August 12th, 2004

Hello Everyone,
I wanted to send out one more update before Todd's chemotherapy treatments begin this Friday (tomorrow). But, before I do so I also wanted to thank each and every one of you for all of your kind words, e-mails, letters, packages, phone calls, and prayers. You are certainly making this battle much easier to fight than if we were fighting it alone. The continuous support has been a tremendous asset to "Team Gov" and words cannot express the gratitude both Todd and I feel.

So, last Thursday Todd came home with the port in his chest. As I mentioned before, the port will enable Todd to be treated as an outpatient and to receive his chemo from a nurse who will come to our home on the days he needs treatment. The first cycle will be administered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with 11 days off before the next cycle. Once we get through this first cycle we will have a better idea of how Todd's body reacts to the chemo and whether or not we need to make adjustments. For those of you that have knowledge in chemotherapy, Todd's regimen is called "Folfox" (sp?) and is a combination of 3 different drugs:5-FU, Oxaliplatin (which is the latest drug from Europe), and Leucovorin.

Aside from being anxious about the side effects of the chemo, Todd's spirits are amazingly high. Honestly, if we didn't know he had cancer, we would never be able to guess. He looks great, he has gained some weight, he has a nice tan, and is quite positive. We go for an hour walk with Luca in the morning and an hour roller-blade in the evening. Today, we are tapping into our "spiritual" side, as Todd likes to say, as we are going to Yoga for the first time as a couple. We are also going to a Healer who is supposed to be tremendous at channeling all energies into positivity (I think I need this more than Todd!).

We have a wonderful nutritionist and acupuncturist who both come highly recommended by Cancer survivors. Todd and I both feel that we should explore every possible option...we are covering all of our bases. Well, I will send out an update next week to let you all know how the chemo is going and how our boy is doing. For now, please know that Todd is thinking of you all and sending his regards. He has mentioned over and over again that when he feels better he will get in touch with you all. He is so thankful and happy to have you all as friends. Oh, and www.Gov21.com should be up and running soon - so be on the look out!

Thanks again for everything.

Love, Amanda

P.S. There are still some of Todd's friends that aren't on the e-mail list like Jeff Walsh, Brett & Erika Nardini, and Denny Weurl. If there are others to add or those that I have accidentally forgotten, please forward this message. Thanks.