Hey Buddy,

Sorry to hear about your scare. 

The real scare is the actual pain if any. 

IT's the time it takes for whatever effective drug you can find to take effect.

I'm on my second year since my whipple operation.

I can feel a hard spot, well golf ball size above my belly button.

Next Monday, I'm going to spend a day and try CDDP.

CDDP is an old method of chemo that is injected.

25% lose their hair, but that's not a problem for me. he he he

I guess I'll be wearing a baseball cap.

It's in fashion these days.

I have been using TS1.

It has been somewhat effective in slowing down the process.

This CDDP might make me weaker.

And, it could affect other areas; kidney, etc.

They'll keep a close watch I guess.

Another option, perhaps, is this new clinic that just opened just south of us.

It has a new machine that can pinpoint the cancer and break it up, perhaps.

They won't operate because it would be too hard on my heart,

and it's in a peculiar area where there are a lot of nerves.

So, life goes on. 

I can still work.

A year ago, I started working at the local university.

I am amazed at how indifferent the students are.

But, I know that I was the same.

Everything else is in order with my life.

Financially, I can't complain.

We have a house that's paid for, overlooking the ocean, my dream come true.

My daughter, just yesterday, won the Grand Prix English Speech Contest in Miyazaki City.

She won a free trip to Okinawa for the second leg.

If she wins there, she will be going to Tokyo and compete for the Emperor's Cup.

It's a big, big deal.

The winner is assured of a bright future.

I am very proud of her.

But, it seems all she does is study.

I was quite the opposite.

I can't remember opening up any textbook for more than five minutes.

But, I was a good listener.

And, something must have stuck.

I am also glad that my daughter will not experience the drug culture as I did.

What a waste of lives!

Howard