A brief update:

Dad returned home on Saturday, as planned. He's exhausted, but hasn't suffered any serious side-effects this time around. The most encouraging news is that the latest labs showed still lower protein levels, indicating that the chemo has been increasingly effective in fighting the cancer. These numbers are actually the lowest they've been in years, comparable to the protein levels following the stem cell transplant four (?) years ago.

Due to room renovations, Dad ended up in another one of those "luxury suites" for the latter part of the week. Marble sinks, walnut molding, the works. Everything but a Louis XV armoire and a bowling alley in the basement.

One more round to go, scheduled to begin three weeks from tomorrow.

Round 3

Dad is back in the hospital this week for the latest chemo dose. His overall condition has continued to improve over the past three weeks--higher blood counts, lower protein levels--and he has had more energy and less discomfort.

Dad will likely be in the hospital until this Saturday night. He's been placed in a two-bed room this time around, which means that there is no space for Mom to stay overnight. But it's also a good sign, as it's because Dad's immune system is stronger that he's able to share a room.

The overall prayer request continues to be that the chemo would be effective in destroying the cancer cells without doing too much damage to Dad's organs and immune system. Mom has also asked for prayer for their interactions with Dad's roommate, that they would be able to be "light and life" to him.

As those of you who have been able to see or talk with Dad recently know, the difference between four months ago and now is like night and day. He is in every way stronger, more spirited, and simply more himself. We thank the Lord. This is more than we could have hoped for.

Prior to this latest hospital stay, Dad had been spending so much time in the garden that Mom had to struggle to keep him from over-exerting himself. But it has been such a pleasure for them to be able to enjoy the weather and the garden in springtime, especially a spring that Dad has said he didn't expect to see.

Thanks as ever for the prayers and support. More later.

Dad reports that he's been feeling pretty good since leaving the hospital where he received the second round of chemotherapy. He has had to get a platelet transfusion, but in general he's been able to function better than he has in months. Mom and Dad's small group came over to the house Sunday morning, and they had a little home-church, Acts-style. This is the first time that Mom and Dad have been able to get together with this group since December, so it was a real blessing.

Thank you all for your continued prayers. Pray that this chemo would be effective in fighting back the myeloma. Thank God that Dad has been feeling better, that his "counts" are generally good, and that he has had less pain and discomfort. We are so grateful.

A more thorough report is, theoretically anyway, forthcoming.