Round 1 complete

The first round of treatment went about as expected. This is by far the hardest treatment regimen that I've done for any extended period of time, but overall the side effects were less severe than they'd been when I stopped treatment last year. I think they'll eventually get worse, but for now I think I benefited a bit from having the break.

The GI symptoms are the part that makes it the most difficult. I had some severe diarrhea, but it didn't last as long as it has when I've done a few more treatments. However, I did have a lot cramping for almost the entire two weeks, which was unpleasant and made it risky to venture out, in case the diarrhea returned.

I was able, though, to make it to the funeral of my former principal, Bob Allison. He hired me 15 years ago and had an enormous impact on my life and my teaching. It was heartbreaking for him to pass suddenly after a battle with pancreatic cancer. It was good to see many people that I hadn't seen for a long time and to remember him with them. My prayers are with his wife and children.

Please pray for me that the side effects will not get worse this week. I have a new drug to hopefully deal with the cramping and I'm hoping that it helps. Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement over the last two weeks it's meant a lot.