This is the fifth week of treatment. They warned me and rewarned me that this week and next will be rough. I don’t want to be cocky or dabble in hubris, but although I do have intense episodes of discomfort, so far my side-effects are manageable. I started chemo again today. My platelets and white cells are down, as expected, but not so far that treatment needs to be suspended. The infusion pump — a fanny pack attached to a PICC line that feeds 5-FU continuously to my bloodstream — is an inconvenience, but I can think of greater inconveniences.

I can’t enumerate all the loving acts that have been sent my way. Our refrigerator is full of contributed food. Today, a friend sent me a painting done especially for me — all the way from Australia. My students are helping me through the next two classes — I won’t be able to travel to Palo Alto, but will be present via Twitter and videoskype. Every day, another old friend or ex-student shows up to ferry me to my treatments. My wife and daughter are more than supportive — they bathe me in love and good cheer.

Spring is coming. Avanti!