Clair update

Several of you have asked about an update on Clair.

I spent 10 days in Washington to spend time with my dear friend Clair and his wife Michele. Clair had a tentative diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He had lost 25 pounds, couldn't eat solid foods, and was in a lot of pain. Two days before I left Washington, Clair found out that the initial diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was incorrect. The biopsy shows that he has a treatable cancer of the lymph nodes. He went from believing he had a short amount of time left (two-weeks, a month, two) to understanding that he will beat this cancer. We all spent those two days in shock.

The time we shared in DC was indescribable - suffice it to say that we shared an intense and powerful experience, and truly appreciated the time we shared in the moment. Clair also used the time with me to wrap up several home improvement projects. (To my friends reading this blog: all I can say is that there are easier ways to get me to come and help out.)

Clair writes a couple days ago: "10 days following my first chemotherapy I am going strong. I was warned that 7-10 days following chemo would be the worst time and that was certainly correct for me. While I was spared the worst effects, I had bad indigestion and abdominal pains. The pains from the tumor that I have had for months were unabated, so it was not a pleasant time. My appetite continued to be poor; I had to force myself to eat and even then could only eat bland, pureed food. I have lost 30 pounds since June 1 when I stopped going to the gym - from 199 to 169 pounds."

Very recently, Clair has gained 3 pounds (while on chemo!), the pain is abating so he can now sleep in his own bed, and he is again eating solid foods. So, all signs point to the chemotherapy working well for Clair.

Attached is a photo of Clair taken yesterday (using Skype), when he told me this great news...