen

Friday, September 7th 120/336

Today was an ass kicker! It seems to be a pattern where the interferon hits 40-50 hours post injection. I stayed under the covers most of the day. The gardners came with their leaf blowers and I had homicidal ideation! Thank goodness they left when they did as they avoided a certain death. I got some bad news today, my primary care physician is leaving Kaiser. I suspect she was confronted for ordering too many tests for her patients. She was truly the bomb! When I went to her as a new patient she ordered 26 tests. She made me aware of my disease and referred me out to the GI for a biopsy. My Kaiser Doctor in SF never said a word for 16 years! Of course they made him director of medicine for all of SF because he saved Kaiser so much money. Bye for now.

Biker Billy

thursday, September 6th 119/336

Woke up today feeling good. Not a bad day at all considering I did my shot yesterday. Today I took it easy(whatelse is new). I went to Walgreens is all. Read a school book, did the crossword and then started planning my post tx trip with M. I have 700k miles on Delta and I'm starting the process for 2 1st class round the world tickets. I have to book each leg 331 days prior to departure to make it work. Tommorrow I'll try to book SFO to Rio. Bye for now.

Shirt, 1978

Wednesday, September 5th 118/336 Shot #18

Woke up after my 11 hours of zzz's feeling good. Went to Starbuck's and then off to Sac State for my 1st day of class. I have Rosi Gilday again for Art Criticism and she is so nice. No exams this time, just papers. The next class was another story. Latin American History with Elaine O'brien looks like a nightmare. 3 text books and 21 articles, 10 page paper, reading journal, field trips, quiz every week, 20 minute Powerpoint presentation etc. What really put me over the edge was the hour it took her
to go through the course syllibus. At the end, she had the nerve to say that we would be tested on the syillibus September 19th. Sillybus is more like it. She has been dropped!

I moved my shot up a day to Wednesday to see if it works around my school better. Stay tuned and Bye for now.

Imaginary Valley, 2002

Tuesday, September 4th 117/336

Finally a decent day! Feeling good all day. Week 17 has been the toughest yet. M's ex came back from Burning Man and we all went to Starbuck's for coffee. I actually went to the gym today and I took it slow but evrything went well. I set my weights at about 80% of the usual and that seemed to work well. I start school tomorrow and I have signed up for 3 classes. I think I'll end up taking one or 2. Bye for now.

Marco Polo, New Zealand, 1996

Monday, September 3rd 116/336

Slept the usual 11 hours. Today was much better, not great but better. I got out of the house and went to Peet's for coffee and then on to Whole Foods with M and the dog. I read the newspaper and did the crossword puzzle while M bought the groceries. Today I felt like I had melted and become a puddle. This is OK when compared to having "Chemo Brain".

I had the nicest dream last night. I dreamed that I wasn't sick and that I had energy to burn and that my head was clear. It actually made me remember what it was like and what it will be like when I'm done. Bye for now.

NYSE,2006

Sunday, September 2nd 116/336

Week 17 continues to be a challenge, or better yet, a huge pain in the ass. I was very tired and pretty sick most of the day. Nausea is a new side that's presented itself this week. If things don't turn around pretty soon, I think I'm going to have to skip school this semester. it's the end of the 5th round od a 15 round boxing match and Peg and Riba are really starting to land som punches. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better. Bye for now.

Martinique at Midnight, 2002

Saturday, Sepember 1st 115/336

Another rotten day in the neighborhood. Week 17 is turning out to be a real stinker side effect wise. Extremely tired with "chemo brain". I stayed home all day and took several naps to no avail. I'm going to try a shower to see if it helps. Bye for now.


Greece, 2002

Friday, August 31st 114/336

This stuff is so erratic! The truck came back and hit me again. A tough day in the neighborhood. At 5:00 I had a bunch of potato chips and 2 chocolate croissants. Big mistake, I feel stuffed and I never want to eat again. Hopefully tommorrow will be better. Bye for now.

NYC Subway, 1978

Thursday, August 30th 113/336 Shot #17

Moving right along. I went for my monthly check up and blood tests today and every thing is steady as she goes. I'm not anemic and I'm still undetectable for the virus.
Both good news. I like my newly shaved head as it's quite comfortable. When I told the nurse that my hair didn't fall out, it just withered and died, she simply said, "that's what happens". I went to Starbucks for a mocha frappachino and then to Sac State to get books and an advisor. 126 units and never an advisor! I've decided to take only 6 units for the fall so it's Art Criticism and Latin American Art and Modern Architecture takes it in the shorts. I looked at the text books for Architecture and they looked so boring and the teacher has terrible reviews. Yes there is a sight called "Rate my Professor.com" and it was recently purchased by MTV. It's really great. I took my shot at 1:30 and it's gotten to be like brushing my teeth. Today was a good day. Bye for now.

Billy the Dog, 2006

Wednesday, August 29th 112/336

I got hit by the truck today. I couldn't get to sleep last night until 2:30, that, after taking 2 sleeping pills. I only got 5 hours sleep as opposed to my usual 11. I stayed in bed most of the day really out of it. I got better around 5:00 and now I feel OK. This crap is so weird, just when you think you have it figured out it it throws a sick Wednesday at you. I've been doing great for a couple of weeks and then BAM! Tomorrow I take shot #17 and today represents 33% completion of treatment. I can't wait for 169/332 as that will be the start of the long road back down the hill.

I've been reading about posters having viral break throughs between weeks 12 and 18. When you have a break through, you can stop the tx as the virus has figured away to mutate so that it can be unaffected by the meds. It's very similar to AIDS in that it is always mutating and confusing the immune system. As soon as the immune system starts to hurt it it takes a different structure. I hope I can stay clear.

My ex wife is selling the condo she occupies with her boyfriend. I asked my step daughter why she was moving and she said that she wanted to be closer to the grand baby. Yeah right! she forgot to mention that she had moved out on her boyfriend as they were having issues. OK ladies, what's the story? Why would she lie to me when I'm going to find out through the rumor mill anyway? Bye for now.

Waiting, 1998

Tuesday, August 28th 111/336

Today the dog and I walked to the river and when we arrived he couldn't wait to get in the water. We walked up to the picnic area and I read the paper and did the crossword puzzle. I still get the SF paper because the Sacramento Bee is just too dumb for words. The squirrels were out in force because fall is coming and Billy(dog) spent an entire hour chasing them up into their trees. He's faster than they are but they change direction faster than him so they always get away. He gets within 6 inches of their bushy tail and then they zig and zag away from him. It's quite funny to watch. It was 100 degrees today and Billy and I barely made it back up the hill to the parking lot. We just kept looking at each other to see who could go the slowest. When I arrived home I had to take a 2 hour nap to recover.

The Interferon I inject has killed the remaining hair that I have on the top of my head. It hasn't fallen out, it has withered up and died. Last night I shaved my head to 1/8 of an inch and now I feel like I'm a light bulb. I'm trying to get some color in my scalp but the Ribaviren makes my scalp photo sensitive to the sun and I break out in a rash. I'm struggling to find a happy medium. Bye for now.

Magda made me salmon and rice for dinner. She is a great caregiver

Monday, August 27th 110/336

Up after the usual 11 hours of sleep and feeling good. Tx is easier without school but I need school to keep my memory intact. I start again in a week. Since I have returned I have taken 24 units in 8 classes and I have received 8 A's. My new GPA is 3.9

On my time off, I'm working on the trip we are going to take around the world after I complete my treatment. We're thinking Santiago, Patagonia, Rio, Johannesburg, Bombay, Delhi, Nepal, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Bejing, Shanghai and Bali. I'm going to get 2 first class plane tickets and really do it up right. Bye for now.

The Dog Days of Summer

Sunday, August 26th 109/336

Moving right along...Woke up and was tired, So what else is new? Had a bagel some yogurt and 40mg's of Prozac and went back to sleep till 10:00. I have a routine now, I sleep 11 hours a day, usually 10:00PM to 7:00AM and then 8:00AM to 10:00AM. M went to Harbin Hot springs with 4 of her girlfriends for they day. They can run around naked all day and watch the men try to be cool when they move in for conversation. So many lines and such a game, it's funny. I took the dog on the 2 mile walk down to the river and back and it was fun. I love my dog, we're such good buddies.

Magda is riding her bike 120 miles a week and she is getting very good at it. She has the whole package, clothes, shoes, pedals etc. She likes to play a little game with the male racers. When some pass her, she lags behind for awile and then she cranks it up and leaves them in the dust. She likes this. Yesterday she was passed by a real racer(male). He was serious, shaved legs for wind resistance and all. She took him on up a 6 mile hill and he finally passed her at the top. As he passed he said, "you're killing me". I thought that was a compliment, but M said it was deragatory and sexist. What's a girl to do? She came home and made an appointment and got her hair all cut off so that it's 2" long. It looks very cute. I think the racer will lose next time they meet as she's very competitive about her biking. I now call her my butchy boy.

Saturday, August 25th 108/336

I think that my body and my my mind have finally acceted the fact that I am undergoing Chemo Therapy. When I wake up and I'm tired or feeling bad, it just doesn't matter any more because I can't remember how life used to be. Last night I was in SF and I was at my koft and I didn't feel too well. I thought, hell, I can feel this way at the movies just as well as I can here. I went and saw "No way out". It's a documentary about how screwed up Iraq is because of our actions. A very telling film.

I walked last night to Houston's and I had a veggie burger and an order of fries. It was so yummy. Back home to Sacto today. I had such a big day yesterday that I'm dragging my ass around today. Bye for now.

Alien Baby 1998

Friday, August 24th 107/336

\I went to bed last night at 10:00 and got up this morning at 10:00. I have found that if I take my shot at 1:30 in the afternoon the sides hit between 2-4 in the morning and I just sleeping pill through them. Today's a good day again. went to starbucks, did the crossword puzzle, went to Tiffany's to get my clock fixed, I'm at an internet cafe and then off to MOMA followed by a visit to my new baby grand daughter. Life is good. Bye for now.

Magda and Tony Saprano

Thursday, August 23rd 106/336 Shot #16

Woke up this morning feeling very groovy, what treatment? Off to SF, bye for now.

Yong Man 1996

Wednesday, August 22nd 105/336

Another good day, just tired. Finally, the last day of ethnic studies class. This is the only class I have to take outside of my Art Studio major. I'm going to take 2 courses in the fall Art 130 Art Criticism and Art 111 Latin American Art. I can't take any studio classes while on tx as they are too intense. They are 3 hours twice a week with at least 6 hours of homework. The tx has extinquished my creative abilities so I'm just going to coast until I finish my tx. I have a long way to go, but so far, so good! Bye for now.

Candy Apples, 2000