The healing continues. On Monday I had an appointment with Dr. Flenner, who is treating the fungal infection in my lungs. He called today with results of blood work that was done. He's been concerned because previous blood work showed some anemia, but my hemoglobin count is up! He's been concerned about my kidney function (the anti-fungal drugs are hard on the kidneys), but now those organs are functioning in a normal range! His concluding words were, "This all looks pretty darn good!"

Yesterday a visitor said, "You look good!" And, from outward appearance, I'm close to "my old self." My face has filled back in, I've been to the barber shop, I have the energy each day to wash up and put on clothes. The only external clue that I've even been sick is the bandage covering the tracheostomy wound and the fact that I'm moving at about 1/3 speed. (The percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube -- or PEG, or feeding tube -- is under my clothes and thus not visible to a visitor. That will be removed on January 2.)

Speaking of visitors, I have gained enough strength to enjoy short visits. Too many, though, would wear me out. So, here is the simple ground rule: Please don't just drop by. Call me up, spur of the moment. I'll be honest enough to tell you if it's a good day/time.