Guest Book

Hi there, everyone! Hope today was a good day for one and all - beautiful cool day in Mayberryetta, lots of sunshine and blue skies to cheer me up! OK, I said I would write more when I can, so here is some more. I got fitted today for the radiation "headgear" I will become very fond of over the next 6 weeks, and we begin the chemo and radiation trreatments on Monday morning, the 21st, at 8:45. Not really very excited about all that and what all it will entail and the possible side effects, but if it means we get to whip this thing, then bring it on, I say. Between being tired, nauseated, and possibly some other things, everything otherwise ought to go well according to my doctors and nurses. By the way, I must say that I have been incredibly blessed with the best care I could have ever imagined or wanted in all of this - one more proof that prayers work and are answered! The tumor they removed on the 2nd was quite aggressive, and a grade 4 (which unfortunately is the worst case deal on that), but the good news is that it was caught very early and the treatments are beginning early so that we have the best chance to beat this thing up. I am scared, yes, but also confident in the care I will be given and the love that I get every moment of every day from someone, or should I say lots of someones! The fear of the unknown is lurking about me right now, but once next week gets going, it will ease up somewhat I am sure. Otherwise, I am resting up a lot at home still, and hoping to get to the office on Wednesday to do some work that I need to do there. All of the folks at HTN are making the next issue happen for you - John Lynskey especially has done double duty to get this one ready to go, and between him, Joe, Rob, Vicky (who makes EVERYTHING work better!), and the rest of our staff, issue 56 will be another good one for you. Thank you to all of those people who have taken what we started and made it happen. Now there are plenty of you out there who have been by my side during all of this, and you know who you are, and so do I. I particularly want to thank my dear friend from NC, Carol Smith, for her unbelievable love and support during this time. She has done countless things, spent a large amount of her own time and money to be here during my surgery (just because she is that kind and that nice and that sweet), and has been a real beacon of hope to me. My family all met her and understood a little bit more of why this place and you people are so very special in ways that few can or will ever quite grasp fully. But we do, and that is what matters most of all. Thank you, Bluefox! I don't have much energy yet, but each day is a little better. To everyone of you, again I cannot say enough "thank you" to relay how I feel about the love you give to me and to my family and friends who are close. I am one very truly blessed man to have so many wonderful, loving, giving, caring, and true friends, and I love you all so very much. Tell someone you love them today. You never know when those siimple words will change the entire outlook on a day for someone. My love and thanks to you all, and I will write more when there is more to say. God bless and keep us all close. Peace always, Willie Howard (from Mayberryatta, a suburb of Hot'lanta)