We saw Scott's oncologist today before hitting the chemo infusion center. Scott's immune system is low, not surprisingly, but it was good enough to start another round of chemo. We learned that Scott is tolerating the chemo much better than expected. Our doctor admitted he had expected him to require hospitalization during the first round, due mostly to the complications with his heart. Apparently very few patients are able to withstand, or even attempt, chemo after a major pericardial effusion.

Unfortunately, that also means he wants Scott to do more cycles of chemo. How many more? We don't know. Scott is scheduled for another three-day stint Oct 28-30. The news was disappointing at first because chemo sucks, but then Scott pointed out a silver lining: "Miracles are already happening — I handled what they didn't think I could handle."

We got through Day 1 of the second round of chemo and Scott is doing OK. He even beat me at cribbage this time. He spent the afternoon reading and napping in his backyard lawn chair, then walked a couple miles this evening.

And good news, his doctor overruled the infusion center staff, telling him he could safely resume some of his favorite activities like gardening, eating fresh fruit and vegetables, and picking up Casey's dog poo. Wait. That last activity may be my favorite thing that he does.