August 2nd, 2004

Hi Everyone,
Just thought I would send out a little update on Todd. So, to keep everyone current on the info: Todd is still recovering from his July 18th colon surgery. He is at Jersey Shore University Hospital, which is about 10 minutes from my parents' house (where we are currently residing). My brother worked as a Doctor at Jersey Shore so we have been treated very proficiently and comfortably. The oncologist, Dr. Nahum, (who is really great; he is totally optimistic, is very positive, and has a personality to which Todd can relate...) feels that we should be as aggressive as possible with Todd's disease (which is Stage IV Colorectal Cancer). Dr. Nahum thinks that Todd will be released tomorrow with a port in his chest. The port will have a catheter, which will enable the chemo to enter Todd's body. The port allows Todd to be treated as an outpatient so he can administer his own doses of chemo and carry on his day in whichever fashion he chooses. I have looked into hockey leagues for him to join, as Dr. Nahum believes that keeping busy by physical activity will be Todd's biggest help. We will begin the chemo in about 7-10 days and so will use this next week to get Todd's body acclimated to the port and to get his weight, strength, energy, and spirits raised before we begin our actual fight against the cancer.

I can't tell you how much it means to us both to have such tremendous friends supporting, praying, and sending positive words our way. We were talking last night about how fortunate we are to have all of you in our lives. This will be a long battle but with your help and support it will be a conquered battle. As Todd and I have been saying: This is a marathon and we're only in the first round of the playoffs. But, we have every intention of hoisting the Cup and being victorious in the end.

Thank you again.

Lots of Love,
Amanda Costanzo McGovern

P.S. Please forward this e-mail to any of Todd's friends who may not be on the list. You can send me any e-mail addresses that you would like me to add.