OK, the photo quality isn’t great, but the expressions made me want to share this memory from my beach getaway last weekend in Destin. Belynda Adams and Jan Troncale helped make sure it was a relaxing few days for me.

[Update Oct. 31: Since the posting of these piece last night, I realized I neglected to report to you a major piece of news: I had an MRI last week that showed resolution of the spot where my cancer resided. There are still details with the report we want to clarify, but what is clear is that the drugs are working. We do know that this finding won’t change my immediate treatment plan. Further chemo and surgery are still on the horizon.

But for now, we’ll take the positive report and run with it! And again, thank you for your prayers of support.]

Well, I met Adria today, short for Adriamycin, my new chemotherapy drug. The red stuff caused an unusual sensation, leaving me warm inside.
Kinda reminded me of the feeling one has after a glass of bourbon. So far, so good.

It was great to have a week off from chemotherapy last week. I took the occasion of my “chemo holiday” to make a short trip to the beach with friends.
The time away was awesome. Relaxation, feeling better and seeing the Gulf.

But as I’ve mentioned before, I was anxious about Adria, as I hear she can be “testy.” At the Hinton home, we will treat her with respect and follow the rules so as to not get sideways with her. I expect that there will be complete harmony.

[Update: More than 24 hours after the dosage, I’m feeling tired and my legs feel heavy. I’m taking special care with what I eat, too. Last night it was chicken noodle soup; today it was a little cereal and then rice for lunch. After Saturday, the potential for nausea should decrease. At that point we will back off the Zofran and steroids I’m taking to help manage any side effects. We will see.]