Update of Saturday, 18 February 2005

	We had a nice visit from Marie deRoos last weekend and are happy 
she wrote a note for the web site, giving a different "view" of how things 
are going here in Beantown.  This week our rector, Fr. Don Matthews, will 
be in Boston Wed -> Fri, and will be staying with us.

	As usual, there were ups and downs.  I have now had 29 of 40 
treatments, with ten of those remaining being with the proton beam.  My 
energy level is still reasonable, although by week's end I was definitely 
more tired.  My throat, although somewhat "rough" inside and clearly 
radiation burned outside, is not really sore and eating remains essentially 
pain-free.

	I had a PT session this week.  There was clear improvement in the 
strength of my shoulder/arm/wrist, although they are still very weak, 
especially the biceps.  The encouraging part is that I have made progress 
on this even while continuing radiation, which is certainly a source of 
inflammation.  I am wearing the hard cervical collar more during the day, 
and even once this week for sleep.  In addition I now have specific 
exercises to do.

	Accompanying the arm weakness was increased pain in my right 
thumb and, to a lesser extent, forefinger.  This has perhaps worsened, 
especially over the last 2-3 days.   Sleep has thus become a bit more 
elusive, contributing to my feeling more tired.

	But, overall, it has been a good week.  I continue to feel bathed in 
love and prayers, and with God'ss grace and help will push ahead through 
the next two and one-half weeks.  Our target date to leave Cambridge is 
now 21 March, the Monday of Holy Week.

	Thanks and good wishes to all.