I am happy to report that Zachary and Dara spent a lovely July 4th in Bloomington feeling well and celebrating with family. On Tuesday July 10th Zachary will start his third round of chemo. Now I know for those of you who have followed this story from the beginning, I already said long ago that he was having his third round of chemo....but that was a different cancer.

Zachary and Dara will head off to Omaha, NE on the 9th. Chemo went so well last time that Michael and I will remain in Bloomington but stay close to the phone in case they do call and need us to come. Dr. Vose, his head oncologist, told him that he could have his chemo in Bloomington this time, but after doing some research they decided to have it back in Omaha. From my perspective, there was little to decide in that if he stayed in Bloomington he would have been admitted to the hospital (yuck) and in Omaha he can be outpatient. The other difference is that Bloomington hospital is a community hospital and Omaha has 100's of people who specialize in just cancer care.

Omaha is perfectly set up for his specific cancer. (I can't tell you how many times I am asked why we just didn't stay in Indiana--it was good enough for Lance Armstrong! What I have learned is cancer treatment is VERY specific. If anyone knows of someone who has testicular cancer--come to Indiana.) But back to my mental drawing.....Picture in your mind a round building (no it's not round but stay with me). In the middle of the building is an 11 story 'hotel' with suites which include a refrigerator, microwave, two televisions, a couch and chair, a private bath and two beds. It would be like a honeymoon if not for the fact they are fighting for his life. He and Dara can order anything they want from the kitchen and it is delivered to their room where they can eat together. They could eat in the cafeteria but choose not to because he always has a drip pole on wheels that is hooked into him which is how he receives his chemo. He can get to any of his appointments within minutes and never has to leave the building. Also, there are pull cords in the room. If they ever need help any time of day, just pull the cord and an oncology nurse will be there within minutes.

They will be in Omaha around a week. Two weeks after this chemo they will do the first tests to see how the tumors are shrinking and how he is really responding to his treatment. Stay tuned....

Love to all,

Ann