Update, July 31st, 2012, Los Angeles

Hi, All:

Yesterday we met with the two key doctors in LA, had my first second-round chemo infusion, and, miracles of all miracles, ate my first real sandwich, followed by a burrito in the evening and at 5 this morning.  And I feel HUMAN again with real food instead of that liquid protein drip-dripping into my bloodstream for 10 days.

I’m going again today for a second treatment today and so we’ll take it day by day.  The dose will be much, much lower for my skinny little body, and doctors are optimistic about total recovery.

I feel really good this morning, which is a first. I plan to walk and to work out with small weights, and am back at work on the computer. My brain has purpose again.  My family showers me with buckets of love.  The sun is shining on the mature trees in this 40’s Hollywood neighborhood which I can look at from our cozy guesthouse. The hummingbirds are fighting over the feeder Suzanne put up. 

And real food is like a new discovery, both literal and metaphorical:

from Sweetness

Often a sweetness comes

 as if on loan, stays just long enough

to make sense of what it means to be alive,

            then returns to its dark

source.  As for me, I don’t care

where it’s been, or what bitter road

            it’s traveled

to come so far, to taste so good

                          --Stephen Dunn

I send you love and gratitude,

Gabriele

Addendum by Steph:

My mom was on TPN (total parenteral nutrition) for some time during her hospital stay, and for about 5 days afterwards.  But over the weekend she wanted to try to go off it, and on Monday she ate her first sandwich, and is eating regularly.  She continues to feel strong and is doing well as we all surround her with our support and love.  Thank you all for the love and energy you are sending.  It is felt.