17 Weeks

I was waiting for Mark to update before I did, so that's the reason for this delay. I am going to make an assumption that most of you have read his blog first. If you haven't, go do that now and then come back.

So, while the news isn't what we all wanted...in a way it is. There are no signs of cancer. That's the goal. It's not time to shave, but I do feel really happy for that news. It still sucks that he has to wait to get the port out, but in due time it will happen.

As for his heart, well I don't want to get too far ahead of myself on that. I don't know enough about it right now, and until he gets a full workup I won't let it eat at me too much. He is a strong kid inside and out. He has earned the benefit of a doubt, so I doubt this is something he can't fully overcome as well. We'll just wait and see and then freak out or chillax as necessary.

As for the beard, it's literally hanging in there. It is becoming a part of me, an appendage if you will. That fact is disturbing and...well disturbing covers it well enough.

Thanks for all the donations, thoughts, prayers and spreading the good word. You guys are awesome, but Nick is more awesome(er).

4 Months

Holy Furballs! It's been four months since I have looked normal. OK, so I never really looked normal. Still, four months of looking more like a buffoon than usual. That's pretty substantial. What's more than substantial is that you guys all came along for the ride and paid for the gas. See, if it weren't for your donations I would have no reason to do this other than to irritate my wife and further alienate myself from society. Two things I am already quite capable of doing very well without a beard. You all made this worth while and continue to do so.

The future is still quite uncertain as Mark pointed out, but I remain very positive. Not because I have to for my friends, but because I have a good feeling about all this. Sometimes my "good feelings" are nothing more than wild a$$ guesses, but this time it feels different. What that all means in the grand scheme of things, who knows? For now though I am very much looking forward to what these next test results are and hoping for the best. As I know you all are too. Thanks again for your support.