Sitting here getting my third Cysplatin injection, i have time to reflect and write.

Some new developments include an itchy rash around the base of my neck, likely due to the radiation treatments. Cortizone ointment stops the burning itch, and soothes the skin. Plus, some of my whiskers are beginning to fall out, also from the radiation. I haven't shaved for about two weeks because they don't want any cuts in my skin. Apparently, most of my beard will be falling out anyways. They say I'll keep my mustache!

It seems that I am what they call a "rapid responder" because already, my lymph and tonsil have shown remarkable, not just good, improvement by reduction in size (this is what the doctor said!). This is very good news! While it will not shorten my treatment, it is terrific progress along my path.

Last week, my family was together in Santa Barbara for Krista's wedding (my stepsister). While they were here, Johnny and Anna got a chance to get out to the training hill for a paragliding lesson. These two are natural athletes, and had no trouble getting airborne in the aircraft I find so fascinating. Callie, an old friend of the family, was on hand with her camera, and she has posted some great pictures of the day HERE.

Anna had to catch a fight (at the airport!) before she got to fly from the top of the hill, but a big thermal picked her up high on one of her flights, and she was pretty stoked! Johnny got a flight from the top before the wind kicked in and got too strong. He was all smiles! It was good to spend the day with the family again. Somehow, little things seem to mean more now.

So far, the treatment has not slowed me down too much, and last weekend, Lee Anne, the whippets and I spent the night in the Tabby trailer out at El Mirage Dry Lake, teaching TrikeBuggy, flying them and testing the new TrikeBuggy Landsailer. I got the chance to fly the smallest wing I have ever attached to the TrikeBuggy, an Ozone Viper that is only 15 square meters! This wing was specially made for me, and it was FAST FAST FAST!!! I did not have my GPS to get an actual speed, but I will be doing that soon. See a short video of the flights HERE. I was also testing the new version of my TrikeBuggy Bullet, and both Lee Anne and I flew it and agreed that it works great!