A Quick Update from Dave

This is Dave, dictating from the easy chair:

I consider today's clinic visit a victory. My doctor straightened out the medication issue with a hand-written prescription to the pharmacist. She was as upset with the situation as we were. While yesterday's blood tests showed that my anemia is a bit worse, I actually feel better than I have in months. While the anemia is a concern, my doctor is taking extraordinary steps to get to the bottom of this issue and remedy it. I do have confidence in my doctor and today Anna expressed the same. It is this HMO system that we really have to work like a dog. We're figuring it out as we go, and it's good to know we have the doctor's full support. I continue to go to work regularly. I'm still photographing. At worst, I just have to take things a lot slower.

It doesn't take much to elevate the stress level. And I suspect it will remain that way until I'm through this round of treatment, which will end in October. Anna seems to feel the stress sooner and more intensely than I do. I think all her years as a nurse have skewed her perspective. Which is understandable, but sometimes too much information can increase anxiety. For example, I once met a guy who worked on the construction of BART's Transbay Tube. To this day, he refuses to ride BART. Now, do I really need to know that? So I am really working at ways to reduce Anna's stress and anxiety.

The bottom line is - things are going pretty darn well. And though there will be frightening moments, the future is looking bright.

Warmest regards,
Dave